Suddenly, a mysterious character resembling a wizened old man sprang up and theatrically greeted them, "Hey folks! I'm your estate keeper, and I've got a juicy tidbit for y'all. This villa contains many forbidden areas, especially the third floor. Legend has it that there's a creature up there who wanted to lock up and eat the nosy kids and adults. A handful have vanished in times gone by. So, kiddos, steer clear of floor number three."

Melon, unsettled by the story, sought refuge behind Ariana. Ariana soothingly whispered, “Don't worry. There are plenty of rooms here.

We don't have to stay in that villa."

As she spoke, the host beckoned everyone for the room draw.

Given Melon's tender age, they were given the honor of drawing first.

Hand in hand, Ariana and Melon approached the container, drawing a slip each and presenting them to the host.

A dramatic pause later, the host proclaimed, “Well, isn't this a turn of events? You two have landed the mountaintop villa!" Handing the key to a slightly overwhelmed Melon, the host added with a playful smirk, "Remember, tread carefully, and steer clear of the third floor!"

Melon looked up at Ariana with wide, anxious eyes. The two exchanged a look of shared astonishment and mild concern.

Upon entering the venue, Ariana and her son followed the show's itinerary without comment.

The celebrity contestants were diverse, although fathers slightly outnumbered the mothers. Many challenges set up by the production team were designed to test physical prowess, such as fish-catching races. According to the rules, the individual who achieved the objective first would gain priority access to the ingredients for dinner. Given the limited quantity and variety of these ingredients, those who were last might face sparse meals.

Initially, the fathers, overflowing with confidence, felt they had an edge in these survival-themed challenges. They all assumed Ariana and her son would be the last.

However, Ariana surprised them all. Her capability to do outdoor tasks was evident, matching her strength with the men and demonstrating grace in her actions.

Thanks to her fitness routine as a single mother managing a Lively child, she found the challenges relatively easy, consistently securing first place.

One contestant, actor Remy Dixon, grew increasingly frustrated. He was a tall figure with a physique that often typecast him as a menacing antagonist. Some of the younger contestants were even hesitant around him.

Upon witnessing Ariana's consistent lead, he snapped, "She's got to have better equipment! How else can she keep beating everyone?"

Ariana, maintaining her composure, merely chuckled. Handing over her tools, she offered, "Let's swap and see if that's truly the case."

Though he scoffed, Remy agreed. But as the subsequent challenge kicked off, Ariana once again surpassed everyone effortlessly.

Remy, watching her victory, was consumed by bitterness. His frustration was apparent, especially at being bested on camera by someone he had underestimated.

Ariana took a fleeting look at the evidently frustrated Remy.

She mused that petulance wasn't going to alter the outcome or make up for his shortcomings. His persistent bottom ranking seemed fitting given his outlook.