LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 69
Chapter 69 My Wife’s About to Give Birth—Pack Me Five Orders of Stir-Fried Noodles to Go!”
The bustling pedestrian street of People’s Square was buzzing with curious onlookers.
“What’s going on over there? Why is such a big line forming with nothing at the front?”
“Is this what they call lining up for air?”
“Not even supermarket sales attract this many people!”
“This is insane!”
When Lu Qin’s three-wheeled food cart came into view, the waiting crowd erupted into cheers.
“Lu Boss, you’re finally here! Another minute and I’d have blamed you for injuring my stomach and demanded twenty bowls of twice-cooked pork as compensation!”
“Hurry, Lu Boss! My wife’s about to give birth! Pack me five orders of stir-fried noodles to go!”
“I ate at a restaurant yesterday and got food poisoning. The medicine didn’t work—I need some of your chicken tofu soup to fix me up!”
“I heard you’ve got Imperial Chicken Wings. I want the full experience—how much for the whole set?”
“Watch your mouth—there are kids around!”
Lu Qin was used to the banter. Passing by the man with the risqué joke, Lu Qin chuckled and said, “Careful what you say—there might be police officers here. They said yesterday they’d come to buy stir-fried noodles. They might be in line.”
The joker’s face turned pale as he discreetly scanned the crowd and swallowed nervously. The others stifled their laughter, thoroughly enjoying his discomfort. Lu Qin gave the man a playful look that seemed to say, Good luck, and moved forward.
The first customer in line stood like a gatekeeper, taking up a large spot meant for Lu Qin’s cart. Two other customers immediately took the initiative to grab the handles of the food cart and helped park it neatly in place. They expertly unfolded the setup and began arranging baskets of ingredients.
“Thanks,” Lu Qin said with a nod.
“Don’t mention it, Lu Boss! You must be tired from the ride. Have a seat and drink some water. I’ll massage your shoulders, and we’ll start after that, okay?”
“Lu Boss, here, let me tie your apron for you.”
“Lu Boss, is it hot? I’ve got a portable fan—let me cool you down!”
Their enthusiasm left the lemon tea vendor at the next stall dumbfounded.
What on earth?
Who’s the vendor here, and who’s the customer?
“No need, I can handle it myself.”
Lu Qin tied his apron and glanced at the overzealous customers, shaking his head slightly. He knew they wouldn’t last long if he actually sat down for a break—they were already drooling in anticipation.
Lu Qin hung up his menu board and officially started the afternoon business.
[Today’s Special: Imperial Chicken Wings. Three pieces for 28 yuan, limit one per customer.].
“Wow! I’ve loved chicken wings since I was a kid! Boss, are these made fresh or pre-prepared?”
“They’re pre-prepared,” Lu Qin replied as he unlocked a temperature-controlled freshness box. Inside were neatly arranged servings of chicken tofu soup, Imperial Chicken Wings, and thinly sliced pork for twice-cooked pork stir-fry.
The takeout containers were made of high-temperature-resistant, food-safe polypropylene (PP).
“So, this is the Imperial Chicken Wings?”
The first customer didn’t hesitate and ordered a serving. Opening the lid, a rich aroma wafted out, instantly drawing the attention of everyone around.
The glistening, rosy chicken wings looked irresistible, igniting the appetite of the entire crowd.
“I bet these three wings could go for 288 yuan at a five-star hotel, and they still wouldn’t taste this good!”
“Forget the chicken wings—even that twice-cooked pork is worth more than 30 yuan. I’d pay 120 for it! Lu Boss, have you thought about adding a tip jar?”
The suggestion garnered enthusiastic support.
“Those so-called high-end restaurants charge service fees, but what do you get? Some waiter pushing a cart, tossing a few sad lettuce leaves, mixing them up, and charging you 188 yuan with a 10% service fee!”
“Business should be done with integrity, but it’s true—no conscience makes more money. Lu Boss, your conscience is practically shining red!”
The first customer grabbed a wing without even washing his hands. The people behind him were horrified.
“How could you eat it like that? Your hands are sweaty—it’ll ruin the flavor!”
