Chapter 18: My Brother is Built Different

During the shop’s day off, Yun Tao set up a new ordering app for Taotie Delicacies. From now on, dishes would be available in limited quantities, and customers could check availability in real-time to avoid wasted trips. He also installed a digital menu inside the shop that would automatically update the daily specials and remaining stock.

The day off flew by in no time. Breakfast service resumed as usual, with the familiar street stand setup. Customers had grown used to the new schedule, arriving early to line up. By 8:30 AM, the food was usually sold out.

At lunchtime, the street stand was packed away, leaving the shop’s main entrance looking wide open and oddly empty. It hit the regulars then—Taotie Delicacies was officially transitioning to dine-in service.

The interior of the shop, however, left much to be desired. A few old tables and chairs stood on tiles so worn down the patterns were barely visible. The space was devoid of decorations but impeccably clean. All utensils and dishes were meticulously sterilized, which left a good impression overall.

On the wall hung a prominent digital menu that seemed to have a magnetic pull. The new signature dish, Reality-Check Ginger Scallion Chicken—proudly sponsored by Guanguan—was pinned to the top with a flashy “NEW!” badge that practically screamed for attention.

Customers filled the room quickly, claiming most of the available seats. Each table came with a physical menu that detailed the features of every dish. On the very first page, there it was—Reality-Check Ginger Scallion Chicken, priced on the higher side.

The dish’s backstory was also neatly outlined: Guanguan chickens from Qingqiu Mountain had a special trait—their meat brought clarity of thought to those who ate it, hence the name “Reality-Check.” Most customers treated this as just part of the restaurant’s quirky branding. After all, who would believe the ingredients were sourced from some mythical mountain?

Still, after trying the Zhuyu Pancakes and Worry-Free Scallion Noodles, the regulars knew there was a touch of magic in this place. The flavors were undeniably top-tier. That alone was worth a leap of faith to try something new.

Though the price was steep, it wasn’t unreasonable compared to trendy “internet-famous” restaurants. Those often charged over 100 yuan per person for food that didn’t hold a candle to Taotie Delicacies’ flavors. And to Yun Tao’s credit, staples like the pancakes and noodles remained at their original prices to accommodate the neighborhood regulars.

And besides…they were already here, weren’t they?

“Hey, TaoTao, two orders of Ginger Scallion Chicken over here!”

“I’ll take one too!”

Yun Tao bustled over to their table, holding a pencil and small order pad. He pointed to the QR code on the table with a smile. “You can also scan to order! There’s complimentary lemon water and barley tea—help yourselves!”

With his eager eyes fixed on them earnestly, his round little face practically glowing with enthusiasm, Yun Tao was just too cute to resist. His cheeks were so pinch-worthy that the customers had to hold themselves back. While they’d love to have him take their orders manually, they couldn’t bear the thought of tiring out his short little legs. Dutifully, everyone opted to use the QR code.

Orders flowed into the kitchen where the system automatically printed tickets. Chef Tai Sui scanned each order with a practiced eye before diving into the work with the trainee chef, Lin Xiao. One plate after another of piping hot, perfectly prepared Ginger Scallion Chicken made its way to the serving window. The small land god in charge of service whisked the plates to the right tables with flawless precision.

Soon, the shop was filled with the mouthwatering aroma of ginger and scallions. Diners couldn’t wait to dig in, exclaiming in delight with every bite. Those still waiting craned their necks and stretched their ears, unable to contain their anticipation.

“Is it really that good?” someone asked.

Heads turned briefly, followed by an enthusiastic thumbs-up. “Absolutely amazing!”

When Old Pu arrived at Taotie Delicacies, the scene he walked into was bustling with energy. The shop was nearly full, and every table had at least one plate of Ginger Scallion Chicken. Was this the start of meat dishes on the menu?

Old Pu had been coming to the shop three times a day lately, treating it as his personal canteen. After weeks of vegetarian dishes, the sight of glistening, fragrant chicken plates had his mouth watering.

Yun Tao came running up, his short legs moving like clockwork. “Grandpa Pu! What would you like to eat today? Or are you doing takeout again?”

Old Pu was known for being gruff, and kids usually avoided him. But not Yun Tao. Every time, he greeted Old Pu with a bright smile and a cheerful “Grandpa,” his sparkling eyes turning into crescents. It melted the old man’s heart every time.

Ruffling Yun Tao’s soft hair, Old Pu’s face softened. “I’ll take the Ginger Scallion Chicken, with rice and some stir-fried vegetables. To go—Yao Yao’s still waiting outside.”

He glanced at Yun Tao’s order pad, worried the kid might struggle to write it down. Seeing it was just a simple checklist to mark off, he relaxed.

Yun Tao told him to take a seat and wait, then whizzed into the kitchen. Moments later, he came out with a massive chicken drumstick in hand. At the door, he presented it to Yao Yao, the big fluffy dog waiting patiently.

Yao Yao’s tail went wild. She nuzzled Yun Tao enthusiastically, almost knocking him over in excitement.

Covered in dog slobber, Yun Tao laughed. “Easy, easy!”

The dog froze mid-wiggle, straightening up like a soldier at attention. Yun Tao held out the drumstick, and Yao Yao took it gently before retreating to a corner to munch quietly. She finished in no time, not even leaving a bone behind.

Yun Tao patted her head with a grin. “Good girl.”

After eating that magical Guanguan drumstick, Yao Yao looked oddly composed—like a dog with a newfound sense of purpose. Next time she ran into that pesky Samoyed down the street, she wouldn’t lose her head chasing after it.

