Ji Xingzhu carried a basin of “unidentified objects” to the table, enthusiastically inviting Song Qingchi and Wen Yajun to “enjoy” it.
To be honest, this was the first time the proud and aloof Miss Ji had smiled so sweetly and charmingly in front of everyone, but everyone only found it terrifying! It was like seeing a devil smiling.
Song Qingchi was relatively calm, but Wen Yajun, who was also invited, looked green around the gills. As for the others, they all wore expressions of thankful relief.
Fortunately, fortunately, they were neither related to Miss Ji nor someone she liked. If they ever caught Miss Ji’s eye, it might cost them their lives!
By now, Ji Xingzhu was getting impatient. She first targeted Wen Yajun: “Wen Yajun, you are my cousin, my flesh and blood~ I made this dish especially for you. Why don’t you come and taste it quickly?”
Ji Xingzhu smiled playfully and provocatively. Heh, doesn’t Wen Yajun love to play the “dear sister” act with her in front of the cameras? Now that her little sister had personally cooked for her big sister, how could she refuse to play along?
Having just been slapped twice today, Wen Yajun was already full of resentment towards Ji Xingzhu. Being provoked like this, she couldn’t swallow her anger. Furious, she completely abandoned her delicate and weak persona, glaring viciously at Ji Xingzhu before turning around and storming off with a dark face.
Ji Xingzhu smirked mockingly. Can’t keep up the act anymore, huh? Watching Wen Yajun pretend to be a pure lotus every day was truly nauseating.
Damn, she hated pretentious people the most.
[OMG, Wen Yajun’s expression just now was so scary, totally different from her usual soft and weak self…]
[That so-called softness is probably just an act… what truly gentle girl would think of borrowing a villa to deceive the audience? So unethical…]
[Unbearable. I can’t believe Wen Yajun is like this. Unfollowing, turning from fan to anti.]
Most people were quite dissatisfied with Wen Yajun’s attitude, but they didn’t consider that Ji Xingzhu had deliberately orchestrated the situation.
They just thought it was normal for Ji Xingzhu, a young lady from a wealthy family, to never have lifted a finger in the kitchen, and it was also normal for her first attempt at cooking to be poor. Although the dish looked… a tiny bit unsightly, it was made with sincerity!
Miss Ji cooking for love, washing her hands to make soup—how touching!
There’s no way she intentionally tried to poison Wen Yajun and Song Qingchi, right?
Ji Xingzhu was getting excited. Having driven Wen Yajun away, she now turned her burning gaze towards her other target—Song Qingchi.
Arms crossed, she looked at him leisurely, deliberately using a displeased tone: “Song Qingchi, I’ve never cooked before. Now, I’ve prepared this meal for you, showing just how much I like you! Aren’t you moved?”
Song Qingchi took a deep breath, intending to calm himself, but unexpectedly inhaled a strange odor—coming from the concoction Ji Xingzhu had made.
He almost choked and quickly held his breath. After a long moment, the corner of his mouth twitched slightly. “…Moved.”
Moved, but also moved to stay far away.
Ji Xingzhu smiled slyly, like a mischievous little fox. She stepped forward, grabbed Song Qingchi’s arm, pulled him to the dining table, and forcefully sat him down, pushing the bowl of unidentified substance in front of him.
“In that case, why don’t you hurry up and taste it, truly experience… how much I like you.” Ji Xingzhu sat beside him, propping her chin on her hand, blinking her bright peach-blossom eyes, staring fixedly at him.
Initially, Song Qingchi was pondering how to refuse this “kindness,” but when he turned and met those sparkling eyes, his heart stirred slightly, and he fell silent for a moment.
Song Qingchi looked down quietly, staring at the strange concoction before him, lost in thought for a while.
A sudden thought flashed through his mind: perhaps Ji Xingzhu’s claim of “liking him” was false, but this being her first time cooking… that was real.
After a long pause, the corner of Song Qingchi’s mouth curled up slightly, revealing a somewhat helpless smile. Then, under the terrified and awed gazes of everyone else, he lowered his head and took a taste of the indescribable substance.
Even Ji Xingzhu’s pupils constricted slightly as she stared at him in disbelief, clearly not expecting Song Qingchi to actually eat it. Knowing the male lead’s personality, he wasn’t the type to silently suffer a loss.
