Chapter Thirty-Two: Tanya

Twelve o’clock noon marked the peak of the lunchtime rush. The streets bustled with streams of people coming and going.

Tanya carried a pink backpack, held up a selfie stick, and wore headphones as she walked along, introducing the surroundings to her “Tooth Fans” in the livestream.

She was a food streamer—and a true foodie at heart. In the public’s imagination, female streamers were usually graced with exquisite features and enviable figures. Tanya, however, was not one of them. Her looks were far from glamorous, merely pleasant and easy on the eyes, with a few tiny freckles on her cheeks that lent her an air of innocent sweetness. Her figure was on the plumper side, and she wore glasses for her nearsightedness. After walking just a few steps, she’d habitually dab her forehead with a wet wipe, unconcerned about ruining her makeup.

As a result, her audience consisted of genuine food lovers rather than viewers who were only there for eye candy. This also meant her livestream rarely gained traction, always languishing in obscurity. Fortunately, Tanya was self-aware and had a clear sense of her own position: her goal was simply to discover and share good food. Nothing more.

“Where’s Tanya now? There are so many cherry blossom trees nearby,” someone asked in the chat.

“She’s clearly in Cherry Blossom District—there’s no place in Canglan City with more cherry trees,” another replied.

“Cherry Blossom District? Wait, isn’t Imperial Court Restaurant there?” someone exclaimed.

“Is Tanya headed to Imperial Court?”

“I heard Imperial Court has a new head chef—maybe that’s why she’s going.”

“No way, it’s past twelve already. Everyone knows there’s never a seat at Imperial Court by now.”

“Tanya, are you going to Imperial Court?”

Tanya read the flurry of questions and shook her head with a helpless smile. “That place has become a gathering spot for all the top food streamers lately—everyone wants to be the first to review the new chef’s creations. I’m just a small-time streamer. There’s no need for me to join the crowd.”

“Tanya, you’ll always be a top streamer to us!”

“Exactly. Most of those so-called big streamers are just chasing views. It’s rare to find someone like you who genuinely recommends good food to followers.”

“Be confident—you’re the best (and the chubbiest)!”

Tanya couldn’t help but laugh at the chat’s banter, her spirits lifting. She told herself she didn’t mind, but deep down, there was still a trace of disappointment. Who wouldn’t want to be a streamer with millions of fans?

But her looks didn’t permit it; she had long accepted her fate.

“Although we can’t go to Imperial Court today, our theme is ‘exploring hidden culinary gems’…” Tanya took a deep breath, about to continue, when her nose suddenly tingled. She quickly pulled out a tissue and sneezed into it.

“Tanya’s rhinitis is acting up again.”

“Same here—my nose always gets stuffy when I pass construction sites.”

“There’s too much dust on construction sites—not friendly to people with allergies.”

“Tell me about it. When my rhinitis flares up, even breathing is a struggle.”

Tanya’s rhinitis was no secret; her audience understood, filling the chat with kind words and reminders, creating a warm, supportive atmosphere.

She didn’t dwell on it, instead jogging away from the construction zone. When she reappeared on camera, she was standing at the entrance of an old, narrow street.

The street was crowded, the faces revealing most were construction workers, while the rest were local residents—save for the occasional white-collar worker in uniform, perhaps seeking convenience.

“Last night, while browsing the food forum, I stumbled across a post saying there’s a place here called ‘Blazing Kitchen’ that’s supposed to be pretty good. So I came to check it out. How good is it? We’ll find out together soon enough.”

Tanya scanned the street, quickly spotting a bustling restaurant on the right, its large sign proudly displaying the name “Blazing Kitchen.”

“Never underestimate little eateries tucked away in city alleys. You never know where you’ll find hidden culinary treasures.”

“This place looks so shabby. I doubt there’s anything good—be careful,” someone wrote.

“Make sure to sterilize your utensils with boiling water! Every time I’ve eaten at dives like this, I end up with a stomach ache.”

“Wait, isn’t this where I used to live? Trust me, Tanya, there’s nothing good here. That Blazing Kitchen used to sell buns but switched to this because they couldn’t make it—hardly professional.”

“I bet that post on the forum was written by the owners themselves.”

“It can’t be that bad—look, the place is packed.”

“That’s just because it’s cheap!”

“Obviously, how expensive could a place like this be…”

Tanya forced a wry smile. She hadn’t even tasted the food yet, and already the chat was full of skepticism. If the food turned out to be mediocre, today’s stream would be just another unremarkable episode.

That’s the reality of livestreaming: viewers only care about content that interests them. If it doesn’t, they’re quick to reject it, and if there’s no twist or surprise, disappointment follows—and unfollows are inevitable.

“Let’s hope the food’s good,” Tanya cheered herself up and walked into Blazing Kitchen. A server came over at once.

“How many in your party?”

“Just me.”

“Here’s the menu. Take a look and call me when you’re ready,” the server said, not particularly enthusiastic, before hurrying off to tend to other guests.

“So many people,” Tanya noted, unfazed, as she panned her phone across the restaurant.

The eatery occupied three adjoining storefronts that had been knocked through to create one open space. There were over a dozen tables inside, plus two private rooms, one of which was occupied. The other’s door seemed broken and was being repaired.

Several tables had been set up on the sidewalk outside, and Tanya chose one near the street—quiet and with a good view for filming.

“What do you guys want to eat?” Tanya asked, holding up the menu for the chat. This was a tried-and-true way to interact with viewers.

“The dishes all look ordinary—just typical home-style fare.”

“Huh, this place doubles as a night market stall?”

“Of course. Quick lunch during the day, late-night snacks at night. That’s how it works.”

“Jack of all trades, master of none.”

“I don’t feel like ordering anything…”

“Tanya, just pick whatever you like.”

The audience’s interest was lukewarm at best, so Tanya called the server over.

“Excuse me, do you have any signature dishes?”

“Signature dishes? There are plenty!” the server replied, puffing up with pride.

“Like what?”

“Well, mapo tofu, shredded beef with pickled chili, poached pork in chili oil, braised crucian carp… plenty to choose from,” the server said, growing a little impatient. “Just pick something.”

Tanya was momentarily speechless.

Sensing her hesitation, the server patted his chest and assured her, “Don’t worry, it’s all good. Our head chef is the best on this street—no question. His food’s even better than what you’d find in a three-star hotel!”

“Really?” Tanya’s eyes lit up, her curiosity piqued.

(To be continued…)