After Marrying the Cold and Elegant Beauty, I Fell in Love (GL) - Chapter 25.2

Wait, weren’t they in a ‘one-fawning, one-rejecting’ dynamic? How did they become so synchronized in a few days? This is clearly one throwing a tantrum and the other indulging her.

The fact that someone as cold as Shen Yuru could do something so unrefined in public with Han Shuangshuang truly surprised Yan Huan. People who didn’t know Shen Yuru might see it as a sweet interaction between a couple, but only Yan Huan knew how absurd this scene was.

It was so absurd that Yan Huan directly took out her phone and started snapping photos. Unfortunately, her camera wasn’t on silent; the click sound alerted both of them.

Han Shuangshuang stood up straight and looked at the awkward Yan Huan. Shen Yuru dropped her hands, her face returning to its cold expression. She made a fist, coughed into it, and turned around to adjust her emotions. When she turned back, she was the same unapproachable, cold beauty.

Yan Huan put her phone away and rubbed her nose. Behind Shen Yuru’s back, she secretly gave Han Shuangshuang a thumbs-up. Impressive, sister. You even got a high-peak flower like Shen Yuru so easily.

Han Shuangshuang was huffing; she hadn’t realized she was so short of breath until she stopped talking. She hurriedly breathed in the air. “Why are you looking for me? Is something up?”

Yan Huan draped an arm over Han’s shoulder. “I couldn’t go to the Han house today because Yun Yun’s food competition is this afternoon!”

Han Shuangshuang let out an “Ah.” “So soon? It wasn’t on the flyer.”

Yan Huan: “It was suddenly moved up. They said the prizes are already here, and it wouldn’t be good if they collected dust.”

Han Shuangshuang grew curious. “What prize is so important that the competition was moved up?”

Yan Huan rubbed her chin, recalling. “I think it’s an expensive dress. You know the Western food department—they’re overconfident and arrogant. They love those high-priced dresses and are certain they’ll win, so they demanded it be moved up to get the dress sooner.”

Hearing this, Shen Yuru’s eyes moved slightly. Thoughtfully, she cast her gaze on Han Shuangshuang.

Yan Huan continued to Han Shuangshuang, “Since it was moved up, several students from the Chinese department can’t make it. We’re shorthanded. So, is Senior Shen joining or not? Did you convey my request?”

At the mention of Shen Yuru, Han Shuangshuang’s mouth puffed up in a pout again. “Of course she is! Sister Shen promised me, and she’s a woman of her word. She never lies.” Then she turned to Shen Yuru and asked provocatively, “Right, Sister Shen? Sister Shen said people who lie to kids will wet the bed at night.”

Shen Yuru’s lips curled into a cold laugh. “When did I ever say that?”

Han Shuangshuang huffed and turned away without answering. Yan Huan had to play peacemaker for the flirting couple.

Unexpectedly, Shen Yuru became agreeable. She said to Yan Huan, “Lead the way.” Yan Huan immediately led the way like a fawning attendant.

As they walked, she complained to Han Shuangshuang, “You don’t know how arrogant the Western food department is. Their stuff tastes bad, yet they mock Chinese food. This is our ancestral culinary culture; they’ve forgotten their roots and don’t even know it.”

Han Shuangshuang was now full of spirit. She gave a wicked smirk. Sorry, but in my original world, I cooked for myself since childhood. Because I love good food, I mastered many authentic recipes. From street stalls to imperial banquets, she knew them all. She was a loyal supporter of Chinese cuisine. Chinese food is the GOAT!

They soon reached the competition venue—a space specifically for the food department. Inside, everything was well-equipped. Han Shuangshuang’s eyes lit up; this was her dream kitchen. It was spacious, clean, and filled with various pots and pans, all neatly organized.

Shen Yuru stood behind her. After scanning the room, her gaze landed on the most prominent item: the expensive dress acting as the prize. She smiled faintly and said softly, “Han Shuangshuang, I want that. If you can win it for me, I’ll forgive you.”

Han Shuangshuang turned her head in confusion. Following Shen Yuru’s finger, she saw the dress in the center under a large glass dome. It was magnificent and luxurious, covered in sparkling diamonds that were almost blinding, with a skirt several meters wide and intricate hand-embroidered patterns.

Han Shuangshuang felt her competitive spirit ignite. She licked her dry lips. Shen Yuru watched her closely. She thought that if Han Shuangshuang showed even a hint of impatience or hesitation, she would know that Han’s recent behavior was an act. If she couldn’t handle the request, the mask would slip. Then she could steady her heart and stop being influenced by her.

