Live Streaming Food Stall… But in Dog-Blooded Novels – CH18

Chapter 18

Nineteen years. A full nineteen years.

From elementary school, it had been an endless grind—studying, competing for top scores in middle school exams, high school entrance exams, fighting through the gauntlet like an army crossing a single-plank bridge. Finally, after making it into a prestigious university, the struggle continued—competing for GPA, scholarships, research opportunities. After three grueling years of a master’s program, he thought landing a job at a top company would mean security. Yet, every day was overtime, sometimes even pulling all-nighters at the office…

Lin Tianqiu looked at the big dog enjoying its fragrant fried rice, his eyes stinging.

He wanted to cry.

After struggling his whole life, his reward was a cold bun for breakfast after yet another sleepless night.

Even a dog was eating better than him!

This psychological blow completely shattered him.

Feeling his blood rushing to his head, he didn’t even know what he was thinking—he simply threw his bun straight into the trash.

Then, he walked up to Jian Yunlan.

“Boss, how much for a serving of fried rice?”

He had to see for himself—just how delicious was this fried rice that had him drooling just from the sight?

“Fifty,” Jian Yunlan replied.

The price was set by the Culinary God System. He had no way to change it.

“…How much?!”

Lin Tianqiu’s eyes nearly popped out of his head.

Fifty yuan for a bowl of fried rice?!

Might as well be highway robbery!!!

As an intern, he only made 4,500 yuan a month. A single bowl of fried rice would cost him half a day’s wages?

His instinct was to back out.

But then…

Lin Tianqiu looked at himself, then at the dog beside him.

The big dog had already finished its entire bowl of fried rice. It looked completely satisfied, lazily licking the bowl clean, its golden eyes narrowing as it prepared for a nap.

Sensing Lin Tianqiu’s gaze, the dog cast him a condescending glance, as if to say:

Foolish human, do you really think you can compare your quality of life to mine?

Go back to your corporate drudgery.

The dog couldn’t speak, but the disdain in its eyes was as clear as day.

It was an attack—both emotionally devastating and brutally effective.

Lin Tianqiu felt an existential crisis swelling in his chest. Before he knew it, he impulsively tapped his phone to pay.

“Boss, one fried rice!”

“Got it.”

Jian Yunlan nodded, heating up the wok and cracking in the eggs.

When it came to ingredients, he never skimped. Other street food vendors might only use one or two eggs in their fried rice, but Jian Yunlan used four or five at once—all premium free-range eggs. The golden yolks quickly solidified in the sizzling oil, breaking apart into fragrant bits.

Lin Tianqiu swallowed hard.

Maybe it was his presence, but now, other people had started to take notice as well. Soon, another customer walked up.

It was the bun stall owner and his wife, who had just finished closing up. The owner was a round, good-natured man.

“I’ll take a fried rice too,” he said.

For the white-collar workers, it was the start of their workday, but for the bun vendor and his wife, who had been up since 2 or 3 AM, it was already late morning—they were starving.

“Sure, that’ll be fifty,” Jian Yunlan replied.

The vendor’s wife’s eyes widened.

“Fifty?!”

The vendor hesitated, clearly famished, but his wife’s sharp glare stopped him in his tracks.

“Heh… Uh, I’ll come back next time then. Money’s a bit tight today.”

With that, he was dragged away by his wife, clutching his wallet.

As they walked off, they kept arguing in hushed voices.

“But I really wanted that fried rice… QAQ”

“Just make some at home! Fifty yuan per bowl—what’s he cooking with, gold?!”

“But, honey, today’s my birthday…”

Lin Tianqiu glanced at Jian Yunlan.

But Jian Yunlan didn’t seem embarrassed at all. He simply stayed focused on cooking, skillfully seasoning and flipping the rice in the wok.

The rich aroma of fried rice filled the air.

A steaming hot bowl of golden fried rice was placed in Lin Tianqiu’s hands.

The rice glistened with oil, each grain distinct, evenly coated in egg, releasing a mouthwatering fragrance. Tiny cubes of orange carrot, tender yellow corn, and the fresh scent of green onions were all visible, complementing the toasty aroma of the wok-fired rice.

Lin Tianqiu’s eyes locked onto the dish.

Hurriedly, he grabbed a spoon, scooping up a full bite and shoving it into his mouth.

“Mm—!!”

The moment it entered his mouth, the intense flavors burst forth.

Each golden grain of rice, lightly crispy on the outside, was wrapped in a thin layer of oil, carrying a natural, savory richness. The eggs had been fried to perfection, their fluffy texture blending seamlessly with the chewy grains of rice. As he chewed, the comforting taste of egg fused with the fragrant, wok-seared rice, creating a harmony of textures and flavors.

The freshness of the carrots, the slight sweetness of the corn—they cut through the richness, balancing the dish with a contrast that made every bite even more addictive. The deep, savory aroma of the fried rice clung to his senses, leaving an aftertaste so satisfying that he couldn’t stop himself from taking another bite… and another…

Within moments, the bowl was empty.

Tears welled up in his eyes.

The onlookers whispered among themselves: Is he really crying over fried rice…?

