"Hmm, the recipe is simple enough, but I'm missing two ingredients. I wonder if I can find substitutes."
"Forget it. I'll just try making it first."
Looking at the recipe in her hand, Xiangling got busy.
"Guoba, come here! Give me a hand."
For a while, Xiangling and Guoba bustled around the kitchen like a whirlwind.
Watching his daughter work so passionately, Chef Mao smiled.
He knew how much she loved learning new cuisines. When it came to culinary talent, she had long since surpassed him—the student outshining the master.
It was that very passion that allowed Xiangling, at such a young age, to travel so far on the path of cooking.
Putting aside her more... eccentric experiments, her standard dishes were second to none in all of Liyue.
Countless people came to Wanmin Restaurant specifically to taste her cooking.
Time slipped away unnoticed as waves of customers came and went.
Soon, evening fell.
The sky darkened, but the night only made the scene gentler.
Liyue Harbor lit up with thousands of lanterns. Shops hung beautiful lights that bloomed in the darkness, making the city look dazzling and prosperous from afar.
If one were to look down from the mountains, the view would be breathtaking.
"Eh? Chef Mao, where's Xiangling? I haven't seen her."
A customer who had just sat down at Wanmin Restaurant looked around in surprise. "I came here today specifically for her cooking. Did she run off somewhere again?"
As a regular, he knew that whenever Xiangling had free time, she would leave Liyue to gather ingredients in Jueyun Karst or other wild places.
If she wasn't out, she should be here.
She had been around lately—he saw her yesterday. Why was she missing today?
"She's here."
Chef Mao shook his head with a chuckle. "That child is in the back kitchen, tinkering with something."
"Oh? Is Xiangling inventing a new dish? I'm looking forward to it."
"Xiangling's making something new? What is it?"
At Chef Mao's words, the customers began to discuss excitedly.
They were always interested in Xiangling's creations.
"It's not exactly a new dish."
Chef Mao shook his head. "I'm not sure what she's doing. Here, what would you like to eat? I have some ready-made dishes I can serve immediately."
"Lu... Lu..."
Just then, Guoba walked out, looking absolutely delighted. He was carrying a large bowl in his paws.
Inside the bowl were steaming instant noodles, which Guoba was happily slurping up one mouthful at a time.
These noodles were more convenient—and more delicious—than any noodles he had ever eaten.
Especially after Xiangling added a pile of extra ingredients. It made Guoba feel like he could fly.
"Guoba's here too!"
Seeing the little bear, the customers greeted him warmly.
They were all familiar with Guoba. He followed Xiangling everywhere and often helped out in the restaurant.
When things weren't busy, he would wander around Liyue. Everyone loved the cute little creature.
"Huh?"
Suddenly, someone noticed the bowl in Guoba's paws. "Chef Mao, what kind of noodles is Guoba eating? I've never seen those before."
"Hm?"
Chef Mao paused and looked over.
In Guoba's bowl were noodles he had never seen before—curly, springy, and distinct.
Seeing them, Chef Mao immediately thought of his daughter.
Is this the noodle dish Xiangling made from that recipe?
Otherwise, why would Guoba be eating something he didn't recognize?
The noodles looked... strange.
Thoughts raced through Chef Mao's mind, but he smiled at the customer. "I'm not sure. Xiangling probably whipped it up. I'll ask her later."
"Ah, okay."
The customer nodded and didn't press further.
He wasn't particularly interested in noodles; he was just curious because Guoba was eating something new.
If it was good, Wanmin Restaurant would surely sell it eventually.
Xiangling invented so many dishes. If the taste passed the test, it would end up on the menu.
"Chef Mao, one bowl of Dragonbeard Noodles!"
Someone shouted. "Extra chili!"
"Coming right up!"
Chef Mao nodded and went back to work with a smile.
As time passed, the sky grew darker, and the customers slowly trickled away.
Looking at the pitch-black streets, Chef Mao knew it was time to close up.
After clearing the tables, he looked toward the back kitchen, puzzled.
Xiangling had been in there all evening.
"Xiangling? Xiangling? Are you done yet?"
Chef Mao walked toward the kitchen, grumbling affectionately. "You silly child, you haven't even eaten dinner. No matter how busy you are, you have to eat. I know you're healthy, but you can't run on empty."
"We're closing up now. I'll make something good, and we can eat together."
"Dad! This instant noodle recipe is amazing!"
Just as Chef Mao entered the kitchen, Xiangling rushed out, holding a bowl of instant noodles, her face flushed with excitement.
After an afternoon and evening of experimentation, she finally understood why they were called "instant noodles."
They were too convenient!
Read ahead with 100+ chapters now with daily updates!
@patreon.com/Zefyrus