Unorthodox Wuxia: While Others Practice Martial Arts, I Cultivate Immortality - Chapter 22

Chapter 22: Thriving Business

Meanwhile, more and more people gathered outside, observing Xiao Kong Kong.

Passersby couldn’t help but stop and take a second look, especially young women and new brides.

“Oh my~ How can this be? So embarrassing!”

The young women covered their flushed faces with their hands, but couldn’t resist spreading their fingers, peeking through the gaps.

The new brides, however, were different. They watched openly, pointing and commenting as they did.

“So fair! So tender! Beautiful!”

“I wonder what it feels like to touch.”

“Definitely better than my old man’s touch.”

***

Just then, Si Jin Haoran swaggered over with a few attendants.

When he saw Xiao Kong Kong hanging there, a look of extreme surprise appeared on his face.

“This… isn’t this the renowned Miracle Handed Kong Kong? Am I seeing things?”

One of his subordinates whispered in his ear, “It is indeed Xiao Kong Kong.”

Si Jin Haoran’s surprise grew even more. “Who can tell me what’s going on?”

At this moment, an old woman among the onlookers shouted, “This pretty boy was caught stealing from Miss Yuan’s house last night!”

Si Jin Haoran suddenly understood.

He stepped forward, marveling, “It’s truly extraordinary. Who would have thought that Xiao Kong Kong, the legendary Thousand Miraculous Hands who roamed the martial arts world, would actually fall in a small place like Tianmen Town? Unbelievable, truly unbelievable! Miss Yuan is indeed a divine person!”

With that, he burst into laughter and walked into the noodle shop, even patting Xiao Kong Kong’s backside before leaving.

“So perky~ Hahaha~~~ The girls of Tianmen Town are in for a treat!”

It must be said, Xiao Kong Kong certainly had a good physique.

After Si Jin Haoran left, an elderly woman asked the person next to her, “Is this pretty boy famous?”

The person next to her shook his head. “I don’t know, probably?”

The elderly woman immediately said, “Then I must take a few more good looks, otherwise I won’t get to see him later!”

Xiao Kongkong: =͟͟͞͞(꒪⌓꒪*)

Upon entering the shop, Si Jin Haoran immediately spotted the giant blade hanging on the wall.

His four attendants, all martial arts masters, could distinctly feel the chilling aura emanating from the blade.

“Boss, that blade is no ordinary item!” one of the attendants whispered to Si Jin Haoran.

Si Jin Haoran narrowed his eyes slightly upon hearing this.

This blade was precisely the Heaven-Prison Blade that Yuan Zhao had hung there to deter petty criminals.

Ah Qing saw someone enter and immediately greeted them warmly. She recognized the branch President of Baiyu, whom she had met once before.

“President Si Jin, please come in.”

Si Jin Haoran examined Ah Qing and smiled, “So it’s Miss Yuan’s younger sister. You look very spirited today.”

“Thank you for the compliment, President. My name is Zhao Yuanqing, you can just call me Ah Qing.” Ah Qing led Si Jin Haoran and his group to an empty seat. Seeing A Qing’s graceful demeanor, Si Jin in Haoran set aside his slight disdain for her.

He scanned the shop and then said, “Miss Ah Qing, it seems your business is doing well today.”

Ah Qing quickly replied, “Thanks to everyone’s patronage.”

Si Jin Haoran nodded, then gestured to his subordinate, who immediately presented a brocade box.

“This is my opening gift for Miss Yuan, Miss Ah Qing, please accept it.”

Ah Qing took the gift box and said, “Then I’ll thank you on behalf of my sister. What would you all like to eat, President Si Jin?”

Si Jin Haoran looked at the menu hanging on the wall nearby.

Zhao’s Noodle Shop only had three items on its menu.

Plain Noodles: 5 coins per bowl.

Beef Noodles: 9 coins per bowl.

Jinghong Jade Noodles: 12 cash per bowl.

“Jinghong” (惊鸿) sounds similar to “Jinhong” (金红), where “Jin” (金) refers to egg (golden) and “Hong” (红) refers to tomato (red). Thus, the name “Jinghong Jade Noodles.” This was a name Yuan Zhao had racked her brain over all night to come up with.

Si Jin Haoran asked doubtfully, “Miss Ah Qing, what is this Jinghong Jade Noodles? I’ve never heard of it.”

Other diners pricked up their ears. They were quite curious too.

It was just that these noodles were a bit expensive, and they were reluctant to order them, so they naturally felt too embarrassed to ask.

What kind of noodles could be so expensive?

Ah Qing immediately said with pride, “This is an exclusive recipe developed by my sister, and it tastes incredibly wonderful. President Si Jin, why don’t you try a bowl?”

As if recalling the taste of Jinghong Jade Noodles, Ah Qing subconsciously licked her tongue.

Last night, their dinner was Jinghong Jade Noodles personally made by her sister. Just recalling that taste, Ah Qing felt that it was not enough; it was simply too delicious!

Si Jin Haoran, of course, was not short on money, so he waved his hand and said, “Alright, then bring five bowls of those… Jinghong Jade Noodles!”

