Chapter 238: That Bowl of Egg-Fried Charcoal (2/2)

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The morning sun had finally shot across the horizon, exuding warm rays of light. It appeared to have resurrected the entire earth, as green grass sprouted from the fields right outside of the Imperial City. After a long winter's sleep, they had finally grown with great vitality, embracing the cool spring breeze.

The streets of the Imperial City were bustling with pedestrians as street vendors peddled their goods with loud hollers.

In the small alleyway, rested Fang Fang's Little Store.

Bu Fang pulled open his doors and enjoyed the cool, comforting morning air. He couldn't help but draw in a deep breath, and then stretched out his body.

”Blacky, time for breakfast.” Bu Fang returned to the kitchen and then came out with a plate of Sweet 'n' Sour Ribs, placing it in front of Blacky.

He pulled over a chair for himself and sat by the door, gazing at the floating clouds in the sky with great leisure.

Time was seemingly frozen at this moment. Bu Fang could only hear the faint chewing sounds of that lazy Blacky wolfing down its Sweet 'n' Sour Ribs.

Leisure moments like these were always so short-lived. Once the first costumer stepped in, the store began its day of busy business.

An aromatic, steaming hot Golden Shumai was carried out. Sauce trickled down the pieces of shumai, causing one to salivate.

Lees Fish, drenched with the fragrance of brewed wine, was also carried out by Bu Fang and placed on the table. This was a dish that easily stirred everyone's appetite.

The fame of Fang Fang's Little Store had spread throughout the entire Imperial City. Many people knew of this mystical store. Not only did it have tasty gourmet delicacies and spectacular fine wine, it also had impressive strength.

Cheerful footsteps echoed in the alleyway, tap tap tap.

Today, Ouyang Xiaoyi was dressed in a pink silk dress that made her look like she floated in the air while running. Her delicate face was flushing as she blinked her beautiful eyes. One could tell she was brimming with excitement.

In her arms was a red wood food container. Ouyang Xiaoyi treated it like a precious treasure. Her gaze landed on the container from time to time in the most adorable manner.

”Smelly boss, I'm here!” Ouyang Xiaoyi shouted loudly the moment she stepped into the store.

The customers of the store were already familiar with Xiaoyi and all greeted her with friendly smiles. Ouyang Xiaoyi also beamed back at them. When someone asked about her food container out of curiosity, she merely tilted her nose and wagged her fingers mysteriously.

”This is a secret.”

Bu Fang walked out of the kitchen and cast a puzzled look at Ouyang Xiaoyi. When he caught sight of the food container in her hands, his face instantly froze.

”Surely this lassie didn't actually go back and cook up an Egg-Fried Rice…” Bu Fang had on a poker face. However, reminded of the system's evaluation of Ouyang Xiaoyi's cooking talent, he suddenly had a very bad feeling.

”Smelly boss! You said if my Egg-Fried Rice could conquer your taste buds, you will take me as a chef's apprentice!” Ouyang Xiaoyi squinted her eyes and giggled delightfully.

This was something that needed much more deliberation… Bu Fang wanted to tell her this. However, he tilted his head, gave it another thought, and nodded.

”My Egg-Fried Rice is in this very food container! Smelly boss, don't you want to have a bite?” Ouyang Xiaoyi patted the red wood food container in her hands, then crooked her finger at Bu Fang with a smile.

The customers nearby became instantly intrigued. Was this Ouyang lassie trying to challenge Owner Bu's cooking?

”Owner Bu, our orders can wait. Let's have a taste of Xiaoyi's food first.” Someone proposed.

Bu Fang, who was just looking for an excuse to turn her down, rolled his eyes at that customer.

Alas, Bu Fang had to comply with her request.

Ouyang Xiaoyi's eyes sparked and as she placed the food container on the table. She uncovered the lid under numerous pairs of curious eyes.

In that very moment, an awful pungent odor drifted out of the box.

The scent was extremely strong, so pervasive that even the fragrance of countless gourmet dishes in the store couldn't overpower this unparalleled smell. Now that was frightening.

The customers' eyes widened. What the hell was this? Why could there be such an awful smell in the world?

The faces of many customers darkened. They all stepped back and took deep breaths.

Bu Fang's face froze. There was definitely an ugly shade spread across his complexion.

However, Ouyang Xiaoyi didn't seem to notice the bewildered facial expressions of those around her. She carefully took out the plate of Egg-Fried Charcoal from the food container…

Bu Fang's eyes narrowed. His heart shuddered as he gulped down a mouthful of saliva.

Lassie… judging by the looks of this dish, you are already a rising star in the field of dark cuisine—or in other others, terrible food. Can we stop… with this nonsense?