Chapter 284: Wang Yun’s Team Shrinks Again!

Wang Yun fell silent.

Xiao Gang’s eyes reddened slightly. He had been with Wang Zi the longest. Ever since they parted ways with Wang Yun, he had stayed with Wang Zi, Old Song, and the others. But now Old Song had sacrificed himself, another teammate had quit, and it was just him and Wang Zi left.

“You idiot, why didn’t you say anything when your hand was hurt?” Xiao Gang scolded, his voice cracking. “You tried to tough it out, knowing we’d be walking into poisonous mist. You’re just making things harder for us!”

His voice was hoarse as he looked down, angry yet full of concern for Wang Zi. It wasn’t hard to see how much he cared.

After a moment of silence, Wang Yun spoke up, having made his decision. 

“Xiao Gang, take Wang Zi and get out of here.”

Wang Yun knew this wasn’t the time for hesitation. He needed his teammates by his side, especially now, but Wang Zi’s condition was worsening. He needed proper medical treatment, the kind only a professional team could provide.

Although Wang Yun was skilled in medicine, he was practically helpless without the right tools or medication. The dangers of the surrounding mountains and the vastness of the terrain only added to the challenge. Looking for herbs in this place would take too long. 

Sending Wang Zi out for treatment was the best option.

Xiao Gang looked up in surprise. “Boss, what do you mean?”

Wang Yun nodded firmly, “For Wang Zi’s life, and for the sake of our brotherhood.” Of course, I want him to survive.”

The implication was clear. They should turn themselves in. It was better than losing their lives, after all this was supposed to be a show.

When Brother Hu heard Wang Yun’s words, he glanced at Xiao Gang, his nose tingling with emotion.  

“If you’re hesitating, let me do it,” Brother Hu offered solemnly.  

For the first time, Xiao Gang looked up, feeling utterly helpless. It wasn’t that they were out of options, nor were they on the verge of being caught.  It was just… that Wang Zi was their brother, too.  

Tears slipped unexpectedly from Xiao Gang’s eyes. He finally nodded with determination.  

“Alright, I’ll do it.”  

That simple “I’ll do it” carried the weight of his respect for their leader and his sense of responsibility for his brother’s life.  A trade—one life for another.  

Xiao Gang was willing to surrender himself to ensure Wang Zi’s safety.  

It was worth it.  

Wang Yun quickly bandaged Wang Zi, stopping the bleeding for now. Then, he hoisted Wang Zi onto Xiao Gang’s back, securing him in place.  

“In the next life, we’ll still be brothers,” Wang Yun said, his voice tight with emotion as he looked at Xiao Gang’s reluctant face.  

He didn’t want to let them go, but what choice did he have?  

Xiao Gang nodded, “Yes, brothers for life!”  

With that, Xiao Gang shifted Wang Zi’s weight, looked back one last time at Wang Yun and Brother Hu, and said, “Keep going, with my spirit.”  

Then, he turned and walked away. His silhouette radiated strength and determination.  

“Don’t worry, I will,” Wang Yun thought to himself as he watched Xiao Gang’s retreating figure.

Brother Hu wiped his face and turned away. It was unclear if he was holding back tears or simply unable to face the moment.  

Wang Yun didn’t look at him.  

At that moment, the audience watching the livestream was filled with sorrow. Messages flooded the screen, most of them paired with crying emojis.  

“I can’t take it anymore! I know this is just a show, but why do I still want to cry?”  

“Wang Zi is so touching! I thought he was a burden when he fainted, but who knew he was quietly enduring the pain!”  

“His hand must hurt so much! XiaoGang’s arm was unbearably itchy just from being exposed to the air, and Prince’s palm was injured on top of that!” 

“I can relate. I once got scratched in a tropical jungle and had to go to the hospital for disinfection. The pain from the disinfectant alone was unbearable—imagine dealing with poison!”  

“My heart aches! Xiao Gang is willing to turn himself in for his brother! His life is basically over!”  

“I’m feeling so conflicted right now. Even my favorite spicy hotpot has lost its flavor. Xiaogang and Wang Zi, such good brothers!”

The viewers’ reactions were intense.  They were completely absorbed as if watching their own brothers march to their deaths. Surrendering felt like certain doom, but for the sake of their brothers’ safety, there was no other choice. They had to sacrifice themselves.

One for one—what’s the difference?  

Freedom means nothing when life is on the line. Only by surviving is there any hope left.

The livestream audience was fully immersed, their emotions raw and overwhelming. No one could calm down.

Many viewers teared up behind their phones as if they were truly sharing in the characters’ emotions.  

This was an accident, the kind of accident no one could have foreseen or prevented.  

***

The scene cut back to Wang Yun’s perspective.  

With Wang Zi and Xiao Gang gone, only Brother Hu remained by Wang Yun’s side.  

Suddenly, the small team fell silent. No one was there to joke around with Brother Hu anymore, no more playful teasing or light-hearted banter. And there was no longer that quiet, unassuming presence who always did more than his share of work without complaint.  

“Let’s go, we’ll take a break up ahead,” Wang Yun broke the silence

The two walked to the spot they had noticed earlier.  

The area in front of them was a small clearing. Earlier, Wang Yun had thought it seemed too cramped, but now that it was just the two of them, it felt spacious enough.  

“I’ll set up the tent.”  

Without saying a word, Brother Hu pulled out the compressed tent from his bag. These were the kinds of tasks Xiao Gang and Wang Zi used to handle, but now it was up to him.  

Once the tent was set up, Brother Hu was about to go look for something to eat when Wang Yun stopped him.  

“No need to search. There’s too much poison gas around here. Even the things that were safe to eat are probably contaminated now. Just grab the instant food. Once we finish, someone will come to restock us.”  

Wang Yun’s eyes flickered with a cold, sharp glint as he spoke.