"I smell great; it's you who stinks!" Yu Antong playfully pinched Xing Lixuan's face, "Stinky hubby."

Considering Yu Antong's pregnancy, the couple typically only became intimate during the weekends. On a Saturday evening, Yu Antong playfully teased Xing Lixuan, causing them to sleep a little later than usual. Just as Yu Antong was about to drift off to sleep in Xing Lixuan's embrace, her phone's ringing disturbed the peace.

Yu Antong rubbed her eyes, turned on the bedside lamp, and mumbled, "Who could that be at this hour? Honey, could you hand me my phone?"

The phone was on Xing Lixuan's side of the bedside table. Glancing at the caller ID, he remarked, "It's Han Lele."

As soon as she answered, an excited voice burst through, "Antong, have you seen 'The Chef is Here!' yet? It's hysterically funny. They really picked the right concept for the show. It's brilliant!"

"Has it aired already?" Yu Antong rubbed her forehead, wondering if she had remembered the broadcast date incorrectly. "Wasn't it scheduled for next weekend?"

"Oh, I forgot to tell you. The TV station adjusted the schedule and aired it a week early," Han Lele explained, sounding apologetic. "I've been swamped lately and completely forgot to inform you."

"But it was worth the rush. The show is truly hilarious!" Han Lele continued enthusiastically, "It's finished on TV, but you can watch it on the Lemon Video app since they bought the rights. Go check it out!"

Suppressing a yawn, Yu Antong replied, "Alright, I'll look into it later."

Only then did Han Lele detect Yu Antong's sleepiness. "Did I interrupt your sleep? It's not even ten o'clock. Why are you sleeping so early?"

Most young people their age usually stay up late. For many, the night only truly begins at ten. So, when Han Lele finished the show, her first impulse was to call Yu Antong to discuss it. She hadn't considered she might be interrupting her friend's rest.

Yu Antong candidly responded, "I'm pregnant. I need to ensure I get enough rest."

Her honesty was almost exaggerated; she knew that such a revelation would be hard to believe, so she shared it without hesitation.

Bursting into laughter, Han Lele exclaimed, "That's quite an excuse!" Clearly skeptical, she teased, "Isn't it just that your husband has a strict routine and has influenced you to adopt an early-to-bed, early-to-rise schedule? I knew it must be something like that."

"Clearly, we singles have it better, staying up late playing games. Envious? Are you regretting marrying so early?"

Yu Antong: "..."

Envious? As if. Han Lele, you absolute nincompoop who knows nothing of intimacy.

Yu Antong chided, "Did you forget he's right beside me? He can hear every word of our conversation, you know."

"Uh-oh!" There was a moment of silence before Han Lele rapidly responded, "Antong, get some sleep. Early to bed, early to rise is the best, after all. I'll strive to follow your example and develop good habits. I won't disturb your rest anymore. Goodnight!" With that, she hastily ended the call.

After the swift hang-up from Han Lele, Yu Antong chuckled. Opening the Lemon Video app to search for 'The Chef is Here!', she remarked, "Why is Han Lele so intimidated by you?"

The next moment, her phone was swiftly confiscated by Xing Lixuan. "Sleep first. We'll watch it tomorrow."

Yu Antong didn't object. Knowing that an episode would last at least an hour, she realized she wouldn't be able to finish it in one sitting.

The next morning, Yu Antong booted up her computer, intent on watching the show with Xing Lixuan. As soon as she opened Lemon Video, a promotional banner for 'The Chef is Here!' caught her eye.

Clicking on it, the majestic intro played. It began with a pristine white landscape. A single droplet of meltwater dripped onto an icy surface. Suddenly, vast expanses of ice began to melt, turning the droplet into a babbling brook that gradually gained momentum.

As powerful music played, the camera followed the flow of the meltwater, sweeping from glaciers down to verdant rice paddies, wheat fields, and orchards. The pace slowed as tranquil scenes of nature unfolded. But soon, the rhythm escalated, showcasing a fast-forward montage of plants growing, flowering, and bearing fruit, with piglets growing into plump adults...

Diverse ingredients were purchased by countless people. Filmed from the waist down, they hurried home with bags brimming with food, later transforming those ingredients into lavish feasts.

The scene transitioned, and a burst of red flames danced, eventually morphing into large red letters reading “The Culinary God Arrives!” with a white chef's hat perched atop the character for "God."

"Such a high-end intro."

Water is the essence of all life and growth. The introduction starts with a single droplet, leading to the proliferation of nature, showcasing various food ingredients' growth journey, culminating in steaming delicious dishes on a dining table. The final fiery flourish is particularly eye-catching.

