TFWYH – Chapter 423 Business is booming

“Hey, shopkeeper! What exactly is this hotpot?” someone immediately asked.

Ling Canghe waved his hand. “That’s exactly what I’m about to explain. Hotpot is a brand-new kind of cuisine — fragrant, spicy, and addictive. You’ll definitely want a second meal after trying it once. But no matter how much I talk, you probably won’t believe me. Why not go inside and take a look? If you don’t like it, you can simply leave. Since today is our grand opening, not only are all dishes ten percent off, but we’ve also prepared a little surprise for everyone who comes to support us — every table that dines here will receive a free pot of milk tea!”

After saying this, Ling Canghe made a welcoming gesture and stepped aside.

Some townspeople looked at one another and hesitated, not entering immediately.

Others who weren’t short on money brought their friends and family straight inside.

After all, it was mealtime — food is food wherever you eat.

And this place even offered a discount!

Before long, seven or eight tables in the main hall were occupied.

That wasn’t considered many yet.

Ling Canghe wasn’t anxious. He instructed the staff to quickly serve the red-oil hotpot bases and had the waiters bring menus for the guests to order.

The customers had never seen such a way of eating before and felt slightly doubtful.

But when the fragrant, spicy red-oil broth was brought out, none of them could sit still anymore. They casually ordered several dishes.

Once the hotpot began boiling, the entire hall filled with a rich, spicy aroma.

Under the waiters’ explanations, the guests eagerly began cooking their ingredients in the pot.

The moment the food entered their mouths, everyone froze.

This… was unbelievably delicious!

And then… they simply couldn’t stop eating.

Just like when Tang Wan ate hotpot — once started, there was no stopping.

Some tables finished their dishes quickly and immediately called for the menu to order more.

Of course, some people couldn’t handle spicy food.

Right then, the milk tea arrived.

Those who were burning from the spice didn’t even care what kind of drink it was — they grabbed it and gulped it down.

The moment it touched their lips, they were stunned.

What is this? It’s amazing!

Sweet, fragrant, and refreshing — paired with hotpot, it felt like heaven on earth.

Perhaps the love of food had been passed down from the ancestors of Yan and Huang themselves — Easterners were born food lovers.

The seven or eight tables of diners ate until their mouths were glistening with oil. The spicy aroma drifted out of the shop and straight into the noses of the hesitant townspeople still waiting outside.

It smelled incredible!

Who could possibly resist that?

The previously hesitant crowd immediately rushed inside.

The main hall quickly became packed, and guests began filling the private rooms on the second floor.

By the time Tang Wan and the others finished their meal, the entire hotpot restaurant was completely full.

Not only was the second floor filled — even the third floor had no seats left.

The townspeople who couldn’t get seats felt deeply disappointed.

But how could Ling Yue let potential customers slip away?

In a corner of the first-floor hall, she had specially arranged a waiting area.

Anyone without a seat was directed there.

Waiters served them free sunflower seeds and peanuts.

Free!

Who would leave now?

The waiting customers happily stayed in the waiting area. Surrounded by the tempting aroma, they grew hungrier and hungrier — and the hungrier they became, the more they wanted to try the food.

After finishing her meal, Ling Yue went downstairs to take a look around and couldn’t stop smiling.

Business was incredible!

So good she wanted to scream with excitement!

More than ten waiters were still not enough. Poor Ling Canghe, the newly appointed manager, even had to personally step forward to greet customers.

—

The hotpot restaurant’s popularity kept growing.

Customers who left spread the word by mouth, bringing even more people.

Even after night fell and visibility faded — and the kitchen ran out of ingredients — they could only barely close the doors.

Why “barely”?

Because the customers who had been waiting for a long time were unhappy.