Chapter 106-110

Chapter 106: New Business

Selling cold pot skewers in the summer and oden in the winter——wasn’t that an ingenious business model? A skewer bar didn’t have to operate for only half the year when it could seamlessly transition between seasonal offerings.

Moreover, this kind of small stall required minimal investment, took up little space, and could be managed by just one person, making it far easier to run than the well-established Xia Ji Stall. Unlike a full-fledged restaurant, which required staff, space, and significant capital, this stall was mobile, flexible, and accessible to aspiring vendors who lacked the resources to join Xia Ji business.

If successful, in addition to the four Xia Ji stalls already thriving in Jinqiu County, many more "Xia Ji Skewer Bars" could emerge, steadily expanding Xia Ji’s brand and influence.

The more she thought about it, the brighter the idea seemed. She hardly noticed the curious gazes of those around her as she rushed inside to find some blank paper and a few charcoal sticks from the kitchen. Without delay, she began sketching furiously, mapping out a structured plan for Xia Ji Skewer Bar, complete with detailed illustrations of the stall’s design for the carpenter.

Seeing her so engrossed, Jiang Zhuguo, though unclear about her exact intentions, assisted without hesitation——helping to smooth the paper and fetching more charcoal sticks when needed. Sister Lu and the others exchanged bewildered glances, unsure of what she was planning but sensing her excitement.

Xia Mingyue worked tirelessly from dusk until well past midnight, refining her designs. The moon had long disappeared behind the clouds by the time she finally set her brush down. Yet, even as exhaustion crept in, her heart burned with anticipation.

The next morning, immediately after breakfast, she took the finalized drawings and made her way to Carpenter Cao’s workshop.

The elderly carpenter studied her sketches with a critical eye, running his fingers over the rough charcoal lines. After a long silence, he finally nodded. "I see... yes, this can be built."

However, one part puzzled him. He pointed at two circular cutouts on the table’s surface. "What are these holes for?"

"To hold clay pots," Xia Mingyue explained patiently. "One for keeping skewers warm in broth, the other for soaking them in fragrant red oil."

Carpenter Cao stroked his beard, impressed by the clever design. Carving perfect round holes into a solid wooden surface would be challenging, but it was the kind of challenge that invigorated a skilled craftsman like him.

"In that case, leave it to me," he said, grinning.

"Thank you, Uncle Cao," Xia Mingyue replied with a warm smile. "Make sure to use sturdy, durable wood, and apply a layer of tung oil over it. That will protect it from moisture and make it easier to clean."

"Naturally! I’ll get started right away," Carpenter Cao promised. True to his word, he set aside his other projects and immediately began working on hers, eager to bring her innovative stall to life.

With that settled, Xia Mingyue set off to gather the remaining essentials. She combed through the marketplace for a clay pot of the perfect size, commissioned a small stove from Liu Caisheng in North Street, and sought out He Shunzi to purchase high-quality bamboo skewers.

In the midst of these preparations, she continued refining her fish ball recipe at home. Her technique improved with each batch, her movements becoming swift and precise.

Inspired by her success, she decided to elevate the dish further by creating stuffed fish balls——soft, chewy exteriors encasing a savory, juicy filling.

When bitten into, the flavorful broth inside burst forth, mingling with the tender fish meat in an explosion of taste. Twice the texture, twice the indulgence——she was certain this version would be a hit!

Soon enough, all her ordered supplies began arriving. The bamboo skewers, the clay pot, the stove, the oil-paper cups, and, finally, Carpenter Cao’s beautifully crafted wooden stall. Everything was in place.

Xia Mingyue selected a prime spot on bustling West Street and set up shop.

The stall bore the familiar "Xia Ji" name, but this time, four smaller characters were added beneath it——"Cold Pot Skewers." The larger sign ensured brand recognition, while the smaller inscription piqued curiosity.

Sure enough, passersby began murmuring as they recognized her and Sister Lu setting up.

"Another food stall? But Xia Ji is just down the street...."

"Isn’t she competing with herself?"

Driven by curiosity, many loyal customers gathered around, eager to understand what this new stall offered. What they saw only deepened their intrigue.

