Unilaterally Going Separate Ways

He had been careless.

After collecting their phones, the tour leader began explaining the rules of the trip to the cast members.

There were three pairs of guests participating in the show. Aside from Xie Ran and Fang Huiwang, the other two pairs were Chen Xiaoxuan and Meng Xixi from the popular girl group Sea Breeze Girls, and veteran entertainment industry seniors Zhu Chuanjia, once a hugely popular singer-songwriter, and the seasoned actor Jiang Wei.

According to the rules, the production team would provide each guest with an initial fund as well as food and lodging for the first day. Starting from the second day, all accommodation, meals, and task-related expenses would have to be paid by the guests themselves.

To make the show more challenging and entertaining, each guest's initial funds were only enough to cover the cheapest lodging and food. If they wanted a better quality of life, they would have to find other ways to earn money.

During this period, the production team would also issue different tasks to the guests, each with corresponding rewards and penalties.

At the end of the one-week trip, the production team would tally each group's remaining funds. The group with the most money left would win the grand prize.

At this point, the tour leader deliberately paused for effect. After thoroughly whetting everyone's curiosity, he slowly said, "The winning group this season will receive an advertising contract provided by Ruiyan Motors, the title sponsor of the show, Leading Technology, Galloping Future."

As soon as the tour leader finished speaking, all the guests except Xie Ran gasped softly in surprise.

Meng Xixi was young, after all, and she immediately blurted out, "An advertising contract with Ruiyan?"

The tour leader was quite pleased with the reaction and nodded with a smile. "That's right."

This time, even Jiang Wei, the oldest and most composed of the guests, could not hide his excitement.

After all, Ruiyan was one of the country's best-known car brands. It not only had widespread public recognition and an excellent brand image, but more importantly, it was immensely wealthy. Its brand collaborations were prizes even many A-list celebrities fought over.

Even if it was only a standard advertising contract rather than a spokesperson deal, establishing a connection with Ruiyan was an opportunity many people desperately wanted.

Snowball TV truly deserved its reputation as an old-school variety show network. It knew exactly how to stir up competition among its guests.

Sure enough, the guests, who had just been harmonious, friendly, modest, and polite, were immediately filled with fighting spirit. Chen Xiaoxuan energetically raised a fist at the others. "Seniors, don't blame us for not holding back from here on out!"

Zhu Chuanjia and Jiang Wei smiled. Their seniority meant they would not truly tear into each other over an advertising contract, but they still had to deliver the show's entertainment value. They promptly declared war with equal vigor, "Then let's see who comes out on top in the end!"

As for Fang Huiwang, an advertising contract like this was not especially significant to him. But with his studio's cash flow in crisis, getting aboard Ruiyan's ship would mean something entirely different.

Even so, he maintained the calm demeanor of a top star on the surface. Only after the other two groups had issued their challenges did he unhurriedly turn to Xie Ran and smile. "Xiao Ran, everyone's so fired up. We can't lose either. We'll have to work together from here on and do our best to win this competition!"

Xie Ran was lowering his gaze, seemingly lost in thought. When Fang Huiwang's voice suddenly came from beside him, he looked up to find Fang Huiwang smiling at him.

Xie Ran nodded. "Mm."

Fang Huiwang had been frightened by Xie Ran's previous stunts and had been worried that he would go off-script again. Seeing him cooperate for once, Fang Huiwang finally relaxed and, taking advantage of the moment, added gently, "Xiao Ran, don't worry. I'll work hard."

Xie Ran gave another "Mm," and Fang Huiwang finally let out a long breath. Everything was perfect.

At the same time, Xie Ran gave a slight nod and said softly, "That'll do."

Meng Feixuan stopped reporting through the earpiece.

Hearing Ruiyan just now had reminded Xie Ran of something.

In the original owner's memories, he and Fang Huiwang had worked together seamlessly on this show and ultimately won. They had filmed a Ruiyan commercial together, and because it had received an excellent market response, Ruiyan had intended to choose one of them as its spokesperson.

During Ruiyan's evaluation period, Xie Ran's sexual orientation had been exposed. Naturally, the Ruiyan endorsement had ultimately fallen to Fang Huiwang, bringing him considerable fame and fortune.

But Xie Ran was not concerned about the advertisement. In the original owner's memories, Ruiyan would soon announce its entry into autonomous driving technology. Unfortunately, until the original owner's death, autonomous driving technology in this world had still failed to achieve an effective breakthrough.

What Xie Ran had just asked Meng Feixuan to report on was the autonomous driving field currently disclosed on the market and any information related to Ruiyan.

Having obtained the information he wanted, Xie Ran finally returned to his senses and followed the other guests onto the shuttle vehicle with the tour leader.

Meng Feixuan ended his work mode, and his intense desire to learn surfaced again. He asked in confusion, "Sir, are you sure you want to work with Fang Huiwang from now on? Judging from the fluctuations in the original owner's Consciousness Atom Cluster, I do not think that is a good idea."

Xie Ran was equally puzzled. "When did I say I wanted to work with him?"

Meng Feixuan said, "He asked you just now, and you answered."

"I was brushing him off," Xie Ran said. "What did he say?"

"..." Meng Feixuan switched himself to a flat electronic voice and imitated the tone of the Tengu Sprite. "Sorry, I can't understand what he's saying."

Author's note: Mark: Sorry, I can't understand what you're saying.

Xiao Ran: Internet disconnection warning.

Mark: Huh, I can again.

Unilaterally Going Separate Ways

The filming location selected by Somewhere Else with You was Old West City, the second-largest city in Country Y. Old West City was a beautiful coastal city with a developed economy, tourism industry, and cultural scene. It was densely populated and bustling with activity.

The guests' food and lodging on the first day were provided by the production team, which had arranged for them to stay at the most famous five-star hotel in Old West City. Built by the sea, it boasted a long private beach and first-rate views.

However, viewers who had watched the previous seasons knew that this was practically the only luxury the guests would enjoy throughout the trip. From the second day onward, all their expenses would have to be paid for themselves, while the initial funds provided by the production team were extremely limited. To complete the tasks and secure the final victory, the guests had no choice but to find ways to make money.