Chapter 44

The two of them stood at the kitchen door. One gazed at her with burning eyes full of anticipation. The other appeared thoughtful, her face betraying no emotion.

“Wife, what do you think of me?” Tang Jin, growing impatient, couldn’t help but ask again.

Chu Lingyue smiled faintly. “A-Jin is wonderful—a person worth entrusting your future to.”

【Ding! Reward: One pot of Abalone Chicken Wing Stew】

【Ding! Reward: One pot of Garlic Honey Glazed Chicken Wings】

Tang Jin couldn’t help but smile too. “You’re too kind, Wife. Do you really think so?”

Chu Lingyue nodded with a gentle smile. “Of course.”

【Ding! Reward: One serving of Caramel Milk Tea Pudding】

Tang Jin glanced at the goods shelf in the void, her eyes lighting up.

This serving of pudding was generous, just like that steamer of six custard buns. The caramel milk tea pudding came in six small bowls, arranged neatly on a plate.

There were three pots of the signature Garlic Honey Glazed Chicken Wings and two pots of Abalone Chicken Wing Stew, plus the other dishes. She’d already stocked up on over a dozen dishes, along with sixteen bowls of Century Egg Lean Meat Congee.

Regaining her focus, Tang Jin turned back to Chu Lingyue. “Wife, do you really think so?”

Chu Lingyue’s gaze paused for a moment before she repeated the same two words. “Of course.”

【Ding! Reward: One serving of Caramel Milk Tea Pudding】

For the first time, this woman had repeated the exact same question without a pause.

She seemed a bit eager—did it have something to do with the milk tea?

Chu Lingyue watched Tang Jin impassively. When she caught the flicker of delight in the other’s eyes, she took the lead. “A-Jin, don’t you want to ask what I used to be called?”

Tang Jin froze, meeting Chu Lingyue’s knowing gaze. Surprise flashed across her face.

She already knew Chu Lingyue’s former name.

Could it be that this woman had figured out the key to unlocking the gourmet rewards?

That would be… too thrilling!

“Wife, what were you called before?”

Chu Lingyue’s lips curved slowly. “I’ve forgotten.”

【Ding! Reward: One plate of Garlic Vermicelli Lobster Tails】

Tang Jin clenched her fist in excitement. She was right—Chu Lingyue had indeed grasped the secret.

What thrilled her most was that this woman was actively cooperating.

Seeing Tang Jin’s excitement, Chu Lingyue knew her hunch was correct. When it came to Tang Jin’s questions, this woman preferred wrong answers over the truth.

So, the trigger for conjuring these delicious dishes was lies.

It was utterly bizarre—and delightfully so.

She knew staying had been the right choice. Now, amassing enough silver was only a matter of time.

Chu Lingyue gathered her thoughts, her eyes deepening. “I think Grandmother and Laidi can wait a bit longer without starving. You’re quite curious about my old name, aren’t you, A-Jin?”

Tang Jin caught on instantly and played along. “Yeah, Wife—what were you called before?”

Chu Lingyue let out a soft laugh. “I’ve forgotten.”

【Ding! Reward: One plate of Garlic Vermicelli Lobster Tails】

The system’s chime had just sounded, and Tang Jin was still basking in the joy of another reward when Chu Lingyue spoke again.

“A-Jin, do you have time tonight for a nice, long chat?”

Her voice, laced with amusement, rang clear and pleasing—like heavenly music in Tang Jin’s ears.

Overjoyed, Tang Jin reached out and grabbed Chu Lingyue’s arm. “I do! Wife, I have time every day.”

She was falling head over heels for this woman. She was a walking goldmine!

Chu Lingyue’s gaze fell to Tang Jin’s hands. She gently pulled her arm free. “It’s getting late. Let’s have lunch first—we can talk tonight.”