After taking a bite of Ji Xingzhu’s cooking, Song Qingchi’s expression was subtle. He always maintained a gentle and polite smile in front of others, and rarely did anyone see his composure nearly slip like this.
Ji Xingzhu looked at him with a complicated expression, stammering, “H-How… how is the taste?”
Song Qingchi hung his head, his thick lashes trembling slightly. After a moment, he slowly turned to meet Ji Xingzhu’s gaze, revealing an almost gentle smile. “Because it was made with Miss Ji’s sincerity, I think… it tastes good.”
Ji Xingzhu: “…” This male lead is truly a man of steel!
Cannon Fodder System: “…” What is high-EQ response? This is a high-EQ response!
The live stream viewers were also on their knees.
[Song Qingchi, you are so brave! Don’t you want to live anymore?!]
[If being a simp was a crime, Song Qingchi would be looking at a life sentence. :)]
[But if Song Qingchi didn’t eat that thing, he’d be looking at a life sentence without a wife!!!]
[Help, he’s so deeply in love!]
[Miss Ji’s affection is indeed… quite heavy.]
Just as Ji Xingzhu was itching to urge Song Qingchi to finish it all, 999 screamed in her mind: “Host! Stop playing around! If the male lead gets poisoned by you, our mission will fail immediately!”
Ji Xingzhu was about to retort unhappily to 999—how could it be that exaggerated? At most, her cooking was a bit unpalatable, it wouldn’t actually poison someone, right?
But seeing Song Qingchi scoop up another spoonful of soup, ready to drink it, Ji Xingzhu’s heart skipped a beat. With the speed of light, she reached out and stopped him.
Ji Xingzhu was speechless for a long time before stammering an explanation: “This is my first time cooking, it’s not very good. Just tasting it is enough, don’t eat any more.”
She was genuinely a bit afraid the male lead might get poisoned…
Song Qingchi gazed at her steadily, his eyes dark and deep. This action of hers… was she worried about him?
He raised an eyebrow slightly, slowly put down his utensils, and once again shocked everyone with his words: “Then will I have the honor of eating Miss Ji’s cooking again in the future?”
Ji Xingzhu: “…”
Everyone else: “!!!”
At this moment, Song Qingchi seemed almost godlike in everyone’s eyes—this was way too dedicated! If he didn’t end up with Miss Ji, it would be a crime against heaven!
Ji Xingzhu felt uncomfortable under Song Qingchi’s intense gaze. After a while, she cleared her throat and awkwardly brushed it off: “We’ll see.”
She had done this to teach Song Qingchi a lesson, to make him think twice before spouting nonsense about her “liking him.” But someone please explain to her… why was this male lead so stubborn!
Was he really not afraid of being poisoned!
Completely exasperated, Ji Xingzhu personally dumped her homemade “poison.” After that, everyone began their planned dinner gathering. Cen Xuan’s cooking was excellent, and everyone felt incredibly grateful for a normal meal, especially after being subjected to Ji Xingzhu’s culinary experiment.
Wen Yajun never came out to eat, and nobody bothered with her.
After more than a day together, the guests had become much more familiar with each other. The dinner atmosphere that evening was unexpectedly pleasant, except for the lingering look of trauma in everyone’s eyes whenever they glanced at Ji Xingzhu…
Ji Xingzhu bitterly complained to 999, “Look at my reputation now! I’ve made such huge sacrifices to complete the mission!”
The cannon fodder system wanted to spit blood: “Don’t use the mission as an excuse! The mission didn’t ask you to max out the male lead’s credit card, didn’t ask you to beat up Wen Yajun whenever you felt like it, and definitely didn’t ask you to cook up poison to murder the male lead!”
“I think you’re just using the mission to indulge your own selfish desires!” 999 accused angrily.
Ji Xingzhu snorted with laughter, shamelessly admitting it, “So what? Who told you to make me pretend to be the male lead’s system? You’re the one who handed me the chance to cause trouble!”
“But, 9-goose, I have to say, being the male lead’s system is actually pretty fun.” Ji Xingzhu said with lingering satisfaction. “This job isn’t bad. Maybe when it’s time to leave, I’ll really hate to go.”
