Chapter 24

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Chapter 24: Title

The trending topic "#SongYutianBareFace" was just as popular as those about Su Moying and Gu Feng and was still rising.

The top content in this topic was a show clip of Song Yutian chatting with everyone barefaced after washing up following her morning run.

Previously, Song Yutian had always appeared in public with meticulously applied makeup—layered eye looks, glittering aegyosal, rosy lip gloss, even her smile curvature carefully calibrated.

While this initially gained Song Yutian many fans due to her beauty, it mostly earned comments like "pretty but soulless." These appearance-focused fans gradually unfollowed her after years of poor work and controversial public appearances.

This time, Song Yutian reappeared on variety shows after a year, completely barefaced, making many netizens click out of curiosity.

Many people entered with a critical mindset. While many celebrities claim to be "barefaced" on shows, how many truly are? How many haven’t applied multiple layers of filters?

Netizens clicked in and were surprised to discover that it was genuinely bare skin after washing her face, captured by a high-definition camera without filters or Photoshop.

Even more astonishing was how little difference there was between Song Yutian’s bare face and her made-up appearance—merely fewer layers of color on her eyes and lips, and missing glitter on her aegyosal.

With those extra embellishments gone, whether psychological or not, she actually appeared more beautiful. Unlike her previous exquisite yet lifeless beauty, this was natural, effortlessly radiant loveliness.

As the video clip showed Song Yutian’s skincare routine, her flawlessly translucent skin—rosy and perfect without foundation—made countless women curious about her products. Bloggers had already identified the two products that were briefly glimpsed:

An 18-yuan supermarket cleanser and a 15-yuan jar of moisturizer. Discounted, they’d be even cheaper.

Some concluded, "Good skin truly depends on genetics."

Others declared, "Skincare products are just an IQ tax—luxury and drugstore brands are equally ineffective."

Meanwhile, some believed these were hidden high-value gems, where simple ingredients created miraculous effects.

Regardless, the already limited-stock cleanser and moisturizer instantly sold out across shopping apps. Countless netizens received "Dear customer, temporarily out of stock" replies from customer service. Supermarket shelves emptied rapidly, leaving store employees astonished.

The next morning at 9 o’clock, although it was a workday, the number of viewers in the livestream had surprisingly increased slightly compared to yesterday’s weekend figures.

One reason was that summer vacation was still ongoing, and students hadn’t started school yet.

The other reason, obviously, was the impact of yesterday’s trending topics.

Some wanted to see how those male artists who "clashed" in the video would perform on the show; others were curious whether Su Moying and Gu Feng were being genuine. And of course, there were those tuning in to see Song Yutian’s barefaced appearance—

The production team knew every detail about yesterday’s trending topics regarding the show—which rankings they occupied and which position peaked highest.

The director knew exactly what the audience wanted to see. For the "Contestants’ Morning Routine" segment, the first shot immediately focused on Song Yutian.

In the frame, Song Yutian casually tied her hair into a low ponytail, with a few strands framing her face, still glistening with dew-like water droplets.

The camera boldly zoomed in on Song Yutian’s flawless barefaced skin, delivering several close-ups before deliberately panning to her vanity table instead of avoiding it.

The viewers who had specifically tuned in immediately focused on the products displayed on the vanity table—

…

Where’s the affordable moisturizer we were promised?

Isn’t this the brand exclusive to department store counters, where a set of toner, emulsion, and essence costs over a thousand?

["Wasn’t this supposed to be affordable skincare? How is this affordable?"]

["So Sister Song set up her image yesterday and is already showing her true colors today?"]

["As expected, celebrities don’t use affordable products. It’s all a scam."]

["Sister Song is a master at hype. Glad I checked—almost got fooled."]

As for Song Yutian herself, she was completely unaware of all this.

All she knew was that her agent had suddenly called last night, informing her of a new skincare brand endorsement. There was also an urgent overnight delivery containing a set of toner, emulsion, and essence.

Song Yutian faced the camera and said frankly, "I was quite poor before because I hadn’t worked for a long time, so I used relatively cheap skincare products. Last night, a brand sent me this set of lotion and emulsion. I thought I’d try it out with everyone."

Song Yutian picked up the glass bottle, poured a little onto her hand, and began patting it on her face.

