Fake Cannon Fodder A Becomes a Sensation in Romance Variety Shows - Chapter 67.2
An elderly woman who often bought sesame crisps from Jieyou Eatery walked by, holding her granddaughter’s hand.
“Mm, we’re having a small New Year’s gathering here tonight.”
Wen Huiyun responded, waving at the little girl and handing her two White Rabbit candies.
Ye Zhuoyan also greeted them, “Happy New Year, Grandma. Happy New Year, little one.”
The elderly woman smiled warmly, “Happy New Year.”
A day earlier, Wen Huiyun had sent messages to all the guests except Ke Yuxin:
“Jieyou Eatery’s Small New Year gathering, 5 PM. Waiting for you all~”
Liang Yuan: “Back in my hometown, sorry I can’t make it. Wishing everyone a happy Small New Year.”
Cheng Xiaoming: “Got it. I’ll be a little late, my treat as an apology.”
Mi Tao: “I just landed in Singapore this morning QAQ! I’ll video call tonight! I want to see what delicious food Yunyun-jie is making!”
Gu Rufeng: “Got it, I’ll be there on time.”
Jiang Yining: “I want big fish, big meat, and big crabs!”
Wen Huiyun smiled at the messages, tied on her apron, and began prepping the ingredients.
Ye Zhuoyan asked, “Is there anything I can help with?”
Wen Huiyun said, “Yes.”
Ye Zhuoyan rolled up her sleeves and stepped closer. “Chef Wen, your orders?”
“Teacher Ye, I’m feeling a little unsettled.”
“What’s wrong?” Ye Zhuoyan asked with concern.
“Probably because it’s been an hour since I kissed my wife. I miss her terribly.”
Ye Zhuoyan flicked water at her. “You’re so annoying!”
Wen Huiyun whimpered, “Water got in my eyes, it hurts so much.”
Ye Zhuoyan immediately cupped her face for a closer look, blowing gently. “I’m sorry, Yunyun. Let me get a wet wipe to clean it for you.”
The next second, Wen Huiyun wrapped her arms around Ye Zhuoyan’s waist, lifting her up and planting a sudden kiss on her lips.
Wen Huiyun raised her hand triumphantly. “I’m all better! Now, onto today’s first dish, Hua Diao Chicken.”
Ye Zhuoyan was both exasperated and amused. “Honestly.”
If she wanted a kiss, she could’ve just asked.
It wasn’t like she’d refuse (/ω\)
While Wen Huiyun cooked in the kitchen, Ye Zhuoyan helped with small tasks and spent the rest of her time decorating Jieyou Eatery.
She spread out a red tablecloth embroidered with blooming peonies, hung red lanterns at the entrance, laid out a “Welcome” doormat, and put up a pair of fiery-red New Year couplets.
The old street bustled with people coming and going, exchanging greetings and well-wishes for the New Year.
After finishing two dishes, Wen Huiyun heard voices outside.
“Who’s here, Yan Yan?”
A man stood at the entrance holding sausages and cured meat, chatting with Ye Zhuoyan. When he saw Wen Huiyun, he waved cheerfully.
“Boss Wen!”
Wen Huiyun immediately recognized him. “Old Li!”
It was the beta owner of Li’s Wonton.
Now, Li’s Wonton was no longer just a small stall, it had become a renowned classic wonton shop in the old district.
“Thank you so much for bringing all these New Year’s goods. I feel bad. I didn’t prepare anything in return.”
“Ah, don’t mention it, Boss! If it weren’t for your help back then, we wouldn’t have been able to afford Lan Lan’s tuition. We wouldn’t be where we are today.”
Wen Huiyun said, “Still, I feel bad. Here, take this box of Australian lobsters and a crate of cherries back for your wife and kids.”
“This is too much. Ah, that’s enough, that’s enough. Thank you, Boss Wen!”
Old Li pressed down on the box of gifts Wen Huiyun was holding. “Really, this is enough. Boss Wen, if you two have time during the New Year, come visit my place. All the neighbors on these streets are grateful to you. We’d love to treat you to a meal together.”
Wen Huiyun glanced at Ye Zhuoyan, waiting for her nod before saying, “We’ll definitely come if we have time.”
“Great! Then I won’t disturb you any longer. Thank you, Boss Wen. Wishing you both a happy New Year and a lifetime of happiness!”
“Thank you!”
Wen Huiyun beamed and, right in front of the bustling crowd, pulled Ye Zhuoyan into her arms.
A blatant display of affection.
Before five o’clock, Gu Rufeng and Jiang Yining arrived.
“Wow! So much meat and fish!”
Jiang Yining was overjoyed.
Ye Zhuoyan pulled her mischievous hands away. “Not everyone’s here yet.” She whispered to her, “You’ll be sitting next to Sister Ming later.”
