Chapter 234

Everyone could see the house in the photo.

The young female lead Song Youli couldn't help but speak: "How do we choose?"

Looking at the others, they all had urgent expressions; it's no wonder she was so anxious, because in the next episode—five days from now—the house would be their temporary lodging.

Yet the accommodation provided by the production team was uneven.

Calling it uneven is already a compliment; the later it gets, the harder it is to watch!

While others eagerly awaited the host's introduction, Ling Yue picked up the five photos and examined them closely, her brow furrowing slightly at the pleasant sight, yet she said nothing.

The host smiled and said: "I believe everyone has finished looking at the photos; we can start the game now—it's very simple!"

As he spoke, his gaze fell on the clueless little animal.

The host clapped his hands, and a staff member brought over a table from somewhere, on which five fruits were placed, from largest to smallest: watermelon, honeydew melon, pineapple, peach, strawberry; underneath lay a reversed white sheet, faintly revealing traces.

The host chatted on: "The house numbers are pressed under the fruits; the director just told me we can look at the fruits—whoever picks the smallest fruit gets the smallest number, and the most beautiful villa is number one."

【... Do you even believe what you're saying?】

After watching variety shows for so many years, we've never seen a production team give away the answer outright like a self‑destruct truck, but they bluntly said the most beautiful villa number one is the little strawberry?

Impossible! Absolutely impossible!

Even the guests were confused—should we go in order? The production team has always been inhumane; maybe they're just lying!

Of course, some people just there for laughs placed bets.

Here, fortunes were rising; the guests heard another demand from the production team and couldn't help but widen their eyes: "What? Have the animals fetch it? And they all have to start at the same time?"

In an instant, everyone's gaze turned to Ling Yue, eyes showing a bit of pity—everyone knows how slow a turtle is; even if she could guide it, they figured she'd end up with the leftovers.

No time to think further; darkness had already fallen, and everyone urgently wanted to rest.

At the command, everyone employed various means to lure the animals out, trying to get a head start.

"Gua-da—"

A sound rang out; amid everyone's shock, they saw the Fengshui Turtle Master lift its legs and dash away—it moved like a gust of wind, and before anyone could react, it had already bitten into the peach.

Peach, eliminated.

【Holy crap, am I seeing things? How could a turtle have that speed?】

【Just a glance upstairs shows you've never seen Ling Yue's livestream—her Fengshui turtle runs fast!】

【Mom, the tortoise‑and‑hare race is harmful!】

【Are you sure this is a turtle? Not an electric toy?】

Amid the audience's shock, the guests finally reacted and all began to exert themselves.

The white rabbit ran fastest; Song Youli guided it toward the pineapple, but in the blink of an eye the rabbit crunched the whole strawberry with a crack, chewing happily with its three‑part mouth.

Beside her, Song Youli's face drained of color: "Baby, why did you eat the paper too? Spit it out!"

She anxiously grabbed the paper and, without meaning to, saw the number on it, letting out a sudden shout.

【What exactly did you see? Let me look!】

【It definitely better not be a shabby wooden house—our young lady has never lived in such a dump; she'd surely cry!】

"Young lady" is a nickname fans gave Song Youli; although she's an entertainment star, her family background is deep—she's the sole daughter of renowned entrepreneur Song Che, who once said in an interview: If she doesn't act well, Dad will drag her back to inherit the family business!

Moreover, thanks to her breakout role as a young lady, fans affectionately call her "young lady."

At that moment, Song Youli panicked, clapped a hand over her mouth, and her almond eyes widened.

Qin Mingwei looked nearly hopeless at the motionless Er Ha squatting in place: "Hui Hui?"

Er Ha stared at the honeydew melon before him, eyes crossed: "What a big, beautiful melon!"

It happily looked up at its owner, head raised, howling: "Owner, am I awesome? I spotted that gorgeous melon at a glance!"

Other guests went their own ways, but the well‑behaved Persian cat Guoguo perfectly completed the task, sitting beside the big pineapple.

Standing out was Xu He.

Everyone else had finished, but his Mysterious Cat Ancestor hadn't budged, sitting there calmly, utterly unlike what he'd expected.

"Cat Ancestor, why aren't you running?" he whispered, urging; under the gaze of the cat's pale yellow eyes, his voice cut off, and the icy stare made his heart jump.

"Meow~"

"Whether we grab or not, won't it all be the same?"

To the side, Ling Yue's movement stalled; she couldn't help but glance sideways—this was the first time she'd heard that cat's voice, rough and low, like sandpaper, and its words left her somewhat puzzled.

Looking at Xu He, even the dim light couldn't hide his ashen face, as if he'd heard something terrible.

