CHAPTER 338: WHAT DOES IT HAVE TO DO WITH YOU?

Morning sunlight streamed into the villa, accompanied by the noisy chatter coming from the kitchen. After last night's dinner, Bo Jingmo had informed them that the male participants would be preparing breakfast for the female participants this morning. Thus, the kitchen had been bustling since early dawn.

Tian Jianmu was somewhat skilled in cooking, often preparing meals for himself at home, so this task wasn't particularly challenging for him. However, Hou Liang and Hao Lan were completely out of their depth—these two young men had never set foot in a kitchen in their lives.

Hou Liang had originally planned to make noodles for Jiang Xi, but recalling the poisoned bowl from Bo Jingmo last night, he silently abandoned that idea. Seeing his troubled expression, Jiang Xi couldn't help but chuckle. Leaning against the kitchen doorframe, she reassured him, "It's fine, just steam some corn and eggs for me. As long as it fills me up."

Hou Liang's face flushed slightly. "Sorry, Xixi."

"No worries." Jiang Xi patted his shoulder playfully, blinking mischievously as she joked, "Just make sure to practice after we get back so you can make it up to me next time."

He nodded eagerly. "Definitely, I'll make it up to you properly."

Noticing this exchange, Hao Lan turned away with a bitter expression, looking pleadingly at Huang Ya. "Hey... um..."

Huang Ya sighed. "I won't make it difficult for you. Just steam me a sweet potato." After last night's ordeal, she felt immune to any culinary horror the world could throw at her.

Tian Jianmu generously added, "I made congee. We can all share it later."

Someone hesitantly asked, "Is that allowed? Won't it break the rules?"

At this, everyone's gaze subtly shifted toward the man standing nearby. He had been supervising them since morning. Hearing the question, the man merely glanced at them without objection, implying permission.

Hao Lan nearly wept with relief. "Thank goodness, I can finally eat something normal." His dramatic reaction drew laughter from the group.

However, Yu Jiao seemed distracted throughout. Sipping from her glass, she finally spoke up after a moment's hesitation. "Um... what about Yu Li? Don't you need to prepare breakfast for her?"

The man glanced at her and replied indifferently, "She's still resting. I'll make hers when she comes down."

Yu Jiao's movements faltered. This was strange. Bo Jingmo hadn't asked whether they'd eaten the noodles last night, nor did he seem to care what had happened to them. If he had poisoned the food, shouldn't he be concerned about whether it had worked? It didn't make sense. And... had Yu Li not eaten the noodles either?

Lost in thought, Yu Jiao suddenly felt a nudge on her arm. Turning, she found Jiang Xi sitting beside her, subtly gesturing. "Look, Bo Jingmo left."

Yu Jiao blinked. "Huh?" Following Jiang Xi's gaze, she saw the man who had just been standing there now walking out of the villa.

"After talking to you, his expression suddenly changed, and then he left," Jiang Xi explained.

Just like that? Yu Jiao traced the rim of her cup, thoughtfully watching Bo Jingmo's retreating figure, when Jiang Xi spoke again in a low voice.

"Also... Jianmu told me what you discussed last night. It seems... you might be right." Her tone was heavy. "I think my bias against Bo Jingmo was too strong. Maybe this instance isn't as simple as it seems."

Yu Jiao was taken aback. Wait, what did Jiang Xi's bias against Bo Jingmo have to do with her? Why was she being told this? Frowning, Yu Jiao sensed something off, but before she could respond, her attention was caught by a figure descending the stairs. She fell silent.

Yu Li yawned as she slowly made her way down, her eyelids drooping with lingering sleepiness. Ignoring the stares, she headed straight to the kitchen, poured herself a glass of water, and finally glanced up, nodding a greeting to those at the table. Her voice was slightly hoarse. "Morning."

The others returned the greeting. "Morning."

Hao Lan, noticing her fatigue, pulled out a chair. "Sit here. Didn't sleep well? Or are you sick?"

Yu Li gave a noncommittal "Mhm" and slumped into the chair, sipping her water lethargically. "Maybe the AC was too low. Got chilly at night."

Yu Jiao, recognizing the lie, studied Yu Li carefully.

Huang Ya, sitting across from her, pointed at the breakfast spread. "Want something to eat? It's all freshly steamed."

Yu Li propped her chin on her hand, scanning the food. "I heard the guys made this. All of it?"

At this, Jiang Xi's gaze flickered. She took a sip of milk before saying, "Bo Jingmo didn't make anything."

Yu Li raised an eyebrow. "He didn't?"

"He just left." Jiang Xi set down her glass, locking eyes with Yu Li. "But he cooked noodles last night. Did you know that?"

Yu Jiao tensed, glancing sideways at Jiang Xi.

Hao Lan, however, was shocked. "Noodles? How come I didn't know? Did you all eat without me?" They'd excluded him from a meal?

"No, we didn't eat them." Jiang Xi stared unblinkingly at Yu Li, her voice deliberate. "Because Bo Jingmo poisoned them."

The atmosphere instantly froze.

Yu Li tapped her fingers lightly on the table, silent. After a moment, she lazily lifted her gaze. "I know. He told me."

Jiang Xi narrowed her eyes. "Did he also tell you his identity?"

Yu Li chuckled, leaning back and crossing her arms. "So what? What's it to you? Even if I told you, would you believe me?"

Tian Jianmu suddenly interjected, rubbing his chin. "You could tell Yu Jiao. If she vouches for you, we'll believe it."

All eyes turned to Yu Jiao, who lowered her gaze, lost in thought.

Yu Li tilted her head, smiling. "Sure."

Yu Jiao looked up sharply.

With a grin, Yu Li continued, "Bo Jingmo told me there are other yao ghosts on this island—hybrids of tree spirits and demons. He also said he's actually the organizer of this show. The yao ghost killed him and has been trying to assimilate him. That rigged pairing yesterday was the yao ghost's doing. It even ordered him to kill all of us—especially me. So, that yao ghost is probably our target."

She turned to Yu Jiao, her eyes curving sweetly. "Right, Yu Jiao?"

The room fell eerily quiet as everyone waited for Yu Jiao's response.

Yu Jiao's expression darkened. Clenching her fists, she slowly parted her lips. "...Right."

Everything Yu Li said... was true.