Old Pu, watching from the side, was stunned. “TaoTao, you’re like a natural-born animal whisperer!”

Yun Tao nodded seriously. “I’m amazing, aren’t I?”

Old Pu chuckled, assuming it was just a child’s boast. “Sure, you are!” He ruffled Yun Tao’s hair again, praising him to no end.

Back home, Old Pu filled Yao Yao’s bowl with dog food. The silly dog, fresh off a whole chicken drumstick, ate the food with gusto, devouring it in record time. When she finished, she gave him a pleading look, mouth open wide like a baby bird.

Old Pu frowned. “More? You’re going to need to go on a diet if you keep this up!”

Yao Yao froze, utterly shattered by the declaration. She slumped to the floor dramatically, her eyes welling up with tears as if to say: Don’t you know how hard my life has been? I’ve been with you ever since I was a pup… abandoned, lonely, far from my mom…

“Are you acting now?” Old Pu snorted, amused. Then he added, almost as an afterthought, “If you get too fat, I’ll send you to TaoTao to slim down.”

Yao Yao shot up instantly, ears pinned back in horror. She stood tall, shaking her head as if to say, “Absolutely not.”

Old Pu burst out laughing. Was Yao Yao really scared of Yun Tao? Then again, every cat on the block seemed to fall under that kid’s spell too. Could this really be some kind of… innate gift?

Shaking his head, Old Pu dismissed the thought. It was too absurd. Instead, he opened his takeout boxes and got ready to eat.

With no AC running, just a fan spinning lazily overhead, the room was filled with soft summer light. The sun hit the braised chicken just right, making the glaze glisten like a work of art.

Calmly, Old Pu picked up a piece of Ginger Scallion Chicken, dipped it in the sauce, and took a bite. The first burst of flavor was the zingy, aromatic ginger and scallion, followed by the tender, perfectly chilled chicken. The skin was bouncy, the meat silky smooth. That scallion flavor—Old Pu swore it was the same one from the noodles—was so fresh it tasted alive.

Who knew scallions could taste this good?

Swallowing the last bite of chicken, Old Pu felt a coolness trickle into his stomach, lightening both body and mind. The muggy heat that had clouded his brain seemed to lift, leaving him suddenly clear-headed.

Scooping some of the savory juices over his rice, he marveled at how the ginger and scallions awakened his appetite, making the meal impossibly satisfying. Before he knew it, the dishes on the table were empty, even the vegetables he usually didn’t care for.

What Old Pu didn’t know was that the chicken he’d eaten came from a spirit bird, its essence quietly nourishing his aging body. He simply felt invigorated, as if he had gain years in an instant.

“This place better stay open forever,” Old Pu thought, already looking forward to his next visit. It had been years since he’d enjoyed food so much, especially during the sweltering summer months. Surely, he wasn’t the only one—many of his neighbors must also have found solace here.

His dog, Yao Yao, sat patiently by his side, eyes glued to the table, hoping for a bone.

“Alright, just one piece,” Old Pu said, tossing her a small one. “Any more, and you’ll have to go on a diet!”

Yao Yao happily gnawed on her prize, her tail wagging furiously as she let out a contented bark, “Woof woof!”

After tidying up, Old Pu followed his usual routine, taking a stroll through the courtyard to help with digestion. The garden was brimming with ripened fruits and vegetables, their weight bending the branches low. A few more days, and they’d start to spoil.

“Taotao seems to like sweet things,” Old Pu mused, recalling how the fruit shop girl often brought snacks for the young man at the food stall. Maybe he could pick some watermelon and tomatoes for him—and perhaps a few for the neighbors too. No sense in letting it all go to waste.

This wasn’t something Old Pu would have considered before. In the past, he rarely left his workshop and kept to himself, the faces of his neighbors little more than faint impressions. Lately, however, he’d been venturing out more, exchanging words here and there. Gradually, these strangers had become familiar presences, no longer just nameless figures in the background.

The once-isolated craftsman, who had spent most of his life in solitude, was finally stepping down from his tower, embracing a life touched by the warmth of human connection.

Basket in hand, Old Pu plucked the ripest watermelon, along with some tomatoes and cucumbers. Just as he was finishing up, his phone buzzed. Without checking the caller ID, he answered.

“Dad, have you eaten yet?” came a voice on the other end. It was Pu Jialiang—or so it seemed. But something was off. The signal sounded faint, the tone oddly stiff.

Old Pu felt a flicker of doubt but played along. “I’ve eaten. What’s going on?”

There was a brief pause. Then, the voice said, “Dad, I’ve run into some trouble. Can you transfer me some money? I really need it right now.”

This was unexpected. Normally, a request like that would have set Old Pu into a panic, but something didn’t sit right with him. His instincts whispered that something was amiss, though he couldn’t yet put his finger on what.

He kept his tone even. “Did something happen at your company?”

The voice grew more urgent. “Yeah, it’s a mess. If you don’t help me, I’m done for.”

That strange, cool sensation from the chicken meal seemed to rise again, sharpening Old Pu’s senses. He began piecing things together.

Pu Jialiang had always been the independent type, never one to cause trouble. From primary school to high school, he had always been the top of his class. By the time he graduated, he’d started his own business and had never once asked for financial help. In fact, it was the opposite—he regularly sent money back to Old Pu. The only time Old Pu had asked about his affairs was when he’d learned about Jialiang’s generous charitable donations.

