She Wants to Divorce Me

Chapter 65

With matters having reached this point, further questioning became meaningless. At least there was some gain, wasn't there? The voices of doubt gradually subsided, followed by inquiries about their work. The standard questions lacked the initial fervor and sensation, and the eagerness to pursue exciting gossip gradually calmed down. The two maintained a consistent stance, their tone official and serious.

As the event was nearing its end, Ji Yaoguang and Chang Yu were about to leave the podium arm in arm when a young reporter suddenly broke through the security line. With a flushed face, he loudly asked, "Ms. Ji, you showed considerable insight into cuisine on the show. Was this based on a script provided by the production team, or your own accumulation of knowledge? As we all know, An Muyu is the renowned culinary master of 'Heart at Peace'. You've also tasted her culinary creations. What are your thoughts?"

The Q&A session had already concluded, and Ji Yaoguang didn't need to answer this question. However, she curled her lips in a light smile, brushed aside the hair in front of her eyes, and replied mischievously, "Those recipes originate from some formulas in ancient books. I have some interest in this, though my practical skills are far less fluent than my lips. The production team didn't provide any script. If you don't believe me, you can ask the other guests or staff members. As for Manager An's culinary skills, I can only say that learning is endless. If you have the chance, take a tour of the other shops on the street where 'Heart at Peace' is located. I believe you'll gain new insights."

"Ms. Ji, Manager An is Ms. Lu's friend, and you have a deep friendship with Ms. Lu. Were you acquainted before? Also, Ms. An has repeatedly claimed to be Ms. Chang's loyal fan. What's your view on this?"

Before Ji Yaoguang could speak, Chang Yu's calm voice was heard: "A friend of a friend isn't necessarily a friend. Everyone knows that Yaoguang and I rarely form deep friendships with others because understanding a person takes far more effort than imagined. Sometimes you know at first glance that someone isn't suitable to be a friend." Seeing the reporter's eyes widen in surprise, Chang Yu continued, "As for fans, I treat everyone equally. Of course, I also hope fans respect the people around me." The reporter who had rushed forward clearly had many more questions, but the two no longer gave her the opportunity to pursue them. With a sigh, watching the two disappearing figures, the reporter pondered how to report this to create the biggest sensation.

The press conference was broadcast live across the internet, with every move on the scene falling under the eyes of the audience watching their screens. Those who had doubted and smeared Ji Yaoguang all shut their mouths, occasionally uttering a few indignant words, wishfully thinking that everything had been pre-arranged. As for Ji Yaoguang's fans, they straightened their backs, laughing arrogantly to the sky, countering each smearing comment one by one.

At this point, the matter seemed to have reached a perfect conclusion, but in reality, it wasn't over. Another entertainment big V with nearly a million followers suddenly posted a long article, refuting the content mentioned by "Isatis Root on the Throne" point by point, and finally attached IP addresses that perfectly matched some small accounts that had long been smearing Ji Yaoguang. The article also mentioned some matters that suddenly pushed An Muyu, who had been playing innocent, to the forefront of the storm.

"After watching some culinary interviews, you might think Manager An's culinary skills are inherited techniques. But as far as I know, An's father isn't particularly famous, just an ordinary person who cooks some home-style dishes for others. Regarding some ancient recipes, Ji Yaoguang can recite them offhand, but An Muyu, as the user, knows nothing about them. Isn't this strange? As the truth gradually unfolds, do you remember An Muyu vaguely revealing in an interview that 'Spring Banquet' across the street had plagiarized her family's dishes, leading to 'Spring Banquet' being deserted? In fact, it's quite the opposite. An Muyu was previously an apprentice at Spring Banquet, learning many new dish recipes from the owner. Unfortunately, her skills were insufficient, failing to surpass her teacher. Not only did she fail to show gratitude to her mentor, but she also repeatedly provoked and smeared her, both openly and secretly, showing her despicable character. In a moment, I will post some of the owner's handwritten notes on researching new dishes, as well as videos of her cooking. Isn't this far superior to someone who focuses solely on livestreaming and showing off?"

Previously, Isatis Root's post had subtly supported An Muyu, saying that Ji Yaoguang not only plagiarized but also suppressed newcomers according to the script on the show, arousing much sympathy for her. But in reality, this big V's post was reposted one after another, quickly rising to the top of the hot search. There was indeed a plagiarism incident, but who was the real plagiarist? Those who originally despised plagiarism quickly turned their attention to An Muyu. The big V kept their word, posting numerous pieces of evidence in images and videos. The soothing background music intertwined with the sound of knives hitting chopping boards, not chaotic at all, but harmonious. In the spacious and bright kitchen, several thriving green plants were placed on the windowsill, with a fat cat perched on top. The owner's figure couldn't be seen, nor her face, but just seeing a pair of slender hands holding knives was enough to spark imagination.

