All the heavens begin with the love in the courtyard.

"Hey guys, did you see that? This fish ball set costs 88 yuan! I just scooped some out, and there were only five fish balls. That's 17.6 yuan per fish ball! Are their fish balls made of gold or silver? So expensive! This is a rip-off! I bet this place will go out of business in a month at most. Today I'm going to let you guys try what these ridiculously expensive fish balls taste like. Watch my expression, I'm about to dig in!"

As he spoke, the fat man stuffed the fish ball into his mouth in one gulp. Facing the camera, his chubby face almost filled the entire screen. He chewed it once, twice, three times.

The number of viewers in the live stream had reached 20,000. Modern people love to see the unusual, and they weren't disgusted by the sight of a fat face. The comments on the screen were flying everywhere.

The fat man slowly closed his eyes, chewing the fish ball several times in his mouth. A unique delicious flavor began to stimulate his brain, which gradually went blank. He had already forgotten his purpose. The fish ball, paired with the special broth, allowed the fat man's taste buds and fantasies to blend together completely.

At that moment, he felt as if he had returned to his childhood, standing alone among his friends with an ice pop in hand. In the sweltering summer heat, he stood on a chair, slurping his ice pop, while his friends looked up at him with longing, and a smug and lewd expression gradually appeared on his face.

In reality, the fat man had his eyes closed, and his expression gradually began to change. The muscles on his face slowly relaxed, and a mysterious, lewd expression slowly appeared on his face. The fish ball in his mouth had already been chewed and swallowed without him realizing it, but he was already immersed in his fantasy. He slowly opened his mouth, licked the air, and made an indescribable expression.

This scene thrilled the viewers in the live stream, with the chat filled with "666" comments and the popularity soaring.

The fat man was lost in his fantasy for over a minute before suddenly snapping out of it. He looked around blankly and then remembered his purpose. He quickly picked up his phone and, after seeing the various comments in the live stream, he suddenly remembered that he wanted to smear this store. He immediately shouted loudly into the camera.

"Hey guys, I was just faking it. This shady restaurant's mala tang is absolutely awful. The fish balls are so tough they get stuck in your teeth and have no texture at all. Don't ever eat at this place, guys. See that golden broth? Doesn't it look like poop? I'm going to force myself to let you guys try it today. This is my real reaction, so look at my expression!"

As he spoke, the fat man picked up a disposable spoon, intending to scoop some soup to drink, but then felt that the scene wasn't exciting enough for everyone, so he picked up the clay pot and spoke into his phone.

"My friends, I'm going to risk my life to test this soup base, which costs 888 yuan a serving, and let you all taste what it's really like. Look closely at my expression; this is my most genuine reaction. Watch closely, my friends!"

After saying that, the fat man picked up the casserole and poured it into his mouth. He tried to make a disgusted and nauseous expression, and poured a mouthful of soup into his mouth as if he were drinking Chinese medicine.

The soup gurgled down his throat, and as it went down, the fat man's pained expression eased, and he fell into a daze.

His eyes suddenly widened, and he suddenly knelt down on the ground while holding the clay pot. He looked dazed. This scene made the viewers in the live broadcast room shout "666" repeatedly.

No one noticed that the fat man's eyes suddenly reddened slightly, and a tear slowly rolled down his cheek. He hugged the casserole tightly, completely unaware of its heat, as if it were his mother's embrace, so warm and comforting.

The fat man's tears flowed more and more, but his expression was one of bliss. His previous pain had long since disappeared. He hugged the clay pot, tears streaming down his face, with a mysterious, blissful smile on his lips. This scene stunned the viewers in the live stream, and the chat screen went black with comments. But the fat man was oblivious to them, still lost in his mother's embrace.

It wasn't until a cleaning lady next to him finally couldn't stand it anymore and hit the fat man on the back with a broom that he opened his eyes in a daze. After a while, he suddenly woke up, looked at the casserole in his arms, quickly let go, and stared blankly at the more than 30,000 viewers on his phone, along with the screen full of 666.

What just happened?

Fatty stared dazedly at the casserole on the chair, then suddenly remembered that he had just said he would let everyone taste the broth.

"Wait, the soup? It tasted so...so good just now. It felt like I was back in my mother's arms, so warm and comforting!"

No, no, wasn't I supposed to be bashing that restaurant? Why do I think this mala tang is the best thing I've ever eaten in my life?

Something's not right! Something's not right!

The fat man shook his head to clear his mind of these random thoughts, then saw the screen full of comments. He realized that he had inadvertently given that shady shop some reverse marketing. No, this absolutely cannot be allowed!

The fat man then picked up the casserole and spoke into his phone.

"Hey guys, this place is absolutely a rip-off, a total rip-off! I'm going to report it to the Industry and Commerce Bureau. The soup is poisoned! I just drank it and I was hallucinating! Come on, let's go report it together! I'm taking the clay pot with me!"

Zhang Peng, who was in the shop at the moment, had no idea about this. Even if he did know, he wouldn't be surprised, as his seasonings were absolutely safe.

