Seventeen Again: The Sweet Life with My Family

Chapter 62: Rejection

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

However, what surprised Wen Nian the most was that Xu Chang wanted her to be the female lead. In her previous life, Xu Chang had hired an amateur. That girl was a college student and was even a top student.

Although the film became popular, that girl still did not have any intention to enter the entertainment industry. Later, Wen Nian heard that she had gone overseas to study and settled down there. Since then, she had not heard any news about her.

But regardless, Wen Nian had no interest in entering the entertainment industry again in this life. Her only goal was to study and work hard, to provide her parents with a better life, and to see those who had wronged her receive justice.

Wen Nian smiled politely and declined Xu Chang’s offer. “I’m sorry, Director Xu. I am still focused on my studies right now. Getting into a good school is my top priority at the moment.”

Xu Chang had been searching for the perfect actor to play the role of Mu Ci for a year, risking being mistaken for a pervert as he searched the streets of the capital. In his eyes, Wen Nian and his female lead were one and the same.

He wouldn’t give up just like that. “Wen Nian, please think about it carefully. The filming period won’t be very long. We can start by focusing on your scenes first!”

“I will try to complete the filming within two months, so it won’t take up too much of your time!”

Wen Nian shook her head politely and remained firm in her decision. “Director Xu, I believe there must be someone more suitable for the female lead role in your movie. It’s getting late now, and I need to head home. Bai Zheng is backstage, and you can locate him if you go there.”

With that, Wen Nian left and Xu Chang didn’t chase after her. He knew that some things in life couldn’t be accomplished overnight and he was prepared for a long-term battle.

Xu Chang thought for a moment and decided to find Bai Zheng to learn more about Wen Nian’s background and situation.

The next day, which was a Saturday, Wen Nian woke up early and went to the Shen family’s house to help with some cleaning.

As Wen Nian prepared to cook lunch, she glanced at the sizable refrigerator, brimming with food, and exclaimed in surprise, “Shen Jun, did you buy out the entire supermarket?”

Shen Jun entered the kitchen and cast his gaze at the refrigerator, appearing somewhat helpless. “I was concerned that we might run out of ingredients and compromise your cooking, so I purchased a small quantity of everything. I didn’t anticipate buying so much.”

Shen Jun’s situation in life paralleled Wen Nian’s situation in academics. Reflecting on Shen Jun’s usual patient instruction, Wen Nian sensed that she needed to take on the responsibility of imparting some practical knowledge to him.

Wen Nian selected some leafy greens. “There’s a limit to how much frozen food you can consume. Since you don’t cook for yourself, it’s advisable to purchase enough fresh vegetables like these for three days. They won’t stay fresh for long, and it would be a shame to discard them, but consuming them after they’ve spoiled wouldn’t be beneficial either.”

Wen Nian surveyed the meagerly-stocked refrigerator and exclaimed in admiration, “How were you able to haul all of this back by yourself?”

Recalling his uncle whom he had pressed into service after the gala the night before, Shen Jun grinned and replied, “I had a secret helper.”

Wen Nian was surprised that someone as reserved as Shen Jun had a sense of humor. She joined in the banter, quipping, “Well, then I should be considered the othr support. He can help you with the carrying, and I’ll assist with the cooking.”

Wen Nian intended to use up all the groceries as soon as possible to prevent them from being frozen for too long. “I’ll do my best to use them up quickly so that you can eat at home more often. However, after dinner, you must come and lend a hand. This is a major undertaking.”

Shen Jun did not subscribe to such chauvinistic notions and believed that the kitchen was a space for everyone. Therefore, he readily assented to Wen Nian’s request.

With much left to be done, Wen Nian quickly whipped up two bowls of simple beef noodles for lunch. After consuming the meal in haste, they promptly resumed their work.

There was even a pig’s head in the fridge!

Wen Nian took it out and asked, “You like to eat pig heads?”

Upon noticing the sudden appearance of this ingredient in his kitchen, Shen Jun immediately deduced that Zhao Wu must have slipped it in unnoticed. “It’s not a big deal if you’re unfamiliar with handling it,” he remarked.

The braised meat served at Wen Nian’s family’s noodle shop was exceptional. The recipe for this dish could be traced back to Wen’s ancestors who had cooked for the Qing Dynasty Emperor. In fact, this recipe was a secret recipe from the palace!

The note was passed on to Wen Xing, who was not skilled in the culinary arts, but his wife Zhou Mei was an excellent cook. Wen Nian had been exposed to the recipe from a young age and was quite familiar with it.

Upon laying eyes on the pig’s head, Wen Nian had a brilliant idea. “I can make braised beef, pig’s head, and pig’s leg for you. It can last for a while and will be easy to consume. You just need to cook rice every day and retrieve the braised dish you desire for that day to reheat.”

Shen Jun readily agreed to this plan, as it would enable him to save money on eating out and avoid the discomfort that came with it..