Chapter 26
After all the hustle and bustle, by the time Jian Yunlan got home, it was already close to ten o’clock.
So tired.
He had set up his food stall twice today—once in the morning and once in the evening. Even with his natural superhuman strength buff, Jian Yunlan was exhausted.
Tired, but happy!
There was nothing more joyful in this world than running a food stall!
Humming a little tune, he returned to the villa, plopped onto the sofa, and leaned back comfortably—
—Right onto a firm, solid shoulder.
Taotie was wearing loungewear, his silver hair loosely tied up in a small bun at the back of his head. He was sitting cross-legged on the couch, his golden eyes half-lidded in lazy indifference. The dim glow of a small night lamp was the only source of light in the living room.
Because Taotie was half-reclining on the couch, Jian Yunlan hadn’t noticed him. So when he casually sat down, he nearly ended up sitting on Taotie.
Taotie didn’t move away. Instead, he looked at him with great interest. “Are you taking advantage of me?”
“This lord is so devastatingly handsome. It’s only natural that you would desire me.”
With that, Taotie made a show of undoing his buttons, revealing his toned chest bit by bit. His bronze skin contrasted against the scattered strands of silver hair…
Jian Yunlan: “…Put some clothes on!”
Any more and this scene wouldn’t make it past censorship!
Jian Yunlan somehow pulled out a down jacket from somewhere and firmly wrapped Taotie in it, zipping it all the way up.
And so, the seductive, silver-haired, dark-skinned beauty was transformed into a warm and practical-looking family man.
Taotie: “…”
“This is no fun,” Taotie scoffed.
For the past few days, Taotie had been trying to find a weakness in Jian Yunlan.
As long as he could find a flaw, some leverage, he could turn the tables and take control of the situation.
At that point, he could demand whatever food he wanted, and this human would have no choice but to obediently cook for him!
But unfortunately, even after several days, Jian Yunlan remained utterly unshakable.
He had no interest in money, power, or fame. Even when Taotie lowered his pride and tried to seduce him, Jian Yunlan remained completely unfazed.
All he cared about was that damn food stall!
How could such a human exist? Taotie simply couldn’t understand.
He was Taotie, an ancient beast of gluttony.
A single breath from him could wipe out an entire city; a single bite could swallow a whole kingdom.
Countless kings and warriors had exhausted all means to offer sacrifices and prayers, just for a mere glance of his favor.
Many would envy Jian Yunlan for being Taotie’s master.
And what did Jian Yunlan do?
He made the mighty Lord Taotie buy groceries, run a food stall, and manage the queue of customers!
He even put a dog leash on him!
“This is outrageous,” Taotie growled.
These humans had been living in peacetime for too long. They actually dared to disrespect Lord Taotie?!
Jian Yunlan was one thing, but even other humans…
Absolutely ridiculous!
Taotie glared at his phone screen, his expression filled with fury.
Seeing this, Jian Yunlan grew curious and leaned over to check what he was watching—
On the screen, a currently trending xianxia drama was playing. Ming Ruogui starred as a celestial goddess, paired with a popular young male lead.
The reason Taotie was watching this drama was because the butler had told him—Taotie was an important character in the show.
So, naturally, Taotie eagerly tuned in.
And then he discovered…
It was all lies.
At first, his character was portrayed as a fearsome beast, terrorizing the world. But then the protagonist appeared, and the heroine subdued him… with a single steamed bun.
Just like that, Taotie willingly joined the protagonist’s team—as their mount.
A mount!
What an absolute humiliation!
“With just a flick of my finger, I could wipe out this entire realm. The whole world should be trembling at my feet,” Taotie fumed, sleeves flaring with anger. “And yet, they dare claim that a single steamed bun could tame me? Utter nonsense!”
Jian Yunlan: “Speaking of which, I made some cumin-grilled steamed buns for lunch today. Want some?”
Taotie’s expression changed instantly.
He had been eyeing those buns all afternoon—golden and glistening with oil, crispy from the grilling, steaming hot, sprinkled generously with cumin and red chili powder…
The noble golden pupils gleamed with anticipation.