On one side of the table, a clay pot gently simmered, bamboo skewers bobbing in the clear broth. On the other side, another pot brimmed with a deep red chili oil sauce, its surface sprinkled with white sesame seeds, exuding a tantalizing aroma. Between them, a bamboo basket overflowed with an array of fresh skewers——crisp lotus root slices, golden potato rounds, silky tofu skin, tender pork belly, glistening fish balls, and more.

"Madam Xia, what is this?" A curious onlooker pointed at the round, pale skewers.

"Handmade fish balls," she answered with a smile. "These are solid, and these have a stuffed center."

"How does it work? How do we eat them?" Another customer asked.

"It’s simple," she explained. "We first cook them in broth. Then, they soak in a flavorful sauce. You can eat them directly off the skewer."

To entice them further, she plucked out a fully soaked skewer of vegetarian chicken and handed it to a familiar customer. "Here, have a taste."

The man didn’t hesitate, biting into the skewer. The soy-based vegetarian chicken had absorbed the rich red oil, enhancing its umami depth with layers of spice and fragrance. His eyes widened as he chewed.

"This is delicious!" He exclaimed, his mouth still tingling from the heat. "How much per skewer?"

"Three cents for vegetables, six cents for meat, and eight cents for fish balls," she announced.

A brief silence followed. The prices weren’t exactly cheap.

But then, someone muttered, "Xia Ji’s food is always worth the price...."

Another chimed in, "If you’re worried about cost, just cook at home. Street food is about convenience and taste!"

Encouraged by their logic——and the undeniable aroma of the skewers——one customer after another reached for their coin purses.

"Two skewers of fish balls, three vegetarian chicken!"

"I’ll take two pork belly, one potato, one lotus root, and one black fungus skewer!"

"Three tofu skins and a radish skewer for me!"

Soon, Xia Mingyue and Sister Lu were completely occupied——accepting orders, counting coins, handing out skewers, and ensuring each serving was properly coated in sauce. Those who ordered multiple skewers received them in oil-paper cups, perfect for carrying.

Others, impatient to taste the new dish, simply took a skewer and ate it on the spot, sighing in satisfaction at the harmonious balance of spice and freshness.

Many who intended to buy just a skewer or two found themselves returning for more, unwilling to let the flavors end so soon.

Business was better than Xia Mingyue had dared to expect. Within an hour, the skewers had been nearly wiped out.

The last customer glanced at the few remaining options, sighed in disappointment, and reluctantly settled for two skewers that weren’t his first choice.

At last, the final radish skewer was sold. With a triumphant smile, Xia Mingyue and Sister Lu began packing up, their hearts full of excitement.

Xia Ji’s cold pot skewers had officially made their debut——and they were a resounding success.

__________________________

Chapter 107: Unable To Enter The Door

Sister Lu weighed the heavy pouch of coins in her hands, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "This cold pot skewer business is really taking off," she remarked, giving the pouch a little shake to emphasize her point. "At this rate, it won’t be long before Sister Mingyue can start bringing in new franchisees."

Xia Mingyue chuckled, her expression carrying a hint of quiet pride. "Yes," she agreed, narrowing her eyes in a pleased smile.

The business was indeed flourishing far beyond her initial expectations. With just a few more days of observation and fine-tuning——adjusting the skewer variety, refining the production process, and establishing a standardized operating model——she could officially open up Xia Ji Skewer Bar to more franchisees.

Her brand——her Xia Ji, had an incredibly bright future!

With renewed energy, Xia Mingyue pushed forward. Over the next few days, she increased the number of skewers prepared daily, carefully monitoring customer preferences and sales trends. Demand remained high, and word of Xia Ji's cold pot skewers spread rapidly.

As Xia Mingyue's business boomed, another piece of news reached Jinqiu County——one that sent ripples of excitement and relief through the town.

The Great Zhou army had broken through Changzhou City. A decisive victory had been won.

As soon as word spread, Jinqiu County erupted in celebration. The entire town was abuzz with joyous chatter. Red lanterns were hung along the streets, and bursts of laughter filled the air.

People had two reasons to rejoice:

First, they were celebrating for their country. The Great Zhou Kingdom, under the rule of a wise and benevolent emperor, had long maintained stability with minimal corruption. Expanding its territory was seen as a testament to its strength.

Second, they were celebrating for their own safety.

