A Foodie International Student's Guide to Surviving in Ancient Times (Food)

Chen Yu spent three years stuck in a culinary wasteland abroad, and at last she was finally going home. Just as she was getting ready to savor some good food, she died in a car accident.

She transmigrated into a book and was reborn as an NPC in a novel. Seething with resentment, Chen Yu decided she would never put off satisfying her appetite again.

But when she returned to the original character's home in a remote border region, she saw everyone wolfing down boiled meat that tasted like nothing but salt and crunching bread as hard as tree branches with great relish. She fell silent.

How did I go from one culinary wasteland to another?

There was nothing for it. She would have to cook for herself. Chen Yu rolled up her sleeves, ready to make a living with her own culinary skills and satisfy her stomach.

Rumors spread through the capital that a restaurant had recently opened in the remote border city of Yuanshan.

Its dishes were unusual, with fresh and unexpected combinations. Everyone who tried them was full of praise.

A well-traveled trading house owner spotted the dish at the next table. "These dark beans with garlic are so incredibly fragrant? Get me a plate too!"

The waiter smiled. "One plate of ribs with black beans and garlic coming right up!"

Drawn inside by a familiar aroma, a haughty foreigner ate until his eyes grew red. "Easterners, where did you learn to cook like this? It tastes just like home!"

Chen Yu, busy in the kitchen: Three years studying in Britain taught me a little French cooking, after all.

A skeptical young nobleman from the capital made the long journey. "It's probably all hot air from some country bumpkin. What good food could there be in a backwater like that?"

After his meal, he had to brace himself against the wall as he left the restaurant. "Tell Father I want to marry her. No, I want to marry into her family..."

"Young master, please show some restraint." Inside, a man in a skirt said in a low voice, his expression cool.

The young nobleman turned around. "?"

Why was the lord of Yuanshan City, who could have been doing anything, working here as a waiter?

From crispy-skinned roast chicken, tiger-skin braised pork knuckle, sweet-and-sour plum duck, eel with black bean sauce, and corn soup with dried scallops... to beef bourguignon, French duck confit, Basque chicken stew, and cream of mushroom soup...

With a steady stream of new dishes, she turned a little border-town eatery into an internationally renowned restaurant.

When the day of war from the original novel arrived, Chen Yu watched the people of the two countries, who should have been on the brink of war, drink and feast together in her restaurant. She smiled, finally at peace.

The world is vast, but food comes first. Wherever you are, remember to eat well.

[Reader's Guide]

1. The story focuses on food. Chinese cuisine takes center stage at first, with dishes from around the world gradually appearing.

2. A fictional ancient setting, very loosely based on history, with many original liberties.

Theme: The world is vast, but food comes first. The people depend on food! Wherever you are, remember to eat well