And yet, here was someone claiming to be his son, sounding desperate and impatient. The voice was undeniably similar, but the words felt wrong.

Old Pu glanced at his phone and saw an unfamiliar number. Moments later, a text message arrived with a bank account number and a suspicious link. The voice on the phone continued pleading, trying to tug at his heartstrings.

“You little punk, I don’t have a son like you!” Old Pu barked, hanging up the call with a slam.

He didn’t fully understand the scam, but he was certain now that it wasn’t his son on the line. To be safe, he deleted the text message, refusing to risk clicking on anything dangerous.

That meal from earlier—whatever it was—had given Old Pu a clarity he couldn’t quite explain. It was as if the chicken had heightened his intuition, protecting him from falling for the trap.

With the biggest watermelon nestled in his basket, along with the tomatoes and cucumbers, Old Pu put on his straw hat and headed to the food stall.

Inside, Taotao was sipping on juice, struggling to keep his eyes open. He let out a massive yawn just as Old Pu entered.

At the sight of him, any lingering frustration from the scam call melted away. Placing the basket on the table, Old Pu smiled. “Taotao, these are from my garden. All for you.”

“Wow, such a huge watermelon!” Taotao’s eyes widened. Then, he blinked and asked, “Grandpa Pu, you seem a little upset. What happened?”

How could the kid tell? Old Pu was taken aback but confessed, “I got a call from a scammer just now. Pretended to be my son, trying to cheat me out of money. His voice was spot-on—I don’t know how they did it.”

A nearby customer overheard and chimed in. “That’s AI-generated voice cloning! They probably got a recording of your son’s voice and matched it to your contacts.”

Old Pu didn’t entirely grasp the concept but nodded. “Well, it was convincing. If not for… something helping me keep a clear head, I might’ve fallen for it.”

The customers laughed at his phrasing. One joked, “You’re sharp, old man. These scams are getting more sophisticated—they’re targeting retirees, trying to snatch up their savings.”

Another added angrily, “What kind of scumbag preys on elderly folks like that? They’ve got no conscience.”

“Maybe it’s the ‘Ginger-Scallion Chicken Effect,’” someone quipped, drawing laughs from the crowd. “Kept you sharp as a tack, didn’t it?”

Everyone paused, exchanging amused looks. Could it really have been the chicken?

“If it actually works, I’ll have some before my job interview next week!” someone joked.

“Forget that—serve me a plate before my blind date!” said another.

Soon, even those who hadn’t yet ordered were intrigued.

“Do you have any ginger-scallion chicken left?”

“I’ll take one to-go!”

“Me too!”

This idea alone was intriguing enough—if you’re already here, ordering one just to share on social media seemed like a fun way to join in the buzz.

By lunchtime, the ginger scallion chicken was completely sold out. Yun Tao beamed and turned to Old Pu. “Grandpa, can I cut up the watermelon and share it with everyone?”

“Of course! If they like it, I’ll go pick another one for you.”

Yun Fenghe carried the watermelon into the kitchen, and soon, each table had a plate of juicy slices. The fruit was as sweet as it was thin-skinned, with so few seeds it seemed almost too perfect to be true.

The customers were all smiles, thanking Yun Tao as the refreshing sweetness spread from their taste buds to their mood.

Just then, Old Pu’s phone rang again—it was the same number from before.

“Figures,” Old Pu said, gritting his teeth. “I cursed him out earlier and hung up. He probably thinks I fell for it and is calling back!”

A slender hand reached over and grabbed the phone. Tai Sui ’s voice was calm, almost bored. “Don’t worry, I’ll handle it.”

The call connected, and the same “Pu Jialiang” started pleading. “Dad, I was too hasty earlier—I’m sorry. Please don’t be angry…”

“Hmm,” Tai Sui replied, his voice ice-cold. “Yes, I’m your ‘dad.’ But listen up, kid—you’re about to have a very bad day.”

The line on the other end went dead, and within minutes, the number had been deactivated. A classic scammer moves.

“Good riddance!” Old Pu said with a laugh. “I should probably warn my son about this, though. Who knows, these crooks might try to scam him next with my voice!”

Old Pu stepped outside to call Pu Jialiang, leaving the diners marveling at him. Not only was this old man sharp enough to see through a sophisticated scam, but now he was thinking several steps ahead.

A real sharp cookie, this one!

They were still talking about the uncanny effect of the ginger scallion chicken, oblivious to the fact that every curse Tai Sui uttered would come true without fail.

Yun Tao grinned, taking a big bite of watermelon. “Someone’s about to have a string of bad luck!”

When Old Pu returned, he looked around, eager to learn. “My son told me to install some anti-fraud app. How do I even download it?”

Shanhai Street wasn’t a big place, and word spread fast. By evening, Old Pu’s story was all over town. Young people rushed to warn their parents about the latest scams and made sure they had anti-fraud apps installed on their phones.

And everyone agreed—thank goodness Old Pu had eaten Yun Tao’s ginger scallion chicken. With that unmistakable kick of ginger, no wonder his head was so clear!

Yun Tao, smugly: “Actually, it’s because my cooking has a touch of magic.”

Meanwhile, the scammer had barely hung up when his troubles began. He ran a red light, got hit by a car, and tried to fake an injury to scam some compensation. Unfortunately for him, the other driver wasn’t having it and promptly called the cops. The scammer tried to flee but tripped flat on his face, just as the traffic officer arrived.

Before he knew it, he was blurting out a full confession to every scam he’d ever pulled, leaving both the officer and the driver in stunned silence.

