Day 12 of Provoking
The two teams split into two paths.
With the benefit of Muxie’s fundraising gala, Huang Daheng didn’t even want to rest and urged Jiang Cheng to quickly set off.
“How do you know that there’s a freshwater source this way? How close are we to it?” Su Nuannuan asked Jiang Cheng as they walked. She mainly wanted to know if they had even the slightest chance of winning.
— She sided with Jiang Cheng purely due to their friendship. After all, the other side had a professional team leader.
However, she only dared to bet because she knew that there was no way the program team would really let them be dehydrated. Even if Jiang Cheng couldn’t find a freshwater source, the program team would surely have some kind of solution and wouldn’t let them actually die from thirst.
While using the “wolf teeth club” to probe the way, Jiang Cheng answered, “The more parallel you are to the sea level, the easier it is to find freshwater. This is an unchangeable truth that can be applied anywhere.”
“The terrain at the place where they’re headed is much more rugged than ours. It’s estimated that the further they go, the more their path will be uneven and difficult to cross. It should naturally not be much for the team leader, but it will be a bit challenging for ordinary people.”
“As for which side is closer, it’s hard to say, but I’m sure that our side has a higher chance of finding water. Our path is also much better to walk on, I can guarantee this much.” Jiang Cheng said.
Su Nuannuan originally felt some regret after speaking, fearing that she asked Jiang Cheng a question that he couldn’t answer. She didn’t expect that he would actually answer them one by one, and in such a clear and eloquent way that even a layman like her could feel inexplicably at ease. It was as if in Jiang Cheng’s eyes, finding a freshwater source was just a simple task and he could find it at any moment.
“Do you guys see that tree up ahead?” Jiang Cheng pointed in front.
Jian Suizhi and the others looked ahead and nodded.
It was hard not to notice. That tree was really conspicuous in this kind of place, being thick and tall, and was likely to be over a hundred years old.
“You guys stay down here and wait for me for a moment, I’ll be quick.” Jiang Cheng said as he pulled out the bundle of ropes he was given by the director. He then asked the latter, “By the way, how long is this rope?”
“10 metres,” The director answered.
“Then it’s enough,” Jiang Cheng nodded.
Jian Suizhi keenly caught the odd meaning in Jiang Cheng’s words and asked, “Stay down here and wait? What do you mean?”
“Oh, I mean stay right where you are.”
Jiang Cheng replied after pulling out a few metres of the rope. He used the utility knife to roughly cut that segment and walked to the tree directly, then wrapped the rope around the tree trunk. There were two ends, and each was tied into a loop knot that was as thick as the tree trunk, tightly secured. One end was tied around his legs.
His movements were swift and proficient, as if he had done this a lot of times. The others could only stare blankly, unaware of what Jiang Cheng wanted to do in the end.
They saw him slightly stretch his legs that were tied by the rope in a death grip, and the distance between the legs was adjusted until it was just right to surround the tree trunk.
The PD remembered how Jiang Cheng had jumped on the reefs earlier in the morning and had a vague idea of what the other wanted to do. Jiang Cheng then took out the “broken” tapes he had exchanged for and wrapped it around both hands with the adhesive side facing outwards, directly consuming half of the tape roll.
The director who was watching from the side couldn’t help asking, “Teacher Jiang, what are you doing this for?”
“You can understand it as… adding friction?” Jiang Cheng tilted his head in thought, then looked at the director. “Just take a look and you’ll find out.”
“Oh,” The director subconsciously answered. After careful consideration, he felt that there was something a bit off. However, before he could ask, he noticed that Jiang Cheng had already used both his legs and hands to wrap around the tree. He was crawling up with his chest and back arching, and his movements looked like that of a caterpillar!
The tapes provided strong friction and also protected his palms at the same time. After a few tries, he gradually regained the feeling he had in his previous life. Soon, he moved even faster!
The director gasped in shock. In just a few seconds, Jiang Cheng had already climbed several metres high. It made the director who was watching drenched in cold sweat.
He didn’t dare make the slightest noise for fear of distracting Jiang Cheng and making him encounter trouble…
Su Nuannuan and the guests watched the scene with bated breath while the staff who had followed them were whispering among themselves excitedly. The director hissed and quickly urged them to quieten down.