Some even felt it was disrespectful to Lu Qin’s food. Yet, when their turn came, they were so eager they started eating twice-cooked pork with their bare hands. The first bite of the chicken wing was pure bliss.
The translucent meat and tendons were soaked in flavorful juices. With a gentle pull, the meat slid cleanly off the bone. The skin was crispy, the meat tender, and the collagen-rich texture melted in the mouth.
“Wahhh~!”
The customer broke into tears like a child.
“Dude, are you serious? You’re crying?”
“Crying over delicious food is just an expression—how’d you make it literal?”
“Man, your acting is a bit much!”
Wiping his salty tears, the customer explained, “You don’t understand. I’ve loved chicken wings since I was a kid. These Imperial Chicken Wings are so good they remind me of my grandma’s braised chicken wings!”
Lu Qin smiled warmly.
“Your grandma’s braised wings must have been amazing.”
The man shook his head.
“Grandma had poor eyesight and accidentally used vinegar instead of soy sauce. It was so sour I rolled my eyes!”
Lu Qin was speechless.
The customers behind burst into laughter, some letting out snorts that sounded like pig squeals.
“You joker, hurry up and leave after you’ve bought your food! Don’t hold up my turn—I’ve got a wife about to give birth!”
The long line of loyal customers attracted plenty of curious newcomers. Even under the blazing sun, the queue stretched 70–80 meters.
The pedestrian street’s security team had to step in to maintain order, worried that people might start fighting if anyone cut the line.
“Lu Boss, you should put a limit on the stir-fried noodles too. Some of these greedy guys are buying five portions each. If your wok could cook ten at once, they’d probably buy all ten. You believe me?”
Lu Qin nodded, saying he’d consider it. Sure enough, someone tried to cut the line. It was a young woman wearing a sun hat, spaghetti-strap top, and hot pants, with a full face of makeup that made her look quite attractive.
“Hey, handsome,” she purred, her voice sugary sweet. “Mind if I cut in line? I’m in a rush, but I really want to try Lu Boss’s food!”
Her tone was so coquettish it could make any man’s knees weak. Predictably, the man in front of her stepped aside slightly, letting her in.
The other customers immediately began grumbling, just about to protest when the man spoke up.
“Miss, do you have a boyfriend?”
The woman flashed a dazzling smile.
“Of course not! Are you asking for my WeChat? Sure, I’ll add you!” She replied, pulling out her phone with a smug, confident expression.
Suddenly, the man pressed his hand against the back of her head and pushed her out of the line.
“What the hell? No boyfriend and still dare to cut in line? Get lost!”
“You—!!!”
“Humph. Typical straight guy!”
The woman was furious but had no choice but to storm off to the back of the line, her cheeks puffed out in frustration. The dramatic scene left everyone else in line stifling their laughter.
Pictures of the Imperial Chicken Wings started circulating in Lu Qin’s QQ group. The first customers who bought them couldn’t resist bragging in an over-the-top tone.
[Ah, such is life… Twice-cooked pork, chicken tofu soup, Imperial Chicken Wings every day. I really hate living this extravagant lifestyle, but alas, it’s beyond my control!].
[Can’t Live Without Ice Jelly: Damn it! Can you stop showing off? I haven’t even had lunch yet!].
[Too Handsome to Handle: Police! Someone’s flexing in the group. Arrest him!].
[Starving to Death: Some people have it all while others have nothing. I haven’t even had a single bite of twice-cooked pork, and now you’re eating the latest dish! Imperial Chicken Wings? Are you kidding me?].
[Lu Boss’s Leg Accessory: Dude, that’s rough. How about I post pictures of twice-cooked pork for you to drool over during your meal?].
Shen Muyan scrolled through the group messages, her elegant eyes lighting up at the pictures of Imperial Chicken Wings. She wanted to try them so badly. Her driver was rushing to deliver contracts with Song Xuanxuan, and it didn’t feel right to ask anyone else to stand in line for her.
She opened WeChat and clicked on Fang Ya’s profile.
“Hey, free to help me grab some food?” Shen Muyan asked.