Republic of China, 1928: Starting from a Wonton Shop

The chopped chili fish head on the table was reduced to just some bones, and the broth was completely wiped clean by Feng Gengguang mixing it with rice; the Mapo Tofu that Zhang Boju praised was also devoured by everyone, with even the last bit of spicy sauce being dipped in sesame cakes.

"That was exhilarating! Absolutely exhilarating!" Feng Gengguang leaned back in his chair, his face flushed with the afterglow of the alcohol.

Although Old Qi didn't say much today, he was clearly very satisfied after finishing that bowl of braised pork and half a fish head. He stroked his silver beard and looked at Li Chunsheng. This young man was indeed very much to his liking.

"It's getting late." Zhang Boju glanced at his pocket watch, then turned to look out the window. "The snow has stopped; let's not keep the shopkeeper from resting."

Everyone stood up, and Li Chunsheng quickly took the cloak and mink coat hanging on the screen and handed them to the group one by one.

Feng Liu was already waiting in the courtyard. When he saw everyone come out, he quickly turned on his flashlight and led the way.

Qi Baishi and Li Chunsheng walked at the very back.

"Mr. Qi, I have a request, though I'm not sure if I should say it."

Qi Baishi stopped and turned around: "Young man, do you wish to request a painting?"

This question was direct. Everyone around knew that Mr. Qi's paintings were valuable, and not cheap. More importantly, the old man had an eccentric temperament and rarely gave them away.

Li Chunsheng straightened up, his eyes sincere, without a trace of flattery: "In reply to Elder Qi, I am indeed bold. If I were to ask for a painting, that would be greedy; but if I were to ask for an inscription to hang at the entrance of this restaurant, it would not only bring glory to this humble establishment, but also let future diners know that true literati can sit here and enjoy a bite of braised pork."

He paused, then continued, "And to be honest, I have a little selfish motive. I want to pass on your calligraphy. In this chaotic world, if my people really encounter something, your calligraphy will keep them from starving."

"Ha ha ha ha!"

Feng Gengguang laughed loudly: "Look at this! I told you this kid was something else! He's so open and honest even when asking for calligraphy, he's already thought about the future of his descendants!"

Zhang Boju laughed too: "Congbi has seen many people asking for calligraphy and paintings, most of them just spouting empty words of admiration! But Boss Li is different, he directly said it's for family heirlooms and to protect the shop. Old Qi, this young man is honest, I think we should write a piece of calligraphy for him, how about that?"

Mei Lanfang chimed in, "Mr. Qi, Chunsheng has really had a tough time."

Qi Baishi, the stubborn old man, looked at Li Chunsheng and remained silent for a long time. Just when everyone thought he was going to refuse, Qi Baishi suddenly snorted coldly, but did not get angry.

"You young man, you say you won't discuss state affairs, but you're certainly not lacking in scheming," Qi Baishi tapped the ground lightly with his cane. "My calligraphy is very valuable; what do you intend to offer in exchange?"

Li Chunsheng's expression turned serious: "As long as Elder Qi speaks up, and as long as Li's Restaurant remains open, whenever Elder Qi wishes to eat, no matter where he is, I will personally deliver the food box to him!"

Qi Baishi stared at Li Chunsheng for a long time, then suddenly burst into laughter, "This calligraphy, I accept! I'll not only give you calligraphy, but also a painting! You'll have to pass it down to your descendants with both calligraphy and painting! That's what makes it valuable, hahahaha!"

Li Chunsheng was overjoyed and was about to thank him when Qi Baishi waved his hand again: "I've had too much to drink today. In a couple of days, I'll write it and have someone send it to you. Remember, make sure the plaque is well-made and don't ruin my calligraphy."

"I will definitely hire the most skilled engraver outside Qianmen!" Li Chunsheng said excitedly, bowing with his hands clasped in greeting.

"Alright, let's go back." Qi Baishi turned around and, with Feng Liu's help, steadily got into the first car.

Feng Gengguang and Stuart also took their leave one after another. Mei Lanfang was the last to leave. He stopped at the door, patted Li Chunsheng on the shoulder, and said in a low voice, "Chunsheng, you must keep this calligraphy safe. In Beiping, you can count on one hand the number of people that Master Qi would give you his calligraphy."

"I will never forget Mr. Xie Mei's guidance."

The taillights of the black sedan gradually disappeared at the end of the alley. Li Chunsheng stood in the snow and let out a long sigh of relief. When the cold wind blew, he realized that his back was also covered in sweat.

"Master, the guests have all gone far away. It's cold outside, please go back inside." Yunniang heard the noise, came out of her room, and walked to the hall to call out softly.

"Sister-in-law, leave the dishes and chopsticks on that table in the private room for now, we'll clean them up first thing tomorrow morning." Li Chunsheng waved his hand. "Mr. Wu and Da Hu have both gone back, you should get some rest too. I'm exhausted today and want to sleep."

Seeing that his face was indeed a little pale, Yunniang felt a little sorry for him: "Alright, then you should wash up and go to bed quickly. I've kept the water warm in the pot for you."

After a quick wash, Li Chunsheng returned to his east wing room, closed the door behind him, and collapsed heavily onto the hard wooden bed.

The room was dimly lit. Li Chunsheng closed his eyes and let his consciousness sink into his mind.

Name: Li Chunsheng

Current Reputation Points: 6000

[System Shop: Activated]

In the chaotic times of the Republic of China, a good body is the foundation to support everything. Li Chunsheng knew how weak this body originally was. The previous body had been killed by high fever and freezing cold. Even though there was meat in every meal during this period and the body had been strengthened before, this twenty-one-year-old body still seemed a bit frail in the face of the chaos of war in the future.

"Exchange for body enhancement!"

[3000 reputation points deducted; basic physical enhancement begins to be distributed.]

[The intensification process has begun. You may experience mild pain during this time. Please maintain steady breathing.]

The next second, Li Chunsheng felt a red-hot iron skewer being plunged into the end of his spine, and a surge of scalding heat rushed through his bone marrow to his limbs and bones.

After an unknown amount of time, the burning sensation gradually transformed into a comfortable warm current, like soaking in a hot spring in winter, soothing the previously exhausted meridians one by one.

Li Chunsheng turned the room back on. Under the light, he noticed a layer of grayish-black grease seeping out of his skin, emitting a faint fishy smell. This was probably what was called "cleansing the marrow and rejuvenating the essence."

He looked at himself in the mirror. Although his facial features had not changed, his spirit and energy were completely different. The fatigue between his brows had vanished, his eyes were clear and bright, his skin was firm, and his hair seemed to have become thicker.

[Enhancement Complete]

[Host's current physical condition: Good, with significantly enhanced immunity to common diseases]

Li Chunsheng laughed out loud when he saw the system notification. In 1929, when medicine was more expensive than gold and a fever could be fatal, this kind of enhancement was priceless.

"Three thousand reputation points, well worth it!"

He took another cold shower, and strangely enough, in this freezing weather, the icy well water poured over him did not make him feel cold at all; instead, he felt a refreshing sensation unlike anything he had ever experienced.

After changing into a dry shirt, Li Chunsheng lay back on the bed and slowly fell asleep.