Chapter 5: Jia Yi Went Mad

"Little brother, I hope the oil-splashed noodles won't be sold out today, haha..." Boss Wang maintained his smile, showing no sign of disdain even when facing Jia Yi, the servant of the Lin family

When only Boss Wang remained in the restaurant, Jia Yixiao cheerfully approached Boss Wang's table. With almost no outsiders around, he felt free to express what he had been wanting to say.

Yesterday, Boss Wang from Laifuke Inn arrived as scheduled, opening for business today. Jia Yi did not show any signs of discomfort and even smiled at Boss Wang as a greeting. However, Lin Meiyu's face clearly bore a hint of coldness, though it was much better than her sister's demeanor.

The Lin family's courtyard has never had a room belonging to Jia Yi. Since the day he arrived at the Lin family, his sleeping place has been the firewood room in the back of the restaurant. Now, at the age of fourteen, it is important to note that this age in the Tang Dynasty is suitable for marriage and starting a family. With three beautiful young ladies in the Lin family and the old master being frail, there is truly no one who could prevent Jia Yi from harboring ulterior motives. Therefore, the old master is even more reluctant to let him stay overnight in the residence.

"Dreaming." Before Jia Yi could speak, Lin Meiyu's cold words came from behind him.

The other guests at the table finished their noodles, wiped their mouths, burped, and turned to leave. However, Boss Wang chewed each noodle seventeen or eighteen times before swallowing, resembling a young lady. If this were in later times, Jia Yi might think he was practicing health preservation, but in the present moment, Jia Yi was certain that he had some ulterior motive.

Reluctantly opening my eyes, what I saw was a dilapidated roof. Slightly turning my head, I noticed the window frame, which no longer had paper to block the wind, resembling the illustrations in a book. I let out a faint sigh and got up from the grass mat. Strangely enough, after sleeping for several nights, the grass mat no longer felt as prickly as it did at the beginning

Staring with two wide-open eyes, he felt no light at all. Jia Yi even thought that he could fall asleep with his eyes open; after all, isn't closing one's eyes just to block out the light

This can be considered a promise. Jia Yi was fully aware that Old Master Lin was trying to win him over, but if he were to appear indifferent at this moment, the outcome awaiting him would certainly be one of being sold off. Arrogance is not something that can be exhibited by a servant. Deeply aware of his own status, Jia Yi immediately displayed a look of profound gratitude. If it weren't for his discomfort with kneeling, he might have genuinely bowed deeply to Old Master Lin.

Boss Wang quickly scooped the noodles from the ceramic bowl into his mouth, chewed a couple of times rapidly, and washed it down with a gulp of the soup from the bowl, before smiling broadly and giving Jia an affirmative response

Cough, cough, work diligently, and in the future, I may even return your freedom to you

Five large pieces are placed on the table, yet Boss Wang shows no intention of leaving

Having set clear goals for the upcoming period, Jia turned over and gradually fell into a deep sleep

A busy day begins once again, and several consecutive days of good weather have gradually dispelled the gloom in Jia Yi's heart. Isn't it just living in the Tang Dynasty? What dynasty isn't about living? As a modern person, if one cannot live a decent life in the Tang Dynasty, it would truly be a disservice to the kind of rote education that future generations endure.

Jia Yi found it difficult to explain to Lin Meiyu what a market economy and books are, as well as what advantageous sales mean. After some thought, he decided that since this secret recipe belonged to him, he might as well give it a try and sell it first.

"Giggling"

This matter is not settled just by what Jia says; let's wait a moment to see who arrives, and have her convey a message to Old Master Lin.

Thank you, Master Xie

Very satisfied, extremely satisfied

After stumbling twice and twisting his ankle once, Jia finally stood outside the door of the restaurant's backyard. He fumbled to open the door and returned to the woodshed, which was still shrouded in darkness. The household servants were supposed to be going to bed anyway, so what was the need for a light

Fortunately, Jia Yi added little salt to the dish; otherwise, the four people who were only eating vegetables without any staple food would have surely been driven to despair. Touching his withered stomach, a bitter smile spread across Jia Yi's face. Returning to the kitchen, a pot of dumpling soup was soon ready. He served each of the four a portion of the soup. Cui Wei scooped up the thick dumplings and began to eat heartily, while the others looked at the thin dumplings in their bowls, each filled with resentment towards Jia Yi. Only their full stomachs reminded them that they truly could not eat much more.

Jia Yixiang wanted to stand up, but upon reconsideration, he thought that if he stood up and started chatting, he would have to remain standing. Since he was not easily embarrassed and had a pleasing appearance, he decided to let them look as they pleased

Not knowing what further instructions Boss Wang might have, my little shop is about to close. Upon seeing that Boss Wang remained so composed, Jia directly issued an eviction order, stating that if there was anything to say, say it quickly; if not, then leave promptly, as I am busy.

Yes

As night fell, a moonless night in the Tang Dynasty was destined to be pitch black. Just before stepping out, Lin Ruyu, who followed to lock the door, did not offer a lantern or anything of the sort. Jia Yi could only make his way slowly towards the restaurant in the dark.

"It is a good teaching from the master. Since one is a servant of the family, one must have the awareness of being a servant. At the very least, Jia Yi would not display a proud smile on his face.