"Completely satisfied as a hand control! Prairie dog screaming! Wish I could fly there!"

"Haha, I'm a local. I'm heading to 'Spring Banquet' right away. Wait for my return photos."

"[Image] This is a scene I secretly photographed of the owner reading at Spring Banquet last time. She's sooooo gentle, I could almost drown in that environment. But as this blogger said, not many people come and go here. I actually went there initially because of An Muyu's 'Heart at Peace', but it was packed. One place was deserted, the other bustling. Out of curiosity, I walked into 'Spring Banquet' and got a big surprise. Let me tell you one last thing, your Henian is also at Spring Banquet! I even got her autograph."

At this moment, Cheng "Big Brother" Henian was sitting with her legs crossed, scrolling through online comments. The corner of her mouth curled into a mischievous smile. As if thinking the situation wasn't heated enough, she casually clicked to repost, clearly agreeing with this blogger's argument. She hadn't been idling during her time at Spring Banquet. A small porcelain cup filled with rock sugar and pear soup was placed beside her. Just as she reached out to touch the rim of the bowl, Zhao Xi took it away. Complaints flowed from her opening lips: "What's wrong with you? How much longer are you going to freeload here? You big stars are so unreliable. The owner let you stay here, I think we should charge you! Otherwise, how will we cover the shop's expenses?"

"Don't worry, Xi. It's going to get lively soon," Cheng Henian curled her lips, handing her phone to Zhao Xi in a good mood. She winked mischievously and said, "How about it? Are you happy? You complain about An Muyu across the street every day. Now the wicked are getting their just deserts."

"Eh?" Zhao Xi exclaimed in surprise, "This 'Isatis Root on the Throne' is Zhang Hua's Weibo account from across the street! I recognize it. We used to have a good relationship, but after Manager An poached her, she became cold towards me, barely speaking even when we met." At this point, there was a hint of dejection in Zhao Xi's voice, making even the content seem utterly uninteresting. She waved her hand and said, "You said earlier that you'd write a song for our 'Spring Banquet', but there's been no movement. Were you just deceiving us?"

"When I, Cheng Henian, give my word, I mean it!" Cheng Henian patted her chest and snorted, "Just open that video and you'll see."

Following Cheng Henian's words, Zhao Xi opened the video. Hearing the soothing melody, she suddenly looked up and exclaimed, "How could you do this, secretly filming our owner?"

"Lower your voice. How can you call it secret filming? Don't tell anyone," Cheng Henian made a shushing gesture. Seeing the gentle owner walk out from the side carrying a tea tray, Cheng Henian grinned and went to greet her, only to be pushed away this time. Rubbing her nose, did the owner just glare at her? Did she perhaps know about those things? Wasn't the owner practicing Buddhism and not paying attention to online matters? With an innocent face, Cheng Henian shrugged and followed the owner to her exclusive spot. Through the hollow wooden lattice, the tables and chairs next to them were clearly visible. It was empty now, but surely it would be full of people soon? Thinking of this, a happy smile appeared on Cheng Henian's face again.

"Is this what you've been staying here for half a month for?" Even though there was a hint of questioning in her words, her tone was still gentle, with a unique flavor like a pot of fine Biluochun tea.

Cheng Henian rested her chin on her hand and pondered for a moment before saying, "I suppose so." She glanced at the owner's serene expression and asked, "Are you unhappy with what I've done?"

"Running a restaurant, one always hopes for more customers," the owner's voice was soft, without any detectable emotion. "Whether this incident happened or not, 'Spring Banquet' would still continue to operate."

"Aren't you concerned that An Muyu was secretly slandering you before?" This was like an ungrateful wolf biting back. If she, Cheng Henian, encountered such a thing, she would want to crush that ungrateful wolf to death. The owner was really too gentle, not taking anything to heart. No wonder An Muyu dared to push step by step.

"If I cared, wouldn't she be even happier?" the owner suddenly asked in return.

Cheng Henian was speechless. There were clearly many ways to respond, but the owner chose the path of tolerance or perhaps indifference. To others, this might seem somewhat foolish. People with such a disposition were destined to be bullied in society. With her brows tightly knitted, Cheng Henian was about to speak when she heard the owner laugh gently and say, "I know my own limits. I won't silently yield on everything. She's half my apprentice. I taught her those dishes, so I can't entirely say she stole the learning."

"Will you help her now that this has happened?" Cheng Henian suddenly asked.

The owner shook her head, lowering her eyelashes, her expression as serene as a recluse detached from the world.

"Not entirely Buddhist-like after all," Cheng Henian mumbled softly.