After spending the night together, Yu Shiqing and Jiang Yu parted ways downstairs and flew off in different directions. Four days later, they met again at the airport to film the variety show.
As soon as Yu Shiqing got out of the car, he saw Jiang Yu, who was also stepping out with the suitcase they shared. The moment Jiang Yu spotted him, he quickly walked over and, before even standing still, reached out and pulled him into a tight hug.
Yu Shiqing smiled and returned the embrace.
“I missed you,” Jiang Yu whispered into his ear. “Did you miss me?”
Yu Shiqing turned to look at him and gently replied, “I did.”
Jiang Yu smiled.
But before he could say anything more, Ren Bai, who was standing beside them, suddenly raised his fist to his lips and cleared his throat loudly, using all his strength to get their attention.
He gritted his teeth and reminded them, “Hey, guys, can you be more aware of the setting? Hugging like that in a public place, what if paparazzi take pictures?”
“So, what if they do?” Jiang Yu was still looking at Yu Shiqing. “Even if I lose my job, I can still support you.”
Although he said that, he still let go and took a half-step back.
Ren Bai let out a long breath. He knew Jiang Yu meant what he said and had the means to back it up. That was exactly what scared him so much.
Thankfully, neither of them had completely lost their minds to love and were still careful not to ruin their bright futures.
Seeing them take a step apart, Ren Bai chose to ignore Jiang Yu’s bold (and slightly terrifying) declaration and made a final weak attempt to reason with them:
“Be careful while filming too. It’s the last episode keep it low-key, calm, and simple.”
Meng Chen, who had just gotten out of the car, overheard him and asked curiously, “Ren-ge, what are you talking about? Isn’t variety more fun with flashy moments?”
Ren Bai’s mouth twitched. These two were already too dazzling. If they didn’t tone it down, fans would probably storm the livestream demanding a wedding scene. His heart couldn’t take it.
As for the reason, he didn’t explain it to Meng Chen. The fewer people who knew about Yu Shiqing and Jiang Yu’s relationship, the safer it would be.
“Oh right, the location for this episode was chosen by the guests, right?” Ren Bai remembered and felt slightly relieved. “Perfect, you all can relax a bit.”
More importantly, he could relax. With no forced groupings or tasks planned by the crew, Yu Shiqing and Jiang Yu wouldn’t draw much attention. Even if they were alone together, the audience was already used to their casual closeness and wouldn’t think too much of it.
As long as there were no unexpected twists during missions, they’d avoid giving editors juicy footage, fans emotional fuel, and gossip platforms a field day.
Now that the guests could decide how to travel themselves, Ren Bai doubted the production team could stir up much trouble.
After saying goodbye to Ren Bai, Yu Shiqing and Jiang Yu boarded the plane together.
For the final episode of A Journey on a Whim, the crew gave the guests lots of freedom. Everything from the destination to the content had already been discussed in the group chat two weeks earlier. But since everyone had been busy, the rest of the guests handled most of the planning.
The final destination was a remote village surrounded by mountains and water. Far from the city’s steel and concrete, it was full of natural charm. The locals lived self-sufficiently, making it the perfect place to experience an unplugged, peaceful life.
After landing, staff came to pick them up. But the journey this time took much longer than usual. After getting off the main highway, they had to cross hills, sail across a river, and finally ride in electric open tricycles arranged by the crew to reach the meeting spot.
When they arrived, Wei Yuanju was already there, chatting with Su Yayi under a shaded canopy while waving a fan. Wu Luo and Zhu Yulan were also around, looking around the area.
When they saw Yu Shiqing and Jiang Yu, they stood up right away and alerted the others.
The group gathered together. Not long after, Ji Chen and Xi Mingjie also arrived.
Since there were no tasks this episode, they headed to their accommodations right after assembling.
The livestream had already started.
While chatting with Su Yayi, Wei Yuanju explained to the viewers that this episode finally aligned with the show’s original theme: a true vacation. Even the outing plans for the next two days had to be made individually.