Cannon Fodder System: “…”
I’m going to submit a report to headquarters overnight and urge them to send a proper system to take over immediately! I can’t take it anymore! Aaaaargh!
After eating and drinking, the exhausted guests decided to call it a night early and return to their rooms to rest.
Ji Xingzhu and Song Qingchi’s accommodation was closest to the dinner venue, so they arrived quickly. Throughout the walk back, Ji Xingzhu was unusually quiet, barely speaking to Song Qingchi. They returned to their place in silence.
Ji Xingzhu had been acting “in love with Song Qingchi” all day and was utterly exhausted. As soon as she got home, she locked herself in her bedroom, having no energy left to humor Song Qingchi.
Song Qingchi watched her figure disappear into the bedroom, smiled softly to himself, and also returned to his room.
Ji Xingzhu forced herself to take a shower, then collapsed onto the bed, on the verge of sleep. But 999’s urging voice soon sounded: “Host, just a reminder, you haven’t logged in for your daily check-in yet~”
Ji Xingzhu painfully turned over, letting out a reluctant groan: “So tired… don’t want to log in.”
After repeated nagging from 999, Ji Xingzhu finally decided to log in and check in. However, just as she was about to act, she suddenly froze.
“Wait! At this hour… what if Song Qingchi is taking a shower again?” Ji Xingzhu hesitated.
The cannon fodder system was also silent for a moment before stammering, “It… it can’t be that coincidental…”
Just as they were hesitating and debating, Ji Xingzhu’s door was suddenly knocked on. She thought it was someone from the production crew, but opening the door revealed Song Qingchi, smiling warmly.
Remembering that it wasn’t past midnight yet, so she was still supposed to “like” Song Qingchi, Ji Xingzhu didn’t give him a cold shoulder and patiently asked, “Something up?”
Song Qingchi seemed to have just showered; his hair still held a trace of moisture. Shedding his usual reserved and proper exterior, he appeared somewhat languid. Unusually, he wasn’t wearing his gold-rimmed glasses. His deep, dark eyes quietly gazed at Ji Xingzhu. Although a smile played on his lips, there was an inexplicable sharp aggressiveness about him.
For an instant, it reminded Ji Xingzhu of the fierce and violent Song Qingchi in the boxing ring, making her instinctively wary.
Song Qingchi asked with a smile, “Miss Ji, how do you think today… went?”
Hearing this, Ji Xingzhu subconsciously revealed a smile: “Pretty good.”
This smile was absolutely genuine! Setting everything else aside, using “liking Song Qingchi” as an excuse today had been incredibly satisfying~
Song Qingchi continued to probe: “So now… do you still like me?”
Ji Xingzhu subconsciously turned her head to look at the clock. Seeing that it wasn’t past midnight yet, she nodded affirmatively: “I like you!”
Ji Xingzhu’s little covert actions were completely observed by Song Qingchi. He couldn’t help but chuckle softly, and his expression unconsciously softened.
He pretended not to notice Ji Xingzhu’s little schemes and played along with her in a serious manner. He asked with a smile: “Miss Ji, since you have feelings for me, can I call you Xingzhu directly from now on?”
Ji Xingzhu’s mouth twitched imperceptibly, and her gaze instantly turned unfriendly. She felt that the dog male lead was getting a bit too presumptuous, but since it wasn’t past midnight yet, she couldn’t just turn hostile…
Ji Xingzhu suppressed her irritation repeatedly and forced a smile: “Of course you can.” At worst, she would use the excuse tomorrow that she no longer liked Song Qingchi and immediately go back on her word.
However, Song Qingchi meaningfully pressed further: “If someday Xingzhu you no longer like me, can I still call you Xingzhu directly?”
He really knew how to seize an opportunity; he had already started directly calling her “Xingzhu.”
Ji Xingzhu barely managed to suppress the urge to roll her eyes and impatiently brushed him off: “Fine, fine, call me whatever you want!”
Song Qingchi’s brows relaxed, looking completely satisfied. He was perceptive enough to take his leave soon after. Before leaving, he seemingly casually said to Ji Xingzhu: “I just finished showering and am planning to rest now. Xingzhu, you should rest early too.”
