Chapter 16 – The Hidden Ingredient

The soft morning light spilled across the hills of the quiet village as Reyan stepped out onto the porch with a light yawn. A pot of herbal tea was already brewing, and the scent of something warm and comforting drifted from the kitchen.

He sat at the wooden table as Madra and Eli joined him, setting down a simple breakfast—fresh flatbread, boiled eggs, and a spicy vegetable mash. It was a modest meal, but like everything here, it was made with care.

"You'll take the first batch with you," Madra said, motioning toward a medium-sized wooden crate resting near the door.

Eli added, "We measured and mixed it like you asked. Each pouch has just the right balance of Elara Petals and Mistroot Vine. Should last a while."

"Thank you," Reyan said sincerely. "This means a lot."

Madra just smiled. "Good things should spread."

After breakfast, Eli helped carry the crate out front, where a cab had already pulled up waiting to take Reyan back to Solara City.

Eli gave a small wave. "If you ever need more, just call. We'll keep things ready."

"I'll stay in touch," Reyan replied with a nod, before stepping inside the cab.

As the car pulled away from the village, Reyan glanced once over his shoulder at the peaceful little house framed by fields of flowers. The kind of place that seemed untouched by greed, untouched by noise.

Once they hit the highway, he pulled out his phone and sent a quick message to Harven.

> [Reyan: How's everything going at the restaurant?]

The reply came back just a minute later.

> [Harven: All good. Changed the signage this morning—'Fortune Bloom' is officially on the wall now.] [Also, the content guy I hired is coming today. Gonna shoot some promos and reels.]

Reyan smiled faintly and typed back.

> [Good. I ordered the bikes and van yesterday—they should arrive in a few days.]

The rest of the ride passed quietly, with city buildings rising steadily in the distance until they finally pulled up in front of Reyan's house.

He paid the fare and stepped out, carrying the crate himself.

> [Fare Paid: ₲1,200]

[Remaining Balance: ₲240,800]

The house was silent—his mother still at work.

He took a quick shower to rinse off the dust from travel, changed into fresh clothes, and placed two small pouches of the flower blend aside for home use.

Then, carrying the crate in both hands, he locked the door and headed straight to Fortune Bloom.

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The newly repainted sign gleamed in gold above the entrance.

Inside, the scent of fresh polish and lemon-scented cleaner lingered in the air. Tables were neatly arranged. The atmosphere had already started to take shape—classy, warm, and inviting.

Harven looked up from his tablet as Reyan walked in.

"Welcome back, boss," he said with a small smile. "You look like you've seen the world."

"I might've," Reyan said dryly, placing the crate on a side counter.

He pulled one pouch free and handed it to Harven.

"I want you to test something," he said. "Ask the chef to prepare a meal using a small pinch of this. Just half a pinch per serving. No more."

Harven took the pouch with a raised brow. "Spices?"

"Not exactly. Trust me."

Harven gave a slow nod, then walked back toward the kitchen. A few minutes passed, the usual clattering of pans and low hum of preparation filtering in from the back.

Reyan took a seat, crossing one leg over the other as he waited.

Soon enough, Harven returned—alongside a server carrying a dish neatly plated with a creamy herb pasta topped with grilled vegetables and light garnish. The smell was mouthwatering, but there was something else layered underneath it—subtle, almost invisible.

"Try it," Reyan said calmly.

After Harven had taken a few more bites, the effect was undeniable. His face lit up as a warmth rushed through his body—a clarity in the mind, a lift in spirit. The cook and the server watched nervously from a distance.

"This... this feels incredible," Harven said, wide-eyed. "What did you give me?"

Reyan smiled faintly. "Just nature's secret. No side effects, no harm. And it can be added to any dish—soups, stir-fries, even drinks."

The cook leaned closer, whispering something to the server before both nodded respectfully toward Reyan, clearly impressed.

"I want every dish from today to have a small touch of this," Harven said, energized. "Let's test the customer reactions."

Reyan handed him the rest of the crate. "Here. Use it wisely."

With that, Reyan gave Harven a nod and left the restaurant, the door closing softly behind him.

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