Chapter 5

The moment Shen Peiqing spoke, the entire room went silent.

The director looked at her with a pained expression, pressing her palms together in a gesture of pleading.

Shen Peiqing’s brows twitched slightly. Forcing herself to smile a little, she said,  

“Right now the contestants haven’t known each other for even 24 hours, and there aren’t any clear couples.”

“I think we need to wait and see how their feelings develop. That way, when the sweet moments come, they’ll really resonate.”

The livestream chat quickly backed her up, praising her as clear-headed and rational. Even the director looked relieved.

Shen Peiqing remained composed as she continued selecting viewer questions to answer.

Half an hour later, the promotional livestream ended.

She rose from her chair, and her assistant, Wang Yu, rushed over to hand her the thermos she always carried.

The director stood nearby with a nervous smile.

She’d never dreamed of landing Shen Peiqing as a guest commentator. Just two weeks ago, Shen Peiqing’s agent had unexpectedly reached out, asking if there was still room on the show.

This was her variety show debut—it was bound to draw huge attention.

The director hadn’t hesitated and even tailored a custom observer role for her.

“So… when might you be available to start filming?”

Wang Yu quickly flipped through her planner and showed it to her. “We’ve got some work scheduled ahead—probably in two weeks.”

The director nodded enthusiastically. “You’re so busy, and you still made time for the stream—we really appreciate it.”

“It’s my pleasure.” Shen Peiqing extended her hand for a brief, polite handshake.

The crew escorted her out of the restaurant.

Just as they reached the door, Shen Peiqing turned and asked,  

“By the way, could I have the ceramic pieces the contestants made today?”

The director paused, unsure what she needed them for—but still replied,  

“Of course, once they’re finished and cleaned up, I’ll send them to you.”

“Thank you,” she said with a courteous smile, finally slipping into the car, content.

—

The ride back from the creative district to the Love House passed through the city center.

It wasn’t too bad in the morning, but traffic in the afternoon was much worse.

A drive that had taken just over half an hour earlier stretched to nearly an hour and a half on the return.

Everyone grew drowsy from the ride and retreated to their rooms to nap as soon as they arrived.

But whether it was the unfamiliar bed or the weight of returning to Yicheng, Ruan He couldn't escape the onslaught of bad dreams.

Every time she closed her eyes, a massive beast would appear behind her, claws outstretched as it chased her.

She ran through the bright glass towers of the city with all her might, but could never outrun the suffocating dread.

Though it wasn’t a hot day, she woke drenched in sweat, heart pounding as she stared at the unfamiliar room around her.

Before joining the show, she’d mentally prepared herself to face her past.

Still, if she could help it, she hoped never to cross paths with the Ruan family again.

In her dreams, she'd run from daylight to nightfall—but only half an hour had passed in reality.

She sat up and rubbed her face, gathering herself before video-calling Chen Yueying.

Chen Yueying was at an amusement park with Tao Tao. On screen, the two of them stood in line for bumper cars wearing bunny-ear headbands.

Tao Tao’s smile was bright and carefree—no trace of anxiety or sadness from being apart.

After a quick chat, Ruan He felt reassured.

She took a shower, applied a fresh pheromone patch, and headed downstairs to cook.

The other group had returned as well.

Tian Ruo and Ding Chulan were playing cards in the living room, while Wang Muan and Feng Qing were finalizing dinner plans in the kitchen.

Ruan He walked over, glanced at their discussion, and quietly started rinsing the vegetables.

The kitchen was a bit quiet, so she asked casually, “Where did you all go today?”

“Cycling in the suburbs,” Feng Qing said as she retrieved fruit from the fridge to make a platter. “You?”

“We did pottery.” Ruan He set the clean vegetables aside to drain. “You got back pretty quickly, though.”

Feng Qing laughed. “Right? I don’t know how everyone’s got so much energy.”

“Did switching to the tandem bike help?” Wang Muan asked kindly. “Still tired?”

“Much better, thanks to you, Muan-jie! Otherwise I might’ve had to call in sick tomorrow!”

Ruan He had never been sporty, so she could relate. “Do you want to go lie down for a bit?”

Feng Qing paused, then quickly shook her head. “I’m okay!”

“It’s alright, I can handle the cooking.”

As she spoke, she turned and saw Wang Muan standing just behind Feng Qing, helping tie her apron.

When she noticed Ruan He’s glance, Wang Muan looked a little awkward. “Ruanyuan, do you want an apron too?”

“I’m okay for now,” she replied with a polite smile, reaching into the bag for more ingredients to prep.

The fruit platter still wasn’t finished. Ruan He deliberately slowed down her veggie-washing, waiting in line to use the cutting board.

Jiang Lelan came down from upstairs, wandered through the living room, then ambled over to watch them cook.

The kitchen was spacious, but with four people moving around, it still felt a bit cramped.

Everyone kept weaving around each other looking for utensils, spices, or a free spot on the counter.

Wang Muan and Feng Qing left to rinse rice. Ruan He cleaned the board, set her vegetables in place, and started expertly slicing and chopping.

Her cooking skills were excellent. Last year, Tao Tao and her little friends had crowned her *the best cooking mom in the entire village*—a title not easily earned.

The ingredients today were extra fresh.

A single stroke into a ripe tomato burst with juice, releasing a refreshing tangy-sweet aroma that made her mouth water.

She picked up a slice from the edge and tossed it into her mouth.