Ling Yue suddenly felt: he seemed able to understand the cat's words?

Xu He gritted his teeth in secret, not daring to retort even a bit, instead serving him respectfully, gripping his arm tightly; the jade bracelet on his wrist flashed a light that vanished in an instant.

"Ancestor, ancestor, I beg you, please move."

He even regretted joining the show a little—who could know how terrible his luck was? If not for Mr. Li telling him this was a heaven‑sent opportunity, he would never have taken part.

As Ling Yue had thought, he could indeed understand the cat's words, but only thanks to the jade bracelet's effect, and even then he could only faintly sense the cat's thoughts.

It couldn't compare to Ling Yue at all.

Just this bracelet—cast by the most powerful □□ in the circle—had cost him tens of millions to obtain.

Thus, from the start, Xu He had never held Ling Yue's ability in esteem, knowing that fully understanding animal speech? Even the mighty □□ couldn't do that!

She must be a fraud!

Xu He's demeanor made his longtime fans wonder, "What's big brother up to? Everyone else has finished the task!"

【What the heck is this broken cat? Even the Husky knows to charge forward—what's wrong with big brother's cat?】

【I'm about to die of anger—this broken cat is worse than our family's dumb robot!】

Until the host announced the end of the match, with only a watermelon left on the field, Xu He's heart leapt—yet the Mysterious Cat stretched lazily and changed its pose.

The host began announcing the results, with nearly everyone on edge, after all, nobody wanted to end up in that dilapidated wooden hut.

They could hardly imagine how the production team found such a dilapidated house.

Xu He followed closely behind the Mysterious Cat, watching intently as the host lifted the white paper in front of them; before anyone spoke, a burst of laughter rang out.

Song Yuli held the white paper marked "One" in one hand and cradled the White Rabbit in the other, saying, "Sorry, sorry, I just couldn't hold it in—I think… I'm number one."

A huge Arabic numeral appeared before everyone's eyes.

As more and more numbers were revealed, they exactly matched the inside information the host had hinted at—a completely off‑script move that left the audience exclaiming, "What a sneaky play!"

The netizens who had shouted disbelief instantly exploded.

【Mom, I'm about to burst—how could there be such a production team? Isn't this a self‑destruct truck?!】

【Production Team: The opportunity was handed to you on a silver platter, and you still couldn't seize it—really useless! 【sigh】【shake head】】

【Waa waa waa, my poor Brother Baihe, how could you be so miserable?! Can anyone even live in that shabby house?!】

【It's all because of that lazy cat—does it think it's the big boss or something?】

【Let's start a crowdfunding to save the kids!】

Along with the heated barrage of comments, the viewership kept climbing, and the deputy director was about to split his sides laughing—no one expected the livestream to end with yet another little climax.

He grinned like a mouse that had just stolen something fishy.

Meanwhile, the production team's guests had already split up and headed to their respective lodgings. Song Yuli, lugging a suitcase and cradling the Little Rabbit, strode proudly into the Small Villa… Ling Yue's Western‑style cottage, and even the goofy Erha ended up in a Small Bungalow. Only Xu He, his shadow stretched long under the streetlamp, slowly approached the Dilapidated House, feeling both bitter and amused.

Suddenly, the screen went black——

【See you at seven tomorrow morning—me and it, inseparable!】

The livestream ended, and the netizens below, who had just reacted, suddenly fell silent.

There was no scheming, no petty squabbles—the goofy Husky, the lively Feng Shui Turtle that stays vigorous with age, the mysterious Mysterious Cat Boss, the food‑loving White Rabbit, the adorable Persian Cat, and other vividly charismatic creatures won over countless netizens' hearts.

Amid all kinds of variety shows, they carved a bloody path!

The comment section below was filled with wails.

That night, on the streaming platform, the pet‑variety show My Little Life with It jumped to third place, and many netizens hit follow.

One could easily picture the lively scene when the show resumed the next day.

The ever‑stern Director Liu let slip a hint of a smile.

At that moment, the guests had also officially moved in and were getting familiar with their houses.

Xu He had just stepped inside when he learned the cameras were off, and he promptly kicked the table corner.

Damn it!

The Dilapidated House looked run‑down, but inside it was fully furnished; My Little Life with It was simply a cute‑pet‑plus‑travel variety show—aside from the location being chosen by the investor, the production team had never planned any other twists.

They were definitely not the kind of production team that likes to torment its guests.

But to someone as obsessive as Xu He, all of this felt like an original sin; suddenly he sensed something, and a chill ran down his back.

The next moment, the usually lethargic Mysterious Cat let out a sharp cry and lunged straight at his back.

