36: Quiet Little Shop, Delicious Fried Rice

Inside the bustling noodle shop.

A waitress wearing a light purple qipao gracefully approached and asked.

"Sir, are you alone?"

Han Fei nodded, "Yes. Do you have a window seat?"

The waitress smiled and replied, "We do. Please follow me, sir."

She led Han Fei to a spot near the window on the second floor, where the lighting was perfect, and outside, there was a bustling flow of people and the vibrant city scenery.

After Han Fei sat down, his finger traced the exquisite menu in front of him.

Its cover was a pale dark green, and the gilded lettering exuded a subtle luxury.

Opening the pages, the names and pictures of various noodle dishes leaped out, each one appearing incredibly tempting, making Han Fei feel as if he could smell their distinct aromas.

Many of them were strange combinations he had never seen on Blue Star, sparking his curiosity while also making him feel a slight sense of unfamiliarity.

After some consideration, he still chose the familiar specialty, Wanza Noodles.

Before long, the waitress returned with a smile, carefully bringing the bowl of noodles.

On the steaming hot noodles, the emerald green of the peas and the reddish-brown of the minced meat intertwined, forming a richly colored tableau.

The first bite instantly awakened the memory of his taste buds; every noodle strand was saturated with rich broth, leaving an endless aftertaste.

Of course, this delicious meal was not cheap, but it was nothing to Han Fei; the savings in his bank card were enough for him to live lavishly for a long time.

After eating his fill, Han Fei walked out of the noodle shop, just as Liu Yueer finished her part-time job.

Her distinctive twin ponytails were very noticeable, and Han Fei spotted her immediately at the entrance.

After Han Fei called out, Liu Yueer walked over smiling and asked, "Did you eat enough? How did you like the taste?"

Han Fei unhesitatingly gave a thumbs up, praising it endlessly, "It was excellent, absolutely the best noodles I have ever eaten!"

Of course, purely in terms of taste, it still couldn't compare to the magic cake.

"Where should we go to chat now?"

Han Fei looked around the ancient street, bustling with pedestrians.

Obviously, this was not the place for a conversation.

"Let's talk at my shop," Liu Yueer said with a smile.

"Your shop? You opened a shop?" Han Fei was stunned; this was the first he had heard of it.

"It hasn't been open for long."

Liu Yueer nodded slightly, her smile carrying a hint of pride, as if she were sharing a secret.

"That's incredible, opening a shop in your third year of university—you're miles ahead of your peers," Han Fei praised with a laugh.

Liu Yueer smiled humbly, then led Han Fei across the bustling East Street and turned into a corner that seemed forgotten by time.

It was quiet and low-key here, with few pedestrians; only occasionally would one or two passersby hurry past, adding a touch of tranquil mystery.

Han Fei arrived at the shop entrance, which was an inconspicuous small door.

A wooden plaque hung above the doorway, engraved with four characters: 'Quiet Day Shop'.

Looking at everything, Han Fei felt a mix of emotions, unsure how to evaluate the place.

Opening a restaurant in this location would likely make it very difficult to earn money.

With this thought in mind, Han Fei followed Liu Yueer and stepped inside the shop.

As soon as the lights turned on, Han Fei was instantly stunned by the sight before him.

Although the storefront was not large, every inch of space had a unique design.

Exquisite folding screens resembled flowing ink paintings.

Gentle wooden tables and chairs, their grain like the verses of time, told quiet stories.

The ancient decorations hanging on the wall, though simple, exuded an elegant charm, all demonstrating the owner's extreme pursuit of detail.

This small space, though compact, was by no means cramped; instead, this meticulous refinement made it appear unique and captivating.

"Don't just stand there, please sit down," Liu Yang said with a smile.

Han Fei sat on a wooden chair, looked around, and couldn't help but exclaim, "Your shop really has character. I didn't expect it to look like this."

Liu Yueer smiled radiantly.

While skillfully brewing tea at the counter, she softly said, "I've always believed that the flavor of food isn't just about the ingredients, but also the environment.

I wanted to create a little haven where people could relax and fully enjoy a feast for their taste buds."

"I think you succeeded. This is definitely a place where one can relax."

Han Fei's gaze slowly drifted toward the window; the outline of the Tianhe River could be faintly seen in the distance.

The river water flowed murmuringly, like a distant poem, remote and mysterious, forming a stark contrast with the clamor of the city.

Just outside the nearby window, however, was a scene of tranquility.

