Ding dong ding ding dong ding dong dong...

Music drifted from the upper rooms of Lirong Inn; Miss Aries's gift had arrived. The proud little yellow bird ate the fish, flicked its tail, and flew away.

Li Xin wasn't too concerned about Miss Aries finding his location. He had his own judgment, but to ensure safety, he made an assessment. The results were favorable; he might even get some assistance if they met face to face.

The gift was a delicate yet simple small harp. Li Xin tried strumming it. Given his experience, he could tell Miss Aries had poured her heart into crafting it, though it seemed a bit unnecessary. What a pity.

Sigh, if only it were made of gold.

Meanwhile, Dragon Mother was checking stock in the kitchen. Ever since "Lirong Speaks Dragon" opened, business had been pretty good, gaining quite a reputation. Even some distinguished guests came to try the food, earning Dragon Mother some prestige.

Listening to the music from above, Dragon Mother frowned, "Don't go dabbling in arts, painting, magic tricks - you two better not lead my God of Wealth astray!"

The painter and magician, helping to move things around, exchanged a glance with darkened faces. What did this have to do with them? Sigh, after enduring for so long, what's another little annoyance?

Since "Lirong Speaks Dragon" became profitable, everyone's life improved along with it. Dragon Mother was less aggressive about collecting rent, so everyone wisely helped out. When there were many guests in the evening, tenants "volunteered" to lend a hand, moving things, washing vegetables, serving—particularly those who owed more, like the painters—they needed to be more proactive, or else face a flip-flop.

Dalivin was still groggy; waking early was an artist's nightmare.

The most excited was Ma Liu, especially when Li Xin wasn't around, desperately showing off his thin chest muscles to Dragon Mother. He'd learned about seventy percent of the oil refining and spicy chicken techniques, not that Li Xin was keeping secrets—it wasn't that hard, after all. The business was all about volume. With only two capable cooks at Lirong Inn, Dragon Mother had no inclination to hire someone else; one was the inventor, the other, the confidant. Dragon Mother knew the core secrets and graciously didn't expose Li Xin's laziness, while Ma Liu, successful in mastering the skills, strived to reestablish his core status in Dragon Mother's mind.

Li Xin received a letter from the Celestial Capital. As long as Aunt Fei and Xueyin were doing well, he was satisfied. He confirmed that the tragedy in the Celestial Capital was closely tied to the Song of Hell; in fact, he could say the witch behind Song of Hell, Eliza, was the culprit.

Accompanying the letter was a portrait. Eliza did not allow photographs, but there was a painting of her—a gentle, charming woman, an unlikely association with a witch—and she grew more alluring the more you looked at her. Men really had a hard time resisting her.

Of course, this was superficial. To make clergy dedicate their faith and lives, she must have had many skills.

Whether she could change appearances, Li Xin didn't know, but if he encountered her, he wouldn't let her go.

The other party couldn't be taking this Original Embryo for just an Original Embryo. From the Round Table Conference, it was known that Song of Hell belonged to the Seven Stars Travel Group, the group's pinnacle, with singers who were top-notch experts. It seemed unlikely without a Divine Relic; going to such lengths to obtain the Original Embryo likely had other motives.

The theft of the Hex Core might also be related to Song of Hell. Master Mark's murder wasn't random, but during Kathy's investigation, it was noted that Hex-Tech was difficult to replicate. Even with blueprints, they were useless since Hex-Tech's complexity was an entirely different domain for Hidden Power; this aspect was monopolized by Lirong.

The Hex Core's production involved a lot of luck. The only possible producer was Mark, who was killed. Had Song of Hell not been involved, the case might have been closed. The higher-ups likely sensed the other party's complicated intentions.

The current Celestial Capital was in a tumultuous period. Moon God's Court and Hundred Martial Hall both stationed people there; disputes were frequent.

For now, Li Xin wouldn't return to Celestial Capital; staying in Hedan was relatively safe. Hedan's understanding of Hidden Power surpassed that of Celestial Capital, and the environment was more relaxed, potentially offering opportunities.

He still pondered entering the Holy Land; why couldn't he get in?

Was it because his soul didn't belong to the Dao Yuan Continent?

Did Luthor manage to enter back then?

As life settled down, Li Xin attempted to use the Gate of Truth once more. The gate seemed fine, but he was still expelled, maybe trying Miss Aries's method of getting someone to take him inside—for the Red Moon Medal's power was nearly depleted. Dice couldn't go unused, as they were his keys to continuing exploration in this world.

After freshening up, as the head chef, he now enjoyed special treatment; at least Dragon Mother wouldn't easily yell at him. The morning ingredients were prepared—one session at noon, another at night. With business booming, Li Xin proposed taking one day off each week to attend church service at the Earth Mother Goddess Church.

This request was answered amidst Dragon Mother's hesitation. Everything else could be refused, but in Moncalleta and Hedan, refusing such a request was very dangerous. Moreover, Li Xin said that sometimes it's good to whet one's appetite, to effectively prevent the loss of novelty. In the long run, it's good for business, and he could take more time to develop new dishes.

With a set of combined moves, Dragon Mother felt that even taking a day off was a profit.

