Dallas nodded. "Okay, I get it," he said. "If Samson wants to call the police, the production team will cooperate and provide the recorded videos."

The others were relieved, silently thanking Dallas for not pressing further. Their consciences couldn't bear the guilt if he had. He dropped the subject, but then asked, "How have you all been these days?"

Meghan's eyes immediately reddened. "Evangeline bullied us the whole time," she said aggrievedly. "She stole our food and forced us to watch her eat. We've lived miserably for the past six days. It's been awful."

Everyone else nodded. Dallas shook his head in shock. "I can't believe Evangeline is like this! She's terrible!"

Meghan bit her lip. "Evangeline grew up in the slums and learned to behave that way. Even after we took her home and tried to help her, she hasn't changed."

She continued, "She was a little better in front of the camera, but as soon as you left, she showed her true colors, beating us violently. She wanted us to die here."

Meghan sighed, offering a bitter smile. "I used to be naive and wanted to change her, but I've given up. Her hatred is too strong. I've done nothing wrong, always tolerating her, but she shows no remorse and hurts me even more."

"I'm afraid if I keep trying, she'll kill me before I can change her," she said. "So I've given up and hope she'll figure it out herself."

Dallas sighed. "You're incredibly kind. She's done so much to you, yet you still wish her well."

"Maybe it's my nature," Meghan replied with a smile. "I can't bear to see others suffer. Even if Evangeline hurt me—unless it's too serious—I just hope she changes."

"It's rare to find someone as kind as you these days," Dallas said.

Meghan smiled shyly. Samson smiled proudly. "Meghan's been kind since childhood," he said. "Unlike certain people who are cold-blooded and vicious." He didn't name names, but everyone knew who he meant.

Dallas changed the subject, looking around. "Where's Evangeline? Why isn't she here?"

Meghan sighed. "Evangeline's always been out of sync with us. She went into the forest early this morning. I don't know what she did, she didn't tell us."

Samson said irritably, "Let's not talk about that downer. Mr. Fowler, when are we going back?" He didn't want to stay any longer. His body was covered in wounds and mosquito bites. He'd never been in such a mess in his 23 years. Besides, he needed to use the restroom and was very uncomfortable. He was a little envious of Meghan, who had relieved herself after being frightened by Evangeline; at least she felt better. Given Samson and Meghan's status, the others wouldn't dare spread their embarrassing moments. As for Evangeline, nobody would believe her story.

Dallas said, "Your contract requires you to stay here for seven days." He added, "We couldn't film for six days due to production issues, and we'll take responsibility. You only need to stay one more day. We'll go back tomorrow. Is that okay?"

Since they were on camera, they could only agree. With a sense of duty, Meghan replied, "Okay. Let's listen to Mr. Fowler. But will you have enough footage with only one day? If you need more, I can film for a few days for free, but we need to change locations. We've been traumatized here."

The others agreed. They'd suffered enough; their efforts would be wasted if the show couldn't air due to insufficient footage. To maximize profits, they were willing to continue filming elsewhere.

Dallas smiled. "You're all so nice. I'll let you know if we need more." He added, "However, you've suffered a lot and aren't in good shape. After today's filming, go back and rest. If we need more footage, I'll contact you." Everyone nodded, satisfied with the agreement.

Dallas said, "Okay, you can continue filming! Since you've had a hard time, we won't ask you to find food. The production team will provide ingredients; you just need to cook."

Everyone was ecstatic; they wouldn't have to search for food in the forest anymore. Dallas felt helpless; all the poultry they'd released had been hunted by monkeys and other animals. Even if the guests had searched, they wouldn't have found anything. He decided to give them a good meal to build their stamina for their return to the city. "The food is on the cruise ship," he said. "Go get it and start preparing!" He estimated it would take them all day to prepare and cook.

Under the staff's guidance, Meghan and the others boarded the cruise ship. Meghan behaved gently and generously, showing kindness to everyone. She didn't do much, but kept busy, reminding everyone to be careful with the food.

Meanwhile, the live chat was erupting:

• "[Fuck! Meghan's a great actress. Not even ashamed of saying those things!]"
• "[Kind? Bullshit! She led the bullying of Evangeline. Doesn't she feel guilty about stealing Evangeline's things?!]"
• "[What a vicious bitch. I want to vomit just looking at her and thinking about her behavior these past six days!]"
• "[Travis, Kendrick, and Jolene are so disappointing. They chose to defame Evangeline for money.]"
• "[I thought they weren't that bad, but they're willing to betray their conscience for enough money.]"
• "[They could have cleared their names, but they chose the wrong path.]"
• "[Samson and Meghan keep surprising me. Where are their morals? How can they confidently twist the truth without hesitation?!]"
• "[Meghan's every move seems fake now. What a hypocrite!]"

10:29 AM

Evangeline spent the day with the monkeys, tending to their wounds. Before leaving in the evening, she said goodbye. "This is my last day here. I'm leaving tomorrow. Unless something goes wrong, we won't see each other again. You'll have to rely on yourselves from now on." She would leave even if the production team didn't come; she could easily get out on her own.

The monkeys seemed to understand and circled her anxiously, chattering. Evangeline couldn't understand them, but said softly, "I don't know what you're saying, but I can guess."

"Separation is normal, so don't be sad," she added. "Don't even think about coming with me. I can't take you. If I'm followed by a bunch of endangered animals into the city, I'll be arrested."

"We've only known each other a short time. We even fought. We don't have a deep connection, so don't act like you're losing a loved one," Evangeline said.

The monkeys continued chattering, but more quietly. Then, they placed things in her hands: fruits, wildflowers, hunted prey, and feathers.

Evangeline was stunned. "You're monkeys! How did you pick up human habits? You even learned to give gifts?" She shook her head but took the gifts and put them in her bag.

The live chat continued:

• "[Damn, I'm so touched, I'm crying! I can't bear to see Evangeline leave the monkeys!]"
• "[I'm so sad my favorite couple can't be together.]"
• "[Holy crap! Who would ship Evangeline with monkeys?!]"
• "[Stop shipping everything! You're just making yourselves suffer!]"
• "[I'm happy shipping everything and anything!]"
• "[I can't stop laughing. I was sad, but then I saw someone shipping Evangeline with monkeys!]"
• "[Even the monkeys are more humane than Meghan and those jerks!]"
• "[I hope the monkeys can live well and safe without Evangeline's protection.]"
• "[Isn't Evangeline the biggest threat to them?!]"

Evangeline put the gifts in her backpack. Looking at the reluctant monkeys, she crossed her arms, wiggled her fingers, and cracked her knuckles. "Since you've given me gifts," she said, "let me give you a parting gift!"

The monkeys tilted their heads, curious. Evangeline smiled. Without speaking, she grabbed the monkey king's neck. "Kingka," she shouted, "let's start with you!" With that, she slapped him hard across the face.

10:20 AM

The monkey king was dumbfounded. The other monkeys were shocked and terrified. Evangeline didn't hesitate. She slapped the monkey king several times, threw him into the air, then jumped up and kicked him, sending him flying over thirty feet.

Evangeline smiled and looked at the other monkeys. Terrified, they scattered, screaming. Evangeline dropped to all fours, crawled eerily toward them, and with a twisted smile, chased after them, shouting, "Hey! Don't try to escape! Everyone gets a share! Haha!"