As he was hauled off to the station, the scammer couldn’t shake the memory of those chilling parting words over the phone: You’re about to have a very bad day.

It had been only a few hours since then, but his life was already unraveling. He shivered, knowing this streak of bad luck wasn’t over yet.

That same day, Ruan Ruan’s uncle dropped off his annual haul of fresh seafood. Thinking about how much Jiang Qing loved seafood, Ruan Ruan packed up a box to bring to Shanhai Street. Then she remembered her “little muse” Yun Tao and packed an extra box of seafood, along with some carefully chosen toys. The kid had surprisingly grown-up tastes, so she picked ones that matched his style.

Her first stop was Jiang Qing’s house, where she unloaded a box brimming with goodies: crabs, mantis shrimp as big as her palm, fat prawns, and a mix of groupers and squid.

“All my favorites!” Jiang Qing squealed, wrapping her arms around Ruan Ruan. “Thanks, darling!”

Wang Ying, always fond of Ruan Ruan, smiled warmly. “Why’d you bring so much? Do you still have enough at home?”

“Don’t worry, Aunt Ying, there’s plenty left,” Ruan Ruan reassured her, poking Jiang Qing playfully. “I’ve got another box for Yun Tao, plus some toys. Want to come with me to drop it off?”

“Sure! I’ve got half a serving of their reality-check ginger scallion chicken reserved anyway—I was just about to go pick it up.”

Ruan Ruan blinked. “Wait, ‘reality-check ginger scallion chicken’? Is that a new dish? Why the name?”

Jiang Qing quickly filled her in about Old Pu’s story. “It keeps your head clear—it’s practically foolproof! The name fits perfectly, right?”

“Wow, that old grandpa is really something!” Ruan Ruan laughed in amazement. “I’d love to try it, but I can’t stand ginger. Such a shame—Tao Tao’s dishes are always so creative.”

“You might surprise yourself,” Jiang Qing teased. “Remember when you swore you hated bitter melon? Then my mom made that stuffed bitter melon soup, and you couldn’t stop eating it.”

Ruan Ruan had to admit, it was possible. She started to think maybe Shanhai Street’s famous restaurant could pull off the impossible.

Just the thought of Aunt Ying’s stuffed bitter melon soup made her stomach rumble. “Aunt Ying’s soup really is unbeatable.”

Beaming with pride, Wang Ying replied, “Well, we’ve got some bitter melon at home, and now you’ve brought shrimp! How about I make you some stuffed shrimp dumplings with it?”

Jiang Qing and Wang Ying shared a triumphant high-five before grabbing their stuff and heading to Taotie Delicacies.

By then, dinner service was in full swing, and the place was packed. Yun Fenghe and Yun Tao, always the cheerful hosts, greeted them. Yun Tao crouched down to inspect the seafood, his eyes lighting up. “So much!”

For someone like Yun Tao, the haul wasn’t extraordinary, but he could feel the sincerity behind the gesture.

“Do you like seafood, TaoTao?” Ruan Ruan asked with a smile.

“Love it!” His mind immediately drifted to the treasures he’d tasted in the past: skate fish, flying fish, ribbonfish, even dragons…

Yun Tao licked his lips, eager to experiment with his new ingredients.

After thanking Ruan Ruan, Yun Fenghe carried the boxes into the kitchen. “Jiang Qing’s reality-check ginger scallion chicken is ready. I’ll bring it out in a bit.”

The women stayed at the front, helping Yun Tao unpack the toys. He was thrilled to find a Lego set—shaped like a money tree, no less.

Giving Ruan Ruan a thumbs-up, Yun Tao grinned. “Ruan-jie, you know me so well!”

“Of course!” Ruan Ruan said proudly. “Next time, I’ll bring a lucky cat set.”

Jiang Qing and Ruan Ruan carried their packed chicken home, where they washed up and started helping Wang Ying in the kitchen.

As Wang Ying plated the ginger scallion chicken, she chuckled indulgently. “They call this a half portion? Feels like a whole chicken to me! How do these kids expect to make money running a business like this?”

“Exactly!” Jiang Qing agreed with mock seriousness. “That’s why we neighbors need to support them as much as we can!”

Wang Ying prepared their meal, with the star of the show— reality-check ginger scallion chicken from Taotie Delicacies—placed proudly in the center of the table. Since seafood was on the menu, she even gave her husband, Dad Jiang, the rare permission to have a little drink.

The dining room was filled with a delicious aroma, but it was the sharp scent of ginger and scallion that dominated the air. Ruan Ruan eyed the chicken topped with a thick layer of ginger and scallion paste, hesitating. She had a long-standing aversion to ginger and wasn’t sure she could stomach it.

“Ginger’s good for you,” Wang Ying said casually. “But if you really don’t like it, you don’t have to force yourself.”

Curiosity got the better of her, and Ruan Ruan cautiously picked up a small piece of the chicken. “Alright, let’s give this a shot!”

The three Jiang family members watched her as if they were parents monitoring a picky child trying a new dish for the first time.

The aroma of ginger hit her before the chicken reached her mouth, and she felt a pang of nervousness. But once she took a bite, the initial apprehension vanished. The ginger flavor wasn’t gone—it was very much there—but it was nothing like what she remembered. Instead of being harsh, it was refreshingly spicy, with an almost delicate balance. She couldn’t quite put the sensation into words—it was as if the flavors had come alive in a fresh, vibrant way.

