I Suggest You Get on Your Knees and Beg Him Not to Die (continued)

A tremendous windfall had landed in his lap out of nowhere. Forward All the Way was practically dominating the airwaves and generating enormous buzz. Sponsorship money from the investors had nearly tripled, and brands were scrambling to contact them.

For some reason, he was also confident that even with only one day left, their show would produce another sensation.

The director gathered his thoughts and cleared his throat twice. "The scenery here is beautiful, with flourishing trees. It's a paradise for wild animals and plants, and none of that would be possible without the forest rangers' selfless dedication."

"But a forest ranger's work is extremely hard. They have to stay alone in a cabin, with no one for company. The loneliness is hard to bear, and the climate is very cold."

Having set the stage, the director grew even more solemn. "We need to choose a forest ranger, and we hope he can shoulder this responsibility."

This was a tough assignment. Su Shangting frowned deeply as soon as he heard the beginning, while Zou Yuxing, that silly son of a rich family, listened as though it were someone else's problem, his brain not yet catching up.

Seeing the atmosphere turn awkward, the director pursed his lips bitterly. He was just about to add a few more words when he met Wen Feiran's sparkling eyes.

???

Wen Feiran always hid his true self in front of the camera, looking timid and drab. This was the first time his eyes were no longer dull, expressing a powerful desire. "Director, I want to apply to be the forest ranger!"

What harsh conditions? This is obviously a happy house for the socially anxious.

I can finally get away from these two bickering kids and enjoy some wonderful time alone.

Before the director could reply, Su Shangting and Zou Yuxing spoke in unison.

"No, you can't go."

"Feiran, don't go."

Su Shangting had always fought with Zou Yuxing openly and behind the scenes. He might as well have had "I have a grudge against Zou Yuxing" carved on his forehead.

The young master rarely admitted defeat, but he had to acknowledge that he was far less popular than Zou Yuxing. Over time, he had accumulated plenty of grievances and resentment.

Wen Feiran was the first person to turn away from the dark and toward the light, becoming friends with Zou Yuxing only to discover afterward that Su Shangting was the best. Besides, Wen Feiran was so stupid that, unlike other people who pretended to be friendly, he couldn't be deliberately trying to curry favor with him.

So Wen Feiran held special meaning for him: he was proof of his victory and his most cherished "underling."

As long as he was around, he couldn't let Wen Feiran suffer right under his nose!

Su Shangting's overbearing temper flared again. "Zou Yuxing, you have nothing to do all day, and you're an eyesore. Go in Feiran's place."

Zou Yuxing shot back at him as usual, but this time his objection was different. "I don't mind going. It sounds pretty cool. But I wouldn't be able to be with Wen Feiran, so it'd be too boring."

Wen Feiran's smile froze on his face. He looked pleadingly at the director, hoping he would hurry up and announce the result.

The director pretended not to see him and said mercilessly, "You have fifteen minutes to discuss it."

In the end, Zou Yuxing and Su Shangting bickered the whole time and reached no conclusion.

Driven to desperation, Wen Feiran stressed, "I really do want to go."

"No, you don't," Zou Yuxing said with absolute certainty. "You obviously want to be with me more."

"Yeah, how could you possibly want to be a forest ranger?" For once, Su Shangting sided with Zou Yuxing.

Wen Feiran: "..." Am I part of your play? Without me, is arguing not even satisfying anymore?

An idea struck him. "Let's have a competition. Whoever wins gets to go?"

"That's not a bad idea." Zou Yuxing and Su Shangting both agreed. "What should we compete in?"

Wen Feiran held up his phone. "Whoever gets more kills in the game."

"..."

"..."

Just how badly do you want to go? You're not even playing fair anymore.

Even together, Zou Yuxing and Su Shangting weren't as good as him. Wen Feiran knew it, and although his expression remained resolute, the tips of his ears burned so red they looked ready to drip blood.

In the end, Wen Feiran secured his rightful entitlement and could finally leave this bunch of characters behind.

He gazed at the towering mountains in the distance, eager to get going. He was just about to set off when the director called him back. "It's colder up in the mountains. I suggest you go to the nearby farmers' market and buy a few warm clothes first."

It was a very thoughtful suggestion, and Wen Feiran agreed on the spot. But why had no one told him it would take so long?

Wen Feiran was jostled around for a full two hours before his feet touched the ground again.

The place was extremely remote. There were no clothing shops, only vendors. Fortunately, Wen Feiran wasn't picky. He chose a windproof military greatcoat and, for himself, bought a pair of coral fleece pajamas as well.

Soft and warm, they were his winter favorite.

For some reason, the director suggested he buy more, preferably three of each.

Wen Feiran: ...Is layering pajamas fashionable now too?

Though puzzled, he didn't ask any questions. He obediently bought three of each before getting back in the car. Later, he switched to riding a horse and was jolted so badly he felt as though he were falling apart. Even his butt had gone numb.

After three hours of this ordeal, the forest ranger's cabin finally appeared before him. Wen Feiran wore his military greatcoat, and his breath turned to white mist, lingering before his eyes and draping the vast green world in a mysterious white veil.

A gust of cold wind blew past. Feeling as though the blood in his body was about to freeze, Wen Feiran hunched his shoulders and jogged all the way to the cabin. He was just about to take out the key when he discovered the lock was already open, and voices were coming from inside.

???

A gust of cold wind blew past, and the battered wooden door creaked under the strain, swinging open unsteadily.

Wen Feiran and the two people inside stared at one another. A full ten-odd seconds passed before he managed to find his voice. "Y-you two, why are you here too?"

Su Shangting was shivering too hard to say a word. Zou Yuxing smiled brightly. "I came to find you."

Wen Feiran: "..."

Guys, if you two followed me here, what was the point of me going through all that trouble to become a forest ranger?!!!

Ah!!!

When someone was speechless to the extreme, they really could laugh. Wen Feiran suddenly understood why the director had insisted he buy three of each item of clothing. The director had known all along; he simply hadn't told him.