Fake Cannon Fodder A Becomes a Sensation in Romance Variety Shows - Chapter 20

The scent of caramel macchiato pheromones filled Ye Zhuoyan’s nostrils. Though she couldn’t see, she knew Wen Huiyun was standing very close to her now.

When Wen Huiyun’s hand touched the crown of Ye Zhuoyan’s head, the latter instinctively stiffened, her back rigid and her delicate brows involuntarily furrowing.

In Ye Zhuoyan’s memory, every time Wen Huiyun (the original host) approached her, it was either to hit or scold her. Hence, she’d developed a learned self-protective response to Wen Huiyun’s touch even though she knew they were currently in the program crew’s car with cameras rolling.

Wen Huiyun’s fingertips merely brushed lightly through Ye Zhuoyan’s hair before quickly withdrawing.

She had only plucked off a small tuft of lint from Ye Zhuoyan’s head.

As the caramel macchiato fragrance gradually receded, Ye Zhuoyan’s tense nerves slowly relaxed.

Ye Zhuoyan twitched her nose slightly. Hmm? Wen Huiyun’s scent seemed different from before.

Ye Zhuoyan was a light sleeper who often drank milk and calming tea to help her rest. While working, she preferred milk tea or milk chocolate for energy, rarely touching coffee which could upset her stomach and overstimulate her nerves.

Since Wen Huiyun’s pheromones were caramel macchiato, Ye Zhuoyan never particularly liked them.

But now, not only did Wen Huiyun’s scent fluctuate dramatically in intensity, but when she came close, Ye Zhuoyan could detect a faint milky fragrance something one had to pay close attention to notice.

Why was this?

Could it be that whatever happened during Wen Huiyun’s disappearance not only caused brain damage but also altered her physical constitution?

Ye Zhuoyan couldn’t make sense of it. This was too bizarre.

Lost in deep thought, Ye Zhuoyan suddenly felt something soft drape over her legs Wen Huiyun had gently covered her with a small blanket.

She heard Wen Huiyun whisper very quietly to the driver: “Master, could you please turn up the air conditioning a bit more? Zhuoyan’s fallen asleep and might catch cold.”

The driver smiled and nodded, slowing the car slightly to make the ride smoother.

In Ye Zhuoyan’s heart, it was as if a bell had been rung and the one who rang it was Wen Huiyun.

How many years had it been? Aside from her parents and younger sister, she’d never experienced such thoughtful care. After marrying into the Wen family, she’d spent her days treading carefully in that cold house, each day feeling like a year.

For a fleeting moment, Ye Zhuoyan found it all absurd, what just happened felt utterly unreal.

She would never have imagined that one day, Wen Huiyun would show her such consideration.

Ye Zhuoyan lowered her brows, thinking: She’s truly different from before.

This kind of meticulous thoughtfulness wasn’t something Wen Huiyun could fake.

The car interior was warm and cozy, even the caramel macchiato coffee aroma seemed softened.

Ye Zhuoyan secretly cracked open her right eye slightly. The streetlights outside illuminated Wen Huiyun’s profile, highlighting her tall, straight nose bridge, a picture of tranquility.

When the car stopped at Garden Square, Wen Huiyun got out first to open the door for Ye Zhuoyan.

The moment they opened the door to Lianlian Mansion, Jiang Yining’s plaintive complaints bombarded them like artillery fire.

“Hui! Yun!!! I’m so hungry!!!”

Jiang Yining pounced forward.

“Yuanyuan and Taotao still haven’t returned from their date! Cheng Da A can’t even flip a fried egg properly! My stomach’s completely empty! You’re finally back! QAQ”

Cheng Xiaoming, who couldn’t flip fried eggs sat on the sofa reading stock reports with a cold expression, his face only brightening slightly upon seeing Wen Huiyun and Ye Zhuoyan.

Cheng Xiaoming asked them: “You’ve already eaten out during your date, right?”

“Oh, we’ve been outdoors all day and wanted to come back to rest first, and…”

Wen Huiyun didn’t finish her sentence when she noticed Ye Zhuoyan’s slipped jacket dragging slightly on the floor. She quickly stepped forward to adjust it and continued, “We haven’t eaten yet. I’ll start cooking right away.”

Ye Zhuoyan lifted the sleeve that had just brushed the floor to check, she hadn’t even noticed.

Wen Huiyun asked her, “Zhuoyan, what would you like to eat?”

“Me?” Ye Zhuoyan thought for a moment and said, “Lotus leaf steamed pork. It’s been a while since I’ve had it.”

“Alright, I’ll use glutinous millet for steaming then?”

Ye Zhuoyan nodded.

