Uncle Wang sipped the shrimp meatball soup, his eyes filled with gratitude as he looked at Jiang Liu.

His wife had been hospitalized, and her medical treatments had wiped out their family savings.

Now, he often came to Jiang Liu’s shop to buy delicious food for his wife.

After all, the food was tasty and affordable.

Take today for example. For just thirty yuan, he got fragrant, tender, and smooth shrimp meatballs. The portion was especially generous—twenty to a bowl. He’d eat ten and save ten for his wife. It was absolutely perfect.

Fu Lengleng sat by the wall and popped a shrimp meatball into her mouth. It was springy. With a firm bite, the crisp, tender meatball burst with a POP in her mouth.

The rich shrimp aroma quickly conquered her taste buds, and the fresh, succulent shrimp was an unparalleled delight for her tongue! She took a moment to sip the seaweed and scallion soup, fragrant with sesame oil. It was exquisitely savory.

Fu Lengleng’s lovely face was filled with astonishment.

"Boss Jiang, I didn’t know you had this hidden talent! These shrimp meatballs are to die for. My dad loves them. Could you sell me another bowl? I’ll pay a premium!"

Jiang Liu looked at Fu Lengleng and replied, "Sorry, they’re all sold out."

There were actually two portions left, but he was saving them for his girlfriend and daughter.

"Fine. Couldn’t you have made more...?"

Fu Lengleng grumbled. She reluctantly decided to eat less of her own portion; she had to bring some back for her dad no matter what.

Customers who had rushed over only to hear that the shrimp meatballs were sold out felt a pain so sharp it was hard to breathe.

’Are you kidding me?! I’ve been craving these shrimp meatballs for a week, and they’re already gone?’

After finishing his meatballs, Xia Changzhi ran back to Jiang Liu, got another bowl of soup, and started drinking it with relish.

By now, the neighbors had bestowed upon him the title of "The Infamous Connection."

Even so, there wasn’t a single person who didn’t envy Xia Changzhi.

Xia Changzhi finished his second bowl of soup and let out a satisfied burp.

"Boss Jiang, I’d like to take some soup back for my wife. Do you think that’d be okay?"

Jiang Liu nodded.

"Sure, I’ll ladle some out for you. Do your son and daughter-in-law want any?"

The soup wasn’t valuable, and he had plenty. If a regular customer wanted some, he was willing to share.

This wasn’t Jiang Liu playing favorites. If he had enough soup, he would gladly share it with everyone. But with a limited amount, was he supposed to forsake the loyal regulars who had been with him from the start for the sake of new customers?

"Yes, yes! As much as you can spare!"

Xia Changzhi shamelessly leaned over the counter.

The other customers watched, gnashing their teeth.

’He ate his fill, and now he’s taking more to go, isn’t he?’

Jiang Liu generously ladled three large scoops of soup for Xia Changzhi.

This made Xia Changzhi ecstatic. He kept winking and making faces at Old Li and the others.

As he was leaving, Xia Changzhi suddenly asked, "Boss Jiang, did you fold those little hearts on the wall?"

"Do I look like I have the time? My daughter’s friends from kindergarten folded them for me. They’re very meaningful, so I hung them on the wall."

Xia Changzhi clicked his tongue a couple of times. "Boss Jiang, you’re getting more and more charming. Even the little kids are giving you gifts now."

"So? They look pretty good hanging in my shop, don’t they?" Jiang Liu said, showing off.

"They really do. They add a lot of color to your shop. I feel like it’s even more comfortable sitting in here now, and I’m sure everyone else agrees."

"Haha, I won’t keep you. You’re busy. I’ll head out now."

"See you."

Full and satisfied, Xia Changzhi left.

About a dozen customers were still gathered around the counter, waiting to order.

As Jiang Liu packed orders, he chatted enthusiastically with the customers, able to keep up with any topic of conversation.

Jiang Tongtong practically worshipped her dad. She stood to the side, watching him without blinking, trying to learn.

Jun Qingmeng ruffled Tongtong’s hair. She loved these happy moments spent together as a family.

