"I really didn't think before I spoke, why would I ask those two men to follow our maternal and child product's official website? They're just buying gifts, not potential regular customers."

The sales associate was lost in thought when she overheard her colleague at the counter expressing regret.

"!"

The associate was startled and began to reminisce about how earnestly Yu An Tong had nodded in agreement.

What did that mean?!

Her thoughts suddenly veered into wild speculation about him having a child.

"Though the young man was really nice," the colleague at the counter, who hadn't seen the show "Master Chef," continued, not recognizing Yu An Tong. "He didn't object and politely agreed. What's with that expression, Yun Yun? Why do you seem so shocked?"

Yun Yun, the associate, shook her head, pushing aside those wild thoughts. "It's nothing. I was just lost in thought..."

In all likelihood, Yu An Tong was simply being polite. It couldn't be what she was imagining.

It must be a coincidence!

While the sales associate realized that Yu An Tong couldn't possibly be pregnant, once such a notion took root in her mind, it was hard to shake off. When watching the new episode of "Master Chef," she couldn't help but scrutinize Yu An Tong's stomach.

Unfortunately, this episode was shot outdoors. The weather in Jiangcheng was chilly, and all contestants wore thicker clothing than in previous episodes.

Yu An Tong wore a long black cashmere coat, emphasizing his tall, slim figure and fair skin, but it didn't reveal anything about his waist or belly.

Seeing nothing unusual, Ge Yun shifted her focus back to the show's content.

As the contestants and the host stepped into a quaint, cobblestone alleyway, her curiosity was piqued.

"Emerald River Garden", though she was a local of River City, she had only heard of it and never visited. Rumors said its menu prices were extravagantly high, making it unaffordable for most. She wondered what kind of place it truly was.

"Ah!"

The Chief really spoils him, doesn't he?

Upon seeing Xing Lixuan discreetly handing a thermos to Yu Antong, she exclaimed excitedly.

Her roommate, whom she shared her apartment with, jumped in surprise, "Yunyun, what on earth are you doing?! You scared me to death!"

"You have to watch the latest episode of 'Culinary God!'" Ge Yun exclaimed. "Xing and Yu are so adorable together!"

Such stealthy actions of sneaking things to another truly hit her soft spot.

As Xing Lixuan discreetly passed the item to Yu Antong, Yu's face showed a fleeting surprise. Upon realizing who it was from, he quickly glanced ahead and then behind, choosing to stand closer to Xing.

Their interactions felt genuine, like young schoolchildren secretly in love during a class trip, sneaking snacks to one another, constantly wary of classmates or teachers catching them.

With this thought in mind, Ge Yun posted a comment.

Her roommate was also a fan of 'Culinary God', though she initially didn't intend to watch it at night fearing it might make her hungry and affect her sleep. However, now, curiosity got the better of her, and she began watching.

"Oh! I'm dying!"

A few minutes later, her roommate also erupted in fits of fangirling giggles, rolling on her bed, overwhelmed by excitement.

Ge Yun patiently waited a few minutes for her roommate to catch up, eager to watch in sync, "Right? Aren’t they just the sweetest?"

Typically, Ge Yun would watch shows without the comment section enabled, as she found it distracting. However, she was so thrilled this time that she not only commented but kept the comments visible throughout.

In the minutes she waited for her roommate, her comment received many resonating responses.

[Speak more if you can, sis!]

[You nailed it! Exactly that vibe! Especially that glance Yu gave, checking his surroundings, so darn cute. Just like young school kids!]

[It feels so familiar, like how I secretly dated the class leader in 5th grade!]

[Your comment reminded me of my early romance days with my now-husband. Such innocent and sweet memories of youth.]

[The way they whispered side by side is so lovely, reminds me of the times with my desk mate.]

[+1. Sadly, the budding romance between me and my desk mate was noticed by our teacher, and we were separated, nipping our romance in the bud.]

[Such cute gestures! It’s like when my high school deskmate brought me breakfast. Now, we're motivating each other to prepare for post-graduate entrance exams.]

[Seeing all your sweet stories makes me envious. My early romance partner didn't even like me. He only dated me to copy my homework! When I found out, I was furious and broke up!]

[Hahaha, that’s so tragic!]

【Damn! Why does everyone have teenage romance stories? As someone who's forever alone, all I remember is secretly eating instant noodles during class when the teacher was writing on the board!】

【How is the person eating instant noodles above allowed to use gifs!?】

【Haha! Sneaking in instant noodles is such a vivid memory; I've done that too.】

【I really want to know what they're saying!】

【Me too. Any lip-reading experts want to give it a shot?】

The camera angle captures the group from the side and behind, without any close-ups of Yu An Tong and Xing Li Xuan, but these observant viewers picked up on the tiniest of details.

From what can be seen, their lips are moving and they're in conversation, but it's nearly impossible to figure out what they're discussing.

As Ge Yun was thinking this, she noticed some comments that left her in utter shock.

【Rewatched this part 20 times and, by connecting it with the subsequent scenes, I have a rough idea of their conversation, ps: there might be inaccuracies】

【Yu (confused): What's this? Xing: The porridge you like. Yu (happy): When did you prepare this? I didn't notice. Xing: While you were changing.】

【Yu: Thanks, hubby, love you! Xing: Save those words for home. ps: This is pure speculation on my part】

biquge.name

【Amazing! Kneeling to the genius!】

【When it comes to 'shipping', there's talent everywhere!】

【Haha, pure speculation? Your guess fits Xing's possessive character so well. I wouldn't call it pure speculation. It's pretty convincing!】

【I'd love to hear more of your theories.】

As Ge Yun continued watching, the group entered Bi Jiang Yuan. Through the camera's perspective, Ge Yun felt like Liu Laolao entering the Grand View Garden, admiring Bi Jiang Yuan's garden-like architecture.

