Chapter 007: The Substitute x Overbearing CEO x White Moonlight (7)

Chapter 007: The Substitute x Overbearing CEO x White Moonlight (7)

Despite the night rain, Cheng Junfeng swam forward, refusing to return to the shore.

The chaotic raindrops splashed on the water's surface; every time he surfaced, it was like leaping into a cacophony of noise, only sinking back down brought him peace and tranquility.

Yan Chun took a fragrant bath with rose petals, but even after drying his hair, he did not see him leave the pool.

One was evading his thoughts, the other still restless, all because of the same person downstairs.

The culprit was devoutly cooking instant noodles.

The hard, crisp noodles slowly softened in the boiling water, regaining their chewy texture amidst the undulating waves.

The sizzling oil in the frying pan released a faintly charred aroma from the ham.

As the sauce packet fully dissolved, the scorching wind carried the rich fragrance out of the kitchen, signaling the start of an open scheme.

The intense, hot scent, filled with an aggressive aroma that could interrupt any conversation or game, all stemmed from the strong interpretation of the sauce packet.

Keding gripped the long spatula tightly and said to the system, "Comrade Systemovski, our war has just begun."

"No, it is not just a pot of noodle soup. No, it is not merely five simple words printed on the package—'braised beef noodles.'"

"It is the caramel aroma from ethyl maltol, the milky fragrance from delta-decalactone, the stewed meat scent from dimethyl trisulfide, along with nutty, oily, grilled flavors, vegetable seasonings—it's already a lot, but it's still not enough!"

The system asked, "Um, are you okay mentally?"

Keding took a deep breath of the spreading aroma, stirring the soup and noodles clockwise like an old Hungarian witch, and said softly, "They actually dared to say instant noodles are not delicious."

The system struggled to respond, "It really smells great, honestly."

Ignoring this, Keding turned the stove to its highest setting.

"Do you think this is just a bowl of noodles?" He held up the back of the packaging and began chanting, "Let's take a look. The noodle cake contains wheat flour, refined palm oil."

"Friend, when you take each bite of these noodles, remember the golden wheat fields of summer and the bright oils extracted from full fruits."

"The powder pack contains salt, maltodextrin, spices, soy sauce powder, white sugar, and yeast extract."

"The snow-white salt like ocean waves, the most lickable soy sauce powder on Want Want shrimp crackers, the crystal-clear granules of sugar like tiny stars, the crispy green onions that bring out the freshest flavors, and the pure beef fat rolling and elevating—all of them have melted into this bowl of soup."

"Let's take a look at the seasoning sauce pack..."

"Stop reading," the system wiped away tears, "Are you seriously describing instant noodles?"

Before the noodles had fully expanded, the aroma of the broth had already spread throughout the living room.

But no one would blame the kitchen for its scent in the middle of the night; everyone had already entered a state of agitation.

There were still three decisive shots left in the billiards game, the breakup kitchen was stuck at the onion-cutting and dishwashing stage, and the soccer game was far from decided.

But...

"Damn, it smells so good!! I can't hold back anymore!!"

"Dude! How many servings did you make? There should be enough to share, right? I can really eat a lot!"

Shen Xi was still frying slices of ham, noticing a familiar figure sidling up to the half-open window.

"It really smells amazing." Cheng Chenyu sat on a high stool, leaning over to watch him, "My mom has been lying to me. She said instant noodles taste like artificial flavoring, and I'd get an allergic reaction just from smelling them."

"So, are you allergic?" Shen Xi said calmly, "This is the taste of modern food industry. If you don't feel comfortable, I'll dump the whole pot now."

Cheng Chenyu knew he was joking but still hurriedly reached out to stop him, "No, no, no! I'm going to eat a huge bowl today, and drink all the soup too!"

"So—can we eat yet?"

"Just wait a bit longer, the egg hasn't been added yet."

The friends who came over to fetch bowls groaned.

"I'm so hungry! I can't wait another minute!"

"The ham smells so good, sniff sniff!"

Cheng Chenyu found an opportunity to move closer and whispered, "Brother Shen."

"Hmm."

"Did you buy some special brand, or maybe a premium limited edition of noodles?"

"No, just this one," Shen Xi glanced at the receipt, "five packs for twelve yuan, averaging two yuan and forty cents per pack."

Cheng Chenyu teared up, "I've missed out on such goodness for over twenty years!"

Mom!! How could you lie to me!!

In the midst of their chat, the system spoke up softly.

"I have some excellent news for you."

"What is it?"

"The overbearing CEO upstairs finally got out of the pool."

"Huh?"

"It's raining, cold weather, and he did an hour of intense aerobic exercise. Do you think he's hungry?"

Keding chuckled: "Then I must be poisoning people late at night."

With that guy's pride, would he have the nerve to come down and ask for something to eat?

The rich aroma soon wafted upstairs.

On one hand, it was because the room was well-ventilated; on the other, many people were eating noodles in the doorway while watching the rain, and the scent drifted up to the second floor with the rising steam.

While still in the shower, Cheng Junfeng caught a whiff of an unfamiliar smell.

He had a good idea what it was, frowned, and ignored it, continuing his shower.

But the more he smelled it, the hungrier he got, and the hungrier he got, the harder it was to resist inhaling deeply.

When he emerged, still wrapped in a towel, Yan Chun brought over two glasses of red wine, his brows slightly furrowed. "What a strong smell."

Cheng Junfeng suddenly found this person a bit annoying.

Still, he took the wine glass and sipped lightly. The hunger within him grew like vines, their thorns piercing deep into his heart.

