Fake Cannon Fodder A Becomes a Sensation in Romance Variety Shows - Chapter 62

Good morning, everyone! Welcome to Jieyou Eatery.

The flickering light dots reveal the open kitchen of Lianlian Mansion through the live broadcast.

The windows are spotless, the room bright and clean.

“Everyone’s been saying I haven’t updated my videos in a while, right? Well, today we’re making up for it with a big update and welcoming our special guest.”

Wen Huiyun held up a large white goose plushie.

“Guess who it is? Let’s see if we’re on the same wavelength.”

Comments flooded the live stream in rapid succession:

【It’s definitely Ye Zhuoyan!】
【Wow, so it’s a wife-and-wife collab today?】
【Hurry up, hurry up, I can’t wait any longer!】

Wen Huiyun adjusted the camera angle. Sunlight streamed in, illuminating a delicate white porcelain vase holding a bouquet of fresh flowers. Ye Zhuoyan sat at the island counter, waving with a smile.

“Hello, everyone. I’m Ye Zhuoyan. I’m thrilled to be part of Jieyou Eatery’s special recipe project today. Huiyun and I will be cooking something delicious together.”

Ye Zhuoyan wore light makeup, her jet-black hair cascading over her chest. Dressed in a blue-and-white top and light-colored trousers, a delicate silver earring dangled from one earlobe.

“Yanyan, is this blocking your view?”

“Hmm?”

Wen Huiyun gently brushed aside the loose strands of hair near Ye Zhuoyan’s ear and deftly braided two small plaits, gathering them at the back of her head and tying them with a slim, pale blue silk ribbon. “I meant this.”

Ye Zhuoyan caught sight of herself on camera her previously loose hair now neatly styled by Wen Huiyun in just a few quick motions, looking both elegant and lively.

“Wow.”

Facing the camera in surprise, Ye Zhuoyan whispered, “Did you all see that? I had no idea Huiyun could do hairstyles.”

Wen Huiyun nodded proudly. “Mhm. I wanted to brush your hair every day, so I taught myself.”

“Then from now on, you’ll be in charge of meals and hairstyles, okay?”

“Gladly!”

Ye Zhuoyan leaned back in her barstool, resting the back of her head against Wen Huiyun’s chest as she stood behind her, steering the conversation back on track. “Today’s recipe is all about making my favorite foods, right?”

“Right.” Wen Huiyun pulled out a small blackboard. “We’ve already written them down. What’s worth mentioning is that even though Yanyan loves these dishes, as a dancer, she has to watch her carb and fat intake. She might not get to eat them even once a year.”

Ye Zhuoyan pouted helplessly. “Exactly.” Then she brightened. “So today, I’ll share my happiness with all of you.”

Here’s the menu on the blackboard:

-Jade Shrimp with Hibiscus

-Eight-Treasure Fortune Balls

-Steamed Fresh Shad with Honey Wine

-Snow Pear, Goji Berry, and Silver Ear Soup

-Yam and Almond Cake

“Huiyun, what do you need me to do?”

“Could you help me prep the ingredients? I’ve already washed them and set them on the counter.”

“No problem.”

As Ye Zhuoyan set down the santoku knife, Wen Huiyun made a “shh” gesture to the camera, draped an apron over her arm, and tiptoed behind Ye Zhuoyan.

She slipped the apron over Ye Zhuoyan’s front, wrapped her arms around her slender waist, and pulled the apron strings together, tying them into a neat bow.

Ye Zhuoyan set the knife aside and turned to smile at her. “Why the sneak attack? You didn’t even warn me.”

“Sorry about that.”

Wen Huiyun glanced at the vegetables Ye Zhuoyan had chopped, a mischievous glint flashing in her eyes before she schooled her expression. “Yanyan, the stems shouldn’t be handled like this.”

With that, she moved closer, enveloping Ye Zhuoyan in her arms. Her right hand covered Ye Zhuoyan’s, guiding her grip on the knife.

