Chapter 53 An Ran’s Good Morning Kiss

Everyone else tried to stifle their giggles.

Amusement sparkled in Shen Xingsui's eyes, making An Ran slightly annoyed.

But this was just a brief interlude. Shortly, they met with the show's crew members who said, “Considering everyone’s unfamiliarity with the town, we have some job recommendations here. These positions are currently hiring, so if anyone is interested, you can head there on your own.”

restaurant

bookstore

manor

vendor

cleaning

The group paused, eyeing the illustrations of four locations on the card, each evidently representing different job opportunities, but all looking rather intriguing.

Tuya inquired, "Can we choose our location freely?"

"No," the staff member responded, "You need to understand that in life, choices regarding work are not always yours to make. You must follow where fate leads you."

"..."

Such an artistic way to describe drawing lots.

Shen Xingchen rolled up his sleeves, declaring, "I'll leave it to luck. I'm game for anything."

He was the first to step forward to draw his lot. His chosen occupation was that of a vendor. One by one, everyone else followed suit. Once everyone had drawn, they displayed their results.

Shen Xingsui unfurled his card and softly announced, "I got the tavern."

Everyone exchanged glances, speculating about who else would be assigned to the tavern.

From a distance, Fu Jinxiao, holding up his card with his slender fingers, stated at a leisurely pace, "Tavern."

Ordinarily, drawing the tavern wouldn't be of significance, but the fact that Shen Xingsui would be paired with Fu Jinxiao made many cast envious glances his way. Shen Xingsui, although in disbelief, had an unmistakable glimmer of joy in his eyes.

The final groupings, decided by the draw, were:

Shen Xingsui & Fu Jinxiao — Tavern

Shen Xingchen & Li Xuanan — Vendors

An Ran & Ning Ze — Manor

Tuya & Xu Qinkè — Bookstore

Teacher Li & Feng Fan — Janitorial

Shen Xingsui, looking at the word "tavern" on his card, asked with a touch of curiosity, "What exactly do we do at the tavern?"

Fu Jinxiao responded, "You'll see when we get there."

One of the major appeals of the show "Stellar Radiance" was its authenticity. Without scripts or edits, and devoid of special treatment for its star participants, the show immersed its celebrities in the grassroots experiences, capturing the essence of this reality show.

They didn't even provide a map for the tavern.

Shen Xingsui scrutinized the card, "It doesn't specify which tavern. Do we have to ask around?"

Fu Jinxiao pointed out, "The tavern symbol on this card has a peach blossom. The place we dined at yesterday was adorned with peach blossom motifs. Considering the town has only five taverns and the ones we passed by didn't have the show's stickers, it narrows things down."

Shen Xingsui looked at Fu Jinxiao with awe, "Did you notice all that just yesterday?"

"I just happened to glance around while passing by," Fu Jinxiao smiled, pocketing the card, "Anticipating could save us some trouble after all."

...

Compared to the seasoned Fu Yindi, Shen Xingsui was noticeably naive.

Soon, they arrived at the tavern. The receptionist downstairs didn't seem surprised upon their entry and merely asked, "Are you two here for work?"

Shen Xingsui nodded in response.

The waiter greeted them warmly, "Please follow me."

Just yesterday they dined at this grand tavern, and now they were here to work. Life truly moves in mysterious ways, full of twists and turns.

They were led straight into the kitchen, a bustling area with chefs cooking and others transporting ingredients. The waiter guided them to the innermost part, introducing them to an elderly man in a grey robe, "This is Master Gu Yun. You both will be under his instructions for the day."

Both Shen Xingsui and Fu Jinxiao bowed slightly to greet the master chef.

Master Gu Yun, with a smile, stepped forward, grasping Shen Xingsui's hand, signaling him to refrain from formalities, "No need for formalities. Welcome!"

Shen Xingsui didn't expect the chef to be so amicable and responded with a smile.

Yet, Master Gu Yun continued to hold Shen Xingsui's hand, even kindly inquiring, "Are you tired from your journey?"

Shen Xingsui hesitated briefly, "...No, not tired."

"That's good to hear. Do you need a break?" the chef asked again.

Shen Xingsui, taken aback by the generous offer but not wanting to take advantage, quickly replied, "No need, we're here to work."

Only then did Master Gu Yun release the young man's hand.

Although he'd exchanged only brief courtesies with the renowned Fu, the chef's enthusiasm for Shen Xingsui was palpable. Especially the warmth... almost paternal warmth in his eyes when looking at Shen Xingsui.

"Your job today is to prepare and serve dishes," Master Gu Yun explained. "Cooking, serving, and dishwashing are all included. If there are complaints from customers, there'll be deductions from your wages."

