Chapter 61

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Chapter 61: Title

Song Yutian sat down beside Su Moying and asked, “What’s wrong?”

Su Moying remained silent, but Song Yutian had already glimpsed the answer on her phone screen.

A bold, capitalized headline screamed: “Two Beauties Publicly Fight Over a Man.”

Beneath the title was a composite image of two photos—one showing Song Yutian on the left, the other featuring Gu Feng and Su Moying together on the right.

Song Yutian couldn’t suppress a chuckle.

Su Moying shot her a wounded look. “Yutian, how can you laugh at this?”

“Sorry,” Song Yutian replied, “but this marketing account’s headline is painfully tacky.”

“True,” Su Moying conceded, her lips twitching into a fleeting smile before her expression dimmed again. “Still… how dare they spread such lies about us?”

Song Yutian shook her head. “I should’ve anticipated the program group’s manipulative editing.”

“Don’t say that!” Su Moying protested quickly. “I wasn’t blaming you.”

“Where did you find this?” Song Yutian asked.

“My agent sent it,” Su Moying murmured. “She said the PR team suppressed it, but…”

“But what?”

“…They want me to distance myself from Brother Gu Feng. And from you too, Yutian.”

Song Yutian blinked. Unlike herself, Su Moying was a top girl-group idol under stringent company control—every aspect of her life micromanaged.

For a long moment, Song Yutian struggled to find comforting words.

Su Moying’s eyes glistened. “First, they told me to play along with Brother Gu Feng’s attentions on the show, and now this…”

Piecing together Su Moying’s fragmented words, Song Yutian understood: Talent-show idols like Su Moying relied on manufactured publicity. Her team had likely permitted Gu Feng’s overtures—harmless flirtation to boost her “pure sweetheart” image, provided no real romance blossomed. But “man-stealing” scandals? Career poison for an idol.

“They control everything,” Su Moying’s voice fractured. “My Weibo posts, who I befriend… I’m not allowed feelings of my own.” Her tears spilled over. “Sometimes I wish I’d never become an idol. I just wanted to dance…”

Song Yutian wordlessly embraced her. When the trembling figure in her arms finally stilled, she discovered Su Moying had cried herself to exhaustion. Gently tucking the sleeping girl under a blanket, Song Yutian pulled out her phone and drafted a Weibo post.

By the next morning, the live-stream viewer count shattered records.

“Director!” An assistant exclaimed. “We’re trending number one—legitimately this time!”

The director looked at the computer screen with doubt. Trending number one: #SuMoying through Song Yutian’s lens.

@Song Yutian: Actually, I want to take Moying away and show everyone my treasured photos.

Below were nine pictures, all taken by Song Yutian of Su Moying during the competition at the amusement park. Compared to the perfect idol smile of Su Moying in the edited photos, in the pictures posted by Song Yutian, she looked more like a carefree high school girl.

Su Moying twirled in front of the carousel, danced by the swing, and posed like a little dwarf statue… Most of these photos were candid shots, and in each one, Su Moying’s expressions and actions were different, yet all were incredibly lively, as if they could share joy with everyone who saw them.

Besides the photos Song Yutian posted, clips of the two’s live competition at the amusement park also went viral. They faced challenges together and cleared obstacles, putting to rest the rumors of Gu Feng being at odds with them.

[Some marketing accounts said their relationship was bad before; if I hadn’t watched the show, I would have believed it.]

[Why didn’t I understand why Song Yutian said she wanted to take Moying away?]

[They are talking about the rumors of the two stealing Gu Feng, right? To be honest, it’s all the editing’s fault; if you watch the show, you’ll know it’s false.]

[Sister Song is right, taking Moying is great! Who wants a boy?]

[Sweet Cherry CP is the best! No arguments accepted!]

Song Yutian’s Weibo post was made at midnight, and by morning, it was trending number one. That set of photos was widely shared on many other platforms.

Even many netizens who didn’t follow talent shows and were unfamiliar with Su Moying were captivated by this set of photos, which managed to break through to mainstream attention.

[This little sister is absolutely adorable! I’m in love!]

[These photos are truly god-tier! A hundred times better than those previous retouched shots.]

[Now I finally understand what a top-tier sweetheart looks like! It’s Moying!]

[I suddenly get Su Moying now—I used to think her smile seemed somewhat artificial.]

[Just found out this younger sister isn’t even twenty yet! I’m going to follow her!]

Many netizens were also astonished to learn these photos were taken by Song Yutian, with the show’s fans enthusiastically promoting it:

[So these are actually from contestants photographing each other on the show? I need to start watching this program!]

[Sweet Cherry CP is absolutely addictive! Highly recommend watching the livestream for more sugary moments!]

[For those wanting to watch the replay, check the second half of Episode 2! The episode with Moying and Sister Song is super sweet!]