“Hurry and have someone lay a mat down! Any kind will do! Just hurry up and spread it below!” The director hastily instructed in a low voice.
In under a minute, Jiang Cheng had already climbed almost 10 metres high. They couldn’t help raising their heads to look with trepidation.
The live broadcast room was also in an uproar —
[F*ck f*ck f*ck!! Jiang Cheng really just climbed up like this?! For real?!]
[If I hadn’t been watching with my own eyes… I really wouldn’t have believed it! This is way too impressive, isn’t it!]
[Respect for this core strength!!]
[Even such a trash tape has a day it can be useful??]
[Jiang Cheng can start a mini class on how to convert trash into something useful hahaha, utility knife, ropes, tapes…]
[I know right? They could’ve given him a rope used for rock-climbing. A hemp rope, tsk, it’s really something that Jiang Cheng dares to use it]
[Actually, this kind of hemp rope is commonly used on construction sites. It’s quite good at carrying a heavy load…]
Jiang Cheng reached the halfway mark of the tree — this tree was at least 30 metres tall — and from this height, he had a complete view of the surrounding area. It also included the winding stream flowing out from the crevice of several large rocks.
“Found it!” Jiang Cheng called out as he pointed towards that place.
The others subconsciously looked at where Jiang Cheng was pointing, but they couldn’t see anything due to the dense shrubbery.
Since Jiang Cheng found the target, he didn’t intend on staying any longer. He directly used both hands to wrap around the tree, then went down the same way he went up.
The program team hurriedly spread out the mat they were carrying and adjusted it according to Jiang Cheng’s position.
The nervous and panicking expression of the program team was a stark contrast to Jiang Cheng’s relaxed one, and it was inexplicably funny.
Only when they saw Jiang Cheng firmly land on the ground did their nerves calm down.
“Teacher Jiang!” The PD let out a big sigh of relief as he hastily went to Jiang Cheng’s side to check on him.
Seeing Jiang Cheng’s fair and good-looking hands had turned red and even seemed to be slightly swollen from where the tapes have ripped, the PD felt pain and couldn’t help but frown as he said, “Next time you have to do something dangerous like this, you should at least inform us beforehand so that we can make some preparations. Actually, no, don’t even think of doing something like this again!”
Jiang Cheng looked puzzled as he removed the tapes. There was a helpless look in his eyes as he raised his brow slightly, then said with a light smile, “How is this dangerous?”
He noticed the PD’s disapproving expression after he finished speaking.
Su Nuannuan couldn’t help coming closer to take a look, and she gasped when she saw Jiang Cheng’s hands. “The hands are the second most important thing for an artist! Isn’t it too much for you to be like this…”
Jiang Cheng scratched his nose and forced a smile, “It’s still fine, isn’t it? It’s not a big deal, it’ll heal eventually.”
He spread his palms open to take a look, and felt that this really wasn’t an issue. This pair of hands was still in better condition compared to his original ones. It could be seen that the owner wasn’t used to rough work from how fair and good-looking they were, with not a trace of a scar or callus.
“Don’t mention the hands, Teacher Jiang, it’s too dangerous to just suddenly climb up to such a height. Next time, you should at least discuss it with the program team. We will prepare and arrange things accordingly,” The director suggested in a low voice.
Jiang Cheng looked at the mat the staff members were holding in their hands and was a bit speechless.
If he had really fallen down, this kind of preparation would be useless. In fact, it might even make things worse.
But he still nodded with a grateful expression, then said, “Don’t worry, I know when to stop. I have a sense of propriety.”
[Climbing a tree ten metres high with bare hands can be considered as knowing when to stop and having a sense of propriety? Is Jiang Cheng trying to be modest while actually wanting to brag?]
[Jiang Cheng’s nonchalant tone really makes me mistakenly believe that it’s very easy!!]
[It really can’t be seen… Compared to the Jiang Cheng in my impression, who’s gloomy, insane and pretentious… Those are like two completely different people!]
[Rumors can’t be trusted]
Jiang Cheng noticed that the others looked as if they still wanted to say something in retort, and even Jian Suizhi seemed to be frowning in disapproval, so he hurriedly changed the subject and said, “Oh, right, I found water. It’s quite close from here. We should be able to reach it in about 10 minutes.”
