NOVEL WEB Chapter 187: Chapter 187
The two adepti rose to leave the small shop, feeling there was no point in staying longer, and decided to go eat at Wanmin Restaurant instead.
Shenhe and Yaoyao saw them off at the door.
Xia Zhi silently watched from his god's eye view as they and their two platinum progress bars walked away, thinking that he really should make more friends.
If he hadn't been making desserts for Madame Ping every day and occasionally inviting her to dine at the shop, she probably wouldn't have invited him to her birthday celebration, and he wouldn't have had the chance to increase the platinum progress bars with these two immortals.
After the two adepti disappeared beyond 20 meters, Xia Zhi withdrew his gaze and opened the [Shop], searching for the item [Culinary Grandmaster].
[Culinary Grandmaster]
Quality: Gold
Type: Experience Book
Special Property: Chef's Heart
Effect: Become a Culinary Grandmaster
Hidden Effect: None
Price: 100 points
After accumulating basic points these past two days, Xia Zhi's available points had exceeded 100 again, enough to purchase this gold item.
He selected purchase and used it immediately.
Moments later, Xia Zhi felt his mind flood with vast culinary knowledge.
This was his fourth grandmaster skill, and his only one obtained through an experience book.
The [Culinary Grandmaster] skill had a new property: [Chef's Heart].
[Chef's Heart]: When completing a dish, one can infuse their emotions into it, allowing others to feel these emotions when tasting the food.
It was an interesting effect that reminded Xia Zhi of another cooking anime.
Xia Zhi "looked" at Shenhe, feeling he could use [Chef's Heart] to warm her heart.
After a while, another unexpected guest came to the shop.
Tianquan Ningguang.
She came with Baishi, her face unmasked. As soon as she entered, customers recognized her, creating a scene like a celebrity meet-and-greet.
As Liyue's most successful merchant, she was indeed the brightest star in this commercial city.
Ningguang skillfully greeted everyone with a smile: "Please don't make a fuss. I have no official business here today, I'm just here to drink juice like everyone else."
"Does Lady Ningguang also like rainbow juice?"
"I love it very much. Please maintain your quiet so as not to disturb the shop's business, otherwise Mr. Xia might find it troublesome."
Her words seemed to have a magical effect, easily calming everyone down.
Xia Zhi watched Ningguang, who stood as if center stage, finding her interesting.
Though she had only spoken briefly, her words contained several noteworthy implications.
For instance, "I love it very much" - just the title of "Lady Ningguang's favorite drink" could take the summer shop's business to another level.
And "Mr. Xia might find it troublesome" - her natural use of this more intimate form of address rather than "Shop Owner Xia" would make people think she and Xia Zhi were already acquainted. Once this spread, there would be fewer people daring to harbor ill intentions toward the shop, though there would be more trying to use him to get close to Ningguang.
She was a beautiful woman with strong tactical and strategic abilities.
"It's an honor to have Lady Ningguang visit our humble shop."
"No need for such formality, Mr. Xia. You helped us greatly last time, I should be thanking you."
Xia Zhi was momentarily stunned, then realized she must be referring to the intelligence he provided to Ganyu.
Indeed, even if Ganyu hadn't mentioned it, she couldn't hide it from Ningguang.
"Living in Liyue now, it's only natural that I consider Liyue's interests. Besides, I've already received your thanks."
"Was Mr. Xia satisfied?"
"Very satisfied."
"That's good. I was worried Mr. Xia might find it insufficient."
"How could it be insufficient? Please have a seat, Lady Ningguang. It's my treat today."
"Thank you then."
Ningguang smiled at him before turning to sit at an empty table with Baishi.
Soon, four glasses of juice were served, and Yaoyao brought a plate of novel-looking pastries.
"Yaoyao, what is this?"
"Dorayaki. Big brother says it's also called Golden Cakes."
"Golden Cakes? What a nice name."
Ningguang picked one up, examining it with interest.
Two golden round pancakes sandwiched a layer of fine red bean paste, quite distinctive.
The pancakes emitted a rich honey fragrance, with an extremely soft texture. The delicate outer layer combined with the smooth filling created an exquisite taste that was addictive.
Ningguang finished one piece and reached for a second...
Soon, she and Baishi had finished the entire plate of dorayaki.
A satisfied, alluring expression appeared on Ningguang's face, and after taking a sip of juice, her contentment grew even more apparent.
After finishing her juice, Ningguang stood to leave.
"Thank you for your hospitality, Mr. Xia. The pastries were delicious, I really enjoyed them."
"If you like them, Lady Ningguang, please feel free to visit the shop often. I make pastries every day."
"I'd love to."
Ningguang agreed with a smile before turning to leave.
Xia Zhi watched her departing figure, his expression thoughtful.
The wealthy lady today seemed to have genuinely come just to drink juice and express her thanks.
On the road.
Baishi turned to look at the pleased Ningguang and asked quietly, "Lady Ningguang, shall we visit Mr. Xia's shop again tomorrow?"
"Of course, I'm looking forward to Mr. Xia's new pastries... I haven't eaten all day, it feels so good to have a full stomach..."
"I'm sorry, Lady Ningguang..."
"Why are you apologizing?"
"I shouldn't have given you that instant noodles, it made you unable to eat anything else..."
"That's not your fault, and I'm not blaming you. On the contrary, I should thank you. I'm very happy to have tasted such delicious food."
"But..."
"If there's anyone to blame, it's Mr. Xia for making such delicious instant noodles. After eating something so magnificent, everything else tastes like chewing wax."
"If Lady Ningguang wants to eat it, we could buy some from Mr. Xia."
"Buy?"
"We can pay extra!"
"It's not that simple. Those weren't ordinary noodles - they can eliminate fatigue, restore energy, improve mood... This definitely isn't something you can just buy with money."
Ningguang gently touched her cheek, feeling her skin was smoother than usual.
"That Mr. Xia's background seems even more mysterious than I imagined, but fortunately we have Madame Ping's guarantee, so we don't need to worry about his allegiance. He's different from ordinary merchants, running the shop not to make money but to enjoy this peaceful life. Such people often value relationships over profit, making them worth befriending sincerely."
At Ningguang's current position, it had become very difficult for her to make genuine friends.
The vast majority of people approached her for her status, wealth, and beauty, appearing fake and uninteresting in her eyes.
So freeloading meals didn't matter - she mainly wanted to properly befriend someone who didn't care about these things, as such opportunities were rare.
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