"Yangzhou Fresh Bamboo Shoots take advantage of Shad Fish, boiled tenderly in the Spring Breeze at the beginning of March."
"The cake is like chewing the moon, with layers of crisp and sweetness inside."
"…"
After a thorough introduction, neither Kate nor Kent could hide their astonishment: Aren't these just a few dishes? How come there are so many methods and histories behind them?
"Sister Bai really knows a lot about Ancient Earth!" Kent said tentatively. He wasn't particularly convinced about Bai Tang's background regarding Kate, but he couldn't find any flaws, so he temporarily accepted Bai Tang's lie. However, he would investigate whenever he had the chance.
Bai Tang naturally noticed Kent's thoughts and wasn't annoyed; she simply replied lightly, "I've lived on Ancient Earth for so many years, and when I'm alone, I sift through the remnants of Earth, which is how I've learned a lot about the history of Ancient Earth."
"You've really worked hard!" Kent thought about a young woman living alone on an abandoned planet, without companionship, and concluded that her mental resilience must be quite strong!
"Boss, new customers have arrived at the restaurant; they are your friends." The restaurant manager approached Bai Tang, astonished. It seemed that the two earlier were young masters from the Ye Family.
The Ye Family holds a status in the Alliance that is no less than that of the Sean Family. While the influence of the Sean Family lies within the military department, the Ye Family dominates in culture and entertainment. Eighty percent of writers, singers, and actors in the Alliance come from companies under the Ye Family. Indeed, the Ye Family is the trendsetter for entertainment culture in the entire Alliance. Without them, everyone would lose their spiritual support.
Not only does their boss know the two young masters from the Sean Family, but he also knows two young masters from the Ye Family. This is impressive! From now on, they should show more respect to their boss.
Seeing Doll Face's Ye Feng, Bai Tang revealed a genuine smile and welcomed him. Although she had known Kate longer and received considerable help from her, she couldn't fully trust Kate. Instead, this friend she met online had earned her truest friendship—of course, no matter how good a friend she was, Bai Tang would never reveal her origins of crossing over to Ye Feng, simply because this pure-hearted boy treated her sincerely.
"Bai Tang!" Ye Feng waved happily and walked over with his older brother, Ye Hua.
"Congratulations on your successful opening; here’s a gift!" Ye Feng cheerfully handed over a box and introduced his older brother to Bai Tang.
As soon as Ye Hua was called by his brother to greet Bai Tang, he discreetly observed the person his brother considered a good friend. Although his brother was spoiled by their family and somewhat naive, he wasn't "foolish" enough to easily regard someone he had only met once or twice as a friend. What qualities did this person possess that attracted his brother? Outsiders might not know, but even among them in the Ye Family, only a few were aware that Ye Feng had an eye for talent; that's why every actor and singer from the Ye family could achieve fame—they were all recognized by Ye Feng.
"Hello, Mr. Ye!" Bai Tang pretended not to notice Ye Hua's scrutiny and greeted him warmly. She led both brothers to another private room where they served dishes similar to those enjoyed by the two brothers from the Sean Family, while also recounting the origins of these delicacies along with poetic verses once again.
"Bai Tang, is this culinary culture also passed down in your family?" Ye Feng asked. He had already seen the Fragrant Mountain Maple Leaf Painting, which was truly beautiful. Since Bai Tang could preserve such a painting for thousands of years, she must have profound knowledge; no wonder she understood so much.
"Ha ha," Bai Tang laughed, "Hurry up and eat, the food will get cold and won't taste good."
"It's delicious, so delicious!" Ye Feng took a bite, his eyes widening. He could no longer care about table manners and began to devour the dishes like a whirlwind.
At first, Ye Hua wanted to remind him to be mindful of etiquette, but after tasting the food, he couldn't think of anything else. His eating actions appeared elegant, but his hands moved so quickly they were almost a blur, which made Bai Tang think of the French fighter Feast from Ranma ½.
"It's so delicious!" Ye Feng dropped his chopsticks and slumped back in his chair with a satisfied burp. "Bai Tang, from now on, I'll have all my meals at your restaurant."
"Sure, I'll give you a 40% discount!" Bai Tang replied with a smile.
Ye Hua gazed deeply at his brother chatting with Bai Tang. With rich knowledge of ancient literature and possessing artifacts from thousands of years ago, this person was extraordinary. It seemed his brother had good taste.
Bai Tang accompanied the two brothers out of the private room and ran into Sean and his brother, who had just finished eating. Both families were prominent in Capital Star, and the two pairs of brothers were familiar with each other.
"Bai Tang, when did you meet Ye Feng?" Kate asked in surprise. He knew Bai Tang's background well; she had only recently arrived in Capital Star. How could she know someone from the Ye Family? Could it be that the Ye Family was related to her parents?
"In Gait Star, I happened to meet Ye Feng while I was on Star Network," Bai Tang explained as she walked between Kate and Ye Feng. Ahead were Ye Hua and Kent. Kent had not joined the military and managed the business for Sean Family, sharing many common topics with Ye Hua. Their conversation reached Bai Tang's ears.
"Ancient Earth development?" Bai Tang was surprised. The efficiency of future people was impressive; Kate must have reported the discovery of Ancient Earth not long ago, yet people were already on their way?
