Transcendent Dawn

Alongside the restaurant’s popularity, is the owner’s irritatingly quirky way of running things.

He opens for business during the day according to his mood, sometimes not opening at all.

The business only runs until nine at night at the latest – beyond that, he doesn’t care how much money he could be making!

Additionally, he only accepts cash!

In this age of advanced online payment services, his business model feels downright archaic.

Plenty of people have complained about the restaurant, but Su Lu couldn’t be less bothered.

After he made enough to cover his rent and living expenses, he would very nearly shut the place down. But thinking about the uncertain time of the Spirit Tide’s return, he begrudgingly keeps it open for a living.

As for business hours? He’s busy during the day, beyond the evening, everything else depends on his mood.

It’s a shame that his culinary skills are so excellent.

His skills are worthy of a five-star chef, and the prices are only twice the average restaurant at most. Coupled with his peculiar rules, his reputation as a unique master chef spread, people say “good wine needs no bush”. Before he knew it, he’d attracted a group of loyal foodie regulars.

It’s another evening.

Su Lu pulled up the shutter and begins business.

His seemingly unaccommodating way of doing business led to the loss of many ordinary customers, but he didn’t care. More people only meant more trouble, what does he need so many customers for anyway?

It’s seven o’clock in the evening now.

According to his rules, he’s only open for two hours today – that’s completely unlike a businessman at all.

However, when Su Lu stood behind the counter, customers came into the restaurant in ones and twos, automatically taking out their cash.

“Boss!”

Li Weiwei just got off work and came back. When she saw that the restaurant was open, her eyes lit up and she walked in.

She was thoroughly enchanted by the food here.

Even more important, she lived close to the restaurant. It granted her an advantage over other foodies, being able to regularly enjoy the delicious food. In this tiresome city, wasn’t that a small happiness to look forward to?

“Welcome! What would you like to order?”

Su Lu put on a professional smile.

“I want the Mapo Tofu, and a bowl of rice!” Li Weiwei said embarrassedly: “I have been on a diet recently…”

In reality, the restaurant’s dishes were too expensive and she, as a worker, was starting to struggle to afford them.

“Alright.”

Su Lu took the money and got to work.

Although this dish is made with common ingredients, the knife work required is particularly intricate. After removing the skin from the tofu, it takes countless slices to cut it into thousands of thin threads to put in the perfectly seasoned broth. They appear incredibly fine and delicate, never sticking or breaking, looking like a work of art.

Yet, Su Lu’s knife movements were even quicker.

Taking a piece of tofu and rapidly cutting it with his blade, in merely a few moments, it was placed in a transparent glass goblet.

A blossom of tofu bloomed slowly.

“Wow!”

Li Weiwei watched with sparkling eyes, before hurriedly taking a mouthful. The tofu was soft, smooth, clear-cut, and refreshing. The strands of tofu seemed to melt in her mouth. The light fragrance lingered between her teeth and cheeks, effortlessly sliding down her throat and into her stomach – it was unbelievably smooth.

She carefully scooped another bite, her eyes narrowed in happiness: “This is delicious…”

There was no other phrase that could express her appreciation.

…

“Ha ha… The skill of Boss Bai is simply unbeatable…”

A lady in a suit next to Li Weiwei’s table, radiating a successful woman’s aura, looked at the Mapo Tofu on Weiwei’s table and laughed: “I’ll have the same, and also add Sweet and Sour Mandarin Fish…”

The customers seated in the restaurant, in scattered groups, maybe office bosses, students, taxi drivers, typists during the day… but in this moment, they only have one identity – that of foodies! Foodies who eagerly awaited the gastronomic delight.

“Alright, please wait a moment…”

Su Lu called out and went back to preparing the food.

This woman was probably a successful person who, after eating here once, braved rain and wind to drive her BMW for a meal, and even enjoyed talking to him. It was ridiculous; he was only selling culinary skills, not himself.

Despite grumbling inwardly, he quickly returned to work.

After cutting the Mandarin Fish into the shape of a chrysanthemum, he quickly fried it and the captivating smell immediately filled the room, causing all the customers to involuntarily inhale deeply.

After it was fried, the fish appeared as if it was a squirrel, its mouth wide open and tail slightly upturned. Once the sauce was poured over it, the aroma was irresistible.

Once the dish was served, ‘Sister Red’ couldn’t wait to pick up her chopsticks, forgetting completely about talking to Su Lu.

…

Su Lu wipes away his sweat, serving the last dish of ‘Pagoda Meat’, he glanced at the clock.

Hmmm, it’s eight-thirty.

He promptly hangs up a sign saying no more orders were being accepted, preparing to wait for the restaurant’s patrons to finish and leave.

His restaurant will close at nine o’clock sharp.

Because of this, his restaurant specifically states that no alcohol is served and none can be brought in.

Anyone with a clear mind knows, a meal can be longer once alcohol is involved and it’s prone to causing problems, bane to those in the hospitality industry.

Fortunately, the remaining customers already grown accustomed to the owner’s peculiar rules, rolled their eyes upon seeing the sign and let it be.

Time seemed to fly and it was soon nine o’clock.

“Boss Bai, dear Bai…”

Sister Red stood up elegantly: “Would you be interested in being the head chef at a dining establishment? Your culinary skills are wasted here!”

In this day and age, true talent is always appreciated anywhere.

Sister Red was not the first one to try to poach him, nor would she be the last.

“Thank you, but I am not interested.”

Su Lu declined politely, making Li Weiwei, who had been eavesdropping, heave a sigh of relief.

If Boss Bai moved to a larger restaurant, she definitely wouldn’t be able to afford it. Besides, it would be much farther for her too.

Well, the latter was even more important than the former.

“Alright.”

Sister Red left the restaurant with a tinge of regret, as did the other patrons.

Only one table remained occupied, empty plates laid in front of the remaining patron.

“Customer, the shop is closing.”

Su Lu went over to usher them out.

“Bai Jing, I recognize you.”

This young man stared at Su Lu. “Not from here, but from various training gyms… currently, rumors of a newcomer challenging institutions are still circulating among us.”

“So you are the one who challenges fighting clubs!”

Su Lu smiled: “I just went to check it out… and besides, almost every time, I was the one who ended up getting beaten out.”

“No, I think you are very smart; I just don’t understand your intentions.”

The young man frowned: “If you’re looking to find a martial arts training institution with ‘real Kung fu’, why did you stop so suddenly and disappeared? If it is to settle a grudge, you wouldn’t have grudges with the trainers in every single gym… Or…”

He glanced at Su Lu and grinned: “Are you a natural masochist?”

‘Oh come on! You’re the masochist! Your whole family are masochists!!’

Su Lu rolls his eyes: “This seems to be my freedom.”

“There’s no ill-will intended, this is my business card.”

The young man stood up to hand Su Lu a business card: “I will be back, I just want to become friends with you. By the way, the dishes here are indeed delicious.”