Their attention was successfully diverted.
“Come on, follow me.” Jiang Cheng waved his hand, and the image of him leading the team was like that of a kindergarten teacher leading a group of children out.
The path Jiang Cheng had chosen was truly easy to walk on. After clearing away the unavoidable shrubbery, there really was a relatively smooth narrow path.
They were on a slightly elevated slope and walked until their field of vision broadened. At this place, it was even possible to see the blue sea some distance away.
“How beautiful…” Su Nuannuan sighed softly.
“Ah, listen! Is that the sound of water?!” Huang Daheng was suddenly excited, and he patted Jiang Cheng on the shoulder as he asked, “Is it, is it?”
Jiang Cheng’s mouth curved into a smile, and he nodded. “It should be, just a bit ahead.”
As they crossed through several layers of shrubbery, just after Jiang Cheng swept a large leaf, a small stream came into view!
They were pleasantly surprised by the sight!
Huang Daheng and the others cheered as they surrounded Jiang Cheng, hugging him in excitement. “We found it?! Great, great! We really found it?!”
“Director! Which side was faster? Ours or theirs?” Huang Daheng immediately asked the program team.
The director was also somewhat pleasantly surprised. After all, he had personally seen how these people really completed the task without any reminders!
He immediately communicated with the PD on Jiang Xinghao’s side and soon answered with a smile, “Congratulations to Teacher Jiang’s team for being the first to find a freshwater source, thus securing the invitation to Muxie’s fundraising gala!”
“Wow—” Huang Daheng took the initiative to exclaim, and the surrounding staff couldn’t help but follow along and excitedly cheer.
Jiang Cheng looked at them with amusement. It was as if this was a big deal.
He couldn’t help interrupting, “Okay, okay, spare some energy, we still have to return to the campsite later. It isn’t close by.”
“First, fill up the canteens. Freshwater can be drunk directly without much issue, but you can add a piece of charcoal to be just a little bit on the safer side.” Jiang Cheng said as he pulled out 5 pieces of charcoal from his pocket. These were what he had taken from the campfire before they departed.
Jian Suizhi looked at the other thoughtfully. He should go back and ask his little uncle— could an ordinary person really be this agile and even know how to filter freshwater in the wild?
“This is essentially a natural water filter. It can filter and absorb the harmful toxins and some chemical substances from the water. In the case you lack proper equipment, you can only make do with these.” Jiang Cheng explained when he felt Jian Suizhi’s scrutinising gaze.
He first put a piece of charcoal in his canteen, then used the utility knife to quickly cut a corner of his quick-dry shirt and used it to cover the mouth of the canteen.
Huang Daheng found it really odd. “What are you doing this for?”
Jiang Cheng waited for the charcoal to be absorbed, then lightly shook the canteen as he answered, “Oh, it can be regarded as a filter screen. It can filter large impurities like gravel. If your clothes aren’t too costly, you can also try it out.”
Huang Daheng, “…”
Oh, then never mind. The clothes they were wearing today were a bit expensive.
“How much is that quick-dry shirt of yours?” Su Nuannuan seized the chance to ask. “Oh, is it okay to ask? How about you turn off your recording prop to answer me?”
“It’s also from the same brand, around 100.” Jiang Cheng said. “There was a promotion at that time. 20 yuan off for every 300 spent.”
Su Nuannuan gave a thumbs up. Practical and economical.
[Lmao, this is the first time I’m hearing such down-to-earth words from an artist]
[Jiang Cheng wants me to die laughing. Why do I feel like he’s really frugal, haha]
[Doesn’t anyone else think that Jiang Cheng knows a lot?!! I feel that he’s simply made for this kind of show!!]
[The others are all cheering for completing the challenge, only Jiang Cheng is seriously considering the wilderness survival aspect hahahaha]
[Laughing to death, upstairs is right, it really seems like it hahaha, it’s obviously just a variety show, how can Jiang Cheng take it so seriously hahaha]
[The program team can give them water now, right? They don’t really intend on drinking the water from the stream, right??]