The so-called hallucination is actually just that the taste of the food is so intense that it stimulates certain nerves in the brain, causing the most desired memories to reappear. That's why I sell it at such a high price. My own taste doesn't need anyone's opinion!

However, Zhang Peng did not expect that the influence of a silly streamer's mindless criticism would cause a sensation, resulting in a special butterfly effect that turned his store into a real internet celebrity store, a store that cannot be replicated.

Five hours later, the streamer, Fatty Dragon, walked out of the testing center with a bewildered look on his face, holding the test report in his hand. Everything in the casserole, including the broth, was safe, but why was there still a faint fragrance lingering in his mouth?

At this moment, the number of viewers in Fatty Dragon's live stream room has exceeded 100,000. The reason for this high number is that his previous live stream content was recorded and edited, and then uploaded to a short video app, where it is now circulating wildly.

In the edited video, the fat man pretended to be in pain in order to smear the most expensive mala tang restaurant in history. But after taking a sip of the soup, his expression gradually changed, and finally he had a hallucinatory expression that left everyone dumbfounded. In the end, he hugged the casserole in his arms and showed a lewd expression. The contrast between before and after made countless netizens burst out laughing!

The video, featuring the most expensive mala tang in history, quickly sparked heated discussions. The mandatory 888 yuan soup base and the exorbitant prices of the ingredients drew much attention. Soon, netizens found Zhang Peng's shop, but by the time they arrived, it was already closed.

It clearly states on the sign: Working hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. No exceptions for those who miss the deadline!

Moreover, the sign that reads "1,000 yuan per person" is still hanging at the entrance of the shop, and netizens who arrived all took photos to commemorate the occasion!

Zhang Peng didn't care about any of that. Since going to that other world, he seemed to have lost interest in his phone and didn't pay much attention to current events. He only closed one deal today, which didn't affect him much. He wasn't particularly interested in money these days, and he believed that if he really wanted to make money, he could do it easily.

Zhang Peng went to the market to buy some vegetables and walked home slowly. He walked very slowly, with a calm expression and no anxiety. When he got to the traffic light, looking at the bustling crowd of people leaving get off work, Zhang Peng, who had become indifferent, suddenly felt a special kind of excitement.

My current mindset seems to have become detached from ordinary people, which is not a good feeling. I am just an ordinary person, so why do I feel contempt for everything in this world?

Zhang Peng frowned, realizing something was wrong with his mindset. He looked up at the sky.

Thinking about it carefully, I haven't been to the dream world for more than two months. If I go to the next dream world, perhaps I can look for some of the secrets of my dream travels. All questions have answers, or perhaps I just haven't found them yet.

Also, it's time for Zhang Peng to adjust his mindset. He feels like he's drifting further and further away from ordinary people, and even his attitude towards relationships seems a bit indifferent. This feeling makes Zhang Peng feel very uncomfortable.

Perhaps it's a consequence of the fusion of the personalities of protagonists from multiple worlds, but now that he's realized the problem, Zhang Peng feels he must change.

No matter what kind of monster I become in the future, I am still just a mortal. I have life experiences, my own family, my lover, and my children. These are my support.

After figuring this out, a glimmer of light finally appeared in Zhang Peng's eyes. He looked at the vegetables in his hand, a fatherly smile on his face, and slowly walked home!

Zhengyangmen

Chapter 1: The Beginning of the Three

"Wu Zi, Wu Zi, Jianjun is here!"

Han Chunming opened his eyes groggily, his head still foggy for a long time. He shook his head to allow his memories to fully merge with this body. After looking around at his surroundings, Han Chunming, lying on the bed, let out a comfortable murmur, yawned, and then sat up.

This is the world "under Zhengyang Gate"!

And I am the protagonist, Han Chunming!

He is the fifth of five siblings in his family, so he also has a nickname, Wuzi (meaning "Five Sons"). Of course, some people also call him Fifth Brother.

This year is 1975. I am 23 years old. After returning to the city from my time as an educated youth, I am currently living off my parents because I cannot find a job!

Wait, who just called me?

Han Chunming quickly got up and went out of the inner room. He saw a middle-aged woman and a young man chatting in the living room.

Women are like one's own mothers, as for the young people...

This person is quite interesting; he is Han Chunming's lifelong nemesis and childhood friend.

The two grew up together in this courtyard house, played in the mud together, went to school together, and in the end, they both only went to junior high school. They even ended up in the same place where they were sent to work in the countryside.

This man is named Cheng Jianjun. Although he also lives off his parents, his family connections are not on the same level as Han Chunming's.

Cheng Jianjun has two brothers, and both his parents are still alive. Most importantly, his father is a minor official with extensive connections and influence. Thanks to these connections, Cheng Jianjun has no trouble finding a job.

Cheng Jianjun is narrow-minded and has loved to compare himself to others since childhood. As he grew up, his ego became too inflated, and this tendency to compare turned into anxiety.