Grandeur intertwined with the warmth of everyday life creates an exceptionally well-crafted intro.

Yu Antong was slightly surprised. Given their haphazard demeanor on set, and even though he was part of the live recording, this introduction made him realize that the edited show might give him a completely different experience.

Yu Antong activated the comment stream, but since the episode had only been out for a short time and wasn't a celebrity variety show, there weren't many comments.

【Impressive intro!】

【Feels like watching some top-tier food documentary】

【There are too few domestic food shows, supporting this!】

【Epic! Looks like a king-level program】

The main segment started with an overhead shot panning over the contestants. Yu Antong saw the elderly lady in the flower-patterned jacket, whom he had chatted with, showcasing her skilled handkerchief-twirling techniques.

Yu Antong couldn't help but laugh heartily. Even after experiencing it firsthand, seeing these eccentric participants still made him chuckle as he sneakily glanced at Xing Lixuan's reaction.

Xing Lixuan's eyebrows furrowed deeper as he watched, "Was this really what it was like on set?"

"Didn't I tell you about it when I got home?" Yu Antong chuckled, "What do you think? Quite bizarre, right?"

Xing Lixuan replied, "I thought you were exaggerating. It turns out you even downplayed it."

More comments began to appear, and it seemed that most viewers shared Xing Lixuan's confusion, with the screen filling with question marks.

【???】

【Royal confusion by Nicolas?】

【Exited full screen to double-check the show title. It's indeed a food show】

【Something feels off, right?】

【Exited to check the show's name +1】

【+2】

【Today, I, Zhao Si, must see what this show is up to!】

【I, Liu Neng, won't go visiting neighbors today; I must find out what this show's deal is!】

These comments from viewers had Yu Antong laughing uncontrollably.

【The basketball guy looks quite handsome, hope he advances】.

Wake up, sis! This isn't a song and dance show.

A comment jolted me awake. I thought the lady in red sang quite well and wanted to vote for her, only to realize this is a culinary show. This program is insanely addictive!

My mom asked what I was watching. I was laughing like an idiot and didn't know how to explain.

I suspect you're spying on my life. My mom asked me the same thing. Who knows what I'm watching? Just laugh and let it be!

I initially thought this was a top-tier show, but it turned out to be a rookie one.

Hahaha, smashing cucumbers, seriously?

Isn't smashing cucumbers a knife technique? I can't accept that!

What's the use of all these knife skills when you can't apply them in real life?

Yu Antong was continuously amused by the comments. As contestants presented their dishes one after the other, the quick ones offered an array of bizarre dishes. One simply mixed a bunch of edible raw vegetables with salad dressing.

Qing Lime took a cherry tomato: "The taste is decent, but this doesn't qualify as a dish. I disapprove."

If that chubby guy's cucumber salad counts as a dish, why doesn't a vegetable salad?

During the show, a contestant dressed as the "White Snake" appeared. The camera panned to the judges, capturing their facial expressions. They all looked shocked, seemingly unprepared for such an entrant in a culinary competition.

"Why choose this attire for the show?" Shen Yuexin kindly asked the White Snake look-alike, "Aren't you worried about getting your sleeves dirty while cooking?"

"Bai Suzhen from the foot of Qingcheng Mountain~" The contestant sang with a smile, then said, "I live by Qingcheng Mountain, my name is Bai Shuzhen. I believe I share a special connection with the White Snake, so I dressed this way today. Esteemed judges, I've also prepared a talent performance for today..."

Qing Lime laughed so hard she bent over the table, pounding it in amusement.

Sitting in the middle, Jiang Liushen was also all smiles: "No need for a talent show, just serve the dish."

"Alright then," the contestant said with a hint of disappointment, unveiling her dish. "This is a braised eel."

Hahaha, perhaps the White Snake Lady isn't keen on forming a bond with you.

I was expecting snake soup. Shuzhen, you're not ruthless enough to yourself!

Whoever mentioned snake soup earlier is wicked. Are you suggesting she cook herself?

Sun Ming professionally commented, "Too salty. It's both salty and tough, overcooked. I disapprove."

...

Subsequently, a series of odd dishes were served, and netizens began to sympathize with the judges.

Facing a pitch-black dish with unidentifiable ingredients, Jia Sibo outright refused to taste it: "Food should appeal to the eyes, nose, and palate. All I can smell from your dish is a burnt aroma. It's utterly unappetizing, a complete culinary disaster. I won't taste it."

Before watching this show, I dreamt of becoming a food critic.