The chicken itself was tender and juicy, with none of the dryness she feared. Even the thought of eating it as plain boiled chicken, her least favorite growing up, didn’t seem unappealing.

“How is it?” Jiang Qing asked.

“Delicious,” Ruan Ruan nodded earnestly. Then she added with conviction, “It’s really, really good!”

Wang Ying and DadJiang broke into laughter.

“If even someone who hates ginger says it’s good, then this dish must be something special,” Wang Ying said proudly.

“Some chefs are so skilled they can make you love ingredients you normally avoid,” Jiang Qing chimed in.

Ruan Ruan’s review set high expectations for the ginger and scallion chicken, but when everyone dug in, no one was disappointed. The dish was truly exceptional!

Jiang Dad was especially enamored, scooping up the flavorful ginger-scallion sauce over rice, barely touching his drink.

Halfway through the meal, Dad Jiang’s phone rang. He answered, “Big Liu? What’s up?”

At the mention of that name, Wang Ying’s expression soured. Big Liu was a friend Dad Jiang had known for over 20 years. Though they had a solid friendship, Big Liu had recently developed a habit of borrowing money, each time with a new excuse.

Dad Jiang, ever the good-natured softie, had trouble saying no. To him, helping a friend was a given, especially one he’d known for decades. But Wang Ying was suspicious. The requests were becoming more frequent, and the excuses increasingly flimsy. Two loans were still unpaid. While Dad Jiang only lent out his pocket money, it still didn’t sit well with her.

This time, as expected, Big Liu was asking for another loan—5,000 yuan to buy a computer for his daughter because he was a little short on cash.

Dad Jiang’s phone volume was loud enough for the entire table to hear, and the room fell silent. Wang Ying felt her heart sink. Knowing her husband, he’d agree without hesitation—especially since it involved a child. And after a couple of drinks? She was certain he’d empty his wallet.

But to everyone’s surprise, Dad Jiang’s response was unusually sharp. “Are you messing with me? Be honest—what’s this money really for? And does your wife know you’ve been borrowing from me?”

The rapid-fire questions left Big Liu scrambling for an excuse, his stammering only making his lies more obvious.

“If you won’t tell me, I’ll ask your wife myself,” Dad Jiang said flatly.

Big Liu panicked. “No, no, you can’t do that! If she finds out I’ve been gambling, it’s over for me!”

Dad Jiang’s face darkened with anger. “You’re gambling? Are you out of your mind?!”

When a gentle person loses their temper, it’s no small thing. To avoid upsetting the kids, Dad Jiang stepped outside and gave Big Liu a thorough talk. He demanded that Big Liu confess everything to his wife and cut ties with his so-called “friends” who led him to gamble. Otherwise, not only would they no longer be friends, but Dad Jiang would even encourage his wife to leave him.

“You’ve been counting on others to bail you out, thinking there’s always a safety net,” Dad Jiang snapped. “Well, let me be clear—there’s no more safety net. If you mess up again, be prepared to lose everything.”

Fortunately, Big Liu wasn’t too far gone. Dad Jiang’s harsh words jolted him awake, leaving him drenched in a cold sweat. He promised to come clean and straighten himself out.

“You made this mess. No matter how your wife reacts, you have to face the consequences,” Dad Jiang said, then added, “Tomorrow, bring her over for dinner. I’ll buy you some ginger and scallion chicken to clear your head.”

When Dad Jiang returned to the dining room, everyone looked at him anxiously.

“How’d it goes?” Wang Ying asked.

“I laid it all out for him,” Dad Jiang said with a sigh. “But honestly, this is on me. If I hadn’t indulged him all this time, I’d have caught on sooner.”

Wang Ying had been waiting for this moment to lecture him. After a satisfying tirade, she finally asked, “But seriously, what made you so sharp today?”

“As soon as he started talking, I could tell he was lying.” Dad Jiang glanced at the ginger and scallion chicken on the table. He wasn’t sure if it was just in his head, but after eating it, he felt lighter and sharper than ever.

“Dad, you sounded just like Old Pu!” Jiang Qing teased. “Did the ginger give you a sudden burst of clarity?”

“Exactly!” Dad Jiang nodded enthusiastically.

Wang Ying looked impressed. “This dish is amazing. From now on, every time your dad gets muddle-headed, we’re serving ginger and scallion chicken.”

Dad Jiang cleared his throat awkwardly. “I’m only ever a little disarrayed. I hand over all the money, don’t I? Big Liu, though—he’s completely muddled. A big mess, dragging his family down with him. He should eat this chicken every day for a month!”

After dinner, Ruan Ruan drove home, having stayed sober. She didn’t expect that after witnessing such a dramatic family scene, the drama would follow her home.

Her boyfriend was waiting at her doorstep with a small bouquet of roses. It wasn’t a holiday or her birthday, and after the early days of their relationship, he’d long since stopped bothering with romantic gestures.

Seeing the slightly ingratiating smile on his face, Ruan Ruan immediately realized that this “romantic surprise” probably came with a price tag.

She didn’t take the flowers. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?”

“Wanted to surprise you,” Zhuo Han replied. “Let’s talk inside.”

Ruan Ruan glanced at her watch. “Let’s go to the milk tea shop downstairs. I could use a drink.”

In the elevator, Zhuo Han glanced at her apartment door with a flash of irritation. Throughout their relationship, he’d never been allowed past her doorstep. Even now, showing up unannounced, he’d hit the same brick wall.

At the café, Ruan Ruan opted for two fruit juices instead of tea, worried caffeine might mess with her sleep. She scanned the code to pay, and Zhuo Han, used to her footing the bill, didn’t object.