Shen Xingsui, having anticipated the responsibilities, responded, "Understood."

After speaking, Master Gu Yun took another long look at him and added, "However, if you find it too strenuous, don't push yourself. Speak up if you need to."

Shen Xingsui hesitated, then replied, "...Thank you."

The person in charge of this tavern is genuinely considerate.

Viewers watching the live stream noted the excellent treatment at this place.

"Who is this benevolent manager?"

"Hahaha, the other groups aren't nearly as lucky."

"Shen Xingchen is moving goods at the vendor's place. They said he wouldn't be fed if he doesn't meet the quota. Hahaha!"

"An Ran and the others are cleaning a muddy lotus pond at the manor."

"Sister Tuya and her team are shifting books."

Compared to elsewhere, the atmosphere and treatment here felt as if they were from an entirely different show.

The first task assigned to Shen Xingsui and Fu Jinxiao was to cook dishes ordered by a table of guests and deliver them punctually within a few minutes.

A hint of apprehension flashed across Shen Xingsui's face upon receiving this task.

Fu Jinxiao asked, "What's wrong?"

"I'm not good at cooking," Shen Xingsui confessed, looking up at Fu Jinxiao. "My dishes taste awful. I’ve tried learning, but I never seem to get it right."

He then thought, considering Fu Jinxiao had always lived a life of luxury, he probably wouldn't know how to cook either. Were they doomed to fail?

To Shen's surprise, Fu Jinxiao wasn't concerned. The man rolled up his sleeves and tied on an apron with practiced ease, instructing, "You prep the ingredients; I'll handle the cooking."

Shen Xingsui was stunned!

Seeing Shen's hesitation, Fu Jinxiao queried, "Something wrong?"

"No, no!" Shen Xingsui waved his hands frantically. Suddenly standing at attention as if he had been given a mission, he announced with conviction, "I'll get right on it!"

He was so serious it was almost comical.

His earnest demeanor was endearing, especially the determination evident as he rushed to the counter to start working.

Online viewers couldn’t help but laugh:

"Honestly, I'm really warming up to Shen Xingsui."

"He's so genuinely earnest."

"He feels like one of us, just trying to navigate life."

"Every time I see him, I'm inspired to work harder!"

The guests had ordered spicy shredded potatoes, green pepper beef stir-fry, a bowl of tomato and egg soup, and stir-fried pork liver with spring onions. After peeling the potatoes and watching Fu Jinxiao's adept cooking and seasoning, Shen Xingsui couldn't help but remark, "That smells amazing."

Fu Jinxiao glanced at him with a teasing smirk, "Want a taste?"

Shen Xingsui had the tact to refuse, "No, it's for the customers."

"True," Fu Jinxiao said as he plated the dish. A soft smile on his handsome face, he remarked in a low voice, "If you want some, I'll make it again next time."

Next time?

What did that mean?

Would Fu Jinxiao really cook for him again?

That seemed impossible. After all, Fu Jinxiao was his idol, a figure adored by many. Why would someone of his stature cook for an ordinary person like him? It must have been just playful teasing.

Fu Jinxiao instructed, "Take this over first."

Shen Xingsui snapped back to reality and nodded hastily, "Yes!"

Carrying the dish, he hurriedly went to serve it to the customers. When he returned, he saw Fu Jinxiao preparing ingredients for another dish. Seeing Fu, a famed actor, about to pick up an onion, Shen Xingsui rushed over, exclaiming, "Let me do it!"

His body moved faster than his thoughts.

By the time he realized what he was doing, the onion was already in his hands.

The slightly startled Fu Jinxiao glanced at him. Noticing Shen Xingsui's flushed cheeks and anxious look, he chuckled softly, his voice gentle yet teasing, "Why the rush? It's not like anyone's competing with you."

Shen Xingsui shook his head, explaining, "No, that's not it. It's just that onions can irritate the eyes..."

The playful smile on Fu Jinxiao's face faded a little.

Shen Xingsui lowered his head, his voice growing softer in the bustling kitchen, yet it was clear enough for Fu Jinxiao to hear, "Your eyes have an old injury. This could make them uncomfortable."

His head bowed, he missed the deep, contemplative gaze from Fu Jinxiao, whose typically carefree demeanor now bore a hint of seriousness.

Shen Xingsui, fearing a delay for the customers, went straight to chopping without much thought. Although the audience only caught half of what he said, they could infer the rest by observing Fu's expressions.

"Is Xingsui an angel or something?"

"Isn't he just trying to curry favor with the influential?"

"To the person above, you're too cynical. Why would he need to flatter Fu when he's always been kind to him?"

"The kid is just being grateful. After all, Fu is his mentor."

"Besides, he reacted instantly without overthinking."

