Chapter 4

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Protagonist:

Lu Feng

The renovated storefront looked brand new.

A massive black plaque with gold lettering hung above the entrance.

Under the sunlight, the four large characters "Lu Family Restaurant" shimmered with golden light.

The lintel had been remodeled into the eaves of an ancient palace, covered with a layer of golden tiles.

Beneath the eaves was embedded an exquisite wood carving; the carved birds and beasts were vivid and lifelike.

Lu Feng had never studied wood carving.

But even a layman like him could tell at a glance that if this wood carving were put on the market, it would definitely be worth a fortune.

The original rolling shutter door, coated in so much dust its base color couldn't be seen, had now been replaced by two antique-style red gates, each fitted with a gilded lion door knocker.

The System really spared no expense!

Just judging by the store's exterior decoration, it was already luxurious enough.

Lu Feng fished out his key, somewhat impatiently preparing to open the gate and see the situation inside.

Wait...

Lu Feng suddenly remembered that the key in his hand was for the original broken rolling shutter door.

How does the new gate open?

"System, where's the gate key?"

【The shop has been bound to the Host; just stand in front of the gate and it will open automatically.】

Impressive, even an automatic door.

Lu Feng stood at the gate, and sure enough, as the System said, the gate automatically swung open slowly.

Carrying an expectant mood, Lu Feng hurried to the shop's main hall in long strides.

On both sides of the entrance stood two antique wooden racks, on which sat several exquisite porcelain flower pots.

The pots held some flowers and plants whose names Lu Feng couldn't call out, bringing a touch of vibrant vitality to the shop.

The spacious hall was neatly arranged with eight Eight Immortals tables, and under each table were placed four Eight Immortals chairs.

On the left wall of the hall hung a wooden plaque.

On the plaque, the three vigorous brush-written characters "Price List" were exceptionally eye-catching.

Lu Feng looked around in a circle, very satisfied with the shop's renovation.

After the System's renovation, the shop could be said to have turned from a bicycle into a motorcycle.

This was who knows how many times more luxurious than the previous decoration.

Lu Feng came to the kitchen's location; the original rust-stained stove, along with that bulky gas tank, were gone.

Against the wall on the right was a double burner, embedded in a white marble countertop.

This was both aesthetic and space-saving.

Beside the stove stood an electric steamer; the xiaolongbao steamer baskets issued by the System were placed on it. Lu Feng counted them — there were 18 baskets.

Within easy reach overhead was the cupboard, inside which many bowls, chopsticks, and plates were neatly arranged.

Lu Feng casually took out a plate to examine it; the porcelain was pure white and fine, and the rim was painted with an exquisite blue-and-white pattern.

Beside the stove was a whole row of white porcelain bottles, which could be used to hold various seasonings,

Below them was a whole row of wooden cabinets, with very large space inside, usable for storing rice, flour, and other ingredients.

As for the kitchen's left side, a super-large fresh-keeping cabinet was placed there.

Lu Feng noticed an inconspicuous small door added at the very back of the kitchen, and curiously opened it to look inside.

The space inside wasn't large, and there was nothing inside at all.

"System, what is this room for?"

【This place connects to the System Mall; for recipes the Host has mastered, some required ingredients can be purchased in the Mall, and purchased ingredients will automatically appear in this room.】

Great, now purchasing ingredients won't be so troublesome either. Lu Feng got excited.

The resentment from being pitted by the System before also vanished without a trace.

Working in such an exquisitely decorated shop from now on, he felt that even if he was busy from early to late, he wouldn't feel tired.

Environment can affect a person's mood; mood improved, and one can maintain energy doing anything.

Plus the Max-Level Culinary Arts given by the System.

Lu Feng could already foresee the scene of his shop's business booming in the future.

Next, make it big and strong, create new glory!

Before long, he could become known to everyone in the catering industry, reaching the peak of life.

Thinking about it, he still felt a little excited!

【Ding!】

【Host has completed sign-in; whether to activate the Mission System?】

Lu Feng's delightful thoughts were interrupted by the System's prompt tone.

"Activate the mission!" Lu Feng answered without hesitation.

【Weekly Mission unlocked!】

【Weekly Mission: Starting tomorrow, for one week, every evening from 9 PM to 11 PM, sell a total of 500 portions of xiaolongbao.】

【Mission Progress: 0/500】

【Mission Reward: Cash 1 million】

【Ingredient System Mall unlocked, ingredient purchase permissions opened.】

【Procedures required for shop opening completed, official business can commence tomorrow.】

Seeing the mission reward, Lu Feng's eyes lit up instantly.

1 million!

How long would he have to work like an ox and horse, how many 996s to save that much!

Now he just needs to sell 500 portions of xiaolongbao to get it!

Lu Feng instantly felt the past few years were all for nothing.

If he'd known earlier, he wouldn't have worked a damn shift!

Lu Feng looked at the mission content floating before him, calculating in his mind as he read.

Selling 500 portions of xiaolongbao in a week, calculated over five days, he'd need to sell at least 100 portions a day.

Lu Feng didn't count Saturday and Sunday.

Now that he was the Boss himself, he didn't want to return to the old 996 days.

Isn't the weekend off fragrant?

Most people eat xiaolongbao for breakfast; selling 100 portions in one morning is a bit difficult.

But if he also sells at noon and in the evening, he should be able to sell them all.

Starting sales at 9, selling until evening...

Hmm?

Wait a moment!

Lu Feng doubted he'd misread, carefully read the mission content again, and couldn't help but cry out.

"System, did you get it wrong? Business hours are only two hours a day? Or from 9 PM to 11 PM?"

【The mission has no errors, please Host complete according to mission requirements.】

Lu Feng was a bit exasperated; with the System doing this, the difficulty instantly shot up.

Only able to sell for two hours a day, even adding Saturday and Sunday, there isn't enough time.

And business hours are from 9 PM to 11 PM.

Which normal person runs out to buy xiaolongbao at midnight?

"System, what happens if I don't sell within business hours?"

【Sales outside business hours do not count toward mission progress.】

Fuck, ruthless!

Lu Feng couldn't help but silently complain in his heart.

A flash of inspiration struck his mind, and he suddenly thought of a good idea.

If I sell one portion of xiaolongbao for just one yuan.

Wouldn't I be able to complete the mission all at once?

Hehe, I'm really a clever ghost!

【Xiaolongbao price per portion must not be lower than 50 yuan; low-price sales deduct 10% of the reward each time, please Host take note.】

50 yuan?

Got it! As expected of the System, not a single loophole given.

Regarding the price of 50 yuan, Lu Feng lacked confidence in his heart.

Li Ji Xiaolongbao sells a steamer basket for 30 yuan, and the price isn't cheap either.

But they've been open for decades, with two generations of culinary skill, so expensive has its reasons.

Whereas his newly opened Xiao Dian sells at a price higher than their old brand.

On what basis?

【Detected Host lacks confidence; may first try your own culinary skill.】

Unexpectedly, this System even gives suggestions, becoming a bit humanized.

Since that's the case, then make one portion to taste.

Coincidentally, Lu Feng was also very curious about his own Max-level Xiaolongbao Technique, wanting to see what flavor the xiaolongbao made would be.