Chapter 4: Opening Day – The Mascot Jiang Youyou! Office Workers Were Shocked: “These Dumplings Are Too Delicious!”
“Eat slowly, drink some water.”
Jiang Feng poured two cups of hot water and took a dumpling for himself to taste.
The flavor was truly excellent.
Juicy but not overly so—just enough to perfectly complement the dough.
The wrapper, soaked in meat juices, was soft and flavorful.
Every aspect was flawless!
These were undoubtedly the best dumplings Jiang Feng had ever eaten!
Jiang Youyou finished one dumpling and raised her bowl.
Normally, she had no appetite for breakfast and had to be coaxed into eating.
Now, she was actively asking for a second dumpling—proof of just how delicious they were!
Jiang Feng gave her another one. “After this, no more. Don’t overeat.”
Youyou pouted in disappointment.
Jiang Feng ate five dumplings, let out a satisfied burp, and then opened the shop door.
The sky had just begun to brighten.
Street sweepers, early-rising students, and exhausted office workers who had just finished overtime shuffled past.
The noodle shop next door had already opened, with two customers inside.
Jiang Feng placed the blackboard outside, turned on the entrance light, and went back to wrapping more dumplings.
Several minutes passed.
Nearby shops had customers—only Jiang Feng’s remained empty.
A new store without even a proper sign.
He had expected slow sales, but zero customers still stung.
He kept wrapping dumplings.
The ingredients were already prepped—if they didn’t sell, he could always eat them himself or give them away.
After finishing her dumpling, Youyou set her bowl down, dragged a chair over, and sat beside the blackboard like a tiny mascot.
Passersby glanced curiously at the adorable little girl.
Even the middle-aged couple from the noodle shop came out to look.
Two high school girls approached.
“Little girl, is your shop open?”
“Yes! Come in, big sisters! My daddy’s dumplings are super yummy!”
The girls were instantly charmed and wandered inside in a daze.
The aroma of dumplings filled the air.
The shop was clean, and the business license was displayed.
“Boss, give me two beef dumplings.”
“I’ll take two fennel-pork ones.”
Jiang Feng replied, “Only free hot water for now. It’s our first day—still getting things ready.”
The girls scanned their phones to pay.
“Alipay received: 8 yuan.”
“WeChat Pay received: 6 yuan.”
Jiang Feng had just steamed two batches—he packed four dumplings for them.
In a hurry to catch their bus, the girls took the piping-hot dumplings and left.
“Bye, little sister!”
“Bye, big sisters! Come back if it’s yummy! Thank you for supporting Daddy!”
The high schoolers’ hearts melted.
How could a child be this cute?!
One girl pulled out her dumpling. “They look well-made.”
“The boss was so handsome—I thought he’d be an amateur.”
Warm beef broth and scallion flavors exploded in her mouth.
Her taste buds woke up instantly.
Her friend raised an eyebrow. “Really? How good can a dumpling be?”
Under peer pressure, she bit into her fennel-pork dumpling.
Fresh fennel, juicy minced pork, and perfectly thin-yet-soft wrapper.
Not greasy at all—just rich, fragrant, and addictive.
“Holy crap, you’re right!”
The two girls, who normally ate like birds, devoured their dumplings in seconds.
“But… we’ll be late.”
After a painful internal debate, they reluctantly gave up.
Being late was worse than being hungry.
Tomorrow, they’d feast.
Four exhausted young men with dark circles walked in.
“Got fresh dumplings?”
“Great. Give us 10 beef, 10 chive-egg, and 10 carrot-egg ones.”
They slumped at a table, dropping their bags and groaning.
“Damn, they treat us like slaves. I’m dead.”
“Watch your language—there’s a kid.”
“She’s adorable. Boss, I envy you. When will I ever get married?”
“Marriage? 100k bride price, a house—and even a down payment gets you mocked. Stay single, bro.”
Jiang Feng brought their dumplings over.
“I just got divorced.”
“Congrats on escaping hell, boss!”
“You’re so handsome—finding another wife would be easy!”
“Don’t! Stay single. Trust me, women are terrifying.”
Jiang Feng smiled. “Eat them hot—they’re best fresh.”
“Meh, it’s just dumplings. We’re here for something warm and light. Taste doesn’t matter.”
One office worker took a bite of his beef dumpling.
The others frowned. “What? Is it bad?”
They each took a bite.
“After a night of hell, these dumplings make life worth living!”
“Hands off my share!”
“Boss! 20 more beef! 20 more chive-egg!”