Xing Tie: Wait a minute! How come Weng Xing has two saviors?

Judging from Ms. Tibo's blissful expression, Ms. Fujin's effusive praise, and... the obvious pleasantness of the others,

Her gaze finally settled on Bai Mo's face. "The food you cooked should be defined as 'excellent'."

Bai Mo's smile deepened upon receiving such an "objective" yet weighty evaluation from the guardian of Ohm.

He stepped closer, lowered his voice, and asked with the excitement of discovering a business opportunity: "Well... Ms. Aglaia, would you be interested in... making another fortune?"

Aglaia's emerald pupils contracted slightly as she narrowed her eyes and scrutinized Bai Mo.

“You…” She seemed to instantly understand Bai Mo’s intention, her tone carrying a hint of incredulous inquiry.

"Are you serious? You really intend to earn those eight million limons with this? Just for... that metal pillar in Hattonus that weighs tens of tons?" She couldn't understand this almost obsessive dedication.

Bai Mo chuckled lightly, a hint of self-deprecation in his voice, but more so with determination: "As expected, nothing in the Holy City can escape your notice, Ms. Aglaia."

But... what else could it be? Could it be that Ms. Aglaia is taking pity on me and is going to pay for everything?

Aglaia paused for a moment, her gaze deepening as if she were seriously considering an absurd possibility: "If you are willing to accept my test and ultimately admit that you are the prophesied 'savior'..."

"Stop! Stop! Stop!" Bai Mo hurriedly waved his hand to interrupt, shaking his head like a rattle drum. "Ms. Aglaia, you know, this is impossible!"

Moreover, do you think a savior chosen through such a 'transaction' is reliable? He looked at the other person helplessly.

A fleeting, almost imperceptible smile seemed to cross Aglaia's eyes, so brief it was almost an illusion. She regained her composure: "So, what's your plan?"

Bai Mo straightened his back, his eyes becoming sharp and persuasive: "I want to open a restaurant! A top-notch restaurant that can truly conquer the taste buds of Ohmma and Shuting!"

But as you know," he shrugged, "start-up capital, prime real estate... these are all things I can't afford right now."

"So, Ms. Aglaia, would you like to invest? It's a sure-fire way to make money!" He extended a sincere invitation, his eyes brimming with confidence.

Aglaia listened quietly, without answering immediately. She seemed to be assessing the truthfulness and feasibility of Bai Mo's words. After a moment, she slowly spoke: "Tell me in detail about your... 'sure-fire profit'."

In the following time, Bai Mo clearly and logically explained his business plan to Aglaia:

Cost advantage: "The ingredients from Shuting's 'Lotus Food School'—with their outrageously high yields and top-quality ingredients—will be our core supply source! Imagine how low the cost can be."

Logistics Monopoly: "What does Baijiemen mean? It means fresh produce delivered directly from the Shuting farm to the kitchen of Ohema, with negligible shipping costs! This is an advantage that no competitor can replicate!"

Huge customer base: "Think of the students and scholars in Shuting who are tormented by the boring meals but have some spare money! And think of the people in Ohema who pursue a high-quality life!"

With my culinary skills and top-quality ingredients, do you think they'd refuse? Our concern now isn't about finding customers, but whether production can keep up with demand!

Brand effect: "With your investment endorsement, Ms. Aglaia, it is the best advertisement in itself!"

Bai Mo spoke slowly, but every point he made hit the nail on the head, and was full of convincing passion.

Aglaia listened in silence the entire time, her emerald eyes flashing with rational calculations.

Finally, when Bai Mo finished his "deduction", Aglaia nodded slightly.

“…Okay.” She made the decision succinctly.

Bai Mo's eyes lit up, and he immediately followed up to finalize the details: "Then... Ms. Aglaia, it's settled! You will invest 50 Liheng coins as start-up capital and provide a prime shop near the Marble Plaza in the center of Ohema."

"The profits will be split 50/50. I'll deliver the formal contract to your residence first thing tomorrow morning!" He spoke rapidly, as if afraid the other party would change their mind, his face beaming with barely suppressed joy.

