Chapter Seven: Unexpected

The old man, completely oblivious to the skepticism in Song Waning’s tone, cheerfully replied, “That’s right, it’s indoors.” As he spoke, he led the two of them into the glasshouse.

Meanwhile, the cameraman following them switched on the livestream.

“Good morning, comrades!” the chat erupted.

“Good morning, good morning!”

“I wonder what unique way Song Waning will choose to court disaster with today’s assigned work?”

“Looks like today’s task is tending seedlings.”

“Wait!!! I think I just saw a familiar figure with an outstanding aura!”

“Are you that shocked by just a silhouette—wait, damn! That man is really handsome!”

“Ah! It’s Young Master Wen! He’s finally back on the show!”

“Song Waning, I’m warning you, don’t drive Young Master Wen away this time!”

The livestream, which had started off with modest viewership, suddenly soared to over 200,000, and the screen was flooded with fans smitten by good looks. Another reason for the show’s skyrocketing popularity even before airing was the participation of the mysterious president of Wen Corporation, Wen Jingxing.

Wen Jingxing, a man who had never appeared in public, was nevertheless a legend in every corner of the business world. A single profile photo of him once crashed an entire website. So young, yet already the head of a century-old conglomerate, he had set countless hearts aflame. Unfortunately, he shunned interviews and kept off social media; all anyone knew of him was that profile photo and a fleeting appearance in a show teaser. But he disappeared from the screen soon after, pushed out by the sharp-tongued Song Waning, which was why netizens now had no patience for Song Waning at all.

At this moment, Wen Jingxing was unaware of the storm he had stirred. He was patiently digging and planting under the old man’s guidance. His long fingers, wrapped in black leather gloves, moved skillfully with a small trowel among the pots, his eyes focused intently on the seedlings, his face radiating earnestness.

Song Waning crouched nearby, propping her chin as she watched him plant. “So, what’s my task, sir?” she asked.

In the livestream, viewers began to tease.

“See that, Song Waning? A man who works seriously is the most attractive.”

“I never expected Young Master Wen to be so unfazed by work like this—a true celestial among mortals!”

“Look at Song Waning gawking like a lovesick fool!”

“Exactly, all bark and no bite.”

Little did they know, Song Waning was genuinely studying the seedlings.

“Oh, for you? Move all these planted seedlings into the big greenhouse over there, then water them a bit—not too much each time, just a little…” The old man rambled on with instructions, which drew complaints from the viewers.

“What’s with this old guy? Wen Jingxing’s task is the one that needs care, but he barely said a word.”

“Yeah, and he’s fussing so much over Song Waning’s part. Playing favorites.”

“Kind intentions won’t help—just the other day, Song Waning was complaining about all the dirt here. And now you want her to do this work? What are you thinking?”

“Let’s hope she doesn’t upset Young Master Wen’s serious efforts and get herself dumped. That would be a riot!”

Wen Jingxing, planting seedlings nearby, had long noticed Song Waning’s gaze fixed on him. At first, he pretended not to see, but as her stare lingered, he grew curious and glanced back. He caught her watching his hands, her expression somewhat strained.

He turned back as if nothing had happened, silently thinking, as expected, this woman is finally revealing her true colors.

Meanwhile, Song Waning, who had been squatting for a while, stood up, silently grumbling to herself: This body is so weak—just crouched for a bit and already seeing stars?

She hadn’t lived well in her last life, but now that she’d crossed over, she was determined to enjoy herself. Dying young was out of the question.

No, no—she needed to pay more attention to her health if she wanted to live long!

Rubbing her dizzy forehead, Song Waning closed her eyes for a moment. Once she recovered, she asked, “So once I finish with all these boxes of seedlings, am I done?”

The wooden crate didn’t look big, but inside were ten layers of small compartments, each holding two or three seedlings—a rough count came to several hundred plants.

“Yes,” the old man nodded with a smile. After giving his instructions, he went to rest.

Song Waning set to work. Pulling on her gloves, she began carrying the potted seedlings Wen Jingxing had finished into the nearby greenhouse, one pot at a time. Seeing her actually working, some viewers commented:

“I don’t think Song Waning is as bad as people say.”

“Yeah, maybe what happened yesterday was just a lack of common sense…”

Song Waning was the most beautiful and memorable female guest this season, naturally attracting fans who cared only about looks, not character.

“Oh, come on, don’t make excuses. Yesterday, with Wen Jingxing absent, she just slacked off. Now that he’s here, she’s pretending to be diligent. Regret, is it? Too late!”

“Did you see her face just now, squatting there staring at Wen Jingxing? She looked awful.”

But the one most surprised was Wen Jingxing.

Before joining the show, he’d met Song Waning several times, none of which had left a good impression. Song Waning loved to boss people around—when had she ever been so hands-on? She always wore sky-high heels—when had she ever willingly put on flat white sneakers?

Immersed in her work, Song Waning didn’t notice Wen Jingxing’s growing suspicion.

Both worked quickly. Wen Jingxing even helped her water the seedlings when he finished his own task. But once Song Waning was done moving the pots, he set aside the watering can and left.

Nevertheless, Song Waning didn’t slow down and finished her task before lunch. Although it was their first time working together, there was an unspoken harmony between them, especially in their handling of the delicate seedlings. Clearly not professional gardeners, they worked with impressive speed and skill, leaving the audience in awe.

Sadly, just as viewers were getting into it, the first livestream segment ended. Still wanting more, they flocked to social media, dissecting and discussing the partnership between Wen Jingxing and Song Waning.

Among the gossiping masses, the most excitable and invested was a certain veteran media outlet.

“Waiting for Wen to Break Off the Engagement V: Good heavens, Song Waning is far too cunning. Wen Jingxing, stay away from this woman—don’t fall for her tricks! See the video below for her complete 180-degree change in attitude—when something is this out of character, there must be a reason!”

The post had already amassed 35,000 likes, even hotter than before.

Meanwhile, the old man, confident that today’s work would keep them busy until afternoon, returned to find the place empty—and their tasks perfectly completed.

“This is… uncanny,” he muttered.

As for the two in question, Wen Jingxing left immediately after his tasks, and Song Waning, rather than following, chose another path and circled back to the little building.