Adjusting Ye Zhuoyan’s fingers, she corrected her hold. “This way, it’ll be less tiring.”

Ye Zhuoyan felt warm breath against her cheek, their skin touching, sending a tingling warmth through her.

She nodded obediently, her eyes bright, then turned to ask Wen Huiyun, “How should I cut the vegetable stems correctly?”

Standing close together, Ye Zhuoyan suddenly turned her head, bringing their lips almost touching, each feeling the other’s breath.

“Like this. You need to break the central vein of the stem to make it crisp when eaten.” Wen Huiyun wrapped her hands around Ye Zhuoyan’s soft fingers, guiding the knife to slice through the stem.

In her arms, Ye Zhuoyan beamed with a radiant smile. She tilted her neck slightly, and Wen Huiyun used her clean left hand to massage it gently.

Ye Zhuoyan’s collar shifted, revealing the snow-white skin beneath her neck. Above her scent gland, a small protective patch adorned with a kitten pattern was visible.

Live stream comments:

【It’s showing! The protective patch! Cover it up quick!】

【Why cover it? I want to see!】

【Ahhh, is it hiding a bite mark? This is a live stream, not a private chat!】

【More, more! Push their heads together!】

【Cutting veggies while getting handsy, kissing, what comes next, need I say more?】

【Is this still a proper cooking stream?】

【Don’t mess around, I still need to learn how to make steamed shad fish with honey wine. It’s tricky, don’t get the stream banned.】

【LOL, there are actually serious cooking fans here (doge)】

Wen Huiyun also noticed Ye Zhuoyan’s protective patch.

During the midday break, Wen Huiyun hesitated before cautiously asking, “Yanyan, your neck.”

“This?” Ye Zhuoyan pulled her collar aside, twisting her head to stretch her fair neck. Her fingers traced the line of her neck, pressing lightly on the patch.

Her skin was delicate and smooth, her collarbone exquisite, the curves below disappearing into her top.

Wen Huiyun averted her gaze, too embarrassed to look further. “Yeah.”

Protective patches were typically used by omegas to shield their scent glands, though many also used them to discreetly cover mating marks similar to using a bandage to hide a hickey.

Ye Zhuoyan chuckled, adjusting her collar and buttoning it up. “I had a pimple at the base of my neck and accidentally scratched it. It didn’t look nice, so I covered it.”

“Oh!” A weight lifted from Wen Huiyun’s heart. She had felt oddly uneasy otherwise.

“I have acne patches. Wait a sec,” Wen Huiyun said.

Her hand warmed as Ye Zhuoyan caught it.

Wen Huiyun turned back to see Ye Zhuoyan smiling faintly. “I have acne patches too. I did this on purpose.” She tapped the protective patch on her neck.

“Huh? This” Wen Huiyun blinked, waiting for her wife to explain.

“Because we were going live together today,” Ye Zhuoyan said.

Hence the protective patch.

Let the audience speculate.

Gossip didn’t matter.

Let them assume you’re mine.

And no, there wasn’t actually a pimple~

＊

The third date came to an end.

All guests returned to the Love Nest.

Construction on their love nest was also paused for ventilation.

AI Announcement: All guests, please gather in the third-floor studio.

Wen Huiyun waited for Ye Zhuoyan before heading upstairs.

Was the next activity starting right after the third date? This scheduling didn’t make sense.

With this doubt, Wen Huiyun entered the studio.

Eight bouquets, name cards on each table, along with New Year gift boxes and commemorative booklets.

“?”

The guests took their seats, and Ye Zhuoyan guided Wen Huiyun to hers.

The cameras panned to each of them.

Wen Huiyun and the Bird of Paradise.

Ye Zhuoyan and the White Rose.

Cheng Xiaoming and the Purple Tulip.

Jiang Yining and the Red Bellflower.

Liang Yuan and the Yellow Rose.

Mi Tao and the White Lily of the Valley.

Gu Rufeng and the Dwarf Morning Glory.

Ke Yuxin and the Purple Hyacinth.

