Chapter 107: The Rival of Autumnal Pavilion (Part I)

In Yun Xuan’s room, he sat by the window, gazing at the starry sky as the night breeze gently brushed past. Chōjima Kayuki had spoken the truth—his murderous intent was far too intense. If he continued like this, it was only a matter of time before he became a violent man.

Being on guard even against those around him was futile. This was, after all, a peaceful world. Even Qin Zhihua could perceive his subconscious actions, let alone others.

“Should I go cultivate in the fantasy world? Or just relax a bit?” Yun Xuan murmured to himself.

The fantasy world undoubtedly held treasures that could stabilize the mind; that much was certain. According to fantasy cultivation lore, excessive murderous intent could give rise to inner demons.

Reaching a certain level of mental tribulation could result in one being utterly destroyed.

After breathing in the night air, Yun Xuan closed the window and fell asleep.

---

A quiet night passed. Morning sunlight streamed over Yun Xuan, who rubbed his eyes and sat up. After dressing and washing up, he descended the stairs and saw Yun Xue having breakfast.

“Good morning, brother…” Yun Xue smiled sweetly.

“Good morning. Has Sister Xun gone out?” Yun Xuan sat down.

“Yes, she left for work early. Today, I’m going to the Fangyu City Library to buy books. Do you want to come?” Yun Xue looked at him expectantly.

“Sure, bring Ling Yu with you.” Yun Xuan was momentarily surprised.

“Oh.” Hearing that Ling Qingyu would come along, a hint of disappointment flickered across Yun Xue’s face.

After breakfast, the three of them set off to the Fangyu City Library, prepared to purchase a large number of manga and light novels.

Yun Xuan had done his homework, having browsed extensively online for manga and light novels he enjoyed.

He ended up buying 536 volumes, leaving the library staff somewhat astonished.

After hauling the books back to his room, Yun Xuan left home. Ling Qingyu had recently started working part-time at a maid café, with shifts lasting five hours daily.

Yun Xue began catching up on her shows and reading manga and light novels, seemingly determined to catch up completely.

---

Yun Xuan drove to Qiuyi Tower, entering his office.

“How’s business at Qiuyi Tower lately?” he asked casually.

“Since Qiuyi Tower got a new owner, merchants in Fangyu City have opened a hotel right across from it. They even hired a four-star chef to run the kitchen, which has affected Qiuyi Tower’s business somewhat,” He Wenyue said, her expression sour.

“Oh? That’s interesting. Take me to the kitchen to have a look.” Yun Xuan’s curiosity was piqued.

He Wenyue exhaled in relief that Yun Xuan wasn’t blaming her—it was a situation beyond her control. Alone, she could only reduce profits and try to attract more customers.

They arrived at the kitchen, where Yun Xuan set about refining the seasoning of all the dishes. The kitchen’s head chef listened intently to the four-star chef’s advice.

“He Wenyue, prepare the barbecue grill and skewers. I want to challenge them right at the door,” Yun Xuan glanced at the sparse crowd in the hall and hesitated briefly before speaking.

“Yes, ma’am,” He Wenyue promptly arranged for the preparations.

Yun Xuan stepped to the entrance of Qiuyi Tower where the barbecue grill and skewers were already set up, with a server ready to assist.

“I’ll start grilling now. For every table that spends over 200 yuan inside, give them four skewers free of charge. Just tell them it’s a gift from me, the four-star chef,” Yun Xuan said with a smile.

“Alright, boss,” the young waitress responded excitedly, thrilled to see her employer so close.

As Yun Xuan began grilling, he sprinkled golden powder over the skewers, and the aroma quickly drifted along the street.

“Delicious! The skewers at Qiuyi Tower’s entrance smell amazing!”

“Is this a new dish at Qiuyi Tower?”

“Why are they cooking outside the door?”

Passersby were intrigued. Many food lovers approached to inquire about the price. Upon learning that a minimum 200-yuan table spend was required to receive the free skewers, four people on the spot pooled their money to meet the threshold.

As the crowd grew, the rival Fangyu Tower across the street could not sit idly by.

A platform was set up at Fangyu Tower’s entrance, apparently for teppanyaki.

“Interesting. But when it comes to aroma, you can’t beat mine,” Yun Xuan said, watching as a blond chef stepped out. He sprinkled more spices, intensifying the scent further.

“Amazing young man. Is he the new four-star chef?” The blond chef was astounded by the smell.

The aromas blended perfectly, stirring an innate desire for delicious food in everyone.

“Master Peter, it’s all up to you now,” one of Fangyu Tower’s owners, Mr. Li, said sourly.

“Hmm,” Master Peter nodded and began spreading spices. The scent rivaled Yun Xuan’s.

“This is getting interesting,” Yun Xuan smiled lightly and added several more spices.

“This… can’t be!” Master Peter detected an even stronger fragrance, composed of over a dozen spices, harmoniously blended.

Grinding his teeth, Master Peter added two more spices.

“Still not enough…” he looked up at Yun Xuan, disbelief evident.

“A fierce battle of dragons and tigers, a war of spices. Looks like Qiuyi Tower will win,” murmured a bystander.

“This smells incredible. Anyone want to share a table with me?”

“Me too. Who wants to join? Ladies get a free treat from me.”

The gathering crowd grew restless. It was lunchtime, and many walking by had empty stomachs.

This area was mostly office buildings, with many well-paid workers who used to frequent Qiuyi Tower, the top restaurant in Fangyu City.

“Qiuyi Tower, since you’re so confident, don’t blame me,” Mr. Li muttered as he stepped into a corner and made a call.

---

Within ten minutes, two vans pulled up outside Qiuyi Tower. A dozen or so men armed with clubs approached.

“So this is the city’s number one Qiuyi Tower. Hey, each of us brothers wants a skewer,” the leader, a red-haired thug, swaggered up to Yun Xuan.

“Pay first. Fifty yuan per skewer,” Yun Xuan glanced at Mr. Li across the street, smiling calmly. Did they really dare to lay a hand on a four-star chef? Such a person either didn’t know the rules or was simply foolish.

“Pah! Fifty yuan a skewer? What kind of meat do you think this is?” The red-haired thug spat in front of the grill, causing those in line to step back.

Though thugs in this era were somewhat restrained, they were still troublesome, and their misdeeds were hard to punish.

The red-haired thug felt smug. Mr. Li was a well-known figure in Fangyu City, and compared to that, the new owner of Qiuyi Tower seemed weak, especially with a 10,000-yuan bounty in play.

“If you’re not buying, then get lost. Don’t block my business,” Yun Xuan said jovially, unruffled.

“Damn it! You think I can’t afford it?” The thug grabbed Yun Xuan by the collar.

“Yeah, I thought you couldn’t. So? Are you going to hit me or smash my place? Just so you know, I’m a four-star chef registered with the Culinary Management Association. If you injure me, expect at least three years in prison. And this is all in broad daylight—you won’t escape.” Yun Xuan’s smile never wavered.

“Really? Hurting a four-star chef registered with the Culinary Management Association is equivalent to damaging someone’s property? Serious cases get ten years or more…”

“The Culinary Management Association… impressive.”

“A chef can be that powerful…”

Those nearby quickly looked up the Culinary Management Association’s website and were amazed by its regulations.

(Note: The Culinary Management Association was previously mentioned as an organization established by a few top-tier individuals, occupying a unique status.)