Chapter 2947: You Are My Fashion Darling 06

Jin Chen walked ahead, moving slowly, swaying three times with each step.

He knew someone was following behind; if they wanted to follow, let them.

His current stamina couldn't handle any extra tasks; he just wanted to go back and lie down.

Then he realized this road wasn't the way back to the dormitory.

Jin Chen felt completely justified about still getting lost after being on the island for almost a week; he stopped and looked back.

The handsome stranger stood two steps behind him, watching him.

"Where does this road lead?" Jin Chen asked.

"The kitchen." Chenshu said.

……

Kitchen.

Jin Chen pulled out a high-backed chair, sat at the small table beside the counter, propped his chin on his palm, wore a bloodless, cold expression, and stared blankly.

Tired, annoyed, hungry.

His inner drama was plenty, but his face still showed that world-weary look where he couldn't muster enthusiasm for anything.

As he debated whether to struggle up to find something to eat or just lie down and sleep a bit longer, he heard Chenshu follow him inside.

But Jin Chen's tolerance for people had hit a new low; he closed his eyes and wanted to ignore them.

A few minutes later, Jin Chen, having heard no speech, opened his eyes in doubt and saw the handsome stranger in a suit that looked expensive, busy at the counter.

Jin Chen raised an eyebrow, no longer blankly staring, and fixed his gaze on the stranger's profile as if trying to discern something.

Outside the not-so-distant floor-to-ceiling window, the blinds weren't fully lowered; through the gaps, a few heads could be vaguely seen—those of the contestants participating in today's event.

They had finished the demonstration, glancing toward the kitchen intentionally or not, and a photographer tried to point the lens over, the probing intent obvious.

Jin Chen rose leisurely, walked to the window, pulled the blinds down, and the kitchen light dimmed slightly; he then turned, leaned his back against the counter's edge, arms crossed over his chest, and looked at Chenshu.

Chenshu was frying an egg, noticed his gaze, smiled slightly, and asked Jin Chen, "Do you know what the sound of frying an egg resembles?"

Jin Chen raised an eyebrow dubiously, his gaze following the words to the pan still emitting a sizzle, "Huh?"

Chenshu didn't really expect an answer, lowered his head to continue plating—fried egg, bacon, and a serving of pasta.

Whether by coincidence or not, this plate of pasta looked quite similar to the one Min Heng had brought upstairs earlier that morning.

"You're not with the program team." Jin Chen returned to the table and said flatly.

Chenshu sat opposite him and candidly admitted, "No."

"Oh." Jin Chen responded, his lids drooping lazily, then asked, "Are you trying to keep me as a kept man?"

In this circle, unspoken rules and sponsors aren't novel; even his snobbish agent once jabbed a finger at his nose and scolded him, saying he didn't know how to ingratiate himself, and without a background or a sponsor he'd never get anywhere in life.

Chenshu, somewhat surprised, raised his brows and narrowed his eyes slightly.

"How so," his voice remained gentle but carried an indistinct nuance, "do many people want to keep you?"

Jin Chen actually tilted his head, thought for a few seconds, and said, "Not few."

This and that, dinner gatherings, drinking parties, overt and covert hints—he'd seen plenty of them.

"You're the best-looking." Jin Chen said.

Chenshu blinked, then laughed; as he laughed, his eyes crinkled, and his brows and eyes softened considerably.

"No, I'm not trying to keep you."

Jin Chen nodded, his face showing neither relief at having avoided expectation nor disappointment at its lack, still disinterested, he lowered his head, picked up his fork, and ate the noodles.

With the first bite, Jin Chen felt a belated comfort for his taste buds, which had been ravaged earlier by Min Heng's dish.

Although he still thought eating itself was a bit troublesome, at least the taste was good, alleviating the displeasure that trouble brought.

Chenshu just sat opposite, watching him eat.

Until Jin Chen was nearly finished, Chenshu spoke again: "Are you on good terms with Min Heng? He's quite diligent, cooking for you early in the morning."

Jin Chen was just rolling up the last noodle; hearing this, he blinked, cheeks puffed, and looked at Chenshu quizzically.

He shoved the noodle into his mouth, swallowed slowly, and said in a puzzled tone, "Why are you asking the kind of question a sponsor would ask?"

A twitch went through Chenshu's brow.

He reached out, undid the two buttons of his suit, stood up, walked around the table, placed one hand on the table beside Jin Chen, then lifted Jin Chen's face, fingertips touching his chin, prompting him to lift his head slightly.

Chenshu's light-gold eyes, seen up close, resembled melted honey wax, reflecting Jin Chen's somewhat dazed face.

"Have you never considered a relationship outside of sponsorship?"

Jin Chen watched helplessly as that person lowered his head and leaned in, a kiss landing.

Jin Chen: "……"

The kiss didn't end quickly; Chenshu lingered on his lips for a few seconds, slowly teasing, then sucked on Jin Chen's lower lip, their lip flesh meeting.

Jin Chen was somewhat stunned by the kiss, his Adam's apple bobbing; when he came to, Chenshu had already withdrawn.

Jin Chen's lips reddened from the kiss; he unconsciously licked his lower lip, his already vivid lip color gaining a touch more allure.

The next second.

Jin Chen sharply raised his hand to press on Chenshu's shoulder, which still wanted to move closer, his tone a bit irritable, ears reddening, "You still coming?"

Chenshu let him hold him there, didn't move closer, and simply looked more pleased than before.

Meanwhile, voices from outside the door drew nearer.

"Today's demonstration was too exciting; the outfit I put together was praised by Teacher Ava, and you were lucky to snag that suit."

"Don't mention it; I grabbed something totally not my style, wearing it feels like a sack……"

A few contestants who had finished the demonstration chatted as they walked in; this kitchen is semi-open, with a separate rest area set up, where contestants sometimes come to rest.

They had just pushed the door open when they saw the mysterious guest and Jin Chen sitting opposite each other across the table.

One stared at Jin Chen, the other slowly pulled out a tissue to wipe his mouth, an indescribable strangeness and ambiguity.

Min Heng followed the crowd in and immediately saw that scene.

Jin Chen sat there, his face still a little pale, but his lips were unnaturally red, his gaze dazed yet carrying a chill.

Min Heng's heart sank a bit.

He couldn't let Jin Chen get close to that person.

No matter who this person is, being able to make the Program Team add a seat temporarily and have Victor and Ava accompany him, he's definitely not an ordinary person.

If Jin Chen really managed to cozy up to that big tree, what would become of him…?

Min Heng walked over quickly, putting on a proper smile, as if he hadn't noticed the strange atmosphere between the two, nor Jin Chen's abnormal complexion and swollen lips, heading straight for Chenshu.

"Sorry, Jin Chen has caused you trouble; he's not good at dealing with people. If there's anything wrong, please bear with it."

Chenshu lifted his eyelids, glanced at him, his expression so indifferent it hardly showed any emotion.

Min Heng turned to Jin Chen, his face shifting to a worried expression: "Are you okay? I've been looking for you for a while and couldn't find you; I heard you fainted? How are you now? Do you need help?"

He reached out to support Jin Chen's shoulder.

Jin Chen leaned back, avoiding his hand, his voice lazy: "I'm fine."

Jin Chen wiped his mouth, tossed the tissue into the nearby trash bin, glanced at Min Heng without any emotion, and couldn't be bothered to respond.

He glanced at Chenshu, and Chenshu was also looking at him, as if waiting for something.