Chapter Three

The lively, teasing comments in the live chat froze momentarily before erupting into loud laughter.

“Hahaha, this is killing me! So polite, absolutely too polite!”

“A tutorial on how to politely say ‘Damn, I’m starving!’”

“Hey, He Erwang, wake up! ‘I’m so hungry’ doesn’t suit your fierce king vibe!”

“Help! He Erwang sounds surprisingly well-behaved when he talks about ‘politeness’.”

“Upstairs, are you only hearing but not seeing? Look at He Erwang’s purple hair—does he look obedient?”

“Not obedient at all! Don’t you allow a rebellious youth to ‘go astray’ just a little?”

“What the hell? Politeness is going astray? Well, yeah, for He Erwang it is.”

He Erwang was infamous in the circle for his temper and sharp tongue; a notorious provocateur. Yet, most of the time, his criticisms had merit—his biting remarks displayed a spirit so vibrant and clear that few found him truly disagreeable. Thus, despite the harsh tone, the live chat’s comments were more playful than hostile.

The moment He Erwang spoke, Shen Jinfeng looked over promptly. Naturally, he caught the amusing exchanges. Judging by the look in his eyes, he marked He Erwang as a major “troublemaker,” though not a bad person. Having been tempered by 999 worlds, Shen Jinfeng immediately saw through his essence but felt a slight headache. He wasn’t fond of overly noisy troublemakers.

Although, by He Erwang’s current standards—as someone who considered himself a model of politeness and moral uprightness—Shen Jinfeng’s judgment was a slander.

Shen Jinfeng sat quietly, saying nothing.

Still, He Erwang’s awakening seemed like a signal. One after another, the others lying on the ground gradually came to. Shen Jinfeng’s gaze fell on the nearest “corpse.”

The boy who had just opened his eyes looked very young, a few years younger than Shen Jinfeng, with a delicate, boy-next-door appearance. His name was Qi Xiu.

From memory, Shen Jinfeng knew this boy was only eighteen, freshly graduated from high school, who had joined this expedition team due to financial need. The one who promised payment was another team member, Gu Shengsheng, reportedly a high school classmate.

Gu Shengsheng was curious about wilderness expeditions but wanted someone to accompany him for support, thus recruiting Qi Xiu.

Shen Jinfeng glanced at Gu Shengsheng, who had also just awakened. All the team members were remarkably good-looking. He found it somewhat strange.

If Qi Xiu’s appearance was comfortably pleasant, then Gu Shengsheng was downright stunning. Though calling a young man “beautiful” might seem odd, this boy’s radiant looks were strikingly vivid even at first sight.

However, on a deserted island, looks were the least useful asset.

Shen Jinfeng withdrew his gaze.

To the viewers in the live chat, Shen Jinfeng seemed to glance at the two casually before dismissing them, his expression icy and utterly indifferent, showing no joy at his companions’ awakening.

At this point, most were captivated by the two new character profiles released by the production team.

Name: Qi Xiu
Identity: A high school graduate who agreed to accompany Gu Shengsheng on a wilderness expedition to earn tuition money
Skill: Academic prodigy
Personality: Timid, cowardly, and conflict-averse

Name: Gu Shengsheng
Identity: Wealthy second-generation heir with a passion for wilderness exploration
Skill: Skilled actor
Personality: Selfish, arrogant, and overbearing

Clearly, neither had flattering roles.

If cast in a drama, such a duo would be the classic villainous pair—the antagonist and his lackey.

“Wow, earlier Shen Jinfeng and He Erwang had good roles. I actually thought the production team was finally doing a decent job. Turns out, they really are ‘doing a decent job,’” a viewer joked.

“The production team’s old trick—almost every season balances three good roles with three bad ones.”

“Sigh, the role they gave Gu Shengsheng fits him perfectly.”

“I grew up watching Gu Shengsheng and used to like him a lot. I thought he’d grow from a popular child star into a top celebrity. When did he go so wrong?”

“From national sweetheart to universally despised... That’s probably because he was too famous as a kid, pampered by the entertainment industry for years. It’s no wonder he became so twisted.”

“Gu Shengsheng only went astray? Look at what he’s done! When Director He was in trouble and asked him to cameo, he refused, then mocked the director’s work as trash and told other artists not to participate. Has he forgotten who got him into the industry? Even a dog wouldn’t be so ungrateful.”

“Honestly, Director He’s film was bad, but Gu Shengsheng’s stunt earned him a ton of sympathy points, yet he still didn’t become popular.”

“LOL, Gu Shengsheng still has fans? Last year, he actually slapped Li Hao on set! Did Li Hao offend him? Just because his acting was better?”

As expected by Sun Xinping, the live chat was full of insults whenever Gu Shengsheng appeared on screen.

His public image was far worse than the “selfish and arrogant” labels assigned by the production.

Sun Xinping watched the radiant young man on the live stream and sighed. He had cooperated with Gu Shengsheng before and had even benefited from it.

The entertainment industry was rife with deception and turmoil. Before the show aired, someone had warned him to give Gu Shengsheng an unfavorable role. Under pressure, Sun Xinping had no choice but to comply.

Yet, the boy he remembered was never selfish.

In the first two seasons of “What Kind of Person Are You,” some participants started with poor roles but successfully turned their reputations around and became top stars.

There’s a saying: human nature cannot withstand tests. But sometimes, it withstands them remarkably well.

Would Gu Shengsheng be the exception this season?

Sun Xinping silently watched the live chat. He had already given his chance. At least since “What Kind of Person Are You” began airing, the show would have no more scandals.

