The Gentleman Always Loiters in His Widower Husband's Kitchen

[Transmigrated-into-a-book widowed husband, chef bottom x aloof scholar, big eater top] Shi Xun, an inheritor of intangible cultural heritage cuisine, transmigrated into the body of a widowed husband whom everyone despised and believed to bring misfortune to his spouse. Everyone wanted him dead, even demanding that he remain chaste and die for his lost husband. If he was going to be in trouble either way, Shi Xun decided that running away was the best of the thirty-six strategies. So off he went. Later, a talented cook arrived at the renowned Qingluo Academy. He fed the academy's scholars until they were all round and well-fed. Even Cui Zhibai, the aloof beauty of the academy, lined up in front of Shi Xun every day as soon as mealtime came around. Shi Xun found the handsome scholar who always showed up first pleasing to the eye and a feast for the senses. His hand no longer shook as he served the food, and he scooped up a generous portion, placing it firmly in the bowl. Cui Zhibai took his overflowing bowl and sat down, drawing envious looks from his classmates. "How come you always get the most?" Cui Zhibai answered calmly, "I got here first." His classmate protested, "Why do you get to come to the dining hall first?" Without looking up from his meal, Cui Zhibai replied, "I finish my assignments the fastest." His classmate clutched his chest. There was no competing with that. Everyone thought Cui Zhibai just loved the delicious food Shi Xun cooked. Only Cui Zhibai knew that he wanted to be the first to see Shi Xun. They say a widowed husband's home is always full of gossip. But on the day Cui Zhibai, the only top scholar in the Great Qian Dynasty to achieve six consecutive first-place examination results, rode through the streets in celebration, he caught a flower tossed by a widowed husband. Theme: Hard times cannot defeat those who love life.