Jinqiu County, positioned near the border, had always been at risk during conflicts. But with Changzhou Prefecture now under Great Zhou Kingdom’s control, the frontline had been pushed westward. The town was safer than ever.

Despite the celebrations, however, an undercurrent of unease remained.

The battle had been won, but at what cost?

Reports mentioned heavy casualties, but no official list of the deceased had been released. Families with loved ones in the army anxiously awaited news, fearing the worst. Some visited the county government daily, hoping for updates. Others lingered near the city gates, scanning every returning soldier’s face.

Xia Mingyue and Sister Lu shared this same anxiety.

Each night, the candles in their homes burned longer than usual, flickering over worried faces. Yet, no matter how much they fretted, daily life had to go on. The skewers still needed to be prepared. The stall still needed to be run.

So, like everyone else in Jinqiu County, they pushed their fears deep into their hearts and continued forward.

By the time August arrived, the long-awaited lists finally arrived at the county office.

The first document contained the names of fallen soldiers whose families were eligible for compensation. Officials were sent out to notify each household, bringing with them not just financial aid, but also grief and mourning.

Days later, the town saw returning soldiers trickling in——those who had survived the battle and were given temporary leave to visit their families.

The streets became a contrast of emotions——some families donned mourning clothes, their homes shrouded in sorrow, while others rejoiced, celebrating the safe return of their loved ones.

But among the names of the deceased, neither Lu Qiyan nor Zhao Youcai’s name appeared.

A relief, yes, but an incomplete one.

They were still missing.

Sister Lu, usually composed, had become visibly restless. One morning, as she prepared skewers, she pricked her fingers on a bamboo stick twice in a row.

With a sharp inhale, she shook her hands, wincing.

"Sister Lu, don’t worry too much," Xia Mingyue reassured her, though her own voice held a trace of uncertainty. "The county office has already posted the names of the fallen, and Brother Youcai isn’t on the list. That means he must be fine."

Sister Lu exhaled shakily. "Then why hasn’t he returned yet?"

"Perhaps he’s busy with military affairs," Xia Mingyue reasoned. "Brother Youcai is a team leader. Maybe he stayed behind to ensure his subordinates’ safe return before coming back himself."

"Maybe...," Sister Lu murmured.

But she knew there was another possibility.

Some soldiers didn’t return immediately because they were gravely injured, possibly even disabled. They would remain at the army’s medical camp until they were well enough to travel home.

Sister Lu swallowed the thought. She didn’t dare voice it. Not when Xia Mingyue, who had been trying so hard to stay composed, had absentmindedly tied her apron inside out this morning——a small but telling sign of her own distraction.

Then, at last, their worries were put to rest.

An acquaintance arrived with news——Lu Qiyan and Zhao Youcai were alive and well. They would be returning in two days.

Sister Lu clapped her hands together and bowed repeatedly in the direction of the City God Temple. "Thank the heavens! The peace amulet I prayed for at the temple must truly be effective. When they return safely, I must go offer my gratitude."

Xia Mingyue smiled, feeling warmth spread through her chest. "Yes."

With confirmed news of their safety, both women felt as though a heavy weight had been lifted. They went about their daily tasks with lighter hearts, though their eyes occasionally flickered toward the road, eager to spot the first glimpse of their returning loved ones.

That morning, as the sun climbed higher, Lu Qiyan finally stepped through Jinqiu County’s south gate.

The familiar streets stretched before him, but instead of heading straight home, he decided to check the food stall. If Xia Mingyue was there, he’d rather surprise her at work.

But upon reaching Xia Ji Stall, he was met with three unfamiliar women.

New hires?

Figuring that must be the case, he turned into Xinghua Lane.

As he approached home, Lu Qiyan slowed, frowning slightly.

The house... had changed.

The old, worn-out wooden gate had been replaced with a sturdy, brand-new one. The courtyard wall, once patched with uneven repairs, was now solid blue brick.

For a moment, Lu Qiyan thought he had mistaken the house. But there was no doubt——this was Xinghua Lane, and Zhao Youcai’s home was right next door.

Had Xia Mingyue renovated the place?

Reaching out, he pushed the door. It didn’t budge. Locked.

He raised a hand and knocked.

Soft footsteps approached from the other side, then suddenly——

A dull thump, as if something had leapt onto a surface.

