CH 28

“Dumplings, a traditional delicacy in Huaguo, originated from ancient famous physicians and now can be found in almost every household in the country. These small dumplings have deeply integrated into the daily lives of the people in Huaguo.

Besides being closely associated with customs and sentimental value, the taste of dumplings is naturally exceptional.

Thin dough wraps around savory meat filling, bouncing up and down in boiling water. The snowy-white skin gradually turns transparent, revealing the dark-colored meat inside, while the rising steam brings the delightful aroma of the dumplings to the air.

The plump dumplings are served on a pristine white plate, slightly askew, but that doesn’t diminish their appearance and fragrance.

These are the leftovers from yesterday’s cooking. Though the Three Thousand Food House hasn’t opened yet, Tu Linlin is already on duty. Bai Xianzhi specially prepared two plates of dumplings, serving as lunch for both of them.

“Mmm, delicious! So delicious!!”

The snow-white rabbit ears slightly stand up from the heat, and Tu linlin’s round eyes squint as he eats the dumplings. He is both unable to bear the heat and reluctant to stop eating, so he continues to eat while making “sizzling” sounds.

“Take it easy, you might burn your tongue, and then you won’t taste anything for days.”

Hearing this, Tu Linlin slows down, and after finishing one plate of dumplings, he sighs contentedly, “It’s so tasty! I saw it online yesterday, and it already looked delicious, but eating it today, I realize it’s even better!”

“Online?” Bai Xianzhi seizes on that point.

“Yes, someone posted about eating dumplings at Three Thousand Food House yesterday and even shared pictures. Many people online said they wanted to come and try it too!”

Bai Xianzhi: “…Why do I have a bad feeling about this?”

Half an hour later, his premonition comes true. The number of people coming to Three Thousand Food House has noticeably increased, and the first thing each of them says upon entering is, “I want to eat dumplings!”

Tu Linlin, responsible for welcoming the customers, has to repeat over and over again, “I’m sorry, we’re not selling dumplings right now.”

“I apologize, but we don’t have dumplings on the menu.”

Most of the disappointed customers accept the response and decide to order something else. However, there are always persistent individuals.

“Why won’t you sell them? Is it because you discriminate against me? Clearly, someone had dumplings here yesterday, there are pictures online as proof! Why won’t you sell them to me? Is it because I’m a member of the pigkin race, and you think I don’t deserve to eat?!”

Tu Linlin: “No, it’s not like that. Yesterday, the reason was—”

The agitated pigkin interrupts, “I don’t care about the reasons! Today, I’m going to eat dumplings here, and if you don’t let me, I’ll show my true form right here!”

The other customers’ faces change upon hearing this threat, and they hasten their eating, fearing that the pigkin’s transformation might disturb their meals.

It is well-known that pigkins are a communal race, but due to their peculiar habits, their living environments are often quite difficult to tolerate. Furthermore, pigkins are naturally lazy and consider even cleaning themselves a hassle. Many pigkins go for a year without getting wet, except for a few showers. So, whenever a pigkin shows up, other races tend to steer clear. When pigkins remain in human form, it’s tolerable, but when they show their true form, it can be quite off-putting, especially during mealtime.

The most intense aroma is when they transform into their true form; that’s when they become real “fecal pits.”

At this moment, when the pungent threat comes from this individual “Pigkin”, other customers are eager to leave, and even Tu linlin, facing him, is at a loss.

The strong reaction of the crowd greatly pleases the “Pigkin”, who has successfully employed this tactic in dozens of restaurants. As soon as he reveals his identity and makes a fierce threat to transform, the restaurant immediately meets his demands and respectfully escorts him out. Even if he doesn’t pay, no one dares to say anything!

The “Pigkin” looks very proud as he gazes at the other customers in the restaurant. So what if they take regular baths and don’t smell? They still have to line up and pay obediently here. Though he may have a bit of a stench, it saves him money, and it allows him to enjoy extremely respectful service at every restaurant. He may be looked down upon by these people, but he looks down on them as well!

Hmph, once he receives special treatment from the owner and gets to eat for free, the way these people look at him will change!

“Sir, this is a restaurant—”

“Enough with the nonsense! Get your boss out here!”

“I am the owner of Three Thousand Food House. What can I help you with?”

Bai Xianzhi steps forward, facing the person standing arrogantly in the aisle.

The “Pigkin” raises his head, “So, you’re the boss? I want dumplings. Hurry up and cook a plate for me. Otherwise, I’ll transform, and the entire place will be filled with my scent!”

“Ugh…” Some of the surrounding customers already react with a nauseous expression upon hearing his words. Bai Xianzhi understands and calmly says, “I’m sorry, but this establishment doesn’t have dumplings. Please leave.”

The “Pigkin” gets angry, “No dumplings? Then I’ll transform!” As he says this, the “Pigkin” squeezes his chubby face, revealing a disgusting smile, about to transform. However, Bai Xianzhi swiftly strides forward, covering the distance in just a few steps, and extends his leg to kick the “Pigkin” out of the restaurant before he can transform.

Retracting his leg and dusting it off lightly, Bai Xianzhi remains composed and says to the other customers in the restaurant, “Please continue with your meal.”