Suddenly, a gentle breeze rustled the leaves, stirring up chirping insects, like nature's symphony, winding softly through the quiet night, adding a touch of vitality to this peaceful corner.

Liu Yueer gracefully walked away from the counter, holding a cup of steaming hot tea.

The fragrance was striking—it was the aroma of gardenia blossoms, fresh yet intoxicating.

"This is my shop's specialty Gardenia Tea. Try it and see what you think."

Han Fei took the cup and gently took a sip.

The tea was rich and mellow, and the unique floral scent instantly spread, seeming to wash away the dust of the soul, making one feel warm from the bottom of their heart.

He couldn't help but genuinely praise it, "This is excellent tea; the flavor is really good."

Setting down the teacup, Han Fei looked at Liu Yueer and asked, "I'm a little curious why you chose this location to open your shop. It's so out of the way, and there are hardly any people here."

Liu Yueer put down her teacup, looked out at the quiet, cold street, her gaze distant.

"When I was little, my older brother and I lived here with our mother for a while."

Liu Yueer's voice carried a hint of nostalgia.

"She said the tranquility here possesses an ineffable beauty, just like this Gardenia Tea—it might seem unassuming, but it allows people to find peace of mind. So when I decided to open a shop, I chose this place without hesitation, hoping that everyone who walks in can feel that sense of calm."

"Oh," Han Fei nodded thoughtfully.

If he remembered correctly, Liu Yueer's mother had studied Culinary Arts at Third Hunter University back then.

"Did your mother also open a shop here back then?"

Liu Yueer smiled slightly, a gentle light flickering in her eyes.

"Yes, she used to have a small pastry shop here.

She was always busy back then, working for over ten hours every day, but a happy smile was always on her face."

"When I asked her why she was so busy yet still so happy, she said that seeing the satisfied expressions of customers when they tasted her pastries was her greatest happiness."

Han Fei said with slight emotion, "Your mother's pastries must have been delicious."

"They weren't just ordinarily delicious! If you had tasted them, you would know—that flavor is something you'd never forget!" Liu Yueer nodded with a smile, her voice carrying a touch of pride.

Han Fei chuckled, thinking, "No matter how delicious they are, could they be better than magic cake?"

That flavor truly is unforgettable for a lifetime.

Han Fei suddenly noticed the menu nearby and asked with a hint of expectation, "Could I take a look at your shop's menu?"

"Mhm, sure," Liu Yueer readily nodded and handed the pink-covered menu to Han Fei.

Han Fei opened the menu and browsed the exquisite dishes listed one by one.

Even though he had already eaten his fill, he still felt his appetite surge, making him want to try something.

The dazzling array of dishes on the menu resembled a vibrant culinary scroll, from the delicate and prolonged noodle series to the brightly colored fried rice and rice bowl combinations, then to the multicolored stir-fries, and finally to the rich and mellow dry pot delicacies—everything was overwhelming and spectacular.

Soon, one picture captured Han Fei's attention.

It was a photo of fried rice, where the golden yellow of the rice grains intertwined with the reddish-brown of the minced meat, resembling a meticulous culinary oil painting.

The moment it entered Han Fei's sight, it firmly attracted his gaze like a magnet.

He couldn't suppress his longing for this dish; he felt the gluttonous worms in his stomach squirming, and saliva almost flowed uncontrollably.

Alongside the picture was a brief yet vivid text description.

Though only a few words, they were concise and precise, accurately outlining the unique charm of this fried rice.

A blend of sweet and savory flavors, concentrated essence of meat, rich and delicious juices, stir-fried with mellow and fragrant meat sauce.

This text, combined with the image, actually gave Han Fei the illusion that he had already tasted the dish.

He quickly realized that this exquisite menu in front of him might very well be a magical item!

Its effect was that upon viewing the menu, one would experience the illusion of tasting the food.

Seeing Han Fei's stunned expression, Liu Yueer covered her mouth and giggled, "You noticed?"

"This thing isn't cheap, is it?" Han Fei nodded.

Any magical item is worth over a hundred thousand.

For Liu Yueer, a regular university student, owning her own restaurant was already impressive, but to also have such a magical item as a menu truly surprised Han Fei.

"My mother gave this to me,"

Liu Yueer gently stroked the menu, which bore the marks of time, her eyes holding a faint warmth, as if she were gazing at a deep maternal love or recalling the cherished moments spent with her mother.

"After she learned I opened a shop here, she sent this menu to help me out."

"It seems your mother has high hopes for you."