"This toner is quite hydrating, perfect for dry skin like mine. It absorbs well too—it doesn’t just sit heavily on the skin," Song Yutian said. "But I’m not sure about its long-term effects yet. I’ll need to use it for a while to tell."

Then Song Yutian picked up the porcelain bottle next to it and reviewed it similarly. There were no exaggerated claims, just a neutral description of its texture and how it felt to use.

Song Yutian’s tone was calm and gentle, making listeners unconsciously drawn to her words.

[[Comment:] "I think Sister Song is really suited for product promotions. The more I listened, the more I wanted to open my shopping app!"]

[[Comment:] "Kinda want to buy it… Checked my wallet and forced myself to hold back."]

[[Comment:] "I’m starting to believe Song Yutian really was broke before. Now she just uses whatever she endorses right away."]

[[Comment:] "Already ordered the same set! Waiting for it to ship!"]

After finishing filming Song Yutian’s segment, the director moved on to the other contestants.

Due to the physically demanding competition yesterday, most contestants woke up later than usual. However, Qin Yuanzhuo still rose early to read on the balcony, while Zhong Yueli was the only contestant still asleep when filming began at 9 AM.

After waking up, most contestants chatted with each other and had breakfast, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere. Viewers felt as if they were watching a slow-paced variety show, but those who had tuned in to yesterday’s live broadcast knew the calm wouldn’t last long.

Finally, as the clock struck ten, the director and contestants gathered on the villa’s first floor, right on schedule.

The director said, "Good morning, everyone! After a night’s rest, are you all ready to continue the challenges? Let me start by testing you—does anyone remember the theme of these two Match Days?"

Liu Tian cooperatively replied, "I know—travel!"

"Hehe, correct," the director smiled contentedly. "The first competition theme is travel. Yesterday, you all served as rickshaw pullers for traveling tourists. Today, the roles are reversed—it’s your turn to become tourists and experience the world through visitors’ eyes!"

"Experience the world through visitors’ eyes?" Wei Yao repeated, then turned to Song Yutian beside him and asked, "What do you think?"

Sitting right next to him, Song Yutian quickly whispered in response, "I guess we’ll have to go to Seventh Avenue again today, but as tourists this time."

Song Yutian’s voice was so soft that aside from Wei Yao, only the live-stream audience could hear it through the microphone.

The director, who wasn’t wearing monitoring headphones, had no idea what Song Yutian had just said.

"Now, let’s have a little no-prize guessing game—" the director continued. "Where do you think today’s destination will be? Viewers, feel free to type your guesses in the bullet comments!"

The director randomly called on several contestants to share their guesses. Gu Feng guessed the city’s most bustling commercial shopping center, Shen Xi guessed the famous nearby water town tourist attraction, while Liu Tian guessed the city’s largest amusement park.

The director smugly denied each guess one by one.

What he didn’t realize was that Song Yutian had already spoiled the answer.

[Hahaha, poor director. Isn’t there any staff to remind him?]

[Why does it feel like Wei Yao and Song Yutian are the real team? These two keep whispering to each other.]

[It’s actually Seventh Avenue again—what are we going there for this time?]

[Is everyone already convinced that Song Yutian is right? What if her assumption is wrong?]

[For some reason, I just instinctively feel that Sister Song can’t be wrong.]

"Ahem, seems like none of you can guess today’s destination—" the director chuckled. "In that case, let’s set off directly and find the answers along the way! But before we go, let me explain today’s rules first."

"Today, we’ll experience the unique charm of this city as tourists. However, beyond sightseeing, you’ll have an important mission: to uncover puzzles step by step and find the ultimate treasure—a precious jade jewelry set!"

"Just like yesterday, only three teams can earn points, while the last two will regrettably get zero. But unlike yesterday, all teams will depart together and compete simultaneously from the same starting location!"

"Also, just like yesterday, you’ll have to arrange your own lunch, with the cost deducted from yesterday’s earnings."

"Now, let’s set off!"

This time, all ten contestants boarded a bus equipped with numerous fixed cameras installed throughout the vehicle.

Each team sat in the same row, looking out the windows while discussing their strategy for the day.

Qin Yuanzhuo methodically laid out his analysis for Su Moying. "I think our destination must be the most representative landmark. Among this city’s famous attractions, we already visited Seventh Avenue yesterday, so today’s location might be Xianyi Temple. What do you think, Moying?"

Su Moying pondered briefly. "Hmm, you’re right."

