Chapter 24

After He Xuan returned, she noticed that her manager, Qiu Dan, was looking at her with a complicated expression. It was no longer the unwavering tolerance she was used to, but a gaze filled with scrutiny and resentment.

He Xuan: “???”

What was she complaining about? In such a short time, had she offended her?

After work in the afternoon, every team still needed to cook their own meals. He Xuan found a moment to privately ask, “Sister Qiu, what’s wrong? You seem distracted. Is there anything I can help you with?”

She thought she and Qiu Dan made a good team. They both shared the same goal—He Xuan hoped to become a big star in the entertainment industry, and they both wanted to climb to the top together, becoming successful celebrities while helping each other thrive in their career.

Qiu Dan looked at her deeply. “He Xuan, tell me honestly, how have I treated you since we became partners?”

Although He Xuan was confused by the question, she still replied, “Sister Qiu, your kindness to me is unquestionable.”

Qiu Dan immediately asked, “Then why are you trying to steal my boyfriend?”

“…Sister Qiu, what are you talking about?” He Xuan was shocked inside. How did she find out? But on the surface, she didn’t show any emotion. “Steal your boyfriend?”

Qiu Dan’s boyfriend, whom she had been with for eight years, had broken up with her not long ago, and it had been completely out of the blue. Before the breakup, he just said that he no longer liked her, that being with her made him miserable, and begged her to let him go.

Qiu Dan couldn’t understand it. She and her boyfriend had been together since college. Even though their relationship wasn’t perfect, it was stable and made her feel content. Their bond had always been calm and steady, and she was happy with it.

So how did he suddenly change? How could he break up with her without any warning, and after that, leave the country to chase his dream of becoming a painter, cutting off all contact with her?

She thought it was her fault that she had upset him, which made him stop liking her. But what she heard from Qiao Chuchu wasn’t what she expected—it was because of He Xuan’s involvement.

Qiu Dan stared at He Xuan, trying to find some other expression on her face. Other than the initial surprise, there was nothing else.

Was she pretending? Or was Qiao Chuchu’s information wrong?

Perhaps Qiu Dan leaned toward the latter. She said, “Never mind.”

“I just wanted to say, the breakup wasn’t because of me.”

When Qiu Dan had first gone through her heartbreak, it was He Xuan who had stayed by her side, comforting her, telling her that a man who changed his heart wasn’t worth it. Women should prioritize their careers, and only by standing at the top would those who didn’t cherish them regret it.

Half of why He Xuan said this was selfish, she didn’t want Qiu Dan to neglect her career because of her relationship problems. More importantly, Qiu Dan had once thought about quitting the industry to become a full-time housewife after marriage. Qiu Dan was highly capable at work and communicated well with her. He Xuan didn’t want to lose such a good manager, so she had taken some measures to create the current situation.

He Xuan said softly, “Sister Qiu, don’t be sad. You’re so amazing, you’ll definitely meet someone better.”

Qiu Dan looked at her, feeling that she seemed so unfamiliar now. She didn’t know which of her words were true anymore.

—

After dinner, Qiao Chuchu went for a walk. Qiao Cen came looking for her but ended up missing her.

“Bai Yun, where did my sister go?”

Bai Yun had just been washing up and wasn’t aware of Qiao Chuchu’s whereabouts. “I don’t know. I was busy just now. Maybe you should check outside?”

Qiao Cen thanked her and was about to leave when she bumped into He Xuan, who had just entered. He Xuan smiled and said, “Good evening. Are you looking for your sister?”

“Mm.” Qiao Cen was about to walk around her and leave but paused to ask, “Have you seen where my sister went?”

“Your sister?” He Xuan thought for a moment. “I saw her go out. I’ll take you to find her.”

Qiao Cen immediately declined, “No need to trouble you. Just tell me the direction.”

He Xuan, feeling a little upset after being refused, casually replied, “She went to the right.”

To the right was the road leading to the village entrance, quite a distance away. Since she wouldn’t be accompanied, He Xuan thought, Then you go by yourself.

Qiao Cen didn’t sense her displeasure, thanked her, and left, heading toward the right. The rural area wasn’t like the city, the streetlights were spaced far apart. Most of the people who remained in the village were elderly and went to bed early, so there was little to no nighttime activity. It was hard to find someone to ask for directions.