Just then, the bun vendor who had walked away earlier suddenly returned.

His wife stood nearby, arms crossed, looking displeased.

Apparently, she had relented in the end—allowing her husband to have his birthday wish granted.

“One fried rice,” the vendor said, swallowing nervously as he stared at Lin Tianqiu, who was utterly absorbed in his meal. “Boss, make mine extra delicious. It’s my birthday gift.”

“Don’t worry,” Jian Yunlan smiled. “I guarantee it’ll be good.”

With that, he expertly heated the wok and began cooking again.

Before long, the second bowl of fried rice was ready.

The vendor took the bowl carefully and turned to his wife. “Honey, do you want some?”

His wife scoffed, looking away.

“Hmph, as if I’d lower myself to eat that.”

“….”

Seeing her refusal, the vendor hesitated for only a moment before carefully taking his first bite.

Instantly, his eyes widened in shock.

Why is this so ridiculously good?!

The fragrance of the rice, the aroma of the eggs—crispy yet fluffy, better than any fried rice he had ever tasted.

The bun vendor had no time to react. He lowered his head and devoured the dish like a starving man.

Pure happiness…

“This is the happiest birthday I’ve ever had,” he sobbed.

His wife eyed him suspiciously, then glanced at the fried rice.

Could it really be that good?

She didn’t believe it.

More and more passersby found themselves unable to move away from the stall, drawn in by the tantalizing scent.

But the steep price made them hesitate.

Yet, before long, the temptation proved too strong. In the blink of an eye, five or six customers stepped forward.

“Boss, I’ll have a fried rice.”

“Ahem, I’m buying for my boyfriend—please make it extra delicious.”

“This is my entire meal budget for the day…”

The other street vendors’ eyes nearly popped out of their heads.

Selling fried rice in the early morning? At such a high price? And still having this much business? Unheard of!

Meanwhile, the big dog, Taotie, elegantly groomed its fur with its paw, then leaned lazily against the food cart, dozing off—its greatness hidden in plain sight.

Lin Tianqiu, having finished one serving, bought another.

He was already full, but this one was for his coworkers. After all, he had been sent on an important mission—to hunt for food.

And he was confident that this fried rice wouldn’t disappoint them.

*

Back at the office, his colleagues were starving, waiting impatiently.

Lin Tianqiu had been gone for nearly half an hour. Everyone anxiously peered toward the door.

Finally, after much anticipation, he returned, holding a takeout box high.

“Guys, I brought back fried rice!”

His coworkers: “???”

Fried rice?

Who eats fried rice first thing in the morning?!

Besides, there were four of them, and he only brought back one serving? Not cool!

They had waited so long—this fried rice had better be Michelin-star-worthy.

But the moment they took a bite, all their complaints and doubts vanished into thin air.

The four exhausted, sleep-deprived colleagues each grabbed a spoon, huddled around the takeout box, and took turns eating. With every bite, they were overwhelmed with emotion.

“This is amazing… I feel like I have a reason to live again!”

“Yeah, I was so done after last night’s overtime… But after this, I think I can push through a little longer…”

“It’s like my cold, lifeless body is finally warming up—sob sob.”

“Why did you only buy one?! This is so good—I could eat two portions by myself!”

Hearing their protests, Lin Tianqiu scratched his head sheepishly.

“One serving costs fifty yuan… I didn’t have enough money.”

Fifty yuan?!

Yeah… that was kind of expensive.

But as they looked down at the now-empty box, they realized—this level of deliciousness? The price was totally justified.

Life is short—enjoy the good things while you can!

Without hesitation, wallets in hand, the group rushed downstairs.

They didn’t care about anything else. Eating was the top priority!

*

Rewind to the previous evening.

7 PM, outside the south gate of Beijing University.

A huge crowd was gathered, eagerly waiting.

They weren’t here for just anything.

They were waiting for Jian Yunlan’s wontons—the wontons they had been dreaming about!

But—

Where was Boss Jian?!

Why hadn’t he shown up?!

Li Yun hesitantly spoke up, “I think the boss once mentioned… he’d only be setting up his stall here for a week…”

A week had passed. Which meant… the stall was gone.

Everyone’s eyes widened in shock and disbelief.

“Boss Jian isn’t setting up the stall anymore?!”

“Or did he move somewhere else?!”

“Nooo, I can’t accept this! How am I supposed to live without Boss Jian’s wontons?!”

“I woke up, and it feels like the sky has collapsed… QAQ”

Due to the overwhelming popularity from the past week, many other street food vendors had returned to the south gate, hoping to attract the same crowd.

The new vendors carefully started promoting their food.

“Grilled squid, anyone? Eight yuan per skewer, two for ten!”

“Takoyaki, fresh and delicious takoyaki~”

But the students, professors, and school staff all gazed at them with deep disappointment.

Once you’ve tasted paradise, nothing else compares…

Nearby, Ning Sheng’s eyelashes were damp, his dark eyes filled with sorrow.

He looked toward the direction where Boss Jian used to set up his stall, his entire body radiating an aura of despair so intense it seemed tangible.

Boss Jian… no matter where you go, I will find your food stall. Forever… forever…