Talk about paths to prosperity…

Tang Jin agreed without hesitation. “Sure, whatever you say, Wife. I’ll bring out the dishes right now. What would you like? Besides the signatures, I have Meat Sauce Mashed Potatoes, Salt and Pepper Shrimp…”

“The signatures are fine, A-Jin. No need.” Chu Lingyue smiled and cut her off. The other dishes should be saved for customers—silver came first, and she wasn’t picky.

Tang Jin shook her head. “No way. You’ve been so thoughtful—you have to try the new ones.”

Chu Lingyue didn’t refuse again. “Alright, I’ll wait.”

Tang Jin immediately turned, shut the door, and pulled out a roast duck with crispy skin. She opened the door to hand it to Chu Lingyue, then shut it again to bring out a plate of Garlic Vermicelli Lobster Tails.

“Here, let’s start with these. More if needed.”

It was the first time opening shop that day. When Tang Jin set the dishes before Old Madam Tang and Tang Laidi, she was beaming with smug satisfaction.

Hahaha—Chu Lingyue was so clever, and she was even cooperating willingly. No more worries about running out of dishes.

She felt certain she’d soon have enough silver to travel the world.

Striking it rich was just around the corner!

In the main hall, Old Madam Tang eyed Tang Jin’s goofy grin. “What’s got you grinning like a fool, girl? So you got your hands on some novelty drink. Look at you, no worldly experience at all.”

Her unlucky granddaughter was still too young—hardly poised.

Unlike her. No matter the situation, she stayed unflappable. Out in the world, confidence came from within.

Her granddaughter clearly hadn’t mastered that art yet.

Tang Jin’s mouth twitched, but her smile wouldn’t fade. In high spirits, she said, “Grandmother, try the Garlic Vermicelli Lobster Tails. Lingyue and I came up with this as a perfect drinking snack.”

That gave Tang Laidi pause. A newly developed dish?

That Grand Mess Stew still lingered on her tongue—thirsty work. Hopefully this new one wasn’t saltier than the grave.

With that in mind, she quietly chose the roast duck. Crispy skin, succulent meat that wasn’t greasy. This had to be Lingyue’s handiwork.

As for her unlucky granddaughter’s cooking… well, Grand Mess Stew level.

Still, how had they made this roast duck? Over a wood fire on the stove?

Old Madam Tang’s curiosity sparked just as she noticed the three women at the table picking at the shrimp tails nonstop—no one complaining of saltiness.

She couldn’t resist and picked one up herself. The moment it touched her tongue, all curiosity vanished. It was too delicious.

Tender meat, rich garlic sauce—the flavor was simply exquisite.

“Exquisite” was the only word she could muster beyond that.

They devoured the food like a whirlwind until they were stuffed.

Tang Jin asked with a grin, “What do you think of the Garlic Vermicelli Lobster Tails? How about adding it to the signature menu as a drinking snack?”

She’d decided: Chu Lingyue’s old name would become a daily question—many, many times a day.

“Sounds perfect.” Old Madam Tang spoke first. For a little restaurant, it was all about drink-friendly dishes. What better drinking snack than these garlic lobster tails?

Pity she was getting on—no bottomless cups of wine for her anymore.

Chu Lingyue and Tang Laidi had no objections, so Tang Jin eagerly wrote up the day’s menu, thoughtfully marking prices at five taels each.

Soon, dusk fell.

The little restaurant hadn’t opened yet, but the street outside bustled more than usual.

Tang Jin frowned in confusion. Had their fame from the courthouse showdown drawn a line of customers?

When she opened the door, she realized she’d overestimated.

The street was packed, but not for them. The crowd surged toward the Tower Beyond Towers across the way.

“Oh! I forgot—today’s the Laba Festival. Tower Beyond Towers gives out porridge to the people every year at this time,” Tang Laidi said, slapping her forehead.

With the throng pressing in—even spilling into the restaurant—Tang Jin hesitated about opening when two familiar figures squeezed through.

