When Sin Pei Pei woke up, she found Cheng Yu, fully dressed, sitting by the bed, staring at her without blinking, his expression inscrutable yet thoughtful. Sin Pei Pei smiled reflexively at him. Cheng Yu paused, a gleam flashed in his eyes, then slowly pulled a card from his pocket and handed it to Sin Pei Pei. At first, she thought it was money and felt a bit disappointed, but then she noticed it looked familiar. Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be the key to Cheng Yu’s villa, which filled her with joy. He had asked for it back when they parted ways. Overjoyed, Sin Pei Pei got up, wrapped in her blanket, and hugged Cheng Yu, planting a warm kiss on his face. Cheng Yu frowned, gently removed her arms, stood up, and said coldly, “Get dressed, I need to talk to you.” Sin Pei Pei was baffled but quickly dressed and sat down opposite Cheng Yu. Cheng Yu observed her silently for a moment, his gaze cold, mistrustful yet resigned. He said, “Do you have any problem winning the championship at the dance-off this time?” Sin Pei Pei couldn’t help but laugh at Cheng Yu’s tone, as if the championship was within easy reach, just requiring her nod. Seeing his serious expression, she straightened up and hesitated, “I’m not very confident.” “Actually, I don’t necessarily need the championship,” Cheng Yu said, lifting his eyes. “I just need you to beat Fu Xiaotang.” Sin Pei Pei laughed coldly, “Beat her, and the championship is mine! What are you afraid of?” Sin Pei Pei shrugged in feigned helplessness, “With Young Master Fang Junjue backing her, what can we do?” Cheng Yu smiled, seemingly casual but with a firm tone, “Whatever Fang Junjue can do for her, I can do for you!” Sin Pei Pei’s heart filled with joy, “Really?” But then she felt something was off. Just moments ago, Cheng Yu was calling Fu Xiaotang’s name with deep affection, and now he was suddenly supporting her rival. “Why?” The question lingered in her chest for a while before she couldn’t help but ask. Cheng Yu stared at her, his gaze icy, making Sin Pei Pei regret her quick mouth. Just as she was about to say something to brush it off, she heard Cheng Yu whisper almost inaudibly, “I don’t want others to see her.” Sin Pei Pei was stunned, not having time to ponder the meaning of his words when Cheng Yu suddenly leaned forward, grabbed her collar, and pulled her close to his face, his brows forming a deep furrow, almost growling, “You have to make a huge splash, completely overshadowing her, drawing everyone’s attention to you, understand?” Sin Pei Pei, struggling to breathe, nodded, “Okay, okay.” She thought, isn’t this what I’ve been hoping for? Cheng Yu’s gaze searched her face blankly for a moment before suddenly releasing her with a push, “Then it’s settled.” Sin Pei Pei fell back onto the sofa, coughing slightly from the grip on her neck. Cheng Yu watched her with a frown for a moment, then slowly said in a low voice, “There’s one thing I hope you remember. I want you to beat her fair and square on stage. You just need to dance well; I’ll handle the rest. If I find out you’re doing anything underhanded to harm her, I won’t care about Fang Junjue; I’ll deal with you first.” His last sentence was delivered with a calm yet menacing tone, full of oppression. Sin Pei Pei, who had just caught her breath, started coughing violently again from the tension.
The first day of the competition ended with both Fu Xiaotang and Dorothy making it to the semi-finals. Since the next day was the resurrection match for the eliminated dancers, Fu Xiaotang took a half-day off, greeted Fang Junjue, and went out with Dorothy. Jinshui International was hosting its annual “Feast of Flavors,” and after watching a movie, Fu Xiaotang and Dorothy headed straight there. The first floor of Jinshui International was bustling with people, an array of official and folk delicacies dazzling the eyes. Fu Xiaotang and Dorothy ate and played happily, finally stopping at the Hangzhou booth to watch the chefs prepare Hangzhou cuisine. Fu Xiaotang was keenly interested, explaining to Dorothy in a hushed tone. Just as they were deeply engaged in their discussion, a middle-aged woman softly interrupted Fu Xiaotang, “Excuse me, miss. May I ask if you are from Hangzhou?” Fu Xiaotang noticed this woman, about fifty, with clear features and an elegant, gentle demeanor, dressed simply yet tastefully, speaking in a soft, clear voice. She seemed very approachable. Fu Xiaotang felt an inexplicable desire to befriend her and smiled, “No, but my aunt is from Hangzhou, and she worked as a chef in a Hangzhou restaurant for a long time.” “Oh, I see,” the woman nodded, a trace of disappointment on her face. “I’ve been away from Hangzhou for many years, longing for home but never having the chance to return. I just heard you speak, and though it was just a few words, you seemed to know Hangzhou cuisine well, something only a local would know, so I was happy thinking I’d met a fellow townsman.” Pu Xiaotang had always been soft-hearted and couldn’t bear to see people wallow in self-pity. Seeing the woman’s face full of despair, she couldn’t help but console her: “Actually, I’m half a Hangzhou native. Since childhood, I’ve listened to my aunt tell tales of her hometown, and I’ve become quite familiar with the customs and anecdotes there. Although I’ve never been there, I’ve longed to visit this earthly paradise!” At this moment, Polly chimed in from the side, “Not only that, she’s absorbed the culinary art from her aunt and can cook authentic Hangzhou dishes better than most restaurants in Hangzhou!” Sure enough, the woman seemed very pleased upon hearing this, extending her hand to hold Pu Xiaotang’s, saying, “My surname is Li, may I know your name, miss?” Pu Xiaotang warmly clasped the woman’s hand back, saying affectionately, “Aunt Li, my name is Pu Xiaotang, you can just call me Xiaotang.” The woman nodded with a smile, “Xiaotang, for some reason, I feel like we’ve known each other for a long time. If you don’t mind, shall we become friends?” Pu Xiaotang felt the same and eagerly nodded, “Of course, I would be delighted.”
They then found a tea room to sit down and chat. Pu Xiaotang indeed spoke about Hangzhou’s charm as if she were an expert, recounting childhood stories her aunt had told her. Ms. Li listened with great interest, feeling as if she had returned to her hometown. In the midst of her storytelling, Pu Xiaotang couldn’t help but recall many moments from her youth spent with Aunt Min, her emotions stirred, and her eyes slightly reddened. Although it was just a meal’s duration, both Pu Xiaotang and Ms. Li, one reminiscing through the other’s listening, the other cherishing memories through recounting, found themselves moved. They shared their most cherished memories, which they rarely had the chance to share with others. Surprisingly, they found themselves thoroughly enjoying the company of a stranger they had just met, marveling at the wonder of fate, and considering each other as friends despite the age difference.
Ms. Li warmly invited Pu Xiaotang to her home, but due to the late hour and Pu Xiaotang needing to prepare for her performance the next day, they had to regretfully decline. However, they promised to meet again soon, when Pu Xiaotang would cook a full Hangzhou banquet for Ms. Li.
