Chapter 11: Worry-Free Scallion Oil Noodles

The delivery was a hit. The gym regulars, used to choking down bland “healthy” meals to stay in shape, were blown away. Compared to their usual fare, even street food pancakes felt like a gourmet treat. But the Zhuyu pancakes from Taotie Delicacies? Those shattered their expectations entirely. Who knew a simple leek pancake could taste that amazing?

The flavor had them hooked, but soon they realized the Zhuyu series wasn’t just about great taste. After their workouts, everyone went their separate ways, busy with their own errands.

That evening, the gym’s group chat started buzzing.

“I’m usually starving after a light lunch post-workout, to the point I end up ordering fried chicken or hotpot at night. But today? I don’t even want a midnight snack. I’m still savoring the dumplings I had for lunch. Totally satisfied.”

“+1.”
“+2.”
“+n.”

As more people chimed in, they realized they weren’t alone. That sense of satisfaction wasn’t just in their heads—it was real!

Panda, tagged repeatedly by his gym buddies, proudly declared: “See? Didn’t I tell you Taotie Delicacies is legit? I wasn’t lying—real food has real power!”

The coach added, “No joke, I felt way stronger lifting today. Tasty, low-calorie, healthy, and it curbs your cravings for junk food. Isn’t that the ultimate dream for healthy meals?”

Another buddy: “Say no more. I’m recommending Taotie Delicacies to every gym rat I know.”

Panda gleefully screenshotted the flood of praise and sent it to Jiang Qing, basking in the glory.

The next day, Yun Tao spotted those glowing reviews on Jiang Qing’s phone, followed by a new order from the gym—this time, even bigger than yesterday’s.

Reading the words “healthy meal,” Yun Tao fell deep into thought. A “Shanhai Healthy Meal Box” sounded like it could be a hit, right?

As usual, Yun Fenghe handled the deliveries that day. This time, he timed his return to Jiang Qing’s house perfectly, so there wasn’t the slightest hint of anything suspicious. Jiang Qing smiled at him. “Panda said his coach was pitching you a membership again today. If you keep delivering their orders, are you really not tempted to sign up?”

Yun Fenghe chuckled. “Nope.”

Jiang Qing figured as much. Sure, Yun Fenghe looked healthier these days, but he still seemed delicate. She worried he might melt under the scorching sun just from delivering food—how could he possibly handle the gym?

She remembered something else Panda had told her. After experiencing the allure of the Zhuyu series firsthand, half the gym crowd came out to gawk at the “boss.” Seeing Yun Fenghe in person, they were stunned by his ethereal looks. Some of the girls even invited him to a Hanfu festival. It had apparently been quite the scene.

Jiang Qing couldn’t imagine what Yun Fenghe’s expression must’ve been like in that situation. He seemed like someone who belonged in a quiet, serene space, undisturbed—maybe even displayed in a museum under a protective glass case. Realizing her thoughts were borderline creepy, she awkwardly cleared her throat. “Anyway, thanks for helping with the fruit delivery today.”

“No need to thank me. I should be thanking you—I borrowed the e-scooter again.”

“Then let’s call it even. No need for thanks on either side.”

During his lunch break, Yun Tao was sprawled on the little bed, basking in the cool air of the AC. Modern technology had finally won him over—who needed magic or spiritual energy when electricity could give you the same relief?

Snuggling under the AC blanket, Yun Tao shut his eyes. He didn’t end up meeting the god of dreams, though. Instead, he was greeted by a new mission.

The task had actually appeared earlier, back when he unlocked Shanhai’s Ping Grass (Onion), but the glitchy system, perpetually low on energy, had only just now managed to refresh itself.

[Level 2 Task: Launch a new signature dish featuring Shanhai Ping Grass (Onion) and sell at least 100 orders within two days.
Reward: Shanhai Points 200, Shanhai Coins 200, Shanhai Voucher x1.
Penalty for failure: 24 hours of mandatory volunteer work in a random dimension.]

Yun Tao huffed indignantly. “Interrupting a kid’s nap is a surefire way to get struck by lightning, you know!”

The system replied: “Host, didn’t you once said you’re not really a child?”

Yun Tao snapped back, “How do you even know I said that? Are you just pretending to be offline most of the time?”

The system didn’t respond, apparently opting to fake a crash.

Yun Tao: “…”

Grumbling under his breath, he drifted off to sleep.

By the time the dinner rush rolled around, Taotie Delicacies was still relatively quiet. Yun Tao decided it was the perfect time for a family meeting—or rather, an “employee” meeting.

He sat at the table, a bundle of Shanhai Onion in front of him, his hands neatly folded in a very “boss-like” manner—if you ignored the fact that his feet couldn’t touch the ground.

“We need to introduce a new signature dish featuring Shanhai Onion, and I’d like your input.” Yun Tao’s expression was serious. “Do you prefer scallion oil noodles or ginger scallion chicken?”

