Chapter 2: Lights, Camera, Survival!

Chapter 2: Lights, Camera, Survival!

Sian glanced at the man who was waving at him, his gaze filled with blatant mockery. He laughed with his companions.

Honestly, he didn't mind being called a child. He had seen his reflection through a car window before. With his smooth, slender face, large round amber eyes, and long, silky black hair...

Forget about adolescence; this face looked like that of a child. Furthermore, such foolish provocation wouldn't even make Xian blink. He had lived a terrifying life, witnessed many life-threatening situations, and faced countless hardships. Words like those seemed more like child's play than an insult.

"Don't listen to them, don't let their words or actions provoke you. Try to stay calm; the live broadcast will start soon," Director Su whispered in Sian's ear with concern.

She had seen the temperament of her star; he was fiery and volatile. Although he was quiet and calm most of the time, once he got angry, he acted like a rabid dog, ready to bite anyone in his path.

At that very moment, the film crew approached Xian and asked if they could attach a small camera to his shirt since the show was about to begin.

"This show was originally very popular because of its realism. It's not like those shows where participants can memorize scripts and act accordingly. That's what makes it unique. It doesn't just use small flying cameras to capture every shot, but there's also a special camera that follows each participant individually, so the audience can choose which participant they want to watch and follow."

"Each participant is equipped with small cameras that are precisely attached to their clothes, allowing the technical team to easily switch between angles. When the flying cameras can't keep up, or during exciting moments that deserve to be seen up close, the audience can instantly switch to a more detailed view."

After the miniature cameras were placed on all the participants, Director Han called them all to gather.

"Hello, everyone. I'm Director Han, and I'm overseeing this variety show. " I'm sure everyone is familiar with the rules and regulations of this show, but I have to remind you. " So even if what I say seems boring, please pay attention," said Director Han with a serious expression. He was a man in his forties, with a light beard, black hair, and eyes. He didn't look too old, but he wasn't young either. He was an experienced director.

"The live broadcast will start the moment the helicopter takes off. For the next 30 days, you'll have to live in the forest on the outskirts of City B. Some of you may not know, but this is the largest forest we have, and it's extremely dangerous, with plants that could kill you."

"Everyone here must have signed the waiver agreement, which means that if any of you die, the program is not responsible."

At this, the twenty people standing in front of Director Han scowled. Of course, they were annoyed. The director's words were extremely provoking and unnecessary.

Although this show was about survival in nature and was broadcast for public enjoyment, it was an incredibly dangerous program. It is considered the most dangerous internationally, after global combat and death programs.

Of course, with its high risks came high rewards, but only for those who lasted the entire 30 days. If any participant left for any reason before that, their contract would be void, and they would receive only a small amount of money at most. However, the rewards for those who survived and stayed in the forest for the full month were massive—cash, villas, and for Olympians and various athletes, a three-year contract with any company or team of their choice.

While this prize might seem trivial, it was extraordinary. The idea of a relatively famous athlete joining the elite ranks as a reward was something close to fantasy.

In the few years this show had aired, fewer than ten people had won. Out of twenty participants each season, over the years, less than ten succeeded... Of course, no one had died yet, as the show had strict safety protocols, with a medical team on standby and well-trained rescue teams.

"There's no need to look at me like that. I'm just telling the truth. But there's no need to be too scared either. As everyone knows, no deaths have been reported on our show so far. " We provide the best protection for our valued participants," Director Han said, showing no fear for his life as he made such a heavy joke, especially in front of a crowd of muscular, strong individuals...

"Director, we need to start in ten minutes," said the assistant at hand, causing Director Han to wipe his smile and say one last time: "Anyway, here's what you need to do in the forest." First, you need to head to the house located in the middle of the forest. Each of you has a bag with some necessities. You must reach the cabin within two days. After reaching the cabin, you can either work as a team or individually to survive, hunt, and live—either way, it doesn't matter. Secondly, a survival expert will accompany you. He is a Korean named Kim Hyun, and he will help and guide you with anything you need. You can ask him anything."

A muscular man standing next to Director Han smiled and bowed his head to the group, saying: "It's a pleasure to meet you all. I hope we work together and get along well."

"Wow, do all men have muscles like this in this world?" Sian thought to himself, watching this man and all the surrounding others. Honestly, he envied these men for their large, healthy bodies.

In his previous life, he had been frail, even thinner than Sian was now. This was partly due to hunger, and partly because he had to fight and flee...

Well, nothing else matters... Ah, I remember now. The camera on your body will be turned off at 7 PM and turned back on at 6 AM. This is to maintain some privacy, but the cameras in the cabin and around it will remain on, so remember this and behave accordingly."

"This man has said so much, doesn't his throat hurt?" Sian thought as he followed the assistant to get his survival kit and go to his designated spot to begin the live broadcast. He had already made sure to weaken his aura and hide among the crowd, so no one paid him any attention or spoke to him.

After putting the bag on his back, he went to stand in his spot. He stood next to the man who had called him a child earlier.

"Oi, kid, where were you? I thought you ran off out of fear."

Sian ignored him and stood silently, hands in his jacket pockets. This was a survival show, so all participants were required to wear only black tracksuits. Sian was small and thin compared to the other participants, who were nearly two meters tall. He stood out the moment everyone took their spots.

With his long hair flowing over his shoulder, amber eyes glowing in the soft sunlight, a small white face, and a slightly reddened nose, perhaps from the cold—it was, after all, the beginning of winter.

The other participants looked Xian up and down, analyzing him and guessing which sport he played with such a slim body. It was natural for them to assume he was an athlete. After all, this was a show for athletes. Though not a rule, it was an unwritten one.

"Is everyone in position?" Director Han shouted, then looked at the twenty people who were standing in a large circle in the empty field.

"Clear out all unnecessary people and make space. Tell the pilot to get ready to start the helicopter. " We'll move exactly two minutes after the live broadcast begins," said Director Han without looking at the assistant beside him.

"Three—two—one."

"Action!"

...to be continued

-----------

Manager Su: "Hey, author, did you just make me vanish in the middle of the Chapter? I can't find any mention of me!"

The author with a smirk: "No, you're there, just in the deleted scene!"

------------

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***