The naive fans fell silent for a while before becoming active again, starting a collective roast of Ji Xiu’s culinary skills. A "grounded" Film Emperor like this was a rare sight. For a moment, the live broadcast room was filled with a joyful atmosphere, and the hostility brought by the Yang family earlier vanished without a trace. The fans were jubilant, as if celebrating the Lunar New Year.
At home, Xu Yun, who was cleaning while watching the live broadcast on TV, also smiled. She stopped what she was doing and gazed at Ji Xiu on the screen, her eyes full of tenderness. This man looks reliable on the outside, but he’s still a child at heart. Knowing his cooking was terrible, he wasn't ashamed; instead, he flaunted it on a variety show. She could tell he was deliberately scaring Liu Wenbo.
Thousands of miles away, Ji Xiu didn't know his intentions had been completely seen through by Xu Yun. He carried the plate of charred green vegetables and shoved it toward Liu Wenbo. "Eat up."
Liu Wenbo: "..."
Liu Wenbo’s face was as dark as the burnt vegetables. He waved his hands frantically. "No, no thanks. This dish..." Fearing he’d hurt his idol’s feelings, he didn't dare say it was disgusting, but testing the "poison" himself was out of the question. He made a clumsy transition: "The food is enough for four people already. I... I don't like green vegetables."
Ji Xiu’s low laughter vibrated from his chest. His magnetic, pleasant voice made the audience’s scalps tingle.
【Argh! I forgive Hubby’s cooking! Hubby’s face is the main course, I can eat a whole bowl of plain rice just looking at him!】
【Brother Ji is so grounded. One second a dork, next second a god.】
Ji Xiu laughed for a bit and then stopped making things difficult for Liu Wenbo. He set the plate down and said amiably, "You’ve seen my 'power.' From now on, you cook, and I’ll chop and tend the fire. Deal?"
Fearing further culinary "persecution," Liu Wenbo nodded quickly. "Deal! I cook, you chop."
…
Once the edible food was served, Liu Wenbo called out to the yard, "Chenchen, bring your brother to wash hands for dinner."
Zhong Yuchen responded, led Ji Xiaocong to the corner where mountain spring water flowed, and washed their hands. The two then walked hand-in-hand to the main hall to eat. Children's friendship is simple; after playing for half an hour, they were like biological brothers.
Zhong Yuchen sat on a small stool and patted the one beside him. "Congcong, sit by Big Brother."
Xiaocong sat down obediently. "Thank you, Brother."
Yuchen smiled happily at Ji Xiu. "Uncle Ji, Congcong is so good." He had met the other kids earlier, but he found them too noisy and disobedient. Now that he had Xiaocong, he finally didn't have to worry about being lonely on the show.
Ji Xiu was glad to see the relationship flourish. If Xiaocong stayed close to the "protagonist," his future would have far fewer obstacles. "If you like him, please look after him. He’s a bit timid and doesn't go out much."
"I will!" Yuchen said firmly.
…
After dinner, Ji Xiu led Xiaocong home. They were staying in a rented farmhouse, and per the rules, it had to be returned in its original state. Ji Xiu couldn't rest yet; he had to feed the chickens and water the flowers.
He had never done these things, but the owner had left helpful sticky notes. Following them step-by-step, he managed without a hitch.
"Let’s go, son. Bath time." He hoisted Xiaocong onto his shoulders. Xiaocong’s eyes were bright, and he couldn't stop talking about "Brother Chenchen." Ji Xiu listened with a helpless smile. The boy had been too isolated before; now that he had a reliable older friend, he was obsessed. It's a good thing Xu Yun isn't here, or she’d be jealous. Thinking of Xu Yun, Ji Xiu remembered he hadn't called her yet. He waited until the live broadcast was officially turned off at 9:00 PM, then went to the crew to get his phone.
The video call connected after half a minute. Xu Yun’s face appeared, damp with water from washing. "What is it? I was just washing my face."
Ji Xiu’s heart stirred. Her gaze was so pure, containing only him. Even as a "straight man" with a cool temperament, he felt a flutter. "Nothing. Just calling to tell you we're safe."
"I know, I’ve been watching you both all day," she smiled sweetly. "When you come back the day after tomorrow, tell me the flight time. I'll buy groceries and make your favorite dishes to make up for the hard work."
Ji Xiu sighed. "Regarding the cooking... I really have no talent."
"It's fine," she whispered, her eyes watery and tender. "You have me at home."
Ji Xiu froze. He stared at her through the screen for a long time. "I miss you a little."
Xu Yun’s face flushed instantly. Ji Xiu softened his voice: "When I get back, let's go on a trip as a family. We've never been out together."
"Is... is that okay?" she asked, her eyes full of hope.
"Of course." As long as you want it, I will make it happen. Ji Xiu realized he no longer wanted to think with pure logic; she would be his only love in this life.
…
The next morning, Ji Xiu was woken up by Xiaocong stepping on him.
"What are you doing?" he asked groggily, catching the toddler trying to climb over him.
"I want Mommy. Drink milk."
Ji Xiu jumped up to prepare the formula. A toddler is an angel when happy but a demon when hungry. He didn't want to deal with a "demon" this early.
Xiaocong sat on the bed, realizing Mommy wasn't there. His eyes filled with tears, ready to wail. At the critical second, Ji Xiu shoved the bottle into his mouth. Xiaocong’s wail was cut short as he reflexively began to suckle, swinging his legs contentedly.
Ji Xiu let out a sigh of relief. He changed his clothes and checked the camera—the live stream was about to start.
…
Breakfast was provided by the crew. Afterward, the new task arrived: Picking Grapes.
They were to pick grapes from the mountain vineyard and sell them in town to earn money for their groceries. Liu Wenbo’s eyes lit up. "Brother Ji—"
Ji Xiu stepped on his foot and whispered, "Shut up and listen to the director."
Liu Wenbo looked aggrieved until Yuchen pulled his hand. "Daddy, be quiet. Talk later." Liu Wenbo realized his mistake—they still had leftovers from yesterday. If the crew knew, they might "confiscate" the food to force them to work harder. Thank goodness Ji Xiu stopped me. Meanwhile, Director Wang was losing his temper into his walkie-talkie. "Where is Family No. 5? It's 10:00 AM! Why aren't they out?!"
The cameraman replied, "I hear noise inside, but they won't open the door or answer. They're pretending to be asleep."
Director Wang’s eyes flashed with ruthlessness. "Fine. Open the live stream and point it right at their door! I want the audience to see exactly what Yang Qianye’s attitude is!"
In the No. 5 live room, the camera focused on a closed door. Soon, muffled voices drifted through:
"Dad, it's so noisy outside. Tell them to shut up, I want to sleep!"
"Ignore them. As long as we don't go out, they can't film us. Cover your ears."
"I want to go home, this place is too broken!"
"I don't want to be here either. Just endure it. Once they realize they can't do anything to us, they'll have to break the contract, and we can go home with the money we already got."
The bullet comments exploded with question marks. This was a blatant breach of contract and a total lack of professionalism.
Director Wang received the report and was silent for a long time. He turned to the other four families. "Today's task will be carried out by the four of you. Tomorrow morning, a new guest and child will join us."
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