The next day arrived buzzing with conversations.
If yesterday no one had the energy to discuss anything, now — well rested — everyone was curious about the previous night's events.
Even the host looked lost; this season was far livelier than any other.
Wei Wei, however, woke up in a terrible mood — quite the opposite of her usual cheerful reputation.
To everyone's shock, the girl who always smiled was now quiet, irritated, and completely out of patience.
She hated having her privacy invaded. Yes, she liked talking about her life, but always in a controlled, discreet way. What Ramona had done the night before had unsettled her deeply.
Wei Wei practically radiated fury. She was almost waiting for the first unfortunate soul who'd dare strike up a conversation so she could unload everything.
But when the first person to approach was Xiang Chen, she simply couldn't be rude.
Of all people — he was the only one who had genuinely helped her.
"Are you feeling any better?" he asked, voice low and rough.
The always impeccable man had messy hair, as if he hadn't slept well.
"I will be," she replied with a heavy sigh.
After breakfast, Qiao Liang took control of the show again and decided to clear things up once and for all.
"Before we start the next segment," he began, "I want to remind everyone — especially Miss Ramona Sanches… I know you grew up in a Western country, but this has nothing to do with culture. It's about respect. And everyone knows you ask permission before entering someone's house. Let alone their bedroom. I hope you grow from this experience, because there won't be a next time. Do we understand each other, Ramona?"
"Yes… I'm sorry," she muttered, embarrassed.
Then Qiao Liang shifted his tone.
"Well, you all know: food doesn't fall from the sky! If you want to eat, you'll have to work. And today's challenge is…" He paused dramatically. "To cook a traditional Long Cheng dish in honor of the upcoming national holiday. You'll be divided into teams… and the teams are up to you."
That was all the incentive they needed.
Jimin, Mo Chen, and Eun Ha rushed straight to Wei Wei — who automatically looked at Xiang Chen.
And just like that, the first team formed.
The second team ended up with Ramona, Naihe, Su Mi, Fanxing, and Yang Yan.
From the start, it was clear the second group had chosen to ostracize Ramona: they ignored her entirely. And instead of helping, she complained about everything, pouting like a spoiled child.
In contrast, the first team worked in perfect harmony.
Jimin and Wei Wei were in charge of the main dish — and, conveniently, it was both their favorite dessert: a Chinese treat with Korean touches, originally from Beijing-Long Cheng.
"Where did you try this dessert, dongsaeng?" Jimin asked as he chopped fruit.
"I don't remember, Oppa. I've liked it since I was little. I always asked my grandma to make it, and even she didn't know why. She used to say I must have Korean roots," she laughed. "What if we're distant relatives, Oppa?"
Jimin's smile faded for a moment, as if something crossed his mind. Then he shook it off and asked:
"Where were you born, dongsaeng?"
"I don't know. My grandma never wanted to tell me. And when she finally did… she couldn't anymore. The illness took her."
"You don't have any other relatives?" he asked gently.
"I guess I might… but no one who cares. My grandma raised me alone. I never met my parents. She always avoided the topic. And the strangest part is that in all the old photos, it's only me and her. No other adults. No clues."
"Really? And you never found that strange? If I may give my opinion…" Jimin began.
"Of course," she said. "Sometimes I even wonder if she was really my grandmother… or if my parents abandoned me with her."
That was when Xiang Chen's voice cut through the conversation.
"You never wanted to investigate that?" he asked, watching her with unusual interest.
"Investigate?" Wei Wei touched a finger to her chin, thinking. "You know… no. I've been so busy I never stopped to think seriously about it."
Mo Chen joined in:
"I think you should."
"Why do you say that, Chen Chen?" she asked, using his nickname.
He smirked slightly.
"Because maybe someone out there is looking for you."
Eun Ha and Jimin exchanged a meaningful glance.
Wei Wei noticed. For the first time, she felt… uneasy. As if there was something about her that everyone knew — except her.
Minutes later, when she was alone with Xiang Chen, she gathered her courage.
"Xiang Chen?"
"Yes?"
"You're… powerful, right?"
"Hm?" He raised a brow. "Yes. I am."
"So… could you do me a favor?"
He stepped closer, intrigued.
"What kind of favor?"
"Could you investigate my past? Find out if I… have a lost family somewhere? I could try, but I don't have the time. And I feel like the others wouldn't be honest with me about whatever they found."
He studied her face for a long moment.
"If that's what you want… I can help you."
"Really?" Her eyes sparkled. "Thank you so much!"
Xiang Chen looked thoughtful. Somehow, he already knew where to begin.
The time ran out; the first team won without surprise.
The dessert prepared by Jimin and Wei Wei was perfect — sweet, light, and balanced. Everyone praised it.
Meanwhile, online, the internet was going wild trying to understand the growing connection between Xiang Chen and Lian Wei.
Or as they called it:
#WeiChen
And with each passing day… the name felt more fitting.
✨ End of Chapter 4 ✨