While Shen Xingsui was chopping onions, Master Gu Yun appeared. Seeing the young man cutting the onions, his heart ached, and he immediately found a pair of goggles for Shen Xingsui.

Shen Xingsui was deeply grateful.

The last dish was the Tomato and Egg Soup. As the hot soup was poured into the porcelain bowl, it became scalding hot. The moment Shen Xingsui reached out, he quickly pulled back, having burnt himself.

Fu Jinxiao immediately put down his ladle and approached, "Did you burn yourself?"

Shen Xingsui quickly shook his head, "Not really, it's not that bad."

Yet his fair hand was now a bright red. Even so, he didn't fuss about the pain to gain sympathy. Instead, he took responsibility with an innocent smile, "I was too reckless. I shouldn't have tried to hold it. If I had dropped the soup meant for the customers, it would have been bad."

Looking up, he met Fu Jinxiao's intense gaze.

A shiver went down Shen Xingsui's spine. The way Fu Jinxiao looked at him was so intense and stern, his smile faded instantly.

"If you had dropped it, so be it," Fu Jinxiao said nonchalantly, as if forgetting the effort it took to prepare the soup. After ensuring Shen was unharmed, he playfully tapped Shen Xingsui's forehead. Although his handsome face still wore a light smile, the vibe was different, now it felt more dangerous, "If you say something like that again, your teacher will be upset."

Without any explicit threat, it still made one freeze on the spot.

He wouldn't overtly emphasize it, but one could clearly sense it. Even though Shen Xingsui had never seen Fu Jinxiao angry before, there seemed to be an implicit understanding that the repercussions of Fu Jinxiao's anger could be dire.

However...

Why is that?

Is it because he suggested that the soup was more important than his scalded hand?

Back at home, if he had made a mistake, broken a bowl, or ruined something, everyone would become furious. He'd be met with critical glares and chastising words:

"Can't you even handle this?"

"It's such a downer every time you come home for a meal."

"So clumsy!"

These words and glares seemed to shackle him with shadows of doubt, making him nervous and self-blaming in similar situations, always fearful of being disliked.

But not this time.

The first response he got was concern for his well-being. Fu Jinxiao even said, "If it's broken, it's broken, it's okay."

...

This sensation was so novel, for a moment Shen Xingsui was almost choked up.

From a distance, someone approached, "Table 3 needs their food. They're only waiting for one soup. Is it ready?"

Fu Jinxiao securely held the plate, the superstar now holding the soup, ready to deliver. Under Shen Xingsui's inquiring gaze, he explained, "It's the first time serving dishes to customers. This is the last one. Might as well go and ask how it tastes."

Only then did Shen Xingsui follow suit.

Although the guests at Table 3 knew a celebrity was present, seeing Fu Jinxiao still almost made them scream in excitement!

As Fu Jinxiao set down the soup, he smiled warmly, "Is everything to your liking?"

The customers could hardly contain their enthusiasm, "It's incredibly delicious! I can't believe you cooked this. I must take some home for my family. We're all fans of yours. I've seen so many of your works."

Fu Jinxiao listened graciously, replying modestly, "Thank you for your kind words. I'm glad my efforts paid off."

One of the guests, eager to establish a closer rapport, offered, "Have you had your meal? Please join us."

Fu Jinxiao declined politely, "Thank you for your generous offer. But we have other duties to attend to. We're here to work today and must adhere to the restaurant's protocols."

The guest seemed a bit disappointed, "What should I do then? I really wanted to show my gratitude..."

With a charming smile and a look in his seductive eyes that felt deeply personal, Fu Jinxiao's voice, rich and resonant, replied, "Your happiness with the meal is gratitude enough. We don’t require any tips. Today, we're merely chefs."

Understanding, the customer quickly pulled out money, insisting, "Please, you must accept this."

Fu Jinxiao responded with feigned hesitation, "How could I possibly accept?"

With unwavering enthusiasm, the customer retorted, "It's what you deserve!"

Only then did Fu Jinxiao reluctantly accept, but he still graciously obliged the guests with photos and autographs, ensuring every possible favor was extended before leaving.

Shen Xingsui was left in stunned silence.

Fu Jinxiao handed over the tip money to him: "Keep this."

Accepting the three hundred yuan, a smile lit up Shen Xingsui's face, "Mr. Fu, you're amazing! How did you think of accepting tips?"

"Why not?" Fu Jinxiao started to ascend the stairs, "Our accommodation costs two thousand in total. If we subtract this amount, whatever extra we earn can be counted for today's competition. It's already eleven. When will we ever earn enough just by cooking and serving?"

Shen Xingsui nodded in agreement, "Makes sense."

The live-stream audience burst into laughter:

"That's it, the kid's going to be led astray by Fu!"