Then, a familiar face appeared above the courtyard wall.

Wu Jin.

The dog’s round eyes widened at the sight of him. The reaction was immediate. His ears drooped, his mouth pulled into a comically exaggerated frown.

Lu Qiyan sighed. "I’m home, Wu Jin."

Wu Jin’s expression darkened further.

The man is back? Again?!

Utterly unimpressed, Wu Jin barked loudly.

"Woof! Woof woof woof!"

Lu Qiyan tried again. "Wu Jin, be reasonable. Can you call someone to open the door?"

"Woof woof woof woof woof!"

Lu Qiyan was helplessly speechless.

Every time he came back, he had to negotiate with this dog just to enter his own home.

Wu Jin gave another firm bark, then sat his fluffy bottom down on the wall like a self-proclaimed guardian.

Lu Qiyan rubbed his temples.

It seemed Wu Jin had officially claimed the door as his own.

Access: Denied.

__________________________

Chapter 108: Laughter

Having learned his lesson from last time, Lu Qiyan wiped away the stray droplets of saliva that Wu Jin had sprayed at him with its relentless barking. This time, he didn't bother arguing with the little creature. Instead, he simply stood outside the door, hands clasped behind his back, waiting patiently for Xia Mingyue to return.

Wu Jin, however, was not one to let his guard down so easily. The huge dog continued to perch on the wall, his front paws gripping the edge as he stared down at Lu Qiyan, growling in protest. His expression was comically fierce, as though he were guarding a treasure hoard from a notorious bandit.

Lu Qiyan sighed and rubbed his nose. Why does this dog hate me so much?

As far as he could recall, he had never mistreated Wu Jin. And yet, every time he came home, Wu Jin reacted as if he were some sworn enemy rather than Xia Mingyue’s husband.

The soldier shot the dog a questioning look, silently hoping for some sort of explanation.

Wu Jin, taking this as a challenge, raised his head even higher and barked louder.

"Woof! Woof! Woof! Woof!"

Lu Qiyan let out a resigned sigh and took half a step back.

That seemed to satisfy Wu Jin. The huge dog wagged his tail triumphantly, eyes gleaming with the smugness of a victorious general.

Just as the sun climbed to its peak, Xia Mingyue and Sister Lu arrived, pushing their food cart down the alley after another successful morning of selling cold pot skewers.

The moment Xia Mingyue spotted Lu Qiyan standing at the door, her eyes widened in pleasant surprise.

"Brother Qiyan?" She stopped in her tracks, a bright smile spreading across her face.

Though her voice was calm, the joy in her expression was unmistakable. That look——one of unfiltered relief and happiness——made something stir in Lu Qiyan’s chest.

He lowered his gaze slightly. "Yeah," he murmured.

Sister Lu, noticing Zhao Youcai’s absence, immediately grew concerned. "Qiyan, where is Youcai? Didn't he come back with you?"

Lu Qiyan shook his head. "Brother Youcai was originally planning to return with me, but some of the earlier soldiers who left on leave haven't reported back yet. He needs to stay a little longer to ensure the roll call is completed. He asked me to return first and let you know that he’s safe. If all goes well, he should be back by tomorrow afternoon, or even earlier in the morning."

Sister Lu exhaled in relief. "As long as he’s safe, that’s all that matters."

She pushed the cart into her courtyard with a smile. "You two go on and catch up. I’ll take care of everything here."

She had been meaning to give Xia Mingyue some free time anyway. Life in the military camp was rough, and she figured Mingyue would want to prepare a proper meal to nourish her husband after his long journey.

Besides, she wasn’t blind——she could see the way the young couple looked at each other. A newlywed pair, separated for months, finally reunited? They needed time alone.

Sistwr Lu smirked knowingly before disappearing into her house, leaving Lu Qiyan and Xia Mingyue standing awkwardly outside.

After a moment, Xia Mingyue cleared her throat and found something to say. "Why are you still standing outside? Come in."

Lu Qiyan hesitated.

His expression was hard to read, but Xia Mingyue followed his gaze——and quickly understood.

She turned to look at Wu Jin, who was still positioned like a sentry atop the gate, his eyes locked onto Lu Qiyan with unwavering hostility.

