Growing a Little Tavern into a Big Success in Lin’an (Gourmet)

*The main story is complete!

In Dacun Village outside Lin'an, everyone looks down on Brother Yuan and Sister-in-law Lan because they have only one daughter. Their family is poor and their circumstances are difficult, but they treasure their girl like the apple of their eye.

When the palace began selecting palace maids, Sister-in-law Lan gathered her resolve and sent the soon-to-be-married Yuan Manman into the palace to broaden her horizons.

The sky was clear, and a gentle breeze was blowing. At the age when palace maids were allowed to leave, Yuan Manman rode home in an ox cart. From far away, she spotted her parents:

"Father! Mother! Come on, I'll take you to the city to enjoy a better life!"

Brother Yuan: "But... daughter... what about our land..."

Sister-in-law Lan: "Listen to our girl! She's been in the palace and knows a thing or two!"

Sister-in-law Lan finally held her head high, leaving everything to her daughter. Yuan Manman had seen life and death, prosperity and decline in the palace. She clenched her fist. "The only thing that matters is keeping money in your own hands! I, Yuan Manman, didn't spend ten years in the imperial kitchens for nothing!"

The whole family moved to Lin'an and put down roots. They bought a home and land, renovated a storefront, and spread the word. Their little noodle shop gradually became one of Lin'an's most renowned restaurants!

Yuan Manman: "Where there's a will, there's a way! Today I can only gaze at Fan Tower from afar. Tomorrow, my own restaurant will rise from the ground!"

*

The young master of the Xue family was shy by nature. One day, on his way to school, he suddenly heard someone calling him:

"Young Master? Young Master?"

Yuan Manman called several times before Xue Yi'an turned around, blushing.

"Are you calling me?"

"Young Master, you're going to the office so early. Have you had breakfast? I have pastries and noodles here. Would you like to try some?"

Xue Yi'an had already eaten breakfast and meant to refuse, but the young lady's face was as lovely as a peach blossom, and he couldn't bring himself to say no.

The next day.

"Young Master, the pastries were good yesterday, weren't they? How about taking some for your classmates, too?"

Xue Yi'an had deliberately skipped breakfast at home. The young lady was so warm and generous, and her pastries really were delicious.

Madam Xue had been finding her younger son very strange lately. He had always been lazy in the mornings, but now he got dressed every day without being urged, and sometimes even wore a flower tucked behind his ear. The household cook went to great lengths, but the young master no longer touched breakfast, earning his mother a fit of scolding.

Even more strangely, why was her usually frugal son's money pouch empty?

P.S.

1. Set in an alternate version of the Southern Song during the reign of Emperor Xiaozong. There are many liberties taken, so please don't nitpick historical details.

2. Food and business, an ordinary life among the common folk. Her only golden finger is that she cooks very well. No dramatic ups and downs, just gradual growth and improvement.

3. A quirky young businesswoman x a shy, puppy-like younger boy. Their romance is entirely sweet.

4. The heroine is extremely career-driven. She won't slack off; she only wants to make money.

5. There are no purely good or purely evil people. Life is hard for everyone.

Theme: Work hard to make your everyday life comfortable