5-9

Chapter 5. First day

"Who are you?"

Chen Ren's hands paused over the steaming pot of noodles as a shadow fell over him. 

He looked up and felt immediate regret when his gaze met the figure before him. 

Not because her presence commanded some sort of attention, but because her face resonated in the depths of his memory. The young miss of the Tang Clan— there was no mistaking her. Different memories came rushing into him as he looked at her for a second more. 

She was young, with sharp, thin eyes, pursed lips and a pointed nose, with an elegance that belied her age. Her long, black hair flowed, framing a face that could easily be mistaken for a painted portrait. Her eyes, dark as night, held a sharpness that pierced through him— or anyone who could be standing in his position. He finally noticed how her short figure was looking up at him with an unwavering look of questioning—'Who are you?' — really?

Chen Ren mentally slapped himself knowing he could've at least looked up before questioning with such a commanding voice. But what was done was done.

Before Chen Ren could speak up and clean the little mess he made, she spoke. 

"So, now you need me to introduce myself?" A slight mocking smirk tugged at the corner of her lips as she continued, "I'm Tang Yuqiu, the young miss of the clan you've been staying with all this time. If you can put on this show with the servants, it seems your injuries have healed. I thought even if you woke up after losing the battle, you wouldn't dare show your face in the Tang Clan."

Chen Ren, unfazed by her words, bowed his head slightly in acknowledgement. He knew better than to take offence; the relationship between them was complex as he had seen and known from Chen Ren's memories. "I didn't know you'd be around," he replied calmly. "And yes, my injuries have healed. As for the servants, I'm just cooking something for them."

Tang Yuqiu arched an eyebrow, scepticism clear in her eyes. 

"Cooking? Do you really think I believe that? You've never been one to speak kindly to the servants, let alone cook for them."

Chen Ren allowed a small smile to play on his lips as he gestured to the steaming bowls and the line of servants waiting eagerly. "As you can see, I've changed a bit."

Before Tang Yuqiu could respond, Tang Xiulan stepped forward, her tone respectful yet firm. "Young Miss, young master is indeed cooking and distributing noodles to the servants. I'm helping him with that. It's also not interfering with their work; they come here after finishing their duties."

Tang Yuqiu stared at Tang Xiulan, her expression blank with shock. Her eyes went from his to the sight of the servants eagerly waiting for their turn, empty bowls in their hands. 

The idea of a servant, especially one like Xiulan, defending Chen Ren was unthinkable, yet here it was, unfolding right before her eyes. Chen Ren himself was taken aback. 

Snapping out of his surprise, Chen Ren turned to Tang Yuqiu, his tone casual yet inviting. "If you'd like, young miss, you can try the noodles for yourself."

Tang Yuqiu looked down at the steaming bowl of noodles in the servant's hand, her brows furrowed in confusion. "What even is that? Noodles?"

"It's made from rice. You'll like it," Chen Ren replied with a hint of confidence as he quickly prepared a bowl for her. 

Scooping up the already prepared noodles, he added a good amount of vegetables and broth. After all, he couldn't be stingy with someone who had technically provided him the ingredients. 

Tang Yuqiu's eyes widened as he handed her the bowl. She glanced between it and Chen Ren, unable to hide her shock at the sheer audacity of the situation. 

The longer she hesitated, the more awkward the moment became. 

Without missing a beat, Chen Ren prepared another bowl, this time for her maid, who took it with a clumsy bow. "Don't worry," he said with a chuckle. "It's not poisoned."

Tang Yuqiu's cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and irritation. She looked at the bowl again. 

Finally, she relented and took a cautious bite. 

Chen Ren watched her closely, a satisfied smile tugging at his lips. The pride of a cook settled deep in his heart. 

The last few days had been spent in a relentless pursuit of perfection. Rice noodles were a simple dish, yet within that simplicity lay countless possibilities. He had worked tirelessly, refining the texture and firmness of the noodles, adjusting the broth, and adding just the right amount of vegetables to enhance the taste. Seeing Tang Yuqiu's expression soften as she ate, he knew he had succeeded in conquering the tastes of probably his richest customer until date. 

He recalled her father was quite the foodie and because of that, she had eaten quite a lot of different types of dishes. If his noodles could impress her, then he definitely had the required skills to make it big. 

When she finally finished, Tang Yuqiu looked at him, her gaze softened by a touch of wonder. "It was… good."

Chen Ren's smile widened. "Would you like seconds?"

She hesitated, her pride flaring up again, but from how she looked at the noodles, it was clear that the allure of them was undeniable for her.

After a moment's pause, she nodded, albeit reluctantly. 

As he handed her another bowl, he couldn't help but tease, "Mind if I finish distributing the rest to the servants? There's a lot of noodles, and you can't eat it all, right?"

Tang Yuqiu glared at him, a mix of irritation and amusement in her eyes. "Obviously not. You can continue. We can't waste food."

With a light chuckle, Chen Ren resumed serving the noodles, the servants smiling appreciatively as they received their portions. As he worked, he could feel Tang Yuqiu's gaze on him, her curiosity growing with each passing moment.

"What are you doing with these noodles anyway?" she finally asked, her tone laced with suspicion. "Are the bars closed or have they finally decided to kick you out due to pending tabs? Why are you here cooking these dishes?"

"No," Chen Ren replied, his tone steady as he finished handing out a bowl of noodles. "I'm not interested in bars anymore."

Tang Yuqiu blinked, clearly taken aback by his response. "You're not?"

Chen Ren shook his head. "No, I'm doing this to test out a business idea."

"Are you serious?"

Chen Ren sighed, more to himself than to her. "Why does everyone think I'm not serious? Yes, I'm serious. Very serious. That's why I developed these noodles, and I'm going to start selling them tomorrow."

Tang Yuqiu's expression remained doubtful. "I don't believe it."

Chen Ren's lips curled into a confident smile. "Then come see it for yourself. Do you really think I'm just giving noodles out here for fun?"

She hesitated, clearly torn between disbelief and curiosity. Finally, she nodded. "Sure, I will," she said, setting her bowl down and preparing to leave. But before she could step away, Chen Ren gently reached out and grasped her hand.

Tang Yuqiu's eyes flared with anger, her posture stiffening as she shot a glare at him.

Touching her like that, especially in front of the servants, was a breach of decorum, bordering on something far more intimate. "What do you think you're doing?" she demanded.

Chen Ren quickly released her hand, his expression earnest. "Let me buy ten pounds of rice from you."

"What?" 

"I really want to sell these noodles," Chen Ren explained. "Right now, I'm using ingredients from the guest room kitchen, but if I'm going to sell them, I can't keep doing that. There's honour and ethics in business, and I want to do this the right way, unless you have fallen for my noodles and want to donate the ingredients."

Tang Yuqiu studied him for a long moment, ignoring his last few words before replying, "I won't sell it cheap."

Chen Ren nodded, undeterred. "We can negotiate. Right now. I don't need a lot, but if this works, we can talk about a bigger purchase."

Tang Yuqiu gave a thoughtful nod.

"Let's talk tomorrow," she said before turning to leave, her posture more composed than before.

***

Early the next morning, Chen Ren found himself standing with Tang Yuqiu in a quiet corner of the Tang Clan's storage area, the soft light of dawn casting long shadows over the bags of rice stacked neatly along the walls. 

A few guards stood nearby alongside Tang Yuqiu's maid, their faces blank as they did nothing more than to add to the background. 

Ignoring them, he focused on the rice bags. 

He needed just ten pounds for now, enough to test his idea and see how the evening crowd would react to them. 

Tang Yuqiu watched him closely as he inspected the rice on his palms, her expression unreadable. 

The grains were clean, and polished to a near-perfect sheen. It was above average, at least— definitely not the cheap stuff. Setting the small sample back down, he looked up at her.

As one pound was priced around four to ten copper wen depending on the quality, Chen Ren thought for a moment. 

"I'll give you five copper wen per pound," he said, his tone straightforward.

Tang Yuqiu arched an eyebrow, her voice firm. 

"Ten copper. This rice is worth way more than what you're offering."

Chen Ren resisted the urge to sigh. He knew this wouldn't be easy. "It's good quality, but ten copper is too much. Six copper per pound, and I'll take ten pounds."

She crossed her arms, clearly not inclined to back down. "Nine copper and that's my final offer."

Chen Ren shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. 

"Seven copper is fair for both of us. I'm not asking for charity, just a reasonable price. Seven copper and I'll consider this a done deal. Either way, this is probably not much for you to gather and I'm giving you a good opportunity to make a small profit.

Tang Yuqiu narrowed her eyes, sensing the determination in his voice. After a long moment of silence, she relented with a slight nod. 

