RSDH CH59

That green vegetable tofu dish, when Cheng Duzhou thought Duan Xingye made it, magically felt okay. Amidst the salty taste, he even tasted the original fragrance of green vegetables and tofu.

Duan Xingye was spoiled since childhood. First time cooking without a clue, enduring the pain of oil splashes, yet finally persisting to make a dish. It was already rare; whether it tasted good or not was a victory.

However, once he knew it wasn’t from Duan Xingye’s hand, taste buds revived instantly. Salty taste exploded, as if coming back to life then dying again; quite painful.

Cheng Duzhou downed a whole bottle of mineral water, calmed down, turned back to sit properly, a layer of red still lingering on his handsome face.

He coughed very lightly, masking embarrassment, picking up a piece of sweet and sour pork rib with chopsticks.

Cheng Duzhou only tasted a small piece before, commenting little because he didn’t want to praise someone else’s skills in front of Duan Xingye. He actually liked it very much when first eating it, feeling it was even better than outside restaurants. Color, aroma, and taste were all complete. Hard to imagine someone who never cooked could make such a flavor.

Cheng Duzhou lowered his head to spit out the bone, staring at the plate: “This rib has translucent color, tender and bouncy texture, lingering sauce taste, enticingly sweet and sour, with preserved plum enhancing freshness. A rare delicacy. I wanted to ask the person who made this dish just now how they made it.”

Duan Xingye looked at him coldly.

Bullet comments:

“Haha! Too late!”

“Fake.”

“Wifey doesn’t believe you anymore.”

Other guests cast gazes this way, overjoyed.

Wu Enqi of course knew what she made. She didn’t have the courage to taste a bite herself before serving. Yet Cheng Duzhou tasted twice and praised endlessly. If not for taste bud disorder, it was recognizing the wrong master, trying hard to defend Teacher Duan.

From Wu Enqi’s experience growing up, if her mom cooked badly one day, her dad would definitely be full of resentment, giving attitude while eating. When Wu Hao occasionally failed cooking at home, she would point it out on the spot: “Salty,” “Bland,” “Not tasty,” “Don’t do this next time,” without realizing it was hurtful herself.

In marriage, because the relationship is too close and familiar, partners often become picky, unable to tolerate the probability of the other making mistakes. Thus forgetting what should be valued isn’t the result, but the effort in the process.

Wu Enqi saw Cheng Duzhou’s respect and love for Duan Xingye, very touched. Taking a deep breath, she turned to hug Wu Hao’s arm, coquettishly saying: “Darling, I won’t say your cooking is bad anymore. Cooking is really too troublesome, too hard work. I will cherish your labor results.”

Wu Hao was relieved and moved, patting her hand: “I’m fine, mainly you worked hard today.”

Wu Enqi immediately smiled like a flower, then acted shyly, dragging the green vegetables and tofu in front of Wu Hao: “Darling, this is my labor result.”

“…”

Wu Hao’s face turned horrified.

Bullet comments laughed out loud:

“Darling~ Shouldn’t you cherish it too~”

“Wu Hao, danger.”

Facing Duan Xingye’s coldness, Cheng Duzhou realized praising now was suspected of making up for it. Boring himself, he ate ribs silently.

He licked the savory sauce on his lips lightly and asked, “Did you know how to cook before?”

Duan Xingye: “No.”

Cheng Duzhou surprised: “Very amazing, self-taught.”

Duan Xingye thought he was stupid: “Have a phone.”

“…”

Cheng Duzhou didn’t expect phone usage was allowed. Usually, guests’ phones would be confiscated by the production team during recording. He was worried about Duan Xingye not knowing how to cook after leaving.

“That’s also very amazing, succeeding on the first try.” Cheng Duzhou picked up Duan Xingye’s hand again, examining it with lowered eyes, asking softly, “Burned anywhere?”

Duan Xingye felt the warm touch in Cheng Duzhou’s big palm. Fingers curled a bit, not withdrawing this time.

He finally saw it. Cheng Duzhou didn’t care if his cooking tasted good at all. Since sitting down, he said hard work, seemingly afraid cooking a meal would tire or hurt him.

Duan Xingye didn’t know what to say, but wasn’t as angry as before.

“No.” He said, “Did protection.”

The program team served other dishes at this time, prepared in advance. Four dishes weren’t enough to eat; physical work was needed in the afternoon.

After dishes were spread on the long table, that green vegetable tofu drifted not far in front of Duan Xingye. Hesitating, taking advantage of people not paying attention, he scooped a bit of tofu into his mouth, curious if it was really as original ecological as Cheng Duzhou said.

Next second, expression silent.