She chuckled. "Maybe Wu Jin doesn’t recognize you anymore after all this time. He must think you're a stranger."

Lu Qiyan gave Wu Jin a long, pointed look.

This wasn’t the look of someone who had forgotten a stranger. This was the look of a dog who held a personal grudge.

Still, Lu Qiyan chose not to argue.

At that moment, Wu Jin suddenly leaped down from the wall, trotted over to Xia Mingyue’s feet, and let out a soft whimper, rubbing his head against her leg. Every now and then, he would cast side-glances at Lu Qiyan, looking pitiful.

Lu Qiyan’s lips twitched.

'So this is how it is. Wu Jin, you little schemer.'

The moment Xia Mingyue had acknowledged his presence, Wu Jin had transformed from a fierce guard dog into a spoiled, aggrieved pup.

Still, Lu Qiyan wasn’t about to argue with a dog. Especially not one that was so fiercely loyal to Xia Mingyue.

So, without another word, he simply followed her inside.

As Lu Qiyan stepped into the courtyard, he immediately noticed the changes.

The once old and crumbling house had been replaced with a freshly renovated structure. The kitchen was new, the courtyard walls had been rebuilt with sturdy blue bricks, and the once barren yard was now filled with thriving vegetable beds. The apricot trees had grown lush, their green leaves swaying gently in the afternoon breeze.

The transformation was astonishing.

His eyes swept across the courtyard, taking it all in, and a rare sense of warmth filled his heart.

This..., this feels like a home.

Seeing Lu Qiyan sitting Compared to the rundown house he had left behind, this place was full of life. It wasn’t just a residence anymore——it was a place where people laughed, worked, and built a future together.

A soft smile appeared on Lu Qiyan’s lips.

Xia Mingyue, catching the change in his expression, tilted her head slightly.

Is he... happy?

Something about that realization made her chest feel light.

"Have a seat," she said, her voice softer than before.

Lu Qiyan nodded and settled down at the small wooden table in the courtyard.

Xia Mingyue quickly fetched a bamboo tube filled with sugar water, which had been soaking in cool water since morning. She poured a cup and handed it to him.

"You must be thirsty."

Lu Qiyan took the cup, his fingers brushing lightly against hers in the process. "Thank you."

She turned away to start the fire in the kitchen, preparing tea. "Sugar water is fine for thirst, but I figured you’d prefer tea. Too much sweetness can be overwhelming."

Lu Qiyan watched her from his seat, his gaze thoughtful.

As she moved about the kitchen, explaining the new food stall and her plans for expansion, he listened carefully.

"So, you’re selling cold pot skewers now?" He asked.

Xia Mingyue nodded. "I started experimenting a while ago. It turned out to be a hit, so I set up a stall. Business has been great."

She stirred the fire absently. "I’m thinking of expanding——letting others pay a franchise fee to sell under my brand. They won’t need to master the recipe, just follow my method. That way, I keep control over quality while earning a steady profit."

Lu Qiyan raised a brow. "Franchising?"

"Yes. I already have three Xia Ji stalls running in different parts of the county."

Lu Qiyan studied her carefully.

When he had left, she had already been capable. But now——she had grown even stronger.

She stood taller, her cheeks were fuller, and her movements were steady and confident.

Like a young sapling that had endured the elements and was now flourishing into a towering tree.

His lips curved into a soft smile.

Xia Mingyue, catching the expression, paused for a moment.

Was he really that happy?

She didn’t dwell on it for long. Instead, she focused on pouring tea.

Lu Qiyan took a slow sip. The warm bitterness contrasted with the lingering sweetness of the sugar water, and he let out a satisfied sigh.

It was good to be home.

__________________________

Chapter 109: Oil-Splashed Noodles

Wu Jin, who had been standing vigilantly by the wall, turned visibly displeased when he saw Lu Qiyan’s expression.

What are you grinning at with those big teeth? Do you think that will make you likable?

If it’s about baring teeth, isn’t his own set of fangs more intimidating?

Wu Jin’s fur bristled slightly as irritation rose within him. The corners of his mouth twitched before he deliberately pulled back his lips, revealing his sharp teeth in a slow, deliberate motion. His dark eyes gleamed with a silent challenge.

