Chapter 177

Jessie was the first to notice the aroma. "What is that? It smells incredible," she said, her eyes widening. Cynthia emerged from her tent, having contributed little to the day's activities beyond eating and napping.

Jonathan, who had carefully tended the simmering stew, never leaving his post by the stove, had gone from being the center of attention to working alone. Cynthia felt a strange mix of emotions. She'd suggested chicken cacciatore to tease Jonathan, but he'd gone ahead and made it, spending hours on the dish. She wondered, "What was he trying to prove?"

The mouthwatering aroma drew everyone outside. A crowd gathered around Jonathan's stove. "Jonathan, you're sharing this chicken cacciatore, right?" Cynthia said playfully, affecting a coy demeanor.

Ethan, standing nearby, was stunned. "Cynthia, Jonathan added seafood. I thought you were allergic."

Cynthia was also surprised. "Jessie, are you really allergic to seafood? You ate so much yesterday. Are you okay now?"

Jessie replied, "I'm not allergic to all seafood, just shrimp." Jonathan, having heard this, glanced at Jessie and said, "Jessie, there's definitely shrimp in here; be cautious."

Jessie, despite her slim appearance, had a surprisingly large appetite. With a serious expression, she produced a blister pack of pills from her track pants pocket. "Jonathan, don't worry about me, I brought allergy medicine."

Jessie stared longingly at the pot. "I'll take it with the allergy medicine; I promise it won't kill me." Jonathan was speechless.

The live chat buzzed:

[Who even brings allergy meds to a reality show? Cynthia is really going all out for just a bite.] [The ice queen image is shattered; she’s just a food lover.] [Not just a foodie, more like a glutton. I think Jonathan’s worried she’ll eat it all by herself.]

Jonathan finally lifted the lid, releasing a rich, exotic fragrance that filled the air like a burst of invisible fireworks. Everyone inhaled sharply.

Alex smirked. "It's a real treat indeed." Nina stood beside him, her gaze fixed on Jonathan's back. She'd never known he could make this dish. A pang of something struck her heart.

Ethan complimented sincerely, "I've had the real thing abroad, but it never smelled this good."

Jessie was already searching. "Where's my fork?"

Abby, who had been staying in her tent, was drawn out by the aroma. Even she, who rarely had a large appetite, was tempted.

Cynthia wasn't usually a foodie, but Jonathan had spoiled her palate.

Because the pot was too hot to handle, Cynthia said, "I'll go get some banana leaves." She quickly gathered a few leaves, used them as makeshift oven mitts, and returned to the group. "I'll take care of this; you guys clear the table."

The crowd dispersed. Some began tidying the long table (provided by the show for the beach barbecue), while others gathered bowls and forks, eagerly awaiting the feast.

Cynthia carried the pot toward the table. Alex and Preston had thoroughly cleaned it.

Nina had returned to her tent. Alex noticed her and approached, moving out of the camera's view. A sly grin appeared on his lips. "Such tasty food, Nina. Aren't you tempted to try it?"

Nina had absolutely no appetite. She'd joined the show with high hopes, but each day challenged her expectations. "Alex, I'd like to be alone." During the day, she'd acted as if she and Alex were a couple—all for Jonathan to see. He seemed unconcerned; today, he was entirely focused on his chicken cacciatore.

Since the show began, Nina felt Jonathan had changed. Alex didn't leave; instead, he stood beside her. "I know you're feeling down, but I can cheer you up a bit."

Nina looked at Alex, puzzled. "What do you mean?"

Nina's expression changed. At first, she was confused, then understanding dawned. "Alex, what did you do?"

Alex said meaningfully, "Since you don't want to eat that stew, how about no one else eats it either? What do you think?"

Alex crossed his arms. His seductive eyes made him seem like a charming rogue. He raised an eyebrow. "I just want to handle it for you, babe."

The casual "babe" made Nina frown. Then, something occurred to her, and she quickly turned her head toward Cynthia.

Cynthia was setting the pot on the table. As soon as it touched the surface, there was a loud crash as the table collapsed.

The pot fell onto the sand. Small stones under the table caused the bottom to crack, spilling the food and sauce everywhere.

A sharp scream pierced the air, drawing everyone's attention. Jonathan, a few meters behind Cynthia, dashed toward her.

Preston was also nearby but slower. Cynthia was already in Jonathan's arms.

Jonathan held Cynthia as he ran toward the beach, his face tense with concern. "Where did it burn you? Tell me, now."

"Jonathan, put me down!" Cynthia pounded his shoulder. He didn't. Soon, they reached the beach.

Jonathan knelt, supporting Cynthia. He then dipped her legs into the seawater.

Cynthia was burned; her feet were red. The cold water brought relief, but their position was quite intimate.