Taotie looked at Jian Yunlan expectantly.
“Stop wasting time, human. Bring them to me, now.”
Jian Yunlan smiled slightly. “Call me ‘Master.’”
Without hesitation, Taotie immediately said, “Master.”
Adaptability was key.
Two fluffy, silver ears even appeared atop his head, twitching back and forth in excitement.
Jian Yunlan: “…”
Jian Yunlan watched as Taotie clutched the plate of grilled steamed buns, happily munching away, carefree and content.
Who was it just now, saying that taming the great Taotie with a mere steamed bun was ridiculous?
Taotie: munch munch munch.
Jian Yunlan: “Lord Taotie, what happened to your grand plan of conquering humanity? Didn’t you say you’d make the human world tremble beneath your might?”
Taotie: “We’ll discuss it after dinner.”
Such trivial matters were of no concern.
Eating was the top priority!
Jian Yunlan: The story of how I saved the human world with a single plate of grilled steamed buns.
*
The Next Day, 4 AM.
It was time for another joyful trip to buy groceries.
Dressed in his pajamas and yawning, Jian Yunlan sat up in bed, slowly contemplating where to go for groceries today.
Last night’s lemon ham fried rice had given him inspiration.
Today, he wanted to make a simple yet delicious homestyle dish: Chinese Sausage Fried Rice.
The ingredients were straightforward—green onions, ginger, garlic, and Chinese sausage. The choice of vegetables was flexible: potatoes, shiitake mushrooms, or other greens.
But the Chinese Sausage itself was a problem.
Sichuan-style Chinese sausage could be used, but its strong numbing spice flavor was quite niche. It tasted great, but it could easily overpower the entire fried rice, stealing the spotlight.
So, the best choice was the Cantonese-style sweet and savory Chinese Sausage.
Just thinking about Cantonese Chinese Sausage woke Jian Yunlan right up.
Back when he studied in Nanyue, he had traveled across the entire province trying different foods. The best Chinese Sausage he had ever tasted came from a tiny shop tucked away in an alley near his university—a century-old store that refused to franchise or do bulk sales. Every sausage was handcrafted, and the taste was out of this world.
But now, in this different dimension, he wasn’t sure if that little shop still existed.
Even if it did, there was no way he could fly across half of China in the middle of the night just to buy sausages!
Jian Yunlan was troubled.
When he shared his dilemma with Taotie, the silver-haired beast yawned lazily. “That’s an easy fix.”
He reached out and lightly tapped Jian Yunlan’s forehead with his fingertip.
At that moment, Jian Yunlan felt the air around him shift rapidly. A slight sense of weightlessness swept over him—like he was on an airplane.
The next second, he was standing right in front of the little shop, “Chen’s Chinese Sausage.”
A large red and gold signboard hung above the shop. People bustled by, and the store had just opened for the morning.
Jian Yunlan: “???”
Wait a minute. Did he just time-travel?!
The shop owner, Old Chen, stepped outside. Seeing Jian Yunlan, his eyes lit up in surprise. “Oi, long time no see, kid! You flew back here for a visit?”
Jian Yunlan had moved north after graduation, but back in the day, he was a regular customer. The old man still remembered the handsome young student.
“Old Chen, it’s been a while.” Jian Yunlan was overwhelmed with emotion. Was he inside a memory, or had he returned to the same timeline in his original world?
But there was no time for sentimental thoughts. Buying groceries was the priority.
“Old Chen, I need to buy some Chinese Sausage.”
The shop lights flickered on. The ceiling fan hummed as it started spinning. The owner waved him over, saying, “Pick whatever you like. Since you’re an old customer, I’ll give you a discount.”
Rows of Chinese sausages hung in the display case, each glistening with a rich, deep red hue. The marbled fat was evenly distributed, and a fragrant, savory aroma filled the air—a signature scent of Cantonese preserved meats, carrying hints of rice wine and sweetness.
Jian Yunlan’s Chef’s Eye activated. A soft purple glow enveloped the sausages, and a floating text appeared:
[Premium Grade – Top Tier]
This was the best of the best among premium ingredients.