Finally, as if remembering something, he asked, "By the way, what's your idea about the restaurant's name? After all, it's an investment you made."

Aglaia watched his excited expression, and the corners of her mouth seemed to twitch slightly upwards.

She paused for a moment, then said, "Let's split the profits 30/70, I get 30%, you get 70%. As for the name... let's call it... 'Golden Grand Hotel'. Simple, direct, and it reflects its value."

"The Golden Grand Hotel?" Bai Mo pondered for a moment, then snapped his fingers. "What a great name! It's both impressive and luxurious! Ms. Aglaia, just wait and see how much money you make!"

Aglaia gave Bai Mo a deep look, her gaze complex and unfathomable, containing scrutiny, a hint of subtle testing, and perhaps even a touch of...admiration for his burgeoning ambition?

“Then, Your Excellency Bai Mo,” she nodded slightly, “I’ll be watching.” With that, she turned and disappeared quietly, her figure blending into the night.

Bai Mo watched the powerful investor disappear through the door, then let out a long sigh of relief, feeling every cell in his body excited for the new business that was about to begin.

He turned around and walked into the courtyard, where the commotion had subsided, with a relaxed and satisfied feeling.

Opening a restaurant? This was by no means a spur-of-the-moment decision. Rather, it was the result of Bai Mo's careful consideration.

Bai Mo stretched, walked to the sink, and picked up a plate.

Xi Lian looked at him in surprise: "Eh? You..."

“It’s so pitiful for a dishwasher to wash a hundred dishes by himself,” Bai Mo picked up the dishcloth, squeezed on some foam, and smiled. “I’m in a good mood today, so I’ll help you with half of the work.”

Xi Lian was stunned for a moment, then smiled as brightly as a machine at dawn: "Little Bai Mo! I knew it! You love me the most!?"

The two chatted idly amidst the sound of rushing water.

Those meticulously planned "scams," those unrestrained laughs and jokes, those sincere blessings—

Even the clinking of dishes, filled with the aroma of cooking, became the most unique and precious memory of this birthday.

Bai Mo thought that this was probably the life he wanted to protect—full of surprises, laughter, bonds, and... the person who made him willingly cook for him.

Chapter 40 Bai Mo: You can't even come up with eight million Li Heng coins and you still dare to call yourself a Senate?

On the third day, the Golden Grand Hotel had its grand opening!

(As for why not the next day? Ah, that day last year was the day that Aili Mixie was reduced to ashes. Bai Mo couldn't possibly choose to decorate with lanterns and streamers on that day.)

The day before the opening, a little incident occurred. A man claiming to be a special envoy of the Senate, dressed in fine clothes but with shifty eyes, came to the door, trying to "recruit" Bai Mo.

"Your Excellency Bai Mo, the Senate admires your talent..." The envoy's tone carried a hint of condescending superiority.

Bai Mo was wiping the brand-new kitchen utensils without looking up: "Oh? How do you intend to appreciate them?"

The envoy cleared his throat: "Naturally, we will provide shelter, share resources, and pave the way for Your Excellency's development in Ohma..."

Bai Mo finally raised his eyes, a half-smile playing on his lips: "Paving the way? Sure. First, give me eight million Liheng coins as a 'gift,' let me see if the Senate's 'sincerity' is enough."

The envoy's face instantly turned cold: "Eight million?! Your Excellency Bai Mo! Please don't make such an inappropriate joke! The friendship of the Senate is priceless!"

"A joke?" Bai Mo chuckled, put down the rag, placed his hands on the counter, leaned forward slightly, and his eyes suddenly sharpened.

"Quack! What kind of power is the Senate? They are the controllers of Ohm! How could they not even be able to come up with this little bit of money as a stepping stone?"

"Hey! Clown! I can tell you're an imposter the moment I see you! Trying to get something for nothing? Get lost!"

The envoy, choked by Bai Mo's mockery and the blunt "Get lost," turned pale and pointed at Bai Mo, saying, "You...you dare! Fine! Bai Mo! You just wait! The Senate will make you pay!" He then fled the hotel in a sorry state.

