Yu Antong pouted, "I've painstakingly carried your child, and yet you criticize me."

"Delicate one," Xing Lixuan pulled him close, nuzzling his refined nose, whispering, "My delicate darling."

The intimate tone, filled with suppressed desire.

Close like this, Yu Antong couldn't resist. He grumbled about the unfair charm of this man. If it weren't for the baby he was carrying, he would have taken on Xing Lixuan right then.

He figured if they ever fought, all Xing Lixuan would have to do is coddle him, and all would be forgiven.

"Keep massaging my legs." Knowing his current condition made certain things impractical, Yu Antong decided not to tease. He pushed Xing Lixuan away slightly, "Don't come too close. I'll be quiet."

Holding back was sometimes harder than letting go. Yu Antong's restrained moans, bending notes in every direction, left Xing Lixuan with burning desire by the time he finished the massage.

In his heart, Xing Lixuan made a mental note about Yu Antong's tactics.

Unable to stay idle, Yu Antong took a day's rest at home and then headed to the Immortal Feast to discuss training strategies for the next "Chef God" competition with Jiang Yuxiu and Lin Haoning.

Because of Yu Antong's appearance on "Chef God", the Immortal Feast saw a significant increase in clientele. Despite opening many branches in Jiang City, the customer count at the Phoenix Street location remained high.

Yu Antong had become somewhat of a local celebrity. The moment he stepped into the restaurant, many customers recognized him.

"Excuse me, are you Yu An-Tong?" A young woman in line at the restaurant tentatively asked upon spotting him.

Yu An-Tong was momentarily taken aback. "Yes, I am. How may I assist you?"

"I can't believe I'm seeing you in person!" The young woman exclaimed with a hint of excitement.

"This is first time dining at Xian Ren Yan. was enticed here partly by the dishes you presented on 'Chef's Challenge' and also because of the rave reviews online. So just couldn’t resist bringing friend along to try it."

"We even joked about possibly running into you. My friend thought it unlikely since you’re rarely at the restaurant and there are so many branches. Yet, here you are!"

"Seeing you in person, you're even more handsome than on TV! Especially those eyes; they’re so captivating. And your skin! It’s flawless—better than mine despite my diligent skincare routine."

Her mind raced with these thoughts, but she composed herself, saying, "I started coming here after watching 'Chef's Challenge.' You're my favorite contestant. Best of luck!"

As she finished speaking, a server called out her table number.

"Thank you for your kind words and support," Yu An-Tong responded with a smile, "I hope you enjoy your meal."

Dazzled by his grin, she walked in a daze to her table, led by the server.

Their brief exchange caught the attention of other diners, prompting more of them to greet Yu An-Tong.

"Are you cooking personally today, boss?"

"Wow! I've been here ten times and this is the first I've seen you."

"Go Yu An-Tong! We're rooting for you to win 'Chef's Challenge!'"

"Thank you, thank you," Yu An-Tong acknowledged each greeting. The patrons were considerate, keeping their voices down so as not to disturb others.

"Young boss, could you take a photo with my daughter?" A woman in her thirties asked as Yu An-Tong passed by. "She's a huge fan, inspired to cook with me after watching your show."

Beside her sat a young girl, about seven or eight, who had eagerly asked for a picture earlier but now turned shy as he approached, letting her mother do the talking.

Gathering her courage, she softly called out, "Big brother."

It's hard to resist a child's request. Yu An-Tong obliged, and they posed for a photo.

"Thank you, big brother! I want to be a chef like you someday," the young girl declared dreamily.

"You're welcome! I hope you achieve your dream soon, and enjoy your meal today."

The young woman who first approached him regretfully said to her friend after ordering, "Why didn’t I think to take a picture with him? My mind just went blank during our conversation!"

Her friend replied, "At least you spoke with him! I was too mesmerized by his face. He's even more handsome than many celebrities."

They continued their animated conversation, but when their dishes arrived, words were replaced by appreciative silence.

After all, the food here was absolutely delectable.

After stuffing themselves, the friend remarked, "Had I known it was this delicious, I would've come sooner. From now on, when we eat out, it's here."

The girl teased, "Who was it that said, just by looking at Yu An Tong’s age and appearance, that the Fairy Banquet couldn't possibly be good and must be a hyped-up internet-famous restaurant? I can't quite recall. Who made that claim?"

The friend, recalling the adamant statement he made before they left, paused for two seconds, "…It’s truly delightful!"

The girl laughed, “Hahaha, before we left, I swore I wouldn't eat at the Fairy Banquet even if I starved. But now, the Fairy Banquet is amazing! We're definitely coming back! Li Ying, are you a direct disciple of Master Jing Ze?”

Yu An Tong had been busy in the restaurant all day. While physically tired, he felt immensely satisfied.

Initially, he loved cooking because the act itself brought him joy. Now, Yu An Tong realizes that the pleasure he sees on each diner's face brings him even greater happiness.

He serves dishes that delight and satisfy many, and their positive emotions in return motivate him further. He eagerly hopes to expand Fairy Banquet nationwide and let more taste his creations.

lingdiankanshu.com

If before he saw the Fairy Banquet simply as a venture within his expertise, now he feels an emotional bond to it, much like an ideal.