While everyone on this side was celebrating, the director suddenly received bad news from the other side —
It was unknown how, but both Song Ji-Jae and Jiang Xinghao had fallen into a deep pit!
The director had to step in. “My sincere apologies to the guests and to the audience, we’ll have to suspend the recording due to an unexpected situation. However, there’s no need to worry. Helicopters will be arranged to pick everyone up in an orderly manner.”
“We will follow-up with a detailed notice to explain the situation. For now, we will close the broadcast and suspend the recording.”
As soon as the director finished speaking, all the live broadcast rooms were turned off.
Jian Suizhi frowned as he took off his lapel mic and asked, “Just what happened in the end?”
The director was busy with making urgent arrangements. When he heard Jian Suizhi’s question, he scratched his head in frustration and said, “We still don’t know yet. The other side didn’t explain clearly, so we’ll have to wait until we go back to check the footage.”
“The helicopters have already been dispatched by now. They aren’t in danger, but it seems that they have sustained some kind of fracture. In any case, the recording can’t continue like this. The medical team is rushing over by helicopter, and it’s estimated that they will be arriving in 10 minutes.”
“In fact, I originally thought that the team most likely to encounter trouble is you guys. I was at ease with the team leader’s side. Contrary to expectations, though, that side was actually the one that got into a mess.” The director let out a deep sigh. “We’re only on the second day, yet there’s already an issue… It’s over, we’re done for.”
Not to mention how the managers of the artists would question the safety of their show, even the fans would boycott. Afterwards, if they can’t find a suitable team leader in time as replacement, the investors would certainly withdraw their funding… Would their show still be able to continue?
The helicopters arrived without delay. One was sent to Jiang Xinghao’s side and another came to pick up the other guests.
On the way to Lin City, Jiang Cheng was somewhat at a loss. His first job actually just suddenly ended like this?
Jiang Cheng was sent back to the building of his small shabby rental apartment. The PD and cameraman were still recording, and the former asked Jiang Cheng, “Teacher Jiang, what are you thinking about?”
Jiang Cheng came back to his senses and replied, “I’m just thinking, what should I do now that there’s no work?”
The PD, “?”
“That is, with such an incident on our variety show, can it still continue on?” Jiang Cheng asked the PD in a low voice.
The PD thought for a moment before giving a careful answer, “In fact, it can’t be considered a big issue. We still have to find out the cause of the incident first. Of course, with the nature of our show, we’re also partly responsible for the injuries of the guests…”
Jiang Cheng understood the implication of the other’s words– they will have to find out who was responsible for the incident. If it wasn’t an issue with the program team, then this show could still be saved.
The PD added, “However, the most important thing is still the investment. I hope that the investors won’t withdraw their funding.”
He placed his palms together, looking like he was praying, and said: “Our jobs will all depend on them.”
Jiang Cheng copied his action. “It all depends on them.”
The PD couldn’t help finding it funny. Even if Jiang Cheng didn’t have this variety show, he could still find another one. How could a star like him be as nervous as they were?
*
Meanwhile, the first thing Jian Suizhi did when he arrived at the Jian family’s grand residence was to find his little uncle.
“Your uncle is reflecting on his mistakes in the study,” Father Jian said to Jian Suizhi.
Jian Suizhi was stunned. “Uncle Jian, reflecting on his mistakes??”
“Hmph! I told him to manage the company, but when I went to take a look, I actually caught him watching a live broadcast again– he wasn’t doing his job at all! Unbelievable!” Father Jian hated iron for not being steel and slammed his walking stick on the ground once.
Jian Suizhi felt like he had heard something quite fantastical– Uncle Jian was watching a live broadcast? What’s more, “again”?
“Since you have to find your uncle anyway, take the meal from the kitchen and give it to him on the way. His punishment today is that he isn’t allowed to come out and eat!” Father Jian snorted with some awkwardness.
Jian Suizhi smiled in understanding– he knew that Old Jian wasn’t really angry. He readily agreed, then immediately took the food and went to find Jian Xingce.
“Little uncle, are you perhaps interested in investing in the entertainment industry?” Jian Suizhi sat opposite Jian Xingce and asked as he propped up his chin to watch the other party eat.
