There is a happy inn in the capital.

Chapter 10 Improving Food

On the vermilion-lacquered, carved octagonal table sat a teacup with an orchid design, and a traditional Chinese ink painting of orchids hung on the wall.

Behind the orchid screen was a desk, on which sat an orchid incense burner, its fragrance filling the air.

"The room is filled with the shadows of orchids and the air is permeated with their fragrance; it truly lives up to the description of 'a secluded orchid in a secluded valley'."

Miss Bai spoke slowly, her fingers tracing the eight-immortal table. She picked up the orchid-shaped cup with one hand and poured herself a cup of tea.

Gu Ziying was also captivated by the decor: "What a quiet and secluded place! I'd love to stay here for a few days. Whenever I'm feeling down, I'll come and stay for a while."

Li Shuchen: "You're welcome anytime, there's no need to wait until you're in a bad mood."

"Alright, alright, let us try 'Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms' and 'Escape to the Ends of the Earth' quickly!" Gu Ziying urged.

"Coming, coming!" Aunt Wang walked in carrying a tray. The scents of peach blossoms and orchids mingled in the room, like a pretty little girl in a pink dress and a gentle little girl in a white dress playing together.

Bai Yanran was the first to pick up a piece of peach blossom cake and put it in her mouth, a moment later

"Your peach blossom cake is not only more beautiful than others, but it also has a wonderful interior. The delicate pink exterior is adorned with fresh flower petals, making it charming without being gaudy. Take a bite, and the sweetness of red beans blends with the floral aroma, making it sweet but not cloying."

"A feast for the eyes, nose, and palate"

Gu Ziying picked up the glass and examined it closely: "This glass is so clear, the peach petals inside are clearly visible, and it even smells refreshing. Is that layer of green leaves on top mint?"

Li Shuchen: "Exactly."

Gu Ziying eagerly took a sip and said, "It's sweet at first, but the aftertaste... it tastes a bit like Yunhua." She turned to look at Li Shuchen.

Li Shuchen replied, "It tastes good. It does indeed contain Yunhua tea. How is it? Isn't it unforgettable?"

Gu Ziying: "Excellent! Pack two portions for me later."

Li Shuchen: "It's been prepared for a long time. I also wanted Madam Gu and Old Madam Gu to have a taste. I'll give it to you when you leave."

The three sat together, enjoying snacks and tea, chatting about business experiences, relaxed and at ease.

After seeing Gu Ziying off, it gradually got dark. Li Shuchen had been working non-stop all day, doing a lot of things.

Phew, what a busy day! I wonder how much silver I earned or how much happiness I have.

It was already past midnight, and there was no one left dining in the guest hall. Li Shuchen hung up the "Closing" sign and eagerly asked, "Uncle Xu, how much silver did you take in today?"

At this moment, Li Shuchen, Grape, Manager Xu, Cook Wang, and Xiao Feng were all gathered in the guest room. Except for Manager Xu, everyone was listening intently.

But Manager Xu, with a smile on his face, slowly stroked his beard and remained silent, deliberately trying to amuse everyone.

Just as Li Shuchen was about to ask a second time

Manager Xu announced in a loud voice, "One hundred and fifty taels and six hundred and sixty cash have been received."

"Wow, we earned so much in just one day!" Xiao Feng was overjoyed; the inn had been saved.

Cook Wang felt a huge weight lifted from her shoulders, and she was extremely relieved.

Grape looked at Li Shuchen with adoration; Miss was a genius.

At this rate, earning 1000 taels a month would be a piece of cake. Li Shuchen was so preoccupied with what to have for dinner that he had long forgotten about his initial investment.

I took 200 coins, along with grapes, and bought some cucumbers, eggs, pork, peppers, and tomatoes before heading home.

This time, Li Shuchen is going to cook herself. Her dad always cooked before, and the food wasn't very good.

In the kitchen, Li Shuchen rolled up his sleeves and chopped all the vegetables with a swift, precise "snap snap snap snap" sound.

