A Bite of Douluo Continent

"Qin Yue, these are the guests' seafood hot pot and beef offal hot pot."

Qi Han slowly breathed a sigh of relief as he handed a hot pot with two broths to Qin Yue.

The seafood hot pot and beef offal hot pot were the broths ordered by Xu Changling and his daughter. Beforehand, Qi Han had prepared all the ingredients ordered by the father and daughter, which were then delivered by Qin Yao.

With the hot pot base now prepared, all the food for the diners is ready.

Just then, Qin Yao slowly walked down the stairs. Qi Han glanced at the girl and suddenly asked, "Qin Yao, do you know Prime Minister Xu?"

Qin Yao nodded. "I used to be good friends with the Prime Minister's daughter, Xu Yiyun, from the Star Luo Royal Academy. The Prime Minister has also dined at Yueyaolou a few times and praised the dishes there. At noon, my sister and I went to watch the Soul Fighting Tournament and happened to run into Yiyun. I mentioned it to her and asked her to come and try it when she had time."

It turned out to be the case.

Qi Han then understood why Xu Changling, whom he had never met before, had come today.

The two sisters had briefly mentioned Qin Yao's dropping out of school to him, so he knew about it. He never expected there to be such a connection between them.

Not long after the shop opened, Qi Han casually sat down on a chair and stared blankly at the crowd outside.

While Hanshi had already gained immense popularity in Shrek City, it was not the same in Xingluo City. Everything here was starting from scratch, and it was impossible to expect it to be bustling with customers from the very beginning.

Qi Han wasn't too anxious. Good wine needs no bush, and he knew his own culinary skills well, so why should he worry about poor business?

Take it slow.

Having gotten used to a busy life for over a month, Qi Han found the sudden leisurely pace somewhat unsettling.

The empty first-floor dining area reminded Qi Han of when he first arrived in Shrek City.

Back then, I was in a worse situation than I am now. Not only was my shop smaller, but it only sold one dish: fried rice.

However, nearly half an hour passed, and although the flow of people outside remained the same, no one entered the new Hanshi restaurant. Qi Han began to get restless.

what's going on?

Could it be that the decorating style doesn't suit the aesthetics of the Star Luo Empire?

That doesn't make sense either. The amazement in Qin Yue and Qin Yao's eyes when they first came in was genuine. The fresh and clean style on the first floor should be quite attractive to the guests.

No matter what, even if it's just out of curiosity, shouldn't one or two diners come in to take a look?

Right now, there isn't even a single customer walking into the store?

Qi Han frowned, somewhat puzzled.

"Boss, have any customers arrived yet?" Qin Yue took a moment to come down from the second floor, looking at the empty dining area on the first floor, a strange look flashing in her eyes.

Seeing Qin Yue's hesitant expression, Qi Han couldn't help but ask, "Qin Yue, do you know why this is happening?"

"I..." Qin Yue bit her red lips and nodded gently. "A similar situation happened before at Yueyao Tower. Back then, that despicable Zhao Fenglai specifically sent people to slander our shop near our entrance and lured customers into their Fenglai Pavilion. I was afraid..."

Qin Yue didn't continue, but Qi Han already understood what she meant.

Could it be that Zhao Feng is behind this again?

It is not impossible.

Thinking of this, Qi Han couldn't sit still any longer.

If this is truly such a clumsy and vicious competition, isn't anyone going to do anything about it?

He stood up and walked quickly toward the shop entrance. As he walked out, he looked at both sides of the road and was surprised to see several men who looked like shop assistants handing out flyers to passersby. He could vaguely hear them saying the words "Hanshi" (Cold Food Festival).

These men were very shrewd. They didn't stand at the main entrance of Hanshi, but rather about five or six meters to the sides, encompassing almost all the people coming and going. Yet they were hidden in the blind spots of the shop, so Qi Han, sitting inside, didn't notice them at all.

"Humph."

With a cold snort, Qi Han's face darkened. He quickly moved closer, and the voices of the waiters finally reached his ears.

"Are you here for a meal? Come to our Fenglai Pavilion! Our Fenglai Pavilion is the best restaurant in all of Xingluo City. That Hanshi restaurant over there can't even compare. Everyone, don't go there."

As they spoke, the men handed out flyers to passersby.

Such methods are shameless and low-level, yet surprisingly effective.

Qi Han tried to snatch the flyer from the shopkeeper's hand, but was tightly grabbed by a hand. Turning around, he saw Qin Yue, who had hurriedly chased after him.

"Boss, don't be impulsive." As she spoke, Qin Yue pointed to two men in uniforms leaning against the corner of the wall, watching the show. "Zhao Fenglai is colluding with high-ranking officials of the Imperial Law Enforcement Bureau. If you make a move, you will be arrested by the Imperial Law Enforcement Bureau."

【Ding! 】

[Mission triggered!]

Side Quest 4: Defend the Dignity of Hanshi Festival.

Please ensure that Zhao Fenglai, the owner of Fenglai Pavilion, receives the punishment he deserves.

Task Description: The name of Hanshi (Cold Food Festival) must not be tarnished.

Quest Rewards: Soul Power Level +2, 1 random recipe drop.

"Oh..."

Taking a deep breath, Qi Han calmed down, his icy gaze sweeping over the few shop assistants who had noticed him but whose eyes were full of mockery, before turning and walking back into the shop.

This task is perfect for me!

Clearly, even the system couldn't stand Zhao Fenglai's egregious competitive behavior.

Since Fenglai Pavilion is colluding with the Enforcement Bureau, we should resolve this without resorting to force. Let's settle the chefs' grudges with delicious food.

