Chapter 16: The Scoundrel's Humiliation

"Pfft—"

Song Wang's words were sharp and arrogant, a perfect demonstration for Li Ming'en of what a truly effective blow looked like.

Both men, yet he was left utterly humiliated by another. Li Ming'en clenched his fists, his face taut.

"Mr. Song, what do you mean by that?"

Descending the escalator with a languid, noble gait and a playful smile curling at his lips, Song Wang caught Li Ming'en's fiery glare and raised his brows innocently.

"Me? Surely, I'm just teaching Mr. Li what a real 'blow' is."

"We're all friends here. Surely you can take a little joke, can't you?"

Song Wang kept his tone light, his demeanor relaxed, as if genuinely making jest. Yet, upon closer inspection, a subtle hint of provocation and hostility lingered in his deep eyes.

Of course, Li Ming'en couldn't let the audience believe he couldn't take a joke. Otherwise, he'd lose not only face but all dignity.

So he forced a smile, lips curling without warmth. "Of course not."

"But judging by your words, Mr. Song, you must be quite accomplished in the culinary arts. How about you show me?"

Even after Song Wang's jab, Li Ming'en was determined to regain his footing. He simply didn't believe that a pampered heir like Song Wang, whose hands had never touched the hardships of life, could tell a tomato from a potato.

Faced with Li Ming'en's challenge, Song Wang was only mildly surprised.

"Are you sure you want me to demonstrate?"

Li Ming'en, hearing the question, grew all the more certain Song Wang couldn't cook.

"What, Mr. Song—don't tell me you can't cook?"

Song Wang licked his teeth and let out a low chuckle. "Alright, I'll do it."

By now, Song Wang had approached Su Nian, stopping precisely beside her and turning his head.

"Miss Su, would you mind assisting me?"

Su Nian blinked in confusion, caught off guard by the sudden request. Normally she avoided meddling in others' affairs, but since Song Wang had just spoken up for her, she nodded in agreement. "Alright."

The two walked together into the kitchen.

Li Ming'en stepped aside, but the smile on his face was gleefully malicious.

"Mr. Song, perhaps I should remind you—Su Nian doesn't know how to cook at all."

"When we were together, we always ordered takeout or dined out."

Song Wang, who had been carefully selecting ingredients, paused mid-motion with an egg in hand. He lifted his dark gaze toward Li Ming'en.

"A man who can't cook, and lets his woman order takeout or eat out—don't you find that shameful, Mr. Li?"

Song Wang's matter-of-fact tone left Li Ming'en momentarily stunned, almost prompting him to reflect if he truly was shameless.

[Wow, I'm starting to like Brother Wang more and more—a model of modern gentlemanly virtue]
[Handsome, capable, respects women—dating him must be blissful]
[This lifetime, I have to find someone like him... I must!]
...

Li Ming'en, snapping out of his daze, tried to defend himself.

"Mr. Song, you've misunderstood. Su Nian was concerned for me, didn't want me tiring myself in the kitchen, so she ordered takeout."

Song Wang's gaze became even more contemptuous. "Mm. A man who doesn't care for women, only enjoys being cared for, and takes it for granted—far more shameless."

Li Ming'en: "..."

No matter how he argued, Song Wang had branded him with a giant 'shameless.'

Unable to best Song Wang, Li Ming'en turned to Su Nian.

"Su Nian, you've never cooked before. Don't force yourself, or you might get hurt."

His words sounded like those of a thoughtful ex, offering sincere advice.

But to Su Nian, it was nothing but the croaking of a pesky frog.

"Who said I've never cooked?"

In reality, Su Nian was a master in the kitchen. She could handle the cuisines of eight nations with ease; even the national chef who taught her remarked that if she weren't pursuing a career in film, she could shine in the culinary world.

"Su Nian, too many lies will get you exposed, and that's not a good look."

Li Ming'en assumed she was stubbornly denying the truth.

And Yi Linglin, who had been overlooked by Song Wang for the assistant role, now spoke up: "Miss Su, perhaps I should assist Mr. Song instead?"

Her words, brimming with affection, were directed toward Song Wang.

"No need."

Su Nian replied to Yi Linglin, ignoring Li Ming'en entirely. She turned to Song Wang, indicating he could begin.

Their eyes met, and an unspoken understanding flowed between them.

A plain kitchen knife, wielded by Su Nian, became an elegant weapon in her hands.

No one saw exactly how she moved.

Only a flash of blades and the rhythmic, melodic sound of chopping.

The vegetables and meat, once clumsy in her grip, were transformed into neatly arranged, uniformly sized works of art.

On Su Nian's side, she prepped the ingredients; on Song Wang's, he handled seasoning and cooking.

Their cooperation was seamless, without the slightest hint of confusion—as if they'd rehearsed countless times.

Even Xia Xingkong, known for her picky palate, widened her eyes in amazement. "That's more skilled than the chef at my house."

"They could open a couples' restaurant right now."

Xia Xingkong was blunt and honest as always, and the online spectators eagerly chimed in, saying that for the first time, they felt real chemistry between the pair in the kitchen.

[Human Fantasy Couple—let them reunite]
[I swear on my ancestors, Song Wang definitely has feelings for his ex]
[Ancestors: Thanks a lot, you unfilial descendant!]
[Am I the only one who noticed Li Ming'en smeared Su Nian, claiming she can't cook? Then how is she so in sync with Song Wang?]
[Is Li Ming'en lying, or did Su Nian deliberately hide her skills?]
...

As dish after dish, worlds apart from Li Ming'en's infamous foot-wash soup, emerged from the kitchen—not only did the nightmare stench dissipate, but the guests who had been idly watching found their stomachs rumbling with anticipation.

For that moment, everyone forgot Li Ming'en.

They passed him by, washed their hands, grabbed their utensils, and lined up for the meal.

Even Li Ming'en's current girlfriend, Cui Mengya, ignored him as she walked past.

"Mengya—"

Li Ming'en couldn't help but call after her.

"I didn't do well before, I promise it won't happen again."

His explanations and apologies fell on deaf ears.

Cui Mengya only shot him a disdainful look, as if to say 'don't touch me,' and bypassed him for the dining table.

Mocked by all, despised by his girlfriend, Li Ming'en was like a pufferfish on the verge of bursting.

Alone and embarrassed, while Su Nian and Song Wang displayed flawless teamwork and intimacy.

Li Ming'en glared at Su Nian, his eyes red with frustration.

"Su Nian, you know how to cook—why didn't you say so before?"

His words were loaded with resentment.

As Su Nian dropped hand-rolled noodles into the pot beside Song Wang, she turned to him, utterly speechless. "Not only can I cook, I can also beat up scumbags. Would you like to try?"