Bai Mo watched his hasty retreating figure and sneered coldly, "If it weren't for the special occasion and my desire to avoid bloodshed, you could have gone straight to see Xia Die tonight."

However, he still "thoughtfully" ensured that the guy successfully met Kaze Sumire in the evening.

The Golden Grand Hotel is now officially open!

"Jingle Bell--!"

As the crisp sound of wind chimes rang out, the heavy door was suddenly pushed open, and a surging crowd poured in instantly!

"Quick! Charge! Target—Golden Grand Hotel! We have to get a table today! I'm going to use my taste buds to decide whether my roommate's graduation project is tastier or mine!"

A student wearing the uniform of the Lotus Food School waved his hands excitedly and pushed his way forward in the crowd.

"Make way! Make way! I came all the way from Janusapolis! I've never forgotten Chef Bai Mo's cooking since I tasted it last time! I have to have it today!" A weary old customer shouted loudly.

"Family members! Do you see this? This is the property invested in by Ms. Aglaia! Our land of faith!" shouted the group leader, who was holding up a strange support sign.

"What's our slogan?!" His "family" behind him immediately responded enthusiastically in unison:

"We are Lady Aglaia's dogs!!!"

Bai Mo listened to the commotion outside from the kitchen, and his lips twitched slightly: "...Aglaia's investment is really...immediately effective."

The popularity of the Golden Grand Hotel spread like wildfire, instantly engulfing the entire Ohm and the Divine Tree Garden!

In just one week since its opening, it has become the most sought-after "food paradise" and "social center" in both places.

From the first bell ringing in the morning until the closing bell rings in the evening, the Golden Grand Hotel is usually packed with people.

During this period, the students of Shenwu Tree Garden demonstrated amazing "business acumen," spontaneously organizing "queueing services" and "takeout group buying groups."

Bai Mo's Hundred Realms Gate has become the busiest "food conveyor belt," with top-quality ingredients specially supplied by the Lotus Food School continuously being transported from various experimental fields.

And under Bai Mo's hands, which seemed to have been kissed by the God of Food, they were transformed into a series of exquisite delicacies that would haunt one's dreams.

Xi Lian was entrusted by Bai Mo to screen waitresses. She sat at the makeshift interview point.

(Bai Mo: The ones Xi Lian can keep may not be the most skilled, but they must be kind-hearted, and... the most beautiful.)

Seeing the familiar figure before her, she widened her eyes in surprise: "Evelyn? You...you're here...for a job interview?"

Evelyn twisted her fingers shyly, her cheeks slightly flushed: "Um... Xi Lian, I heard you were here, so I came."

Moreover, Ohmma is a completely unfamiliar place for me. Working here allows me to earn some money and be with familiar friends... I feel much more at ease."

She paused, then added, "Don't worry, I'll work very hard!"

"What are you saying! I'd love to welcome you!" Xi Lian had already squinted her eyes happily.

Just then, she noticed Elliot peeking out from behind Evelyn and asked warily, "Hey? Elliot? What are you doing here? You're not here to apply for a waitress job too, are you?"

She looked Elliott up and down in his expensive outfit, giving him a "don't be ridiculous" look.

Elliott cleared his throat, a hint of unease flashing in his eyes. "Ahem, Xi Lian, don't misunderstand. I heard Bai Mo was here, so I came specifically to talk to him about a... well, a big deal!"

Xi Lian narrowed his eyes suspiciously: "A big deal? Really? You better not be up to any dirty tricks!"

She pointed upstairs, "He just finished signing a contract with the people from the Lotus Food School upstairs. You can go up now."

Bai Mo had just seen off the smiling representatives of the Lotus Food School who had signed a year-long contract for top-quality ingredients, and was now stretching his wrists, which were a little sore from tossing the wok.

The door was pushed open, and Elliott burst in.

"Bai Mo! My good brother!" Elliott went straight to the point as soon as he walked in, his voice booming, "I'm here to bring you money! Big money!"

