Chapter 69
"Mandatory teams?" Michael Johnson's icy glare at the director could have frozen the entire set.
The live comments exploded:
[The director's stirring up drama!]
[Michael, just walk out! This show isn't worth it!]
[Did the production team take bribes from that fake sweetheart Lily?]
Daniel Miller subtly took a step back, wary of Michael's infamous temper. Everyone knew the top-tier celebrity had no qualms about calling out even the investors.
To everyone's surprise, Michael suddenly smirked. "Fine. I choose Olivia Davis."
"Huh?" Daniel blinked. This wasn’t the script he’d anticipated.
The director, fearing Michael might change his mind, immediately declared, "It's settled! Daniel and Lily Green will be a team."
Lily bit her lip hard, nails digging into her palms. She never expected Michael to pick a rookie over her.
"Looking forward to working with you, Daniel," she forced a sweet smile, though internally, she cursed everyone present.
Daniel gave a strained chuckle, already dreading the inevitable chaos Lily would bring.
As the teams finalized, two instructors in tactical gear stepped forward.
"Victor Stone," the stoic one introduced curtly.
"Hank Cooper," the other added with a grin. "For the next seven days, you'll follow us through this uninhabited island."
While the others changed into their gear, Lucy White sat on a rock, sketching something intently.
"Drawing a talisman?" Ethan Smith appeared behind her without warning.
Without looking up, Lucy replied, "Cooling talisman. Want to try?"
The moment Ethan took the slip of paper, his pupils contracted. The stifling heat instantly gave way to a refreshing coolness, even his tactical gear no longer clinging uncomfortably.
"Effective," he remarked casually, pocketing the talisman.
Daniel, now in his gear, caught the exchange.
"Lucy, are these for sale?" He dramatically fanned himself. "This heat is unbearable!"
Lucy tossed him one. "Keep it."
"Holy—!" Daniel swore the second he held it. "This is insane! It's like carrying an AC!"
Robert Lee skeptically edged closer. "Really that good?"
Three seconds later, the tough actor’s composure shattered. "Lucy, this talisman... is next-level!"
The live feed flooded with disbelief:
[Scripted much?]
[The producers are shamelessly pushing Lucy now?]
[Even Ethan, Daniel, and Robert are in on this act?]
Lily lingered at the fringe, watching Lucy bask in the spotlight, her eyes darkening with resentment.
"Move out," Victor’s stern voice cut through the chatter.
Lucy folded her last talisman, her gaze lingering on the dense jungle ahead.
The real challenge had only just begun.