The wind was rustling, and walking alone on such a dark road made Qiao Cen feel a little scared, especially when someone suddenly appeared out of nowhere, giving him quite a fright.

“What are you doing suddenly popping up? You scared me to death!”

In front of him was a tall man dressed in a black coat, wearing a baseball cap and a face mask. His attire covered him completely, making it impossible to see his face clearly.

“Sorry, I’m a new staff member. How do I get to the Dear Us Program?”

“That way. Just keep going straight.” Qiao Cen pressed his hand against his chest. “Next time, don’t show up like that, or you’ll scare someone to death!”

The man just nodded and walked around him.

Qiao Cen didn’t think much of it and continued walking ahead. Eventually, he spotted Qiao Chuchu.

“Sis! What are you doing?”

Qiao Chuchu was at the home of the elderly man who had taught them how to pick corn earlier in the day. She had helped him change the lightbulbs and had borrowed a corn shelling tool.

She was now wondering how to carry it back when Qiao Cen arrived.

“You came at the perfect time. Help me carry this back to our place.”

She pointed to a triangular iron frame, which had rust all around it, with much of the paint chipped off. It looked like it had been around for a while, with a round edge at the top, which was the part used to shell corn.

Qiao Cen was confused. “What’s this for?”

Qiao Chuchu briefly explained, “It’s a corn shelling machine. The old man kindly lent it to us. We’ll return it tomorrow.”

Qiao Cen’s eyes widened in surprise. “There’s actually a machine for this? Then, can we finish our task smoothly now?”

“If all goes well, yes,” Qiao Chuchu said.

Shelling fifty pounds of corn by hand was difficult, but with the machine, it would be much easier.

—

Backstage of the Director’s Team

The director dismissed all the staff and sent a series of messages to He Xuan, each one expressing how much he missed her and how badly he wanted to see her.

It’s hard for someone with a “love-stricken” brain to control their emotions, and the director was exactly like that at the moment. Although he didn’t want to admit it, what Qiao Chuchu said about him being love-struck was actually true.

He had already dismissed all the staff and cleared a path for their date, but he didn’t get a reply from her right away.

At this moment, He Xuan was busy, busy comforting another “fish” that had unexpectedly come to her.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to leave without saying goodbye. Isn’t this work time?”

He Xuan didn’t say much, but once she did, the tall man in front of her hugged her even tighter and murmured, “Is work more important than me in your eyes? I’m willing to drop everything, including work, to come find you. Don’t say anything that will make me unhappy.”

He Xuan chuckled lightly, “How could it be? Of course you’re more important. You’re more important than anything else.”

“Now that sounds better.” The man hugged her even tighter.

He Xuan pushed him away slightly, “Loosen up a bit, I can’t breathe.”

The man, reluctant but obedient, loosened his grip, “Don’t go back tonight. Come stay with me in the RV.”

He Xuan gently scratched his Adam’s apple, “Do you miss me that much?”

The man whispered, “Mm, I miss you so much, I can’t sleep. What are you going to do to make it up to me?”

“I’ll think about it carefully and make sure you’re satisfied,” He Xuan smiled and teased him. Just then, her phone rang. As she was about to check it, the man kissed her and said, “When you’re with me, no distractions.”

Meanwhile, the poor director waited all night in the backstage room, but he never got to see his goddess.

The next morning, when the assistant came to work, they were shocked to see the director sitting in a chair, his hair messy, looking messy. They thought he might have come down with some serious illness.

“Director!”

“Director Ming, are you okay?!”

The assistant rushed over and almost slapped him to check his reaction.

The director, who had dozed off while sitting, was awoken by the assistant’s chattering and opened his eyes, bloodshot.

“Xiao Li, why are you here?”

“It’s seven o’clock, I’m here for work.” The assistant hesitantly asked, “Director, you didn’t go all night without sleep, did you?”

Wasn’t that a bit too dedicated?

“Is it daylight already?” The director looked outside and rubbed his aching head. “Turn on the live stream.”

The assistant reminded him, “Director, it’s not time yet?”

They had agreed with the guests that the live stream would start at eight.

“So what? I’m the director, I call the shots.” The director waved his hand, “Hurry up and turn it on.”

The assistant didn’t dare argue and quickly turned on the live stream.

