It was already approaching the early hours of the morning.
Thud!
Thud!
Two dull thuds echoed inside the restaurant.
Two massive clay pots were effortlessly lifted off the stove.
Ever since he obtained the system and his knife skills were upgraded to the absolute peak, Lin Xiao’s physical strength had not only increased dramatically, but his control over it had also become incredibly precise, allowing him to apply and retract force at will.
He placed one of the clay pots into the second Super Refrigerator.
Fortunately, the space at the bottom of the fridge was exceptionally large; otherwise, it might not have fit.
” These two fridges still aren’t quite enough…
”
” Looks like I need to hurry up and unlock the next recipe.
”
Unlocking a recipe also meant an upgrade for the restaurant.
Not only would the kitchenware and supplies be improved, but even the floor space would undergo a significant expansion.
Just as he was about to put the other clay pot onto the upper shelf of the Super Refrigerator…
Lin Xiao suddenly heard a commotion outside the restaurant.
There were countless footsteps and the sound of people chatting.
Chihu Rock.
At the entrance of Lin’s Chinese Restaurant.
Even though it was already past midnight, it didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the diners at all.
At a glance, there were at least thirty or forty people gathered.
They had all come together by appointment.
Some had made plans with friends.
Some brought their families.
There were even those who brought their girlfriends for a late-night snack.
” Mmm…
This aroma is even richer than before.
It seems the broth is finally ready.
”
” How strange…
Why aren’t they open yet?
Didn’t they say they’d open at midnight?
I’ve been wishing upon the stars and the moon for this!
”
” Such a fragrant broth, what kind of dish is it for?
Boss, are you there?
Boss~”
” Are you still opening tonight?
Everyone is here, you can’t possibly stand us up.
”
The noise outside the restaurant was growing louder, and some people were already shouting impatiently at the door.
Not only that.
At this moment…
In the crowd.
A few elderly men were staring at each other in astonishment.
” Hey!
I remember a certain old geezer saying this kid only knew how to make fried rice.
What’s this about?
Aren’t you curiously running over here in the middle of the night too?
”
” Well…
Hahaha!
Aren’t you all the same?
”
” I just can’t resist the smell coming from his place!
Waiting even one more day feels like torture.
”
” Sigh, you guys are just too stubborn. Follow the newest chapters on g.com.
Just admit you wanted to come and have a taste.
I’m much more straightforward; I’ve been craving his food for a while now!
”
The few old men exchanged glances and burst into hearty laughter.
During the peak hours tonight…
The bosses and head chefs had been tormented by this rich broth.
Even after lying in bed, they were still thinking about that mouthwatering scent.
And so…
At least seven or eight head chefs from Chihu Rock had shown up, all of them highly experienced veteran masters.
At this time.
A young girl and a stern-looking middle-aged man appeared.
” Hahaha!
I knew Dad would be curious about this smell!
To think you tried to sneak out for some good food without telling Xiangling, that’s just too much.
”
The short-haired girl in a cheongsam spoke to Chef Mao with a hint of dissatisfaction.
Beside the girl, there was actually a little yellow bear!
The little bear walked upright on two legs, its whole body fluffy and exceptionally cute.
This little bear was none other than Guoba!
Don’t be fooled by its cute appearance; this little guy was actually the ” God of the Stove” who had helped Liyue Harbor thousands of years ago, also known as the Stove God.
Its culinary skills were nothing short of divine, leaving behind countless legends of exquisite delicacies.
However, in order to help the people of Liyue Harbor live in peace and prosperity, it had ultimately sacrificed its divine power, now possessing only a sliver of its former intellect…
Guoba: ” Gu-gu-gu!!!
”
Guoba also seemed somewhat dissatisfied with Chef Mao’s actions, as if to say, ” Why didn’t you bring Guoba along for the delicious food?
”
” I was just curious…
Ever since I got home today, my mind has been filled with this aroma.
Since I couldn’t sleep anyway, I figured I’d come and take a look…
”
” I wanted to see exactly what kind of delicacy could make everyone still obsess over it even when they came to Wanmin Restaurant!
”
Oh?
The head chefs who had already arrived all turned to look at Chef Mao and Xiangling.
” Whoa!
Well, would you look at that!
It seems the pinnacle of Chihu Rock is also extremely interested in this Lin’s Chinese Restaurant.
”
” Hahaha, I vaguely remember the last time we gathered together like this was to taste the new dish little Xiangling invented.
”
” Eh?
You uncles and grandpas are here too!
”
Xiangling’s face was full of surprise.
At this moment, the most formidable head chefs of Chihu Rock were all gathered at the door.
It seemed everyone had been thinking about this fresh, savory aroma after returning home.
Chihu Rock in the early hours of the morning.
Was surprisingly lively…
***
Lin Xiao opened the front door with a bewildered expression.
*Hiss…*
” It’s open!!
It’s open!!
”
Boss, you finally opened the door!
We thought you were going to stand us up.
”
” Is the broth ready yet?
I’m practically drooling.
”
Lin Xiao looked at the scene before him.
For a moment, he couldn’t even find the words.
He never expected it to be this bustling outside!
His small restaurant could seat at most twenty people.
Right now, there were at least forty or fifty people outside, and more were still arriving.
What exactly was going on with everyone?
The crowd was even more exaggerated than during peak hours.
Xiangling looked at this handsome young man around her age, also somewhat surprised.
This rich and fragrant aroma must be his handiwork…
” No time to hesitate!
”
” There won’t be any seats left!
”
Just then…
Dragging Guoba along, Xiangling rushed straight into Lin Xiao’s restaurant.
He watched as…
A sweet-looking short-haired girl charged towards him.
That cute and playful aura—how could Lin Xiao not be familiar with it?!
And that iconic, ultra-short cheongsam, paired with those long, fair legs—how could Lin Xiao not recognize her?!
Although everyone always felt that Xiangling wasn’t exactly the “seductive” type…
Seeing her in person…
those long, fair legs were certainly eye-catching enough.
” Hehehe~ If we’re too slow, we won’t get a seat!
”
” You must be the boss of Lin’s Chinese Restaurant!
Xiangling will be intruding then!
”
And just like that.
The young girl brushed past Lin Xiao, flashing a sweet smile at him.
She then took Guoba and sat directly inside the restaurant.
Her eyes sparkled as she gazed at the large clay pot nearby, licking her lips…
Evidently, this rich, fragrant smell was coming from that very clay pot.
Xiangling’s actions finally snapped everyone else back to reality.
Startled, Lin Xiao hurriedly opened the front doors completely.
The crowd swarmed in, afraid they wouldn’t be able to grab a seat.
But alas, seating was limited…
Quite a few people were left standing disappointedly at the door.
However!!
” Everyone, don’t panic.
”
” I still have quite a few tables and chairs in the store.
I’ll set them up outside, and everyone can make do for now!
”
Could you believe it?
Even though they were all here as customers to eat, they actually helped Lin Xiao carry the tables and chairs out to sit on…
More than a dozen tables were brought out, completely filling the narrow alleyway.
Several lanterns were hung up.
This scene…
It really gave off the feeling of a festive neighborhood banquet during the New Year…