Chapter 9

Now it's Thursday morning, and at this time, most people are at work, so there won't be much business.

Yuanzhou had at least worked in the kitchen of a three-star hotel before. Although a star-rated hotel and a small restaurant are different, the busy times are still similar.

Naturally, he knew there wouldn't be any customers at this time. He turned back to his own shop, walked into the open kitchen, and found a hidden red button after looking around.

"What is this, System?" Yuanzhou clearly remembered that there was no such thing in the shop before the renovation.

The system displayed: "A place to rest."

"Really straightforward."

While complaining, he pressed it.

"Whoosh"

A light sound, and a chair appeared in the center. It looked plain and unremarkable, like a typical square wooden stool, but the legs were slightly different, wrapped in metal, giving it a touch of sci-fi.

Yuanzhou sat down with curiosity and found nothing special about it, except that it was more comfortable than an ordinary chair. When he moved his feet slightly, he discovered that the chair moved with him.

And it made no sound at all, which made Yuanzhou feel like a child with a new toy, playing happily.

However, this good mood didn't last long. The clock was already pointing to half past eleven, and the sparse crowd outside gradually increased.

Some people glanced at the shop but had no intention of coming in. Yuanzhou started to get a bit anxious.

At twenty past twelve, there were even more people outside, but not a single customer, not even anyone coming in to ask.

This made Yuanzhou anxious. He walked to the door and looked out. There was a new fast-food restaurant on this street that he hadn't noticed yesterday because he got up early. Today, the light green sign was quite eye-catching.

Looking at it today, the business seemed to be quite good. Through the glass window, the place was almost full, and more people were still trying to squeeze in.

"Fast food, what's so good about it? I have special supplies here." He muttered to himself and then went back to his shop.

"Ring, ring, ring..."

The phone's ringtone was particularly jarring in the quiet shop.

Yuanzhou walked over and picked it up. It was from Sun Ming.

Sun Ming was the first friend he made after starting work. He was righteous, from a well-off family, and got along well with the quiet Yuanzhou.

He answered with a "Hello," and a rapid series of words came from the other side.

"Yuanzhou, what's going on with you? Didn't you say you were going to have a farewell party? Haven't set a time yet?"

"Sorry, I've been busy these past two days and forgot. I'm not leaving anymore. I cleaned up the shop and reopened it." Yuanzhou was reminded of this by Sun Ming. He had forgotten about it because of the system's surprise.

He quickly apologized, and Sun Ming let it go.

"Why didn't you tell me you were opening a shop? I could have come to support you." Sun Ming's words carried a hint of dissatisfaction.

"I was just about to tell you. Today is the first day, and it was a bit rushed."

"Alright, I'll send you a couple of flower baskets. What kind of business are you in?"

"It's food..."

Before Yuanzhou could finish, Sun Ming cut in, "Great, I'll come for dinner tonight and help boost your sales, how about that?"

"Rest assured, the food is good, just a bit expensive..."

"What are you talking about, brother? How expensive can a small shop be? I'll be there tonight." Sun Ming hung up the phone.

"Maybe I can do this."

Inspired by Sun Ming, Yuanzhou had an idea.

Back in the kitchen, Yuanzhou started making fried rice again. The second time felt more familiar, and it took less time. A bowl of golden fried rice was ready.

"Still mouth-watering."

He enjoyed the feast of flavors and finished the bowl. He prepared to make another one.

Indeed, Yuanzhou's idea was to eat a few more bowls himself. He would invite his friends to eat more in the evening, and if that didn't work, he would pay for it himself. To get the reward, Yuanzhou was willing to go all out.

Dreams are beautiful, but reality is harsh. The system appeared again.

The system displayed: "Each customer can only eat one serving per meal."

"Is one serving so little? What if the customer is still hungry and wants another?" Yuanzhou felt the system was 360% foolproof in preventing loopholes.

The system displayed: "As a future food god, necessary temperament and rules are essential."

Yuanzhou felt, "You make so much sense, I can't even argue."

Time slowly passed as Yuanzhou and the system engaged in a battle of wits.

"Yuanzhou, this is quite rushed, you don't even have a sign." Sun Ming parked his car, placed the flower baskets at the door, and walked in, teasing.

"Unique, you came alone?"

Yuanzhou led Sun Ming to a high chair and looked behind him, not seeing anyone else, feeling a bit disappointed.

"The time was tight, I came alone today. I'll bring people next time."

Sun Ming sat down and looked around, "This place is quite elegant, just a few seats. What do you have that's good? Bring it out for me."

"I'll tell you, it has to be the best thing here. I'm here to support you, so bring out the expensive stuff. Don't worry, I'll pay." Sun Ming looked like a nouveau riche, speaking generously.

"Alright, but right now, I only have fried rice. I'll bring you a serving..." Yuanzhou smiled, seeing Sun Ming's attitude.

But before he could finish saying "I'll treat you," the system's reminder stopped him.

The system displayed: "All customers must be charged according to the price."

Yuanzhou silently gave the system the middle finger in his mind. This system was obsessed with money.

"Fried rice, then fried rice. Go make it quickly, I'm waiting." Sun Ming didn't mind, smiling and urging Yuanzhou to cook, while he carefully examined the shop's environment.

The shop was only thirty square meters and simply decorated. He quickly saw the price list at the back. It only listed fried rice, but the price made Sun Ming doubt if he had entered the wrong place.

He subconsciously looked around again and then back at the price list. It still read: Fried Rice: 188 RMB.

Sun Ming thought for a moment and realized what was going on.

"Ha ha ha, Yuanzhou, you must have made a mistake on your price list." Sun Ming laughed, saying this to Yuanzhou, who was busy in the kitchen.

At that moment, Yuanzhou's fried rice was ready. He placed it in front of Sun Ming and, after looking at the price on the wall, said, "No, that's the price."

Sun Ming's face turned a bit sour. What was wrong with Yuanzhou? He came as a friend to support him, but was he treating him like a fool? Selling a bowl of fried rice for 188 RMB, treating him like a monkey.

Forget it, it seems you can't judge a person by their appearance. This friendship is over. But since he had already said he would pay for the meal, Sun Ming couldn't just get up and leave. He had to sit down and eat.