Xu He shuddered all over, clutching the jade pendant at his throat and chanting firmly; he wasn't sure if it was his imagination, but the temperature inside the house seemed to have dropped several degrees compared with just moments before.

Earlier brave, the Mysterious Cat now lounged lazily on the mat as Xu He tiptoed over, forcing a smile: "Thanks, Cat Ancestor."

Mao Mao didn't even glance at him.

Xu He turned around, and the smile vanished from his face in an instant, his expression lengthening as if the other person owed him five million.

Damn cat, damn freaky thing!

At the same time, Ling Yue couldn't sleep either; she was thinking about the photos she'd seen earlier when she suddenly sat up. On the other side of the bed, in a makeshift little nook that had been set up, the Feng Shui Turtle Master lay reclined.

The Feng Shui Turtle drawled, "Looks like you've noticed too, huh?"

Ling Yue recalled what she had seen that day; those photos had stirred her curiosity, and only after entering the village and being immersed in it did she distinctly feel the place's aura—unusually good.

Thus Ling Yue spoke up: "I suspect there's something underground."

The Feng Shui Turtle nodded approvingly: "Since you've figured it out, I don't need to say more—going forward, we'll just pay a bit more attention."

Ling Yue nodded, then finally settled down to sleep.

The next day, a rooster perched on the dark eaves of the village, its loud crow ringing out across the settlement.

When they arrived yesterday it was already late, and no one had seen clearly; only now did everyone discover that this little village was quaint, with blue bricks, dark tiles, and white walls, reflecting a red sun rising on the horizon.

In the distance, the fields were divided into patches, the water glimmering.

【What a beautiful place!】

Not to mention them; even the guests were amazed by this beautiful natural scenery.

The livestream began, and a staff member introduced: 'This is the ancient village we specially selected for our program, preserving the old architectural style, and there are even up to five layers of natural caves! The lively temple fair—we deliberately chose this time for our program, and the temple fair starts this week.'

Ru Tan's eyes flickered with amusement: 'Can we also participate?'

The staff member smiled gently: 'Of course you can!'

'Next, let me introduce: the houses are provided free by our program, but each meal afterward you must arrange yourselves.'

'Don't worry, we've prepared point cards held by the locals; you can work or trade goods, and as long as you have points, you can buy things from the villagers!'

Upon hearing this, the others widened their eyes in an instant—weren't they here to travel? Especially Song Youli, who exclaimed in shock: 'We have to cook ourselves?'

She extended her slender fingers, the glittering nail decals flashing: 'Look at my hand—does it look like it could cook? Does it look like it could work?'

On the other hand, Qin Yingdi volunteered that he could cook, and Ling Yue also raised her hand; after discussing, since their houses were close together—almost next door—they thought it would be better to have a communal pot meal.

Together they would earn points.

As they chatted, they suddenly noticed something missing; the elderly official, who had been holding a thermos and was as tranquil as a chrysanthemum, glanced at his feet and suddenly said, 'Where's Huihui?'

He jumped up, shouting, 'My big dog—where is it?'

The others all looked around, relieved in an instant—unfortunately, only Qin Yingdi's husky, Huihui, was missing.

As for the program staff, they looked surprised and clueless; they truly didn't know.

In the end, Ling Yue stepped forward: 'Let me ask for you.'

Song Youli spoke bluntly: "Let's ask—how do we ask?"

She finished speaking, covered her mouth, realizing she'd been too forward; Ling Yue smiled and pointed to the tabby cat watching from the eaves: "Ask it."

This remark immediately drew many doubts; they and Ling Yue's unconditional fans almost started a big fight, but in the end both sides stepped back, waiting to see exactly how she would ask.

Ling Yue walked straight over; the tabby cat perched on the eaves, still marveling, said: "Wow, is that the city dog? It looks so clean and runs so fast!"

Suddenly, it heard a voice: "Hello, Mao Mao."

The tabby cat jumped, stared wide-eyed at her, and meowed: "How can you humans just pop out like that? You scared me to death!"

Ling Yue gave an apologetic smile: "Sorry, sorry."

The tabby cat: "Never mind, never mind, I, Mao Mao, have plenty—"

As it spoke, it suddenly stumbled, then, realizing, waited in shock for Ling Yue—humans could actually understand its words!

Mao Mao was so frightened its fur puffed up into a ball.

Nearby, the onlookers, seeing her like this, exclaimed in amazement once again.

Even the chat in the live stream fell silent, no one knowing when it had stopped.

Seeing Ling Yue and her chatting happily, Qin Yingdi finally couldn't help but speak: "Could you get it to help find my Huihui first?"

He said, practically fuming: "That damned dog!"

Suddenly he bent down, snatched up a stick from the ground: "You unfilial whelp! When I find you, I'll break your dog legs!"

