Chapter Forty-Six: Xiao Shuang's Departure

In order to complete his task as swiftly as possible, Zhao Shen decided to deceive the great masses, as he was not new to such antics and had grown accustomed to it, feeling entirely justified.

"My goodness, Boss Zhao, why are you doing this again? Didn't you resolve the last issue with the missing ingredients? What's happening this time, why is there only golden egg fried rice left?"

"Indeed, how can you be the most outrageous merchant? You've taken down a new dish just a day after its launch?"

"I can't believe it! Zhao Shen, no wonder they call you neurotic. Must you be so prideful? Is it really necessary to have some sort of fate to enjoy your food?"

The crowd was abuzz, criticizing Zhao Shen's unscrupulous business practices, yet none left; they merely vented their frustrations verbally. Even the once-tempting Dragon's Spicy Rice had captivated them, let alone the golden egg fried rice.

…

Of course, some were still unwilling to give up: "When will the Ice Silk Snow Silkworm Bun be available? It won't be out of stock for several days again, will it?"

"Absolutely not," Zhao Shen replied confidently. As soon as the golden egg fried rice task was completed, he would immediately list the Ice Silk Snow Silkworm Bun and other delicacies for sale; a true gentleman does not forgo profit!

"Boss, can you give a precise timeframe? And when will the Fiery Red Lotus Noodles return?" a fan of *insert dish* pressed further.

"I don't know."

Zhao Shen genuinely had no idea, for he was uncertain when he would finish his task. Of course, he wouldn't divulge to the masses that other delicacies would resume selling once his task was complete, or he might find himself figuratively crucified by these food enthusiasts!

"I'll have a portion of golden egg fried rice."

"Golden egg fried rice!"

Fortunately, it wasn't long before Zhao Shen's indifferent and cunning antics completed the golden egg fried rice task, and with the system's notification, his level ascended to nine.

However, Zhao Shen felt disheartened; how was he to elevate the remaining experience, which was less than eighty percent to the next level? Did he need to grind dungeons like last time?

By proportion, the previous dungeon could only provide twenty percent of his current level's requirement since he had done nothing else but that dungeon; thus, the twenty percent he carried was solely from that experience.

…

As he hung other delicacies at his stall, contemplating the meaning of life—a practice that cultivators referred to as meditation—perhaps it could yield him experience.

"Wow, the buns and noodles have arrived so quickly?"

"Zhao Shen, what kind of game are you playing? I'm utterly confused!"

The spectators who had not departed expressed their frustrations upon seeing the Ice Silk Snow Silkworm Bun and Fiery Red Lotus Noodles, lamenting Zhao Shen's trickery.

"What's going on with you all?" Some latecomers were bewildered.

"Oh, young man, you wouldn't understand; this morning, Zhao Shen claimed there would only be golden egg fried rice. Yet, just an hour later, all the other delicacies resumed supply. At least we finally get to taste something!"

Those fond of *insert dish* remained unwavering, waiting eagerly for the Fiery Red Lotus Noodles while also recounting their early morning misadventures.

However, the crowd had seen such antics from Zhao Shen often enough; it was not the first time he acted erratically, always appearing and vanishing mysteriously.

…

After pondering for what seemed like ages without grasping how to level up, he felt perhaps today was not destined for completion. Suddenly, a sharp pang struck his heart, as if something had pierced it.

A familiar large jeep drove into the food stall area.

"Long time no see! What will you have today?" This may well have been the warmest greeting Zhao Shen had ever offered since opening his stall.

Xiao Shuang squeezed her way through the crowd, inexplicably absent this time from her usual dark attire. Beside her stood her cousin, David Oscar.

"Indeed, it has been quite a while; there's been a bit of trouble at home," Xiao Shuang replied nonchalantly, then immediately opened Zhao Shen's stall menu—today might be her last chance to relish his culinary delights.

Meanwhile, in a place unseen by Zhao Shen, the red Chef God Spring buff began to fade like melting ice and snow, leaving only a faint crimson mark.

…

"About the incident with Dayu last time, I apologize. Xiao Shuang and I extend our apologies on his behalf." Having reached the purchase limit without tasting anything, David Oscar suddenly looked up at Zhao Shen and spoke.

"Apologizing on his behalf? No need," Zhao Shen's voice grew colder, even he was unaware of the shift.

To utter the words "on his behalf" made the implication clear; it meant standing in Dayu's corner while addressing Zhao Shen.

Xiao Shuang's lips trembled slightly, yet in the end, she remained silent.

"I understand your matter somewhat. Regardless of who is right or wrong, Dayu is my friend. Moreover, the Jiuyao Clan is urging Xiao Shuang and me to leave promptly, so today, she has come to bid you farewell."

Ah, now it makes sense, Zhao Shen silently thought.

After David Oscar finished speaking, he promptly took Xiao Shuang back to the car. Before opening the door, Xiao Shuang glanced back at Zhao Shen; he caught a glimpse but did not look up.

…

"Ding! Congratulations, host, for completing the hidden task. The Chef God Spring buff has dissipated, level +1, and you have obtained a special item: [Forget-Me-Not Water]."

Zhao Shen could never have imagined that he completed the last level before his promotion in such a manner.

"If only I could wish that this level would never arrive."

It turned out that some matters could end before they even began. Perhaps this was the end of destiny? A bond that dissipated with the wind without reason?

Suddenly, Zhao Shen recalled a text from his primary school days, just as she had quietly arrived and quietly departed…

"Ah well, perhaps this is life."

…

The system notification did not delay due to Zhao Shen's musings.

"Ding! Congratulations, player, for reaching level 10."

"Ding! You have received the Chef God Advancement Task: [Chef God's Little Shop]."

Task [Chef God's Little Shop]: As a Chef God, one must naturally possess their own little shop (located in the main city); this is the first step to conquering the world through culinary skills! Completing this task rewards a comprehensive advancement of the Chef God system, randomly selecting a complete set of premium dish ingredients, level +5, and all attributes x2!

Zhao Shen blinked. This certainly seemed off, didn't it? Wasn't the promised reward for leveling up a powerful sword? A skill would suffice! Why in the world did he receive a task instead of any reward, compelling him to open a shop in the main city?

Nonetheless, the reward was indeed generous. A complete set of dish ingredients? Leveling up by five levels! All attributes x2! Had his luck finally turned in favor of his extraordinary culinary path?