Chapter 378: The Green Hills Remain, and the Waters Flow On!

Zhao Youcheng was the first to accept the situation. After all, he had experienced his fair share of highs and lows. The reason he joined this show in the first place was to witness Wang Yun’s abilities firsthand. He had been eager for the challenge, wanting to experience the thrill himself.

But now, with Wang Yun seriously injured, even if they managed to catch him, it wouldn’t feel like a true victory. There was no satisfaction in defeating someone who wasn’t at their full strength. It was better to wait until he had fully recovered.

Director Li nodded firmly. “We will definitely work together again.”

He then turned to the other program inspection captains. “Rest assured, the show isn’t ending permanently. You all have a month to regroup and adjust. Someone will be in touch regarding follow-up contracts. For now, I look forward to seeing you next season.”

His tone was official, but no one here was naive. The difference in wording between what he had just told Zhao Youcheng and what he told the rest of them wasn’t lost on anyone.

With Zhao Youcheng, Director Li had said, “We will definitely work together again.”

With them, he had only said, “I look forward to seeing you next season.”

Simple words, but the implications were vastly different.

“This is too sudden,” someone muttered.

“I just joined the show, and I’ve barely been here longer than Captain Zhao! Now we’re already leaving?”

“You think that’s bad? At least Captain Joseph got to chase Wang Yun in a high-speed pursuit. The rest of us just embarrassed ourselves.”

“I’m gonna get chewed out when I get back home,” groaned Captain Bayim from the Oil Country, looking utterly defeated.

When he first joined the show, he had made some reckless moves that caused chaos. He thought he would have a chance to make up for it, to redeem himself by playing a role in capturing Wang Yun. 

But now? That chance was gone. Worse yet, his team had previously kidnapped Xiao Yanran, which meant there was no way the program would invite them back for the next season.

Realizing this, Bayim and his team looked utterly dejected.

All around them, mixed emotions filled the air. Some captains felt frustrated, others disappointed. The sense of unfinished business weighed on them.

Hardy, who was usually the most talkative among them, found himself at a loss for words. Even Wu Mingyu, the one who had always maintained order, looked around at the group and saw the same expression on everyone’s face. 

Unwillingness. They wanted to capture Wang Yun. They wanted another chance.

But the season was ending. They were being sent home. And worst of all, they had no idea if they would be called back for the next one.

Just as the atmosphere grew heavier, Qian Guosen cleared his throat.

“Alright, alright. Let’s not mope around. It’s only a month,” he said lightly. “Think of it as a vacation. We’ve been going non-stop, shouldn’t we be happy about getting a break?”

His words broke the tension.

Some of the captains looked up, considering it. He wasn’t wrong.

Wu Yaoming cracked a grin. “You know what? Captain Qian’s right. We’ve been running ourselves into the ground. It’s time to rest, recharge, and prepare. In one month, we will capture Wang Yun.”

He clenched his fists dramatically, making a vow.

Ying Yuezi chuckled at his theatrics. “Well, then. Let’s clean up and see each other next month.”

With that, she turned to put down her food tray, signaling that it was time to move on.

Wu Mingyu clapped a hand on Zhao Youcheng’s shoulder and grinned. “Then let’s part ways with a classic saying. The green hills remain, and the waters will flow on.”

Zhao Youcheng nodded, extending his hand for a handshake. “It’s been a pleasure. See you next month.”

Wu Mingyu clasped his hand firmly. “Likewise. Keep up the fight, see you soon.”

And just like that, the atmosphere shifted. The program captains began saying their goodbyes, one by one.

After spending a month together, working side by side, competing, and chasing after the same goal, there was a bond between them. Even if they had been opponents, they had developed a certain camaraderie.

For the captains, it wasn’t too bad. They had careers outside of the show—many were professional fighters, athletic trainers, or experts in their fields. When they returned home, they still had stable jobs waiting for them.

But for the ordinary program inspectors, it was different.

For them, this show was a golden opportunity. The popularity of the show meant that being seen—even just a few times—could lead to bigger opportunities. Some had hoped to gain a following, maybe even become influencers or minor celebrities.

And now?

Now, they were being sent home, uncertain if they’d ever return.

For some, it was the end of a dream before it had even started.

In the crowd, faint sounds of sobbing could be heard.