He looked down on Han Chunming his whole life, but Han Chunming grew up to be better than him in every way. Even the woman he liked the most preferred Han Chunming, which made his jealousy grow rapidly.

However, this person is a typical two-faced fox. The more he smiles at you, the more he is scheming against you. Right now, Cheng Jianjun is looking at Han Chunming with a big smile.

Han Chunming yawned, poured himself a cup of tea, pulled up a chair and sat down, waiting for Cheng Jianjun to speak.

He knew perfectly well that if this guy came to him, he was definitely trying to set a trap for him.

Cheng Jianjun had been observing Han Chunming. Seeing the other man's expression, he snorted, but laughed out loud as he spoke to Han Chunming's mother.

"Auntie, I've come to see Chunming today because I have some great news! Look at him, he's acting like I owe him something!"

Upon hearing Cheng Jianjun's words, Han's mother immediately rolled her eyes at her son.

Han Chunming yawned, turned to Cheng Jianjun, picked up his teacup, took a sip, and grumbled in dissatisfaction.

"Just say what's on your mind, why are you being so secretive!"

Cheng Jianjun was displeased by Han Chunming's words. He stood up and walked towards the door, saying as he did so.

"Hmph, my dad finally managed to get a job at Yili Food Factory, and I came to you right away. Who are you trying to impress with that look on your face?"

As he spoke, he raised his proud chin, turned around, and prepared to leave. Before Han Chunming could react much, Han's mother was so shocked that she jumped up and quickly grabbed Cheng Jianjun, who was pretending to be serious, and exclaimed in surprise.

"Jianjun, Jianjun, come here, sit down. Don't worry about Wuzi, he's still asleep. Come and tell Auntie about the quota for the food factory!"

Han's mother has been so worried about Han Chunming's job that she has gotten so many gray hairs. These days, jobs are so hard to find, let alone jobs in a food factory.

Cheng Jianjun snorted and took a liking to Han Chunming, wanting to see Han Chunming's attitude.

Han Chunming shook his head helplessly and pulled Cheng Jianjun to a seat.

Cheng Jianjun was looking for a job at a food factory, a scene that reminded him of some impressions from the original novel. However, he had watched the TV series many years ago and had forgotten most of it, but he still had a deep impression of the characters' personalities.

However, for me now, this is a completely new world, and I am no longer the person I used to be. Do I need a job?

Hehe, he really needs to. After recalling his experiences in the dreams of his past lives, he realized that his thoughts were gradually drifting away from the realm of ordinary people, which was a very bad phenomenon. So he had to get back to reality!

It's nice to enjoy the life of an ordinary person again in peace and quiet. Why rush to make money and get rich?

Those things are already readily available to me. I shouldn't be in such a hurry in this world. I should experience Han Chunming's life properly and find the true meaning of being human.

For me, this is just a dream in this mortal world, and I should enjoy this rare time. I shouldn't give up an ordinary life because of poverty or other reasons.

Just like cooking, there are sour, sweet, bitter, spicy, and salty flavors, and life is also full of flavors. After thinking it through, Han Chunming's expression changed, and he immediately put on a grinning, roguish look. He quickly went forward and pulled Cheng Jianjun back to his seat, massaging Cheng Jianjun's hands while speaking in a flattering tone.

"Why are you angry? I just woke up. Mom, Jianjun has taken care of my job, so you should buy some good food to treat him!"

Upon hearing her son's words, Han's mother slapped her forehead, quickly stood up again, and beamed with joy. She then spoke to Cheng Jianjun.

"Jianjun, I really have to thank you for this. You have no idea how many gray hairs I've gotten because of worrying about Wuzi's job. You and Chunming have a good talk first, and I'll go buy some meat now!"

When Cheng Jianjun saw that Han Chunming had returned to his usual shameless self, he felt relieved and immediately called out to Han's mother, who had just come out, with a big smile.

"Auntie, remember to buy two ounces of wine!"

Han's mother quickly smiled and replied, "Okay!"

Seeing that his mother had left, Han Chunming chuckled and poured Cheng Jianjun a cup of tea, asking with a smile.

"Jianjun, when do I start work?"

Cheng Jianjun glanced at Han Chunming with some dissatisfaction and shouted.

"Look at you, pretending. You're so eager to go to work, huh? Don't worry, you can report for duty next Monday!"

Han Chunming looked at Cheng Jianjun's smug face and felt quite helpless. He shook his head with a smile and said...

"What? Do you think you have a better source?"

Cheng Jianjun became even more smug upon hearing this. His father had extensive connections, which was one of the few things he could boast about in front of Han Chunming.

He liked Su Meng in the backyard, but Su Meng always liked this scoundrel in front of him, which was the most unbearable thing for him. What did Han Chunming have that Su Meng liked? What did he have that was better than Han Chunming?

Previously, he had asked his father for two job openings at the food factory, originally planning to give one to himself and one to Su Meng. However, Su Meng was ungrateful and did not want to work at the food factory. Instead, she wanted to go to the Children's Palace, which greatly angered Cheng Jianjun.