Li Shuchen: "Grapes for Fire"

Grape: "Good"

Grape was completely bewildered by Li Shuchen's actions; she did whatever the young lady told her to do.

Heat oil in a wok, pour in the egg mixture, simmer until cooked, then remove and set aside.

Add more oil, then add cucumber and stir-fry until softened. Add eggs, soy sauce, and salt, then remove from heat.

The next dish is stir-fried meat. I haven't eaten meat for several days; I feel uncomfortable if I don't eat meat for a day.

I almost forgot, I should start cooking the rice first.

Okay, no need to heat oil in the pan, add the pork belly and sauté until fragrant. A ratio of 3 parts fat to 7 parts lean meat is best. Sauté until golden brown on both sides, then remove and set aside.

Leave some lard in the wok, add scallions, ginger, and garlic, then add chili peppers. Add the meat, soy sauce, and a seasoning that tastes similar to thirteen-spice powder (from Aunt Wang's place). Stir-fry for a while, add salt, and it's ready to serve.

The last dish is soup. Heat oil in a pot, add diced tomatoes and sauté until softened. Add water and bring to a boil. Be sure to pour in beaten eggs over low heat, stirring constantly with a ladle to create layers of egg ribbons. Finally, sprinkle with chopped green onions and serve.

"Sister, what's delicious? It smells so good!" Li Lingxiao entered the kitchen and watched Li Shuchen's graceful movements, as fluid as flowing water.

Everyone was stunned. He had only learned how to cook in a month, and those were all very simple dishes.

His sister had only recovered from her illness four or five days ago, how come she's already such a good cook? Is his sister a genius and he's an idiot?!

"What are you standing there for? Hurry up and bring the dishes, then go and call your parents to the front hall for dinner!" Li Shuchen's shout snapped him out of his daze.

The rice is almost ready; rice cooked over an open flame smells so good!

One meat dish, one vegetable dish, one soup, and one staple food.

Placed on the dining table

Mr. Li was a little incredulous: "You made all these dishes?"

Li Shuchen: "Of course."

Mr. Li was equally puzzled. She'd only been recovered a few days ago, how could she already cook? He couldn't help but ask, "How did you learn that?"

Li Shuchen calmly replied, "I learned by watching Aunt Wang cook."

Master Li looked at the meat on the table, puzzled. He had pawned all the valuables in the house; where would he find anything to exchange for meat? He asked Li Shuchen, "Where did the money come from?"

Li Shuchen was speechless for a moment. The inn had just opened, and he didn't even know to go check it out and lend a hand. What a great father he was!

Li Shuchen paused for a moment and then said, "The inn reopened today, and we made a profit."

Master Li's face flushed slightly: "The inn made the money? Chen'er is really amazing, hahaha!"

Madam Li said to Master Li, "Since Chen'er is so capable, why don't we go through the formalities and transfer the inn to Chen'er's name?"

Master Li chuckled and said, "Alright, I'll get it done tomorrow. Let's eat first, it smells so delicious!"

Mr. Li quickly placed a piece of each dish in Mrs. Li's bowl with his chopsticks, then picked up a piece of meat for himself. One bite, and the oil burst forth; the lean meat was crispy and fragrant, fatty yet not greasy, lean yet not dry—delicious!

This is far better than what he did.

Mr. Li: "Hehehe, we've given birth to a cooking genius! I could cook this my whole life and still not be able to match it. That's great, I don't have to cook anymore."

Madam Li ate with great satisfaction, she hadn't eaten so happily in a long time: "Chen'er's cooking is truly excellent."

Li Lingxiao ate without any regard for appearances, burying herself in her food and still managing to say something occasionally.

"It smells so good, so delicious!"

Li Shuchen: "......" Give me back my handsome little brother!

Li Shuchen had only shoveled two mouthfuls of rice into his mouth when...

Master Li coughed twice and said, "Well, Chen'er, you cook so well, why don't you take charge of the cooking from now on?"