Chapter 508: I Was Wrong, I Admit Defeat
Chapter 508: I Was Wrong, I Admit Defeat
"Don't you guys think Avril is amazing too? I mean, she's like the goddess right under Aurora!"
"Who made you the judge of celebrities anyway?"
Aurora and her team, who were on the move, had no clue that their offhand comment had ignited a heated debate in the livestream chat.
But even if they knew, they didn't have the time to deal with it right now.
Because they had a situation on their hands.
"Don't move! Everyone, stay right where you are!"
Giles shouted, his eyes fixed ahead, a hint of panic creeping into his voice.
Aurora's eyes narrowed as she sensed something was wrong. She spoke coldly, "What's going on? What happened?"
Giles didn't respond verbally. He just shifted slightly, giving Aurora and the others a clear view.
In the next second, Aurora's pupils contracted sharply. The usually calm and composed Aurora couldn't help but tremble.
On the roots of a banyan tree ahead, a massive python was coiled.
At a rough estimate, it was dozens of feet long, and its width was about as thick as Aurora's entire body.
This colossal creature was a king among snakes wherever it went.
"I didn't expect this guy to be here today. You all need to go! I'll cover the rear!"
Giles took a couple of drags from his cigarette, his eyes locked on the giant python, speaking with a calmness that belied the situation.
There was a faint hint of resignation in his tone.
The person covering the rear rarely survives, and Giles knew this well.
"What do we do?" Avril was terrified, her voice tinged with a sob. "Are we really going to leave Mr. Gibson here and run?"
Honestly, she couldn't bring herself to do it, but the situation was dire, and they couldn't afford to be reckless.
Seeing the conflict in Avril's eyes, Giles took a deep breath and spoke softly.
"It's okay. I'm old and single, with no attachments. Even if I die, it's fine."
He paused, a bitter smile tugging at his lips.
"It's just that our village is so poor and backward, lacking many medical facilities."
"If I die, could you help set up a couple more medical stations in the village?"
He was already giving his last words.
Aurora closed her eyes briefly, nodding heavily, her voice hoarse. "Thank you, Mr. Gibson."
"I will fulfill your last wish."
Now wasn't the time for heroics or sentimentality. The choice between everyone dying or just one person was clear.
Even if Aurora's heart ached, she knew what the rational choice was.
Meanwhile, the livestream audience had no idea what was happening, as the camera hadn't captured the giant python.
They continued their chatter.
"What's going on? Why did it suddenly get so serious? Did something happen?"
"I don't think so. This is a reality show. The production team wouldn't send them out unprepared, right?"
"Bet it's all scripted!"
...
Leonard and the production team, who had stayed behind, were getting increasingly anxious.
What was going on? Why did something feel off?
Finally, Leonard couldn't take it anymore. He stood up and walked over to the director.
"Eugene, I’m pulling the plug on this challenge. Get them back here immediately."
"Collecting herbs on a cliff is too dangerous. What if something happens?"
Eugene frowned, clearly reluctant.
The recent conflict and the herb-collecting challenge had skyrocketed the livestream's viewership.
The company had pushed a lot of trending topics, and ending it abruptly felt like a waste.
Leonard's eyes narrowed, instantly guessing Eugene's thoughts.
His gaze turned sharp, his words carrying an undeniable authority.
"Eugene, I don’t want to pull rank, but you should know that the actors' lives are far more important than the show's ratings, right?"
He was subtly reminding Eugene that he had the entire Brown family behind him.
Did Eugene want a moment of attention or to risk offending the entire Brown family?
Instantly, cold sweat broke out on Eugene's back. He forced a smile, speaking obsequiously.
"Yes, yes, Leonard, you're absolutely right. We overlooked these basic issues. It's our fault."
He could distinguish between temporary hype and long-term consequences.
Reluctantly, Eugene called over the production staff.
"Use the radio to contact Mr. Gibson's team. No need to find them. They win this task by default."
Before he could finish, a staff member came running, pale and drenched in sweat, stammering.
"Eugene, something's wrong."
Eugene's unease grew, and he quickly asked, "What happened? Speak clearly!"
The staff member, still shaken, spoke nervously.
"A snake, there's a huge snake over there."
Catching the key word, Leonard swiftly grabbed the staff member's camera.
He needed to see what was happening.
In the next second, Leonard's face turned pale.
On the screen, Aurora was gripping Avril's hand tightly, running in the opposite direction.
Giles stood in front, seemingly trying to help them escape.
Who could have guessed that as Aurora turned to flee, the giant python seemed to become aware.
It moved straight towards Aurora!
Even as Giles struck it with his hiking stick, it remained unfazed.
Seeing the python's gaping maw about to swallow them, Aurora used all her strength.
She pushed Avril aside, rolling down the cliff herself due to the momentum.
In the end, there was no end.
The camera was destroyed, leaving only a black screen, with Avril's heart-wrenching scream echoing.
"Help!"
Leonard's legs gave out, and he collapsed into the director's chair, murmuring softly.
"It's all my fault. I never should have suggested that challenge."