Wen Huiyun gently touched the petals of the bird-of-paradise flower in front of her. Each guest’s table had a different bouquet.

She remembered the original novel mentioning that the show would gift bouquets to the guests at the end, with the flower language serving as a metaphor for their characters. But the final selection hadn’t even happened yet.

What was the production team thinking? Could it be that the issues with Changxin Capital had affected Changxin Entertainment, forcing the dating show to be abruptly canceled?

Ye Zhuoyan gave her a gentle look from afar, and Wen Huiyun responded with a faint smile.

The director, dressed formally in a tailored suit, stepped onto the stage.

“It’s been a pleasure spending over two wonderful months with our eight guests.”

“As the Lunar New Year approaches, the production team has decided to take an early break so that everyone can return home sooner to reunite with their families.”

“On behalf of the entire crew, I’d like to wish all our guests and everyone watching a happy New Year and prosperity in the Year of X!”

Wen Huiyun nodded silently. So it was just a mid-season break for the holidays. That made sense Changxin wouldn’t cancel a show just because they lost a few billion on a project.

Ah! A break meant going home which also meant.

She stole a glance at Ye Zhuoyan, her mind already calculating. She hadn’t even picked out a new place yet.

The director added reluctantly, “A friendly reminder, please return to the Love Manor by February 6th. I’ll be here early to welcome everyone back!”

As they packed their belongings, some essentials were left behind at the manor.

Wen Huiyun helped Ye Zhuoyan move her things. To avoid suspicion, they took separate cars and different routes home.

After seeing Ye Zhuoyan off, Wen Huiyun turned back to retrieve her car and spotted Jiang Yining dragging a suitcase alone.

The wide road was empty, with only the omega walking slowly, pulling a large suitcase behind her.

Wen Huiyun found it odd. Didn’t she have a car? Impossible, the Love Manor was in the suburbs. How could she leave without one? Even if she didn’t have a private car or a ride-hailing service, the production team would’ve arranged transportation.

Might as well offer her a lift.

Before Wen Huiyun could pull onto the main road, she slowed down, frowning as she noticed a sleek luxury car trailing behind Jiang Yining at an even slower pace than hers.

Wen Huiyun silently turned the steering wheel. Well, someone else was already keeping an eye on her. She was meddling unnecessarily.

She rolled down the window, about to call out to the luxury car behind her, when suddenly a Maybach zoomed past. A Doberman’s head popped out from the back seat barking wildly!

All three cars screeched to a halt.

Wen Huiyun was stunned, craning her neck to see what was happening.

“Sis, I got this.” Gu Rufeng jumped out of the car and reached for Jiang Yining’s suitcase.

“Ms. Jiang, please wait!” A secretary hurried out from the luxury car.

Jiang Yining glanced back at the black car hundreds of meters away.

The secretary panted, “Let me take you.”

Jiang Yining burst into laughter, flicking a piece of chewing gum into the secretary’s suit pocket.

“Who doesn’t love a cute little puppy?” she said loudly before climbing into the Maybach.

The secretary stood frozen in the wind, the black luxury car behind him suddenly looking pitiful.

“Ugh!” Wen Huiyun smacked the steering wheel in frustration. Seriously?! Following her all that way without offering a ride now look what happened! Were they really waiting for Jiang Yining to get into their car on her own?

Unbelievable. Wen Huiyun shook her head.

Bang bang bang!

Someone hammered on her window.

Who the hell had such bad manners?

“Wen Huiyun, open up!”

Damn. The villainess.

Wen Huiyun’s foot hovered over the gas pedal as Ke Yuxin pressed against the window and hissed, “Secret. Marriage.”

Reluctantly, Wen Huiyun unlocked the door. Ke Yuxin reached for the passenger seat, but Wen Huiyun slammed it shut and snapped, “Get in the back.”

“Humph.” Ke Yuxin plopped into the backseat.

“Take me home. You know the address,” she said haughtily.

“I don’t. How about the garbage dump?”

“You!”

