Chapter 358 Xiao Chen actually blushed!

The afternoon sun was just right, casting dappled light through the wooden lattice windows of the mushroom house.

Time slipped quietly toward noon, and everyone's stomachs began to rumble.

Leslie Cheung stretched, breaking the idle chatter in the courtyard.

"Chenzi, stop chatting. The sisters have come all this way, so we should at least let them have something hot to eat."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Chen stood up briskly and tied on the plain apron hanging behind the door.

"Brother is right. What would you two sisters like to eat?"

Lin Qingxia waved her hand, her smile bright and cheerful.

"Don't go to so much trouble, just get whatever you need, we're not picky."

What she was really thinking was, "It's good enough if the food made by such a top superstar is even edible; how could I dare to order anything else?"

Wang Zuxian smiled and echoed.

"Yes, keep it simple and light."

She didn't have high expectations for Xiao Chen's cooking skills, after all, a person's energy is limited.

With acting skills that are divine and looks that are astounding, he is already a chosen one. Surely his cooking skills can't be at their peak as well?

However, half an hour later, when four bowls of congee and several side dishes were served, everyone was stunned.

The porridge was beautifully cooked, with each grain of rice bursting open, the broth thick and creamy, and topped with a few bright green scallions, giving it a wonderfully fragrant aroma.

The side dishes were even simpler: cucumber salad, pickled wood ear mushrooms, and stir-fried seasonal vegetables.

Both the color and the presentation exude an indescribable refinement.

Lin Qingxia could hardly believe it.

"This...you really made this?"

Xiao Chen had already taken off his apron and served porridge to everyone; his movements were natural and fluid.

"It's just home-cooked food, sisters, please don't mind."

Lin Qingxia picked up a spoon and carefully scooped up a mouthful of porridge.

The moment she took a bite, her eyes lit up.

The rice has a rich aroma, a smooth texture, and is at the perfect temperature, instantly spreading warmth from the tip of the tongue to the stomach.

She picked up another piece of cucumber with her chopsticks; it was crisp, refreshing, and had a perfect balance of sweet and sour.

What's most remarkable is that the cucumber's natural fragrance has been perfectly preserved.

"It's so delicious!"

This is the simplest form of praise, yet it comes from the mouth of Brigitte Lin, who has tasted all the delicacies of the world, making it carry a completely different weight.

Wang Zuxian also picked up her chopsticks. Her movements were much more delicate, but the amazement in her eyes was no less than that of Brigitte Lin.

This taste reminded her of the stove at her grandmother's house when she was a child—simple, pure, yet with a comforting power.

She drank several mouthfuls of porridge before raising her head, her bright eyes filled with disbelief.

"Xiao Chen, is there anything you can't do?"

Anita Mui smiled gently beside him, her tone full of pride.

"Our Chenzai has been amazing since he was little. His mother, Sister Ye, is busy with work, so he learned to take care of himself at a very young age."

Xiao Chen was a little embarrassed by the praise, and his ears turned slightly red, which was a very rare sight for him.

He lowered his head and drank his porridge, trying to hide the fleeting embarrassment that crossed his face.

"Sister Mei, you're making fun of me again."

Lin Qingxia put down her spoon and looked at him intently.

"I understand now, you're a treasure."

"Honestly, if I were twenty, no, thirty years younger, I would definitely pursue you."

These words were spoken frankly and openly, full of the magnanimity of someone her age.

Wang Zuxian joined in the joke, resting her chin on her hand and glancing around.

"Sister Qingxia, this isn't just about age. Someone like Xiao Chen would probably have to wait in line until the next century."

"She can act, she's good-looking, she can cook, and most importantly, she has such a great personality..."

She drew out the last syllable, making a pointed remark.

"Oh my, look! Our movie star is blushing!"

Leslie Cheung, seemingly eager to stir up trouble, started shouting, which drew laughter from the crowd.

Dilraba sat next to Xiao Chen and secretly glanced at him.

Sure enough, she saw a thin blush on his fair neck, and she couldn't help but smile as well.

A simple lunch ended amidst laughter and cheerful conversation.

As everyone was preparing to clear the dishes, a member of the production crew walked in with a task card.

"Dear teachers, lunch break is over. We will now assign tasks for the afternoon."

Leslie Cheung let out a wail and slumped into his chair.

"Not again??"

The staff member cleared his throat.

"Considering that Sister Qingxia and Sister Zuxian are newcomers, the production team has decided to cancel the afternoon's task of working in the fields."

As soon as he finished speaking, a cheer erupted in the courtyard.

"but."

A turning point for the staff.

"To earn enough ingredients for a delicious dinner, everyone needs to complete a new challenge in the Mushroom House's yard—picking corn!"

"The final amount of dinner ingredients will be based on the total weight of corn that all the guests have broken off."

In the yard, two large baskets of golden corn were piled up like small mountains, with several small stools placed next to them.

The rules are simple and straightforward, yet they are the fairest.

Lin Qingxia and Wang Zuxian exchanged a glance. Far from feeling tired, they were actually quite excited.

"Shed corn? I can do that!"

Lin Qingxia rolled up her sleeves in a hearty manner and was the first to sit on the stool.

Wang Zuxian also sat down gracefully, her posture still elegant, but her eyes revealed a seriousness.

Leslie Cheung muttered, "It's physical labor again," and reluctantly found a spot.

Dilraba and Anita Mui quickly got into character.

The match began, and then something unexpected happened.

Wang Zuxian held the corn firmly in his left hand and tore it apart with a flick of his right finger.

The corn husks pop open with a snap, and with a quick, clean motion, a smooth corncob is born.

Her speed was astonishing, as if she had done it a thousand times before.

On the other side, Brigitte Lin was equally impressive, although she wasn't as skillful as Wang Zuxian.

But its advantage lies in its strength and speed; using both hands, it can peel off the corn husks cleanly in just a few swift movements.

Within minutes, a small pile of corn had formed in front of the two goddesses.

On the other hand, Leslie Cheung got into a real fuss with the corn, making a mess of corn silk everywhere.

I used too much force and tore the corn husks to shreds.

He was flustered and his face turned red, but he had hardly achieved anything.

Wang Zuxian worked quickly while still having the energy to tease him.

"Brother, are you even capable? This speed is faster than even Dilraba's!"

Her voice was charming, but to Leslie Cheung it sounded like a blatant provocation.

Lin Qingxia jokingly added insult to injury.

"Guorong, I always think you have great stamina, seeing you sing and dance all the time. Why do you become so listless when it comes to actual work?"

Leslie Cheung was provoked by the two goddesses, and his blood rushed to his head.

"Who says I can't? I just haven't gotten serious yet!"

He shouted loudly, mustered all his strength, and sped up his movements.

However, this brute-force approach is not only inefficient but also extremely resource-intensive.

Before long, he was panting heavily, his arms ached, and his speed slowed down even more.

"Pfft—"

Mei Yanfang was the first to burst out laughing, and then everyone in the courtyard was amused by his bravado.

Leslie Cheung himself was also discouraged. He threw down the corn in his hand and leaned back in his chair, panting heavily.

"I quit! I quit! You're bullying me!"