Ji Xiaoli wanted to refute, but Zhong Canxi's words seemed to make sense.
If she tried to explain, it might just make things seem worse.
Zhong Canxi noticed her embarrassment and immediately stepped in to break the ice. "It's my first time on this show. Could you all explain the rules to me?"
The people present reluctantly put aside their gossiping thoughts and began to explain the game rules.
Zhong Canxi listened very attentively and interacted with the other guests from time to time, which greatly boosted his likeability.
But Ji Xiaoli clearly felt that there was a burning gaze on her from time to time.
The direction was obviously where Zhong Canxi was. There was no doubt about who the owner of that gaze was.
For some reason, she suddenly didn't dare to look up.
She wasn't sure if it was because of embarrassment or shyness.
However, according to the old tradition, since a new guest had joined, a welcome party had to be held for him.
This time, though, the show producers were being creative. Instead of directly providing food, they prepared some ingredients and drinks, saying that the guests had to cook for themselves.
After all, no pain, no gain.
This really stumped everyone. They were all glamorous big stars in public, and they had never really cooked before.
The four male guests present all looked at Ji Xiaoli after hearing this.
Ji Xiaoli was confused. "Why are you all looking at me?"
Xiao Wu couldn't hold back his words. "Because we think girls are more likely to know how to cook."
Liu Shen was more tactful. "I'm afraid I'll burn down the kitchen."
Old Zhang nodded silently.
Zhong Canxi said with a smile, "My intuition tells me that you can cook, Xiaoli."
As for why they didn't look at Tang Qi...
No one expected that young lady to cook.
Ji Xiaoli half helplessly and half jokingly said, "What if I can't cook either?"
Xiao Wu immediately patted his chest. "It's okay. I'm really good at making instant noodles! I can even fry an egg."
Ji Xiaoli thought: That's pretty good, too.
Liu Shen thought for a while. "I can cut some fruit and make a salad."
But salad won't fill you up!
Ji Xiaoli had no choice but to sigh and take on the heavy responsibility of being the head chef.
"Let me make it clear first. I can only cook some home - style dishes."
She had lived alone for more than a decade. To save money, she often cooked for herself, so her cooking skills were actually quite good.
That's how it was decided. Everyone started to divide the work.
Liu Shen and Old Zhang were in charge of washing the vegetables, and Xiao Wu was in charge of serving the dishes and helping out.
Zhong Canxi claimed to have a bit of cooking knowledge, so he became Ji Xiaoli's assistant, helping to cut vegetables or arrange the plates.
Ji Xiaoli didn't pay much attention at first, but when she took a look, she found that the vegetables Zhong Canxi cut were all the same size and as thin as cicada wings.
She was immediately surprised. "You call this 'a bit of cooking knowledge'?"
Zhong Canxi lowered his head and looked at her tenderly. "Two years ago, I thought I was just idle at home, so I learned to cook by myself. It could also save some money."
As a former fan of Zhong Canxi, Ji Xiaoli of course knew the reason.
At that time, Zhong Canxi had an accident, and all his contracts were cancelled. He hardly had any announcements. In short, he was in a slump.
This was extremely cruel for an entertainer.
Ji Xiaoli didn't expect that her question would seem to touch on someone's painful past.
She pursed her lips. "Sorry."
Zhong Canxi shook his head. There was not a trace of gloom on his face. "It's okay. The past is in the past. Besides, my princess has already saved me."
Although he didn't name anyone, both of them knew who the princess was.
Ji Xiaoli's heart started to pound. "You, you'd better not say such words that might cause misunderstandings."
Zhong Canxi smiled slightly, his eyes focused. "But I'm telling the truth."
His handsome face was full of seriousness, which made Ji Xiaoli's heart beat even faster.
After all, he had been her idol for so many years. Although he was her former idol, the feelings she had for him over the years couldn't be easily let go.
When Zhong Canxi got so close, Ji Xiaoli's breath caught for a moment.
He was too close. So close that she even felt a bit parched.
The air was filled with an ambiguous atmosphere.
Zhong Canxi slowly lowered his head and leaned in.
Ji Xiaoli didn't know why, but she just felt that she couldn't move.
Just when she thought Zhong Canxi was about to kiss her, he suddenly stopped.
Then he gently brushed a strand of hair behind Ji Xiaoli's ear. "Xiaoli, your hair is a bit messy here."
Ji Xiaoli: ?
While tidying her hair, he said with a smile and a bit of teasing in his voice. "What? Did you think I was going to do something, Xiaoli?"
Ji Xiaoli's face turned pink, but she was still stubborn. "You're overthinking it."
She didn't think Zhong Canxi was going to kiss her just now.
And she wasn't even a bit flattered.
A glint of amusement flashed in Zhong Canxi's eyes. Anyone could tell that he was in a good mood.
"Yeah, I'm overthinking it. But..."
Zhong Canxi dragged out his words. "Without your permission, I won't do anything so impolite."
Ji Xiaoli ignored him and continued cooking.
Zhong Canxi knew when to stop. He became more serious and focused on helping Ji Xiaoli.
When Xiao Wu came in with the washed vegetables, he suddenly sized the two of them up.
Then he looked at them suspiciously. "Did something happen between you two just now?"
Ji Xiaoli raised her eyebrows. "What could have happened between us?"
Xiao Wu murmured. "Really? Why do you two seem so strange?"
They seemed like a young couple.
Xiao Wu wasn't the only one who thought so.
The director was so excited when he saw this scene on the camera that he slapped his thigh.
"Great! This is great! Our show is going to be a hit."
The assistant director leaned over. "Even a rough guy like me wants to fall in love when I see these two."
The director lit a cigarette. "Then what are you waiting for? Quickly edit this part and hype it up!"
The assistant director quickly agreed and made a special version of the behind - the - scenes footage.
The main material was about Zhong Canxi and Ji Xiaoli, and a lot of pink special effects were added during the editing.
It looked full of ambiguous messages.
As soon as it was posted on Weibo and other major websites, countless CP fans flocked to it.
ZhongJiForever: I'm dying of cuteness! Mom, I've found a real CP! This ultimate couple is so sweet!
Zhong Canxi's Little Pendant: Although I'm a bit reluctant, if it's Ji Xiaoli, I think it's okay!
Long Live Sister Ji: Watch your words, guy above. My sister Ji is powerful and domineering. JiZhong CP is the right one!
Braised Chicken: No, don't you think Zhong Canxi is so charming on the show?
There were countless discussions like this. For a while, this video made it onto a minor trending topic.
This made Wei Yanlan at home feel a bit uneasy. If things continued like this, her daughter might be seduced by that young star.
She quickly called Zheng Nanfeng. "Nanfeng, hurry up and check Weibo!"