“Why?!”
Jiang Yining was about to protest.
Ye Zhuoyan smiled without answering and turned to Gu Rufeng. “Have some fruit first.”
Cheng Xiaoming arrived around seven in the evening.
Wen Huiyun handed her a cup of hot tea to warm her up.
“Still so busy at the company right before the New Year?”
“Thanks. Just wrapping up some handovers. Things will ease up after the holiday.”
Cheng Xiaoming noticed the only empty seat was next to Jiang Yining. She paused briefly before walking over to sit down.
With everyone present, the dishes were served.
The “Flourishing Wealth” table mat was laden with a lavish feast.
Wen Huiyun video-called Mi Tao.
Since not all the guests were present and to avoid unnecessary criticism, they decided against livestreaming.
After a lively New Year’s Eve dinner, Jiang Yining took a group photo. Everyone gathered together, smiling happily.
The moment was preserved in the photograph.
After the meal, Wen Huiyun saw the guests off.
Once the room was tidied up, they prepared to head home.
Wen Huiyun bent down to lock the rolling shutter. Ye Zhuoyan clutched her bag nervously. “Huiyun, something feels off.”
“Off?”
“This old street isn’t usually this quiet at night, is it? It’s only nine, but look all the shops along the street are closed.”
“Normally, people stay open late, but it’s the New Year.”
“But there shouldn’t be absolutely no pedestrians.”
This was indeed strange.
Ye Zhuoyan said, “It’s too quiet.”
Wen Huiyun finished locking up, wrapped an arm around Ye Zhuoyan, and took off her hat to place it on Ye Zhuoyan’s head. “Let’s hurry back.”
The old street was narrow and usually crowded, so cars weren’t allowed in. They had to park on the main road outside the old street.
The walk from the alley of “Jieyou Eatery” to the main road usually took about ten minutes, with the path brightly lit. But tonight, it was pitch black.
The alley was narrow, and their footsteps echoed in the darkness.
As they walked, the sound of footsteps suddenly multiplied.
Ye Zhuoyan trembled in fear. Wen Huiyun frowned, cupping her face. “Don’t look back.”
The footsteps behind them closed in, then abruptly sped up. Wen Huiyun grabbed Ye Zhuoyan’s hand and broke into a sprint.
Just as they neared the intersection, two figures emerged under the flickering streetlight ahead.
The cold glint in their hands made Wen Huiyun’s heart lurch, they had knives.
Alpha psychic energy surged from both directions, aggressive and overwhelming.
Wen Huiyun tightened her hold on Ye Zhuoyan, frantically scanning their surroundings. “This way,” she said, pulling her into a narrow alley to the left.
“Huiyun, I think this is a dead end.”
A brick wall blocked their path.
Wen Huiyun skidded to a halt. Behind them, a chilling gust of wind sliced through the air. She yanked Ye Zhuoyan behind her, shielding her with her body.
The stagnant water reflected the cold gleam of the blade.
And the icy moon hanging in the deep sky.
In another alley a few streets away.
The hurried footsteps of several people shattered the moon’s reflection in the puddles.
The faint moonlight crept along the shadowy corners, seeping onto the road.
In the alley, a lone figure walked slowly.
Cheng Xiaoming stared at the anonymous text message:
Want to know who leaked the project plan? Be at the rooftop of Building 5, No. 33 Tuanyuan Road, by Jieyou Eatery at 9 p.m.
P.S.: I’m watching you. Come alone.
Who?
Her expression darkened. Suddenly, she heard a faint rustling nearby, as if someone was hiding in the shadows.
A female omega appeared at the intersection, carrying a plastic bag full of daily necessities, looking as though she had just finished shopping after work.
Cheng Xiaoming averted her gaze, scanning the house numbers as she walked past.
Tap, tap, tap.
The woman’s high heels clicked softly.
The two brushed past each other.
Cheng Xiaoming’s pupils abruptly constricted.
She looked down, a dagger was buried in her abdomen.
The woman yanked the blade free and sprinted away.
A sharp pain tore through Cheng Xiaoming’s stomach as she clutched the wound. Then, a violent mental assault from another alpha struck her mind.
The world spun.
Staggering, she steadied herself only to hear footsteps closing in from all directions.
One, two, three, seven. Seven alphas.
Against two or three, she might have stood a chance. But seven? And injured?
Her only option was to fight for her life.
Cheng Xiaoming lifted her head, eyes blazing with ferocity, unleashing her alpha’s mental force.
The night was thick, the solitary moon hanging high.
Its cold light cast her solitary figure onto the ground.
All around, the shadows of her enemies closed in like demons.
The wind howled, carrying the scent of blood.
On the three-story rooftop above, a figure suddenly turned eyes sharp as blades, momentum unstoppable.