“…”

Because Wu Enqi was still there, everyone held reservations about this dish, not speaking their true thoughts.

Duan Xingye could only taste it personally. After tasting, didn’t swallow. Frowning slightly, he pulled a tissue to wipe his mouth, turning his face away.

Bullet comments:

“Hahaha, Teacher Duan also fell for it.”

“Making me curious about the taste of this dark cuisine.”

“Now know how hard President Cheng acted.”

Duan Xingye spat the tofu into the tissue, wiped clean, feeling a bit angry inside again.

He specially watched videos to learn cooking not to win first place, just wanting to make a delicious meal for Cheng Duzhou. Even if Cheng Duzhou didn’t know he made it, giving a real reaction, letting him understand he cooked well, would give him a sense of accomplishment. But Cheng Duzhou just wouldn’t, mind full of twists and turns, falsifying.

This silly dog. Throwing a ball for him, dropping it every time without catching, then not picking it up, just staring at him eagerly.

Duan Xingye guzzled a big mouthful of water, suppressing the anger.

Aside, Cheng Duzhou was still eating ribs quietly. Since aspiring to be an actor, he had restraint in diet. But today he was slightly indulgent. Not only hadn’t eaten such appetizing sweet and sour pork ribs for a long time, but also because this was cooked by Duan Xingye personally.

Only after eating more than half, bones piling up like a small mountain in front, a string in Cheng Duzhou’s brain twanged without warning, making a loud noise.

Cheng Duzhou licked the corner of his lips blankly, realizing belatedly that sweet and sour pork ribs were his favorite… more accurately, Duan Xingye made his favorite dish.

Right at this moment, Xiao Jiahui walked over, patting Cheng Duzhou’s shoulder: “President Cheng, share some ribs with us. Been eyeing it greedily for a while.”

The dish Duan Xingye made was very popular. Others just tasting that one piece just now was obviously not enough.

Sweet and sour pork ribs had been placed in front of Cheng Duzhou, very close to him. Others wanting to take a piece felt like invading territory.

Cheng Duzhou snapped back, glanced at Xiao Jiahui, lowered his eyes, and pulled the plate a few inches closer to himself, completely circling into territory.

Xiao Jiahui: “…”

Why is this person guarding food?

Seeing Cheng Duzhou’s worthless look, Duan Xingye pulled his sleeve: “Give to others.”

Cheng Duzhou didn’t move, face slightly red. After a long while, whispered: “On what grounds?”

Duan Xingye frowned: “What on what grounds?”

“Not enough for myself.” Cheng Duzhou said lowly, “My husband made for me, on what grounds share with others…”

“…”

Duan Xingye choked, heat exploding on his face simultaneously.

Bullet comments screamed: Cheng Duzhou how old are you!

Hiss…

Xiao Jiahui left covering one cheek.

Haven’t eaten a few pieces of ribs yet, teeth soured first (from sweetness/jealousy).

Finally, by accident, the dishes made by Duan Xingye and Wu Enqi received the same number of votes. The two tied for first place, adding the same points.

After lunch and resting for a while, everyone went to the paddy field where the Hucang Festival was held.

A group of villagers was already waiting there. Besides those helping guests with the rice transplanting competition, the rest were the atmosphere group.

All livestreams switched to the main camera, facing the empty paddy field.

Guests would put on a one-piece black overall suit, waterproof and moisture-proof. While putting on clothes, Duan Xingye noticed someone peeking this way not far away.

Looking over following the gaze, that person immediately shrank back into the crowd.

But Duan Xingye still saw clearly.

It was that fanboy of Cheng Duzhou.

Duan Xingye looked down fastening the buckle on his shoulder, saying casually: “Who is that person? Always looking this way.”

Cheng Duzhou glanced at the crowd. Ba Sha happened to poke his head out again. But seeing Cheng Duzhou, he grinned showing white teeth, waving hello.

“Your fan.” Cheng Duzhou withdrew his gaze.

Duan Xingye lifted his long lashes, dark pupils lazy: “Sure it’s my fan?”

Cheng Duzhou walked forward, reaching out to encircle Duan Xingye’s waist, helping him bind the microphone behind the overalls: “He said so himself.”

Duan Xingye accepted Cheng Duzhou’s service. The man approached; he had to raise his face, seeing the clear sky above. “Then you chat quite well with my fan.”

Cheng Duzhou tied Duan Xingye’s microphone well, asking: “You saw us chatting?”

Duan Xingye’s upturned eyes narrowed slightly, smiling yet not smiling: “So saying you chat well.”

When the two passed by the backyard door, if he spared a glance around, he wouldn’t have missed seeing him.

