Are you here to slack off?!

City Hunter had an interesting filming setup: the hunters and criminals made their entrances in two separate areas.

Compared with the gloomy atmosphere on the criminals' side, the hunters were far more lively and enthusiastic.

They jogged out in matching navy-blue training uniforms, waving or blowing kisses at the livestream cameras. Once they took their places, each performed a signature move full of personal flair.

The longtime fans watching their screens instantly went wild.

[Aaaaaah! It's Captain Chen Yifan! That spinning kick was so cool! Our charismatic leader is definitely going to beat the criminals senseless!]

[Xu Qi and Li He are great too, okay?! Is it just me, or have they gotten even more muscular after wrapping up those action scenes?!]

[And the gorgeous Saiweiya! With her British-Chinese heritage, she's definitely the hunters' top beauty!]

[I heard she trained in kickboxing and even won an award for it. This showdown will be a breeze for her.]

[Wait, only four regular guests are here? Where are the others? Boohoo, I'm so sad I can't see my idol!]

[You didn't know? There are only six spots in total. They forced two people in, so of course the other guests had to make way...]

[Nothing you can do. Money rules the entertainment industry. But now it's hard to say how strong the hunters really are.]

Only after the two guest stars reached the hunters' assembly point did the host raise her microphone. "Good morning to everyone watching, and all our fans in the livestream!"

"Welcome to season twenty-three of City Hunter!"

"This time, we'll be bringing you a thrilling, unconventional escape-and-hunt game in a brand-new format!"

The host turned toward the guests standing in formation. "There's no need to introduce these familiar faces. I'm sure their fans know them better than I do."

"You've probably heard of our two new hunters as well."

"Especially Mr. Lu Siqi, who has made the Forbes lists several times, appeared on the cover of Fortune Magazine, and given exclusive interviews..."

The host paused, then suddenly adopted a teasing tone. "And one more thing: Mr. Lu is still single. A bona fide eligible millionaire!"

Before she had even finished, Lu Yuanhang shot her a sidelong look full of scorn and contempt.

What's it to you whether he's an eligible millionaire?!

Take a good look in the mirror before you get any ideas!

Sensing the hostility, the host turned in surprise, only to find Lu Yuanhang wearing a gentle smile.

She hesitated briefly, then continued her introduction. "Our other guest star is Mr. Lu's younger brother."

"Let's give them a round of applause."

[Hahaha, I'm dying. Is Lu Yuanhang so worthless he doesn't even deserve a name?!]

[I love the host's attitude. Putting manipulative little phonies in their place at work starts with me!]

[Look, Lu Yuanhang's face has turned green!]

[I love that color, especially on his face!]

[...]

Behind the monitors, the Hunter Director clicked his tongue at the flood of comments. "I've never seen anyone get mobbed like this the moment they show their face."

What on earth had he done to make people hate him so much?!

If I'd known this would happen, I never would have accepted the Lu Group's investment.

Not for any amount of money!

Regretting his decision, he switched to another feed.

The scene on that screen left him even more bewildered.

"What's wrong with the guests playing the criminals?! Why are they so listless?! They have absolutely no camera presence! Looking around like that-are they planning to slack off?!"

Honestly, this was the first time the Hunter Director had ever seen anything like it.

On previous joint shoots, no matter how big a star someone was, they always put their all into performing once they arrived.

After all, this was the country's hottest escape-and-hunt reality show, with countless failed attempts to copy it overseas.

Who wouldn't want to use the opportunity to gain some exposure?!

And yet?!

These minor celebrities who had only just become popular actually looked ready to give up and coast?!

What was Director Gu playing at?

Following a script ahead of time?

Did he think the audience were idiots?!

They should at least go a few rounds before losing!

The Hunter Director immediately lost his temper. Grabbing his walkie-talkie, he barked, "Find a chance to tell them they can stay if they want to film, or leave if they don't! Who are they pulling those long faces for?! They can't even afford the penalty for breaking their contracts!"

The crew member took the director's instructions like an imperial decree and hurried to relay the warning word for word while the cameras were elsewhere.

Yuan Feng's eyes lit up. "We can leave if we don't want to film?!"

Shi Huayi and Zhou Nan spoke in unison. "There's a deal that good?!"

Luo Xiaohong picked up her suitcase. "I can leave right now!"

Before she had even finished speaking, Jian Li was already striding toward the exit.

The crew member stared. "??"

Why wasn't this having the intended effect?!

"Hey, hey, hey! Wait!" The crew member stretched out a pleading hand. "We can talk this over. Let's finish filming first."

If the criminals went on strike, what the hell were the hunters supposed to film?!

The whole season would go down the drain!

The Hunter Director was so furious he was on the verge of a breakdown. He grabbed his phone to call Director Gu, but then a tall figure appeared on set, abruptly turning the situation around.

"Where are you going?"

The cool, clear voice stopped Jian Li in his tracks. He looked over with a dry laugh. "The director told us we could leave!"

Huo Xiao looked past Jian Li and swept his gaze over the others.

The four undercover operatives, who had been itching to slip away, immediately returned to their places.

He brought his gaze back, the corners of his mouth lifting. "What am I supposed to do if you leave? The Revenge Squad can't be short a member."

"That's true..." Jian Li was loyal to his friends, but...

Before he could get past that "but," he felt his hand empty as his suitcase was taken from him.

"It's about to start. Let's not be late."

Seeing this, the director immediately shouted into his walkie-talkie, "Make Huo Xiao the captain! He's the only one who can keep these criminals in line!"

"Copy!"

City Hunter was filmed at a famous tourist attraction.

The quaint old town blended with modern touches to create a distinctive atmosphere.

Vendors selling snacks and accessories were scattered along both sides of the shopping street, calling out their wares while keeping an eye on their surroundings.

They were the hunters' informants and had to report immediately whenever they spotted a criminal.

In an alley, Yuan Feng peeked outside, quickly pulled back, and crouched down again. "Five men, four women, all around forty years old. They look like extras. Shifty-eyed..."

The cameraman suppressed the urge to burst out laughing and diligently kept filming. "..."

Ha! Did he have to make it this realistic?!

Without an explanation, I'd have thought an expert scout had shown up!

The Revenge Squad huddled together, heads close as they studied something.

Suddenly, someone spoke.

"Rob a bank, kidnap the mayor, take a school hostage, and arrange a helicopter escape."

"What does that mean? We have to finish all of them before we lose?"

Shi Huayi rubbed his chin, pondering with his brows tightly knitted.

A few seconds later, everyone's eyes settled on Jian Li's face.

He immediately rolled his eyes. "What are you looking at me for? I got dragged here before I could even figure out how badly we're supposed to fucking lose!"

[Wait, did I hear that right? They already know they're going to lose? Is this scripted too?!]

[Don't make me laugh. You think you can lose whenever you feel like it? Do you take our veteran hunters for useless idiots?!]