Hahaha, didn't we all? But today I learned being a foodie isn't just about tasting the delights.

One must even taste the darkest of cuisines.

【I'm scared! Enough!】

【Hahaha, I'm out! Never knew being a judge could be this tough】.

【Thankfully, the judges have the choice not to eat. The production team does have a bit of a heart】.

【I'm quite impressed with the elderly gentleman in the middle. He tastes every dish and seems genuinely committed to his reviews】.

【For those who might not know, the gentleman in the center is Jiang Liushen, the Vice Chairman of the Chinese Chefs Association. He once bid a high price for a set of ancient Chinese recipes that were lost overseas and then donated them to the Jiang City Museum. He has contributed greatly to the preservation and promotion of Chinese cuisine】.

Xing Lixuan asked, “Why haven’t they gotten to you yet?” He was eagerly anticipating Yu Antong’s dish.

Yu Antong replied, “I prepared a rather intricate dish, and it’s taking a bit longer, so I’m still waiting at the back”.

Several contestants before Yu Antong were noteworthy. Among them, a team from Mountain City stood out, and Yu Antong felt they would be strong competition for him.

The show was filmed in Jiang City, but it had contestants from all corners of the country.

That team from Mountain City prepared a noodle dish. It seemed like a simple bowl of beef noodles, but all five judges couldn’t stop praising them.

Little Book Pavilion.

Qing Ning commented, “This is by far the most satisfactory dish I've had. Well done!”

Sun Ming is the executive chef of a hotel. He's very strict about food quality control. Many contestants faced his harsh critiques, but this time he was all praises: “The noodles are uniformly thick. Their repeated stretching gives them a firm and smooth texture. The cooking time is nearly perfect. Any less and they would be too soft without resilience, any more and they’d be too tough. I’d give these noodles 99 out of 100. One point off just to keep you humble”.

After tasting, Jiang Liushen, with a beaming smile, observed the trio for a few seconds: “The flavor is commendable, a classic traditional beef noodle recipe. I hope to see some innovative dishes from you all in the next round”.

When it was Shen Yuexin’s turn, she said to Jia Sibo, “You taste first. The high praises from the first three judges have skyrocketed my expectations, but I want to be the last to taste”.

Jia Sibo took a bite and his eyes lit up, “Now this is what you call a delicacy. Approved!”

Shen Yuexin tasted a small bite initially, then promptly claimed the entire bowl for herself: “Since all of you have had a taste, the rest of this bowl is mine. I'm going to devour it, noodles and soup together!”

Saying this, she eagerly started to slurp up the noodles.

Sun Ming laughed, “So that was your plan, tasting last. None of us saw it coming. You're quite the clever one”.

【Our little Shen is just too adorable!】

【Such a witty sprite!】

【Hearts for Yuexin】.

【Now that's what beef in beef noodles should look like. The beef noodles near my house have only two slices of beef, and they're so thin they’re translucent】!

【Hahaha, exactly. When it comes to knife skills, I only respect those chefs who can slice beef so thin】.

【At least you find beef in your beef noodles. The ones sold near my neighborhood don't have any beef in them at all】.

One can hardly fathom how delightful a bowl of beef noodles might taste.

I'm tempted to poke her plump cheeks.

Shen Yue Xing is undeniably a food enthusiast.

Observing young Shen relishing her meal, I was prompted to order a bowl of beef noodles via delivery.

In contrast to the judges' rave reviews, the online audience seemed indifferent towards the beef noodles. Unable to taste, they could only envision a humble bowl, drawing parallels to their everyday experiences, thereby limiting their flavor expectations.

Their attention gravitated more towards Shen Yue Xing, showering her with accolades for her cuteness.

"It's my turn! My turn!" exclaimed Yu An Tong, pointing at the computer screen and addressing Xing Li Xuan. He eagerly anticipated the online community's feedback.

Xing Li Xuan pulled him into a comforting embrace, murmuring, "I've seen it."

During the show, Yu An Tong approached the judges with his dish. The meticulous presentation left the judges visibly impressed, while viewers' comments overflowed with admiration.

Such mastery!

Wow! This is outstanding!

A true champion in the making!

What a handsome young man.

At last, a top-tier contender emerges!

Finally, a dish that genuinely dazzles me!

I believe it's delectable without even tasting it.

I'm slightly skeptical; the chef seems too young, all shine and no substance at first glance.

What's the deal? Is being attractive now a crime?

Such a visually gratifying presentation!

"I've never encountered this dish before," remarked Qing Ning. "Is this an original creation?"