"Fine. Seven copper per pound, but don't expect this kind of generosity next time."

Chen Ren chuckled, pleased with the outcome. "I wouldn't dream of it."

With the negotiations settled, Chen Ren quickly weighed out ten pounds of rice and handed over the agreed amount of copper coins. 

As he turned to leave, he noticed the young miss watching him with an expression of mild surprise.

"You're good at this," Tang Yuqiu remarked, almost as if she couldn't quite believe it. "I didn't know your clan birthed merchants too."

Chen Ren offered her a modest smile. "They don't. At least not anyone I can remember. But they do have cultivators with a silver tongue who strive to get more than what's in their fate. You can think of me as one of them. Either way, I'll see you around, young miss."

She nodded, still looking a bit stunned as he walked away, using a guard to carry the rice back to his temporary kitchen in the guest courtyard.

Honestly, he didn't need any help, but he was still a guest and a cultivator, and it wouldn't look good for him to carry all that load. Though, he guessed that he was either way going to break a few cultivation conventions by selling noodles on a stall. 

The rest of the morning was peaceful. As it was going to be his start of the stall, he had to inform the servants he won't be giving out more noodles to them. 

At the same time, he needed to make sure he had everything before he ventured to the streets. He already got the permit, so he just needed to prepare the ingredients and the stall. 

Chen Ren soaked the rice carefully, taking his time with every batch he took to wash. He also got a few vegetables. He wasn't going to add them in the regular noodles, but he could always add more variety for more money. 

As the grains soaked, he turned his attention to setting up his stall. 

Carpentry wasn't his strong suit, so he scoured the Tang Clan manor until he found an old, unused stall in the old storage room. It wasn't much to look at—cheap, weathered wood with a few splinters sticking out— but it would do for now. As long as he had space to create noodles, he wouldn't bother to complain. 

He hauled it back to the guest courtyard and set it up, giving it a quick once-over to ensure it was stable.

Next, he paid four coppers for a set of cheap bowls. 

They were plain and unadorned, but they would serve their purpose. Finally, he set to work on a signboard. His drawing skills were decent, and he carefully sketched out a simple image of a steaming bowl of noodles. Below it, he wrote in neat characters: "Rice Noodles — 5 Copper Wen."

He knew that most of the population was illiterate, so the drawing would have to do most of the work. The image of the noodles, simple as it was, would hopefully catch the eye of anyone passing by.

As the day went on, he felt more and more that he was ready. The stall was there, the rice noodles were prepared, and the signboard was prominently displayed. 

It was going to be the first evening of his first business venture in this new world. 

***

Chen Ren stood in the marketplace, setting up his modest stall in one of the few empty spots that were left. 

Tang Xiulan was by his side, helping him arrange the bowls and make sure everything was in place. It was a simple setup, nothing fancy, but it was all he needed to get started.

As they finished arranging everything, Old Man Tian from the skewer stall across the way wandered over, eyeing Chen Ren's stall.

"I didn't expect to see the young master personally selling stuff," he said, his tone both amused and respectful.

Chen Ren smiled and shrugged. "I wanted to cook, and there's nothing better than seeing the satisfaction on people's faces when they enjoy good food."

The old man nodded, looking around at the crude setup before asking, "So, what are you selling?"

"Noodles," Chen Ren replied simply, gesturing to the signboard with the drawing of the rice noodles.

The old man squinted at the sign, clearly puzzled. "Noodles, eh? Never heard of them. How much, young master?"

"Five copper per bowl, seven for vegetable rice noodles," Chen Ren said, hopeful that the man's curiosity might lead to a sale.

But the old man shook his head, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. 

"Five copper, huh? Too much for a dish I never heard of. I think I'll stick to my skewers." With that, he moved back to his own stall, leaving Chen Ren and Tang Xiulan to wait.

Chen Ren didn't think of it much either. Was the noodles overpriced? Not in any way. If anything, he had observed, calculated and measured if it was worth the price they were selling. Expectedly, anyone with a brain would know that it is. 

After Old Man Tian returned to his stall, Chen Ren and Xiulan waited. 

They waited... and waited. 

As the minutes turned into hours, not a single customer approached their stall. 

The market was lively, with the other stalls busy with activity, but Chen Ren's corner remained stubbornly quiet. He could feel the stress of each passing moment, the growing tension gnawing at the back of his mind.

He couldn't blame the crowd. His stall, with its plain appearance and lack of seating, didn't exactly scream for attention. Plus, he was offering something completely new. A slow start was to be expected.

But as the second hour dragged on without a single customer, Chen Ren's patience began to wear thin.

He glanced over at the Old Man Tian's skewer stall, which was surrounded by people. 

The old man noticed him watching and with a mischievous glint in his eye, gave a smile that only served to stoke the embers of Chen Ren's frustration.

"I'll show him how to get a stall running," Chen Ren muttered under his breath, his jaw tightening in determination.

Tang Xiulan, who had been quietly observing the situation, looked up at him with curiosity. "What are you going to do, young master?"

He didn't answer right away as his mind worked. In this world, most of the online marketing stuff he knew was useless and he had to rely more on word of mouth to attract attention, but if no one tried his noodles, there was never going to be any of that. 

The more he thought, the more he felt like he was close to getting an idea until his expression brightened with sudden inspiration. "I have a great idea," he said, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Once it works, Old Man Tian would change his sly grin to one of envy."

Chapter 6. Marketing idea

Chen Ren stood at his humble stall, the scent of freshly made rice noodles wafting through the air. Ever since he'd been making those noodles, he felt like he smelled of rice noodles and broth. 

He looked around, taking in the sights and sounds. 

Lines and lines of stalls lined in the street, each vendor shouting out their wares with practised fervour. Brightly coloured banners fluttered in the wind, and the mixture of haggling voices melded with the clatter of carts and the laughter of children.

He had overestimated himself. 

Just because he had a product from Earth, he had thought it would be an instant success in this world. After all, it had worked back in the Tang Clan's courtyard— servants lining up daily, eagerly awaiting his latest batch of noodles. But he realised now that there had been more to their enthusiasm than just the taste.

They were curious about the novelty he brought with him, intrigued by his sudden transformation from a disinterested youth to a diligent cook. And, of course, the noodles were free.

Out here, on the crowded streets of the city, it was a different story. His stall was just another face in the crowd, blending in with the myriad of other food vendors and merchants selling everything from exotic spices to handmade trinkets. No one stopped, no one even glanced his way. He was invisible among the throng, another forgettable peddler with no charm or allure to his setup.

Chen Ren frowned, tapping his finger against the wooden counter. 

He needed to rethink his approach. Marketing, that was the key. 

Back on Earth, businesses rose and fell on the strength of word of mouth. He had learned that firsthand during his brief stint working in a noodle shop back in high school. He needed to create a buzz, and he had just the trick to get people talking. 

All he needed was a little bit of attention, something to draw in the first few customers and let word of mouth do the rest.

His eyes roamed over the crowd, searching for inspiration. 

There were merchants haggling over prices, nobles in fine silks moving through the market with their retinues, farmers with weather-beaten faces hauling produce, and beggars crouched by the roadside, holding out their hands for alms. He took it all in, letting the chaos wash over him. 

Then, his gaze fell on a group of children huddled near the entrance of a narrow alley on the other side of the street. 

They were scruffy and tiny, with eyes wide with hunger and curiosity as they watched the busy stalls and the food being sold. Every now and then, they whispered among themselves, heads ducked low, as if trying not to draw attention to themselves.

It was clear to anyone who would look at them to know what they were planning to do. 

A smile tugged at Chen Ren's lips. They were the ones he was looking for. 

He walked with a slow, deliberate pace, blending into the sea of people as if he were part of the marketplace's very fabric. His steps were light, like a leaf drifting along a stream. He approached the group of children huddled near the alleyway without them even noticing.

"Hello there," he said softly, coming to a stop just a few feet away from the kids.

The children jumped at his voice, their eyes going wide with fear. One of the younger boys, his face dirty and hair a matted mess, blurted out, "We haven't stolen anything, I swear!"

Chen Ren chuckled, shaking his head. "I know you haven't," he replied, his tone gentle but knowing. "But I also know you were just about to."

The kids froze, their expressions shifting from fear to sheer panic. Their eyes darted around, looking for an escape route, and he could see them inching backward, ready to bolt at the first sign of trouble.

"Wait, wait!" Chen Ren raised his hands, palms out in a gesture of peace. "I'm not here to reprimand you or turn you in. I actually have a job for you, and if you do it well, I'll feed you. How does that sound?"

