Chapter 29 We’re Buying Raw Rice Noodles to Have Boss Lu Cook Them!
Usually, when a streamer like ‘Panda Loves Food & Drink’ showed up at the night market, they got some attention. But today, Lu Qin’s fried noodle stall had customers who couldn’t be bothered to care. Everyone was fixated on the wok, eagerly waiting for their food.
In front of Lu Qin’s stall, those who had already gotten their noodles stayed put, eating right there, savoring the aroma that filled the air.
As a foodie herself, ‘Panda Loves Food & Drink’ couldn’t resist the mouthwatering smell and hurried to the back of the line. Her livestream viewers were buzzing with excitement.
But just a minute after the streamer joined the line, Lu Qin called out from the front.
“Sorry, the last eight customers will be served, but after that, we’re sold out for the night. Each person can only order one portion.”
A wave of disappointment rippled through the customers at the back.
“I came here full of hope, and now I didn’t make it. Damn it!”
“Ugh, I came around this time yesterday too. Why can’t I get my turn?”
“Dude, today’s crowd is way bigger than yesterday’s. Tomorrow I’ll have to come earlier!”
“I’ve been smelling it this whole time, and now I can’t eat it. This is torture!”
“Lu Boss’s business is too good—this stuff is impossible to get at night!”
“I heard he also sets up a morning stall near Sunshine Primary School. I’m going there tomorrow morning!”
The streamer stood there in shock, mumbling to herself, “It’s only 8:30, and the fried noodles are already sold out?”
Her livestream chat was filled with schadenfreude.
Lu Qin handed over the last portion of fried noodles to a customer.
“Thanks for coming. Enjoy!”
“Thanks, Boss Lu. I’m so lucky I got the last one!”
Several customers who didn’t make the cut lingered, frustrated at missing out. Then one guy had a bright idea and blurted out excitedly.
“Boss, what if I go to another noodle stall, buy some raw noodles, and bring them here for you to fry? You can charge me the regular price.”
“Dude, you’re a genius! That’s brilliant!”
“Boss, I’ll do the same! I’ll buy noodles and you fry them for me!”
“This move is genius! I’m doing it too!”
Lu Qin chuckled, seeing the determination in these five or six customers who weren’t willing to leave without their noodles. After thinking it over, he agreed.
“I use authentic Anyang rice noodles. Other stalls may use something different. The flavor and texture might vary.”
“Are you okay with that?”
The customers hesitated for a moment but then, with a sigh of resignation, said, “Doesn’t matter, we’re starving! We trust your cooking skills, Boss. It’ll taste great either way!”
“Exactly! You’re a pro, Boss. The difference won’t be that big!”
“Just for today, I’ll make an exception and fry one portion per person. Don’t buy too much, and come earlier tomorrow.”
“Thanks, Boss! One portion is enough.”
“Thank you, Boss Lu! I’ll definitely get here early tomorrow!”
“Boss, take your time, we’ll be back in two minutes.”
With that, the few customers hurriedly ran out of the alley.
Old Liu, who had previously set up his fried noodle stall at the alley entrance, had moved elsewhere. Ever since Lu Qin appeared, staying in the same spot meant Old Liu would be left with nothing but the cold wind. Today, he set up at the school’s side gate, far away from Lu Qin’s stall. Although business wasn’t as good as before, it was still decent.
“Master Liu, your fried noodles are pretty good! You sold quite a few tonight!” The neighboring seller of rice cakes said enviously.
Master Liu, puffed up with pride, replied, “I’ve been frying noodles for eleven years! My skills are top-notch!”
Just then, five or six customers came running up, panting.
“Boss, one serving of rice noodles!”
Master Liu, pretending to sigh, said, “Look, business is rolling in again. Can’t be helped.”
“Take your time, folks. No need to rush. You don’t need to be in such a hurry for my fried noodles. Do you want egg-fried or meat-fried?”
“No need to fry, we just want the raw noodles.”
“We just want raw rice noodles. How much?”
Master Liu was dumbfounded. It was the first time someone asked to buy raw rice noodles from him.
This is a fried noodle stall—if they want raw noodles, they should go to the market.
One of the customers explained.
“Boss, just sell us the raw noodles at the same price as fried noodles. We’re taking them to Lu Boss to fry!”
Master Liu’s nose almost flared with anger. This was downright insulting! He didn’t want to sell to them. But after hesitating for a few seconds, knowing he had to maintain good business relations, he reluctantly sold them the raw noodles. The customers, rice noodles in hand, rushed off again.
The rice cake vendor next door, seeing Master Liu’s displeased expression, wisely kept quiet.
In the alley, Lu Qin finished frying noodles for the last few customers. They all took a bite and agreed the taste was still excellent, though it lacked a little something—likely due to the different rice noodles.
“No wonder Lu Boss’s fried noodles are so delicious. It’s not just your skills but also the high-quality ingredients!”
“Well, that’s it for tonight. See you all tomorrow.”
“Lu Boss, let us help you pack up.”
The enthusiastic customers helped Lu Qin tidy up. He hopped onto his motorized food cart and disappeared into the night.
As Lu Qin left, Fang Ya arrived at the night market street. She had been wandering the area, looking for the highly praised fried rice noodles she’d seen on Douyin, but couldn’t find it.
While there were three or four stalls selling fried noodles, every vendor was an oily, middle-aged man. The hygiene of the stalls was appalling—each wok had at least three centimeters of burnt oil residue.
Closing her eyes, Fang Ya bought a portion from each stall. After tasting them, not one could pass a second bite, and they all ended up in the trash.
Fang Ya never liked fried noodles much anyway. After two or three bites, she found them greasy and hard to swallow.
Before leaving, she encountered a fan and, after taking a photo together, asked about the noodle stall.
“They’re sold out by 8:30 and already packed up.”
Fang Ya was speechless.
Is that noodle stall really that popular?
“I can’t believe it. I’ll be back tomorrow!”
Meanwhile, Shen Muyan had just returned to her villa from work when her phone rang. It was Shen Hongda calling.
“Dad, what’s this about an Ice Crystal Cake?”
“Don’t ask. Just call him now.”
“Dad, we’re divorced. How am I supposed to bring this up?”
“Figure it out. I’m still the chairman, so you follow orders. That’s it, end of discussion.”
Shen Muyan furrowed her perfectly shaped brows, feeling utterly exasperated.
Asking Lu Qin… to make Ice Crystal Cakes? He even knew how to make that? Did he learn it in the past?
But that wasn’t the real issue—the issue was… how was she supposed to ask him?