After arriving at their lodgings, they put down their luggage and gathered around a stone table in the courtyard to discuss how to spend the next two days.
Wei Yuanju and Ji Chen were the most enthusiastic. They’d been doing hard labor for most of the show, so this was a rare opportunity for them to relax. They cherished it.
Since they were clearly well-prepared and familiar with the local attractions, Yu Shiqing and Jiang Yu didn’t join the discussion much.
Su Yayi and Wu Luo went to check out the nearby restaurants to prepare dinner.
By the time Ji Chen and Wei Yuanju finished planning the schedule, the others returned carrying takeout.
After nearly half a day of travel, everyone ate and then reviewed the itinerary before heading to their rooms to rest.
The crew had rented two adjacent courtyards from local villagers, each with three rooms. No one had to assign rooms everyone already assumed Yu Shiqing and Jiang Yu would share one.
So, Yu Shiqing picked up their suitcase and checked in with Jiang Yu.
Their room didn’t have a private bathroom, the only washroom was outside in the courtyard, and all eight of them had to take turns using it.
After taking turns washing up, night had already fallen.
The place didn’t have good soundproofing, so they could still hear the others making noise nearby.
Jiang Yu covered the camera, turned off his mic, and got into bed.
Hearing the movement, he reached out, hugged Yu Shiqing’s waist, and whispered, “Kiss me.”
It had been four days since they last saw each other. And with people always around, they finally had a moment alone.
Yu Shiqing was about to turn off the light and hadn’t even turned around when Jiang Yu continued impatiently, “Or I’ll kiss you.”
He braced himself with one arm, leaned in, and pressed his lips to Yu Shiqing’s.
Yu Shiqing placed one hand on the back of Jiang Yu’s head, fingers running through his short black hair. Jiang Yu wrapped an arm around his shoulders and pulled him back onto the bed.
Yu Shiqing propped his elbow on the pillow and looked down at him. “Don’t move around.”
Jiang Yu leaned in again and whispered against his lips, voice low and full of teasing, “As long as we don’t make noise, no one will know.”
Just as he said that, there was a knock at the door.
“Yu-ge, Jiang-ge, are you asleep?”
Jiang Yu’s face darkened, and he glanced at the door.
Yu Shiqing said, “Let go?”
Jiang Yu reluctantly pulled away, and Yu Shiqing got up to answer the door.
Ji Chen stood there and, seeing the camera covered, didn’t bother with small talk. He handed over bottled water.
“There’s no drinking water here. Su Yayi bought some. Drink if you’re thirsty at night.”
Yu Shiqing took it. “Thanks.”
“No problem! Rest early then. I’ll head back.”
After Ji Chen left, Yu Shiqing shut the door and returned to bed.
Seeing that Jiang Yu was about to pounce again, he pulled him into his arms first, holding down his restless hands. “You should sleep.”
Jiang Yu didn’t resist and instead hugged him back. “You forgot something.”
Yu Shiqing chuckled, kissed him lightly on the lips, and asked, “Satisfied?”
Jiang Yu smiled with contentment. “Barely.”
Then, nestled in the warmth of his arms, he closed his eyes. “Good night.”
Yu Shiqing gently brushed a faint shadow under Jiang Yu’s eyes with his thumb, then closed his own eyes. “Good night.”
The next morning, everyone woke up in turn, followed the planned schedule for sightseeing, and returned home to rest at dusk.
After dinner, Su Yayi glanced at the sky and said, “We’re not sleepy anyway. How about a game to pass the time?”
Ji Chen was curious. “What game?”
“I don’t really know,” Su Yayi looked around, “What do friends usually play together?”
“Poker?”
“No poker.”
“Mahjong?”
“No mahjong either.”
Ji Chen: “……”
Wu Luo raised her hand: “Truth or Dare?”
Su Yayi’s eyes lit up. “That works!”
The viewers immediately perked up.
So did Ren Bai, watching from afar he sat up straight in bed.
Truth or Dare? That doesn’t sound like an innocent game at all!