Cheng Duzhou must be very interested in talking to that kid.

Cheng Duzhou suddenly tightened his arms at this time, hugging Duan Xingye’s waist towards himself, lifting him slightly in secret.

Duan Xingye trembled slightly: “You…”

Cheng Duzhou turned his face, looking at him with lowered lashes, saying lightly: “Guess what we were talking about.”

Duan Xingye felt Cheng Duzhou suppressing him with strength, panicking inexplicably inside.

Really rebelling, this local dog.

Duan Xingye’s long lashes trembled twice, voice hard: “Why should I guess? I don’t care what you talk about.”

Right at this moment, the director shouted with a megaphone: “Gather, gather!”

People around started moving. Hugging in broad daylight, what proper behavior.

Duan Xingye pushed Cheng Duzhou: “Go away!”

Cheng Duzhou leaned closer instead, somewhat forcefully, lips touching his ear: “Talking all about you.”

“…” Duan Xingye’s ears burned.

Cheng Duzhou then spat out a complaining sentence: “He’s annoying to death…”

Duan Xingye’s face burned again soon.

…

The rice transplanting rules set by the program team were different from the project rules in traditional festivals. Each group of guests was assigned an area. After finishing their own area, they could go ashore by planting seedlings in other groups’ areas. The slowest group had to accept mud attacks from all personnel, the so-called “shut in pig cage.” Finally, everyone would join the melee.

The assistant assigned to the Lü Ye Shu Huai group was exactly the young lad Ba Sha.

Ba Sha rolled up his pant legs and went into the water. Seeing Duan Xingye, that dark face turned even darker. He was a chatterbox in front of Cheng Duzhou, but became mute reaching Duan Xingye, faintly breathless.

The audience saw Ba Sha for the first time. Because of his three-dimensional features and ethnic minority characteristics, they immediately had a good impression.

“Dark-skinned handsome guy!”

“Looks a bit sweet.”

Ba Sha hesitated about standing on Duan Xingye’s left or Cheng Duzhou’s right. Bending his waist, he waded to Cheng Duzhou’s right.

The couple looked at him simultaneously.

Cheng Duzhou was calm.

While Duan Xingye’s eyes were somewhat meaningful.

Ba Sha calmed his mood secretly. He was already dizzy and sweating now. If standing beside Teacher Duan, he was afraid of fainting from excitement.

With the director’s command, the rice transplanting competition officially began.

A red line was pulled in the middle of each group to prevent crooked planting.

Before starting, the production team explained techniques and key points to everyone.

Guests imitated, bending over, holding a bundle of green seedlings in one hand, planting separated single plants into the brown water with the other.

The water in the field was warmed by the sun. Duan Xingye doing farm work for the first time, couldn’t let go of his movements. He wasn’t afraid of dirt, but afraid of insects in the water. Moreover, unfamiliar with mastering techniques initially, movements were slightly slow.

In a while, he heard crackling water sounds beside him. Looking over, he saw the kid in their group flipping his hand like throwing darts, planting seedlings into the water at a speed of almost one plant per second. Technique neat, fast, and accurate.

Duan Xingye felt deep respect.

Ten minutes passed. Duan Xingye’s waist couldn’t hold up anymore, straightening his body.

Bullet comments:

“Transplanting rice wastes the waist most.”

“Must cherish food in the future; every grain is hard work.”

Because they were transplanting backward, Cheng Duzhou was behind Duan Xingye. He had finished his bundle. Walking to Duan Xingye’s side, he reached out to him.

Duan Xingye said, “I’ll do it myself.”

Cheng Duzhou said, “Save your strength.”

“For what.”

“Help massage my waist at home.”

“…”

Cheng Duzhou took the remaining seedlings from Duan Xingye’s hand on his own: “So everyone’s labor contribution is the same.”

Bullet comments restless.

“Can this be the same! Rice transplanting won’t have problems; waist massage isn’t certain!”

“In a sense, President Cheng is using public office for private gain.”

“Hehe, actually reluctant to let wifey work hard, deliberately finding an excuse.”

Cheng Duzhou took over Duan Xingye’s work. He worked fast; Ba Sha was faster than him. So their group went ashore first.

There was a breeze in the fields. The mid-afternoon sun wasn’t so dazzling anymore, but those working heated up.

Duan Xingye handed a bottle of mineral water to Ba Sha.

Because Ba Sha’s face was dark with red, color deep and dim, after taking the water, his dry peeling lips trembled for a long time.

Before he could say a word of “Thanks,” a tall figure inserted, blocking between him and Duan Xingye.

Cheng Duzhou looked at Duan Xingye with lowered lashes, softening his voice: “Where’s mine?”

