Chapter 30: Nothing Tastes Better Than Dumplings

"Hello, Mr. Yun Xuan. Congratulations on becoming a three-star chef. Please come to the Capital Culinary Management Association to collect your documents before August. The location has been sent to your phone," a woman's voice announced over the phone.

"Alright, I understand," Yun Xuan replied softly, ending the call.

A three-star chef would never attract much attention from the Culinary Management Association; the woman was likely just a customer service representative. With an original snack, and the support from either the Dongfang family or Sanjo Kamikawa, obtaining the title of three-star chef was a natural outcome.

The Dongfang family understood well that a three-star chef had significant potential, especially since Yun Xuan was only sixteen, still in high school. Sanjo Kamikawa had personally observed and tasted his dishes, giving Yun Xuan high praise—at the very least, he was a four- or five-star chef. With his recommendation, getting the three-star credential was a simple matter.

The minimum requirement for a three-star chef was to have an original dish or to perform at a three-star level in competitions.

Selling the rights to the Dongfang family for 1.5 million was just a business deal. Dongfang Aoxue did not grasp the true value of the cold noodles or the details of the authorization contract, but Yun Xuan understood perfectly. If the Dongfang family hadn't offered something truly beneficial, he never would have signed. The contract included one clause he could not refuse: they would offer him assistance once.

"What a cunning calculation," Yun Xuan mused as he put away his phone. The Dongfang family would never have guessed that all his dishes for this competition were original creations!

...

Yun Xuan and Lin Qingyu returned to the hotel.

Lin Qingyu described the culinary academy event, leaving Yun Xue, Yun Xun'er, and Nangong Xiaomeng all stunned. Just by entering a competition, he had won two million? And there would be 1.5 million annually?

Yun Xun'er thought of how she'd worked as an editor for years and had just over a million to show for it, most of which had gone into her house. She couldn't help but smile wryly.

Qin Yue, on the other hand, wasn't particularly surprised. With her family's wealth, a few million was just a number to her; she cared more for interesting experiences than for money.

"Since you've earned two million, you should treat us to this trip," Nangong Xiaomeng said, a hint of envy in her voice.

She wasn't greedy—her own family was wealthy enough—but she admired Yun Xuan's talent.

"Of course. Xun'er, I'll transfer you 1.5 million first to pay off the mortgage; whatever is left, spend it on some clothes or food for the orphanage." Yun Xuan spoke calmly.

"Alright." Yun Xun'er was taken aback, then nodded earnestly.

Yun Xue smiled, too. Her brother was just as she remembered—always thinking about doing something for the orphanage, just like them.

Of the remaining 500,000, 200,000 would go towards handling fees; 300,000 was more than enough for daily expenses.

...

Night fell quickly. Yun Xuan sat by the window, gazing at the sky.

Beside him was a bottle of cola he'd just bought downstairs. He poured himself a glass and drank it in one gulp.

"It's a pity it's not red wine—otherwise I'd look like I'm just showing off," Yun Xuan laughed, leaning against the bed.

In such a short time, his bank account had surpassed a million. It all felt a bit unreal, and somehow empty.

Maybe it had all been too easy, which made it hard to cherish.

"Now, the real challenge is worth looking forward to. My next step is light novels—I can't afford to be careless." Yun Xuan pulled out his phone and glanced at the files sent from the Exchange Shop.

He opened the Manworld website and formally uploaded his novel. Copy, paste—how simple.

"Now it's just a matter of time. Chef, artist, light novelist—if I develop all three, in less than a year my income will be stable. Then, there are strategies and missions. Life... I can't tell if it's boring or exciting." Yun Xuan set down his phone and poured another glass of cola.

...

Manworld Publishing House.

Light Novel Review Office.

"Yezi, what should we have for dinner tonight?" A woman in a professional outfit grinned mischievously, leaning toward a little girl.

The girl was about 1.5 meters tall, wearing pajamas and pink-rimmed glasses, looking rather sleep-deprived.

"What dinner? We haven't finished work yet. There's still an hour before we're off," the girl replied grumpily, cheeks puffed out, sounding much older than her years.

"Yes, yes, Editor Yezi," the woman replied, covering her mouth as she laughed.

"Dumplings for dinner," the girl's expression softened. She opened a webpage, picked up her phone, and called the nearby restaurant to order half a kilo of dumplings.

"Substitute—this novel is interesting," she said, putting down the phone and looking at a newly submitted novel in the backend. March Leaf began to read.

Ten minutes later, March Leaf was stunned. Was this really written by a rookie?

"Did you find something interesting?" the woman beside her asked, handing over the half kilo of dumplings—March Leaf's order.

"If this story stays on track, there's no problem adapting it into an anime," March Leaf took a deep breath, approved the manuscript, and flagged it as worth signing.

"An anime adaptation?" the woman looked at the novel in surprise. Praise this high, coming from March Leaf, was reserved for popular light novelists.

"Yes. I don't know if this is a pseudonym for an established writer or a true newcomer, but there are so few suspense-themed light novels at the moment," March Leaf nodded.

"Oh, by the way, I've already eaten half your dumplings. Here's the rest—thanks for the treat," the woman said, handing over the bowl and chopsticks with a smile.

March Leaf took the bowl and started eating.

"By the way, have you ever heard a saying from Chinese folklore?" the woman whispered.

"What saying?" March Leaf replied absentmindedly.

"Heh heh, nothing tastes better than dumplings, nothing's more fun than..." The woman grinned mischievously.

"...," March Leaf was speechless.

...

Eight o'clock in the evening.

In Yun Xuan's room.

He was tapping away at the hotel computer, replying to questions on his public account.

After rubbing his forehead, Yun Xuan shut down the computer. Answering all these questions was far from charity.

Each question earned him between a hundred and ten thousand. There were over ten thousand queries, by his rough estimate. He sent out a message saying all proceeds would go to charitable causes, not as direct donations, but converted into supplies with photos attached for each purchase.

Many people saw the message, shared screenshots, and gave countless likes in a short time.

Some thought Teacher Beifang was just putting on a show; others believed he was truly committed. The majority supported him, saying if possible, they'd like to join Teacher Beifang in his charity work.

"What can you do with a few tens of thousands? The key is reputation—a good name is worth more than millions," Yun Xuan was indifferent about the money.

Knock, knock, knock. There was a knock at Yun Xuan's door.

"So late? Who could it be? Could it be Qingyu?" Yun Xuan felt a bit embarrassed as he walked to the door.