At seven in the morning, there were very few viewers for the live stream, but the director wasn’t concerned about that. He was more anxious to know whether He Xuan had woken up, and he desperately wanted to understand why she hadn’t replied to his messages last night. Had he done something to upset her?

However, He Xuan didn’t appear in the main live stream room for a long time. All the guests had gotten up, but she was still nowhere to be seen, until he finally spotted her coming in from outside. That’s when his eyes lit up.

When He Xuan returned from outside, Qiao Cen had already prepared breakfast. Yes, today’s breakfast was made by Qiao Cen—he had cooked porridge and stir-fried a plate of wild greens and mushrooms.

Although the presentation wasn’t great, the taste was passable.

Qiao Cen said, “Sis, the food doesn’t taste very good, but it’s edible. When we get back, I’ll take you out for a big meal.”

Qiao Chuchu wasn’t picky with food, no matter how it tasted, she could eat it. She would just eat more of what tasted good.

“It’s fine, I think it tastes good.”

【Didn’t expect it, Brother Qiao actually has some potential as a chef. Not bad.】

Qiao Cen was so moved that he almost cried—his sister was definitely just comforting him.

But then, after He Xuan tasted it, she also praised him. “It’s not bad, much better than the food I made when I first started cooking.”

“Really?” After hearing two people praise him, the previously insecure Qiao Cen suddenly felt a burst of happiness. It seemed he wasn’t totally lacking cooking talent. He would practice more when they got back and surely be able to make perfectly delicious meals.

The bullet comments flooded in.

【Impressive, my Qiao Cen! When did you learn to cook? When’s the banquet to invite guests? I’ll definitely show up!】

【Judging by their expressions, it doesn’t seem like they’re lying, but since I’m the only one who’s tasted it, I’m the only one who knows whether it’s good or bad. Hurry up and give me a taste!】

【Hmph, Qiao Cen is trying to gain popularity by cooking food again. What is this supposed to be? It looks like it’ll poison you!】

【Can’t even taste the grapes, but talking bad about them, right? That’s you—the ^[1]“keyboard warrior” refers to someone who expresses aggressive, critical, or confrontational opinions online, often anonymously or without taking real-life responsibility for their words. … Continue readingkeyboard warrior hiding behind your screen.】

【But seriously, it really doesn’t look that appetizing. If it’s your first time cooking, then never mind… hmm.】

—

The topic of them foraging for wild vegetables yesterday hadn’t died down yet, and today the topic of Qiao Cen making breakfast was trending again, quickly climbing the ranks of the hot search list and catching everyone’s attention.

#Qiao Cen candidly says the food doesn’t look good#

This title was quite ambiguous. At first, people thought Qiao Cen had said something inappropriate again, but when they actually read it, the netizens who had originally come to troll fell silent.

【Almost acted on impulse, thought Qiao Cen did something wrong again, but turns out he was just making fun of his own cooking. If this is what it’s like for a first-time cook, it’s not bad. At least better than me, I remember when I first cooked, I was using firewood, and almost burned down the kitchen. My grandma chased me around with a broom for two miles.】

【Hahaha, grandma’s physical strength is pretty good.】

【I suspect Qiao Cen is bragging, but I have no evidence because I haven’t tasted his food!】

—

Father Qiao and Mother Qiao, who always kept an eye on the siblings, were also very pleased. “Xiao Cen has finally grown up, he’s taking care of his sister now.”

Father Qiao nodded, then said, “The taste of this food probably isn’t very good. I’ll sign him up for a cooking class so he can learn properly. We can’t let Chuchu eat this kind of nutritionally poor food.”

“Hmm, you’re thoughtful as always,” Mother Qiao agreed, nodding. “Chuchu loves pastries, so sign him up for a dessert class as well.”

“Alright.”

—

What the couple discussed was unknown to Qiao Cen, who was still happily basking in the joy of being praised.

After breakfast, everyone got back to work. The corn from yesterday had been mostly harvested, and today they moved it all to the small yard to strip the kernels.

He Xuan questioned, “Isn’t it more convenient to strip the corn in the field?”

“But it’s slower,” Qiao Cen explained. “My sister borrowed a great tool from Grandpa yesterday, specifically for stripping corn. It’s much faster than doing it by hand.”

Since the field was far away and there was no electricity, they could only bring the corn back.

Tian Ka asked in surprise, “Really? Where is it? Can we borrow it after you’re done with it?”