Jian Xingce ate rather quickly. Although he didn’t seem to be eating with great relish, most of the food still disappeared in the blink of an eye.
Jian Suizhi felt that watching his little uncle eat could stimulate his appetite, then paused– for some reason, he once again thought of Jiang Cheng. Jiang Cheng and his little uncle seemed to have some points in common.
Jian Xingce took out a tissue to wipe his mouth before saying, “For the variety show that encountered trouble?”
“Seems like uncle still has some impression of it, ah? That’s right, it’s the same one I told you about before.” Jian Suizhi didn’t expect that his little uncle would remember the show he had mentioned to him the last time they met, and immediately felt a bit touched.
Jian Xingce paused. It seems that there really was such a thing in his memory. His nephew had indeed previously mentioned that he was interested in investing in a variety show.
He didn’t show a trace of it on his face and nodded before saying, “I have been following the live broadcast.”
Jian Suizhi was a bit surprised. “Old Jian said that you were watching a live broadcast… So it turns out that it was actually ours?”
There was a flash of uneasiness on Jian Xingce’s face, but he quickly covered it up and said, “An investment is possible, but the premise is that I have to understand the cause of the incident this time.”
“I already investigated this matter clearly!” Jian Suizhi immediately replied, then took out a USB. “It’s completely their own fault! You’ll know once you replay the footage.”
Since Jian Suizhi said so, Jian Xingce didn’t immediately open the content. He put away his worry for the time being and continued to say, “In addition, I want to be the only sponsor and have sufficient decision-making power to arrange the personnel and make plans.”
Jian Suizhi furrowed his brows slightly, a bit doubtful and awkward. “This… I’ll have to discuss it with the director. After all, you’re not an insider. There will be some arrangements made to bring certain effects in the show…”
“There’s also some difficulty finding a suitable team leader, right?” Jian Xingce interrupted the other party and looked over.
Jian Suizhi nodded sheepishly. It was true. What the program team originally had most trouble with was finding a suitable team leader. In the end, they could only settle for one from Korea.
With the current circumstances, finding a replacement team leader would prove to be an even arduous task.
“I can temporarily act as the team leader,” Jian Xingce said.
“Huh?!” Jian Suizhi almost couldn’t keep his expression in control, looking at his little uncle in shock.
“Why? Am I not qualified?” Jian Xingce teased.
Jian Suizhi jolted to his feet. “It’s our little wilderness show that really isn’t worthy of you! You’re way too capable!! For real?!”
“Mhm, but it will still depend on the conditions I put forward earlier.” Jian Xingce nodded and knocked on the desk. “Go and discuss it with the director.”
“Okay! I’ll go right away!” Jian Suizhi readily agreed and immediately went out the door, ready to call the director. He then suddenly paused, and couldn’t help but turn around to ask curiously, “Little uncle, how come you’re willing to join our variety show?”
“To solve the urgent issue of finding a substitute team leader for you, isn’t that enough of a reason?” Jian Xingce then dismissed him, “Go quickly.”
“Oh, hehe.” Jian Suizhi replied. Even if he knew that his little uncle wasn’t being honest, he still got a piece of sugar in the end.
How hateful! Such a tough man unexpectedly showed a tender side! He couldn’t handle it!
After Jian Xingce sent his nephew away, he shifted his attention back to the computer. The screen was paused, and the frame was fixed at an interval— on it was Jiang Cheng when he was climbing the tree.
He slightly narrowed his eyes. According to the background check he had done on Jiang Cheng, the latter was a university dropout and an artist who debuted by singing and dancing, so how could he have such proficient climbing skills?
And he had even replayed that scene of Jiang Cheng restraining Song Ji-Jae many times—
Such outstanding combat reflexes, even if the strength was lacking, the skills and agility were highly exceptional. How could such a person be unable to handle an ordinary man who wanted to engage in unspoken rules?
There were many doubts and contradictions about Jiang Cheng. This was the first time he had met such a kind of person. His intuition also told him that there was something odd about someone as secretive as Jiang Cheng, so he had to keep a close eye on the latter.
T/N: Will be alternating between ‘Father Jian’ and ‘Old Jian’ when necessary. ‘Old Jian’ is how others will refer to ML’s dad in either speech or thoughts.
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