“This Ping’an County’s Tower Beyond Towers is such a downer. Can’t hold a candle to the ones in the prefecture city.” Lord Miao, clutching his daughter’s hand, finally made it inside. The moment his foot crossed the threshold, he asked, “What’s good today? I haven’t missed out, have I?”

Seeing a regular, Tang Jin smiled. “Perfect timing, sir. New dishes today: besides the signature Abalone Chicken Wing Stew, we have Meat Sauce Mashed Potatoes, Salt and Pepper Shrimp, Fermented Black Bean Steamed Pork Ribs. And Garlic Vermicelli Lobster Tails—unlimited supply.”

“Unlimited?” Lord Miao thought he’d misheard. Two days away, and now unlimited dishes? No time to waste. “One Abalone Chicken Wing Stew, one Meat Sauce Mashed Potatoes, one Garlic Vermicelli Lobster Tails, and a jug of wine.”

After rattling off three dishes, he claimed a table. Finally back—every meal those two days, he’d craved this place.

“Right away, sir.” Tang Jin shot Chu Lingyue a look. The two headed to the back courtyard in perfect sync.

“Wife, what were you called before?”

“I’ve forgotten.”

【Ding! Reward: One plate of Garlic Vermicelli Lobster Tails】

“…”

After eight straight asks, Tang Jin exhaled. “That should do it. Garlic Vermicelli Lobster Tails can be unlimited from now on.”

Chu Lingyue gazed at her, her smile warm. “Excellent.”

Anything that brought in more silver had her full support.

When they returned to the hall with the dishes, two more tables had filled: Scholar Chu and Shaoyang at one, Big Brother Liu and Liu Er at the other.

“One Abalone Chicken Wing Stew, one Salt and Pepper Shrimp, one Fermented Black Bean Steamed Pork Ribs,” Shaoyang said after scanning the menu, smiling at Chu Lingyue.

Tang Laidi turned apologetically to the Liu brothers. “Big Brother Liu, Second Brother Liu, only one Abalone Chicken Wing Stew left. We’ll load you up on extra Garlic Vermicelli Lobster Tails, though—unlimited.”

Liu Da had only come because he’d promised Tang Laidi a treat that morning. Feeling sheepish already, he wouldn’t quibble.

“You’re too kind, Laidi. My brother and I will eat whatever.”

Tang Jin and Chu Lingyue exchanged glances, set down their dishes, and slipped back to the courtyard.

No sooner had they left than four more people crowded in—the foodies and butcher from yesterday’s courthouse tasting.

“Server! Signature dishes—what’ve you got? Bring us two.”

Tang Laidi stepped up stiffly. “Sirs, you’re too late. Signatures are sold out.”

“Sold out? What’s left?” One foodie rubbed his belly, glumly eyeing the three occupied tables.

He’d asked around after getting home and learned they only did dinner. Still late—curse that Tower Beyond Towers for evening porridge, wasting his time in the crush.

Tang Laidi pointed to the menu. “Just Garlic Vermicelli Lobster Tails. Unlimited.”

At that, the four glanced at the prices, needed no discussion, and sat separately.

No kidding—they were acquaintances, sure. Normally, sharing a table for drinks would’ve been fine.

But they’d spotted the prices: five taels a dish, same as Tower Beyond Towers. Share a table, and you’d lose out grabbing your share.

As for treating? This crew would run at least ten taels. Who could afford that?

Each to their own—no freeloading.

“Two plates of shrimp tails and a jug of wine.”

“Count me in…”

“I feel the same way…”

By the time Tang Jin and Chu Lingyue returned carrying more dishes, they heard Tang Laidi say with a smile, “Eight plates of shrimp tails.”

Tang Jin: “…”

Good grief, she really had underestimated things. Even the shrimp tails weren’t enough.

Chu Lingyue was the first to recover, speaking calmly. “Laidi, everyone’s seated. Close the door and put up a sign that today’s wine and dishes are sold out.”