187: "Holy as Buddha"

After Lu Chuan showed his face, he returned to the kitchen.

Without He Jingrui's help, he had to handle all the miscellaneous tasks unrelated to cooking himself, making the work significantly harder.

Although Ding Xinyang had offered to help more than once, Lu Chuan would never agree.

In his opinion, it was perfectly fine for friends to help each other out normally.

But as soon as they stood in front of the stall or entered the shop, their identity would automatically switch to that of his diners.

As diners, they should rightfully sit at the table, quietly waiting for him to serve delicious dishes, rather than being bothered by chores that might affect their enjoyment of the food.

After meticulously washing his hands three times, Lu Chuan softly said:

"Mind Bug ability, full power activated."

The moment his words fell, the countless chaotic thoughts that had been swirling in his mind were instantly smoothed out.

And the anxiety he had felt, constantly on edge and worried about that ghostly thing appearing at any moment, also calmed down.

Lu Chuan named this state "Holy as Buddha," a clever use of the Mind Bug's ability to grasp the inner voices of ingredients.

The specific method involved treating himself as an ingredient, allowing the Mind Bug to eliminate his own 雜念 according to preset instructions, thereby allowing him to wholeheartedly devote himself to the art of cooking.

The advantage was that in this state, cooking efficiency would be greatly improved, and the dishes prepared would reach a state of perfection.

However, the disadvantage was that Lu Chuan would no longer perceive anything outside of cooking.

Even if that ghostly thing suddenly appeared behind him, he would be completely unaware.

As the saying goes, a gentleman does not stand under a crumbling wall.

Although Lu Chuan hadn't read many books, he understood similar principles.

Yet, he still chose to activate this state, largely out of necessity.

This mission was different from previous ones; all dishes were made to order. Without help, to ensure customers were satisfied, comfortable, and utterly enchanted, thereby harvesting enough appetite coins to meet the implicit condition for completing the mission, he had no choice but to find ways to increase cooking efficiency.

Fortunately, he wasn't without someone to rely on.

"A Chuan, I will protect you!"

Lu Chuan would never forget He Jingrui's expression when he said those words; he would remember it for a lifetime.

He believed that as long as He Jingrui still had a breath in him, that ghostly thing would absolutely not be able to get close to him.

Given that, why wouldn't he entrust his back to He Jingrui?

With his mind cleared, in the "Holy as Buddha" state, Lu Chuan was like someone with a speed hack, his hand movements incredibly fast.

From slicing ingredients to carving garnishes, then to stir-frying in the wok and stewing in water, it was comparable to an automated production line controlled by a super AI.

A row of eight stoves was operating at full power every moment, without a single pause.

"Stir-fried Pork Kidney! Done!"

"Crystal Dumplings! Done!"

"Beef and Dried Tofu Skin with Tomato Pot! Done!"

"Dongpo Pork! Done!"

"Sweet and Sour Pork Ribs! Done!"

"Crystal Pork Hock! Done!"

"...Done!"

"...Done!"

"...Done!"

The customers didn't have to wait too long, as dishes were served one after another.

Lu Chuan, who had recovered from the "Holy as Buddha" state, though a little pale, still stood tall and straight, a gentle smile on his face. After saying "Please enjoy," he retreated back into the kitchen, leaving the stage to the customers.

Three round tables were arranged in the center of the restaurant, with twenty-four customers seated around them.

The old-fashioned ceiling fan whirred, its blades stirring the warm air, yet it couldn't disperse the rising steam from the dishes on the tables.

The Dongpo Pork quivered in its porcelain plate with amber sauce, a rich savory aroma emanating from its glistening texture.

The steamed fish, draped in silver scales, had flesh as smooth as jade beneath the scallions and ginger, a drop of broth suspended in its eye, as if about to fall into the plate.

The clay pot stew bubbled, a white mist carrying the rich aroma of mushrooms and bone marrow, intertwining with the smoky scent of stir-fried seafood and the sweet and sour tang of spareribs in the air.

The aromas of the dishes intertwined and mingled, yet one could still clearly distinguish their individual origins.

The customers' actions varied, but the shock on their faces was remarkably consistent.

Some held their chopsticks suspended in mid-air, their fingertips slightly warmed by the rising steam.

Some's conversations faded, their throats swallowing more urgently.

Some's lip-licking motions blurred in the mist, their eyes reflecting the shimmering, oily feast.

At this moment, the colleague who had joked with Ding Xinyang earlier, his Adam's apple bobbing, had his gaze fixed on a dish in front of him—the Dongpo Pork.

Under the light, the thick sauce tightly enveloped the meat, shimmering with an alluring luster.

Steam rose gently, intertwining with the air currents stirred by the fan, and a rich aroma wafted towards him.

Then, it subtly permeated his nasal cavity, rich and deep, its mellow flavor reaching the deepest taste bud memories in his heart.

He gently twitched his nose to discern, recognizing the unique scent of wine, soy sauce, and meat perfectly fused.

Gulp.

After an irresistible swallow, his chopsticks had already reached for the plate.

Gently picking up a piece of Dongpo Pork, its soft and glutinous texture was clearly transmitted to his hand.

He carefully placed the trembling meat into his mouth.

Instantly, the rich flavor spread across his tongue, like ignited fireworks, blooming with brilliant tastes in his mouth.

The savory taste of the meat was truly just right; every fiber of the meat was saturated with the rich sauce.

With a gentle bite, the fatty part melted in his mouth, while the lean part was tender and juicy, with a satisfying chew, each bite allowing him to feel the deliciousness of the meat bursting in his mouth.

The fan continued to whir, and in this steaming, fragrant restaurant, no one spoke anymore, all immersed in the ultimate culinary experience before them.

Outside the shop, in the darkness.

A figure crouched on a low wall, appearing silently.

Watching the lively scene inside the shop, its eerie vertical pupils flickered with cold light.

Its patience was truly running out.

At the same time.

On the second floor of the shop.

He Jingrui's body instantly tensed, but then immediately relaxed.

He knew it wasn't time yet, and his eyes closed again, concealing the deep battle intent within them.

Currently, the enemy was strong and he was weak; a direct confrontation had little chance of success.

But with both sides hidden in the dark, superficial strength was no longer the decisive factor.

Who would become the hunter and who would fall as prey, was more a test of patience.

And, killing intent.