The Entertainment Industry in Turmoil: Young Actresses All Want to Rise to the Top

The two didn't end up going to any three-Michelin-starred restaurants; they just grabbed a quick bite near the airport and hurried to the departure terminal.

Shen Mo did not know beforehand that Li Yitong would come; he had already booked a flight to the capital after filming wrapped.

On the plane, Li Yitong looked at the rolling sea of ​​clouds outside the window, but her mind was on other things.

Compared to those upscale restaurants with exquisite plating and a formal atmosphere, what she misses more is Shen Mo's busy figure in the kitchen wearing an apron, and the warm feeling that belongs only to "home".

She didn't voice this thought, but Shen Mo seemed to have accurately read it from the expectant and comparative look in her eyes when she looked at her plate and then at himself while eating.

When the plane landed smoothly in the capital, it was four o'clock in the afternoon, and the sunlight became soft.

Without asking for her opinion, Shen Mo led her to the large vegetable market near his home.

The two, who have yet to make a name for themselves in the entertainment industry, are currently enjoying the freedom of being unnoticed.

Li Yitong completely relaxed, brazenly clinging to Shen Mo's arm the whole way, with almost half of her body hanging on him.

Stepping into the bustling market, she immediately perked up, as if a fish had returned to water.

"Boss, how much are these vegetables?"

She picked up a small bunch of bok choy and solemnly checked its freshness.

"Oh dear, this pork has a bit too much fat. Can you make it cheaper?"

She pointed at the pork belly on the cutting board, wrinkled her nose, and pleaded with the boss.

"That shop only sold it for three yuan and fifty cents, yours is too expensive at four yuan!"

The bargaining expert tugged at Shen Mo's arm and shook it; that was the source of her confidence.

Shen Mo let her be, a smile playing on his lips, and followed behind, carrying things and paying for them.

The two strolled among the lively stalls, haggling over prices and discussing what to eat for dinner.

Their natural and affectionate demeanor made them appear to onlookers like a newlywed couple immersed in the simple joys of everyday life.

Back home, Shen Mo took off his coat and went straight into the kitchen.

Without the slightest delay, he skillfully tied on a dark gray apron.

With a swift movement, he precisely sliced ​​the pork belly into even cubes, the blade striking the cutting board with a steady, crisp "thud," carrying a unique rhythmic quality.

Li Yitong didn't squeeze into the kitchen and "make things worse." She simply leaned quietly against the kitchen door frame, her arms crossed, her gaze gently following the tall, upright figure busy at the stove.

She looked at his focused profile, at the slightly tense back muscles that made him look like he was moving, and at the steady tossing of the wok in his wrist.

The air is filled with the unique aroma of caramelized oil, the rich and savory flavor of sauces, and the original sweetness of the food itself. These aromas intertwine to create a sense of security called "home".

The corners of her mouth unconsciously curved upwards, forming an extremely gentle arc, and her eyes held a longing and satisfaction that she herself was unaware of.

At this moment, everything else is shut out from this small, warm kitchen.

She simply enjoyed this moment of peace, savoring the focused look on his face as he cooked for her.

Shen Mo seemed to notice her gaze and turned around during a break from stir-frying, meeting her smiling eyes.

He didn't say anything, but simply raised his eyebrows at her before turning back to his "battle" with the food in the pot.

Looking at the pot lid bubbling with steam, and listening to the enticing "glug" sound as the broth thickened, Li Yitong's heart was filled with a huge, almost overwhelming happiness.

As dinner was served one dish at a time, Li Yitong's eyes instantly lit up like stars.

On the table were all her favorite things!

The bowl is filled with braised pork belly, its color a deep reddish-brown; you can tell just by looking at it that it's been stewed perfectly.

The other bowl contained braised pork belly with a rich, savory sauce. Just imagining how it would taste with rice made her mouth water.

"If we added some green peppers and a fried egg at this moment, it would be absolutely perfect!"

The thought had barely crossed his mind when, as if by telepathy, Shen Mo came out of the kitchen carrying two small bowls.

One bowl contained finely chopped roasted peppers, while the other bowl held two golden-brown, crispy fried eggs.

Li Yitong looked up and met Shen Mo's smiling gaze, her heart instantly filled with immense satisfaction and happiness.

The man who grew up with her had long since figured out her tastes and her little foodie tendencies.

She couldn't wait to sit down, picked up a large piece of braised pork and stuffed it into her mouth, her eyes squinting with happiness.

Then he scooped a spoonful of the braised pork broth onto the rice, added some roasted peppers, and took a big bite.

Its mouth was stuffed full, just like a hamster hoarding food.

Li Yitong was eating with great relish, a piece of braised pork still in her mouth, when she suddenly stopped chewing.

She slowly put down her chopsticks, her greasy lips pursed slightly, and her whole face slumped down at a visible speed, full of dejection.

Shen Mo, who was eating, noticed her sudden change, put down his bowl, and asked with concern, "What's wrong? Is the meat not tasty?"

Li Yitong gave him a mournful look, swallowed the meat in her mouth with difficulty, and her voice was tinged with sobs.

"No... it's that I was thinking about the harsh reality... why am I not one of those lucky ones who are naturally beautiful and can eat whatever they want without gaining weight!"

She became more and more upset as she spoke, repeatedly poking at the glistening rice in her bowl with her chopsticks, as if she were poking at her own fat.

"I'm doomed... If I eat this today, I'll definitely weigh three pounds more when I wake up tomorrow morning!"

"Three jin!"

Seeing her looking so alarmed, Shen Mo couldn't help but find it amusing and offered words of comfort.

"Don't scare yourself. Eat without worry, you won't gain weight."

"Of course it is!"

Li Yitong raised her face, her brows furrowed tightly, as if she had suffered a great injustice.

"You don't understand at all!"

"I just... I indulged myself a little bit before, and then a week later!"

"I gained seven pounds in just one week!"

"Seven jin!"

She held up seven fingers and waved them vigorously in front of Shen Mo's eyes, emphasizing this "bloody" fact.

Shen Mo looked at her exaggerated yet adorable anxiety and finally couldn't help but laugh.

He put down his chopsticks, reached out his hands across the table, and gently pinched her chubby cheeks.

He gently shook her head with a smile, his voice soothing.

"You don't eat like this every day."

"It's only natural to treat yourself to a meal now and then!"

"What's the point of living if you can't even enjoy the pleasure of good food?"

With his face pinched, Li Yitong's words became muffled, but the frustration in her eyes seemed to dissipate a little.

Shen Mo released his hand and casually picked up another piece of braised pork and put it in her bowl.

"Eat up, we've already eaten, a little more won't make a difference."

He sat back down and offered his suggestion in a relaxed tone.

"At worst, we can go for a walk after we finish eating to digest."

"When you get back, I'll train with you for a while. Don't you really like working out your abs and back muscles?"

"I'll be your sparring partner."

Upon hearing this, Li Yitong's eyes lit up instantly, like stars that had been illuminated.

All the frustration vanished, and a bright smile returned to his face. He chuckled and nodded vigorously.

"good!"

She picked up her chopsticks again and ate with even greater relish and confidence than before.