Wen Huiyun’s face was like iron as she pulled onto the main road.

“Baoli Xiangong.”

“I’ll drop you at the street corner.”

Ke Yuxin kicked the driver’s seat, furious. “Have you and Ye Zhuoyan forgotten about Mu Shi?”

“None of your damn business.”

“I’m telling you, you’d better not.”

“Keep talking and I’ll throw you off the overpass.”

“Wen Huiyun! Don’t think I won’t expose you right now!”

“Go ahead. I’ll toss you right now and destroy the evidence.”

Ke Yuxin was so angry she could barely breathe.

Wen Huiyun was impatient. “Where’s your family driver?”

“My dad won’t let me join the show.” The implication was clear, no ride from home. Ke Yuxin didn’t have a license either, having failed the driving test five times.

“I was supposed to have Liang Yuan take me, but then I saw her crappy little car. Humph.”

“…”

Wen Huiyun had seen Liang Yuan when she left Lianlian Mansion.

Gu Rufeng and Mi Tao were there too.

Gu Rufeng wanted to drive Mi Tao home, but then two Aston Martins pulled up, one for Mi Tao, the other carrying the butler and maids.

Mi Tao sighed. “Uncle Han, I told you not to come. I really don’t have much luggage.”

The butler had the maids bring out numerous gifts for Wen Huiyun, Gu Rufeng, and Liang Yuan, including some of the world’s rarest and finest ingredients.

The butler bowed slightly. “Just a small token. Our family head says it’s the thought that counts. Please accept them with our gratitude for looking after our young lady. Happy New Year to you and your families.”

Mi Tao covered her face in embarrassment. “Ugh, Dad’s making me lose face again!!!”

“Big sisters, these are just some snacks. They might not be fancy, but they’re organic and healthy. Please don’t look down on them QwQ”

“Take them, please take them!”

Then Mi Tao said she’d see them after the holidays and quickly ducked into the car to escape.

Wen Huiyun loaded the bags into the trunk and noticed Liang Yuan still standing there.

Awkward.

Mi Tao used to adore Liang Yuan, but Liang Yuan thought it “wasn’t appropriate” and deliberately distanced herself, turning her attention to Ke Yuxin instead.

Wen Huiyun wanted to leave quickly.

“Huiyun.” Liang Yuan stopped her, looking upset.

“Liang-jie, what’s up?”

Liang Yuan seemed shocked. “I thought Mi Tao’s family were farmers?”

“Ah, well, yeah. Rufeng mentioned Taozi is the heiress of ‘UO Agricultural Alliance’ and ‘Isa Mall.’ Her family often visits the farms to inspect and even helps with planting and harvesting.”

“…” Liang Yuan’s voice carried disappointment and a hint of anger. “So I was the only one who didn’t know? Why didn’t you tell me?”

Wen Huiyun was annoyed now.

Her eyes turned cold as she replied, leaving Liang Yuan frozen in place, nails digging into her palms.

You should ask yourself why you were the only one who didn’t know.

The car glided smoothly into the underground garage.

The elevator reached the first floor. The entryway was spacious, lined with potted plants, the rug neatly swept.

Home at last.

A white suitcase sat by the elevator Ye Zhuoyan was already back.

“Yanyan, I’m home!”

The cleaning lady wouldn’t arrive for a while. Ye Zhuoyan disliked outsiders, so they didn’t have live-in help.

Wen Huiyun wandered around the house.

When she first transmigrated into this world, Ye Zhuoyan had been so resistant to her that she hardly dared move freely at home, afraid of disturbing her.

Now it’s different. I can go wherever I please, look at anything, touch anything as I like.

After exploring the first floor, I head up to the second.

As I wander, I evaluate: Hmm, the house is indeed old. Though it’s clearly been well-maintained, it still falls short of being suitable as their marital home.

Sweet, steamy mist wafts from the bathroom.

A graceful figure moves faintly behind the haze.

The omega’s honeyed voice calls out softly, “Huiyun, could you pass me the black one on the bed?”

The black one?