With pavilions, kiosks, man-made hills, and bamboo, one steps into a realm saturated with traditional Hua country charm, calming one's spirit and igniting anticipation for a tantalizing feast.

Ge Yun smacked her lips. This show is a gem. Not only showcasing iconic dishes of Hua country and innovative creations by the contestants, but also a glimpse of the oldest Chinese restaurant in Jiang City, exuding its rich heritage.

Soon, the highlight began with contestants starting their dishes. Yu An Tong's performance in this episode sparked debate among viewers.

【What's Yu An Tong trying to do?】

【Just sitting and sipping porridge? Taking it easy?】

【So the thermos Xing gave to Tong had porridge? I thought it was tea!】

【The way he takes a sip and then blows on it, why does he remind me of the retired old man downstairs?】

【Hahaha, my grandpa drinks tea the same way. So relatable!】

【Tong's so cheeky!】

【Serves you right! Getting mocked by the other contestants now, huh?】

【I was quite fond of Yu An Tong just a few days ago, but wasn't his recent performance a bit arrogant? No matter how skilled he is, he shouldn't disrespect his competitors like that.】

【Exactly, switching from a fan to a critic. Xie Wen Chang was already nervous, and he had to go mock him.】

【Well, at first I too thought Yu An Tong was over the line, but after watching further, it seemed like his actions actually relaxed everyone. Maybe he had good intentions.】

【Upon a second watch, it's clear Yu An Tong was purposely trying to ease everyone’s tension. The other contestants didn't seem to mind him. In fact, Xie Wen Chang even offered a tip when Yu An Tong was running out of time.】

Ge Yun became anxious reading these comments. Was Yu An Tong running out of time for his dish later on?

She was eager to see what happened next but didn’t want to skip any parts. After a moment of hesitation, she decided to keep watching without fast-forwarding.

Watching Yu An Tong casually chatting and sipping porridge with the host now only increased Ge Yun's nervousness.

Stop relaxing and start cooking! There will be plenty of time for chit-chat once the dish is done!

Ge Yun wished she could rush to the scene and remind him.

Finally, when Lin Hao Ning came over to call Yu An Tong, Ge Yun breathed a sigh of relief: “That was nerve-wracking! Just last episode, a contestant got eliminated for not completing his dish on time, and here he is, playing it so loose.”

Her roommate replied, “If the emperor isn't worried, why should his eunuch be? He seems to have everything under control. Didn't he already delegate the prep work?”

"I hope so."

As they continued watching, even her roommate grew anxious when Yu An Tong had yet to serve his dish with only two minutes left. “Did he seriously mess this up?”

“Why was he so laid-back at the beginning? So frustrating! He had ample time!”

Just as Ge Yun was venting, they saw Yu An Tong finish everything in the last minute and serve his dish successfully!

【Impressive!】

【Had me worried for nothing.】

【His time management is spot-on! Respect!】

【Pour some tea for the master!】

【The master doesn’t need tea; he's already full from the porridge.】

【Haha! Tried searching for that same thermos, but I can't afford it. So humble.】

In the final scores, Yu An Tong lost to Fu Feng Xing by just two points, placing him second amongst all contestants.

Since each contestant had to prepare different dishes, some harder than others, luck played a part in this round's results.

Yu An Tong's dish was relatively simple and on the lighter side in terms of flavor. Even though he excelled in knife skills, presentation, and taste, it still didn't surpass the rich and memorable taste of Fu Feng Xing’s steamed mixed cured meats.

Yu Antong wasn't disheartened. He had anticipated this outcome from the moment he saw the name of the dish he'd drawn. After all, it was just a steamed fish dish. He would only have the chance to come first if the other competitors, who had harder dishes, didn't perform well.

He's not invincible; losing sometimes is normal. It adds to the excitement, making it a true competition.

【Another episode done! It went by so fast!】

【The dishes this episode varied in difficulty. I feel the results may not be that fair. I hope they'll make improvements in the future.】

【Looking forward to the next episode.】

Both the show and the comments were entertaining. Ge Yun laughed so much while watching that she felt a bit sore by the end.

It's getting late, and she has to get up early for work. She quickly prepared for bed, her initial suspicion that Yu Antong might be pregnant long forgotten.

Months later, she lamented how close she had been to the truth.

Author's note:

Thank you to those lovely souls who gifted me power votes and nutrients between 2020-02-18 23:40:28 and 2020-02-19 23:52:10!

Special thanks to the generous angel who sent a rocket: Little Tangyuan Who Loves Apples.

And those who sent mines: Pea Mash (2); jieer, asura, and little beast (1 each).

Thank you to those who donated nutrients: I'm speechless too (20 bottles); Worry-free (10 bottles); Tide (8 bottles); Can Fly With Wind (6 bottles); Shuo, little beast, asura (5 bottles each); Sweet (3 bottles); Half Moon (2 bottles); Pouring River, Yi Fourteen, Gu Xingyan (1 bottle each).

I truly appreciate everyone's support. I promise to keep working hard!

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