“Goodbye.” Ji Xingzhu replied expressionlessly and slammed the door shut. She rubbed her arms with a slight shiver of disgust, feeling quite uncomfortable with Song Qingchi’s overly familiar “Xingzhu.”
However, 999 was delighted: “Host, did you hear that? He just said he’s already showered. Log in now, and there won’t be any problems!”
Ji Xingzhu was momentarily stunned, then belatedly realized: “Oh right, what a coincidence!”
“But why did the dog male lead specifically mention that he’d showered? It feels a bit weird…”
“Don’t overthink it! Just log in and check in!”
Ji Xingzhu sighed faintly and dutifully worked overtime.
After the familiar feeling of weightlessness passed, Ji Xingzhu opened her eyes again and saw the scenery inside Song Qingchi’s room. She greeted Song Qingchi lightly: “Host, how do you feel today? Ji Xingzhu really does like you now, right?”
Song Qingchi, who had just said he was going to sleep, was now using his computer to handle work matters, as if he had known she would come and was specifically waiting for her. He rubbed his brow wearily, but his tone was quite light: “Today… not bad.”
Ji Xingzhu immediately said proudly: “Then you have to keep your word and listen to me from now on!”
Song Qingchi chuckled softly, his voice low and magnetic, with a hint of infinite tolerance: “Alright, I’ll listen to you from now on.”
Ji Xingzhu: “…”
Ji Xingzhu inexplicably felt somewhat uncomfortable. Why had Song Qingchi’s attitude towards her become… so strange?!
But since she had already obtained Song Qingchi’s promise, Ji Xingzhu didn’t want to overthink it. She said goodbye and logged off to sleep.
Song Qingchi was momentarily startled. He had originally wanted to chat with her a bit longer, but hadn’t expected her to leave so decisively.
The smile at the corner of Song Qingchi’s mouth faded slightly, and he was momentarily dazed. In this game of “Ji Xingzhu falling for Song Qingchi,” he seemed far less carefree than she was.
After a long time, a faint sigh echoed in the quiet room.
·
The next day, Ji Xingzhu woke up full of energy.
“Hmph, today I’m back to being Ji Xingzhu who loves no one!” She said contentedly.
Although yesterday had been quite enjoyable, she didn’t want to pretend to like someone.
The guests gathered again at the village’s assembly hall. When Ji Xingzhu arrived, many guests greeted her with smiles.
After everyone had arrived, the director announced that today, the female guests would still choose male guests to form pairs, but today’s dates would follow the plans provided by the production team.
The production team was probably scared by Ji Xingzhu’s outrageous shopping spree yesterday…
Upon hearing that the female guests would be choosing again, all the male guests’ expressions stiffened slightly. Lin Yifei, with his dyed red hair, was a straightforward young man and was the first to voice the hidden concerns of all the male guests.
Lin Yifei cautiously said to Ji Xingzhu: “Sister Ji, don’t you like Brother Song? You’re still choosing him today, right?”
The male guests immediately held their breath, waiting for Ji Xingzhu’s answer. Ji Xingzhu was certainly very beautiful, but after going back last night to watch the replay of her “date” with Song Qingchi, they found it… unbearable, truly unbearable!
Neither they nor their wallets could withstand Miss Ji’s ordeal! So they were all terrified of being chosen by Ji Xingzhu. Unconsciously, Ji Xingzhu had successfully risen through her own efforts to become the “scourge of men” on this dating show…
Except for Song Qingchi, who appeared indifferent, the other male guests all looked somewhat nervous.
Everyone thought that since Ji Xingzhu had personally expressed her liking for Song Qingchi, she would still choose this unlucky guy today. However, she unexpectedly shook her head.
Ji Xingzhu crossed her arms and said arrogantly: “Today Song Qingchi entered with his left foot first, which made me very unhappy, so I don’t like him anymore.”
Song Qingchi: “…”
He revealed a helpless smile, as if he had anticipated this.
The others stared blankly at Ji Xingzhu: Don’t be too ridiculous!!!
Then, under the nervous gazes of the male guests, Ji Xingzhu slowly swept her eyes over them like an emperor selecting concubines. She raised an eyebrow slightly and said with interest: “So… who should I choose today?”