But the next second, Han Shuangshuang agreed without a moment’s hesitation. “If it’s something Sister Shen wants, I’ll do my absolute best to win it.”

A different light shone in her puppy eyes—passionate and infectious. Shen Yuru’s heart skipped a beat under that gaze. She subconsciously curled her index finger, rubbing her thumb against the back of it. Her heart was filled with that inexplicable, swelling emotion again. She opened her mouth but found herself unable to speak.

Han Shuangshuang… likes me this much?

Han Shuangshuang was already looking at the ingredients, ready for action. She hadn’t had a chance to show off since transmigrating. With empty pockets, she usually just ate at the canteen. At Shen Yuru’s place, the fridge was empty, so she could only make basic meals. Thoughts of spicy boiled pork slices and braised prawns made her mouth water.

While Han Shuangshuang put on the Chinese department apron, several flashy people from the Western department walked over. They looked at them with disdain. “Yun Yun, your department is really going downhill. You’re recruiting just anyone now? If you couldn’t find people, you could have asked to postpone. Why find these nobodies to seek humiliation?”

Yun Yun didn’t stop Han Shuangshuang from joining, especially since she heard Shen Yuru tell her to win the dress. Yun Yun knew Shen Yuru didn’t lack dresses; she was testing Han. Like her sister Yun Ruyi, Yun Yun didn’t approve of Han Shuangshuang approaching Shen Yuru, but they respected Shen Yuru’s autonomy. If Shen Yuru had a plan, they would support her silently.

Facing the sarcasm, Yun Yun remained calm. But others in the Chinese department were upset. They looked at Han Shuangshuang with dissatisfaction. “Why are these freshmen here? They’re rich girls who don’t even know how to wash dishes. They’re just here to make us look bad.” “Exactly. Even Shen Yuru is here. Their rumors are all over campus; what are they doing here? Go show off your love somewhere else.”

Yan Huan’s eyes widened at the infighting. “That’s so pathetic! A few words from others and you start attacking your own people? We’re here to help! If you don’t appreciate it, at least shut up.”

The two members were embarrassed by being called out but didn’t want to start a fight there, so they looked to Yun Yun for help. They believed the cold and upright Yun Yun would kick them out. Yan Huan also looked at Yun Yun, suddenly panicked. She wanted to help, not cause trouble; would Yun Yun hate her for this? She had come specifically to taste Yun Yun’s cooking.

Yan Huan’s eyes were pitiful as she gazed at Yun Yun. Han Shuangshuang found it hard to watch. “Sister, tone it down. People are watching. Don’t ‘simp’ so openly, okay?” She nudged Yan Huan, who wiped her face and countered, “What nonsense! I just love food! If we get kicked out, how are you going to win that dress for your Sister Shen?”

Han Shuangshuang’s face turned serious. She stood in a united front with Yan Huan, glaring at the two complaining members.

Yun Yun raised a hand and said to the members, “Our poster was for the whole school. They are from this school, so they are eligible. It doesn’t matter their grade or experience; the activity is for participation and experience.”

Yan Huan blinked, then a slow smile spread across her face. Yun Yun had stood by her side. Success! A small step every day leads to big progress.

The competition was simple: nine students were randomly pulled from campus to act as judges. Since it was an odd number, there would be no tie. It was a “best of three” format. For each round, both departments would present a dish. Whichever side got more votes won.

The Western department prepared meticulously, wearing professional gloves and masks. Their ingredients were rare and expensive, focused on aesthetics. They didn’t forget to trash-talk: “I suggest you give up. We won last year, and we’ll win this year. Most of the money for that dress came from us anyway.”

Han Shuangshuang grabbed a cleaver and slammed it into the cutting board. She tied her apron, put her hair in a bun, tucked her bangs behind her ears, and washed her hands thoroughly. She didn’t waste words.

Yun Yun didn’t expect to win; several veteran members were gone, and the Western department had pushed for this when they were vulnerable. However, Han Shuangshuang’s prep work caused a stir. Han had cooked since she was a child; her knife skills were the result of over a decade of practice. She sliced the pork loin into perfectly even, thin slices. Her left hand moved rhythmically as the knife came down, turning a piece of meat into identical slices in no time.

The others in the Chinese department were stunned. “That’s incredible! You don’t get knife skills like that in just a few years.” Most students here were wealthy and chose the major for interest; they only started cooking in college. Their skills couldn’t compare to Han Shuangshuang’s mastery.

