The next morning, I woke up groggily on the couch. After freshening up, I went downstairs, and the production team was ready to stir things up again.
It was time for the big teamwork test: write down the three breakfasts you most want to eat, and your teammate has to guess. The team with the most points wins, and the team with the least points faces a penalty.
In the first group, it was Alastair and I. The countdown ended, and we simultaneously announced our guesses.
I said, "Coffee."
Alastair said, "Milk."
The answers were revealed. I wrote "milk," and so did he—one point each, but still a mistake on both sides.
The second part:
Me: "Sandwich."
Alastair: "Cake."
The answers were revealed. I wrote "cake," and so did he—one point each, but still a mistake on both sides. After three rounds, I got everything wrong, and he got everything right, scoring three points.
Comments: "That's funny, they both clearly know each other's preferences, but somehow, Alastair cares more."
"Alastair's all about loving the person and everything that comes with them."
"A top boss with a romantic brain, who knew?"
Next round, Team B. Yvonne and Mya managed to pull out 4 points from a bunch of low-fat meals like egg, corn, and broccoli. Netizens jokingly dubbed them the "Best Fat-Burning Duo."
In the final round, Team C scored full marks for their perfect teamwork and won a luxurious breakfast gift set, with the option to enjoy it in a private garden. Pranav strutted over like a peacock displaying its feathers, inviting me.
"Essence's triumphant smile faltered for a second, before she quickly put on a sweet, fake smile: ""Yeah, Alanna, you lost the game. Why don't you join us for breakfast instead?"" Comments: ""Look at that, Essence showing grace. Not like some people who can't even share a room."" ""Essence 1, Alanna 0."" ""Guess some people just don't know how to lose with dignity.""
"
"You must have a serious misunderstanding of grace."
"I reasonably suspect they're involved. After all, people who regularly have breakfast together have that much chemistry."
"Are Essence's fans sore losers? We—don't care about the food."
Without thinking, I refused.
Essence's smile stiffened, and Pranav leaned in, lowering his voice:
"Alanna, you should know when to back down."
"Don't think just because Alastair's backing you, you can act all arrogant. When he gets tired of you and comes back to me, it will be too late."
Alastair pulled me behind him. "Pranav, please don't concern yourself with our matters. You might want to focus on running your own company." Pranav, clearly annoyed, shot me a glare before turning and leaving with Essence.
Team B took second place, earning two beautifully prepared low-fat breakfasts, just as they had hoped.
Then, it was Alastair's and my turn to face the penalty: chugging a glass of kale smoothie.
I brought the glass to my lips and took a sip, the taste hit me like a summer heatwave—like a fermented, sour smell straight from an old man's armpit, sending a wave of nausea to my head.
Alastair took my cup, tilted his head back, and gulped it down.
I Janeted at him, horrified. "You don't think it tastes bad?"
Alastair wiped his mouth and, after holding it in for a while, said two words:
"It's fine."
The comments erupted: "LOL, men can't say 'it's fine'."
"Why does it feel like the neighbors are having a feast, while I somehow find this kale smoothie sweeter?"
"Did anyone notice they're using the same cup? Isn't that a form of indirect kissing?"
"Must count."
After breakfast, the production team arranged for a wave surfing challenge.
Everyone appeared in swimsuits, a sea of white skin, hormones everywhere, and the fans were ecstatic, shouting messages to their idols.
The camera panned to me, and the comments froze for a moment. Someone silently commented:
"This swimsuit is so boring, it covers everything from the neck down to the ankles."
"So dramatic. If you're afraid of showing anything, then don't come out and put on a show."
"What swimsuit people wear is their freedom, don't be so bitter, or you might get breast cysts."
"Dying of laughter, what kind of look was that from Alastair? What, is he worried she's gonna catch a cold?"
Mya dashed up to me, her eyes sparkling. "Alanna, this swimsuit is amazing! The sun protection is top-notch, I'll wear one like this next time." Essence stood beside Pranav, and from my angle, I could see the mocking expression on her face. Her innocent, captivating eyes hid a trace of malice. Once everyone gathered, the instructor began explaining surfing techniques.
The men seemed to have a natural passion for sports. After the coach finished his instructions, Yvonne couldn't wait to hit the water. He adjusted his position, half-kneeled on the board, and when the wake formed a slope, he rose with the wave. However, his balance wasn't quite right, and his body suddenly tilted backward. He tumbled into the sea.
The lifeguard quickly entered the water, but Yvonne dove in with a loud cry, "Don't come over, don't come over!" The lifeguard, thinking there was an emergency, rushed to him and pulled him up.
The next second, his bare white backside appeared on the screen.
Before I could react, Alastair covered my eyes.
There were girls screaming and boys laughing uproariously.
Live chat was full of laughter:
"Yvonne is definitely going to get soaked today."
"Wait, how big were his swim trunks? One wave actually swept them off?"
"You can feel the second-hand embarrassment through the screen."
"Who knew his wetsuit would be so foresighted?"
Yvonne, now wearing a new pair of swim trunks, sat defeated like a rooster in the corner.
After the netizens laughed enough, they inexplicably Janetted to feel sorry for him and began sending comments to comfort him.
Once Alastair finished his challenge, it was my turn to take the stage.
"Don't be nervous. If you can't stand up, just lie on the board."
I gave him a small smile and took the board into the water.
Coach: "First, adjust yourself. Right."
"Let go of the board, raise your hands, and go."
"Look to the right, slide outward."
"Very good, steady. Now, relax your back hand."
I followed the coach's instructions and slowly stood up.
Live chat was buzzing: "Her core strength is amazing."
"Her first time surfing, and she's so steady—she's really talented."
"It's all for the show, you don't know how many times she probably fell off camera."
"Pfft, why is it so hard to admit others are talented?"
I slowly let go of the rope, trying hard to keep my balance.
But the next second, the surfboard suddenly snapped.
I lost my balance, fell into the water, and the rope got tangled around my feet. I couldn't move as the waves slapped me several times, and I collided with the board that had been swept by the waves.
I was knocked out cold and didn't know what happened.