The children hesitated, still on edge, but his words made them pause. Hunger and curiosity warred in their eyes, and they glanced at each other's uncertainty. Finally, one of the older boys, who looked to be around twelve, asked, "What kind of job?"

Before Chen Ren could answer, a girl with sharp eyes and roughly chopped hair stepped forward, her arms crossed over her chest. "We shouldn't listen to him," she said to the others. Then she turned her gaze to Chen Ren, suspicion etched across her features. "We're not joining any gangs, mister."

Chen Ren raised an eyebrow, amused. "Do I really look like a ruffian to you?" He gestured to his simple clothes, clean and well-maintained, and then pointed toward his stall. "I run that food stall over there. The job is straightforward, nothing dangerous. And once it's done, you'll get to eat your fill."

The girl hesitated, her eyes flicking back and forth between Chen Ren and the other children. He could see the wheels turning in her head as she weighed her options. Finally, she gave a slow nod, her stance relaxing slightly. "Alright, what's the job?"

Chen Ren crouched down to their level.

"All you need to do is spread a little word around the marketplace and in a few specific places. Tell them what exactly I tell you. Simple, right? Don't worry about the details, I will let you know about that."

The kids exchanged glances, still not sure of Chen Ren, but the job seemed simple enough. Taking a final glance at the food stall, the girl nodded, staring right at him. "We can do that. Just don't go back on your words."

***

After a long, exhausting day of crunching numbers and balancing ledgers at the city lord's palace, Scholar Liu Wen emerged from the building, his mind still buzzing with calculations. The sun hung low in the sky, reminding him how long it had been since he walked inside the building. His stomach rumbled loudly, again reminding him that he hadn't had a chance to eat lunch. 

He grimaced slightly, rubbing his hand over his belly as he considered grabbing some street food on the way home. 

He was young and hadn't gotten the chance to select a bride which meant that if he went home like this, he would have to cook himself. That was the last thing Liu Wen wanted to do right now. All he needed was some good food and a bed to rest to get over the tiredness of the long day. 

As he stepped onto the cobblestone street, a shrill voice cut through the crowd. 

"Free noodles! Free noodles on Market Street! Try it out today only! Special noodles from the eastern tribes, now available right here in Cloud Mist City. For free!"

Liu Wen turned his head toward the source of the noise and spotted a young boy, his face streaked with dirt and his clothes worn and threadbare. The boy was standing on a crate, shouting with all his might. Despite his apparent shyness, he was doing his best to advertise, his eyes darting nervously over the growing crowd around him.

The scholar adjusted his robes, glancing around at the people who had gathered to watch. 

Most of them were locals, their curiosity piqued by the promise of free food. The boy's proclamation had even caught the attention of a few wealthier passersby, their eyes narrowed with interest. Liu Wen's gaze returned to the boy, and he couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy. 

Clearly, the child was trying to earn some coin, but the mention of the eastern tribes' cuisine had truly caught his attention.

Liu Wen stroked his beard thoughtfully. 

The eastern tribes were a mysterious lot, known for their seclusion and rugged lifestyle that lived east to Kalian Empire. 

They were hunters and warriors, living in the wilds, and often looked down upon as uncultured brutes by the refined citizens of the empire. Yet, there were always whispers about the quality of their food— robust flavours that could make even the most discerning palate dance in delightment. He had heard stories of spicy broths and smoky meats, dishes so flavorful that they lingered in one's memory long after the meal was over.

It was said that they harvested special spices, making their meals a delight to feast on and he knew a few emerging sects had tried to encroach upon their territory for the spices, but had been held back due to the terrain. Hence, their food was famous, especially among the upper class. 

Unfortunately, the opportunity to taste such exotic cuisine rarely presented itself in the empire, let alone in Cloud Mist City.

As Liu Wen pondered over this unexpected chance, the boy's eyes met his. Seizing the moment, the boy pointed directly at him, his voice cracking slightly as he shouted, "Sir! You! If you want to try these special noodles, you better hurry to Market Street. Look for the stall with the red banner. If you don't go fast, the delicacy will run out!"

The boy's earnestness brought a smile to Liu Wen's lips. He knew a marketing ploy when he saw one, but the child's enthusiasm was contagious. And, truth be told, the scholar was intrigued. He had missed lunch, and his stomach growled again, this time with renewed vigour. A taste of the eastern tribes' cuisine was an opportunity he couldn't pass up.

Nodding to himself, he adjusted his hat and made his way toward Market Street, weaving through the crowd. 

He could hear the boy's voice behind him, still shouting, still pulling in more curious onlookers. As he walked, Liu Wen couldn't help but chuckle to himself. Today had been a trying day, but perhaps, just perhaps, it would end on a high note with a belly full exotic dish— noodles, the child said?

As he approached the centre of Market Street, it didn't take long for him to spot the noodle stand. It was right opposite to the usual spot where he bought skewers from Old Man Tian. 

A man stood on a small wooden crate in front of a stall, his voice being the loudest of the noise of the crowd. "Free noodles! Free noodles! Eastern delicacy, right here in Cloud Mist City! Come and get your free bowl today!"

The man's shout attracted quite a crowd. Liu Wen pushed his way gently through the people, his eyes scanning the scene. A young girl stood beside the man, carefully handing out bowls of steaming noodles to those who approached.

The man looked oddly out of place among the typical street vendors. His clothes, while not extravagant, were far too fine for a commoner, giving him an air that contrasted sharply with the usual rough-and-tumble sellers that lined Market Street. Even his face held a certain charm, rare for the place. 

As Liu Wen moved closer, his eyes landed on a small sign propped up on the side of the stall, listing the prices: "Five coppers per bowl." Confused, he turned to the man standing on the crate. "Are the noodles free, or are they five coppers wen?" he asked, pointing to the sign.

The man smiled warmly, hopping down from his perch. "They're free today," he said cheerfully. "Would you like a bowl?"

Liu Wen glanced around, observing the expressions of those already eating. The faces of the customers were filled with surprise and pleasure, and the aroma wafting from the stall was tantalising. His gaze met with a woman who was savouring the dish as if it was her last meal. He almost gasped when she drank the broth in one go. 

He quickly withdrew his gaze and looked at the delicacy called noodles that he had never heard of before; they were long, thin strands swimming in a rich, fragrant broth that sizzled. His stomach grumbled once again, and he nodded. "Yes, I'll take a bowl."

With a swift, practised motion, the girl beside the man ladled a generous portion of noodles into a bowl and handed it over. "Here you go!" she chirped, her eyes lit up. 

As Liu Wen accepted the bowl, the man behind the stall leaned forward slightly, his gaze friendly and curious. "I couldn't help but notice you read the sign. Are you a scholar or a learned man, by chance?"

Liu Wen raised an eyebrow, caught slightly off guard by the question. "Yes, I am a scholar," he replied. "Do I look like one?"

The man chuckled, nodding. "Indeed, you do. You have the air of a distinguished gentleman, someone well-versed in the ways of the world." His words were smooth, his tone sincere, and Liu Wen couldn't help but feel a small swell of pride at the compliment.

"Thank you," he said, a slight smile tugging at his lips. It wasn't every day that his scholarly status was acknowledged outside of the palace. He took a moment to study the man again, still puzzled by his refined demeanour.

"Well, please enjoy," the man continued, gesturing to the bowl in Liu Wen's hands."If you liked the noodles, please mention them to your colleagues at the city lord's palace," he suggested. "I'm sure they would love to try it too."

Liu Wen nodded, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "I will, if I like it," he replied, taking his first proper bite of the noodles. As the soft, chewy strands melted in his mouth, his eyebrows shot up in surprise. The noodles had a delightful texture, with just the right amount of firmness, and the broth— oh, the broth! It was rich and full of complex flavours that danced on his tongue. 

If he didn't know better, he'd be tearing up for how good the noodles were. 

There were a few vegetables in it and they were cooked to perfection— just tender enough to bite through but still retaining a satisfying crunch. They provided a refreshing contrast to the rich, savoury broth that soaked into the noodles. 

He quickly dug in for another bite, and another, finding each mouthful better than the last. In what felt like no time at all, he had finished the entire bowl, but his hunger was far from satiated.

Without a second thought, he looked up at the vendor and said, "Give me one more. It was excellent."

The vendor, still smiling, shook his head. "I'm afraid each person can only have one free bowl. However, if you'd like another, you can purchase it for five coppers. Also, you actually tried our vegetable rice noodles that come at seven coppers per bowl."

Liu Wen glanced around, considering his options. He could see other food stalls nearby with skewers and buns, but the lingering taste of the noodles on his tongue made his decision for him.