Bai Mo raised an eyebrow, leaned back in his chair leisurely, picked up his teacup and took a sip: "Giving money? Elliott, do you think I don't know you? Offering help for no reason... So, tell me, what are you up to this time?"

Elliott rubbed his hands together, his face beaming with the eager smile of a businessman, and sat down in the chair that the representative from Tree Pavilion had just sat in: "Look at you! We're practically family! I'm here to genuinely discuss cooperation!"

He leaned forward, lowered his voice, and said with a hint of mystery, "Bai Mo, I've seen how popular your Golden Grand Hotel is! But brother, you don't really only want to do business in Ohmma and the Divine Enlightenment Tree Garden, do you?"

He tapped his fingers lightly on the table, his speech quickening: "Think of Janusapolis! The gourmets there still dream about your cooking!"

Chapter 41 Bai Mo: I have too many gold coins at home, so I'm going to pet the cat.

"Business in Ohmma is good, but as you know, it's a murky place. My family has only just begun to establish itself. But don't forget, my family's core business is deeply entrenched in Janusapolis!"

Elliott's eyes gleamed: "Delivery services within Ohma City, and long-distance delivery services in Janusapolis! How about leaving this huge pie to my family?"

He spread his hands, adopting an air of "who else but me?" "Looking across the entire Ohm, can you find another partner like my Elliott family, who has both a strong foothold in Ohm and a vast network and prestige in Janusapolis? No!"

Bai Mo did not answer immediately, but slowly put down his teacup, his fingers tapping lightly on the table, making a rhythmic sound.

His gaze, sharp as a hawk's, scrutinized Elliot as he slowly spoke, "Sounds good. But, Elliot... while we are indeed friends, even brothers must keep clear accounts. Why don't I separate these two businesses?"

Ohmma's outsourcing is handled by the local bigwigs in Ohmma, Janusapolis, and then they go to the old family in Janusapolis.

Wouldn't that be more secure, more effective at squeezing... oh no, more effective at motivating our partners?

Elliott seemed to have anticipated Baimer's question; he smiled confidently and held up one finger:

"First, management costs! If you break down the business into too many pieces, just coordinating and communicating with those parts will drive you crazy!"

“Secondly,” he held up a second finger, his tone highly enticing, “in order to secure this exclusive partnership, my family can take only 30% of the total profits from the delivery business! A very reasonable price!”

He leaned forward again, his gaze fixed intently on Bai Mo: "What my family truly wants is to make a name for itself in Ohmma through this cooperation and gain a stable springboard for development!"

Bai Mo, my good brother, this is a win-win situation! You save time and effort, gaining control of two major markets and a steady stream of wealth; my family gains a development opportunity. Tell me, what reason do you have to refuse?

The office fell silent for a moment, save for the faint sounds of noise coming from outside the window. Bai Mo looked at Elliott's face, which was etched with an air of "I'm determined to win."

Suddenly, a sly and delighted smile bloomed on his lips. He stood up, walked around the table, and extended his hand to Elliott.

"Hmph," Bai Mo's laughter carried an air of approval and a hint of pleasure at meeting a worthy opponent. "Elliot, Elliot, you have a silver tongue; you can talk the dead back to life. But... these conditions are indeed tempting. So... how about a pleasant collaboration?"

Elliott's eyes lit up with immense joy. He stood up abruptly, grabbed Bai Mo's hand tightly, and shook it vigorously: "It's a pleasure to cooperate with you!"

Bai Mo! Believe me, this is absolutely one of the wisest decisions you've ever made! The Golden Hotel's 'Golden Takeout' will surely become famous throughout the world!

The Golden Hotel was making a fortune every day, and the tempting clinking of gold coins, like the sweetest honey, quietly attracted some "special eyes" hidden in the shadows.

"Meow~? So many shiny little gold coins, piled up like a small mountain..." A girl's light laughter, tinged with a hint of laziness and cunning, rang out in the darkness.

"As a demigod who has silently protected the Holy City for a thousand years, it's not unreasonable for me to occasionally accept a little 'protection fee,' is it? Hmm... just a little bit!"

The following day, the hotel's accountant.