As soon as they entered the shop, Shrek's group and Tang Qianqiu, the leader of the Tang Clan, got out at the same time.

In half an hour, the group had almost finished eating.

Tang Qianqiu wore a warm smile. He was extremely satisfied with this hot pot meal, which he had never eaten before, and at this moment he began to secretly make plans in his mind.

During this period, the Tang Clan branch in Xingluo City was under immense pressure and on high alert because of my arrival. Now that the problems within the sect have been resolved, the atmosphere can be eased a bit.

Later, I'll have all the disciples of the Star Luo City branch come to Hanshi Festival for a meal, using the sect's activity funds, and treat them myself.

With an idea in mind, Tang Qianqiu's smile became even warmer. "Little Qi, this hot pot is really good. It seems that even in Xingluo City, I will still be a regular customer of your Cold Food Festival."

Qi Han suppressed his previous resentment and now showed a humble smile on his face, "You're too kind, senior."

Cao Rang chuckled and chimed in, "That's right, I'll come often too. This hot pot is truly wonderful." As he spoke, he subconsciously wiped the sweat from his forehead.

It's been so long since I felt this sweaty; it really feels good.

The others didn't speak, but their eyes showed a hint of agreement. Clearly, with the new Cold Food Festival restaurant, they wouldn't have to worry about not having good food in Star Luo City.

Yu Lianxin glanced at Qi Han with her beautiful eyes, and thinking that she might have to go to Hanshi Restaurant to enjoy delicious food every day, she couldn't help but feel a few inexplicable thoughts.

Fuya glanced silently at the Qin sisters dressed in maid outfits, and quietly suppressed her original thought of coming to help out at the shop when she had time.

Although they look a bit simple-minded, these two juniors are actually quite capable!

Chapter 131 An Unexpected Acquaintance

The Qin sisters were unaware that they had gained the approval of their senior; if they had known, they would probably have been very happy.

After seeing the Shrek Academy team off from Hanshi Festival, the two approached Qi Han, their faces showing a hint of gloom.

Qin Yao had already heard Qin Yue recount what had happened before. After learning that Zhao Fenglai had resorted to the same old tricks again, affecting Hanshi's business, Qin Yao's face showed more resentment, but she didn't know what to do.

On the other hand, Qi Han had a strange expression on his face when Tang Qianqiu left.

"Oh, you're open for business?" A slightly frivolous voice came from outside the store, and a figure strolled leisurely into the new Hanshi store.

Just hearing that voice made the Qin sisters furious.

"Zhao Fenglai, you still dare to come?" Qin Yue said angrily.

Zhao Fenglai did not answer, but instead looked around at the decorations and furnishings of Hanshi, her pupils slightly contracting.

On one hand, Zhao Fenglai was shocked that in just a few days, a new store had been transformed on the site of the old Yueyao Pavilion. On the other hand, he was suddenly very glad that he had made timely arrangements. If such an elegantly decorated restaurant were to develop, it would inevitably have some impact on the business of his Fenglai Pavilion.

Fortunately, I managed to nip the problem in the bud with this move.

Immediately afterwards, Zhao Fenglai's eyes fell on the price list hanging on the wall.

this...

Ah!

After just one glance, Zhao Fenglai couldn't help but let out a cold smile.

I overestimated this guy; he's just a show-off.

Even the most expensive dish at Fenglai Pavilion only dares to be priced at 10 gold soul coins. What makes this restaurant so daring to charge such exorbitant prices?

What else could such a price be but a publicity stunt?

Zhao Fenglai had originally planned to send a few people to try the dishes at the new restaurant, but now that he saw the prices, he suddenly felt it was unnecessary.

Does he think Zhao Fenglai is a fool?

Is this treating the dishes like rare, precious ingredients?

With a disdainful curl of her lip, Zhao Fenglai looked at Qi Han with a hint of arrogance. "Boy, I've been a fixture in Xingluo City for decades. I can see right through your tricks. What's the point of trying to attract attention with such exorbitant prices? Why don't you sell this shop to me and I'll teach you how to do business?"

Qi Han scoffed and didn't reply, "Take your men away."

Zhao Fenglai chuckled, "Kid, I don't understand what you're saying. What do those young men outside have to do with me? They're just customers of my Fenglai Pavilion. They can't stand your cold food and are just here to promote Fenglai Pavilion on their own initiative."

Clearly, Zhao Fenglai was unwilling to admit to this matter easily. Such a slippery person would not easily reveal his weakness, but this was also within Qi Han's expectations.

"It's fine if you don't admit it, anyway, your people..." Qi Han's face showed a strange smile, "...it wasn't me who hit them."

what?

Zhao Fenglai was slightly taken aback when several somewhat familiar screams suddenly came from outside the door.

His expression changed, and he strode out of the shop. He saw several shop assistants lying outside the Cold Food Festival gate with bruises and swelling on their faces, their bodies covered in wounds, rolling on the ground and screaming in agony.

this...

Zhao Fenglai was taken aback, and quickly looked around.

"Looking for the Enforcement Division? Don't bother, they've already left." A rough voice suddenly rang out. Zhao Fenglai turned around and saw several Tang Clan disciples dressed in white and yellow Tang Clan uniforms walking over with cold smiles. The leader was particularly strong and fiercely cracked his knuckles.

Tang Sect!

As a local tyrant in Xingluo City, how could Zhao Fenglai not recognize the uniforms of the Tang Clan disciples? At this moment, a pale face suddenly appeared on his face.