He felt a craving that wouldn't be satisfied by anything else. With a small sigh of defeat, he reached into his pouch and tossed the coins onto the counter. "Sure, take it," he said, unable to hide his eagerness.

The vendor's smile widened. "Thank you. I'll make this bowl myself," he said, turning to prepare another serving.

Liu Wen watched as the man skillfully scooped the noodles and broth into a fresh bowl. The way he moved spoke of someone who knew exactly what they were doing. In moments, another steaming bowl was placed in front of him, and Liu Wen wasted no time digging in.

***

After turning away the last group of customers that had arrived too late to try the free noodles, Chen Ren turned and walked over to a small group huddled around a wooden bench.

The children who had been shouting in the streets earlier were now seated, each with a bowl of noodles in hand, eagerly slurping down their meal. The young girl who had been the most suspicious of him before looked at the noodles with glinting eyes, her face bright as she ate. 

He crouched down beside them and gently patted the girl on the head. "You all did well today," he said warmly. "Keep up the good work."

"Thank you!" the young girl yelled in happiness. She slurped the last bit of the broth.

Chen Ren stood up, looking down at the children with a satisfied nod. As he turned back toward his stall, he felt a sense of fulfilment wash over him. Not only had his plan to attract more customers worked, but he had also been able to provide a little kindness to those who needed it most. For him, that was a reward far greater than any amount of silver or gold.

But still, business is business. 

Thanks to his clever scheme, most of the noodles he had prepared for the day were sold out, drawing in a steady stream of curious customers.

The promise of free noodles had lured them in, and, as expected, a fair number had come just to try something new without spending a coin. However, six of them had been so impressed that they purchased a second bowl, earning him a modest 34 copper coins. He was still at a loss with how much the pounds of rice had cost, but he didn't care about it.

As the day wound down and the crowd thinned, Chen Ren assessed the stall's remaining supplies, realising they were nearly out of everything. It was a good problem to have, he thought, given this was only the first day. He had hoped to create a buzz, and it seemed like his plan was working.

As he instructed Tang Xiulan to pack up the stall, he saw a shadow fall over him. Though he'd like it if it was a customer, it was Old Man Tian, one of the longtime street vendors who had seen many young and hopeful food vendors come and go— his words to be exact. 

"You got quite a lot of customers today, young master," he remarked, eyeing the empty noodle pots. "People do like free food."

Chen Ren didn't take offence at the comment, instead replying with a shrug, "They do. And if it's good, they'll come back."

Old Man Tian scratched his chin thoughtfully. "I don't know about that. People paying for something and getting it for free are two different things. When they get something for free, they're often reluctant to pay for it next time."

Chen Ren nodded, understanding the point. "True, but only if the product isn't good enough for them to feel it's worth paying for. We'll see how things go tomorrow, one way or another."

Old Man Tian raised an eyebrow, clearly sceptical. "Are you really planning to be back here tomorrow?"

"I will be," he replied confidently.

The old man nodded, his lips curling into a knowing smirk as if he thought this young, new, idealistic, foolish young master was wasting his time. "Well, good luck to you then," he said before turning and walking away, his gait slow but steady.

As Old Man Tian disappeared into the crowd, Tang Xiulan turned to Chen Ren. "He's not exactly wrong, you know. We sold out because it was free. But we're going to take a big loss if this keeps up."

"I know," he replied, glancing around at the remaining ingredients and the coins he had made. "But it was just a one-day thing to get the word out. Besides, I don't have much money left to keep this up for long."

He paused, thinking about the meagre funds he had managed to scrape together. Over the past few days, he had scrounged through his clothes and belongings, finding about eight silver wen hidden in various pockets and pouches. It wasn't much, but it was all he had to keep his fledgling business afloat. If things didn't turn around soon, he might have to start selling his clothes just to get by.

"But my plan wasn't just to give out free food to spread the word," he continued. "There's more to it than that. You'll see tomorrow. I'm pretty confident Old Man Tian is going to be in for a big surprise."

Tang Xiulan frowned at that. Her mouth opened and closed as if she was deciding if she should ask. Chen Ren patiently waited until she pursed her lips only to open them and question. 

"Oh? What are you planning?"

"You'll have to wait and see. Let's just say I have a few tricks up my sleeve."

With that, he finished packing up the stall, his mind already racing with ideas for the next day. Tang Xiulan shook her head, already having predicted his answer.

Chen Ren knew he had taken a risk for the business with the current amount of equity they had by giving out free food, but he was betting on the quality of his noodles and the curiosity of the people.

If he could turn that curiosity into regular customers, then today's investment would be well worth it. And if things went according to plan, tomorrow would be a turning point— one that even Old Man Tian wouldn't see coming.

Chapter 7. Booming business

Tang Xiulan wiped her brow as she and Chen Ren finished the day's work.

The sun had already long set, calming things around the courtyard from the busy state that they'd been in the morning, but she still had some energy left.

She helped Chen Ren carry the stall and bowls back to the guest courtyard. Despite her initial reluctance, she had grown accustomed to their routine, though she still found his behaviour puzzling.

Once they had set everything down, Chen Ren turned to her with a small smile. "Thanks for the help, Xiulan. I appreciate it. I will see you tomorrow."

Tang Xiulan nodded, caught off guard by his politeness yet again. No matter how many times he thanked her or spoke to her kindly, she couldn't quite get used to it. It wasn't just the words, but the way he looked at her— as if she were a person, not just a mortal to be looked down upon. It was an unfamiliar sensation coming from Chen Ren who only ever treated people as livestock rather than humans. 

She recalled when he had first come to live with Chen Clan and had nearly crippled a maid because she had dared to take out his clothes to wash without asking. Although he had spared her later on, Tang Xiulan still recalled the look in his eyes. But now he was different. 

Like always, she wondered upon the reason for this transformation. 

There were only a few times in her life when she had seen people changing to this degree. Most of those moments revolved around the other maids or young girls from Tang Clan who would change drastically after getting their hearts broken by guys who never wanted to take responsibilities. They would then grow bitter, becoming shadows of their real selves. 

Maybe Chen Ren was like that too. Maybe his own heartbreak was the fight he lost, the one that seemed to have changed him so completely. She didn't know all the details, but she could see it in his eyes. Whatever pride or arrogance he once had seemed to have been stripped away, replaced by a quiet grit that was hard to ignore.

The only difference was that rather than growing bitter, he had gained humanity and humility, things she never expected him to ever possess. 

As these thoughts ran through her mind, Tang Xiulan began her walk towards the main manor. Her feet moved almost automatically along the familiar path, the stone walkway worn smooth by weather and years of use. 

The manor was right ahead, a grand structure of carefully done woodwork and stone walls that seemed imposing. Carvings of dragons and phoenixes covered the eaves, their fierce gazes seeming to watch over the clan and protect them from calamities. The roof tiles were a deep, dark blue, catching the last light of the sun and reflecting it in a soft glow. 

She passed through a smaller gate that led to the inner courtyard. It wasn't her quarters, but she had business here today.

As she approached the gate to the main building, she saw two guards standing at attention.

They nodded to her as she came closer, their expressions neutral. "Wait here for a minute," one of them said, already familiar with her visits.

Tang Xiulan waited patiently, her thoughts still on Chen Ren and the peculiar path his life seemed to be taking. A minute later, the guard returned and motioned for her to enter.

Taking a deep breath, she stepped through the gate and into the main hall. 

The room had just a few candles flickering in the corners. The air was thick with the scent of incense, a constant in the Tang manor. In the centre of the room sat an older man, his hair grey and thinning, his cheeks sunken and pale. A neatly trimmed moustache framed his thin lips, giving him an appearance that was hard to read.

This was the head of the Tang Clan, the young miss' father, Tang Jihao. He looked up as Tang Xiulan entered, his eyes sharp despite his frail appearance.

Tang Xiulan bowed deeply and tried her best to keep her voice steady as she spoke. "I am here to report."

Tang Xiulan kept her head bowed for a moment longer before speaking. "Young Master Chen Ren started his stall today," she began, her voice clear but respectful. "He managed to sell all the noodles he had prepared."

The old man's eyes widened slightly, his gaze sharpening as he looked at her. "All of them?" he asked, his tone incredulous. "How?"

Tang Xiulan nodded and then gave a brief summary of Chen Ren's marketing techniques. She started by saying how he didn't get a lot of customers at first, but used the slum dwelling kids to advertise free noodles in exchange for feeding them. He also attached the label of it being a delicacy from the eastern tribes. Once people heard about free food, quite a lot of them came to try and according to Chen Ren, they were going to spread "word of mouth" and the noodles will start to do better and better. 

"It was a surprise to me," she admitted. "But he seemed to think it would help with the sales starting tomorrow."

