Chapter 136: The Lunchbox

“Your dinner will be on the train. The production team has allocated thirty yuan per person for meals,” said the crew member, handing an envelope to Yin Shanshan. Upon opening it, she found exactly one hundred and twenty yuan inside.

Yin Shanshan’s expression darkened, while the live chat erupted with amusement.

“The production team is definitely messing with them, haha!”

“This is the first time I’ve seen a big star eat such a boxed meal. I wonder if they can even get used to it.”

“Don’t worry, it’s all for show. They’re definitely feasting in private.”

“This is a live broadcast! When would they have a chance to eat anything else? Go to the restroom to eat?”

“Do you want anything here? If not, I’m off,” a sales clerk pushed a cart past their corridor and asked casually.

The clerk’s attitude was unpleasant—nose in the air, chin slightly raised, as if daring anyone to care.

Yin Shanshan frowned at the sight.

Fang Wei, noticing her expression, quickly smiled and said, “We’ll take four boxed meals, thanks.”

“The kids are hungry, and even if we don’t eat, they need to. Besides, I think these boxed meals aren’t bad. It’s a good chance to show our fans,” Fang Wei said cheerfully. Aside from Yin Shanshan, the other two children showed great interest in this unfamiliar food.

Perhaps it was the long hunger, or the fact that the boxed meals had just been heated on the train, but as soon as the lids were lifted, the steaming aroma of the food wafted out, filling the air. Even Yin Shanshan couldn’t help but glance toward the table.

“Give it a try; it tastes pretty good,” Fang Wei teased Yangyang, passing chopsticks to Yin Shanshan with a wink.

Hesitating for a moment, Yin Shanshan watched as Yangyang exaggeratedly stuffed a mouthful in.

“Smells so good! Mom, you try it!”

Encouraged by Yangyang, Yin Shanshan finally picked up her chopsticks.

“Adults needing coaxing to eat? Ridiculous.”

“Though it’s no gourmet feast, it’s at least proper food. Why does it seem like she’s eating sawdust?”

Yin Shanshan’s approach drew some criticism, and discordant voices began appearing in the chat. Fang Wei noticed and gently tapped Yin Shanshan’s leg under the table.

It was a prearranged signal between them. Yin Shanshan immediately glanced at the chat.

“I think this dish tastes quite nice.”

A smile spread across her face as she even offered some of her food to Fang Wei.

Then she turned to the camera.

“I’ve only ever had boxed meals on set, but the train ones are far better,” she said, lifting a chicken leg for the camera.

“This chicken leg is delicious—crispy, tender, and without skin. Perfect for those of us watching our figures.”

“Is this turning into a boxed meal review?”

“What’s that green vegetable? I’ve never seen it before.”

“And that round blackish thing—did it burn?”

The viewers’ attention shifted immediately as Yin Shanshan started explaining.

“Let me try this... it seems like some kind of leafy vegetable, maybe a local specialty from somewhere.”

“Mom, this green vegetable tastes great!” Yangyang chimed in supportively.

“This is probably gluten stuffed with meat, not burnt. This dish is naturally rich and saucy, tastes pretty good—slightly salty with a hint of sweetness.”

Surprisingly, Yin Shanshan’s foray into boxed meal reviews became popular, and the live stream started attracting a steady influx of viewers.

No longer finding the meal hard to swallow, she ate with genuine interest while introducing the food to her fans, quickly finishing the entire box.

Meanwhile, in another group staying at a luxurious ocean-view presidential suite, the mood was entirely different.

After touring the opulent rooms, Yu Xin and Su Wanning each took their assigned rooms, stowed their luggage, and immediately headed to the hotel’s private beach to enjoy the sun.

Qin Jingchen, meanwhile, stayed in the room due to work commitments.

With Qin Jingchen absent, Su Wanning felt as if the very air she breathed had become fresher.

Lying on a beach chair under a parasol, the children all went to play in the sand. Su Wanning, wearing sunglasses, basked in the calm serenity.

“This kind of life is truly comfortable. If it weren’t for President Qin, I doubt the director would let us be this relaxed for the entire season,” Yu Xin sighed beside her.

“Are you that short of money?” Su Wanning turned to ask curiously.

“No, why?”

Su Wanning lay back with a puzzled expression. “Then what’s so remarkable about coming to the beach? Even without Qin Jingchen, couldn’t you come on your own?”

Her words struck a chord, leaving Yu Xin momentarily speechless.

“But without President Qin, you wouldn’t even be able to get into this hotel.”

“Is Su Wanning trying to stir up gender politics? It’s obvious Qin Jingchen helped them; otherwise, they wouldn’t be lounging here so comfortably.”

Su Wanning scanned the chat calmly and replied leisurely, “I’m never one to promote gender antagonism. Choose your words carefully, or you might get a lawyer’s notice.”

She smiled and continued, “Even if we can’t stay here without the entertainment circle’s connections, this is a tourist city—an island, for heaven’s sake! Surely, we can find other nice hotels or beaches just as beautiful.”

“That makes sense.”

“The truth is, even without President Qin, they’re wealthy celebrities.”

“That’s right. Having proper values and a solid income is our real strength,” Su Wanning concluded precisely, then stood and walked toward the children building sandcastles by the shore.

“Mom, look! This is my princess castle and my cake!”

Su Wanning looked down to see a crooked sandcastle with a round, nearly perfect cake beside it, as if drawn with a compass.

“Did your brother help you make the cake?”

“Yes, yes!” Niannian nodded happily, glancing toward Su Wanning. The tension between the siblings had long vanished, as if all the earlier turbulence on the plane was just a dream.

Su Wanning patted Suisi’s head and praised generously, “You’re amazing, sister. That cake is... so round!”

“Ha! Su Wanning was eloquent before, but now she can’t even give a compliment properly?” the chat teased.