Lu Qiyan, unfazed, only glanced at the dog before shifting his focus to the tea Xia Mingyue had placed in front of him. The tea had been left to cool slightly, its rich amber hue swirling gently in the cup. He took a sip, letting the warmth spread through his chest.

"Speaking of which," Xia Mingyue began, breaking the brief silence, "we were selling cold pot skewers on the street today. We watched West Street for a long time, but we didn’t see Brother Qiyan come back." Her brows furrowed slightly.

Logically, since Changzhou City was located in the northwest, Lu Qiyan should have returned through the west gate after traveling via the official road.

Lu Qiyan set his teacup down and explained, "One of my soldiers injured his leg. The barracks have too many wounded right now—there aren’t enough doctors or medicine to go around. His home isn’t far from the military camp, so my superiors had me escort him back to recuperate for a while."

He paused briefly before adding, "His family lives in the southern part of the city. After dropping him off, I returned through the South City Gate."

Xia Mingyue nodded in understanding, but before she could respond, Lu Qiyan reached into his inner robe and pulled out a slightly worn but heavy purse, placing it on the table between them.

"This is my salary for the past few months, along with a reward from this time’s mission," he said matter-of-factly. "Take it."

Xia Mingyue glanced at the purse. This one was significantly larger than the previous ones he had brought back. Judging by its bulging shape, it contained mostly silver ingots rather than coins.

She hesitated. "Business has been going well, and I’ve earned quite a bit these past few months. Brother Qiyan should keep the money for himself. The military always has unexpected expenses——you’ll need funds for social obligations and supplies."

Her words were spoken with sincerity. She knew that life in the army wasn’t easy. Military men had to maintain relationships with their superiors and comrades, often requiring money for gifts or shared expenses. What Lu Qiyan had already given her was more than sufficient.

Lu Qiyan, however, remained firm. "I still have some savings left in the army, enough for my daily needs." A rare flicker of pride appeared in his eyes as he added, "Besides, I was just promoted to captain. My salary will increase, so you don’t need to worry."

A promotion?

Xia Mingyue’s eyes lit up. "That’s great news! Congratulations, Brother Qiyan!"

She was about to ask for details when she realized that Lu Qiyan had likely earned this promotion through battle. Her joy was tinged with concern.

Sensing her thoughts, Lu Qiyan reassured her, "We ambushed the enemy and secured a major victory. My brigade fought bravely——we not only took down a significant number of foes, but we also coordinated in a way that ensured zero fatalities among our men. The battalion commander took notice of my tactics and promoted me immediately."

Hearing that no soldiers were lost under his command eased Xia Mingyue’s worries slightly.

"Then, I’ll help Brother Qiyan store the money first," she said with a smile, tucking the purse away. She knew he was the type to insist, and there was no need to argue further.

"Just spend it," Lu Qiyan corrected lightly before picking up his teacup again.

Xia Mingyue chuckled and didn’t refute him. Instead, she set the money aside and began preparing lunch.

She cracked a few eggs into a bowl, adding a precise amount of salt water to the mixture before incorporating it into the dough. Once kneaded to the perfect elasticity, she rolled it into wide, thin sheets and cut them into long noodles.

The scent of boiling dough soon filled the air as she dropped the noodles into a simmering pot of water. While they cooked, she arranged the toppings——a generous portion of minced garlic, finely chopped scallions, a fragrant mix of chili powder, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of sugar. Tender slices of pork, marinated to perfection, were carefully laid over a bed of blanched greens.

Finally, she heated a small pot of oil until it shimmered, then poured it in a single smooth motion over the toppings.

Sizzle——

The sharp, tantalizing aroma of chili and garlic burst forth, filling the kitchen and wafting into the courtyard.

Lu Qiyan, who had been casually sitting outside, instinctively took a deep breath, his stomach rumbling at precisely the wrong moment.

The sound wasn’t too loud, but he still felt embarrassed. He glanced toward the kitchen, only to find Xia Mingyue too preoccupied with stirring the noodles to have noticed. Moments later, she emerged with two bowls in hand.

The larger bowl was placed in front of him.

"Thank you," Lu Qiyan said, accepting it readily.

It was called a 'bowl', but in reality, the size was closer to a medium-sized basin. The noodles nearly overflowed, piled high with fragrant toppings.