Han Shuangshuang took several types of chili, sliced them, and threw them into the wok for a quick fry. When the spicy aroma was released, her eyes lit up. This is it. This is the spiciness. With simple seasonings—chili, onion, garlic, bean paste, and soy sauce—she made a spicy broth. She boiled the vegetables, then used the broth to blanch the thin meat slices for 30 seconds. She poured it over the vegetables, then heated a small amount of oil with dried chili and peppercorns. The sizzling oil released the fragrance of the aromatics as she poured it over the boiled pork. The aroma filled the entire venue.

The power of the chili was undeniable. The pungent, fragrant, and numbing scent hit everyone’s noses. Even those in the Western department stopped to look. Han Shuangshuang had made a major dish in record time. The nine judges were practically drooling. At home, they ate bland, “healthy” food. Heavy, spicy food like this was a rare treat.

The nine people rushed forward to plate the food. Even others in the Chinese department were eager to try. The Western department presented their dish, but the judges were already used to food that was all “style” and no “substance.” They took a few bites but were still thinking of the spicy, numbing flavor they just had.

Shen Yuru watched Han Shuangshuang from behind. She saw the people who had treated her like an enemy now surrounding her like stars around the moon. Her heart felt a tiny, scratching sensation—not painful, but uncomfortable. She knew Han Shuangshuang had won.

Han Shuangshuang then made braised prawns and spicy stewed large intestine—her favorites. The intestine was soft and springy with no odor, full of spicy flavor with a sweet finish. The result was a total defeat for the Western department.

Yan Huan’s mouth was covered in oil. “Sister, when did you learn to do this? Why didn’t you show off earlier? You were hiding this from me!” While talking, the food on the plate vanished. Yan Huan stopped talking and went back to grabbing more food.

Han Shuangshuang backed away and put some cream on a table. “Sweet and spicy is the ultimate combo. After the spice, have some sweet; it’s perfect.” Seeing everyone enjoying the food, she smiled. She knew it wasn’t just her skill, but the right place and time. These rich kids were tired of bland Western food, and she had provided heavy oil and spice in a social setting. Eating together makes everything taste better.

Han Shuangshuang took a big bite of cream, the sweetness masking the spice in her mouth. The Western department members, though reluctant losers, started tasting the food too. “It seems ordinary, but why do I want another bite after the first one?” “Senior, stop acting. There’s only so much left; if you hesitate, it’ll be gone.” “Wasn’t Han Shuangshuang a brainless playgirl? How is she this good at cooking? We need to recruit her to the Western department.”

The Chinese department members weren’t having it. “Have you no shame? You looked down on her just now, and now you want to steal her in front of us? She represented us; she’s one of ours!” Western department: “Junior, join us! We have free food stipends and monthly funding for a salary!” Chinese department: “Join us and we’ll give you the kitchen key; come whenever you want. Our salary is just as good!”

“I think we misunderstood her. She looks quite good when she’s cooking. A girl who can cook is a huge plus.” “If I had a girlfriend like this, I’d wake up smiling. Maybe I should ask for her contact info?”

Han Shuangshuang suddenly became the center of attention. Shen Yuru, watching her surrounded, felt that inexplicable irritation again. Her heart felt like it was being scratched by a cat—sour and swollen.

Han Shuangshuang asked, “So, does this mean I won? Does that dress belong to me?” “Of course you won.” “No problem, it’s just a dress. It’s yours.”

Han Shuangshuang scurried to Shen Yuru with a small portion of food she had set aside. “Sister Shen, I saved this for you. No one touched it. Eat up!”

Seeing her run to Shen Yuru, the others whispered. “I’m not less attractive than Shen Yuru; why can’t she look at me?” “Yeah, I can tutor her too.” “Junior, I live near you; we can go home together. You can just cook for me at my place.”

As the whispers rose, Shen Yuru’s eyes darkened. She raised a hand and gently pinched Han Shuangshuang’s chin. Truly an attention magnet. I look away for a second and she catches everyone’s hearts. Was she trying to make her jealous on purpose? She wasn’t that kind of “love brain.”

Han Shuangshuang had just eaten a big bite of cream, and some was stuck to her lip. In her hurry to bring the food to Shen Yuru, she had forgotten to wipe it. Shen Yuru leaned down, getting closer and closer. Han Shuangshuang, holding the dish, couldn’t move. She felt Shen Yuru’s cool breath on her face, then the cool lips came closer until they stopped at the corner of her mouth. She felt something warm lick the cream away.

Shen Yuru narrowed her eyes, the corners rimmed with red, looking seductive. After licking the cream, she savored it slowly with elegance. Then she straightened up and looked at Han Shuangshuang thoughtfully. Seeing the stunned looks of everyone behind them, she smiled faintly and said slowly:

“The taste is quite good.”