Duan Xingye raised an eyebrow: “Don’t have hands yourself?”

Cheng Duzhou pursed his lips.

Duan Xingye took a deep breath, glancing at the paddy field, saying: “Go.”

Cheng Duzhou looked back: “What.”

Duan Xingye: “Drink yourself if thirsty; plenty there.”

“…”

Livestream hahaha: President Cheng seeking attention failed!

Because Tao Ziyi and Huang Liang were suspected of slacking off at first, planting seedlings crookedly, pointed out by the livestream, they replanted again. Later had to correct attitude, so speed fell to the last of four groups.

Wu Enqi screamed being pulled ashore by Wu Hao, afraid of being caught up by Tao Ziyi’s group if slow. With the director shouting “shut in pig cage,” cheers erupted on the shore. Guests and villagers together picked up wet soft mud on the ground and threw it at Tao Ziyi and Huang Liang in the pit.

The two had nowhere to hide. Under the stormy mud attack, they became mud men in a while.

Finally, the whole recording neared the end. Everyone went down into the mud pit again, throwing mud at each other, joining the melee.

Duan Xingye stood on the shore, just watching, not participating. He wasn’t interested in playing with mud, nor wanted to get it all over his face. Looking bad on camera; he had idol baggage.

Splat—

A lump of mud hit the front of Duan Xingye’s overalls, sliding down, leaving a yellow-brown mark.

“…”

Duan Xingye pursed one corner of his lips, looking up.

Cheng Duzhou stood in the pit, grabbed another handful of mud from the shore, saying to Duan Xingye: “Standing for what, come down.”

Duan Xingye’s voice calm: “Play by yourself.”

“Come on, Duan Xingye.” Cheng Duzhou threw another lump of mud at him. “Don’t spoil the fun.”

Duan Xingye: “Play yourself.”

Cheng Duzhou continued throwing. Only this time, missed aim. The mud exploded on Duan Xingye’s shoulder and neck, splashing onto his fine white chin.

Cheng Duzhou froze in place, a trace of nervousness showing in his expression.

But Duan Xingye closed his eyes enduringly, saying: “It’s okay.”

Seeming unable to bear the disturbance, he turned around and squatted down on the spot.

Cheng Duzhou breathed a sigh of relief, revealing a smile, starting to throw mud at Duan Xingye’s back. His low magnetic voice gradually became rascal: “Duan Xingye, Duan Xingye, play together, Duan Xingye, Duan Xingye…”

Bullet comments could ship anything:

“Childhood friends are just different!”

“Was President Cheng this annoying (inviting beating) as a child too?”

“Like that cheap dog constantly harassing the cat, annoying the cat to death.”

Cheng Duzhou had a stance of not stopping until dragging Duan Xingye down. “Play together ah, Duan Xingye…”

Duan Xingye stood up. Turning around again, he held an enamel basin in his hand, heavily filled with mud he just collected.

Cheng Duzhou: “…”

Duan Xingye revealed a smile of gritting teeth: “Come on, play together.”

Finished speaking, splashed the whole basin forward.

Cheng Duzhou didn’t have time to dodge. A pound of mud hit his face directly. The impact was too strong; he didn’t even stand firm, stumbling backward.

When the mud fell off, his entire handsome face was pasted with silky mud, features unclear.

Bullet comments: Hahahahahaha—

Duan Xingye’s hands and clothes were dirty, so it didn’t matter. Jumping into the pit, he threw mud at Cheng Duzhou in revenge.

Later Jiang Li and Wu Enqi’s couples sneaked over, collectively besieging Cheng Duzhou and Duan Xingye.

The couple couldn’t defeat them, so Cheng Duzhou pulled Duan Xingye into his arms, using his own back as a protective wall to resist others’ attacks.

Duan Xingye reached out to wipe his eyes. Looking up, he saw Cheng Duzhou’s mud-stained profile. Watching, light flickered in his dark pupils.

Although in the center of the great war, he relaxed abruptly at this moment. Leaning back with the strength of Cheng Duzhou’s arm, looking at the tile-blue sky above, raising a pure and innocent smile.

Seemed gradually, about to fall in love with the time spent with Cheng Duzhou.

The melee lasting half an hour gradually subsided. Above the fresh green fields, the red but not scorching sun slanted west.

Everyone sat on the bank sorting out the mud all over their bodies.

Old Xu wasn’t spared either, leaving with the camera first.

Ba Sha played crazy just now, falling into the water, clothes soaked through. Evening wind passing, he felt a chill all over, shivering.

Duan Xingye was covered in mud, but sensitively felt the temperature drop in the evening, rubbing his arms.