Tang Jihao listened carefully, nodding as she spoke. When she finished, he leaned back in his chair and asked, "These noodles... Are they actually from the tribes?"

"I did ask him," Tang Xiulan replied. "But the young master said it doesn't matter if they are or not. People just need to believe they're an exotic delicacy. It's not like the tribes are going to come to Cloud Mist City to do anything about it."

At that, a small smile appeared on the old man's lips. "Chen Ren is more brazen than I expected," he mused. "But also smart." His expression grew thoughtful. "Is he still acting strange?" 

Tang Xiulan nodded again. "Yes, Master. His personality has changed. I don't think it's a facade— if it were, he would have let it slip by now. But he hasn't."

Tang Jihao's eyes narrowed. His sunken eyes seemed to look scarier, but Tang Xiulan didn't let it show it on her face.

"That's interesting. If his personality truly has changed, then perhaps it's worth not kicking him out just yet."

Tang Xiulan hesitated for a moment before speaking up. "Master, may I ask something?"

He glanced at her, curious. "Go ahead."

"Why don't you just kick him out?" she asked."Is it because of the young miss?"

Tang Jihao's smile returned, a hint of amusement in his eyes. 

He didn't answer immediately, letting the silence stretch just long enough to make Tang Xiulan wonder if she had overstepped. Then, finally, he spoke. "Partly, yes. At least, that was the case when Chen Ren first walked in. It seemed like a golden opportunity to tie my daughter to a cultivator. As you know, she didn't have the gift of immortality in her body and with her marrying a cultivator, at least the future generations will have a better chance. But with Chen Ren's personality back then, I threw that idea away. He was arrogant, reckless— definitely not the kind of person I wanted to associate with my daughter."

He paused, rubbing his beard, "Even now, with his new personality, I'm not rushing into anything. It's not been long enough to see if the change is permanent. But I have to admit, it's the first time I've seen a cultivator take an interest in business— especially one like a street stall. Most cultivators don't see beyond selling pills or beast parts, and they usually keep to their sects or clan. So, I really want to see what Chen Ren aims to achieve with this. Even if the man is—or was— a wastrel, he's still a cultivator. It's quite unusual for someone like that to end up selling something as simple as these noodles. It suggests something major has happened to him. I know of his clan and they are an aggressive bunch, so him being a merchant is just going against everything his clan stands for."

Tang Xiulan slowly took in those words. Her master wasn't wrong. Since Cloud Mist City was the closest place to Soaring Sword Sect, a guardian sect, there were a good number of cultivators in the city and out of all of them, Chen Ren had slowly turned the strangest. 

"I'll keep being with him and keep an eye out, Master."

The old man gave a small smile and nodded. "Good. But tell me, are the noodles actually good? I've heard from the servants that they are, but it wouldn't be proper for the head of the Tang Clan to line up at a stall to eat." He chuckled softly. 

Tang Xiulan suppressed a smile, a bit of amusement flickering in her eyes. Of course, she thought to herself, the master was a gourmet. She bowed again, hiding her amusement. "I'll make sure to bring some for you, Master."

Tang Jihao nodded, satisfied. "Good. I look forward to trying them. Now, go on, and let me know if you notice anything else strange with Chen Ren."

Tang Xiulan bowed once more before leaving the room, a small smile tugging at her lips. For all his sternness, Master Tang could never resist good food.

***

The next day, Chen Ren was up early, ready to start the stall once again. Thanks to the foresight of soaking the additional rice he had brought from Tang Yuqiu yesterday, he was able to open earlier than yesterday.

A part of him was eager to catch the morning crowd— those on their way to work or leaving their homes for various errands. He wanted to see if he could attract some early customers with his noodles.

As always, Old Man Tian was already there, a constant presence in the early hours. He gave a short bow to Chen Ren when he saw him strolling up with Tang Xiulan by his side. 

Chen Ren returned the gesture with a nod but didn't say much. Instead, he busied himself setting up the stall, arranging the bowls and preparing the ingredients for the day.

Once everything was ready, Chen Ren sat down, waiting with calm patience. Occasionally, he would call out to people rushing by who cast curious glances at his stall. His voice was friendly but firm, a gentle nudge to consider stopping for a bowl of noodles. Despite his efforts, the morning was slow.

Throughout the early hours, he managed to sell only two bowls, far fewer than the other stalls nearby.

Still, a smile lingered on Chen Ren's face as he waited, his eyes occasionally drifting to the street, watching the flow of people. Tang Xiulan noticed this and tilted her head, puzzled. "Why do you look so happy, young master?" she asked, getting more casual with him by the day.

Chen Ren turned to her, his smile widening slightly. "I'm just anticipating lunchtime," he replied. "Things should start to change then if I'm right. From what I know, a lot of people go out to eat at local restaurants and stalls during lunch, at least those who don't own their own shops in their homes. And if the marketing from yesterday worked as expected, then they'll be looking to try my noodles today."

As he spoke, he could feel a sense of anticipation bubbling in his heart and nerves. This was the moment he had been waiting for— the real test of his efforts.

The free food wasn't just to spread word of mouth in the common public. He had deliberately sent the kids to areas where a lot of people worked together such as the places with big forges, the city lord offices and other similar areas. If he was right, then if even a few of his customers from yesterday had done what they promised, he would be quite busy as the day went by. 

He glanced at the sun climbing higher in the sky, marking the approach of midday. 

Please, don't let me down.

***

Liu Wen stretched his arms above his head, feeling the tension release from his shoulders as lunchtime finally arrived. He bent further and heard his spine crack— ah, the relief! Soon, it turned into embarrassment when his stomach rumbled, a clear sign that it was time to find something to eat. 

He made his way out of the office where he worked, joining the steady stream of people leaving their own workspaces in search of a meal. 

Everyone who worked in the city lord's office had specific things they liked during lunch. Some would bring their own lunch, but most would go out to eat in nearby restaurants and stalls. There were also those who were loyal to specific places and would eat similar things everyday. 

He wasn't one of them, liking to savour different kinds of food. 

As Liu Wen moved down the street, he found himself walking beside a group of fellow workers, deep in discussion about lunch plans. Zhang Wei, Lin Feng and Yuang Bo — a close friend trio that would always hang out for lunch were talking very loudly. 

"Should we try something different today?" Zhang Wei suggested, his eyes twinkling with the thought of lunch itself. "I heard there's a new place by the river that serves amazing dumplings."

Lin Feng, who walked in the middle, shook his head. "I'm in the mood for something simple," he said, his tone decisive. "How about the chicken skewers from the stall on the corner? Can't go wrong with those."

"Or maybe some hot buns? I heard they have a new filling today!" Yuang Bo's excitement was palpable, and he rubbed his hands together, imagining the taste.

The three continued their animated debate, tossing around different ideas until Liu Wen felt that they noticed him walking quietly beside them. "Hey, Liu Wen!" Yuan Bo called out, grinning. "Where do you want to go for lunch?"

Liu Wen paused, suddenly remembering what the noodle stall owner had told him the day before about promoting his new stall. And truth be told, after tasting two bowls, he has been craving noodles ever since he started thinking about lunch. "Actually," he began, trying to keep his voice casual, "there's a new stall I heard about that's selling some kind of eastern tribe delicacy. They call it noodles. Supposedly, it's really good."

At this, Zhang Wei's eyes widened with interest. "Noodles, you say? An eastern tribe delicacy?" he repeated, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "I've never had anything like that before. Could be worth a try."

"Yeah, why not? I'm up for something different today. Lead the way, Liu Wen."

Yuan Bo was practically bouncing on his feet. "An adventure for the taste buds! Let's do it!"

Liu Wen smiled, pleased with their enthusiasm. As everyone was agreeable about trying out a new delicacy today, he found himself moving to the centre of the group. 

He led them toward Market Street, where the noodle stall was set up. As they approached, he noticed something surprising: the area around the stall was already bustling with people, all eagerly slurping down noodles. The sight took him aback since he hadn't expected the stall to start doing such business in just a day. 

Just yesterday, they were giving out free noodles in a bid to attract people. 

"Looks like we're not the only ones who heard about this place," Zhang Wei said, grinning as he took in the crowd. "This must be the real deal."

Liu Wen nodded, a smile spreading across his face. "Looks like these noodles are going to be a big hit," he said aloud. 

His eyes moved towards the owner of the stall who was handing out the bowls one by one with a smile on his face. "Everyone please get in a queue! It's first come, first serve. All of you are going to get noodles today, so just stand for a while and prepare your stomachs for the best dish you will ever eat." 

As Liu Wen and his group joined the line, the rich smell of freshly made noodles filled the air, and he could practically taste the delicacy all over again.