[Everyone can also tune into today’s livestream! Sister Song and Moying are still in the same team!]

The contestants who hurried to the restaurant immediately after waking up remained unaware of the online developments.

By 11 AM that morning, the restaurant would officially open for business.

Song Yutian had already entered the kitchen to complete final preparations.

Meanwhile, Su Moying and Liu Tian began distributing promotional flyers at a nearby shopping mall.

Su Moying quickly noticed she was being recognized significantly more frequently today.

Though Su Moying’s popularity far surpassed that of other contestants who debuted through this year’s talent show, the program itself remained relatively niche, with only occasional recognition during previous recordings.

Yet today, after merely walking through the mall once, several passersby requested photos with her.

While Su Moying was still puzzling over this, a girl approached with her phone, asking, “Excuse me, is this you in these photos?”

The girl was showing the viral photo set currently trending online.

After taking the photo with the fan, Su Moying checked her own phone and discovered her pictures were trending.

The comments overflowed with praise for her beauty and sweet smile.

Notably absent were mentions of previous rumors, replaced instead by fans enthusiastically shipping her and Song Yutian’s CP.

Liu Tian, still unaware of the situation, marveled, "Moying, this is so you! Your national recognition is off the charts!"

Su Moying smiled and replied, "All thanks to Yutian’s help."

When the restaurant officially opened at 11 AM, Song Yutian’s group found their establishment already filled with curious customers.

Having prepped all ingredients the previous day, they maintained rapid serving speeds with seamless efficiency.

The program group had assigned both teams relatively obscure locations, implementing strict confidentiality measures during yesterday’s livestream that kept even viewers unaware of the exact addresses.

Song Yutian’s foresight in sending Su Moying and Liu Tian to promote at the mall paid off, as customers successfully located them using flyer addresses.

The opposing team wasn’t as fortunate.

After opening, their remote location initially attracted no customers.

Shen Xi, considering this passive waiting counterproductive, dispatched Wei Yao and Pei Hao to solicit customers in busier areas.

This left only Shen Xi, Liu Mengyuan, and Zhang Chenyang in the kitchen.

After several more minutes, Zhang Chenyang grew restless: "Sister Xi, Mengyuan, maybe I should help attract customers too?"

Shen Xi frowned. "Is that necessary? Yao Yao and Pei Hao already went out."

Liu Mengyuan added, "Right? What if customers arrive and we’re short-handed?"

Zhang Chenyang persisted: "But with no customers now, I’m just idle here. Shouldn’t I try helping outside?"

Shen Xi and Liu Mengyuan exchanged knowing glances.

As entertainment industry veterans, they easily discerned Zhang Chenyang’s hidden agenda—his belief that kitchen duty offered fewer camera opportunities and less program impact.

After some consideration, Shen Xi conceded: "Fine, but return quickly."

Though temporarily elected manager, Shen Xi held no real authority over fellow participants.

Zhang Chenyang immediately vowed, "Understood! Sister Xi and Mengyuan, I’ll definitely bring back a crowd of customers!"

On the streets, Wei Yao and Pei Hao were already energetically recruiting patrons.

Wei Yao’s current drama popularity soon drew recognition, with many expressing support.

She instructed supporters to photograph the restaurant’s address, urging them to visit whenever possible.

Their efforts proved successful as customers gradually found the restaurant.

Shen Xi and Liu Mengyuan commenced cooking according to incoming orders.

Soon after, Wei Yao and Pei Hao returned to assist with customer service.

But Zhang Chenyang still hadn’t returned.

As more guests arrived and the person supposed to help remained absent, the kitchen quickly became overwhelmed.

While wiping sweat, Liu Mengyuan couldn’t help complaining: "Why hasn’t Chenyang come back yet? The two of us can’t manage alone."

Shen Xi said, "Not sure. Maybe I should have Yao Yao come help inside first, leaving Pei Hao alone to handle the front."

Liu Mengyuan replied, "That seems like our only option now."

The restaurant, which should have had five staff members, now only had four, everyone working frantically.

Meanwhile, Zhang Chenyang was chatting with passersby.

"Two young ladies." Zhang Chenyang stopped two shoppers, "Have you watched our show?"

The girls waved their hands shyly.

"Don’t be nervous, misses," Zhang Chenyang flashed what he considered a sunny smile. "I’m Zhang Chenyang, a contestant from Unexpected Challenges."

The girls exchanged glances, their expressions showing no recognition.

Zhang Chenyang persisted, "My teammates and I run a restaurant. Would you like to try it?"

When the girls stayed silent, he pressed on, "How about I escort you there? That way, you won’t get lost. What do you say?"

Their initial hesitation turned into hurried "No thanks" as they quickly walked away, exiting the camera frame.