Lu Qiyan didn’t hesitate——his appetite had been honed through years in the military. He lifted his chopsticks and dug in, his first bite coated in the rich, spicy oil, the noodles chewy and smooth. The minced garlic and chili added a sharp kick, perfectly balanced by the freshness of the greens and the tenderness of the pork.

The flavors were bold yet harmonious, each element complementing the other without overpowering.

Xia Mingyue, watching his obvious enjoyment, felt a deep sense of satisfaction as a cook.

She scooped a bowl of warm noodle soup for him and then began eating her own portion.

'I have to say, today’s oil-splashed noodles are especially good,' she thought, narrowing her eyes in delight.

After the meal, with the dishes cleaned up, Xia Mingyue suggested that Lu Qiyan rest for a while.

He didn’t argue. He made his way to the kang in the inner room, where a small wooden box sat beside it.

Curious, he opened it—inside lay two delicate amulets, each inscribed with intricate blessings.

He immediately recognized them. The City God Temple’s amulets were well-known; some soldiers in the barracks swore by their effectiveness.

These two...

Did Xia Mingyue go to the temple specifically to pray for his safety?

His fingers grazed the edges of the amulets before he instinctively looked up.

Through the open window, he saw Xia Mingyue in the courtyard, feeding Wu Jin. The dog, no longer hostile, wagged its tail as she patted its head, a faint smile on her lips.

That smile——soft, warm, and radiant like the afternoon sun——made Lu Qiyan pause.

A rare warmth spread through his chest.

Carefully, he placed the amulets inside his robe, close to his heart.

In the golden afternoon light, Xia Mingyue was still busy with Jiang Zhuguo, Sister Lu, and the others. The air carried the scent of fresh ingredients and simmering broths, a comforting blend of familiarity and ambition.

Lu Qiyan opened his mouth to speak but hesitated. The words, unspoken, rested on the tip of his tongue before he swallowed them back.

Maybe later....

Used to minimal rest, Lu Qiyan only took a brief nap before waking up, feeling refreshed. Recalling how Xia Mingyue had needed extra sleep the last time, he considered finding an excuse to step out and let her rest properly.

However, with his last outing fresh in his mind, Lu Qiyan decided that if he were to go out again, he might as well leave the city entirely——perhaps pay a visit to some old acquaintances.

Just as he was about to step outside, he noticed Xia Mingyue already dressed and preparing to leave.

“You’re going out?” He asked, surprised.

“Mm.” Xia Mingyue adjusted her sleeves, her expression focused. “I’m scouting locations.”

“For what?”

“The cold pot skewer business is doing well, so I want to expand it through franchising,” she explained. “I need to check which areas in the city would be suitable so that I can give proper guidance to future franchisees.”

Her voice carried a sense of purpose, a meticulous determination that Lu Qiyan found admirable.

“Then....” He glanced toward the door and then back at her. “I’ll go with you?”

He wasn’t sleepy, and there was nothing urgent to do at home. Besides, a walk would do him some good.

Xia Mingyue blinked, slightly caught off guard by his offer, but after a moment, she nodded. “Alright.”

With that, the two stepped out into the bustling streets of Jinqiu County.

Jinqiu County wasn’t particularly large, and its main commercial areas were concentrated along a few well-established streets. Having spent much time in Xicheng District, Xia Mingyue was already familiar with its layout and potential business spots. There was little need to revisit it.

Instead, her focus was on the eastern, southern, and northern districts.

Among them, Dongcheng District stood out as the most promising.

Unlike other areas, the East City District was the wealthiest part of town. The people living there had more disposable income, making it the ideal place to sell premium street snacks like cold pot skewers and the new oden she planned to introduce in the coming winter.

__________________________

Chapter 110: Hitting A Wall

If she were to set up stalls here, she could afford to establish two locations——but they would need to be spaced apart strategically.

As she walked, Xia Mingyue observed her surroundings carefully, taking mental notes. From time to time, she nodded to herself when a particular spot seemed promising.

To Lu Qiyan, watching her work was... an experience.

Xia Mingyue would walk a few steps, stop abruptly, glance around, and then smile to herself without explanation. From an outsider’s perspective, it was an odd sight——strange yet oddly logical in its own way.

However, not everyone saw it that way.