Chapter 8. First employee

The line of customers moved at a steady pace as they were being given bowls of rice noodles one after another. Chen Ren felt the stall buzzing like a hive with the people who continued to come and go— making his grin grow wider. 

Every time someone grabbed a bowl of steaming hot rice noodles, the sound of coins clinking into his hands was a sweet melody— the gratification of his hard work to make those dishes. What made it even sweeter was the sight of Tang Xiulan glancing at him from time to time, all the while something akin to admiration sparkled in her eyes. 

Even Old Man Tian, who never treated his idea of running a stall seriously, stood frozen at a distance, mouth slightly opened while staring at the crowd gathered around his stall. 

Although Chen Ren took pride in what he had done in such a short time, he didn't let the attention he received swell his ego. With each bowl he served, he flashed a welcoming smile, heartfully thanking every customer and urging them to spread the word about his stall. 

"Please tell your friends about the stall," he said with a chuckle. "Come back tomorrow if you like it. I'll have more ready!"

Some nodded at his words, while others, lost in the flavour of the noodles, barely acknowledged him. But none left disappointed, a fact he didn't miss. He knew that regardless of their gratitude or the way they showed it at the end, he gained profits by selling the noodles and in return, the customers' hunger satiated— that was all that mattered. 

As he reached for the next bowl, he recognised someone from yesterday— there, standing before him, was the scholar who had bought an extra bowl from him. The one who he had requested to spread the word. Behind the scholar was a small group of people, clearly drawn by his recommendation.

The scholar's knowing smile didn't go unnoticed by Chen Ren. 

"Ah, it's you again! Welcome back!" He said, his eyes lighting up as he gave a subtle nod towards the small group behind the scholar. "Looks like your words worked wonders!"

The scholar gave a polite smile. 

"I just told the truth. Your noodles speak for themselves."

"Ah! Thank you anyway. So, one bowl of rice noodles today?" 

"Yes, here's… five coppers." He pulled five coppers from his pocket and handed them over. 

As Chen Ren handed the scholar a bowl and collected the money, a strange warmth flooded in his chest. It wasn't just any warmth— he felt his qi stirred, pulsing within his dantian in a way he hadn't felt before. He blinked, the sensation catching him off guard, but quickly shook it off. 

"Thank you." 

The scholar's voice pulled him out of his thought process. Chen Ren nodded with equal enthusiasm and focused on the rest of the crowd. Soon after, he found himself back to distributing bowls one after another. 

As the lunch crowd thinned, more satisfied customers left the stall with full bellies and content laughter. Each time Chen accepted their payment, the surges in his qi became more frequent, swirling stronger with every interaction. 

The energy in his core felt… alive, almost reacting to the success of his little business.

It was an odd feeling altogether because he didn't know why it was happening, and what triggered his qi to swirl inside him like that. But there wasn't time to dwell on whatever was happening. 

By the time the rush ended, Chen Ren had sold nearly two dozen bowls. Wiping his brow, he turned to Tang Xiulan, who was covered in sweat, brows raised but he didn't miss the satisfied smile on her face. 

"Good job today," he said, patting her on the shoulder. "We've got a bit of a break now before the evening crowd rolls in. Let's take it easy until then."

"Your trick worked better than I expected, young master." 

Chen Ren laughed. "If it didn't, I would've had to try something else. But this is only the beginning. We've got to keep it up."

As he spoke, movement caught the corner of his eye. A few kids stood nearby, watching the stall with wide eyes from an alley. They seemed hesitant to approach him but they were firmly fixated on him.

Those were the same kids whom he had asked for help before, the ones who agreed to spread the word in return for free food. 

He waved them over with a grin. "Hey, you all up for helping out again today? Same deal as tomorrow."

Their eager nods were all the answer he needed. 

***

As the evening rolled in, the crowd grew larger than the day before. 

"Please give me a bowl!"

"Is this the 'noodle' stall I heard about?"

"Some kids had been shouting about it all over town, talking about how it's an eastern delicacy.

"Let's try and see how it is!"

People gathered around Chen Ren's stall, eager to try his noodles— some were new faces, while others had returned for a second helping. Word of mouth was spreading like water ripples in a still pond, touching everyone in the path and the kids he had recruited earlier were doing a great job promoting his business. Their lively voices rang through the city, calling out praises for his noodles, bringing in even more customers.

He felt relieved as he watched the growing line. If things continued like this, he'd be able to chip away at his debts sooner than he thought. Of course, that was still a distant goal, but he was finally beginning on something and it had even started to work. 

Chen Ren believed that one simply needed to focus on their present and the future would change accordingly to that. With that belief in mind, he kept at the stall. 

By the moment they reached evening, they had sold an additional forty bowls, far exceeding his expectation. In fact, they ran out of noodles much earlier than planned, forcing them to close the stall and heavy-heartedly rejecting a few customers who had been waiting in line. 

It couldn't be helped since he hadn't bought the rice in bulk, not wanting to make such a big investment when the stall was still new. Though, now he could finally consider it. 

As Chen Ren began packing up, his eyes wandered around Old Man Tian's stall across the way— except it wasn't Old Man Tian manning it. A younger man who shared similar features with the skewer stall owner was tending to the customers. Probably his grandson.

Curious, Chen called out. "Hello," he said. "Where's the old man today?"

The young man glanced up, rubbing the back of his neck. "Ah, he's sick. Told me to cover for him."

Chen Ren smiled, wondering if Old Man Tian had run away out of dejection from doubting him, but it wasn't a big deal. He would return tomorrow and at that time, he wondered what sort of expression the old man would wear on his face. For now, there was nothing more to be done besides this small talk.

He returned to his stall, making sure to feed the kids who had helped with the advertising. Their eager faces lit up as they slurped the leftover noodles, and he was glad to share this with them. They had been the most helpful, aside from the customers who were so pleased with the noodles that they spread the word on their own, without Chen Ren having to ask.

After cleaning up, he finally left the market alongside Tang Xiulan.

The sky was already darkening, and the air had cooled considerably. Other than a slightly sore throat from yelling all day, Chen Ren couldn't feel any sort of tiredness. His body still felt as energised as new and he even had the energy to take a lap or two around the city. 

Undoubtedly, this was all due to him being a cultivator and by this point, he was glad that he had been transmigrated in the body of one. It was the only good point about being Chen Ren after all. 

If he had been a normal person, he would have been like Tang Xiulan who looked tired and walked slowly, probably because of her aching feet after standing in one position all day. He would have loved to lower her workload, but that would only happen if the stall got more customers. 

"We're gonna need way more rice to soak now," Chen Ren said, breaking the silence and glancing over at her. "The demand's only going up."

Xiulan nodded, a thoughtful look on her face. She waited for a few beats before she replied. 

"I could talk to the young miss about it. See if we can get more supplies."

"Are you sure about that?" he asked, a bit surprised. "You've been following my orders all this time but never asked to help out proactively. Don't tell me you fell in love with me?"

A faint blush crept onto her cheeks, but she didn't look away. Xiulan hesitated for a moment, her head dipping slightly as she spoke. 

"It's not that, young master. I wasn't sure of your plans at first," she admitted softly. "I thought it was all just an act— a ruse. But when I saw you making noodles day after day, using every trick to market and sell them… I realised you're serious about building a business. I want to help, if you'll let me."

Chen Ren looked at her silently for a moment, then shifted his gaze toward the horizon, where the sun was setting in colours of red and orange. Then, in a calm voice, he asked. "Is it because you genuinely want to help, or is it to win my trust so you can report back to the Tang Clan head?"

Tang Xiulan flinched, her eyes widening in surprise. 

Chen Ren's expression remained unreadable, but inside, he debated whether he should have asked her that question or not.

No, it's better to reveal to her that I know it. There's no point hiding it. 

He already knew Tang Xiulan acted as an informant for Tang Jihao since she had started following him around. 

It wasn't hard to figure out— he was living under someone else's roof, surrounded by servants that didn't work for him. Of course, everything he did would reach the ears of the Tang Clan's head. And Xiulan, being the closest to him, was the obvious informant. 

Honestly, he didn't like it, but Tang Xiulan was extremely helpful and he would simply struggle more if he didn't ask for any help and tried to do everything himself. Either way, spying on him wasn't a hard thing and until now, Tang Clan had done nothing more to make them his enemies. 

Instead, they had been helpful by giving him a place to stay. But if he wanted to bring Tang Xiulan closer to him, he needed to know her intentions better. 

Chen Ren waited patiently, watching her as she grappled with his accusation.