Before the drinks arrived, Zhuo Han couldn’t hold back anymore. He softened his voice, putting on a coaxing tone: “Babe, I’ve got this friend who runs a hanfu rental shop. He’s not very experienced, and business hasn’t been great. Your studio’s latest designs are blowing up online—I’ve even seen people reposting them. Could you spare a few sample pieces? I want to help him out.”

“And all my friends know I’ve got an amazing girlfriend,” Zhuo Han added, flashing her a bright smile. He wasn’t a bad-looking guy, but to Ruan Ruan, his charm felt… a little forced now. A little too slick.

It wasn’t the first time Zhuo Han had asked her for favors. Early in their relationship, he had connected her with a relative’s factory for a production deal. The samples were fine, but when the final delivery came, they’d swapped out the fabric for cheaper material, costing her a big loss. Back then, lost in the haze of their honeymoon phase, she had believed him when he swore he didn’t know, brushing it off as a one-time mistake.

She had always indulged him—she was busy, after all, and he was sweet enough. She’d never let him cross certain boundaries, like coming into her personal space at home, but for these small requests? She’d always caved.

But this time, something about his request set off alarm bells.

“Which friend? Do I know them?” she asked casually.

Zhuo Han’s expression stiffened for just a moment—barely noticeable, but Ruan Ruan caught it. Somehow, she felt sharper today, like her mind and senses were on high alert.

She watched as Zhuo Han smoothed over his reaction, smiling and inserting a straw into her juice as he said, “You’re always so busy; I’ve never had a chance to introduce you. They all joke that I’m dating a goddess on a pedestal. This is the perfect opportunity to prove them wrong, don’t you think? You’re so talented, babe. Just a few sample pieces could turn my friend’s shop around. Help me out, will you?”

His words were loaded—part guilt trip, part flattery. In the past, this might have worked. She might have felt bad for not giving him enough time and agreed to help, brushing it off as just lending a hand.

But not today. Today, she saw right through it.

“Call your friend,” Ruan Ruan said evenly. “I’ll talk to them myself.”

Zhuo Han hesitated, his eyes darting away. “It’s not a good time right now. And I wanted it to be a surprise—I haven’t mentioned it to them yet.”

How convenient.

Ruan Ruan stirred the orange slices in her juice with the straw. “Alright, then. Let’s talk details. How many sample pieces do you need?”

Zhuo Han lit up. “Really? That’s great! Just… all the new designs, plus whatever you’ve got in the warehouse. I mean, no one buys the samples anyway, right?”

Ruan Ruan chuckled, her smile tinged with disbelief. “Who says no one buys them? In fact, we’ve already sold out of old samples.” She looked at him, finally realizing how little he actually understood her work. “If you want them, I can give you a discounted price.”

Zhuo Han’s face fell. “Seriously? You’re gonna charge me? We’re dating, Ruan Ruan. You’re really gonna treat me like a customer?”

Her patience was wearing thin. Standing up, she grabbed her bag. “I’ll think about it.”

At home, Ruan Ruan decided to poke around Zhuo Han’s social media—a platform she rarely used but had once stumbled upon, courtesy of a recommendation algorithm. Zhuo Han assumed she didn’t pay attention to it, and his carelessness was her gain.

There, she found game screenshots he’d posted, all featuring the same support player. In the captions, he dropped not-so-subtle hints about how “adorable” his support was. It didn’t take long for Ruan Ruan to trace the support player back to their profile. Zhuo Han had liked and commented on every post, calling them his “dream girl” and laying on the compliments thick.

As it turned out, this “support” wasn’t just a random gamer—they owned a newly opened hanfu rental shop.

So that was his angle: using her designs to play hero in front of his “dream girl.” Unfortunately for him, the “dream girl” seemed completely uninterested, judging by her lukewarm responses.

Ruan Ruan shook her head, more amused than angry.

Without hesitation, she messaged the girl, laying out the situation clearly. “Sorry to bother you, but I thought you should know.”

She didn’t expect a response, let alone a quick one, but the girl, who went by “Xiao Qi” online, replied almost immediately, brimming with righteous fury.

“What a scumbag! He told me he’s never had a girlfriend before and that he fell for me at first sight! I rejected him ages ago, but he keeps finding ways to sneak into my games, thanks to a clueless mutual friend. Ugh, I’m going to give that friend a piece of my mind! And this guy? He needs to be exposed for the trash he is.”

Xiao Qi wasn’t done. “Honestly, we should print his crimes on a billboard to warn every woman out there. Guys like him deserve to have their shady deeds engraved on their tombstones! Oh, and he’s terrible at games too. If I could kill teammates, I’d take him out ten times a match.”

Then, softer: “Sorry, I got carried away. Are you okay? This must suck for you. How about I take you out for a meal sometime? Also… I saw your hanfu designs. Would you be open to a business collab?”

Ruan Ruan laughed. Xiao Qi was unexpectedly charming. She sent back a reply and invited Xiao Qi to visit her studio.

Meanwhile, Zhuo Han, oblivious to the storm brewing, continued spamming her with messages, alternating between sweet talk and pleas. Ruan Ruan didn’t bother replying. Instead, she sent him screenshots of everything she’d uncovered, accompanied by a single word: Breakup.

When Zhuo Han tried to argue back with a long, emotional essay, he was met with a red exclamation mark. She’d already blocked him.