This realization made Yu An Tong more serious and committed when appearing on TV shows.

"As we mentioned at the end of our last episode," the host began at the set of the cooking show, "this episode will be filmed at a new location. We're heading to Bi Jiang Yuan, the oldest Chinese restaurant in Jiang city, where twenty gourmet critics await to taste and comment on your dishes. Let’s go!"

All contestants took the show’s vehicles to Bi Jiang Yuan.

After alighting, they, along with five judges, walked about 200 meters into an ancient-looking alley. It was so narrow that only two adults could walk side by side. Everyone formed two neat lines, with contestants leading and the judges following.

Yu An Tong lagged behind. As he entered the alley, Xing Li Xuan caught up, silently handing him a black thermos.

Caught off-guard, Yu An Tong looked down, noticed the thermos, then looked questioningly at Xing Li Xuan: “?”

Why give him a thermos?

Xing Li Xuan explained, “Today’s recording might take a while. If you get hungry, have some porridge.”

It was the porridge from their breakfast. Yu An Tong enjoyed it but couldn't drink much because it was too hot. Seeing this, Xing Li Xuan had poured it into a larger thermos for him.

Observing that the others were engrossed in discussions, Yu An Tong whispered to Xing Li Xuan, “When did you pack this? I had no idea.”

"While you were changing after breakfast."

He had forgotten to give it to Yu An Tong on their way to the recording studio, but remembered when they reached their destination. Due to the separate transport for judges and contestants, he hadn’t had the chance to hand it over.

A few moments later, the host halted, and so did Yu An Tong and Xing Li Xuan’s conversation.

To the host's right stood a rounded archway. A plaque with ‘Bi Jiang Yuan’ written in black calligraphy adorned it.

"This is our destination for today," the host gestured, then knocked on the door using the lion-shaped knocker.

Someone soon opened the door, inviting them in.

“Wow! Is this really a restaurant? It looks more like a traditional Chinese garden,” remarked an awestruck contestant from out of town.

Yu Antong was both astonished and intrigued.

The architecture here is meticulously designed, with plants complementing the intricately arranged rocks and faux mountains, forming meandering pathways leading to secluded spots.

After a maze-like journey, the group finally arrived at the kitchen. It was filled with an array of ingredients, neatly placed in bamboo baskets and crates. Apart from those involved in the show recording, no one else was present. Clearly, the kitchen was specially reserved for them today.

"Before we start cooking, we have to draw lots," announced the host, capturing the wandering attention of the contestants. "As I mentioned before, in addition to our five original judges, we also have twenty exceptionally discerning diners from Bi Jiang Garden."

"Are they expecting each of us to cook twenty-five dishes?" one contestant speculated.

"Preparing twenty-five dishes alone would be exhausting," another guessed, "I think they might have us draw lots to form teams."

"You're all...wrong!" the host declared after their conjectures. "The twenty guests are seated at two tables, ten per table. Together with our judges, each of you will only need to prepare three identical dishes. Moreover, these twenty guests have already provided the menu for the dishes we're making today."

"There are eighteen dishes in total, and with eighteen contestants, each of you will draw lots to determine the dish you'll be responsible for."

The contestants heaved a sigh of relief, "Thank goodness, just three identical dishes."

Having a predetermined menu spares them the headache of brainstorming and being inventive in line with a theme, which seems relatively simpler than before.

"The production team is finally being reasonable for once."

"Don't celebrate just yet," the host timely added, "Let me emphasize: our diners today are extremely particular. With a given menu, you'll need to perfect the taste and presentation of your dishes!"

"Additionally, we can't serve all eighteen dishes simultaneously. There's a two-minute interval between each dish, meaning the last dish will be served half an hour after the first. Manage your time effectively to ensure your dishes are served at their optimal taste and texture."

"After sampling, the twenty diners and five judges will score each dish. The three contestants with the lowest scores will be eliminated." The host received a draw box from a staff member, "Now, start drawing your dishes."

Author's Note: Tongtong: Give it your all in the contest!

Xing Zong: Honey, are you thirsty? Hungry?

Tongtong: Could the judge please refrain from distracting the contestants?

A big thank you to the angels who supported me with generous gifts between 2020-02-15 23:28:43 and 2020-02-16 23:39:31.

Grateful to the angel who sent a grenade: Fuzhou, 1.

Kudos to the angels who planted mines: ztcrie, 2; Zaizai, Lana, Jieer, 1 each.

Many thanks to the angels who showered me with nutritional drinks: Sha Diao AI? 20 bottles; There won't be any in the future, 19 bottles; Song Zhi Milk Chestnut, Mu Yuan, 10 bottles each; Li Xu easily knows, 7 bottles; Shuo Rat, Yuanyuan, Hotpot本锅, Lana, Fuzhou, 5 bottles each; Change the name, 28365525, 3 bottles each; Meow, 2 bottles; Chang'an City Ji Jiang, Gu Xing Yan, Yi Yi, 34934366, 1 bottle each.

I truly appreciate all your support, and I'll keep pushing forward!

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