She hadn’t even realized it herself, this was the first time since joining the show that she had genuinely answered Wen Huiyun’s question.

No matter, the audience noticed for her:

[Why does this steamed pork conversation sound like an old married couple?]

[Being on a date really changes things [auntie smile.jpg]]

[I want lotus leaf steamed pork too… (this is my drool)]

Jiang Yining hugged her pink plushie and pouted, “I said I was hungry first. Come ask me what I want to eat!”

Wen Huiyun promptly asked her, then turned to Cheng Xiaoming as well, “How about you two?”

Suddenly, Wen Huiyun noticed Cheng Xiaoming’s swollen, red lips and immediately glanced at Jiang Yining, feeling awkward.

“You two…”

Cheng Xiaoming was confused, only finding Wen Huiyun’s expression odd.

“What?” Don’t lump her together with Jiang Yining.

Not wanting to pry, Wen Huiyun grabbed a hand mirror from the coffee table and handed it to Cheng Xiaoming. Seizing the moment, she mimicked Cheng Xiaoming’s usual gesture and lightly patted her shoulder.

“Everyone else is still out, but you two sure moved fast.”

“?”

Cheng Xiaoming stared at her handsome reflection everything looked fine except for her swollen, red lips, as if they’d been gnawed on.

“…”

Did Wen Huiyun think she and Jiang Yining had…?!

Cheng Xiaoming’s neck flushed with frustration, “No, Huiyun, at noon I—”

“Okay, okay, I know your lips are bothering you. Leave it to me, I’ll make something light, and I’ll cook the rice softer too.”

Wen Huiyun flashed an OK sign.

Cheng Xiaoming wanted to rush to the kitchen to explain, but Ye Zhuoyan, overhearing their conversation, brought her a glass of water, “Ming-jie, drink some cold water to calm down. I have lip balm for inflammation, it’ll reduce the swelling.”

“Zhuoyan, it’s nothing serious, it’s just—”

Jiang Yining glanced over and giggled, “Oh come on, you’re so bad at this, people will laugh if you explain~”

“…”

Cheng Xiaoming downed the glass of cold water, but it did nothing to quell the fire in her stomach.

Her lips were swollen because she’d eaten an insanely spicy self-heating hot pot at noon!!!

Cheng Xiaoming shot Jiang Yining a resentful glare.

Jiang Yining: Pretty girl wink~

Cheng Xiaoming pressed her fingers to her temples.

Closed her eyes.

Unbelievable.

After a day of neglect, the kitchen of Lovers’ Villa once again filled with the aroma of delicious food.

Jiang Yining chattered like a sparrow, asking, “Where did you go on your date? Was it fun?” one moment, then gushing, “This is so good! You look so sexy cooking,” the next.

Wen Huiyun and Ye Zhuoyan both smiled politely and ate in silence.

Cheng Xiaoming ate more than usual that evening, going back for two extra bowls of rice.

Wen Huiyun worried Liang Yuan and Mi Tao might want something when they returned, so she prepared to cook more, just as the two walked in, saying they’d already eaten.

Jiang Yining asked, “Where’d you go on your date?”

Liang Yuan smiled faintly, while Mi Tao eagerly showed Jiang Yining photos from the teahouse, beaming, “Liang Yuan-jie took me for medicinal cuisine today! Tianma pigeon soup so delicious!”

Jiang Yining looked on with envy. “Only I’m left behind, and it’s so cold these days~”

Ye Zhuoyan was about to go upstairs when Wen Huiyun called out to her.

“Zhuoyan, do you have a moment?”

It was the same small balcony outside the kitchen, a blind spot for filming.

Ye Zhuoyan stood before the row of scallions Wen Huiyun had planted, gazing at the night outside the window.

“What is it?”

Something thin brushed against her hand. Looking down, Ye Zhuoyan saw a savings card.

“What’s this?”

Wen Huiyun spoke earnestly. “There’s five million in there. I know it’s far from enough for the Ye family’s current situation.”

“But right now, ‘Transcendent Tech’s’ assets are tied up, so I can’t access more funds.”

“I didn’t mention this earlier because things weren’t settled, and I was afraid you wouldn’t believe me. Yesterday the bank called to inform me the company funds are frozen.”

She looked up, turning to Ye Zhuoyan with a gentle smile.

“This money comes from selling my jewelry, bags, and earnings from ‘Solace Eatery.’ It’s better than nothing, and I’ll keep trying.”

“……”

Ye Zhuoyan met her gaze, eyes shimmering with unspoken emotions. A whirlwind of thoughts rose in her chest, gathering at her throat yet remaining unvoiced.

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