At 7:48 PM, Jiang Liu closed up shop early.

Outside, the sky had grown dark, and a couple more leaves had fallen from the grapevine.

Tongtong filled a cup with hot water from the thermos, dropped in a few pieces of popcorn, and brought it to Jiang Liu.

"You worked hard, Daddy! Tongtong made you a popcorn drink~"

’Popcorn drink?’ Jiang Liu froze for a second. He glanced at it, his lip twitching. He cleared his throat and said:

"Just put it down over there. I’ll drink it after I’m done with my work."

"It’s okay, Daddy! Your sweet little girl can hold it for you to drink!"

Resigned, Jiang Liu took a sip.

It was sweet, but the taste was a bit odd. The popcorn had become soggy and swollen.

"Mmm! Why is this water so delicious? Ooh, and there’s popcorn in it, too!"

"Hehe, right?"

Pleased by the praise, Tongtong’s little lips curled into a happy smile.

Jiang Liu chuckled.

After sending his silly little daughter on her way, he sat down and counted the day’s earnings.

The shop’s income had been fairly consistent these past few days. Today’s total was 840,000.

He had already deposited 390,000 into the new shop’s bank account.

As for Yue Longfan’s side, the earnings would probably be a bit lower today.

Jiang Liu had told him to return the prices to normal. After all, with Kun City’s economy in a slump, he didn’t want to profiteer from the city’s hardship. As long as they weren’t losing money and could turn a profit, it was fine. The main goal was to complete the mission.

He subconsciously checked the system’s backend.

[Positive Reviews Received: 15,605.]

’Not bad. At this rate, there’s a high probability I’ll complete the mission. As my reputation spreads, more and more customers will come...’

Jiang Liu breathed a sigh of relief.

He was still thinking about the unlock reward for the sixth page.

The more delicious dishes the shop offered, the greater the customer loyalty would be.

He couldn’t guarantee that customers would never get tired of his few signature dishes.

No matter how delicious something was, you couldn’t eat it every single day.

Jun Qingmeng gathered all the trash from around the shop, big and small, into a large garbage bag.

Jiang Liu walked over. "You should rest. Let me do that. I can take care of this kind of work."

"No need. Honey, you’ve been busy all day. I’m happy to help out more."

"Let me."

"It’s fine."

Jun Qingmeng was stubborn, insisting that Jiang Liu not take out the trash.

She lowered her head to tie the garbage bag by herself, soft strands of her hair falling across her cheek, creating a pitifully lovely sight.

Jiang Liu felt helpless. His girlfriend was just too adamant when it came to pampering him.

He could only turn to other tasks, trying to finish up so he could take the two of them home to rest sooner.

There were still five customers in the shop.

Seeing Boss Jiang start to mop the floor, the customers panicked and began eating their buns faster.

’It wouldn’t be good to delay Boss Jiang from closing up.’

Aunt Mengmeng went to the counter to get a plastic bag and returned to her table to pack up her food. Seeing Jiang Liu mopping nearby, she smiled and said, "Little Boss Jiang, how are things going with you and Miss Qingmeng? How far have you two progressed?"

Jiang Liu straightened up, leaning on the mop. "I’m going to meet her father in a few days. If everything goes smoothly, we might get officially engaged in about six months."

"Six months? That long?"

Aunt Mengmeng was puzzled.

Jiang Liu nodded without explaining further. He said that mainly because he wasn’t confident, unsure if Jun Qingmeng’s father would give him a hard time.

If Jun Qingmeng’s father didn’t approve, things would get really complicated.

After all, his girlfriend’s family was clearly not an ordinary one. There were too many variables.

Aunt Mengmeng finished packing her buns as if they were treasures. "Xiao Jiang, if you ever need anything, just ask us. We’d all be happy to help. If you have any conflicts with Qingmeng’s family, just come find me. I’ll help mediate for you."

"Alright. If I need help, I’ll be sure to ask."

Jiang Liu knew Aunt Mengmeng’s concern came from the bottom of her heart, so he didn’t refuse her offer.

......