Jian Yunlan was thrilled and started picking sausages like a kid in a candy store. He ended up buying enough for 100 servings of fried rice—so much that a plastic bag couldn’t hold them all. Old Chen had to give him a whole box instead.
“You’re buying this much? What for?” Old Chen was stunned. In the past, Jian Yunlan would only buy a small portion for personal use.
Jian Yunlan puffed out his chest proudly. “I’m a street food stall owner now!”
Old Chen: “…Congratulations?”
Was this something young people considered worth celebrating these days?
Old Chen was confused.
But Jian Yunlan didn’t overthink it.
After thanking him, he was about to leave when Old Chen suddenly called him back.
“I’ve got some shiitake mushrooms here too. Take them with you—no charge.”
The old man handed him a bag full of fresh shiitake mushrooms.
Back when Jian Yunlan was still a student, he often bought mushrooms from this shop. But during his last visit before graduation, they had sold out before he could get any.
After graduating and leaving Nanyue, he never returned.
“This is just a little something from me,” Old Chen scratched his head with a smile. “Who knows when you’ll be back next time?”
Jian Yunlan was deeply moved.
He never expected that after all these years, Old Chen still remembered that time when he couldn’t buy shiitake mushrooms.
He accepted the mushrooms. “Thank you, Uncle Chen. Wishing you great business!”
Old Chen waved his hand. “You too, kid. Live well and be happy!”
He watched as Jian Yunlan walked out the door and disappeared from sight.
Lifting his insulated tea cup, Old Chen reminisced.
He remembered this young man well. Back when Jian Yunlan was a student, he was an outstanding and hardworking student, landing an enviable job offer at a prestigious company early on. But back then, Old Chen had never seen him truly happy.
Despite his youth and good looks, Jian Yunlan always seemed weighed down by life, his posture hunched as if burdened by an invisible pressure.
But today, when he returned, he was completely different. He said he was running a street food stall now? He must really love his work.
Because Jian Yunlan looked happy. Fulfilled. Content.
And that was great!
Young people should be like this.
The ones burdened by life should only be the middle-aged folks like him.
Old Chen took a sip of his kung fu tea, smiling in satisfaction.
*
On the Other Side
The moment Jian Yunlan stepped out of the shop, he found himself walking straight into his family’s villa—as if two separate worlds had been forcibly stitched together. But when he turned around, the “Chen’s Chinese Sausage” sign had vanished.
Taotie had already gone back to his room to sleep, making no attempt to explain what had just happened.
Jian Yunlan muttered, “He’s really something else.”
But… perhaps this kind of time-travel magic was incredibly draining? Maybe Taotie needed extra sleep to recover?
Instead of overthinking it, Jian Yunlan carried his precious Chinese Sausage and mushrooms into the kitchen, humming a tune.
He was thrilled to have finally bought Uncle Chen’s sausages again. He believed this time-traveling delicacy would surely surprise his customers!
He washed the mushrooms and soaked them in warm water, then began the long process of washing and chopping ingredients.
Even though fried rice was made fresh on the spot, prepping everything in advance would save valuable time during business hours.
Jian Yunlan diced the Chinese Sausage, chopped the shiitake mushrooms and onions, and neatly sorted them into containers.
In the blink of an eye, it was already 8:30 AM.
Time to head out!
*
9:00 AM – Outside Yuanzhou Group Headquarters
By the time Jian Yunlan arrived, a small line had already formed at his usual spot.
Yuanzhou Group employees were there, including Lin Tianqiu and his colleagues, who were swamped with work again. But despite their exhaustion, their will to eat fried rice remained unshaken. Lin Tianqiu, in particular, was standing in line while balancing his laptop and working on a PowerPoint presentation, earning everyone’s silent respect.
Other street food stall owners were also in the queue. Even their customers knew the unspoken rule—from 9:00 to 9:30 AM, no other vendors would be selling. That time slot belonged exclusively to Jian Yunlan’s fried rice.