The previously listless tabby cat perked up: "Really? Really? Really?"

It leapt down full of vigor, its round cat eyes locked on Qin Yingdi, stretched, and beneath its fluffy fur one could see taut muscles—larger than other cats by a notch.

One could imagine this cat was surely the little tyrant of the village.

The tabby cat said: "Let's go find that dog now!"

【Li Hua Da Lao is so domineering, all muscle!】

【Am I the only one curious what Yue Yue said to it, making it suddenly burst with energy? It scared me!】

Ling Yue: "……"

I'm being wronged!

Meanwhile, in a certain lush vegetable patch, a Husky that had turned into a digging machine suddenly shivered—what's going on? Why does my back suddenly feel chilly?

Never mind, I'm so happy!

The excited dog didn't notice, because digging meant its fur—requiring hundreds in grooming each time—was already a filthy mess, its paws coated in mud.

Its head-down, hardworking stance was seen by the local hunting dogs nearby; a few dogs exchanged glances, having originally planned to jump out and teach this clueless outsider a lesson, but now nobody spoke.

The auburn‑coated leader of the local hunting dogs lifted a paw, cleared his throat, and said: "Brothers, we'd better head home; it's time to eat."

The clueless little follower asked: "Boss, why?"

Just a moment ago everyone was cracking their knuckles, ready to give the outsider dog a harsh lesson—what changed?

The leader gave it a swipe, eyes full of contempt: "You're blind—this is a stupid dog! Stupidity is contagious!"

"How scary!" the dog yelped, jumping back: "My owner prepared sweet‑potato rice; I'd rather go back and eat plain rice!"

"Boss, wanna come home with me? My family just bought loads of meat and veggies—so fragrant!"

The white dog said, throwing a flirtatious glance at the leader; the other dogs turned their heads, Bai Bai getting more and more over the top—luckily the leader had enough self‑control.

But then the leader called out to it: "Bai Bai, you'd better not go home lately—your place isn't very clean."

The white local hunting dog jumped in fright.

The leader gently patted its head; compared to the handsome white local hunting dog, it seemed a size smaller, and the dog immediately lowered its head, letting out a soft hum.

The other dogs: "……"

Heroes can't withstand beautiful dogs!

Here a few dogs sat in a circle holding a meeting; meanwhile, on the small path ahead, the village's Li Hua Da Wang led the way, a troupe marching toward them with mighty vigor.

"Guā guā—"

The tabby cat, for the first time sitting on such a huge turtle's back, eyes wide as saucers, heart brimming with novelty, still couldn't help muttering: "Really? Really? Are we really going to break the dog's legs?"

"I'm really looking forward to it."

Ling Yue's mouth twitched; the tabby cat suddenly called out: "We've arrived!"

The mighty procession came to an abrupt halt—

Qin Yingdi wore a puzzled look: "Have we arrived? Where's my Huihui? I don't see it."

But then Mao Mao slowly lifted a paw and pointed downward; Ling Yue followed the gaze, and her brow suddenly rose—

A gray‑black figure lay prone in the vegetable patch, beside loosened soft earth, its lower half already about to sink into the pit.

Seeing this, Qin Yingdi hadn't yet reacted: "What's the meaning? Isn't that just a black dog?"

Ling Yue's mouth twitched: "Why don't you take another close look?"

Qin Yingdi stared, then looked again and suddenly shouted: "Huihui!"

The hard‑working big black dog jerked to a halt, stiffly turning its head, as if it could still hear the "kakaka" of a jam.

This scene was captured by countless netizens, who could read sheer terror on its doggy face, contributing a god‑like meme.

Xiao Heizi revealed its chicken‑foot. JPG

Qin Mingwei: "!!!"

At that moment, his forehead veins bulged, a sharp "well" character popping out.

He grabbed a stick and charged down with fierce momentum; the dog, seeing this, yelped and bolted.

【Person chasing behind, soul flying aloft. JPG】

【Another dog loses its dream 【pitiable】】

Not only did netizens roar with laughter, the guests were nearly laughing themselves sick; in the end, the mud‑covered dog was dragged back, its whole body turning into a limp puddle of mud.

The mud on its body dragged a long black line across the ground……

Before the Shadow Emperor could finish scolding him, a roar came from behind: "My vegetables!"

"Which damned bastard dug up my vegetable field! I'll skin him alive!"

Everyone jumped in fright, then turned to see a middle‑aged woman in coarse cloth, holding a pig‑killing knife, her hair standing on end with rage, her aura fierce.

Ling Yue froze at the sight of the newcomer, also stunned—this is the sign of lingering misfortune！：，，.