The surrounding guests all looked as if they had swallowed a fly, their toes curling in embarrassment.
This person was truly merciless.
No matter how thick-skinned Mai Su was, she couldn't maintain her smile. She chuckled awkwardly, trying to salvage the situation and save herself from further humiliation. "Ah... it seems we're not destined to enjoy your cooking. What are you guys planning to eat for lunch? Shall we cook together?"
The other guests, still concerned about their image, each stated what they planned to make, and then a group of them headed to the kitchen to get busy.
Quan Jiu looked at the pile of fish meat in her bowl, feeling helpless and speechless. She mumbled, "Stop picking for me, I have hands."
Chu Rong finally stopped.
The two ate their meal in silence. After the meal, Quan Jiu intended to clear the dishes, but Chu Rong was a step ahead of her, taking the bowls and chopsticks into the kitchen.
Quan Jiu was extremely frustrated, but she couldn't vent her anger in front of the camera for fear of revealing that they knew each other.
After much thought, she said earnestly to the camera, "Girls, as the ancient saying goes: 'Unsolicited kindness often hides malicious intent.'
Never trust someone who is inexplicably good to you; they are approaching you with a hidden agenda. Those who are fiery and attentive to you from the moment you meet are also more likely to cool down. And the more enthusiastic they are at the beginning, the more heartless they can be in the end.
So, do not be fooled by the 'sugar-coated bullets.' Be vigilant, vigilant, and even more vigilant."
Mai Su happened to come out with a plate of scrambled eggs with tomatoes. Upon hearing Quan Jiu's words, she smiled and said, "Sister Quan Jiu, don't worry too much. The groupings today are just temporary. I've watched past seasons, and the groupings change daily to ensure everyone has opportunities for interaction and getting to know each other."
Quan Jiu was slightly surprised. She hadn't watched previous seasons and didn't know about the reshuffling of groups.
Mai Su leaned in, nudging Quan Jiu with her arm, and said with a playful grin, "Who do you want to be grouped with? I can tell you don't want to be with the 'ice block'."
Quan Jiu smiled faintly, "Whatever, it's fate."
"I think Meng Pinglang is great. He definitely likes you; his eyes are always glued to you. And being a lawyer is a good profession – just and responsible."
Quan Jiu nodded, "Everyone is indeed very outstanding."
"Let's go for a walk," Chu Rong said, emerging from another kitchen.
Quan Jiu turned her face away with annoyance, not wanting to engage.
"Or do you want to watch others eat?" Chu Rong came to her side, asking with a smile.
Since accommodation hadn't been assigned yet, the living room was right next to the dining area, making it awkward to watch others eat. Quan Jiu thought for a moment and then said to Mai Su, "You guys eat slowly." With that, she walked outside.
Chu Rong couldn't help but smile and followed Quan Jiu's steps.
Qi Fei came out with two bowls of rice. Seeing their retreating figures, he sighed again, "It feels like they're always ahead of us. We ordinary people really can't compare."
Mai Su smiled with a hidden edge, "Can't you have a little ambition? The saddest thing about people is looking down on themselves."
Qi Fei innocently shrugged his shoulders at the others, his meaning clear: Mai Su was taking out her frustrations on them.
...
At the dining table, a group of people managed to put together a somewhat presentable meal. Although the taste was mediocre, as they rarely cooked, they all played their parts exceptionally well, praising each other's dishes. As they talked, the conversation turned to the two most talked-about guests.
Of course, Mai Su was the one who spoke first.
"Quan Jiu isn't interested in Chu Rong at all. She seems to have a better impression of Meng Pinglang."
Meng Pinglang paused slightly and asked, "Did she say that?"
Mai Su nodded, "Didn't I just ask her? She said you're very outstanding. What else could that be if not admiration?"
Qi Fei, having accepted favors, felt obligated to curry favor. He said, "I think bosses like Chu Rong are like dormant dragons; when they move, they make a splash. Everything he said today was about pursuing Quan Jiu, with a determined attitude. He probably won't give up easily. They say even a strong woman can't resist a persistent suitor. A top CEO pursuing her, with looks and wealth, few can resist."
"You're talking about yourself, aren't you? You caved after getting a business card. No backbone, I despise you," Mai Su said, though her smile didn't reach her eyes, clearly indicating her genuine feelings.
Qi Fei chuckled twice, "Because I have 'brains.' The wise know when to adapt. In that situation, even if I hadn't taken the card, I might not have gained Quan Jiu's favor. But by taking it, I not only secured a better job but also had opportunities to get to know Quan Jiu in the following days. Either way, I don't lose."
Mai Su scoffed, "I was wrong, you're not a snob, you're a schemer."
Qi Fei spread his hands, "So what? You're not going to be my friend, let alone my girlfriend or wife. Your opinions and views are completely unimportant to me."
"You..." Mai Su was furious. "Your attitude is terrible! I was joking, and you're humiliating me like this? If you can't take a joke, don't butt in."
Qi Fei added, "If you can't accept reality, go home to your mother. Out in the world, society will discipline you."
Chu Rong was different; he was a high-quality rich man, and one could overlook much to avoid offending him. But Qi Fei was another matter. Why should she tolerate the insolence of an employee? Enraged, she slammed her chopsticks onto the table and stormed off.
Some female guests, wanting to maintain a good image on camera, tried to placate her. "Qi Fei was just joking, don't take it to heart. Come back," they said.
Despite their words, no one at the table made a move to stop her. Mai Su, naturally, wasn't going to sheepishly return after such a statement, so she simply left the room.
...
The midday sun was a bit strong, making one feel lazy. Quan Jiu sat on the grass for a while and then felt sleepy, so she went into the tent for a nap.
However, before falling asleep, she noticed Chu Rong's location. He wasn't far from her, about ten meters away, holding his phone as if handling something.
It must be company matters. Such a busy person, yet he had the leisure to participate in a dating show. She really wondered what his intentions were.
Quan Jiu lay down in the tent and soon drifted off into a daze.
Chu Rong, sitting some distance away, finally stood up, took out a fan from his hiking bag, and sat outside the tent, fanning the air slowly.
Mai Su, just emerging from the guesthouse, happened to witness this scene and was so jealous her face almost cracked.
She cursed inwardly: "Vixen, pretending to be innocent, but secretly quite good at seducing men. Such a manipulative bitch."
"Why are you sitting alone on the grass? Why not go into the tent? It's so hot," Mai Su said as she walked over.
Her voice wasn't quiet, and Quan Jiu, who was lightly asleep, was immediately awakened.
Quan Jiu groggily opened her eyes and saw Chu Rong fanning her gently and comfortably. She was stunned and remained motionless for a moment.
Chu Rong, upon seeing that she was awake, turned to glare at Mai Su, his eyes instantly turning cold.