Chapter Thirty-Six: Returning Home

The show aired the segment where Huang Kang and He Ling returned, greeted by Jiang Yun. When Huang Kang learned the name of the dish, his face was filled with resignation.

At that moment, the audience burst into laughter.

Then Jiang Yun and He Ling headed back to the vegetable garden to pull up more radishes. Seeing He Ling slyly leading Jiang Yun in mischief, netizens left a flurry of comments.

“Who would have thought Mr. He had this side to him!”

“He’s just like a wily old fox!”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Cunning as can be, that’s what!”

“Stop arguing, just enjoy the show!”

At five-thirty, Jiang Yun and He Ling returned to the Mushroom House, and the guests arrived!

Huang Kang strode in, brandishing a kitchen knife, face thunderous.

“He scared me—I thought he was about to go on a rampage!”

“Mr. Huang looks so aggrieved, it’s adorable!”

Then the show aired the scene where He Ling suggested an idea to Huang Kang. The audience speculated eagerly over what kind of dish he would make.

Finally, the meal scene arrived.

Huang Kang brought dishes to the table: “Here’s your steak salad, your eggplant with squid.”

“Your mock crab, your sizzling salad!”

“This is sizzling salad?”

“Yes, what’s wrong?”

“You’re telling me this is sizzling salad?”

“Yes, it is—what’s the problem?”

“This can’t be…”

“What the heck, this so-called sizzling salad is just a plate of shredded potatoes!”

Laughter erupted online.

“Mr. He is a genius, always coming up with the most outrageous ideas!”

“Exactly, just look at Yue Yun’s consternation!”

After that, the show moved on to the guests’ daily antics and games.

Then came the conflict between Yue Yun and Jiang Yun. He Ling and Huang Kang stepped in to mediate. In the end, Huang Kang twisted his ankle.

“Oh my goodness, Jiang Yun’s cooking now! He can cook too—he’s the show’s all-rounder! Singing, playing piano, cooking—is there anything Jiang Yun can’t do?”

“He can’t bear children!”

“Get lost, will you!”

“Wait, did Jiang Yun and Yue Yun just make up?”

The program continued with more daily scenes.

That night, Yue Yun came to Jiang Yun’s room, and the two reconciled for good.

“Ah—Five Rings, you’re one ring more than Four Rings!”

“Wow, did he really sing that song?”

“Is this a new release?”

“This song is too catchy!”

“Can’t wait for Yue Yue to drop the official version!”

“Out of my way, I’m driving on the Fifth Ring Road!”

As the show reached this point, TV ratings soared past 6, while online views hit 230 million. For a variety show to break 6 in ratings—this had only happened with ‘You’ve Got Talent’ before.

The last scene showed everyone saying their goodbyes at dawn.

The first episode of the first season of ‘A Life to Yearn For’ came to an end!

Though the first episode had finished, its popularity lingered. It became a hot topic among young people during meals and breaks, with Jiang Yun being the main subject of discussion.

Original piano compositions, new songs, culinary skills, logical prowess—the all-round champion!

Time moved forward to the Mid-Autumn Festival. Jiang Yun woke up early to pack his things.

Grooming himself in front of the mirror, he purchased a plane ticket back to Jiangnan.

His hometown was in Jiangnan. He’d been back twice while taking part in ‘You’ve Got Talent’, but both times had been hurried, leaving no chance to return home.

On the flight, Jiang Yun quickly drifted off to sleep.

A honk sounded—Jiang Yun turned to step aside as a luxury car passed. Carrying his belongings, he made his way toward a small town.

He arrived at a noodle shop.

Inside, Jiang Yun chose a seat and called, “Boss, a bowl of stewed noodles, please!”

“Coming right up!” The lady boss bustled about and soon brought a steaming bowl to Jiang Yun’s table.

“Young man, here are your noodles!”

Jiang Yun accepted the bowl with a smile.

“You know, you really look like my son!”

He coughed, trying to play it cool.

“Even your voice is similar… Wait a minute—it really is you, you rascal!” His mother, Shen Hua, gave him a light smack on the head.

“Maa—” Jiang Yun called out.

“You brat, are you making fun of me? You come back and don’t even call!” Shen Hua scolded.

“I told you before I’d be back for Mid-Autumn Festival.”

“All right, as long as you’re home. Let me call your father.”

Shen Hua hurried to dial Jiang Jun.

“Hello? Lao Jiang, your son’s come home!”

“What? Great, I’ll be right back!”

Jiang Jun rushed back from outside, beaming with joy when he saw Jiang Yun.

“Dad, you’ve been out playing cards again, haven’t you? Instead of helping Mom at the noodle shop, you let her handle everything on her own!”

Jiang Jun chuckled awkwardly. “Well, it’s Mid-Autumn Festival. Everyone’s home with their families—no one’s out eating! Business is slow.”

“So you do remember it’s the holiday!” Jiang Yun scolded. “Everyone’s spending Mid-Autumn with family, yet you’re not even here to keep Mom company!”

“What’s the point if you’re not home?” Shen Hua interjected.

Jiang Yun was at a loss for words. “Fine, all right…”

“Dad, Mom, come see what gifts I brought you.” Jiang Yun pulled out several large boxes.

“Dad, here’s some tobacco and liquor for you!” His father was a lifelong smoker.

Jiang Jun took them without ceremony, then glanced at the price and was startled. “Son, these are expensive—how much did you spend?”

“Not much, just a few thousand,” Jiang Yun replied nonchalantly.

“A few thousand?” Both parents gasped.

“Mom, here’s a mink coat for you!”

Shen Hua accepted it hesitantly, not looking particularly pleased. She pulled Jiang Yun aside. “Son, you didn’t do anything illegal, did you?”

Jiang Yun rolled his eyes. “Mom, what are you thinking?”

“Just making sure, just making sure.”

“Son, what do you want to eat today? I’ll cook for you,” Shen Hua offered.

“Mom, I’d love some pickled fish with tofu stew!”

Jiang Jun sighed. “I want that too, but your mom never makes it. It’s noodles every day!”

“What’s wrong with noodles? They’re healthy!” Shen Hua replied.

“Come on, beg her!” Jiang Jun slipped into dialect. “Nothing beats pickled fish and tofu stew—chunks of tofu simmered in a clay pot over a fire, the broth bubbling away. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water!”

“Dad, you’re making me crave it even more!”

“Fine, we’ll have pickled fish with tofu stew today!”

Shen Hua and Jiang Jun started preparing to close the shop. Jiang Yun helped as well.

Just then, a luxury car pulled up in front of the noodle shop, and a well-dressed man in sunglasses stepped out.

“We’re closed for business today!” Shen Hua called out.

“Auntie, it’s me!” The man removed his sunglasses. “It’s Shen Cheng!”

Shen Hua sized him up. “So it’s you, Shen Cheng—you’ve grown so much!”

“Auntie, wait a moment. I’ve got gifts for you!” Shen Cheng returned to the car and brought out several boxes.

“Uncle, here’s some tobacco and liquor for you. I know you like a smoke and a drink!”

Jiang Jun laughed. “What a coincidence—your cousin brought the same thing.”

“My cousin? Cousin Jiang Yun is back?”

“Hello, Shen Cheng!” Jiang Yun greeted him.

“Oh my god, Cousin Jiang Yun, it really is you!”