The next day, Xiao Qi came to the studio. They hit it off immediately, striking a deal on the spot. Xiao Qi not only learned a lot about running a business from Ruan Ruan but also agreed to model for the shop’s next collection.

It was a win-win partnership. Both women quickly became friends, wondering how they hadn’t met sooner.

Looking at the contract in her hands, Ruan Ruan couldn’t help but think—this breakup wasn’t all bad, huh?

Work was going exceptionally well. She clocked out early and turned to Xiao Qi with an invitation: “I’m meeting a friend for dinner, and we’re also dropping off a custom banner at Taotie Delicacies. Wanna come along?”

“A banner? What for?” Xiao Qi’s curiosity was piqued.

Ruan Ruan chuckled. “They have this dish called Reality-Check Ginger Chicken. You probably won’t believe this, but after eating it, both my friend and her dad turned into walking lie detectors. Last night, as soon as Zhuo Han opened his mouth, I could tell he was lying, which is why I caught him cheating so fast.”

Xiao Qi gasped, wide-eyed. “That’s insane! Please take me with you—I’ve gotta see this for myself!”

Ruan Ruan picked up the custom banner from a nearby print shop, grabbed a bag of snacks, and drove to Shanhai Street.

They arrived to find Yun Tao perched on the swing outside, happily munching on a small cake that Luo Zheyan had brought him. He was wearing a soft, butter-yellow T-shirt, and the setting sun cast a warm glow on him, making him look like he belonged in a painting.

Xiao Qi gasped again, this time with a hand to her chest. “I’ve found my long-lost, real-life anime son! He looks just like the little character I raised in my game!”

“Pretty, isn’t he?” Ruan Ruan smirked, a hint of pride in her voice. “This is my little muse, the darling of Shanhai Street: Yun Tao, or TaoTao for short. He’s the face of our online shop now—you should check out his photos. People are obsessed with him.”

Xiao Qi immediately pulled out her phone to search. “He’s so photogenic! It’s like he was born for the camera!”

Hearing them, Yun Tao hopped off the swing and called out cheerfully, “Ruan Ruan-jie~!” He still hadn’t gotten over the amazing seafood she’d sent over yesterday—especially the mantis shrimp, plump and full of flavor. He’d made a whole batch of salt-and-pepper shrimp with it, even frying the shells to a perfect crisp. The memory alone was making his mouth water.

“TaoTao, this is Xiao Qi-jie.” Ruan Ruan introduced them, then held up the bag in her hand with a grin. “I brought you a banner!”

Yun Tao tilted his head. “A banner?”

The staff inside, overhearing, peeked out with curiosity. Ruan Ruan laughed as she unfurled the banner, revealing the bold, playful text:

“Feast on Reality-Check Ginger Chicken, Tackle Life with Clear Eyes.”

The crowd cracked up, Yun Tao included.

Someone called out, “TaoTao, are you gonna hang it up?”

“Of course!” Yun Tao beamed, clutching the banner as he ran off to find Tai Sui, who was leaning against the front desk, taking a break. “Ge, can you hang this up for me? Somewhere everyone can see it!”

Tai Sui gave a lazy wave, effortlessly securing the banner next to the digital menu, exactly where Yun Tao wanted it.

Watching the whole scene, Yun Fenghe leaned over and asked quietly, “Ruan Ruan-jie, you good? Everything okay?”

“Don’t worry, it’s nothing serious.” Ruan Ruan wasn’t shy about sharing the details. Neither was Xiao Qi. They gave the short version of yesterday’s events, unapologetically spilling the tea about Zhuo Han’s antics. After all, there was no need to cover for a cheater—by now, everyone in their circles knew what he’d done.

Ling Xiao, who had been quietly eavesdropping from behind a curtain, popped his head out with a sly grin. “Sounds like he got off easy. Want me to teach him a lesson? Show him how it feels to be played for a fool?”

Unseen by the girls, Ling Xiao’s fluffy fox tail swished mischievously behind him, a sure sign that his devious side was bubbling to the surface.

Blessed with the talents of a fox spirit, Ling Xiao’s shapeshifting abilities were second to none. His face alone was a masterpiece, so flawlessly androgynous it defied gender.

Ruan Ruan stared at him for a moment, dazed, before shaking her head. “Nah, he’s not worth the effort.”

Yun Tao, however, perked up, a twinkle of mischief in his eye. “I’ve got a shortcut.”

He tugged at Ruan Ruan’s sleeve. “Ruan Ruan-jie, can I see his photo?”

Puzzled, Ruan Ruan opened her phone and pulled up a picture of Zhuo Han. “What for?”

Yun Tao carefully studied the photo, then showed it to Tai Sui, who immediately caught on. A faint, knowing smirk curved Tai Sui’s lips, and his pitch-black eyes flickered with an otherworldly gleam for just a moment.

“What’s going on?” Ruan Ruan asked, suspicious. Yun Tao, ever serious, explained, “My brother has a special… talent.”

“Yep,” Tai Sui drawled lazily. “Once I’ve seen his face, bad luck’s gonna follow him around like a shadow.”

Ruan Ruan burst into laughter, assuming they were just trying to cheer her up. But she played along, raising her glass in mock toast: “Well then… here’s to his misfortune!”

The evening carried on, and by dinnertime, Jiang Qing had joined them. Since her family had guests over, the adults had their own discussions, leaving the three of them free to enjoy a meal at Taotie Delicacies.

As the restaurant wound down and the kitchen closed, Yun Tao handed each of them a small watering can and led them into the courtyard to check out his latest project.