"I knew that with Fu in the scene, he wouldn't just be asking about the food taste."

"Haha, a fox will always be a fox."

"Always the same, our Mr. Fu."

Returning to the kitchen, they were suddenly notified by the production team: "Participants, be aware! Your current location might have traces of the assassin. There might also be clues about the assassin. While working, keep an observant eye and try to uncover the mystery."

After reading, Shen Xingsui mused, "There could be clues about the assassin in this restaurant."

Fu Jinxiao responded calmly, "They're probably hidden."

The restaurant was vast, searching every inch wouldn't be easy. Especially with so many people around the kitchen. If they were to start looking, the difficulty would double.

Lost in thought, Shen Xingsui's eyes lit up, "I know where it's hidden!"

Fu Jinxiao looked at him with surprise.

Shen Xingsui rushed out of the kitchen to a corner on the second floor. There was a large peach blossom emblem, custom-made by the establishment. He felt around its back, and true enough, pulled out a small box. He grinned, "It really was here."

Fu Jinxiao hadn't expected this clever move, "How did you think of that?"

"Today, while running around serving dishes, I met Master Gu Yun," Shen Xingsui exclaimed excitedly, "He mentioned that even though the peach blossom emblem is pretty, it's hollow at the back and warned me not to get too close. Thinking about it now, I feel so lucky!"

Fu Jinxiao raised an eyebrow and smiled, "Indeed, quite fortunate."

Shen Xingsui nodded vigorously, "Yes!"

The live-stream audience also commented:

"Fools have their own kind of luck."

"Such good fortune."

"Master Gu Yun really does like him, hahaha."

Yet unbeknownst to Shen Xingsui, the benevolent Chef Gu Yun was leisurely sipping tea in a private dining room, even the restaurant's owner was gingerly keeping him company on the opposite side.

Shen Gu Yun was on the phone with his spouse: "Hey, my dear, I saw our grandson."

"I saw it on the live stream!" The elderly voice on the other end chimed in excitedly, "Had it not been for my old legs, I'd have joined you. That boy is just so adorable!"

Shen Gu Yun nodded, "Isn't he? I observed him and his future husband - the Fu family's eldest son - isn't bad either. He's quite competent, but he's too handsome. With such good looks, he's bound to be quite the ladies' man. I'm afraid our little Xingsui might have it tough in the future."

"Oh, how can that be? I've heard of the eldest son of the Fu family; he's decent and has a good reputation," the elderly lady reassured with a smile. "Moreover, the Fu family has a prestigious scholarly background. With their strict upbringing, how can their child go astray?"

This somewhat pacified Shen Gu Yun's worries.

At the end of the day's tasks in the restaurant, everyone gathered to count their earnings.

Fu Jinxiao's team earned over 4,000 yuan, making them the top earners among all the groups. Following closely was Tu Ya's team with over 3,000, Shen Xingchen and Li Xu'an's team earned over 2,000, and An Ran's team, with the lowest, only managed just over 1,000 - not even enough to cover room charges.

Shen Xingchen lamented, "I'm exhausted! I spent the whole day shouting and attracting customers, and it's still not enough to cover our costs!"

An Ran also looked dejected, "There was way too much mud in the pond."

Everyone looked rather downcast, except for Shen Xingsui and Fu Jinxiao, who appeared relatively neat and tidy. The director announced, "Alright, the rankings for today are set. An Ran's team, since you earned the least, you will face penalties for today and tomorrow. For now, you won't be having dinner."

An Ran, looking disappointed, could only agree.

The director continued, "This job practice lasts for two days, and today was just the first. Everyone, rest up, as we'll be working again tomorrow."

Everyone, exhausted, nodded in agreement.

As everyone returned to the manor and went to their rooms, An Ran received a call from the production team. They reminded him of the penalty for the next day, which involved waking everyone up.

An Ran perked up, "Director, how should we wake everyone up? Any specific method?"

The director replied, "It's based on a poll. Currently, the most popular option is to awaken the others with a morning kiss."

An Ran, initially upset about the penalty, brightened considerably. Trying to hide his enthusiasm, he asked in a hushed tone, "Do we wake up everyone?"

The director nodded, "Yes."

Somehow, An Ran's reaction seemed different from Shen Xingsui's.

When Xingsui was informed, he looked both shocked and a bit frightened. Why did An Ran seem rather pleased?

An Ran agreed eagerly, as if afraid the production team might change their minds, "Alright, director. I promise to wake everyone up on time."

Perfect. His golden opportunity had finally arrived.

He wasn't sure if anyone had managed to fulfill this task before or whom they'd kissed, but he was determined to seize this chance. It was a fantastic opportunity for a playful intimate moment, and he wouldn't let it slip away.