C1 A Rural Black Shop

"I'm at a loss for words."

A complaint echoed through a secluded courtyard in Peach Blossom Village, nestled in the south of the colorful clouds.

"Setting up a culinary system in a self-sustaining mountain hamlet and expecting me to run a restaurant is like asking me to go bankrupt, isn't it?"

In a modest hundred-square-meter yard, a young man hugged a large dog at the gate, shaking his head in resignation.

His name was Du Binn, a college dropout who had left school over a year ago.

Just a sophomore when his parents tragically died in a car crash, he bore his grief, settled their affairs, and inherited a small plot of land along with a mountain of debt.

But fortune favors the bold, and he was graced with a rural chef system.

He had dreamed of marrying a wealthy beauty and scaling the heights of success.

Instead, reality delivered a stinging blow.

Bound to the village, he was forced to sell dishes at exorbitant prices set by the system: 5,800 yuan for a bowl of Sweet Osmanthus Lotus Porridge, 1,200 yuan for a plate of Bamboo Shoots and Pickled Vegetables.

After a year in business, he hadn't sold so much as a bowl of porridge, let alone a glass of water.

"Sigh."

Du Binn gave the dog a pat and turned to serve its meal.

Lifting the clay pot's lid, a burst of aromatic fragrance filled the air, easing his furrowed brow.

Despite the system's flaws, the food was undeniably delicious.

Down the serpentine path, a stylishly dressed woman in a short skirt supported an elderly man with silvery hair, moving at a leisurely pace.

"Grandpa, Peach Blossom Village is beautifully situated against the mountain. It's not easy to get to, but isn't the environment lovely? How have you been feeling lately?"

Before the old man could reply, he was seized by a fit of violent coughing into his handkerchief.

The woman's composure shattered.

Her grandfather was the nation's wealthiest man, a veteran of countless business battles, now plagued by chronic illness, particularly a severe cough that defied treatment.

After exhausting options with renowned physicians to no avail, they had followed advice to seek solace in this picturesque, out-of-the-way village for his health. While his condition hadn't deteriorated, there was no sign of improvement either.

In a panic, she retrieved the herbal concoction prescribed by a renowned doctor from her bag and urged the elderly man to drink it, only to find his cough growing worse.

As the woman reached for her phone to call for a medical team, a rich, aromatic scent wafted through the air. The blend of crisp bamboo and rice aroma soothed the senses, and even the old man, who had been coughing incessantly, began to find tranquility.

The grandfather and grandson turned in surprise toward the source of the fragrance. They spotted a door ajar, with a weathered sign hanging above it, the words "restaurant" barely discernible.

"Grandpa, there's a little restaurant over there. Let's check it out," the grandson suggested.

Supporting each other, they made their way inside. A dog stood guard at the entrance, while a nearby garden boasted an array of fresh fruits and vegetables. It wasn't particularly remarkable, but it was clean and well-kept.

"Hello? Anyone here?" the woman called out.

At the sound, Du Binn peeked out. The sight of the woman supporting the old man, her fair and slender legs causing a stir, caught his attention.

"Is this a restaurant?" she inquired, noticing Du Binn's gaze on her legs and feeling a wave of irritation. She glared at him, her question sharp and face stern.

"Yes, yes, please have a seat," Du Binn responded, snapping out of his daze. He quickly pulled out chairs for them, gesturing for them to sit.

"We only serve what's listed on the menu. What would you like?" he asked.

The pair glanced at the menu on the table, their brows knitting together at the sight of just two lines of text.

"Excuse me, but there must be a mistake on the menu," Soong Jiayi pointed out, "How can a bowl of Lily Lotus Seed Porridge be priced at 5,800 RMB?"

For them, 5,800 RMB for a dish wasn't outrageous, but in such a remote area, a simple bowl of millet porridge for that price was absurd. They were almost certain this place was a rip-off.

Du Binn was no stranger to the shock on customers' faces upon seeing the prices. He remained unfazed.

Thankfully, these two didn't seem like the type to make a scene and storm out.

"The price is correct. If you'd like to eat, please be seated. If not, you're free to leave," he stated plainly.

Du Binn turned on his heel after speaking, his arrogance casting a shadow of doubt across Soong Jiayi's face. She scrutinized the youthful, yet audacious face before her with suspicion.

Heh.

She rose to her feet, helping her grandfather up, ready to depart.

"Grandfather, this man's behavior is frivolous and conceited. Let's try a different place," she suggested.

The elder offered no resistance.

As they reached the door, a familiar, enticing scent wafted through the air.

A dog lay there, zealously licking its bowl. Catching sight of them, it protectively covered its meal with its paws, as if fearing they might snatch it away.

The pair exchanged a silent, bemused glance.

The aroma beckoned them, slowing their steps.

The old man's throat was particularly parched, yearning for something refreshing to quell the itch.

With each step, the urge grew stronger.

"Jiayi, this young man specializes in just two dishes. Perhaps there's something exceptional about them. Shall we give it a try?" the old man suggested, pausing and calling out softly.

Du Binn's heart leapt with joy upon seeing them return.

After a year, his restaurant was finally open for business!

"Two bowls of porridge and two side dishes, please."

Soong Jiayi's eyes glinted as she swiftly took out her phone to make a payment. "Let me be clear—if the porridge is as good as you claim, all is well. But if this turns out to be a scam, your little shop won't have a moment's peace today!"

Du Binn paid no mind to her warning and got to work.

The kitchen, situated in the courtyard, was open for all to see.

Soong Jiayi and her grandfather watched as he moved with practiced ease, rinsing rice and starting the porridge, then retrieving two green bamboo shoots from a nearby basin.

The rhythmic chopping filled the air.

In no time, Du Binn had arranged a neat row of finely sliced bamboo in a bowl.

Soong Jiayi watched, unimpressed by his graceful movements and sharp knife skills—nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

Yet, the crisp scent of the bamboo grew increasingly intense.

Du Binn was using a pot provided by the system, which not only reduced cooking time but also enhanced the flavor.

Shortly thereafter, Du Binn arrived with two steaming clay pots and a pair of plates piled with fresh green bamboo shoots, setting them before the pair.

"Everything's ready. Please enjoy your meal."

Soong Jiayi assisted her grandfather in uncovering the clay pot before him.

The golden millet porridge was creamy and delectable, while the variegated lotus seeds shone pearly white.

The crisp, clean scent of tender bamboo filled the air.

Elder Song felt as if the aroma cleansed his lungs, which had suffered from years of illness, filling him with a sense of relief and well-being he hadn't known in years.