“Coming right up, please wait a moment!” Ah Qing excitedly responded, then, clutching the congratulatory gift from Si Jin Haoran, ran into the kitchen.

As soon as she entered the kitchen, she excitedly shouted to her sister, “Sister, five bowls of Jinghong Jade Noodles!”

“Okay, got it!” Yuan Zhao busied herself on the balcony with swift movements, her hands a blur.

She felt that her Heaven-Sweeping Hand technique would eventually reach mastery in the kitchen.

Soon, five bowls of noodles were ready. Yuan Zhao placed them one by one on a tray and handed it to Ah Qing.

“Take them to the customers!”

It was then that she noticed Ah Qing holding a box in her arms.

“Where did that come from?”

Ah Qing replied, “It’s a congratulatory gift from President Si Jin.”

“President Si Jin is here?”

“Yes, he ordered these noodles.”

Yuan Zhao took the box and opened it, revealing several gleaming knives (cleavers) neatly arranged inside, each of a different size and specification.

“Wow, what shiny knives!” Ah Qing exclaimed.

Yuan Zhao pulled out one of them, gently flicked her finger on the blade, and with a rapid hum, the blade vibrated quickly, while a cold gleam flashed across it.

“What a good knife!” Yuan Zhao couldn’t help but exclaim.

It seemed that President Si Jin had gone all out. These knives were definitely forged from precious hundred-refined steel, and their material was even better than Yuan Zhao’s Heaven-Prison Blade.

The Heaven-Prison Blade, after all, was only forged from ordinary materials.

But hundred-refined steel was different; it required the skillful hands of a master blacksmith and countless hours of refining.

Such a valuable congratulatory gift would be difficult to reciprocate in the future! Yuan Zhao couldn’t help but feel a headache coming on.

“Alright, take the noodles to the customers!”

“Okay~” Ah Qing happily carried the noodles out of the kitchen.

“Jinghong Jade Noodles are here!”

As Ah Qing’s voice echoed in the hall, everyone craned their necks to look.

They saw steam rising from five large porcelain bowls on the tray. Orange-red tomato chunks were immersed in amber-colored broth, their surfaces covered with glistening oil. Tender yellow scrambled eggs were scattered like clouds.

Springy noodles formed a small mound, topped with vibrant green scallions, and scattered white sesame seeds like stars sprinkled on a canvas.

This… was Jinghong Jade Noodles?

Everyone was momentarily impressed by its vibrant and appealing presentation.

Si Jin Haoran stared at the noodles in the bowl and asked, “What is this red thing? It looks so beautiful, can it really be eaten?”

Ah Qing explained, “This is a red fruit introduced from foreign lands. It’s both beautiful and delicious, and very rare. You definitely won’t find it anywhere else, which is why the price is a bit higher.”

It was an ingredient from foreign lands! Everyone was surprised.

“Then I absolutely must try it!”

With that, Si Jin Haoran picked up his chopsticks and reached into the bowl.

As he lifted the chopsticks, the sauce stretched and swirled, the noodles coated in bright red broth shimmering invitingly. A sweet and sour aroma mixed with the scent of egg wafted up. Just looking at it made one’s mouth water.

Slurp, slurp~~

The noodles mixed with the broth were slurped into his mouth.

As his tongue first touched the saucy noodles, a rich, mellow sweet and sour flavor burst in his mouth.

The natural fruitiness of the stewed tomatoes, entwined with the creamy richness of the egg, blended with the wheat aroma of the noodles, layer by layer.

Slurp~ Slurp~

Si Jin Haoran quickly scooped several more mouthfuls into his mouth.

The springy noodles slid down his throat, the egg pieces, coated in thick broth, were soft and chewy. This was the result of the dough being kneaded with the aid of the Heaven-Sweeping Hands!

Biting into a plump tomato chunk, warm juice instantly overflowed, sweet and sour with a hint of lingering sweetness.

The water and tomatoes used to make this bowl of noodles were imbued with Yuan Zhao’s spiritual energy, which was why the taste was exceptionally different.

The scallions sprinkled on top were the icing on the cake, adding a fresh green touch to the bowl of noodles.

A single bite transformed simple ingredients into an addictive feast for the senses. Each mouthful was comforting and satisfying, a clear testament to the chef’s profound skill in preparing this bowl of noodles!

“Good! Excellent! Absolutely divine!!!” After a long moment, Si Jin Haoran set down his now empty porcelain bowl, a look of awe on his face.

“To think such a delicacy exists in this world! I feel like all the good food I’ve eaten in the past few decades was a waste!!!”

“Quick, you all try some too!”

With that, Si Jin Haoran distributed the remaining four bowls of noodles to his four guards.

He was always generous with his subordinates; otherwise, they wouldn’t follow him so loyally.

Then he looked at Miss Ah Qing again and said, “Miss Ah Qing, please bring me another bowl!”

“Coming right up!” A Qing happily replied. Seeing Si Jin Haoran’s still-craving expression, everyone couldn’t help but wonder: Is it really that delicious?

Looking at Si Jin Haoran’s four guards, they too were eating without lifting their heads.