He calls Tu linlin into the kitchen and instructs him, “Remember what just happened. He might come back to the restaurant. If you see him outside, call me immediately. Under no circumstances should he be allowed inside.”

Tu linlin nods earnestly, “Alright, boss.” After a pause, he asks, “Is this really the best approach? After all, he is a customer, and won’t this affect our restaurant’s reputation?”

Bai Xianzhi consoles him, “It’s fine. Letting him transform inside our restaurant would truly harm our business.”

“But we could fulfill his request,” Tu linlin whispers.

Bai Xianzhi says seriously, “Tu linlin, let me tell you, compromising with such a rascal will never work. If you give in once, he’ll come back for more. Once you compromise, you’ll only sink deeper into a rascal’s trap.”

“Facing such a rascal, the best approach is a tough stance from the beginning. There’s no need to be reasonable with them; all that matters is that it works!”

Tu linlin ponders, then nods firmly, “Yes! Boss, I understand!”

Meanwhile, in a spatial rift, a man and a woman are flying when suddenly, a plump figure flies past them, emitting a strong stench. After a while, the unpleasant odor reaches their noses, and they speak with displeasure.

“Really foul luck. It’s a ‘Pigkin’!”

“So smelly! How can this ‘Pigkin’ transform in the spatial rift while traveling? If it wasn’t for his speed, I would have beaten him up!”

“Speaking of which, do ‘Pigkin’ have such fast speed?”

“I don’t think so.”

“So, why—”

Why is this “Pigkin” so fast in the spatial rift?

Far away from the two, a “Pigkin” finally manages to steady himself with difficulty. He then roars in anger, “Three Thousand Food House!”

Back at the restaurant, with Tu linlin’s continuous explanations and Bai Xianzhi’s announcement on their platform that dumplings are temporarily unavailable, the number of people inquiring about dumplings at Three Thousand Food House decreases.

After finishing the last dish, which Tu linlin takes out, Bai Xianzhi finally has a moment to drink some water. However, just as he takes a big gulp, he hears a voice asking, “What are dumplings?”

“Cough, cough, cough, cough—” Bai Xianzhi struggles to swallow the water. By now, the word “dumplings” has become almost reflexive to him. He was about to say that the restaurant doesn’t have dumplings when he looks up and meets a pair of silver eyes. He refrains from speaking and stands upright, addressing the only customer in Three Thousand Food House”, Dumplings are a specialty food that can be served as a main dish. If Mr. Feng is curious, I can cook a plate for you.”

The silver eyelashes tremble lightly as Feng Ye looks at Tu linlin, who is muttering about not having eaten dumplings, and Bai Xianzhi, who keeps telling customers that there are no dumplings available. He turns back with a puzzled expression, “But I was told there are no dumplings?”

Bai Xianzhi smiles, “Well, there are some left, not many though. But it’s enough for you to taste, especially since you are a VIP in our restaurant. You’ll undoubtedly receive special treatment.”

Feng Ye nodded; he was a deity and could receive utmost respect in any world. Special treatment was something he considered normal. Therefore, he had no problem with the fact that he could eat dumplings while others couldn’t. In fact, he felt it was only natural.

With a composed demeanor, he sat down at his dedicated table in the kitchen, awaiting the dumplings.

Bai Xianzhi placed the remaining dumplings in boiling water, counting exactly fifteen of them. The dumplings were not particularly large, so for Feng Ye, they were merely a sample.

Having cooked meals for Feng Ye for several months, Bai Xianzhi had a good understanding of his unique taste preferences. He enjoyed spicy and sweet flavors, with a strong emphasis on spiciness. Perhaps due to his frequent consumption of spicy chicken dishes, Feng Ye seemed to be developing a fondness for spicy food in the past month.

If Bai Xianzhi served him plain egg noodles, Feng Ye would definitely scoop a large spoonful of chili onto the noodles. Although only he dined at this table in the kitchen, the consumption rate of chili on the table was not much slower than that of a table in a regular restaurant. It was evident that Feng Ye had a strong affinity for spiciness.

To be honest, Feng Ye, with his silver hair and silver eyes, appeared to be icy and distant, giving off an aura that discouraged others from approaching. The stark contrast between his appearance and his preference for spicy food was quite surprising.

Nevertheless, Bai Xianzhi was more than willing to accommodate his request. He prepared a bowl of spicy dipping sauce and placed it in front of Feng Ye, smiling as he said, “Please enjoy, Mr. Feng.”

Feng Ye nodded slightly in response and then elegantly picked up a dumpling with his chopsticks, dipped it in the sauce, and put it in his mouth. He chewed and swallowed it gracefully. As he looked up, his gaze met Bai Xianzhi’s, who was washing dishes. Feng Ye nodded in acknowledgment and said, “It tastes good.”

Bai Xianzhi replied, “…Hehe, I’m glad you like it.” Then he picked up the wire ball in front of him and turned back to continue washing the dishes.

——

Author’s Note: Thank you for all the lovely support. I will continue to work hard!

1TL: YSIAD “You can support me if you like my translations by leaving a comment below, or by sending me a Ko-fi. Thank you ”