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Su Wen left after only a few sips of tea—it was too strong and too bitter.
Elder Lin stood by the window on the top floor of the Treasure Gathering Pavilion, supported by a maid, watching Su Wen's departing figure until he disappeared from view.
"Elder Mu, this child certainly has a mind of his own…"
After a long silence, the old woman sighed softly.
"For a ten-year-old child to resist the temptations of a pampered life—where clothes are handed to him and food is served without effort—is something even many adults would struggle with. Such independence, charisma, and determination… he truly has the makings of a great leader. But… is the Academy really not going to help him at all?"
"Heh, isn't the Academy already helping?"
From the shadows on the other side, a figure slowly emerged.
Mu En sat in a wheelchair, a faint smile on his face as he reassured the old woman. "Huiqun, I know what you're worried about. But letting him live in the Golden Cabin of Sea God Island—why, even Xiao Tao didn't receive such treatment. This boy knows what he's doing. If he truly encounters a problem he can't solve, he won't stubbornly bear it alone. That shows he doesn't reject the Academy's support. All the Academy needs to do now… is show its stance."
"I understand," the old woman nodded slightly, a hint of relief appearing in her eyes.
"Flynn Trading Firm."
Su Wen looked on as workers took down the signboard. Inside, other laborers were busily moving out the contents—only a lingering herbal fragrance remained.
The previous owner had operated it as an herbal shop, sourcing herbs from villagers near the Star Dou Forest or directly from soul masters, then selling them in Shrek City. Even with prices doubled, there was no shortage of buyers. The core of the business was "traffic"—as long as enough people saw the signboard, more potential customers would come.
In this world, many herbs contain soul power. Although they haven't developed intelligence like plant-type soul beasts or reached the rarity of immortal herbs, their natural spiritual energy grants them unique effects—such as healing injuries or replenishing soul power.
For instance, the Xuanwu Divine Pill from the Xuanming Sect is refined from various medicinal ingredients through a soul master's unique techniques.
"This shop is hundreds of square meters and has three stories of loft space. Tsk, tsk, the beam design is truly intricate. To combine Eastern aesthetics with Western refinement to this degree—this is indeed a unique architectural style of the continent." Su Wen sighed in admiration.
Of course, there was no need to renovate.
"You've got a good eye, Xiao Wen," Ma Xiaotao looked around, her bright eyes filled with curiosity.
"But what are you planning to sell?" The girl turned sideways, throwing an arm around Su Wen in a bold and carefree manner, as if surveying a kingdom—though the two "headlights" she brought with her shone brilliantly in front of him.
"Milk tea!" Su Wen grinned.
A few minutes later.
Restricted kitchen area.
With a lifeless expression, Bing Huang held a knife with tongs and crushed ice cubes before skillfully tossing them into a cup of milk tea. A faint ripple appeared on the surface, but the cup remained still. This precision in strength and familiarity with the task spoke volumes.
After a month of experimentation, Su Wen had roughly recreated the taste from his previous life's memory. By blending in popular local fruits like orange juice and watermelon, the flavor remained slightly rough but refreshingly authentic. Compared to the half-mixed powders of early milk tea recipes in his past life, these were far fresher and more flavorful.
Naturally, once milk tea was born, so was ice cream. The freezing technology of this world was highly convenient—especially when a beast worker like Bing Huang was so efficient.
"Mmm? This is delicious!"
Ma Xiaotao sipped the watermelon milk tea, her eyes sparkling like stars. She insisted Su Wen take a taste too.
He took the cup. The cool watermelon juice blended with the faint milk tea flavor of his past life. Though not identical, it used real ingredients—nothing artificial—and the taste was even fresher…
"What other flavors do you have? Let this sister help you try them all," Ma Xiaotao licked her red lips, eager to try more.
"Mango, lemon, and…"
Su Wen smacked his lips thoughtfully.
The process was simple: milk tea + fruit juice + a few extras. But to his surprise, Ma Xiaotao downed several cups like a storm, showering him with praise.
Bing Huang continued smashing ice like a machine.
Meanwhile, Gale anxiously scratched his head. He wanted to earn his meals too, but couldn't find a way to help. So, with a flattering grin, he handed tools to Bing Huang like an assistant.
"Congratulations on your opening! If not for Xiao Tao announcing it all over the inner court, we wouldn't even have known you opened a… milk tea shop?" Zhang Yi looked bewildered. "By the way, Xiao Wen, what exactly is a milk tea shop?"
"Here, have a taste. One for everyone, it's on me!" Ma Xiaotao declared boldly, handing out several cups.
"Big sister Xiao Tao is generous!"
"Hehe, if someone's buying, of course I'll try it."
The inner court students chuckled.
Then came a series of astonished gasps.
Milk tea and ice cream were like instant noodles—the first sip was always the most flavorful and surprising. Though the excitement might fade over time, there was no denying that these inner court disciples were hooked.
"I'll take five cups—gonna let my girlfriend try them."
"Make it ten. I'll store them in my soul tool storage ring and enjoy one whenever I'm craving it."
"One gold soul coin each. Come here to pay," Ma Xiaotao, appointed cashier by Su Wen, called out cheerfully as she collected payments.
"One gold soul coin—totally worth it," a student sighed in admiration.
For ordinary civilians, a single cup of milk tea could equal a month's living expenses.
But for these wealthy young lords and soul masters, it was just another ordinary afternoon treat. That's exactly who Su Wen was targeting—those with money to spend.
As the new signboard was hung…
The benefits of foot traffic gradually became clear.
The three-story shop was packed with people. Every second, at least one cup of milk tea was sold. In Shrek City, "rich people" were never in short supply. Many curious onlookers, despite thinking the price was high, were enticed by the booming business and decided to give it a try.
Soon, even the inner court students were pitching in to help. Manpower was tight.
Not to mention Bing Huang in the back—he was working so fast, he almost left afterimages.
In the end, Su Wen simply summoned the Dark Golden Dreadclaw Bear to assist.
That nearly caused a stampede.
Fortunately, a few inner court disciples quickly explained the situation. The sight of a notoriously fearsome Dark Golden Dreadclaw Bear obediently doing menial tasks shocked many onlookers. Driven by curiosity, they suppressed their fear—at least for now.
"Roar~"
Xiao Jin handed a packaged milk tea to a nearby boy.
The boy was momentarily stunned.
Just last month, this very same Dark Golden Dreadclaw Bear had slapped him across the arena during the Great Spirit Arena assessment…
(End of Chapter)