“It’s in the storage room,” Qiao Chuchu said. “You can borrow it, but we need to finish using it first.”

Tian Ka quickly nodded, “Alright then.”

“I have a suggestion. How about we collaborate? We can bring the corn back together and strip it together,” Bai Yun said. “The director only mentioned group tasks, he didn’t say we can’t cooperate.”

If they worked together, the task would definitely be done faster—many hands make light work.

He Xuan frowned. If they worked together, her chances of getting close to Qiao Cen would decrease. “Is that allowed?”

She was asking the director, but he was too preoccupied with her to listen closely, so he just agreed to whatever she said.

“It’s fine.”

“…” He Xuan’s frown deepened. Was this idiot even listening to her? He kept agreeing to everything, and it was becoming frustrating.

Bai Yun was ecstatic, hugging Qiao Chuchu’s arm. “Chuchu, we can do the task together!”

“Mm,” Qiao Chuchu smiled.

As they all went to the field to transport the corn, Tian Ka passed by He Xuan and noticed something unusual. “He Xuan, why’s your neck all red? Did a mosquito bite you?”

Everyone’s attention was drawn to her, and sure enough, when she bent over to move the corn, they saw a few red marks on her delicate, fair neck.

He Xuan quickly adjusted her collar. “Maybe… I didn’t sleep well last night.”

Qiao Chuchu also only saw a small red spot and didn’t look closely. However, He Xuan’s reaction seemed suspicious. After checking the storyline, she was shocked.

【Wait, I’ve been wondering why there are mosquitoes in March and April, and why she has such big bites. Turns out it wasn’t mosquitoes, it was someone kissing her.】

【No wonder He Xuan kept going out to the bathroom last night. Looks like she was with someone there, really impressive, not even afraid of being caught.】

【Let me see if there’s a video version…】

“Cough—”

Qiao Cen choked on his saliva.

“Pfft—”

Tian Ka also choked on his saliva.

“Haha…”

Everyone else did the same.

Qiao Cen quickly stepped forward and covered his sister’s eyes. Qiao Chuchu was confused, “What are you doing? Let go.”

“I just saw a little bug flying over here, I’m worried it might fly into your eyes,” Qiao Cen stammered, lying.

After Qiao Chuchu opened her eyes, she didn’t see any bugs. “It’s gone, take your hand away.”

Reluctantly, Qiao Cen removed his hand. He was afraid his sister might try to look at something inappropriate again.

Qiao Chuchu, interrupted by him, didn’t continue thinking about inappropriate things but instead resumed reading the story she hadn’t finished.

【Brother Qiao may be reckless, but he’s really good to me, gentle and considerate. Such a good boy, I won’t let He Xuan, the big sea king, harm him.】

【Isn’t it enough that He Xuan is dating eight boyfriends at once? She dates a different one every day, and there’s even one extra. Doesn’t she worry about them finding out? Oh, maybe she doesn’t worry, because these guys are all so infatuated with her, they believe everything she says. Otherwise, she wouldn’t dare do things like bring a man into the bathroom and fool around.】

【Poor director, the big fool, waiting all night, thinking he did something wrong to upset He Xuan. Love brain is really terrifying.】

One output after another shocked everyone present, their gazes toward He Xuan growing increasingly complex.

Most were in disbelief, unable to comprehend how a beautiful girl like her could have such reckless behavior, dating eight boyfriends at once with such impure relationships.

Tian Ka, knowing he had caused this by being too chatty, awkwardly took several steps back, distancing himself from He Xuan.

He Xuan’s face shifted from pale to purple and then white. She bit her lip hard, glaring at Qiao Chuchu with a look full of resentment, hoping she would just shut up.

If this continued, her career would likely be ruined.

After all, being a “sea king” meant she had strong mental fortitude, which most people couldn’t compare to. She quickly composed herself, “Why is everyone stopping? Aren’t we doing the task? Our deadline is ten o’clock in the morning, we’re running out of time.”

She knew that only the people in the room could hear Qiao Chuchu’s thoughts—those involved in the situation—but the viewers watching the live broadcast couldn’t hear anything.

Bai Yun was shocked. She had to admit, He Xuan’s mental strength was remarkable. Even after everyone found out her secret, she still managed to remain so calm and composed. This was a kind of spirit worth learning from.