Han Fei smiled slightly, thinking that an ordinary family wouldn't dare casually entrust a magical item to a university student; it seemed Liu Yueer's family background was not simple.

His gaze returned to the fried rice picture.

The more Han Fei looked, the hungrier he became.

He licked his lips and asked Liu Yueer, "I assume you're open for business now? Can I order something?"

"Uh, didn't you just finish a bowl of noodles?" Liu Yueer was slightly taken aback.

"Seeing these pictures of yours, I think I can manage another meal," Han Fei said with a grin.

Hearing Han Fei say this, Liu Yueer smiled sincerely.

For a chef, the greatest happiness comes from the customer's approval.

"What would you like to eat? Everything on the menu can be ordered.

As a friendly reminder, since you are the first customer today, I will also give you a complimentary gourmet snack," Liu Yueer said, giving a playful wink.

Han Fei pointed at the fried rice picture on the menu and said, "I'd like to order a serving of Meat Sauce and Egg Fragrant Fried Rice."

"Alright, please wait a moment. It will be ready soon."

After a light laugh, Liu Yueer turned and walked into the kitchen, her figure swaying gracefully in the light and shadow.

Soon, Han Fei heard the crisp sounds of a spatula clashing against the iron wok, and the tempting aroma released by the ingredients under high heat instantly permeated the entire room.

This made Han Fei recall some moments from his previous life.

Back then, he was in a large city filled with skyscrapers and surging crowds, yet he could only accompany himself with bowls of self-fried rice day after day in a cramped rental room, just to fill his stomach and save his meager money.

After his Transmigration to this world, he had never fried rice again; he almost always ordered takeout.

After all, he had earned a lot of money using his Cheat, so he could afford luxury meals every day.

"I suddenly miss the old days," Han Fei rubbed his fingers, feeling an urge to cook.

"Should I ask to borrow her kitchen later and make a pot of fried rice? And test the effect of Magical Culinary Arts while I'm at it?"

The more Han Fei thought about it, the more tempted he became.

The kitchen was available here, and he had a taste tester, so he could definitely try out Magical Culinary Arts.

"If I only use it once or twice, there shouldn't be any bad luck, right?"

Just as Han Fei was pondering, Liu Yueer walked out of the kitchen.

She had changed into a simple cook's outfit—a light blue cloth dress embroidered with a few small peach blossoms, which perfectly complemented her gentle, jade-like demeanor.

She walked over with light steps, steadily holding a blue-and-white porcelain bowl containing the Meat Sauce and Egg Fragrant Fried Rice.

The golden rice grains were plump, the scattered egg pieces embedded within them like stars, blending with the bright red, appealing meat sauce, emitting waves of mouth-watering aroma.

"Please enjoy," Liu Yueer placed the bowl on the table and made a gesture for him to start.

Han Fei, who hadn't been particularly hungry, immediately felt his stomach rumble the moment he saw this delicious dish.

"Then I won't hold back."

Unable to suppress his craving any longer, he picked up his chopsticks and brought the egg fried rice to his mouth.

When his teeth gently broke the egg membrane, the rice grains and meat sauce inside instantly merged, releasing a captivating complex aroma, as if a magnificent dance of flavors erupted on his tongue.

The deliciousness intensely impacted Han Fei's senses, causing him to forget the passage of time as he chewed bite after bite, completely immersed in the ultimate enjoyment brought by this meal.

A moment later, Liu Yueer placed another plate of food on the table.

"This is the complimentary side dish from the shop."

Han Fei looked at the plate; it was a carefully arranged dish of assorted stir-fried vegetables.

Emerald green spinach, golden corn, bright red carrots... over ten types of vegetables gathered on one plate, colorful and full of life; just looking at it was enough to stimulate the appetite.

"Thank you."

After Han Fei thanked her, he unreservedly put the stir-fried vegetables into his mouth.

The vegetables were crisp and tasty, offering a unique flavor when paired with the fried rice.

Han Fei was completely lost in the deliciousness.

The chopsticks in his hand moved like a fierce storm between the dishes, and in the blink of an eye, both servings of food had been transformed into a mess of empty plates under the dance of his tongue.

He set down his chopsticks contentedly, gently rubbing his slightly distended abdomen—a feeling of comfort and ease after a full meal.

"That was truly delicious!"

This was Han Fei's heartfelt exclamation.

Since coming to this world, he had always stayed in that small place, Jiangnan City.

Although he had eaten many high-value delicacies, none could compare to the Meat Sauce and Egg Fragrant Fried Rice personally prepared by Liu Yueer.