Before filming "Life Elsewhere," Qin Jia binge-watched the show at home. True to Amai's description, it focused on laid-back rural life—guests ate, chatted, and relaxed, with no scripted pressure. She didn't understand its appeal until she read the comments: viewers found it therapeutic after long workdays, some even cooked celebrity-inspired meals to liven up solitary lives. For many, it was a small escape from chaos.
Recalling her early days as a transmigrator, when she'd hidden from system tasks to watch animal documentaries, Qin Jia smiled. She turned to the koala robot: "Rou Rou, be good when we meet the others—proactive, not lazy."
The robot yawned lazily: "I can only climb trees, pretend to eat leaves, sleep, or chat with you. Or switch to work mode and call you boss!"
Qin Jia shook her head: "We're friends—I won't bully you."
Rou Rou hugged her: "I like you so much! Can I sleep with you tonight?"
Just as Qin Jia was about to agree, the door burst open. A polar bear robot carried a koala and a squirrel: "Qin Jia, to be fair—we want to sleep with you too!"
Qin Jia laughed and shooed them away: "Back to your rooms—don't disturb me."
As the robots left, she muttered: "Why are Lu Tingzhou's robots just like him, so obsessed with fairness?" The memory of his hug a few weeks ago made her toss and turn until 2 a.m.
Saturday Morning: Heading to Yuncheng
Qin Jia and Qin Mo caught an early flight. She ate a vegetable sandwich, while Qin Mo studied artist profiles, munching on low-fat biscuits. "You'll need strength for chopping wood and fishing—don't starve yourself," she said, handing him a tuna sandwich.
Persuaded, Qin Mo ate greedily. On the first-class flight, he ordered braised beef brisket and fried eggs, then offered Qin Jia a bite. "I'm tired of it," she lied—since transmigrating, she'd stuck to vegetarian food and seafood, unable to bring herself to eat other meat.
Yuncheng Farmhouse: Pre-Filming
At the rural courtyard, Director Pei chatted with veteran artist Xu Wen. "Two regulars dropped out—we're adding four newcomers. Okay?"
Xu Wen nodded, then frowned at the guest list: "Why's Lu Tingzhou here? Zecheng Technology's CEO doesn't fit our show's vibe."
Director Pei winked: "He's here at his own expense—you know what that means."
Xu Wen grinned: "Pursuing someone? Miss Qin, right? They're both from Yucheng."
As they spoke, guests arrived. First came Cheng Lele, then Qin Jia and Qin Mo. "No luggage?" Xu Wen asked Qin Jia. "It's with my brother," she replied.
The live stream started, and viewers flooded the chat. Just as everyone was about to enter the house, Qin Jia froze: "I forgot Rou Rou!" She rushed to the car, ignoring the black vehicle pulling up—Lu Tingzhou had arrived.
The crowd stared as the tall CEO stepped out. Qin Mo quickly explained: "My sister's fetching her robot friend."
Lu Tingzhou greeted everyone, his gaze locked on Qin Jia. She returned carrying a drowsy gray koala, and Xu Wen asked cautiously: "Ms. Qin, is this your friend? Keeping koalas privately is illegal, right?"
"It's a robot!" Qin Jia laughed. Rou Rou protested: "I'm a real koala!" It waved its paw: "Hello, brothers and sisters!"
The chat exploded with amazement. Cheng Lele asked: "Where'd you buy it? I want a panda!"
Qin Jia glanced at Lu Tingzhou. He replied calmly: "Customized robots start at 8 million—discounts for bulk orders."
Cheng Lele paled. Qin Jia whispered: "Befriend Lu Tingzhou—he gives friend discounts when he's happy."
Cheng Lele shook her head: "A man's heart is unpredictable. I'll earn my own money!" The mics picked it up, sending the chat into hysterics.
Task Assignment & Cooperation
They drew lots: Xu Wen and Qin Mo bought groceries, Duan Baihan chopped firewood, Lu Tingzhou fished, Cheng Lele picked fruit, and Qin Jia pruned flowers and cooked rice. Qin Jia lent Rou Rou to Cheng Lele—its climbing skills would help pick fruit.
Left with Duan Baihan, Qin Jia handed him her scissors: "Let's switch tasks. I'll chop wood."
Duan Baihan panicked: "That's too tiring for a girl!" He'd lose his "warm guy" image if he agreed.
Qin Jia didn't argue. She grabbed an axe, focused, and split a log with one chop. Duan Baihan stared, dumbfounded. She chopped three more before he surrendered: "Okay, let's cooperate—I'll start the fire, you finish pruning!"
In the kitchen, Qin Jia washed rice while Duan Baihan tended the stove. They finished quickly, and Duan Baihan returned to chopping wood, now energized. Qin Jia kindly showed him a better grip: "Lower your right hand, lean forward—chop!"
He succeeded on the first try and grinned: "High five!"
Just as Qin Jia raised her hand, she spotted Lu Tingzhou at the door, carrying two buckets full of jumping fish. His expression was dark. "You're amazing!" she exclaimed, rushing over. "Did you catch all these alone?"
Lu Tingzhou's brows softened: "Took some effort."
Cheng Lele returned with Rou Rou, munching fruit: "Why stand outside?"
Qin Jia noticed Lu Tingzhou's fatigue: "Need help?"
He didn't answer, instead telling Rou Rou: "Work mode—carry the buckets." The robot transformed, piercing the buckets with a stick, lifting them with wheels under its feet, and gliding inside.
Stunned, Qin Jia helped Lu Tingzhou into the house. "I'm tired," he said softly, leaning on her arm.
The chat exploded:[Is Lu Tingzhou jealous? Hahaha!][Duan Baihan worked so hard, only to be a rival!][Lu Tingzhou went to a bathhouse after fishing—afraid of smelling fishy for Qin Jia!]
Rest & Reconciliation
In Lu Tingzhou's room, the lemon scent of his cologne filled the air. Qin Jia sat beside him: "Let Rou Rou rest after delivering the fish."
Lu Tingzhou lay back, his voice gentle: "I only recorded sounds with Rou Rou for testing. I'm sorry I gave it orders without asking you."
"It's okay," Qin Jia said, closing her eyes as the breeze drifted in. "It won't happen again."
He stared at her serene profile, a smile tugging at his lips. Outside, the sky was clear, leaves swaying gently—this rural escape had turned into something far more meaningful than either of them expected.
In the yard, Cheng Lele gaped at Rou Rou's transformation, while Duan Baihan chopped wood with newfound vigor. The live stream chat buzzed with shipping comments, and the succulents on the windowsill swayed in the wind, silent witnesses to the unfolding romance.