Chapter 481: When You’re on the Run, Travel Light!

The moment of silence in the car made Xiao Gang and Old Hu exchange a glance from the back seat.

Worry was written all over their faces.

Those five seconds felt like an eternity for the three of them.

Then, Director Zhou’s voice burst out of the car’s speaker with a hearty laugh.

“Haha, what are you even saying? You already told me about this before. I agreed, I agreed! It was because of your request that we changed the rules for this season. If you weren’t my kid’s godfather, who else could pull off something like that, bringing people with you?”

His laughter immediately lifted the mood inside the car.

But the next thing he said sent them right back into serious contemplation.

“However, this season’s rules won’t be in your favor.”

Wang Yun chuckled.

“Not in my favor? Were they ever? Last season I was being chased nonstop by those inspectors, all using high-tech gear while I had absolutely nothing. I was like some caveman out there.”

He laughed as he spoke, brushing it off.

But Director Zhou didn’t laugh along. Instead, he let out a sigh.

“To be honest, I can’t tell you the rules right now. They’ll only be revealed on the day of the live broadcast. You’ll know then. But you’d better be mentally prepared. Since you’ve chosen to bring those two brothers of yours along, there’s going to be a price. That said, I believe in you. You’ll handle it. I heard you’re traveling right now, so I won’t take up your time. I’ve already sent you the flight info and bought your ticket. As for the other two, staff will be in touch with them directly.”

And with that, Director Zhou ended the call with no more pleasantries.

Everything they said on the phone was being recorded. They were keeping this season under absolute lock and key.

So anything off-topic had to stay off the line.

As soon as the call ended, Old Hu, being the impatient type, slammed his hand against the window in frustration.

Xiao Gang winced and shot him a glare. “Hey! Careful with the glass!”

“What did he mean, Boss?” Old Hu frowned. “That you’ll have to pay a price? That just doesn’t sound right.”

He stared at Wang Yun, who was focused on the road and looked entirely unfazed.

In fact, Wang Yun couldn’t be more relaxed. He’d already accumulated enough shock value to exchange for three skills.

And this was before the show even began.

Once they went live, he’d have even more cards to play. He was confident he’d be able to handle whatever the show threw at him.

“What are you so nervous for? I’m not panicking, why are you? I’ve already paid plenty. You heard what I said. No one’s splitting us up. I’ve worked hard to groom you two into reliable partners. I’m not throwing that away just because of some rule changes.”

His tone was light, but firm. There wasn’t even a hint of unease in his expression.

He didn’t look like a man about to begin another harrowing escape.

“But Boss…”

“Enough, Old Hu,” Xiao Gang cut in. “The emperor’s not even worried, and here you are sweating like a eunuch.”

Old Hu opened his mouth to protest, but held it in.

“Anyway,” Xiao Gang continued, “No matter how they change the rules, I’m not going to be a burden this time.”

His voice was full of resolve.

Even so, there was still a trace of guilt and anxiety in his eyes. Wang Yun had sacrificed too much for them already.

“Damn right! Same here!” Old Hu chimed in, grinning. “Boss, I’ll drive the next leg, get some rest.”

With that, the three of them changed topics and started chatting about anything and everything.

***

The next day, the group returned to Magic City.

This time, their plan was to depart straight from there.

Xiao Gang and Old Hu didn’t even go home.

As for Yangyang, she drove back on her own. It was a long, tiring trip, but she was capable and didn’t complain in the slightest.

Xiao Gang was worried, of course, but if he turned around now, they might not make it in time.

Their flight was that very night. They were flying straight to Lidao.

Lidao was a small island in a recently developed offshore region, similar to the one used in the previous season of the escape show. This time, however, it was located in the Northern Hemisphere. The climate was brutally cold all year round.

This season, the production team had rented out the entire island.

In other words, the whole escape would take place on Lidao.

At the moment, the three grown men were sprawled on the sofa in Wang Yun’s luxury apartment, each glued to their phone screens. They were trying to find anything about the show. But strangely enough, there was nothing.

No announcements. No teasers.

All they could find were posts from netizens asking when the show would return.

No replies. No leaks.

“Seriously, what is the production team even doing?” Old Hu muttered. “Why’s everything so secret this time?”

“Shouldn’t they be doing some pre-show promo by now? And what about the inspector candidates? Not a single name’s been leaked?”

He scoured the internet, but found nothing. It was as if the show didn’t exist.

He’d wanted to at least get a sense of who they’d be up against—know the enemy, know yourself.

But now? A complete information blackout.

Even Xiao Gang was frowning deeply as he scrolled through his phone.

Next to them sat a single suitcase.

That’s right—three men, one piece of luggage.

Packed simple and light. Inside was just a few essential tools. Not a single change of clothes. Everything they needed, they were already wearing.

After all, when you’re on the run…

You travel light.