Chapter 156

Inside the airplane cabin, Michael Johnson glared at the two figures seated side by side in front of him, grinding his teeth in frustration.

That damn fox, Ethan Smith! he cursed inwardly.

Every single time, Ethan somehow managed to secure the seat next to Lucy White. Who would believe he wasn’t pulling strings?

In the front row, Lucy turned slightly toward the man beside her. "Mr. Smith, have you been to Heritage Mountain before?"

Ethan’s lips curved faintly. "I’ve visited the Calligraphy Pavilion to meet a master calligrapher." He paused. "It’s a place that would suit you."

Lucy’s eyes brightened. "You seem to know me well?"

"Remove the 'seem,'" Ethan murmured with a low chuckle, his warm breath brushing her ear.

Her ears tinged pink, her pulse quickening. "Why do you know me so well?"

Ethan leaned closer, his voice a deep whisper. "A secret."

The subtle tension made Lucy instinctively pull back, only to catch the sly amusement flickering in his eyes.

"Ethan!"

"Hmm?"

"You’re doing this on purpose!"

He merely smiled, his long fingers lightly tucking a loose strand of her hair behind her ear.

The sight made Michael’s grip tighten on his armrest, nearly crushing it.

Damn fox! he seethed silently.

After landing, the production crew’s vehicles were already waiting.

Ethan swiftly loaded both his and Lucy’s luggage into the same car before turning to flash Michael a victorious smirk.

Michael: "..."

He turned and met Lily Green’s hopeful gaze. Without a word, he shoved past William Jones and scrambled into Robert Lee’s car.

William: "???"

Lily’s face paled, but she forced a smile and approached William. "Guess I’ll have to trouble you, Mr. Jones."

The live comments exploded:

[Poor Lily!]

[Michael is so rude!]

[Serves her right after all her antics.]

William maintained a polite smile before closing his eyes for the entire ride, offering zero conversation.

Three hours later, the convoy arrived at the quaint town nestled at the foot of Heritage Mountain.

Traditional wooden structures lined the slopes, connected by winding cobblestone paths, the air sweet with floral notes.

When the director announced the rules, everyone groaned in unison.

"Making us fend for our own meals again?"

"Director, you’re inhuman!"

The director grinned. "It’s the best way to immerse in traditional culture!"

Robert suddenly raised his hand. "How are teams divided this time? I want to be with Lucy!"

"Same here!" the others chimed in.

Michael immediately planted himself beside Lucy, staking his claim.

Ethan said nothing, merely casting an amused glance at the director.

The director wiped his brow. This cast is impossible.