As for the other youth, Qi Xiu, the audience guessed correctly—he was just thrown into the show to fill the numbers by Sun Xinping.

Although wildly popular in the first two seasons, the guests on “What Kind of Person Are You” were extremely polarized. Unknowns would suddenly rise to super-stardom overnight, while top actors would fall from grace and be universally despised. Some notoriously disliked stars reversed their reputations completely, while others with flawless images crashed spectacularly.

By the third season, few celebrities were willing to participate voluntarily. Even when Sun Xinping reached out, he couldn’t attract them.

Qi Xiu was someone Sun Xinping had met one late night when he was drinking and eating at a street food stall. The boy was mysterious, apparently observing the place for a long time before rushing up to him.

“Uncle, my master died, and I don’t have money for his funeral,” he said.

Sun Xinping was baffled. “So, what does that have to do with me?”

Qi Xiu’s eyes glistened as he looked at him. “Uncle, can you help me arrange my master’s funeral?”

Sun Xinping was deeply moved. “Why should I arrange the funeral for your master?”

But looking at the boy’s delicate face and pure, earnest gaze, sympathy stirred within him.

A sudden inspiration struck.

He stood, intending to comfort the boy with a slight bow, but awkwardly realized he was shorter than Qi Xiu.

“Ahem,” he said, nonchalantly sitting back down. “Qi Xiu, would you like to join the entertainment industry?”

“The entertainment industry pays fast. I can introduce you to a company so you can join my variety show. ‘What Kind of Person Are You’ is one of my works, you know?”

Qi Xiu shook his head in confusion but agreed decisively: “I’m willing.”

Thus, the third season of “What Kind of Person Are You” gained a new guest.

Qi Xiu had left a strong impression on Sun Xinping. Since newcomers rarely got favorable roles, he crafted Qi Xiu’s character as timid, cowardly, and conflict-averse.

If Qi Xiu could show even half the courage he had when he approached Sun Xinping, he could break out of this role. After all, Sun Xinping was a mentor and couldn’t completely deceive the boy.

Because he was a newcomer, the live chat’s discussion about him was low.

“Who’s Qi Xiu? Don’t know him.”

“Same here. Just looked him up—he’s a rookie in the entertainment industry.”

“No background, no connections, no popularity. The role fits.”

Some saw through Sun Xinping’s goodwill.

“Feels like Old Sun is really taking care of the newbie. The timid, cowardly role means if this newcomer can overcome his initial character during the expedition—show a bit of bravery and responsibility—he could visibly gain fans!”

Most, however, disagreed.

“Think about it—surviving in the wild makes even the bravest people scared. If his starting role is cowardly, wouldn’t he be terrified right away?”

On screen, Gu Shengsheng and Qi Xiu had both woken up. Realizing their situation and feeling hunger, they began rummaging through their belongings, searching for food.

The camera shifted to the fifth person waking up.

Finally, not all were young.

The screen showed a slender middle-aged man. He was disheveled but calm, exuding a composed aura shaped by years, with a refined temperament. His features were handsome—a distinguished older gentleman.

An introduction appeared:

Name: Mo Fan
Identity: Middle-aged unemployed man who decided to join the expedition
Skill: Will fight anyone he dislikes
Personality: Somewhat hot-tempered

The live chat was puzzled.

“Why did Old Sun give him this role? He’s clearly looking to stir up trouble! Is Mo Fan supposed to start fights with everyone from the get-go?”

“Hot-tempered and quick to fight anyone he dislikes. With Mo Fan here, this team won’t have unity from the start.”

“Maybe others will band together against him? By the way, this guy looks familiar.”

“Of course! Have you not watched ‘Li Daodao’ or ‘I’m the Calculator’? Both starred Mo Fan.”

“Wow, I know him! He was insanely handsome when young, outshining today’s fresh faces. He often tops handsome men lists.”

“Yes... but he’s even more infamous for domestic violence. His ex-wife couldn’t stand it and divorced him after nearly being battered to the skin.”

“Whoa! Just looked it up—terrifying. No wonder the director gave him this role.”

“Is it necessary to bring such a problematic person on a show about human nature?”

“Probably to increase entertainment value... You know, Gu Shengsheng and Shen Jinfeng, though tangled in scandals, look quite gentle and harmless. What would happen if Gu Shengsheng dared slap Mo Fan? Or if Shen Jinfeng acted high and mighty toward him? Oh wait, Shen Jinfeng is a big shot character—can he even control Mo Fan?”

“Appearances can be deceiving.”

“The production team’s clever plan is clearly to let villains deal with villains.”

Sun Xinping twitched his mouth watching the comments. These netizens must have aced reading comprehension in school.

Looks like the first conflict was about to erupt.

Gu Shengsheng overturned his backpack, his voice weak as he said, “Qi Xiu, I have no food left.”

He paused, voice trembling as he ordered Qi Xiu, “Give me all your food.”

“Wow, as expected of Gu Shengsheng—just demanding all the food from others! Where does he get the nerve?”

“His original role is selfish and self-centered, and Qi Xiu is his little follower. Not surprising.”

Qi Xiu rummaged through his backpack and even forced himself to search the surroundings.

“I have no food either.”

He Erwang, who had woken earlier, was starving, his voice weak but polite: “I’m hungry too, and I have no food.”

Mo Fan was worse off—he had no backpack left, probably lost to the waves.

At that moment, the sixth guest, who hadn’t yet appeared on screen, spoke up.

His voice was calm and cold but heavy with significance.

“I have no food, either.”

Viewers momentarily stopped wondering why the production hid this last guest’s face—probably because he was too far away.

Now the focus was clear.

Everyone was out of food—except Shen Jinfeng?!