After a long pause, she finally spoke, her voice shaky as she replied. "I won't lie. I do report to the master. But… I genuinely wish to work for you. Since I am a maid working for the Tang Clan, it's inevitable that I can't hide anything from him, but I do enjoy making noodles and helping with the stall. If you let me, I want to be a part of its success, young master!"

Chen Ren nodded slowly, satisfied with her answer. At least she was being honest. If she didn't report to Tang Jihao, they'd just replace her with someone else, someone less trustworthy. He didn't want that. 

"That's good enough," he said at last. "From now on, you're my employee."

Xiulan blinked, clearly taken aback. "Employee?" 

Chen Ren chuckled. "It means you'll be working for me— in my stall, and whatever other businesses I end up running. In return, I'll pay you. You can report whatever you want to the clan head as long as I'm living here, but from now on, you work for me."

"But I'm already getting paid by the clan," she said, still perplexed.

"This and that are different," Chen Ren replied, waving a hand dismissively. "I can't pay you much since I'm still in debt, but I'll give you five silver wen a month. I'll raise it once I've cleared what I owe. Deal?"

Xiulan stared at him for a moment, clearly not expecting him to offer payment. Her expression softened, and she nodded slowly. "Yes. That's… acceptable."

Chen Ren gave her a satisfied nod. "Good. Now, go get more rice. I'll be sitting in the courtyard for a while."

Without another word, Tang Xiulan bowed her head slightly and headed off, leaving Chen Ren standing alone as the last light of the day faded into dark.

***

Chen Ren sat down on the stone bench in the courtyard, stretching his muscles as he looked up at the night sky. 

He took a few breaths, regulating his breathing and then loosening his hands; they had been working tirelessly all day. Although he was fine physically, he was still mentally drained. He let his legs fall to the sides and relaxed them forward.

"I feel like I'm progressing everyday with my goal of making money." 

Today had been tougher than expected, but the sales had gone well, and he'd even managed to promote Xiulan as his "official employee". If he kept it going this way, he might be able to run the stall from day to night and even establish more branches. 

Cloud Mist City was big and Market Street wasn't the only place with street stalls. A small grin tugged at the corners of his lips as he thought about that.

Still, now that the day was over, he had something else weighing on his mind. Something he had pushed aside since arriving in this strange new world. He had been preoccupied with setting up the noodle stall, adjusting to his new life, and figuring out how things worked around here. But each night, he found himself poring over the cultivation manuals he'd stumbled upon while searching Chen Ren's belongings, trying to make sense of the realms and the challenges that came with them.

Fighting had never been his thing— he wasn't the type who sought out conflict. But in this world, strength wasn't just a luxury; it was a necessity. Sure, he was confident in his ability to amass wealth, but cultivation strength? That was an entirely different game. His talent for cultivation was abysmal, yet he knew he needed to give it a shot, at least.

Especially with the strange qi surges he'd been feeling throughout the day. It wasn't painful, but it was certainly odd. He wasn't even supposed to be able to sense qi at this level.

The nine realms of cultivation, as the manuals explained, were; Body Forging, Qi Refinement, Foundation Establishment, Meridian Expansion, Core Formation, Domain Manifestation, Nascent Soul, Deity Transformation and Transcendence. 

Only at the second realm, Qi Refinement, were cultivators typically able to sense qi. For most cultivators at his level—Body Forging— it wasn't possible to sense qi until they reached the 9th star, which was known as the Qi Perception stage. 

Until then, the focus was on strengthening the body, sharpening the mind, and chanting mantras to align with the cultivation path. But here he was, at the third star of Body Forging, already able to sense qi like it was second nature. 

It made him wonder if his body had somehow gained a better talent through transmigration. He wasn't sure how that worked, but it was a theory that seemed increasingly likely.

He closed his eyes, focusing inward, trying to peer into his own body to understand what was happening with the qi surges. But before he could delve too deeply, a sharp voice rang out, cutting through the quiet of the night.

"Imposter! I have come to judge you!"

Chen Ren's entire body tensed, his deep focus disturbed and he heard the thrum of his raging heartbeat in his ears. 

His eyes darted around the courtyard, scanning for the source of the unfamiliar voice, but there was no one in sight. Yet he could hear the sound of footsteps on the floor.

His gaze dropped to the ground, wondering if one of the debtors had hired a cultivator with a technique to turn invisible to deal with him before he noticed someone on the floor. 

His eyes widened in shock. 

"Aren't you—"

Chapter 9. Yalan

Chen Ren paused, his eyes narrowing, as he wondered if what he was seeing and hearing was a reality or just something his mind was making up. He had memories of witnessing strange things that he would have regarded as breaking every law of physics and biology in his past life, but he never minded them, as they should be considered normal in this world.

Now that it happened before him, his brain needed a good minute to register it. His eyes stared at the feline perched elegantly on the courtyard ground before finally speaking. 

"Aren't you the cat that Xiulan feeds occasionally?"

The cat turned its head slowly, regarding him with piercing, intelligent eyes. Its fur was a pristine white, thick and luxurious, flowing down like a waterfall down its broad frame. It was large for a cat, easily the size of a small dog. 

What were these cats called? Right, Maine Coon.

Chen Ren remembered them as a majestic breed in every way possible. 

The cat's ears were tufted, the tips flicked ever so slightly, and its bushy tail stood high in the air, fluffy and imposing the surrounding area as if it regarded it all its own. The fur there seemed even more voluminous, curling in thick waves that almost appeared alive. 

The creature blinked at him, again. Its slitted eyes narrowed as the tail whipped sharply, an unmistakable tension taking place between them.

Chen Ren couldn't help but let his eyes wander over it under the moonlit sky, but it wasn't the colour, imposing size, immaculate coat or piercing eyes that caught his attention the most— it was the flames. 

They danced and curled around its tail, licking the air in a slow, deliberate burn. They were subtle, more like embers of a dying fire, yet they crackled with life. Its eyes, a molten ember glowed with an eerie light, not just bright, but almost… sentient. 

They locked onto him with a gaze that felt far too human— Chen Ren didn't know how or why, just that it spooked a part of him. Because despite the elegance in its posture, there was an air of menace. The tension in its raised tail wasn't just for a show— this feline wasn't here for food or a casual encounter if it wasn't obvious by now. 

His breathing slowed as he realised that in his memories, he had seen powerful cultivators unleash elemental techniques, but this… this was different. 

The cat's mouth parted, and a voice, smooth like honey, but sharp as a sword cut through the thickened air. 

Unsurprisingly, as he guessed, it was a female cat. 

"I've been watching you ever since you took over Chen Ren's body. And I'm here for answers."

Chen Ren's eyes widened, and his breath caught in his throat.

The first surprise was his realising that she knew he had taken over Chen Ren's body. But before he could process it, another shock hit him as he noticed that the constant presence he had felt trailing him wasn't one of the debtor's men, but the cat. Everything suddenly made sense as his mind raced. 

"I am Yalan," she continued, her flames flaring briefly as she spoke her name. "Now tell me, who are you?"

He blinked, disbelief flooding him. How did she know? His first thought was to chalk it up to his laziness compared to the original Chen Ren, but something told him that wasn't it. His gaze dropped to the fire trailing along her tail once more. No, it had to be something else— something about her, some skill she possessed that allowed her to see through his facade.

And now, that same skill had placed him under her scrutiny.

Chen Ren hesitated, weighing his options. Should I lie, or confess the bizarre truth? One glance at the flames still licking at the cat's tail told him all he needed to know. He swallowed and spoke, his voice giving away the fact that he was nervous— even though he was just facing a damn cat. 

"I... I don't know how I got here. I remember falling asleep, and the next thing I knew, I was Chen Ren. I have his memories, but I know they aren't mine. It's like remembering everything about someone else's life but having no real connection to it. I didn't try to take over his body... it just happened. I didn't wish for it nor do I understand how or why it happened. It was bizarre even for me."

He watched the cat carefully, his pulse racing. Would she accept that answer? What if she didn't? His gaze stared beyond her, but there was no else in the courtyard. Even if he shouted for help, it would take a swipe of her tail for the embers to burn him down. 

He had purposely avoided any places where he would be alone in case he got confronted by some debt collectors, but it never crossed his mind that there would be other forms of threats.

As the seconds stretched out, his heartbeat thrummed in his chest and the flames around the cat's tail dimmed, imitating the last bits of dying fire.

"So," she spoke finally, her eyes glowing faintly. "Were you a powerful cultivator whose soul mistakenly took over Chen Ren's body in the process of ascension? I heard of such a case a century ago."

Chen Ren shook his head immediately, choosing to be truthful. 

"No, I was just a mortal in my world. There's no concept of cultivation where I come from— except in books or games. Although it's just a hypothesis, I believe it's because our atmosphere doesn't have qi."