In the short time since Ruan Ruan’s last visit, the space had transformed. A bright cluster of golden sunburnt roses trailed from the window, their blossoms like Yuns dipped in sunlight. Along the walls, an assortment of potted plants—clearly rescued and nursed back to life—thrived with fresh vitality. Even a small vegetable patch had sprung up in two neat rows, the young greens vibrant and full of promise.

Xiao Qi was over the moon. It felt like a scene straight out of one of her favorite cozy simulation games.

As the sun finally dipped below the horizon and the sky darkened, Xiao Qi’s phone buzzed with a call from a friend. Her expression shifted several times throughout the conversation, finally settling on amused disbelief.

“No way… Seriously? Oh my god, serves him right!”

Both Jiang Qing and Ruan Ruan leaned in eagerly, curiosity written all over their faces.

“What happened? Is it Zhuo Han?”

Xiao Qi nodded, barely able to contain her glee. “Remember how I said Zhuo Han is a friend of a friend? Well, turns out, my friend just found out Zhuo Han lied to him too. And you know how he feels about liars—he stormed straight to Zhuo Han’s office, ready to blow up. But before he could, someone else beat him to it! This other guy came in, furious, and just decked Zhuo Han.”

Ruan Ruan blinked, stunned. “What? Why?”

“Because Zhuo Han tried to play the ‘heartbroken’ card and, get this, tried to become the other guy’s side piece.” Xiao Qi could barely keep a straight face. “It’s been a huge mess. Zhuo Han’s probably getting fired over it—his behavior’s too scandalous for the company to overlook. Karma came for him fast this time!”

“Wow.” Ruan Ruan shook her head in disbelief. “Yesterday he got dumped for cheating, and today he’s trying to be someone’s side piece? How much lower could he go? I must’ve been blind to date him in the first place.”

Jiang Qing patted her on the shoulder sympathetically. “Don’t beat yourself up. Guys like that are good at pretending. Back then, he had us all fooled with his innocent act too.”

“Wait a second…” Ruan Ruan suddenly froze, her eyes widening as a realization struck her. “What Brother Sui said earlier—about how jerks get even unluckier if he remembers them—is that actually real?”

The three girls turned to look at Yun Tao in unison. They all knew this little guy wasn’t your average kid, so there was no need to shield him from their conversation.

Yun Tao nodded with a grin. “It’s true!”

Xiao Qi let out a long whistle. “Wow, that’s some next-level skill. Honestly, if I ever start dating, I’m hiring Brother Sui to be my personal bodyguard.”

Jiang Qing and Ruan Ruan fell silent for a moment, both deep in thought. Finally, Jiang Qing sighed, “Honestly, being around faces this good-looking every day… I’ve completely lost interest in dating regular guys.”

“You’re not wrong,” Xiao Qi agreed, seamlessly shifting into her no-nonsense boss-lady mode. “Why bother with love and heartbreak when building a career is so much more satisfying?”

“Exactly,” Ruan Ruan chimed in. “In fact, I’m going to see my idol tomorrow. Wanna come?”

Xiao Qi raised a brow. “You’re a fangirl? Who’s the lucky star?”

“My one and only—God of Wealth!” Ruan Ruan declared with mock solemnity.

Xiao Qi and Jiang Qing spoke in perfect unison: “Obviously, we have to go!”

Yun Tao laughed along, already planning to light an extra incense stick for his local God of Wealth “big brother” tonight.

As they said their goodbyes, Yun Tao offered them each a choice of potted plants from the garden. Naturally, they all went for money trees.

Back at the restaurant, the Reality-Check Ginger Scallion Chicken had officially taken over as the most popular dish at Taotie Delicacies. Its bold flavor, paired with the unique benefits of divine chicken meat, made it an instant hit, even surpassing the beloved Worry-Free Scallion Oil Noodles. Many customers started ordering both dishes together, claiming it was the ultimate combo: clear-headed and stress-free.

Yun Tao, ever the clever entrepreneur, started a trending post on Xiaohongshu, sharing anecdotes about how the Reality-Check Ginger Scallion Chicken had changed their livese. The comments section exploded with activity, buzzing with everything from curiosity to heartfelt confessions. Scrolling through the replies felt like breathing in a fresh breeze.

“Never been a fan of ginger and scallion, but after reading this, I’m totally sold on trying the chicken.”

“This is the third time Taotie Delicacies has popped up in my feed—always late at night, too. Who else feels my midnight hunger pains?”

“Desperately need Reality-Check Ginger Scallion Chicken in my life, but sadly, it’s not in my city.”

“Okay, I haven’t eaten the chicken yet, but I just read a story in the comments that opened my eyes and saved me from falling into a scam. Thank you so much! Please, never delete this post!”

“Wait, this place is in Xinan City? It’s on my bucket list now. Next trip, I’m going straight there!”

“I’m dying to know—just how good is it? The photos look amazing, but everyone keeps saying it’s beyond words.”

Meanwhile, Yun Tao’s system gleefully chimed in with updates. The mission had been successfully completed, and for once, the system wasn’t glitchy. It promptly calculated and delivered his rewards.

“Mission complete! Rewards have been issued!”

“Upgrade progress: (300/600 Mountain and Sea Points).”

Having collected three full Shanhai Vouchers, Yun Tao flashed a delighted smile, his little tiger teeth peeking out. “I’ve never been this rich before!”

“Host, would you like to use your vouchers for a triple draw now? You’ve been looking forward to this, haven’t you?” Even the system seemed infected by his joy.