For a moment, everyone involuntarily swallowed their saliva.

Maybe… just one bowl?

Although the Jinghong Jade Noodles were relatively expensive, they weren’t so expensive that people couldn’t afford them. Trying a bowl was certainly possible!

So, when Ah Qing emerged from the kitchen with the noodles, she heard customers waving her over.

“Miss Ah Qing, give me a bowl of Jinghong Jade Noodles!” “Give me one too!”

“Me too!”

“Aye~ Coming!”

Ah Qing responded excitedly to each order.

‘Getting rich! We’re going to get rich!’ she thought excitedly. ‘Sister is truly amazing!’

As more and more people ordered Jinghong Jade Noodles, both Ah Qing, who was serving, and Yuan Zhao, who was in the kitchen, were bustling off their feet.

However, getting rich wasn’t an easy task. Soon, Ah Qing regretfully announced, “The ingredients for Jinghong Jade Noodles are hard to come by, and we have a limited daily supply. Today’s portion has sold out. Those who wish to taste it, please come early tomorrow!”

The translation of this meant: We’re out of ingredients.

Those who hadn’t gotten to try it were instantly disappointed.

Just then, Han Long arrived with his wife and son, Han Rang.

He asked Ah Qing doubtfully, “Miss Ah Qing, what’s going on here?”

Seeing the Han family, Ah Qing immediately went up to greet them happily. “Uncle Han, Aunt Han, Brother Han, you’re here!”

She then explained the whole situation to Han Long.

Upon hearing it, Han Long immediately pounded his chest and stamped his feet, then feigned anger, “Ah Qing, you little rascal! Haven’t I, Uncle Han, always treated you well? Your sister came out with a new dish, and you didn’t even tell Uncle Han!”

He was a man who loved his noodles, and not being able to be among the first to try a new dish that everyone was raving about was practically killing him!

Ah Qing quickly pleaded for mercy, “Uncle Han, please forgive me. It’s all Ah Qing’s fault. Tomorrow, Ah Qing will definitely save a portion for you, so you can eat it no matter when you come.”

After staying with the Han family for a few days, Ah Qing and the Han family had become much closer.

Han Long’s face broke into a smile. “I’ll let you off this time. But if you don’t think of Uncle Han next time there’s something good, Uncle will be angry!”

“Hehe, I definitely wouldn’t dare next time,” Ah Qing grinned, then quickly invited the Han family to sit down.

Madam Long looked around the shop with a sigh and said, “This is my first time here.”

Han Long’s wife, named Long Suwen, had a beautiful face. Her attire was not the usual skirt and silk robes, but a practical black martial arts suit.

Clearly, unlike many women confined to their homes, she was a heroic woman who roamed the martial arts world. In terms of combat ability, she was even slightly superior to Han Long, being the top-ranked Golden Wind chaser of the Xiaoyue Pavilion. She was often away from home on missions.

Ah Qing said, “Then, Aunt Han, please come more often when you have time. My sister’s cooking won’t disappoint you.”

Han Long said, “Alright, enough talk. Since those Jinghong Jade Noodles are gone, quickly bring us some Beef Noodles!”

“Coming right up!” A Qing responded and then ran into the kitchen.

After Ah Qing left, Han Long noticed Si Jin Haoran sitting not far away.

“Oh~ Isn’t that President Si Jin? What a coincidence~”

Si Jin Haoran said with a forced smile, “Master Han is also too noble-eyed; such a large figure like me, and it took you until now to see me. It must be that I’m not fat enough!” Both men intended to win over Yuan Zhao, so it was inevitable they would be at odds.

Han Long also sneered, “Speaking of nobility, I’m certainly not as noble as you, President Si Jin. Look at your robust physique; if you were put in the market, you’d definitely be more expensive than pork.”

Seeing their master insulted, Si Jin Haoran’s four guards immediately couldn’t hold back. They jumped up, their faces filled with rage, glaring at Han Long.

But the Han family was not to be trifled with; Madam Long and Han Rang also stood up.

For a moment, the atmosphere in the shop became tense, on the verge of a confrontation.

Si Jin Haoran quickly calmed his four subordinates with a look and whispered, “This is Miss Yuan’s territory; it’s not good to cause trouble.”

Hearing this, the four guards had no choice but to sit down indignantly.

Han Long also quickly advised his wife and son, “Today is Miss Yuan’s opening day; don’t damage her reputation.”

Madam Long and Han Rang also had to sit back down upon hearing this.

“Beef Noodles are here!”

Ah Qing’s voice rang out at this moment, breaking the tense atmosphere.

Smelling the aroma of the noodles, Han Long happily picked up his chopsticks. “Ah Qing, quick, quick, I can hardly wait!”

As the sounds of slurping noodles began, the atmosphere in the shop became cheerful once again.

Just then, a customer suddenly said, “Hey, did you know? The Wu family in East Street has been annihilated!”

“The Wu family? Which Wu family?” His companion paused slightly.

“Which Wu family could it be? The Wu family that claims to be one of the five prominent clans in Tianmen Town, of course!”