Qin Yuanzhuo continued, "Our mission today is to search for clues to find the treasure. Areas with clues will likely have multiple GoPros and photographers stationed there. We should watch for these signs—wherever production crew members gather, that’s where the clues will be. Don’t you agree, Moying?"

Su Moying nodded. "That makes sense."

[Qin Yuanzhuo is impressive! Such great analysis!]

[Su Moying feels like Qin Yuanzhuo’s sidekick here, barely says anything.]

[I notice Qin keeps lecturing and then getting Su to agree with him—he never actually asks for Su’s opinions.]

[Wuwuwu, when will our Yingying finally stand up for herself!]

As for Zhong Yueli and Shen Xi, their conversations remained as sparse as ever. Long-time viewers following this pair’s interactions had already figured out their dynamic, even giving them a nickname: the Zen-like Duo.

After getting in the car, Zhong Yueli said, "Since we don’t yet know what form the treasure-hunting clues will take, should we discuss it after we arrive?"

Shen Xi had no objections, so the two spent the rest of the ride simply resting with their eyes closed.

[This pair is perfect to watch while doing summer homework—write for half an hour until tired, listen to them chat briefly, then enjoy another half hour of silence to keep writing.]

[Hahaha, I’m dying. Truly worthy of the Zen-like Duo! Anti-overwork in real time—others are strategizing while they’re napping.]

[In some ways, these two are surprisingly compatible.]

[As a pure visual fan of Zhong Yueli, I’m perfectly happy just watching my idol rest with his eyes closed!]

In the team of Gong Yu and Wei Yao, Gong Yu seemed determined to revamp his image. As soon as they got into the car, he began showering Wei Yao with apologies and excessive concern.

"Yao Yao, did you rest well last night? I’ve been reflecting—I pushed you too hard yesterday. I’m sorry."

Wei Yao nodded and smiled. "You’re being too formal. It really wasn’t a big deal. I didn’t take it to heart."

Gong Yu persisted. "I was truly in the wrong. Please don’t stay upset. Today, I won’t pressure you into anything you don’t want to do."

Wei Yao took a deep breath. "It’s really fine. You’re overthinking it."

[Gong Yu is still considerate—he knows how to comfort a girl.]

[Aww, I’m totally shipping these two! It’s like watching a flustered boyfriend apologizing to his girlfriend.]

[Why does Gong Yu’s excessive eagerness feel a bit insincere to me?]

[The more Gong Yu keeps emphasizing it, the more it makes Wei Yao seem petty.]

[Our Yao Yao doesn’t need coaxing—we’d be lucky if he’d just stop hijacking the hype train.]

After going back and forth several times, Wei Yao finally couldn’t hold back. "Maybe we should focus on how to win today’s match first. Where on Seventh Avenue do you think the clues are most likely to be hidden?"

Gong Yu paused. "Seventh Avenue? Isn’t that where we went yesterday?"

Wei Yao replied, "Yutian told me today’s match will still be there."

Gong Yu frowned. "Song Yutian? She—I’m sure she’s mistaken. The production team would never make us return to a location we already used yesterday."

Seeing that Wei Yao didn’t seem convinced, Gong Yu straightened up and complained, "Yao Yao, why do you trust her so much?"

Wei Yao’s expression remained calm. "Because I think she’s kind and smart."

Gong Yu opened his mouth but hesitated. After a long moment, he blurted out, "Uh… she’s not even your teammate. Yao Yao, you should trust me more."

Wei Yao laughed. "You’re right. It’s such a pity Yutian isn’t my teammate."

Gong Yu: "…" Why did it feel like his words had been completely twisted?

Although Liu Tian and An Xin placed last yesterday, the moment they boarded the vehicle today, they became the most energetic duo in the group.

No sooner had they settled into their seats than Liu Tian excitedly told An Xin, "Xinxin, I’ve thought of a brilliant plan! We’ll definitely earn points today!"

An Xin’s face showed complete skepticism. "You said your plan was brilliant yesterday too, and look how that ended—we came in last."

Liu Tian grinned. "Hehe, but today’s plan is really, really clever!"

An Xin pursed her lips. "Let’s hear it first. What’s the method? Don’t tell me it’s another half-baked idea."

Liu Tian gave her a mischievous look and beckoned her closer. "Come closer, Xinxin. I’ll whisper it to you. We shouldn’t let them hear."