Chapter 40: Chapter 40 The Foodie Old Man (1)_1 Chapter 40: Chapter 40 The Foodie Old Man (1)_1 This town is called Zhuma Town, which is said to have gotten its name because an Emperor of the previous dynasty once rested here during his travels.
The reason the Emperor chose to rest here is surprisingly due to a delicious dish he was attracted to.
After eating it with great satisfaction, the Emperor gave the dish a name—”Four Joys Fortune Bag.” Later on, Fuman Building made a name for itself with the Four Joys Fortune Bag as its signature dish, and subsequently opened branches in many other towns.
Lin Yuan didn’t know what exactly the Four Joys Fortune Bag was, because, as the signature dish, it was rather expensive.
After all, anything the Emperor had eaten would naturally come at a high price.
However, with a deep-seated pursuit for culinary delights, Lin Yuan was very curious about this dish.
If she ever had the opportunity, she would definitely want to taste it for herself, even just a glance would leave her content.
As Lin Jiaxin had said, Fuman Building was located in the busiest part of the main street.
Fortunately, it wasn’t mealtime yet, so there were basically no diners in the restaurant, only a few shop assistants were wiping tables and tidying up bowls and chopsticks.
Thus, when Lin Yuan, dressed in coarse cloth and carrying a small bamboo basket, entered Fuman Building, she immediately caught their attention.
“Miss, are you here to dine or to stay?” asked the Shop Assistant, draping a white cloth towel over his shoulder and greeting her warmly.
Although he could tell at a glance that Lin Yuan did not seem like someone who could afford Fuman Building, he still politely inquired due to his professional ethics.
Hearing the Shop Assistant’s words, Lin Yuan couldn’t help but silently admire Fuman Building’s business approach—welcoming guests without judging by appearance.
It seemed that Fuman Building’s success wasn’t just due to the hundred-year-old Four Joys Fortune Bag.
“Shop Assistant,” Lin Yuan asked, “do you sell frogs at your restaurant?”
Actual frogs?” The Shop Assistant was surprised that this young girl was really here to dine, but such a menu item was rather…
The Shop Assistant shook his head.
Lin Yuan was secretly pleased: “Shop Assistant, is your shopkeeper around?
I have a very good dish here that I’d like him to try.”
“This?” The Shop Assistant clearly hadn’t expected such a turn of events.
However, looking at the young girl in front of him, who was pretty with clear eyes and a confident smile, he couldn’t bring himself to refuse her outright and disappoint her, so he whispered, “Give me a moment, Miss.
Our shopkeeper is just upstairs.
Lin Yuan was full of gratitude for the helpful Shop Assistant.
She only waited for a short while before seeing him hurrying down from upstairs, excitedly waving at her from a distance.
She knew this was a promising sign.
“Miss, our shopkeeper invites you upstairs,” said the Shop Assistant, even more enthusiastically now.
Seeing the sizable bamboo basket on her back, he attempted to take it from her, but Lin Yuan was not used to others handling her things and politely declined.
The Shop Assistant didn’t take offense and continued to lead the way with a smile, softly telling her, “Your timing is perfect—our Boss is also here today.
He loves good food the most.
If your dish can satisfy him…”
The Shop Assistant gave a thumbs-up, the meaning of which was quite clear.
Though Lin Yuan had expected to be received by the shopkeeper, she had not anticipated that their Boss would also be present.
However, according to what the Shop Assistant had told her, it appeared the Boss was quite the food enthusiast.
If she could prepare this dish well today, perhaps she’d strike it lucky.
The second floor was clearly intended for dining by officials and nobility, evident in the distinctly different decoration.
Lin Yuan followed the Shop Assistant to the room at the farthest east, which was even more elegant.
The door was closed, and instead of knocking, the Shop Assistant stood respectfully at the doorway and bowed slightly, “Shopkeeper Liu, the young lady has arrived.”
No answer came from inside, but soon the door was opened by a somewhat plump middle-aged man with a kind-looking face but eyes that shone with the shrewdness of a businessman.
Shopkeeper Liu didn’t say a word, just sized her up with a smile and then welcomed her into the room.