Chapter 85 The Goddess of the Market

Su Waning had already grown impatient after explaining so much. She couldn’t understand how someone as important as Qin Jingchen—a successful entrepreneur—could fail to grasp the simple truth that the more friends you have, the more paths you open for yourself.

“Just say whether you’re willing to agree or not,” she pressed.

On the other end of the line, Qin Jingchen deliberately paused for a few seconds, though his answer had long been decided.

“Yes, I’ll agree,” he said.

“That’s good. But since you’ve already discussed the investment with the director, it’s better not to withdraw it now. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be good for your reputation, wouldn’t you agree?”

Su Waning said this, but in her heart she was calculating her own little scheme. Wang Zan and his group were already dissatisfied with her; if they received Qin Jingchen’s investment only to have it suddenly pulled, they might suspect she was behind it, and then they’d surely make her life difficult on the show. Su Waning had no intention of living that way.

In fact, even if she hadn’t brought it up, Qin Jingchen never intended to withdraw his investment.

Through the phone, Jin Sheng felt a pang of sadness as he heard the calculations in Su Waning’s heart, but Lord Zhan did not expose her.

“What if I don’t mind?” he said deliberately.

“Well... then you can withdraw it,” Su Waning replied, her words contradicting her true feelings.

A light chuckle was her only response, followed by the abrupt end of the call. Su Waning couldn’t figure out what Qin Jingchen truly meant.

Soon, Tian Boyu received the news that he wouldn’t be removed from the program. Overjoyed, he practically leapt three feet into the air and rushed straight into the yurt to find Su Waning.

By this time, the livestream had already begun, startling Su Waning.

“Did you take a dose of excitement?” she teased.

No matter how happy he felt, Tian Boyu knew better than to say anything inappropriate in front of the cameras, so he suppressed his joy for the moment and merely gave her a meaningful look.

“Something like that—I’ve received some good news.”

Feng Rui, nearby, was curious. “What good news?”

Faced with her, Tian Boyu’s demeanor cooled considerably. “Nothing much. I’ll go prepare breakfast for everyone—”

“No need,” Su Waning called out, stopping him.

“Oh.” Though he didn’t know the reason, Tian Boyu obediently halted, and this change caught the attention of Yin Shanshan, who frowned slightly.

In fact, Jiang Wanyi had only overheard the director’s conversation about the morning’s schedule when she visited his yurt earlier. The plan was for everyone to go to the local market.

The market! It was Su Waning’s favorite place before she found herself in this story.

Most glamorous young people disliked such places, but Su Waning was different. As a food blogger, she often needed to buy ingredients, and being thrifty, she never shopped at overpriced supermarkets. Instead, she’d explored every market in the area; sometimes, she’d even rise early just to experience the local morning bustle.

Over time, Su Waning developed a habit: even when traveling, she loved visiting local markets. She discovered that such places revealed not only a city’s culinary culture and habits, but also its spirit. Most importantly, the most authentic local delicacies were often found in these unassuming, even slightly chaotic, markets. The old men and women there were full of hidden talents, and whenever she followed their lead in buying things, she was never disappointed.

So when the director announced their market excursion for the morning, the others showed little interest, but Su Waning was delighted.

“Director, since we’re here to relax and be rewarded, can we use our own money to shop at the market today?” Su Waning seized the opportunity.

The director obviously didn’t really understand the market, but after a brief hesitation, he agreed readily. After all, the market was only for buying ingredients, and the program would still have plenty of content when they returned to cook themselves.

Just like that, the director unwittingly agreed to Su Waning’s bold request. The car carried everyone to the local market, and Su Waning was excited throughout the journey.

On the way, she interacted with her fans in the livestream.

“Don’t think the market is only for your mothers and elders—it’s full of treasures.”

[Look at her expression when she talks about the market—it’s even happier than when she mentions her husband!]

[Really? I don’t believe it unless you prove it to me.]

Soon, the car arrived at the largest market in town. From outside, the hustle and bustle was obvious.

The group got out, children in tow, and were immediately stunned by the scene before them.

The market was nearly the size of two football fields, with vendors everywhere—some selling vegetables, others offering snacks, prepared foods, specialty shops...

Countless locals weaved through the stalls, a dizzying sight.

Tian Boyu took it upon himself to be the porter. “Ladies, if you want something for lunch, just let me know—I’ll buy the ingredients and carry the bags.”

“That’s not fair, we should all—” Yin Shanshan started, but Su Waning interrupted her without a hint of embarrassment.

“Great, handle it as you see fit. You’re in charge of lunch ingredients today. Let’s go shopping!”

[Is she serious? Shopping at the market? Does she think this is CPB?]

[Yin Shanshan’s face is about to turn black.]

[She’s so selfish! Making him carry all the ingredients for so many people, and she’s so shameless about it!]

What the others didn’t know was that Su Waning had just saved Tian Boyu from being kicked off the show that morning. At this moment, even if she made him run errands ten more times, Tian Boyu would do it willingly.

Su Waning led the other families away, strolling through the market. Soon, they discovered a variety of local delicacies, the aroma of lamb soup wafting through the air and stirring their appetites.

With a bold gesture, Su Waning chose a stall crowded with elders and locals and sat down.

“Today’s my treat—order whatever you like!”

With her generous offer, the group eagerly perused the menu. When the lamb soup was served, they tasted it and expressions of amazement appeared on their faces.

“This is incredible—better than the biggest lamb soup restaurant in the capital.”

“This is so delicious—oh, it’s hot!”

Though his tongue was scalded, he couldn’t resist gulping down another spoonful, making those nearby laugh.

After the soup, everyone felt warm and cozy, and continued to wander through the market, buying many local specialties along the way.

Meanwhile, Tian Boyu had finished shopping for ingredients. After stowing them in the car, he returned to help Su Waning carry her snacks.

[Little Tian is so considerate.]

[But why does he only help Su Waning?]