Qiao Cen was also stunned. After recalling his sister’s words, he decided that from now on, he would keep a greater distance from He Xuan. Unless it was absolutely necessary, he wouldn’t talk to her!

The director, on the other hand, looked like he had been struck by lightning. He hadn’t slept much last night, and his face had already looked bad, but now it was even worse, as though he was about to collapse at any moment.

He never expected that after sending He Xuan so many messages yesterday, and receiving no replies, she had been secretly dating another man behind his back. The frustration he felt turned into a powerful surge of anger.

Suddenly, he stood up, startling his assistant, who nervously asked, “Director, are you alright?”

Later, he thought, the director must have been devastated to hear that his online lover was involved with another man while simultaneously juggling many other relationships. It was a miracle he hadn’t gone crazy.

How could the director be okay? He was practically ready to collapse in anger. He desperately wanted an explanation from He Xuan, so when she went to the bathroom alone, he stopped her before she could leave.

He Xuan paused, then smiled, “Mingming, why are you here? This is the women’s restroom. Aren’t you worried someone might see you? It could hurt your reputation.”

The director’s name was Ming Zheng, but He Xuan affectionately called him Mingming.

“Don’t you know why I’m here?” The director had spent thirty years being single and had never been in a relationship until now. He never imagined he would meet a “sea king” like He Xuan, who had been keeping him as a backup. How could he not be angry?

He Xuan’s beautiful smile slowly faded, and with a hint of sadness, she said, “Mingming, do you not like me anymore?”

“…Don’t change the subject!” The director, seeing her sad expression, felt a strange sense of guilt.

He Xuan remained upset, “How could you listen to one-sided accusations from strangers and doubt my sincerity toward you? Don’t you know that your actions hurt me?”

“I do like you…”

Of course, she liked others too. She just wanted to give every man a warm home. Was that so wrong?

The director, overwhelmed by her sincere words, forgot he was supposed to be confronting her. He began soothing her, “I’m sorry, it’s my fault. I shouldn’t have doubted your sincerity. I won’t do that again. Please forgive me, okay?”

He Xuan lowered her head. “Is what you’re saying true?”

“True, absolutely true!” The director raised his hand. “I swear! If it’s a lie, I’ll never have peace!”

“Alright, I believe you now. But don’t say such unlucky things again.” He Xuan’s smile returned.

—

The eight guests worked efficiently together on the task. The men carried corn from the field while the women operated the machines to remove the kernels. Two others packed the corn into bags.

They finished just at 10 o’clock and borrowed a tricycle from the old man to transport the corn to the town. They received a 100 yuan reward from the restaurant owner and the task card for tomorrow.

Bai Yun read out tomorrow’s task: “Tomorrow afternoon, everyone must prepare two signature dishes: one meat-based and one vegetarian, to conclude the second episode of the show on a high note.”

Qiao Cen replied, “This task sounds good. Director, can we start preparing tomorrow’s menu today?”

The director, who had been calmed down by He Xuan, was in a good mood, smiling broadly. “Yes, everyone can start preparing now.”

Qiao Chuchu, looking over at him, couldn’t help but comment: 【The director was just on the brink of collapse earlier, and now he’s been charmed by He Xuan, smiling like a flower. He must be afraid we didn’t know he’s in love. Can’t deny that love brain is easy to fool.】

The director: “!!!”

Shut up! You’re the love brain! Your whole family is love brain!

During the first episode, the director enjoyed eating the melons, but now, Qiao Chuchu’s thoughts were driving him crazy. He just wished she would stop focusing on everyone else’s gossip!

But everyone else wanted to keep hearing it, thinking her updates on the director and He Xuan’s relationship were the most exciting part of the show.

Of course, Qiao Chuchu didn’t disappoint them. While buying ingredients in the town, He Xuan once again slipped away from the crowd and headed to the restroom.

【She’s not going to the restroom, obviously, her latest boyfriend came to meet her. They’re probably going on a date. It seems like He Xuan has a special attachment to restrooms—every time she meets a new online boyfriend, she takes them straight there. She’s truly a master of love. Whatever she says, these men follow without question.】

Everyone: Wow! Can we go check out the drama?

Before anyone could move, one person ran off first—it was the director.

He knew he couldn’t question He Xuan or her sincerity toward him, but he just wanted to know if Qiao Chuchu’s words were true!