The wine was cold, yet it still tasted old in the rainy night.

He was drinking fine Burgundy, but all he could smell was the rich aroma of meat broth.

The fragrant wine slid down his throat, and both his body and mind rebelled simultaneously.

After exhausting himself, he craved hot food.

Boiling, scorching, full of carbs and fat, every bite would be heavenly—

Even instant noodles! What did it matter if they were instant noodles! He damn well wanted to go downstairs and eat them right now! He'd drink every last drop of the soup, including the egg and ham bits!

Cheng Junfeng closed his eyes, outwardly calm, but his inner fantasies ran wild.

They never allowed instant noodles in their house, and he only indulged when abroad on business trips, but nothing was as tempting as tonight.

How would it feel to slurp down those smooth, satisfying noodles?! Would the thick broth and egg flowers taste good together? Did they fry the ham sausage too? If not, he could ask the servants to buy some right away! As much as he wanted!

His remaining rationality was pushed to its limits by the hunger, and the post-exercise emptiness screamed for sustenance.

The night rain poured, and the cold wind pierced through.

Cheng Junfeng rose without expression, walked over, and opened the bedroom door.

He needed only twenty steps, no, ten steps, to reach the kitchen.

Downstairs, the kitchen was the source of the sizzling aroma.

The man's gaze darkened as he descended, almost betraying his pride.

He had already prepared his lines, ready to smile amiably, greet everyone, and have his brother serve him a bowl of noodles.

As for the person cooking and their issues, he could deal with them later. Right now, nothing else mattered.

Keding pretended not to hear the faint sound of the door opening upstairs and cracked another egg into the pan.

"Wow, a double yolk!" the system exclaimed. "Your luck is great today!"

The yolks and fats sizzled together, creating an even more delightful aroma. Keding took a deep breath, craving a big mouthful.

Praise you, Maillard reaction.

Seeing Cheng Junfeng standing motionless at the bedroom door for a long time, Yan Chun assumed he was angry about the situation downstairs and walked over with a teasing smile.

"Such a cheap and disgusting smell."

Cheng Junfeng stared straight at him, his hunger turning to anger.

"According to our family's upbringing, such things should never enter the house, let alone grace the dining table."

Yan Chun didn't notice the man's true thoughts and teased gently, "Who could possibly like this stuff? It's like swill."

"You're being harsh," Cheng Junfeng interrupted. "Eating what they want is their freedom."

I want to eat too, right now, immediately, right away.

So you're the only one who appreciates high culture, huh? Yes, you're above it all, so refined and tasteful!

Yan Chun was surprised by his sudden harshness.

The beauty took a step back, forcing a smile, trying to maintain a harmonious atmosphere.

"Junfeng, I know you're upset seeing him." His eyes reddened as he whispered, "This anger shouldn't be directed at me."

Cheng Junfeng was about to head downstairs but paused, his fingers tapping heavily on the railing, hearing the clear sound of the frying egg.

Such a buzzkill, really a buzzkill.

He had been exercising intensely for too long, and his body was desperately seeking sugar and fat. Now, even arguing seemed secondary.

The delicious noodles were just steps away, but his pride was once again elevated by Yan Chun's words, making Cheng Junfeng even angrier.

Going downstairs now would be truly shameful!!

Why not!! This was his own home, his own pot, his own bowl!! Why couldn't he go downstairs and eat?!

Seeing the man not refute, Yan Chun took it as agreement and led him back into the bedroom, his tone becoming tender and intimate.

"Forget about it... let's go back."

The bedroom door had not yet closed when cheers came from downstairs.

"Wow, there's even chilled fresh pineapple juice! Chen Yu, how did you know I wanted to drink this!"

"I'm so hot from eating! Put more ice in it, love you, mwah!"

Yan Chun glanced in that direction, his eyes filled with disdain.

In the next second, his hand was shaken off, and the bedroom door was slammed shut heavily.

"Bang!"

"Cheng Junfeng, have you gone mad!" Yan Chun stood there stunned for a few seconds, unable to hold back any longer, his voice breaking slightly: "You slammed the door in my face just to rush downstairs for some instant noodle soup?!"

How could someone be such a killjoy, so snobbish and sharp-tongued, every word making one annoyed!

Cheng Junfeng, struck where it hurt, lashed out angrily: "Say whatever you want! Go drink your red wine!"

With that, he stormed off to the side room, slamming the door shut again with another loud bang.

The system broadcasted the entire scene, and Keding couldn't help but laugh.

"Just perfect! Twenty points added to the breakdown value!" The system laughed along: "Mainly because the white moonlight provided great assistance; he really knows how to step on landmines!"

"Now you have seventy points." Keding perked up: "I'll definitely accumulate more before going to the next world!"

Before leaving the beginner village, the more resources he stockpiled, the better!

In a few days, according to the plot and their schedule, the scumbag would bring the white moonlight to meet his family for dinner.

"System, I plan to visit Cheng's elders on November 8th with two gifts."

"Oh, the sea-blue crystal piano from the engagement! What else are you bringing?"

The system searched through the dates and found no birthdays in November.

Keding's gaze was intense, now fully confident.

"The other gift is two trays of dumplings I made myself."

November 8th, the Winter Solstice. A time of seasonal change and family reunion.

Brother Yan Chun, you're so kind and care about me so much; you wouldn't bear to kick me out in front of Aunt Cheng and Uncle Cheng, would you?

Remember to dip them in vinegar, my little token of appreciation.