Cool, tart, and even tastier than expected—her face lit up like a little fox who’d stumbled across a perfectly sweet berry.

Only after finishing did she realize the room was covered in cameras. She’d just sneakily eaten a solo bite on-camera.

Embarrassed, she quickly plated the tomatoes and turned with both hands, offering, “These are really good—do you want to try?”

Wang Muan and Jiang Lelan stood to either side of Feng Qing—one holding the rice cooker, the other the power cord.

They both answered in unison, “No need.”

Ruan He shrugged, brows lifting slightly in mock disappointment.

She gave up on sharing and went back to chopping diligently.

Yan Yang had just come downstairs—and the first thing she saw was Ruan He standing alone in the kitchen.

Sunset poured in behind her like a golden spotlight.

Her hands moved deftly, unaware that a strand of hair had fallen loose to brush gently against her face, casting soft shadows over her serene features.

In that moment, Yan Yang finally saw her fantasy come to life: an omega wife, quietly radiant in the warm light.

She stood frozen for a long beat before remembering why she'd come down in the first place.

"Ruanyuan," Yan Yang approached, "could you help me with something?"

Ruan He nodded sweetly, following her. "What is it?"

"Nothing much," Yan Yang replied, pushing open the media room door. "But… why are you really in the kitchen cooking?"

Ruan He looked puzzled. "What else would a kitchen be for?"

Yan Yang laughed, bright as a Samoyed. "This is a *dating show*, you know!”

Only then did Ruan He glance back toward the kitchen—at the three people still inside—and it finally clicked.

The media room hadn't closed its curtains. It was basically a sunroom.

They both sat by the window.

“You seem like someone who’s really good at cooking,” Yan Yang said.

“I wasn’t before. Just got better after doing it often.”

Ruan He looked out at the backyard lawn—Tian Ruo and Ding Chulan were out there again, admiring the flowers.

Truth was, she had learned to cook during *Tomorrow’s Starshine*.

Each group’s schedule was different, and everyone had different food needs. When the show couldn’t accommodate them all, they opened a small kitchen for the contestants.

After grueling rehearsals, Ruan He would often return late at night, utterly drained.

Once, starving to the point of nausea, she’d stumbled into the kitchen alone.

Back then, she’d never touched kitchen tools. She was just about to try eating dry instant noodles when Shen Peiqing walked in.

Shen had teased her the entire time while lighting the stove.

As the water boiled, she grabbed a pan to fry an egg.

Ruan He, indignant, insisted on doing it herself.

The moment the egg hit the oil, it sizzled and spat. She leapt back—and landed squarely in Shen Peiqing’s arms.

Taller than her by a few inches, Shen’s breath brushed her neck as she spoke softly.

That light bamboo scent calmed her, as cool fingers gently guided her hands over the pan.  

“Don’t be scared. I’ll show you.”

She didn’t really learn anything that night—just remembered Shen’s voice and the safety of her arms.

But Shen had taught her a few more times after that. It became a skill that saved her when she finally ran away from home.

“What are you two chatting about?” Su Yifan finally found them.

Pulled from her reverie, Ruan He smiled. “Sweet-and-sour fried eggs.”

“Sweet-and-sour?” Yan Yang blinked. Had they mentioned that?

Su Yifan plopped down next to Ruan He. “I’ve never had that before. Ruanyuan, will you make it for me?”

Yan Yang jumped in immediately, “I want some too!”

Su Yifan glared at her. “Why are you everywhere?”

“I’m the one who got here first!”

“Yeah? Did the room come with your name on it?”

No matter where or why, those two were always ready to bicker.

Ruan He watched them for a while, amused. Then something Yan Yang said earlier floated back into her mind.

*This is a dating show.* There’s no such thing as “just messing around.”

She felt herself growing wiser by the second. Standing up, she said,  

“I’ll let you two talk. I’m going back to my room to unpack.”

Yan Yang and Su Yifan both fell instantly quiet. Only after Ruan He left did they resume.

“You scared her off.”

“You were sitting there like a lump—she got bored!”

“I was about to ask her to—ugh, I didn’t even get to—”

Back in her room, though reluctant, Ruan He resigned herself to unpacking her suitcase.

Half of it was filled with her clothes; the other half contained materials for making accessories. When the show didn’t have scheduled events, she still had to fulfill orders, ship products, and earn a living.

She moved all her materials to the desk near the window, setting up her livestream stand beside them.

Because she’d packed for Tao Tao as well, she hadn’t brought much clothing. The rest was at Chen Yueying’s place—close enough to retrieve as needed.

She hung her clothes neatly in the wardrobe. Before long, the suitcase was empty—except for one carefully packaged box.

Ruan He bent to pick it up and cradled it gently in her arms, stepping into a blind spot beyond the camera’s reach.

Her hand brushed across the lid, fingers stroking the surface slowly.

She hesitated for a long time, until eventually the pull inside won. She lifted the lid.

Inside—contrary to what the elegant box might suggest—wasn’t jewelry or anything luxurious.

It was a hand-knitted scarf in black and white stripes.

The yarn had frayed in several spots. Threads poked out, messy and unraveled.

A blush crept across Ruan He’s cheeks. Her thin shoulders hunched slightly as she brought the scarf delicately to her nose.

Strictly speaking, it didn’t belong to her.

It belonged to Shen Peiqing.

She had taken it with her when she left the show back then—secretly, quietly.

Her most cherished and most impossible longing: her beloved “Ah Beibei.”