Chapter 10: Reading messages and replying with nonsense—excellent. I’ve learned another trick from Sister Jiang today.

Yan Chuanzhou was the fourth to enter the kitchen.

Picking up a small knife, his slender hands began to handle the crayfish with practiced ease—removing heads and tails, neatly slicing along the shell’s seam, precisely deveining each one. With swift, fluid motions, he peeled the shells effortlessly.

Once the crayfish were prepared, Yan Chuanzhou chopped some bird’s eye chili peppers, crushed garlic with the back of his knife into a paste, and placed it all into a small bowl. He then poured in some sesame oil and stirred it evenly.

Pouring the freshly made seasoning into a hot pan, the aroma soon filled the air. He added the prepared crayfish, poured in an appropriate amount of water, and let it simmer for a while. Thus, a dish of garlic-infused shrimp was ready.

Yan Chuanzhou placed the dish on the table. Jiang Chiyu and the duo known as “First Win” had been waiting eagerly by the table, their eyes nearly popping out in anticipation.

Wei Feng, noticing them, couldn’t help but tease, “You three, be careful not to drool into the food.”

Jiang Chiyu immediately grabbed her chopsticks, about to dig in, but suddenly hesitated. Swallowing hard, she unwillingly passed the chopsticks to Lin Qingyue instead. “You have the first bite.”

Yan Chuanzhou noticed this and his brows furrowed briefly with a touch of displeasure, but it quickly faded.

Lin Qingyue took the chopsticks with a sharp gaze. Without hesitation, she tasted the first bite.

Before anyone from the production team could ask, Jiang Chiyu leaned forward, eyes fixed intently on Lin Qingyue’s expression, curious. “How’s the taste? Is it good?”

She licked her lips afterward, unable to hide her eagerness.

Lin Qingyue shot her a glare. “Chuanzhou’s cooking is top-notch, of course.”

Hearing this, Jiang Chiyu watched her take a second bite, then couldn’t help but ask, “Then… can I try a bite? Or maybe I can trade you with something I made myself?”

Everyone instantly realized Jiang Chiyu was clearly craving the food.

Wei Feng stepped forward, pulling her back with a smile. “You’re that hungry, huh? I’ll make you some garlic-flavored next time.”

Jiang Chiyu’s eyes brightened immediately. She turned to Wei Feng, her expression much lighter, and quickly added, “A gentleman’s word is his bond—consider it settled!”

Yan Chuanzhou’s eyes darkened with a subtle, unreadable emotion. He brought out another plate from the kitchen and placed it on the table, his voice low and steady. “Eat. There’s more.”

No sooner had he spoken than a blur flashed before the camera. By the time everyone reacted, Jiang Chiyu had already eaten the first garlic shrimp.

[Is she really that hungry? Didn’t they feed her enough at home?]

[I’m convinced she must have starved to death in her past life—some hungry ghost reincarnated.]

[This is the first time I’ve seen a ghostly blur on camera. How does she move so fast?]

Those present were stunned by her speed, then burst out laughing helplessly.

Suddenly, the sound of chopsticks dropping pierced the air. Jiang Chiyu turned to see Lin Qingyue’s face contorted in pain, hands clutching her throat as if struggling for breath.

Just as she was about to collapse, Jiang Chiyu reacted swiftly, grabbing Lin Qingyue’s arm and pulling her into an embrace.

The production crew was shocked; panic spread through the room.

“Call an ambulance! Where are the medical staff?” Wei Feng shouted urgently toward the medical team.

The studio immediately cut the live broadcast, leaving online viewers in a state of panic and worry.

[What happened to Qingyue? Why did the live broadcast suddenly stop? Can someone tell me what’s going on?]

[Lin Qingyue collapsed, seems like she couldn’t breathe. Did she suddenly fall ill?]

[Only Jiang Chiyu was standing nearby; she must have done something to Lin Qingyue. How else could this happen? Jiang Chiyu, apologize!]

Speculation raged among netizens. A wave of Lin Qingyue’s blind fans began to stir up trouble, fiercely attacking Jiang Chiyu. The situation grew chaotic.

To prevent further escalation, the production team quickly issued a clarification:

[Due to an unexpected incident, the live broadcast was interrupted. We deeply apologize for any inconvenience caused. The specific situation will only be clear after Lin Qingyue’s rescue. Please understand. There is absolutely no hostility between guests. We ask everyone to patiently await the results. Thank you!]

Shortly after, Jiang Chiyu’s agency released a statement:

[Our artist Jiang Chiyu has never acted hostilely toward Ms. Lin Qingyue. We will take legal action against numerous accounts spreading rumors online. Accounts such as “Goddess Qingyue, My One and Only,” “Yueyue is the Only One,” and “Crazy for Yue” have deliberately incited netizens to attack Jiang Chiyu. We urge netizens to communicate amicably and refrain from spreading falsehoods.]

At the same time, many bystanders began to speak up in Jiang Chiyu’s defense.

[Just for standing next to Lin Qingyue, she’s being attacked like this. Maybe the real star shouldn’t walk among the crowd—otherwise, anyone close to her would be unlucky, right?]

[From a neutral perspective, Jiang Chiyu is the real victim here. Even if she had done something to Lin Qingyue, would she be foolish enough to do it on camera? Besides, didn’t Jiang Chiyu pull her back? Otherwise, things would have been worse.]

[Some blind fans really go too far. Next time, remind others to stay at least ten meters away from your idol, or else there might be bloodshed!]

Gradually, the tide began to turn. No one dared to slander Jiang Chiyu anymore.

Seven days later, Lin Qingyue was discharged from the hospital, and the show was set to resume.

This episode gave guests a chance to change their crushes. It also introduced a new format, incorporating solo interviews.

The first to be interviewed was the most controversial figure, Jiang Chiyu, who had frequently trended on social media since the show began.

[Producer: Regarding the sudden incident at the end of the last episode, do you have anything to say, Miss Jiang?]

Jiang Chiyu looked helpless. “I honestly don’t know. I was just standing there, and she suddenly collapsed. It scared me so much—my heart was pounding.”

[Producer: Two episodes have aired. You must have some understanding of the other guests. Who do you think will be your crush?]

Jiang Chiyu: “The Party and the nation.”

[Producer: Um… how about Wei Ge? Do you have any feelings for him?]

Jiang Chiyu: “My heart belongs to the nation; there’s no room for anyone else.”

This solo interview quickly became the subject of much online teasing.

[The white subtitles just keep getting redder the more you watch. Looks like she’s found a new way to go viral.]

[Reading all the random replies—great! Learned a new trick from Sister Jiang today.]

[Can’t criticize this. Truly can’t. A loyal heart for the country. Sister Jiang, you’re awesome. I’ll learn from you!]

Unknowingly, many netizens began calling her “Sister Jiang” instead of “Miss Jiang.” Gradually, Jiang Chiyu’s image among the public was subtly shifting, and her fanbase steadily grew.

The next guest to be interviewed was Wei Feng.