Nearby vendors and pedestrians took notice of her peculiar behavior, exchanging glances. Some frowned slightly, while others shook their heads in disapproval.

"What a pity," one stall owner murmured, sighing. "Such a fine young woman.... What a waste, being like that."

Lu Qiyan’s brows furrowed. He understood how quickly rumors could spread, twisting truth into something unrecognizable. If people started calling Xia Mingyue foolish, it could affect her reputation——and she had worked too hard to be dismissed as anything less than brilliant.

Without hesitation, he turned toward the man who had spoken.

“She’s not foolish,” Lu Qiyan said in a calm but firm tone. “She’s thinking. Don’t misunderstand.”

The vendor, startled, looked up at Lu Qiyan. He hadn’t expected anyone to overhear him, let alone directly confront him.

And yet, the man standing before him was no ordinary bystander. Lu Qiyan's presence alone carried a quiet authority——a sharpness that made people hesitate. His gentle, scholar-like appearance was at odds with the quiet but unmistakable intensity in his eyes.

Faced with that gaze, the vendor swallowed. “O-Of course, no misunderstanding...,” he stammered.

Lu Qiyan gave a small nod, then turned back to catch up with Xia Mingyue, who had walked ahead.

She noticed him returning and raised a brow. “What was that about?”

“Nothing,” he said lightly. “I just asked about something at a stall.”

Xia Mingyue glanced at the vendor behind him and then at the stall’s goods——donkey rolls. She smirked slightly.

Hungry already?

It seemed she had underestimated Lu Qiyan’s appetite. Or perhaps, the oil-splashed noodles they’d had for lunch, while flavorful, hadn’t been satisfying enough for someone accustomed to hearty military meals.

Maybe she should prepare something richer for dinner....

Lost in thought, she didn’t notice someone rushing out from a nearby alley.

The man carried a shoulder pole, with a steaming stove balanced at one end.

The moment she sensed movement, it was already too late——the stove was heading straight for her.

Before she could react, a strong arm pulled her back.

Xia Mingyue staggered, colliding against Lu Qiyan’s chest.

When she regained her footing, she looked up——and her gaze locked onto the man who had nearly crashed into her.

Tall and thin, with a familiar smirk——he was none other than the vendor who had once approached her, hoping to join the franchise.

“Oh, if it isn’t Madam Xia,” the man drawled, his grin stretched wide. “What a coincidence, running into you here.”

His words dripped with feigned concern. “Ah, good thing I didn’t bump into you! If this hot stove had fallen on me, I’d be burned for sure. And if something happened to you, well... what would I do?”

Despite the false worry in his tone, the regret was unmistakable.

Lu Qiyan didn’t need to hear more to understand the man’s intent.

He stepped forward, gently removing his arm from around Xia Mingyue, and reached out——gripping the wooden carrying pole.

The man flinched. “W-What are you doing?”

“I was just thinking,” Lu Qiyan said evenly, gripping the pole tighter. “This looks wide, but it’s not very thick.... I wonder how strong it actually is.”

Then, with effortless strength, he snapped the pole in half.

A clean break...!

The man’s face turned pale.

Lu Qiyan dropped the broken halves and sighed. “Not very strong, it seems.” He tilted his head slightly, his voice dropping to a near whisper. “You know, they say wooden poles are stronger than human bones. But if this one broke so easily..., I wonder about the other.”

Was that a threat?

The vendor’s lips trembled. “T-There are laws in this city! If you dare lay a hand on me——”

“Ah, but I haven’t hurt you.” Lu Qiyan’s tone remained casual. “I only helped you remove your burden so you wouldn’t accidentally harm others. The pole simply wasn’t strong enough. What an unfortunate accident.”

The man swallowed hard.

And then——chaos erupted.

With his pole broken, the vendor attempted to drag his stove away, but the weight was too much. It tipped——charcoal spilling onto the street, rolling under feet and stalls.

Passersby cursed. Vendors shouted.

“You trying to burn my stall?!”

“My new shoes! You’d better compensate me for this!”

“What’s wrong with you? Are you asking for a beating?”

The vendor barely had time to react before angry merchants descended on him, fists and feet flying.

Amid the commotion, Lu Qiyan turned back to Xia Mingyue.

“Are you alright?” He asked.