Of course, they couldn’t serve it that evening. The chefs had just learned the recipe and needed more practice. Though they were eager to make money quickly, they had to ensure the food tasted right. Shopkeeper Qin apologized, saying, “Everyone, I’m really sorry, but we don’t have enough ingredients today. However, we’ll have it ready tomorrow, and we’ll make sure to reserve a spot for you.” Though the other customers were disappointed, they nodded and promised to return the next day and insisted on a portion being saved for them.

After sending the customers off, Shopkeeper Qin went to the kitchen and instructed the staff to prepare the ingredients and seasonings for the sauerkraut fish. The next day, the customers who had heard about the sauerkraut fish arrived early, even before meal time. They immediately ordered it, and as soon as it was served, they eagerly dug in, praising the tender, smooth fish that had no fishy smell. Others nearby, attracted by the delicious aroma and hearing the compliments, called the waiter and ordered their own servings.

Although it hadn’t been formally advertised yet, the dish was already proving popular. On the first day, Shopkeeper Qin didn’t dare prepare too much. He made the same amount they usually prepared for the braised fish, which was about four or five servings, knowing that braised fish was something they often couldn’t sell out. Fish were easily spoiled, so any leftovers were eaten by the staff.

As Shopkeeper Qin was boasting to a regular customer about how delicious the sauerkraut fish was, a waiter rushed over. “Shopkeeper, we’ve run out of fish!” How could they have run out? It was still early in the meal period. Shopkeeper Qin exchanged pleasantries with the customer, then turned to check. Hearing a request from another customer for a portion, Qin could only promise to check if there were any left and assured him he would bring it if available.

He checked and found only two fish remaining from the twenty they had prepared. He quickly instructed the waiter to go to the dock and buy more. Fortunately, the restaurant was only a short walk from the dock. After giving his instructions, Shopkeeper Qin hurried back to reassure the customers.

Later, the waiter returned with only five or six fresh fish, which was far from enough. Shopkeeper Qin could only give the fish to regular customers, offering those who hadn’t been served some snacks with an apology, hoping they would come back another day.

The demand for the fish increased, and their original supplier could no longer keep up. So, Shopkeeper Qin went to the dock to find new sources. As he was negotiating, he ran into Gu Linchen.

When Gu Linchen arrived at the restaurant, Shopkeeper Qin greeted the fish vendor briefly, then instructed the waiter to take Gu Linchen to the back kitchen. He personally led Gu to a private room on the second floor, where the waiter brought tea and snacks.

“Please have a seat, Young Master Gu. I apologize for not having hosted you properly last time. I haven’t had a chance to ask what kind of business you’re in,” Shopkeeper Qin said.

“You’re too kind, Shopkeeper Qin. I’m just a country bumpkin. I’ll have to rely on you more in the future,” Gu Linchen replied humbly.

“Oh? What do you mean by that?” Shopkeeper Qin asked, curious.

The waiter came in and set down the tea and snacks before leaving.

“I plan to start a small business in the town, but don’t worry, I won’t be selling in this area,” Gu Linchen said, wanting to establish a good relationship with Qin. Since he had little influence in the town, and Xiang Ju Lou was a century-old establishment with connections, he was worried that someone might cause trouble for him or that such a large restaurant might try to suppress him. So, he decided to be open about his plans.

“You’re planning to sell food?” Shopkeeper Qin became cautious at the mention of food. Given Gu Linchen’s skills, he worried it might affect their business.

“I’ll set up a small stall and sell some food to supplement my income. Your restaurant caters to wealthy customers, while I’ll be serving the common folk,” Gu Linchen explained. Shopkeeper Qin thought for a moment. Since Gu Linchen was being upfront with him, and since he had even shared the recipe for the dish, he seemed trustworthy. Besides, there were two other restaurants in the town comparable to theirs, not to mention the many street vendors selling food.

“Haha, Young Master Gu, you’re too modest. May I ask what kind of food you’ll be selling?” Shopkeeper Qin asked.

Gu Linchen took a sip of tea. “Please allow me to make a good impression. Once the food is ready, I’ll make sure to send you a portion, and I’d appreciate your feedback.”

“Hahaha, Young Master Gu, you’re too polite! But I have to admit, I love fine wine and good food,” Shopkeeper Qin replied with a laugh. “I’m sure you’ve made a name for yourself with your skills, especially when it comes to food!”

“Hahaha, Young Master Gu, you really know how to flatter!”

Gu Linchen came out of Xiang Ju Lou just as it was nearing noon. Thinking about buying a stick of candied hawthorn and some snacks for Xige’er, who had really enjoyed them last time, he headed towards the snack shop.

“Hey, isn’t this Brother Gu? You’re all dressed up today—where are you off to?” A man with a cheeky smile approached, holding an apple he had taken from a nearby stall. Two others followed him, mimicking his actions, which caused the owner of the nearby stall to look at them with resentment, but he dared not say anything.

Gu Linchen didn’t want to deal with him and tried to walk around, but the man blocked his path. The people around them saw the commotion and quickly stepped aside. The man was Chen Mazi, a well-known thug in town who extorted protection money from street vendors. It was better to stay far away to avoid trouble.

“Brother Chen, I’m not in the mood to argue with you today,” Gu Linchen said, displeased.

“Hah! I heard you got your head smashed a few days ago, and you still haven’t recovered? How dare you talk to me like that!” Chen Mazi was annoyed. Although he knew that Gu Linchen had some skill and had become a leader among the low-level thugs, Gu usually showed him respect. Today, however, Gu Linchen dared to glare at him. As he spoke, Chen Mazi swung a punch at Gu Linchen’s face.

Gu Linchen, who had once been a school bully, had a quick temper. He grabbed Chen Mazi’s fist and, with a swift move, threw him to the ground with a loud crash. Seeing their leader on the ground, the two lackeys rushed forward, but Gu Linchen quickly dealt with them, knocking each of them down with a few punches.

Chen Mazi, stunned from the fall, took a while to get up. “Wait for it,” he grumbled, ready to leave, but before he could, Gu Linchen grabbed him and punched him several more times.

“What do you mean by ‘wait for it,’ huh? Tell me!” Gu Linchen asked, slapping him across the face.

This was the kind of situation where you either don’t provoke someone or you make them realize that you are even harder to mess with. From then on, they would steer clear of you.

Chen Mazi screamed in pain, and after a few moments, as a young man in his twenties, he finally begged for mercy. “Brother Gu, I was wrong! Please spare me, I’ll respect you as my big brother from now on.”

Seeing his pitiful expression, gone was the arrogance from earlier, Gu Linchen sighed and stood up. “Remember what you said. And from now on, don’t bully the weak or cause trouble. If you do, this will just be the beginning.”

The three of them nodded repeatedly, agreeing they wouldn’t do it again. Gu Linchen gave them a sharp look, which made them tremble with fear. He didn’t scare them any further and turned to leave.

After Gu Linchen had walked out of sight, one of the lackeys looked at Chen Mazi. “Boss, should we go after him and cause more trouble?”

Chen Mazi waved his sleeve in irritation. “It wasn’t you who got beaten up, was it? You don’t know how painful his punches were. My body is nearly ruined, and if he hits me again, I might not even survive. Come on, help me walk.”

The two lackeys helped the limping Chen Mazi away.