As for scallion pancakes, he dismissed the idea. They’d overlap too much with the Zhuyu pancakes already on the menu.

Tai Sui: “…That’s it?”

Thought this was some big announcement! Turns out Taotie’s life in the human world is getting more down-to-earth by the day. Even he’s rubbing off on me—I’ve been slacking lately too.

Yun Fenghe curved his lips into a smile and gave the kid a thoughtful answer: “I like both. But scallion oil noodles are easier to promote and will probably boost sales faster. As for ginger scallion chicken, we can save that for when we start offering dine-in service. I’m sure it’ll become another signature dish for Taotie Delicacies.”

Hearing Yun Fenghe’s input, Tai Sui suddenly felt a surge of competitiveness. This little earth god is so serious—it’s making me look lazy.

Sitting up straight, Tai Sui cleared his throat and said solemnly, “I think Yun Fenghe is right.”

“Then it’s decided.” Yun Tao turned to Tai Sui, his eyes crinkling into a sweet, innocent smile.

Something about that smile screamed mischief.

Tai Sui raised an eyebrow, wary. “What are you plotting?”

Yun Tao pulled out a neatly prepared recipe for scallion oil noodles. “Obviously, I’m here to teach Big Brother Tai Sui how to make scallion oil noodles! You are the head chef of Taotie Delicacies, after all.”

Tai Sui: Head chef of Taotie Delicacies? That’s just absurd.

What self-respecting monster would believe it if he said Tai Sui was working over a stove? Maybe they’d believe it just a little bit more if he said he was the stove.

Tai Sui sighed, feeling the weight of his responsibilities as Tai Sui—responsibilities that he really shouldn’t have.

And yet, he still learned how to make scallion oil noodles.

The Shanhai Onion was no ordinary scallion. The moment the oil hit the pan, its aroma filled the entire street. People stopping by for snacks were practically knocked over by the mouthwatering smell. Peering curiously into the restaurant, they couldn’t help but ask Yun Fenghe, “Xiao Yun, what’s going on in there? Smells like… scallion oil?”

Could scallion oil really smell this good?

Yun Fenghe calmly packed their snacks and replied politely, “It’s scallion oil. We’re about to launch a new dish—scallion oil noodles.”

One customer swallowed hard. “Smells amazing. When can I get some?”

“Tonight, but we’ll only have a limited amount.”

Without hesitating, the customer said, “Can I reserve two portions? My wife loves scallion oil noodles!”

They didn’t even ask about the price.

“Of course. I’ll make a note of it. Leave me your number, and I’ll call you when it’s ready.”

The aroma alone had already made scallion oil noodles the unofficial signature dish of Taotie Delicacies. Even before it was officially available, several portions were pre-ordered on the spot.

Once Tai Sui had completely mastered the recipe, Yun Tao took a piece of chalk and added the new dish to the menu board:
“Worry-Free Scallion Oil Noodles – 20 yuan per bowl.”

Though Yun Tao had only dabbled in calligraphy under a master long ago, his strokes carried a natural elegance and strength. No one would have guessed the flowing, dynamic characters were written by a baby-faced kid unless they saw it for themselves.

“Twenty yuan? You’re basically giving this away!” Tai Sui grumbled. “This is real worry-free scallion oil noodles.”

Yun Tao twirled the chalk in his hand, smiling like a sly little fox. “The people of Shanhai Street are so kind and adorable. Why not spoil them a little?”

After all, they spoil me all the time.

Tai Sui smirked but didn’t argue. Soon enough, people would understand the magic of these worry-free scallion oil noodles.

As the dinner rush began, Taotie Delicacies introduced its newest dish in limited quantities. Yun Fenghe made a round of calls to those who had reserved portions. Jiang Qing was the first to arrive, carrying three portions that felt satisfyingly hefty in her hands.

“That’s a great name,” she said, smiling. “It sounds like good things are about to happen.”

Yun Tao winked at her. “They will. Trust me, something good is coming.”

Jiang Qing chuckled, thinking he was just being cheeky. With a playful grin, she patted his head and pulled a small bag from her pocket like a magician. “You’ve got such a sweet tongue, Taotao. Something good’s coming your way too—try these nougats I made today. Do you like them?”

The little bag held several pieces of nougat, their milky sweetness wafting out temptingly. Yun Tao’s mouth watered immediately. Teaching Tai Sui to make scallion oil noodles had barely taken a toll on him, but now the reward had arrived so soon?

“I love them!” he declared enthusiastically.

“I knew you would,” Jiang Qing said, clearly pleased. “But don’t eat them all at once. Save some for later. Too much sugar isn’t good for your teeth—if you get a cavity, you’ll have to see a dentist, and that’s no fun.”

Yun Tao hesitated for a moment. “…Got it.”

In truth, his baby teeth were still sharp and sturdy. But… could eating too much human-made candy really cause cavities?

Just to be safe, he decided he’d brush his teeth for an extra minute tonight.