"Yes, after all, Ancient Earth is our original home, and the Alliance places great importance on it. The first to depart are the military personnel and archaeological teams, along with environmental modification technicians. Once the archaeological team collects all useful data, comprehensive planetary transformation and development will begin," Ye Feng replied. The Ye Family was one of the first aristocratic families to receive this news and had already selected a team to accompany the archaeological team to Ancient Earth.
"I originally applied to be stationed at Ancient Earth but didn't get approved," Kate said regretfully.
"You just returned from a dangerous mission; your family definitely wouldn't let you go that far!" Bai Tang remarked.
"That's not it!" Kate pouted indignantly. "It was snatched away by someone else."
"If someone could take that position from you, they must be quite remarkable!"
"I know who it is!" Ye Feng laughed. "It must be Sun Ding; everyone in the aristocratic circle knows about their grudges."
Sun Ding is also an Alliance Colonel, and Grandpa is one of the four great marshals. He is about the same age as Kate, but they just don't get along. Whenever the two of them meet, they end up fighting; when they enter school, they compete for grades and women; and when they join the army, they still compete. Almost everyone in high society knows about their grudges and feuds, watching their battles with amusement. If it weren't for the fact that each of them had had women in their lives, people would think they were "in love and killing each other."
Ye Feng, bearing Kate's palpable resentment, recounted the feud between the two to Bai Tang, who also laughed.
"Actually, I think you should thank Sun Ding. If it weren't for him being your rival, how could you have become an Alliance Colonel at such a young age?" Bai Tang smiled. "I've heard a saying: 'Having teammates like pigs is worse than having rivals like gods.' There's also another saying: 'Your enemy knows you best.' I think it fits you and Sun Ding perfectly."
"Please spare me! I'm getting goosebumps!" Kate exclaimed as she rubbed her arms, causing Bai Tang and Ye Feng to burst into laughter. Their cheerful conversation caught the attention of some who were eyeing the delicacies at "Huaxia Restaurant", prompting them to abandon their thoughts.
Thus, "Huaxia Restaurant" established itself firmly in B Zone, with astonishing sales figures. Most of the initial customers were trying to curry favor with the Ye Family and the Sean Family, but after tasting the food at "Huaxia Restaurant", they were all captivated by the cuisine and became regulars, spreading the restaurant's reputation and attracting more patrons. The owner was busier than ever, working like a whirlwind but feeling happy. His social status jumped three levels, placing him on the brink of high society.
The business at "Huaxia Eatery" was equally thriving. There were no customers coming just to curry favor, but let's not forget that a plethora of food enthusiasts from Gait Star had already spread word about "Huaxia Eatery", leading many food lovers to visit as soon as it opened. Indeed, "Huaxia Eatery" did not disappoint; everything sold there was something they had never seen or heard of before, but its deliciousness made them feel their lives were worthwhile. After their first visit, they rushed online to share their experiences, drawing even more people to dine there. Thin Man even commissioned a roasted sweet potato stand based on a design by Bai Tang, with its sweet aroma attracting waves of passersby.
Simultaneously, "Huaxia Eatery" opened on the Star Network, where business was also booming. Eating on the Star Network neither filled one's stomach nor caused weight gain but satisfied cravings; more people came to eat than in real life. Bai Tang purchased four virtual Robots: two programmed for cooking and two for reception and payment. The robots do not feel tired; as long as they have enough energy, they can work continuously, allowing the eatery on the Star Network to operate 24 hours a day.
Once all three establishments were running smoothly, Bai Tang decided to return to modern times. Before leaving, she took Ye Feng and Kate out for a meal and gifted Ye Feng with a painting titled "Fragrant Mountain Maple Leaf Painting."
"Really? You gave it to me?" Ye Feng exclaimed excitedly while holding the painting.
"Yes!"
"But this is too precious..." Ye Feng hesitated to accept it but felt reluctant to let go.
Bai Tang smiled, "Take it; it's just a painting. I have plenty more like it."
Kate chimed in, "Yeah, this guy came from Ancient Earth. You have no idea how many treasures he picked up there. By the way, don't tell me you forgot my gift?"
"How could I forget you!" Bai Tang pulled out a box containing a Porcelain Bowl and handed it to Kate.
"Porcelain?" Both Kate and Ye Feng widened their eyes.
"It's Blue and White Porcelain.," Bai Tang said after sipping some vegetable soup. The Alliance had already promoted newly discovered species; high technology had shortened plant cycles, and some fast-maturing crops had already been harvested. "There's an old song from Ancient Earth called 'Blue and White Porcelain.'"
“Blank Porcelain outlines Blue and White with a brushstroke that shifts from bold to light.
The peony depicted on the vase is like your initial makeup.
The faint scent of sandalwood wafts through the window, and I understand your thoughts.
On Rice Paper, the brush stops halfway here.
Glaze Color renders the Lady Painting charm that has been kept hidden.
And your charming smile is like a bud waiting to bloom.
Your beauty drifts away,
To places I cannot reach.
Azure waits for Mist and Rain, while I wait for you.
Cooking Smoke rises gently, separated by thousands of miles across the river.
At the Bottom of the Vase, inscribed in Clerical Script, is the elegance of a bygone era.
Let this be my prelude to meeting you…”
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