"Aren't cafeterias supposed to open as soon as the doors are unlocked? Yet he has to close up shop..."
"With such short business hours every day and so many people lining up, it'll only get harder to buy the dumplings in the future!"
"Boohoo, if I can't get my hands on those soup dumplings, what am I going to eat to survive?"
"Oh! The owner is really capricious. Doesn't he know how to make money?"
"Don't say that, the owner is also human. With so many people coming to buy dumplings every day, he can't get any rest. What's the point of earning more money?"
"..."
As soon as the shop's operating hours were announced, everyone realized right away that it would become increasingly difficult to buy soup dumplings in the future, unless they came early in the morning to queue.
But if you get up early, someone else will get up even earlier. Are you really going to line up all night just for a soup dumpling?
However, before the wave of disappointment could spread, it was quickly forgotten because the shop started its business!
"A lot of students mentioned yesterday that the shop lacks drinks and it's a bit dry just eating soup dumplings. So, to meet everyone's needs, today we're offering a new soup: hot and sour soup!"
Hu Zhihai was speaking to a large crowd now, not the least bit intimidated. He glanced around and said with a smile,
"This hot and sour soup is perfect for summer—spicy, tangy, and refreshing. It's great for digestion and a friendly option for those with poor appetite.
The most important thing is that pairing soup dumplings with hot and sour soup is simply divine!
Those who love hot and sour flavors, don't miss out!"
"So it's hot and sour soup? No wonder I just smelled that sour and spicy aroma. It smells really good!"
"I love hot and sour soup. I could eat three bowls of rice with just this soup. I definitely need to try a bowl later!"
"I don't really eat spicy food. I might not be able to handle this hot and sour soup. What a pity..."
"..."
Seeing that the students in line didn't seem very enthusiastic, Hu Zhihai wasn't worried at all. He wasn't concerned about selling out of hot and sour soup.
These people haven't tried it yet. Just like with the soup dumplings before, once they've tasted it, there might not be enough hot and sour soup in the pot to sell!
Thinking of this, he smiled calmly, glanced at Yan Tongtong who still seemed a bit uneasy, and whispered,
"You'll be in charge of serving the soup, and I'll handle the soup dumplings. There'll be steam rising over there. Since you haven't done it before, you could get burned if you're not careful."
Yan Tongtong nodded gratefully and said, "Oh, I got it. Thanks, Senior Brother Hu."
"No problem."
Hu Zhihai waved his hand and then turned back to continue speaking loudly, "Alright, we're starting business now. The soup dumplings are the same price as before, and the hot and sour soup is 5 yuan a bowl!"
As soon as he finished speaking, a boy at the front of the line immediately shouted:
"One basket of soup dumplings, and I'll take a bowl of soup too. Let me taste it first!"
"Okay, that's 20 yuan total, thank you!"
"I'll have the same, 20 yuan, right? I'll pay cash!"
"Alright!"
"I want two baskets of dumplings and two bowls of soup!"
"..."
Although the students claimed otherwise, their bodies were honest. Nearly everyone who bought soup dumplings also ended up getting a bowl of hot and sour soup.
After all, the soup had bright colors and was richly garnished, making it quite appetizing. Moreover, a large bowl was only 5 yuan, which wasn't expensive.
The key was that it was brewed by the boss who made the delicious soup dumplings!
Even if the soup wasn't as good as expected, it wasn't a significant loss, but what if it tasted as good as the dumplings?
If they missed out, wouldn't they regret it enough to bang their heads against the wall?
...
"Second Brother, didn't you say last night that you wanted to get up early to line up? Look at what time it is now?"
Lu Shuyao looked helplessly at Lu Shuwu, who seemed like he hadn't fully woken up, and said,
"If we go line up now, who knows how long it'll be until we get to eat soup dumplings!"
"My bad, my bad!"
Lu Shuwu knew he was in the wrong, so he kept his head down and said with a grin,
"I didn't eat much last night, and after I went home, I went out with friends for some late night snacks. I accidentally had too much to drink and overslept."
"I heard from my classmates that the dumpling shop launched something new today, like hot and sour soup, which is your favorite, Second Brother. It's a pity you can't have it this morning."
Lu Shuyao gave him a playful look and said,
"How about we head over to the first cafeteria for porridge instead? I heard there's a new longan, white fungus, and mint porridge, and it sounds pretty good too."
"..."
Lu Shuwu looked at Lu Shuyao with a serious expression and said,
"Little sister, I feel like I must make up for my mistakes as an older brother, so you won't be disappointed. No matter the cost, today, I'll make sure you get to eat your favorite soup dumplings!
Let's head to the second cafeteria!"
With that, he didn't even wait for Lu Shuyao's opinion and strode towards the second cafeteria.
Seeing her second brother like this, Lu Shuyao couldn't help but chuckle and skipped over to catch up.
Soon, the two arrived at the second cafeteria. As they entered, they were greeted by a burst of noise from the cafeteria hall:
"This hot and sour soup is so good! It's spicy and refreshing, and one sip opens up all my pores. It's exhilarating; I've never felt so clear and refreshed!"
"This soup is addictive! It's so spicy my lips are swollen, yet I still can't stop drinking it!"
"Boohoo! Mom asked me why I'm in tears while drinking hot and sour soup..."
"..."
Meanwhile, in the line at the dumpling shop, there was another lively scene:
"Wow! Is this hot and sour soup really that good? I find it hard to believe!"
"Why did you believe the soup dumplings were good then? They come from the same shop!"
"Regardless of whether you guys buy it, I'm definitely getting a bowl of hot and sour soup. So many people say it's good; it can't be a lie, can it?"
"Don't buy any, leave it all for me. Just with this hot and sour soup, I can drink until I'm full!"
"..."
"This hot and sour soup really is something!"
Listening to the endless chatter nearby, Lu Shuwu couldn't help but lick his lips in anticipation and, excitement sparking in his eyes, turned to Lu Shuyao and said,
"Little sis, you find a seat first. I'll be right back."
"Second Brother, there's a long queue. Don't mess around!"
This second brother had been unreliable since childhood, and Lu Shuyao was genuinely worried that he'd cut in line.
"Don't worry, your second brother wouldn't do anything disrespectful!"
Lu Shuwu waved at her and marched confidently towards the front.
Not convinced, Lu Shuyao decided to follow from a distance, ready to intervene if necessary. If they caused a scene over a meal, it would be utterly embarrassing!