Having eaten and drunk to satisfaction, in the entertainment-less Tang Dynasty, idle chatter became the sole pastime

Cough, I truly did not expect that you, Jia Yi, possess such abilities

Lying in bed with his hands under his head, Jia Yi found himself unable to fall asleep for a long time. Dreaming back to the Tang Dynasty, he had arrived here after just one night of closed eyes, over a thousand years later. Unfortunately, he had become a servant in someone else's household, devoid of any human rights. In this era, nothing could be accomplished, and no words held any weight. Since he had come to this place, he was determined to live well, with human rights as his first goal

This can be considered a compliment. The idiom "arrogant due to favoritism" is known by anyone with a bit of knowledge. To prevent servants from becoming overbearing, every master would refrain from giving too much praise to their servants, especially to someone like Jia Yi, who possesses considerable abilities.

Consequently, Lin Meiyu stated very firmly: "No."

Today at noon, the restaurant still focuses on oil-splashed noodles, but tomorrow these meat scraps will make their debut, and fried foods will enter the sight of a wide range of diners starting tomorrow

Washing rice and cooking, kneading dough and frying pancakes, then pairing it with the leftover meat scraps from the previous two dishes, breakfast is considered complete. Taking a bite of the pancake, savoring a piece of meat scrap, and then having a sip of millet porridge, this life is even better than what Old Master Lin enjoys

Hehe, young man, I wonder if you could sell me the recipe for your oil-splashed noodles?

Lin Meiyu, who arrived late, merely smiled apologetically at Jia Yi, prompting him to dismantle the door panel and commence operations

Observing the irate guests, Boss Wang, sitting cross-legged at the low table of www.hetushu.com, had a fiery glint in his eyes. Although his inn was already among the top in Duqu County, such a lively scene had never occurred in his establishment before. He tightened his grip on the chopsticks in his hand, further solidifying the idea that had taken root in his mind.

Cough, you should go back for now and work hard

Outside, there were still quite a few people standing, but after just a glance, Jia Yizhi noticed that the number of diners outside had decreased compared to the previous few days. It seemed that the oil-splashed noodles had begun to be recognized by the general public of Duqu County, and they likely would not sell for many more days.

Furthermore, Boss Wang is the main culprit responsible for Old Master Lin being bedridden. Even if the secret recipe for these oil-splashed noodles were to be sold, it cannot be sold to him

"Miss Second, may I have a word with you in private"

I have made a firm decision to sell

That night, Jia Yi had a dream in which he returned to the 21st century, lying on a soft mattress, feeling the comfort of his entire body sinking into the bed, enjoying a wonderful sleep. However, the sound of the alarm clock was particularly strange.

Upon seeing this, Jia realized that if he did not first deal with Lin Meiyu, there was no hope of successfully concluding this transaction.

I apologize to everyone, but today’s ingredients have run out. If there are any guests who still wish to eat, please come early tomorrow. Luo Juan has been performing this bowing gesture for several days now and is already quite adept at it. In response to the complaints from guests who did not get to enjoy the oil-splashed noodles, he continues to greet them with a smile. Fortunately, this is not a matter that would provoke resentment, so he does not need to practice self-restraint.

"If you are satisfied, please make the payment quickly." Lin Meiyu had unknowingly arrived behind Jia Yi, and her cold words left Boss Wang's face filled with embarrassment

Lin Meiyu's beautiful eyes widened in disbelief after Jia Yi finished speaking, as if she were looking at a madman. The success of the oil-splashed noodles could be said to have revitalized the Sifang Restaurant. Not to mention Lin Meiyu, who knew nothing about business; even Old Master Lin believed that if this skill could be maintained, it would surely make the Sifang Restaurant even more prosperous. Yet, Jia Yi spoke of selling the recipe. Could he be out of his mind? Not to mention Lin Meiyu, who knew nothing about business; even Old Master Lin believed that if this skill could be maintained, it would surely make the Sifang Restaurant even more prosperous. Yet, Jia Yi spoke of selling the recipe. Could he be out of his mind?

Five individuals took their seats, preparing to chat. Jia Yi could no longer endure the discomfort of kneeling on the mat and chose to sit cross-legged instead. However, when he looked up, he found all four members of the Lin family sitting on the bed, staring at him with wide eyes, their heads lowered as they observed his movements in search of a comfortable sitting position. In that moment, Jia Yi felt as if he were in a courtroom, facing a panel of four judges, while he himself was the unfortunate one being scrutinized.

That is natural, please have a seat, I will go get it for you right away. Having said that, he hurried into the kitchen and began today's busy work

After the consumption over the past two days, the supply of fatty pork in the restaurant has rapidly diminished. Once the last piece of fat is sliced off, only the pork belly will remain in the restaurant. If no new stock is brought in today, there will be no oil-splashed noodles to sell tomorrow

I wonder if Boss Wang is satisfied with the oil-splashed noodles from the small shop

After confirming that Boss Wang could not hear their conversation from a distance, Jia Yi finally expressed his thoughts: "Second Miss, you see, our oil-splashed noodles are quite popular, but judging by the number of customers today, this thriving state cannot last for too long. My idea is to sell this recipe, which would allow us to make a substantial profit."

By noon, everything that Jia Yi needed to prepare was ready, and he was just waiting for the opening. The business had been exceptionally booming these past few days, and he simply could not manage it all by himself.