Zhang Chenyang stared blankly at their retreating backs, clearly not understanding why they reacted that way.

The live audience instantly grasped it:

[If a stranger offered to take me somewhere, I’d bolt too.]

[Not to be harsh, but Zhang Chenyang’s lines sound straight out of a human trafficking scheme.]

[Does he expect girls to follow some random guy?]

[Pointless—someone like him would never get it.]

At Song Yutian’s side, customers kept streaming in.

As hours passed, the restaurant remained packed even through the afternoon, its popularity growing.

The entire staff worked nonstop until Liu Tian hung the "Closed" sign at 8 PM sharp—the program group’s mandated closing time for both teams.

Song Yutian had just finished the last order when Liu Tian entered.

"Sister Yutian, a guest is requesting to see you."

The chef paused mid-pot placement. "See me?"

"Probably your friend," Liu Tian added. "Doesn’t seem suspicious."

Zhong Yueli inquired, "Who?"

"Don’t know," Liu Tian scratched his head.

Gu Feng approached. "Male or female?"

"Male."

Gu Feng’s brow furrowed. "I’ll check."

Zhong Yueli simultaneously declared, "I’ll go."

Liu Tian glanced between them. "Uh…"

"Enough," Song Yutian interjected. "Liu Tian, lead the way."

She maneuvered past the men into the dining area.

A gray-shirted man looked up. "Miss Song. We meet again."

"Lu Qiao."

His smile widened. "You remember me now."

Before she could respond, Gu Feng’s voice cut in, "Why are you here?"

"Mr. Gu always asks the same," Lu Qiao lounged comfortably. "My answer remains unchanged—here to dine."

Gu Feng stiffened, outmaneuvered again.

Song Yutian interrupted bluntly, "What’ll you have, Mr. Lu?"

"Any recommendations?"

"I don’t give suggestions. Order directly."

Viewers suddenly recognized Lu Qiao in the livestream.

[Isn’t that the guy who danced with Sister Song earlier?]

[I remember him! I searched for his personal account for ages but found nothing.]

[I remember too! This man danced the tango with Sister Song, which left Mr. Gu brooding for ages!]

[Could this be Sister Song’s non-celebrity boyfriend? He always seems to come for her.]

After Song Yutian finished speaking, Lu Qiao gazed at her for a moment before curling his lips into a smile. "Miss Song, considering that I’ve helped you twice now, you’re being rather cold."

Song Yutian narrowed her eyes. Helped her twice?

Once during the dance challenge, and the other time…

She suddenly recalled her assistant mentioning during the audition that another investor had recommended her to Director Cheng.

Could that person be Lu Qiao?

"Since you’re dining alone, Mr. Lu, ordering multiple dishes would be wasteful. Let me prepare a yellow croaker tofu stew for you," Song Yutian offered.

Lu Qiao’s smile deepened. "Excellent. I’ll defer to your judgment."

Song Yutian nodded and turned toward the kitchen, unaware of Lu Qiao’s lingering gaze following her movements.

Nearby, Gu Feng opened his mouth to confront Lu Qiao, then abruptly closed it upon remembering the live cameras. His irritation spiked when Lu Qiao cheerfully prodded, "Something wrong, Mr. Gu? Aren’t you going to assist?"

The tycoon stormed off as viewers flooded the chat:

[Mr. Gu’s defeat is absolute this time.]

[Lu Qiao always outplays Mr. Gu effortlessly.]

[Still on team Mr. Gu! That other guy’s clearly scheming.]

[Calling Mr. Gu naive? He’d hate that description.]

In the kitchen, Song Yutian lowered the fish into sizzling oil. Gu Feng returned just as she requested, "Broth."

When no response came, she turned to find him distracted. "Gu Feng?"

He hastily passed the bowl. Without questioning his odd behavior, she added the broth and completed the familiar steps. Within minutes, the aromatic stew was ready.

Su Moying appeared in the doorway. "Sister Yutian, shall I help serve?"

"Let’s go together," Song Yutian decided. As they approached Lu Qiao’s table, she discreetly studied him. Though the original plot described his interest in Su Moying, his current demeanor revealed nothing – merely a polite nod accompanied by, "Your efforts are appreciated, Miss Song."

Lu Qiao lifted a tofu cube to his lips. Song Yutian caught his fleeting grimace. Before she could react, his frown deepened after tasting the fish.

"Sir? Is something wrong?" Su Moying’s concern mirrored Song Yutian’s confusion.

Lu Qiao gulped his water before demanding sharply, "Did you prepare this yourself, Miss Song?"

"Obviously," she retorted.

"Then taste it."

At Su Moying’s nervous whisper—"Could there be an issue?"—Song Yutian snatched a pair of disposable chopsticks. The moment the tofu touched her tongue, her face contorted worse than Lu Qiao’s.