Hearing that, Yalan paced around the floor for a few seconds. Her tail moved to the rhythm of her paws, making him want to reach out and pat her fur, but the flames stopped him from moving. 

Finally, she turned around and stared at Chen Ren. 

"A qi-less world… Interesting. Probably one of the lower worlds that no one has heard about." She murmured before her gaze sharpened, focusing on him with a newfound curiosity. "Then tell me— what have you been doing with those things you call noodles?"

His eyes lit up at the mention. "Oh, those! I'm building a business," he said, a touch of excitement creeping into his voice. "I'm trying to make enough to pay back the debts Chen Ren owed, so I can be debt-free as soon as possible. I didn't take them, but you know I can't just escape them no matter how unfair it is. After that, I plan to focus on earning more money— hopefully, a lot more."

Yalan's flames flickered again, but this time, it felt less like a threat and more like a signal of amusement. It dimmed once again— quicker than it had before. 

"Money? Why?" she asked, stretching the 'why' a bit longer, while her head tilted to the side. "You were a mortal, but now you're a cultivator. Why not focus on cultivation, rise through the realms, and claim whatever you desire? Artefacts, women, riches— it would all be within your reach."

Chen Ren chuckled softly. 

"That sounds tempting— ideal, even, but I don't have much of a choice right now. Cultivation is interesting, but making money is... necessary. At my level, I can only hunt low-level beasts, and the debt hanging over Chen Ren's head isn't small. It would take me a while to pay it off that way— and be far more dangerous. You see, the knife is dangerously close to my neck, and I know it could strike at any moment. From what I've learned and already know about this world, that's the conclusion I've come to."

He hesitated for a moment, then sighed. "Besides, I've realised Chen Ren's talent isn't exactly... remarkable."

Yalan's fiery gaze softened as she gave a slight what-looked-like nod. 

"I can understand that. Chen Ren was never blessed by the heavens. I almost pitied him in his childhood. But instead of challenging the heavens, he allowed them to crush him. The man grew bitter, more with each passing year."

Her tail lashed sharply once before she shook her head. "Alright, I won't be exterminating you. At least, not until you reveal yourself to be a demon who's been lying this whole time. But I doubt it."

Her eyes sparkled briefly, the flames around her tail snuffing out completely. Chen Ren let out a quiet sigh of relief, though he still watched her warily, curiosity bubbling beneath his calm exterior. Her words confirmed that she didn't consider him lying, or maybe she was simply choosing to let him be for now in order to keep him from panicking.

There was no way to know and hence, he focused on something else— Finding out how she and Chen Ren had been related. There was no recent memory of him talking to a cat that could speak the mortal language. If there had been one, it would have certainly stood out. But, as he looked deeper and deeper, something eventually caught his attention. 

A vague memory of a cat lingered in Chen Ren's childhood. Could it be the one in front of him? But other than that, it seemed like the man didn't like cats at all— something that, in his opinion, should have been considered a crime.

He glanced back at the cat. "So, in return, can I ask you a few questions? I think it's only fair."

Yalan tilted her head slightly, her expression inscrutable. She licked at her paw once. "Sure, go on," she replied. "I'll allow it."

Chen Ren leaned forward, his curiosity driving him to ask the question that had been swirling in his mind the whole time. Despite giving himself time during their conversation to process everything, he couldn't ignore the fact that there were still things he didn't understand.

"Who... who are you exactly? And what's your relationship with Chen Ren?"

The cat straightened, her tail following the actions, and her eyes took on a deeper, more thoughtful glow. "My name is Yalan," she began, her voice layered with boredom. 

"Okay. But I already know that. I want to know more than your name." 

"I am bound by a pact made with Chen Ren's ancestors. For hundreds of years, I have been tasked with watching over their descendants, acting as a protector of sorts. This pact has seventy years left on it and by all means, I have expected Chen Ren to be the last one to have my otherwise costly services for free."

Chen Ren listened intently, the pieces slowly falling into place as she continued.

"I've been with Chen Ren since he was a child, looking over him from the shadows. But, as you already know, I wasn't exactly successful in protecting him." Her tail twitched, betraying a hint of frustration. "The boy was too stubborn, too full of pride. He ignored every bit of advice I offered him in his childhood and never liked me— wouldn't even acknowledge my presence most of the time. He was simply wallowing in despair over his parents' death. So, I simply followed him... silently, waiting for the day he'd come find me himself and listen."

Her voice softened as she sighed, her little face scrunched up in frustration. "But he died a meaningless death. His own idiocy sealed his fate. By the time he was brought to the Tang Clan Manor, he was almost lifeless. That was when I noticed your soul beginning to merge with his body."

Chen Ren blinked, absorbing her words. So he had been right in his early conjectures. His soul had started to enter the body at the exact moment Chen Ren was on the verge of death. And she had been there, powerless to intervene. 

It also revealed that the cat was able to see souls, probably the reason she knew he wasn't the original Chen Ren. 

He did the mental maths. If the pact between Yalan and Chen Ren's ancestors was truly that old, then the cat was far more powerful than he had initially imagined. And the original Chen Ren… He hadn't been a simple fool, but the worst kind of fool. Not only had he ignored a protector who could have helped him rise, but he'd squandered a chance to grow stronger under her guidance. Truly, an idiot.

It also explained something else. Now he understood how Chen Ren had made it to Cloud Mist City unscathed, even without guards. Yalan had been watching over him the entire time, silently keeping him alive.

He glanced at her again, curiosity gnawing at him. "So... does the pact extend to me too?"

As soon as the question left his lips, he was rewarded with silence. Just silence that stretched far longer than what he was comfortable with. 

Yalan didn't respond, her fiery eyes narrowing in contemplation. 

Maybe I asked something that I shouldn't have? She doesn't seem unreasonable, but you hardly know in this world, he held back a frown, but before he could retract the question, she shook her head.

"I have no idea." The voice came out so low that if Chen Ren hadn't been attentive, it would've run past his ears. "The pact should remain in effect as long as Chen Ren is alive. Since you carry remnants of his soul, he isn't technically dead… She paused, her tail flicking absently. "It's a very blurry line."

Chen Ren nodded slowly, unsure of what to make of her response. On one hand, the pact stood—barely—which likely meant she wouldn't or couldn't hurt him. But on the other hand, he doubted she harboured any real care toward him. After all, he was someone else. Their relationship was complicated, a tangled mess he had no desire to unravel right now. It hurt his mind just to think and unfortunately, he couldn't simply give her tuna to win her over. 

Hence, he decided to stick to the reason he had come here. 

Turning his gaze to the cat, he asked, "Do you mind if I cultivate for a bit?"

Yalan flicked her tail dismissively as if shrugging off the question, hopping onto the bench beside him. "Go on," she said casually, as though his request was of no real importance.

"Alright, then." 

Chen Ren tried to ignore her presence and focused inward. His strange meeting with the cat bothered him, especially because she had been keeping a close watch on him. Having a spirit beast that could potentially kill you in one blow next to you while you try to cultivate wasn't exactly a great way to concentrate. 

It took him half an hour before he dispelled some of his nervousness and focused on the faint surges of energy in his dantian. 

The feeling was refreshing like a tender warmth filling him from the inside. He tried to probe the energy, to manipulate it, but his control was clumsy. Frustratingly so.

He shifted tactics, attempting to absorb the qi in the air around him. He could sense it faintly, like a whisper just out of reach, but no matter what he did, the energy refused to respond. Even when he chanted [Thunderstorm Sutra]— the Chen family's cultivation technique, it was like trying to catch smoke with his bare hands— nothing worked.

As he continued to struggle, the silence was finally broken by Yalan's voice. "What exactly are you doing?"

Chen Ren sighed, opening his eyes and glancing at her. "Cultivation," he said flatly.

Yalan's tail swished lazily. "You're in the body-forging realm," she remarked, her tone dismissive. "Cultivating like this won't get you far. At your stage, you can't sense qi properly, nor can you circulate it through your meridians. You need to focus on training your body, slowly pushing it to the peak of body forging before you even begin to sense qi—"

Chen Ren, mid-breath, interrupted her, his voice calm but firm. 

"I can already feel qi."

Yalan froze. Her eyes narrowed, and the lazy swish of her tail stopped mid-air. "What did you just say?" she asked, her voice low, sharp with sudden intensity.

Chen Ren blinked, surprised at her reaction. "I can feel qi," he repeated, uncertain why it seemed to shock her so much. He knew it was unusual, but by her reaction, he might have massively underestimated such an ability in this realm.

The cat's gaze bore into him, her eyes narrowing further as though she were reassessing everything about him.