At this time, a staff member brought a large bath towel prepared by the program team, handing it to Cheng Duzhou: “Sorry, only one left. Why don’t you share with Teacher Duan.”

Cheng Duzhou asked Duan Xingye: “Is it okay to give it to that kid first?”

Duan Xingye paused slightly, lifting his eyelids, gaze sweeping lightly over Cheng Duzhou, giving an almost inaudible mn.

He knew Cheng Duzhou was always a gentleman.

Ba Sha waved his hand to refuse, but Cheng Duzhou already threw the bath towel to him, then looked at the staff: “My jacket is in the car, please help get it.”

The program team prepared several basins of hot water and towels on the side of the bank.

Cheng Duzhou washed his face; the originally clear water immediately became turbid.

Ba Sha wrapped in the thick bath towel, finally stopped shivering. He peeked at Duan Xingye secretly, shyness revealing anxiety. So he walked to Cheng Duzhou’s side, stretching his neck to look at him, whispering: “Brother, what about the agreed thing…”

Cheng Duzhou: “Who agreed with you.”

Ba Sha anxious.

Aside, Duan Xingye watched the two for a while. Suddenly, a faint smile hung on the corner of his mouth. Lowering his head, he wiped mud spots on his shirt with a tissue.

Duan Xingye wouldn’t think there was anything between Cheng Duzhou and his fan, nor would he be jealous because they said a couple more words.

But he realized what was always causing trouble in his heart, and what made him unable to relax vigilance for a long time.

Because his need to be loved, need for security, was like a bottomless gully, unable to be filled no matter what.

He didn’t need a perfect husband. What he needed was a scorching gaze cast on him forever.

Such a need, Duan Xingye felt pathological himself. Even if Cheng Duzhou treated him well again, he couldn’t satisfy him.

No one in this world could love him consistently in the past, present, and future.

Cheng Duzhou soaked a towel in a clean water basin, wrung it dry, and walked to Duan Xingye.

At this time, the staff member arrived with Cheng Duzhou’s jacket.

Cheng Duzhou unfolded the jacket, draping it over Duan Xingye’s shoulders, disregarding that the other’s mud-covered body would dirty the clean clothes.

The staff took Ba Sha away by the way.

When Ba Sha left, he looked back every three steps.

Cheng Duzhou wiped the mud marks beside Duan Xingye’s jaw with the warm wet towel. Duan Xingye raised his chin slightly, facilitating his movement.

Cheng Duzhou said, “That kid wants your autograph but is too embarrassed to talk to you.”

“Is that so.” Duan Xingye thought about it and said, “I’ll sign one for him later.”

Ba Sha worked very hard in the rice transplanting activity in the afternoon; Duan Xingye hadn’t thanked him properly yet.

After wiping Duan Xingye’s face clean, Cheng Duzhou picked up his hand again, wiping his fingers carefully, not missing even fingernail seams.

Cheng Duzhou was quiet for a long time, saying, “What do you think of him?”

Duan Xingye: “Very sincere.”

Because Duan Xingye praised someone else, Cheng Duzhou was a bit sour: “Compared to me?”

Duan Xingye tilted his head, looking at Cheng Duzhou: “You are also very sincere, very good to me.”

Cheng Duzhou’s heart heated up, looking up.

“But I’ve thought it through.” Duan Xingye withdrew his hand at this time, lowering his eyes, saying, “Let’s divorce. Come with me to see the lawyer tomorrow.”

Cheng Duzhou’s brain went blank. Before having time to experience the suddenly plummeted mood, he reached out to grab Duan Xingye who was about to get up.

Duan Xingye dodged. Inadvertently touching the other party, Cheng Duzhou supported himself backward with both hands, falling sitting in the mud pit.

Cheng Duzhou was confused for a while, throat moving tightly, asking: “What’s wrong?”

Duan Xingye stood on the bank, looking down at him from above, dark pupils cool:

“Cheng Duzhou, if your kindness to me can be given to others equally, then trouble you to take it back. I don’t want it.”

Finished speaking, Duan Xingye left with the jacket draped over him.

Cheng Duzhou was blank for a while, squatted up, then stood up, hands on hips, pacing back and forth. Unknown what he was thinking, his face getting redder and redder.

Suddenly, he squatted down again.

Then if giving Duan Xingye unique kindness, the best in the world, Duan Xingye will want it?

Turns out Duan Xingye could always feel his thoughts, but didn’t push him away.

He thought Duan Xingye didn’t consider accepting him at all…

Cheng Duzhou wiped his face in excitement. On the face just wiped clean, five streaks were left again.