Chapter Sixteen: Xie Chacha’s Complete Victory Over Shen Goldenmane

When she heard the reward, Yu Tang’s lips twitched visibly. What on earth was an Encyclopedia of Brain Teasers supposed to be? Still, Yu Tang firmly believed the system wouldn’t give her something useless. So she stepped forward decisively, nudging Xie Yi aside.

“No need, little brother, you go rest. I’ll handle this!” After all, she’d just acquired Michelin three-star culinary skills—it would be a waste not to use them.

Xie Yi was taken aback for a moment, but seeing Yu Tang’s determination, he didn’t object. He smiled, eyes curved into crescents. “Then, big sister, here’s the apron. Don’t let your pretty clothes get dirty.”

Today, Yu Tang wore black overalls and a short red top. With her wavy hair, she looked stunning. Her clothes were all dark colors, not easily stained. Yet, hearing Xie Yi’s words, her heart melted. If everyone in the world were as sweet as Xie Yi, she didn’t know how bright and cheerful she might become.

My goodness, how can Xie Yi be so obedient!
Haven’t you all noticed? He’s only this sweet to Yu Tang!
No way, Xie Yi was obedient in previous episodes too—always did as told, a diligent, well-behaved child.
It feels different… Before, Xie Yi was obedient like an NPC, completing tasks as triggered. Now, he seems to have his own thoughts…
What nonsense! Of course Xie Yi has his own thoughts; he’s a real person.
Stop arguing. Can we just enjoy the livestream?
I’m dying of laughter—Yu Tang has only just finished washing the vegetables, and Zhou Ziheng’s rice is almost ready.

Zhou Ziheng was just about to take his egg fried rice off the stove. The only thing Xiang Youran had done was hand him a bunch of greens. When Zhou Ziheng brought his dish to the table, Yu Tang had only just started stir-frying the meat, the aroma wafting through the living room and making mouths water.

Xiang Youran’s stomach rumbled audibly—a rare occurrence. She glanced at Zhou Ziheng, a little embarrassed. Zhou Ziheng swallowed hard and scooped a bowl of the large pot of egg fried rice—made with just one egg and one handful of greens—for Xiang Youran.

“Youran, if you’re hungry, eat first.”

Youran lowered her gaze, lashes fluttering. To anyone else, it might have seemed she was being shy, but in truth, she was simply dazed. Only after a long moment did her eyes light up with little stars. She finally looked at Zhou Ziheng. “Thank you, Teacher Zhou.”

Is Xiang Youran for real?
She gives me the vibe of someone who’d say, “Daddy, he’s not some poor boy…”

Now, even Xiang Youran’s fans didn’t know how to explain her behavior. All they could do was try their best to smooth things over.

It’s just for publicity, everyone, please understand.
It’s Zhou Ziheng—Youran’s reaction is understandable.
Our Youran has high emotional intelligence.

While Zhou Ziheng and Xiang Youran were eating plain rice with a hint of resignation, Yu Tang’s stir-fried green beans with pork was ready. The fragrance filled the air.

Shen Tianshi, who had just been coaxed back by Xiao Yufei, smelled it the moment he entered and followed the scent straight to Yu Tang’s kitchen. His gaze landed on the dish in her hands, and his eyes threatened to turn red again.

“Yu Xiaotang! You eat so well when I’m not here! How could you do this to me—boohoohoo…”

Xie Yi, who had been sitting on a small stool he’d just brought over for Yu Tang, stood up at once, flustered by Shen Tianshi’s words.

“Mr. Shen, please don’t say that. Sister Yu Tang works so hard—she deserves to eat what she cooks.”

Xie Yi’s voice was gentle and full of warmth. Shen Tianshi was stunned, the redness in his eyes fading as he wondered if he’d really meant what he’d said. Yu Tang glanced at Xie Yi, almost imperceptibly.

“Shen Tianshi.”

“Yes!” He responded instinctively.

“About turn.”

“March!”

Obeying, Shen Tianshi left the kitchen, only to realize something was wrong once he was outside. Why had he left? Just as he was about to turn back and lean against Yu Tang’s doorframe, Xiao Yufei couldn’t take it anymore. She grabbed him by the scruff and hauled him back to her own kitchen, locked him in, and hid the key, her movements swift and decisive.

No matter how much Shen Tianshi scratched at the door, it was useless.

I’m dying—Shen Tianshi is like a big golden retriever!
Am I the only one who thinks Xie Yi is a bit too sly? Shen Tianshi is no match for him.
What slyness? He’s just adorable! Can’t you see for yourself?

Xie Yi really knows how to win people over—could this be the advanced hunter appearing as the prey?
Yu Tang, I’ve never begged anyone in my life, but please, show a little fairness. I feel like our “Harmony” is about to shatter.

Because of the “Heaven-Timing, Earth-Advantage, and People-Harmony” theme, Shen Tianshi’s nickname was usually “Harmony.” At this moment, Director Bai Yang, watching the skyrocketing popularity of the livestream, couldn’t help but grin.

“Hurry, add a few more cameras to Yu Tang’s livestream,” he said over the walkie-talkie.

“Uh, whose should we remove then?” The filming director hesitated. Everyone present was a big name; removing anyone’s camera feed would be tricky.

Director Bai glanced at the screen and the barrage of comments, thinking for a moment. “Take down Lu Zhiming and Chen Cheng’s feeds—their fans aren’t very active.”

The assistant director opened his mouth to protest but thought better of it, finally replying meekly, “Alright.”

Meanwhile, aside from the stir-fried green beans with pork, Yu Tang had also finished sautéed prawns and garlic lettuce. With three delicious dishes ready, she was about to continue when Xie Yi hurriedly stood up from his little stool.

“Sister Yu Tang, take a break! I’ll handle the rest,” he insisted. “The director said this segment requires two people working together!”

Afraid she wouldn’t listen, he repeated himself three times. Only then did Yu Tang pause, put down her spatula, and, after a moment’s hesitation, untied her apron and handed it to Xie Yi.

“Alright, you do it then.”

It wasn’t that Yu Tang particularly loved cooking, but this new skill was simply addictive—every dish felt so rewarding. Xie Yi smiled as he took the apron and, with practiced movements, began slicing tomatoes. With the remaining tomatoes and a few eggs, he would make scrambled eggs with tomatoes—just enough to complete the meal. His fair, slender hands held the bright red tomatoes, making for a pleasing scene.

Yu Tang nodded, satisfied.