Chapter 32: An Unforeseen Catch

What’s up with the person on Xu Hao’s back? A hunted prey?

As the scene finally stabilized, the live chat exploded with comments.

Especially Xu Hao’s fans.

Xu Hao had been gone for nearly half a day, leaving fans both anxious and hopeful for some food, yet he returned carrying a person.

“Definitely not prey!”

“Why not?”

“Cannibalism is a crime.”

“Uh…”

“Wait, I just want to know—where did this person come from? Weren’t all outsiders cleared from the challenge area except us challengers? If he’s not prey, quickly contact the Production Team!”

“Makes sense. With light rain starting in the Tengli Desert, Xu Hao carrying this person is extra taxing.”

“Exactly, @Official immediately!”

Shot from a helicopter, the camera showed Xu Hao’s carried passenger lying prone, making it hard for viewers to see his face. Many of Xu Hao’s fans quickly @ mentioned the officials.

Little did they know, the Tianchen Culture headquarters were just as baffled as the audience.

It wasn’t until a staff member quietly reminded Operations Manager Liu Qing that he snapped back. “Who is this person?”

“Manager Liu, after zooming in carefully, we identified that the person Xu Hao is carrying is none other than Long Kingdom challenger Zhu Qiang.”

The staff member hurriedly explained.

“Zhu Qiang? How did he end up with Xu Hao?”

“Boss, Zhu Qiang left his area this morning in search of food. With few fans watching him, no one paid much attention. They must have bumped into Xu Hao since their challenge zones are only ten kilometers apart.”

“Zhu Qiang doesn’t seem to be doing well!”

Liu Qing’s brow furrowed.

Xu Hao really is something else – while others hunt animals, he goes and picks up a fellow challenger. Ever since survival shows hit the screens, nothing like this has ever happened.

Did he break any challenge rules?

Not really!

The rules don’t say you can’t hunt a challenger when outside the designated area.

“Boss, by our estimates, Zhu Qiang likely fainted from hypoglycemia. In three days, he’s only managed to roast two desert lizards and three desert scorpions, and after trekking so far, Xu Hao is clearly trying to help him.”

The staff member continued.

“Hypoglycemia fainting? Did he hit the exit button?”

“No!”

Liu Qing let out a barely noticeable sigh of relief.

Just as Liu Qing was about to ask another question, a young lady in tight work clothes hurried to the large screen.

“Manager Liu, Manager Liu!”

“What’s up?”

Liu Qing turned around.

“Manager Liu, viewers in the live stream are demanding that our rescue team go fetch him, saying Xu Hao’s energy shouldn’t be wasted carrying this person.”

“Fetch him? Alright, I’ll consult with Yang Yuan and see what we can do!”

After a moment’s thought, Liu Qing hesitated to decide.

“Okay!”

A few minutes later, Liu Qing found himself standing before Yang Yuan’s desk.

“So you’re saying Xu Hao went out looking for food and ended up returning with a challenger?”

Yang Yuan was momentarily stunned.

“Yes, it’s that very Zhu Qiang who was already on the verge of collapse. Now, Xu Hao’s fans are all urging us to bring Zhu Qiang back so as not to drain Xu Hao further.”

“Is Zhu Qiang badly hurt?”

“He doesn’t seem too severe. As long as Xu Hao gives him some food, he should recover. But if Xu Hao hadn’t bumped into him, Zhu Qiang might have been in serious trouble!”

Liu Qing murmured quietly.

On second thought, this incident actually helped the Production Team. Although organizers aren’t liable for incidents outside the challenge area, public opinion would certainly be harsh.

“Who exactly is Zhu Qiang?”

Yang Yuan flicked a cigar ash and added,

“Zhu Qiang studied International Business at the prestigious Cambridge University in Y Country. Fatefully, he attended an outdoor survival camp and fell in love with wilderness challenges—he’s even earned the nickname ‘Lord Bei of the Wild’ among the people.”

After a moment’s thought, Liu Qing replied,

“A top economics student turning to survival challenges is unusual. What about his background?”

“His parents are ordinary citizens; he earned his way abroad on his own merit.”

“Understood! In that case, let Zhu Qiang drain some of Xu Hao’s food reserves. Xu Hao can manage alone, but feeding two is another matter!”

Yang Yuan flicked his cigar ash with a cold, aloof glance.

“Letting this slide? But the rules forbid challengers from teaming up. And if Zhu Qiang helps Xu Hao win, does that mean we’ll have to pay an extra five million bonus?”

Liu Qing was taken aback for a moment.

He had thought about that possibility but quickly dismissed it.

“Does this break the rules? Not at all! The rules clearly state that only one challenger counts per zone. Once Zhu Qiang enters Xu Hao’s zone, he automatically forfeits his eligibility. We won’t pay him any bonus.

For Xu Hao, Zhu Qiang is just ‘prey’ he can deal with himself.

Besides, you needn’t worry about them winning because resources in any zone are limited.

Yang Yuan raised an eyebrow at Liu Qing.

“The rules say that, but what if Xu Hao finds Zhu Qiang to be a burden and drops him?”

“Then we’ll find an excuse to fetch Zhu Qiang after the continuous rain. Besides, ten days will drain half of Xu Hao’s food reserves.”

“That might just work.”

“Sometimes you have to think smart—otherwise, how would Xu Hao drop out of the challenge?”

“Understood, Boss. I’ll announce it now.”

“Do it!”

Moments later…

After Liu Qing left, Yang Yuan extinguished his cigar and slowly leaned back in his boss chair.

“Heh heh heh, why pick up a challenger on the verge of collapse? Truly, luck favors me!”

A few minutes later, as the official announcement outlining the events and final decision was broadcast, the live chat erupted once more.

“The person on Xu Hao’s back is challenger Zhu Qiang?”

“This is outrageous!”

“What do they mean by ‘official’? Has Zhu Qiang really become Xu Hao’s ‘prey’? Does that mean Xu Hao has to look after him? Even if Zhu Qiang opts out, it will be after ten days?”

“Feels like it’s all targeted at Xu Hao.”

“Exactly. The officials even stated that Zhu Qiang lost his eligibility once he entered Xu Hao’s zone. So why has he been left with Xu Hao?”

“It’s like forcibly binding him to Xu Hao.”

“Actually, that’s how the challenge rules work. No one had ever done it before, and while the Production Team’s approach is effective, it’s a bit harsh.”

“Wish Xu Hao hadn’t picked up Zhu Qiang in the first place.”

“To be fair, Xu Hao is kind-hearted. How could he just leave someone to die?”

“We’re all from Long Kingdom – saving someone is the right thing. Honestly, I used to be just a bystander, but from now on, I’m a die-hard fan of Xu Hao. No one can stop me.”

“Same here – from bystander to fan!”

“Add one!”

“This just puts Xu Hao in an even tougher spot.”

“Now all eyes are on how Xu Hao will handle this.”

As minutes passed and viewers refocused on Xu Hao’s live feed, he was seen sliding down the sand slope carrying Zhu Qiang, arriving at the gate of a small courtyard.

By then, the rain had grown heavier, soaking both of them completely.