The morning was indeed lively, with a letter reminding Zhao Lun that the holiday was drawing to a close, evoking a sense of urgency within him.
Time, as always, slips away unbidden. The holiday passed in the blink of an eye, and now, reflecting upon it, he felt a sense of emptiness.
Yesterday is gone, best to seize the present. With this thought, Zhao Lun gathered his thoughts, his spirit sharpened once more, and he stretched his body, feeling the rare pleasure of movement.
His body had grown rapidly lately. Before the holiday, he had already reached a height of 1.6 meters, and now, he had grown to 1.65 meters—his height had increased significantly during the break.
Looking around the school, he was now head and shoulders above most, and many of his classmates had to look up slightly to speak to him.
"I wonder what their reaction will be this time?"
Thinking of his little friends craning their necks to talk to him, Zhao Lun couldn't help but smile, feeling a curious anticipation.
After some exercise, his energy and spirit aligned, putting him in the best of moods and increasing his excitement for the day ahead.
After breakfast, everyone packed their things, brought gifts, and set out for Angela's house.
July's heat was fierce, and now it was August. Stepping out of the cool shade of the Xiangshan area, the heat outside felt like a steaming furnace.
"How much longer, Sister Angela?"
Maria, who insisted on walking to Angela's house, was already drenched in sweat halfway through the journey, with her clothes clinging uncomfortably to her skin.
"Don't worry, we're almost there, Maria."
"But you've said that many times already."
Having endured the intense heat through hard training, Angela, Nicole, and Monica walked down from Xiangshan without breaking a sweat, looking fresh and cool, which made Maria envious. Now, she just wanted to quickly finish this walk.
"We're really close now, look, there's the community, we're heading there."
Xiangshan was small, and the newly paved road wasn't much of a challenge for them. As they walked, they could see a beautifully landscaped residential area in the distance.
This neighborhood was upscale, with villas surrounded by immaculate greenery, though slightly less pristine than the natural environment of Xiangshan. As they entered, a refreshing breeze swept over them, immediately alleviating the heat.
Everyone's spirits lifted, and their steps grew lighter as they quickly arrived at Angela's home.
"Ah Zhi!"
A middle-aged woman waved to them from afar.
"Mom!"
Angela responded cheerfully, her movements so youthful that Zhao Lun and the others found it quite charming and couldn't help but watch in fascination.
"What are you staring at? Let's go!"
Angela, embarrassed by the attention, lightly scolded them and quickened her pace.
Angela was of Chinese descent, with the surname Zhao. The name "Angela" was used abroad, but back in Hong Kong, familiar acquaintances greeted her by her Chinese name. At home, her parents also addressed her in the traditional Chinese manner.
Standing next to Zhao's mother was Zhao's father, who appeared much calmer. Upon seeing them, he immediately came over to greet them, though his manner was less effusive than his wife's.
"You must be the Alan that Ah Zhi mentioned."
"Yes, Auntie, my name is Zhao Lun, you can call me Alan, or Zhao Lun."
"Heh, young man, looking good! We share the Zhao surname; perhaps we were family five hundred years ago! And this must be your little sister Maria—she's adorable…"
"You shouldn't have brought gifts! What's the old man standing there for? Shouldn't he be helping the guests with their things?"
"No, Auntie, we can carry them ourselves."
"Of course not! You're all stars! We can't let you carry anything!"
Zhao's mother insisted on helping them inside, warmly welcoming them.
Zhao Lun, though pleased, couldn't shake the strange feeling from her gaze—what was that look? It felt as though she was looking at a son-in-law.
A son-in-law? That couldn't be right! Not only was age a concern, but this was also their first meeting—how could such a thought cross her mind? He must have been mistaken! Yes, it was probably just his imagination!
Zhao Lun's mind wandered in confusion.
What pleased him, however, was how warmly they treated Maria—genuine warmth that made her feel at ease and welcome.
Nicole and the others also hit it off well.
Before evening came, they left Zhao's home and returned to the mansion.
"Angela, your mom is so hospitable!"
"Do all Chinese people have such warmth? I think I'll always remember this."
This was their first time visiting Angela's family, and they left with a deep impression of their heartfelt hospitality.
Hong Kong, with its advantageous geographical location, harbor, airport, and favorable policies, had become the world's largest international trade metropolis. The prosperity of its commerce could only be truly appreciated by those who had experienced it firsthand.
This time, with bodyguards leading the way, they sat in a car heading for the Chef King competition venue. Along the way, they had another close look at the bustling metropolis.
"Beneath the glamour, there's turmoil."
As they passed through, the people they saw weren't as proud as one would expect from a city of such stature. Most people hurried along with urgent steps.
The changes at the top had directly affected the common people, and with certain forces at play, the entire city seemed to be on edge.
"Sigh, the environment is getting worse."
The women expressed their regret, feeling that they couldn't experience the best side of this grand city up close.
"Don't worry too much, things won't affect us."
This trip was meant to be a reprieve, and Zhao Lun didn't want their mood to be dampened, so he tried his best to reassure them.
The car soon arrived at the competition venue.
"There are so many people!"
Before they even entered the venue, they were stunned by the overwhelming crowd. The cooking competition had drawn such a large audience!
Their arrival caught everyone's attention. As Zhao Lun and the others got out of the car, eyes lit up, and a loud cheer erupted as people surged toward them.
"Block them!"
"Don't let them through!"
"Hurry! Call for reinforcements!"
Security quickly took control of the situation, preventing the excited crowd from overwhelming them, and they were finally able to enter.
"Hey! How did they get in?"
"That's unfair!"
Some people, displeased by the sight, shouted from the crowd, trying to incite a disturbance.
"Idiots! They have an invitation! And they're contestants—of course, they're allowed in!"
Someone with more knowledge immediately explained.
"So they're not only talented but also versatile? No wonder they're goddesses!"
"These are the real goddesses in my heart!"
"From now on, they're mine!"
"Get lost! Don't sully the image of my goddess!"
The crowd, thrilled to meet their "goddesses," erupted in passionate discussion about their newfound idols.
Meanwhile, the unaware goddesses entered the competition venue and began preparing.