"Indeed," replied Yu An Tong, "I've named it 'Phoenix's Cry atop Qi Mountain'."

Jiang Liu Shen applauded, chuckling, "What a splendid name!"

Being a gourmet, Qing Ning possesses discerning tastes. She immediately detected a hidden delight within the pigeon. Using her knife, she sliced the bird open, tasting a portion of the meat along with its filling.

"The pigeon's skin is exquisitely crisped, while the interior is succulent. The filling is an unmatched delicacy, harmonizing flawlessly with the meat. Truly commendable!"

Sun Ming, having taken a particular liking to Yu An Tong's plating, queried after sampling, "Would you consider joining our hotel as the executive chef?"

Yu An Tong chuckled, "Thank you for the compliment, but right now, I'm more passionate about earning the title 'Master Chef'."

After tasting, Jiang Liu Shen remarked, "The 'Phoenix's Cry atop Qi Mountain' harks back to the burgeoning era of the Zhou Dynasty. Legend has it that phoenixes sang atop Qi Mountain right before its ascent, symbolizing good omen and prosperity, believed to be drawn by King Wen's virtuous governance. Your dish evokes that fortunate omen, perhaps presaging your rise as the next Master Chef."

Shen Yue Xing playfully teased, "That's some review from Master Jiang. He’s practically crowned you the Master Chef!"

Such a cool name: Phoenix's Cry atop Qi Mountain!

I'm craving meat. I can almost smell its aroma.

Listening to the judges, I'm drooling here!

I lament not being able to taste it!

Who said he's all style and no substance? Master Jiang's basically reserved the title for him!

I want to marry this guy! Handsome and such a chef!

I beg to differ; I want to marry him!

Ah! I wish I knew how it tasted!

Finally, it feels like a gourmet show!

Having tasted the dish, Shen Yue Xing dramatically stood up, "Let's wrap it up! End this episode right now! As Master Jiang said, there’s no need for further comparison, no next episode. We've found our Master Chef!"

Jia Si Bo held her back, pressing her into her seat, "I'm the sponsor; my word carries weight."

Shen Yue Xing playfully bowed, "Oh, generous benefactor, my apologies."

After the pair’s playful banter, Jia Si Bo turned serious, "The dish looks splendid, and its aroma wafted in as soon as you walked through that door, invoking all my gastronomic desires. I hope it lives up to its promise."

He sampled a piece from the pigeon leg and tasted the filling. He quipped, "After Yue Xing's beef noodles, I'm up for a plate of roasted pigeon."

Shen Yue Xing instantly requested, "Can I have just a bite? Just one!"

Look at those pleading eyes! Can't someone share half with her?

Don't cry, dear! Mom will get you some meat.

Sponsor, have a heart! You're stealing her portion!

I need all details about this chef within three minutes!

I recognize this guy! He owns a Chinese restaurant!

Why stop midway? What's the restaurant's name? The suspense is killing!

Feast of the Immortals! The restaurant is called 'Feast of the Immortals'.

So, the handsome owner of 'Feast of the Immortals'! I've dined there; the food is exquisite!

"Isn't that my university classmate? He's on TV now!"

"Give me the address and no one gets hurt!"

"It's University A!"

"I'm going to University A to have a chance encounter with that guy!"

"Give up on the idea of a chance encounter. That senior is in his fourth year. During their last semester, they all go out for internships and are not on campus."

"I want to date that guy."

"Me too! I can eat a ton!"

"If we're talking about eating, then I can join the competition too!"

"Whatever he makes, I'll eat!"

"Did no one notice that smile from the beauty just now? That upturned corner of her eyes was so seductive!"

"Me, me, me! I rewound to watch that smile five times. It totally won me over!"

"Ahh, I love those phoenix eyes on that beauty. I want to marry her and take her home!"

"Hey, handsome, are you single? Look at me! I'm available!"

Xing Li Xuan asked Yu An Tong, "Are you single?"

Author's Note: TongTong: You think I'm not?

Thanks to the angels who supported me with votes or donated between 2020-01-29 23:25:51 and 2020-01-30 22:32:34~

Special thanks to the angels who donated: 26617616 with 20 bottles; C-position drummer with 13 bottles; viteen with 10 bottles; Ling Mo, 29182702, Blue-Green, 28261308 with 5 bottles; Jiang Feng, Fishing Fire with 4 bottles; Shadow Baby Goose with 3 bottles; Ah Qi, Ah Su, Pseudo Lord with 2 bottles; Qing Li, Fourier Transformation with 1 bottle.

I'm deeply grateful for all your support. I'll continue to work hard!

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