Dariel and Magician Kan were already arranging tables and chairs. Li Xin looked at the delighted Ma Liu, "So happy, did Dragon Mother praise you?"

"Li... Brother, I told... Dragon Mother that I've... stolen your... skills. She, she, she was very happy," Ma Liu said, five minutes later.

"That's good. Hard work pays off. The strongest trick in the world is sincerity. Do more so Dragon Mother sees your sincerity and effort. This kitchen was yours, is yours now, and will be yours in the future. I'm just a passerby." Li Xin yawned, put on his homemade apron, and basically, now for any material request, as long as it's not too expensive, Dragon Mother wouldn't care. She just laughs uncontrollably when she sees the daily settlement income. Originally, during procurement, she could have pocketed something, but Ma Liu... sigh, maybe that's true love.

Ma Liu's eyes were red with excitement, "Li, Li, Li... Brother"

"I understand, say no more, everything is understood without words!" Li Xin slapped Ma Liu on the shoulder, pushing back his follow-up, "Start the stove, get to practice!"

Ma Liu nodded heavily. He wanted to be an apprentice, but Brother Li didn't want it and still taught him skills. It was like a rebirth, so he took care of all the kitchen's miscellaneous, messy things, keeping the place spotless every day. By the time Li Xin got up, the ingredients were processed, neatly stacked on the side, ready to start working.

Thinking back, his brother had worked day and night for half a year at a restaurant near the school to prepare a birthday gift for his girlfriend, from waiting tables and washing dishes to helping in the kitchen. He bought a donkey, but it was despised as a cliché, classic model; accepted but never used, leaving his brother clueless — was it classic or not?

Also as good brothers, he could now make even a spoon arrangement look artistic.

Over some time, the initial enthusiasm of the locals waned a bit. The food here wasn't considered expensive, but not cheap enough to eat daily. Yet, Saint George District was large, with a large population, and people from surrounding areas would come after hearing about it. With food being essential, eating always has an audience, keeping daily customer flow relatively stable. In the fiercely competitive food service industry, this was already remarkable.

The first batch of lunch customers was seated, looking at the two sticks besides the fork, "Boss, what's this for?"

"It's a Beijing tradition, a way to eat, called chopsticks. Customers can choose to use them." Dragon Mother appeared elegantly dressed, her face beaming with a smile. She picked up chopsticks to try to pick up something, "These are the utensils used in the hometown of my mysterious chef that's employed here. It's a bit uncomfortable at first but very convenient once you get used to it."

Customers laughed; some tried eagerly, some disdainfully. Regulars adeptly picked up the chopsticks, waiting for the food. After eating here, the previous food felt hard to swallow, truly appetizing.

Just then, there was a commotion at the entrance. People in line were pushed aside as a group of fierce-looking men stormed in. The Magician immediately hid himself, and the painter hurried to shield behind his canvas. To pay rent, the two would perform shows while people ate, making a portrait or two to earn extra money, but without risking their lives.

"Boss, come out!" said the leading man. They were all dressed in red and white, members of the well-known Red White Club, a notorious gang in Saint George District. The immigrant area was their turf.

Dragon Mother quickly came out, piling on the smiles, "Oh, isn't it Lord Smart? What wind brought you out here?"

"Dragon Mother, not seen you for a few days, and you're getting sassier. Come on, the protection money is due!" Smart looked at the lively crowd. Damn it, the business was better than expected. Open for so long, how much had this old lady made?

"Lord Smart, I already paid at the beginning of this month. You know, I always follow the rules," Dragon Mother smiled.

"Is that so, that was before. Do you know why you're making money? Isn't it because brothers have worked hard to maintain things? So many people causing trouble for our management. Can we still let our brothers be the same as before? From now on, it's 1000 Lira every month," Smart said with a sly smile. If Dragon Mother had been a little bit prettier, he would have definitely taken advantage of her.

Dragon Mother's face instantly turned mournful, "Lord, you're taking my life! I've just opened for a few days, and haven't made back my capital. I'm just running a small, cheap business, don't even have this much, including cost and interest..."

Before Dragon Mother finished crying, Smart's thugs had already started smashing, even hitting the customers, scaring everyone to run. Dragon Mother saw this and her face changed drastically, "Lord, Lord, I won't do this business anymore, don't hit!"

"You say you won't, and you won't, defying me, are you? From now on, it's 1000 Lira a month, short by a cent, and I'll knock out a tooth!" Smart said, grinning evilly, after picking his teeth.

"Lord Smart, please calm down, I don't mean it like that. This business was approved by the Council Hall of Saint George District. It's legitimate trade," Dragon Mother said. She had to pay taxes to the Council Hall and had taken care of all levels. Of course, the gang had their share, too. In the past, it wasn't less, but from 200 to 1000 all of a sudden, wasn't it killing her?

Smart smiled, his expression turning fierce. He gave a loud slap, sending Dragon Mother's bulky body spinning several times, "Stupid woman, don't know what's good for you, from now on, 2000 a month! Short by a penny, you can wait to close the shop! Now, immediately, make up for this month's shortfall!"

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