As soon as he arrived, the crowd cheered and surged forward, practically clawing at his cart:
“Boss is here!”
“I can’t wait any longer—I need fried rice now! What’s today’s special?”
“Godfather! You promised to save us two portions yesterday—did you remember? QAQ”
The last plea came from Bei Shi and Zhang Mo, who stood hand in hand. Bei Shi had even pinned a small white veil to her hair—a not-so-subtle reminder that Jian Yunlan still owed them their ‘wedding gift’ from yesterday.
Jian Yunlan chuckled, “Of course, I remember. But stop calling me ‘Godfather.'”
“You two don’t need to line up. Just wait on the side—I’ll cook yours first.”
A wave of jealousy and resentment immediately swept through the crowd.
Damn lucky newlyweds!
Among the queue was Ming Ruogui.
Yesterday, she had intended to get fried rice early but was suddenly called away for a last-minute job. By the time she rushed back to Yuanzhou Group, it was already past 10 AM.
Jian Yunlan had long since sold out and left.
Today, she refused to make the same mistake. She cleared her entire morning schedule, ensuring that nothing—absolutely nothing—could get in the way of her fried rice mission. She even drove her least conspicuous car and arrived quietly.
Watching Bei Shi and Zhang Mo enjoy their newlywed privileges, Ming Ruogui’s eyes burned with envy.
But it wasn’t because she envied their love.
No, screw romance.
She envied their fried rice.
Fried rice was her lifeline.
And that traitor Bei Shi had secretly secured an advantage behind her back?!
After all these years of friendship and mutual support—was their bond worth nothing?!
Damn it!
“Today’s special is Chinese Sausage & Shiitake Mushroom Fried Rice—50 yuan per serving.
Limited to 100 servings only, one per person. Thanks for your support!”
With that, Jian Yunlan heated up the wok and started cooking the first batch of fried rice.
Today’s fried rice was a little different from before.
He started by sautéing finely chopped, translucent onions over medium heat, releasing a special fragrant aroma that spread through the air. Then, he added shiitake mushrooms and Chinese Sausage—the beautifully marbled red-and-white sausage sizzled at the bottom of the wok, its fat rendering into the pan, bubbling and glistening temptingly.
Next, he poured in his pre-prepared sauce, letting its rich color soak into the mushrooms and sausage before adding fluffy rice. The rice absorbed the sauce evenly, coating itself with the umami of shiitake mushrooms, the richness of Chinese Sausage fat, and the smoothness of the sauce—each grain now glistening with flavor and releasing an irresistible aroma.
This fried rice was practically lethal with how good it smelled!
The first batch was for Bei Shi and Zhang Mo.
For everyone else who had to wait, it was pure torture.
Ming Ruogui’s eyes practically glowed green with envy as she stared at the sizzling pan.
Soon, the first two servings were ready. Jian Yunlan scooped the rice into heart-shaped takeout boxes that seemed to appear out of nowhere, spreading the fried rice evenly at the bottom.
“Wishing you both a happy marriage and eternal love!”
Bei Shi and Zhang Mo were overjoyed, holding hands as they accepted their meals, moved to the point of tears.
So thoughtful!
He had even prepared heart-shaped boxes just for them!
The crowd was losing their minds with jealousy—especially Wu Qiuhe, who regretted getting married too early and missing out on this perk!
As for Lin Tianqiu—a lifelong bachelor—he was seething with envy. Damn it, he had spent years ranting about marriage phobia and how he never wanted kids…
But… if getting married meant getting fried rice first…
Maybe it wasn’t such a bad deal?!
He knew it was a trap, but he was willing to walk right into it.
“Boss Jian, you better hide yourself well,” Lin Tianqiu dramatically clung to Jian Yunlan’s food cart, his eyes teary. “If the Spring Festival Gala organizers find you, they’ll force you to star in those pro-family skits about having three kids!”
Honestly, the National Family Planning Office might actually pull something like that.
Jian Yunlan: “…Is it really that serious?”
Meanwhile…
Ming Ruogui’s eyes were locked onto those two freshly served heart-shaped rice boxes.
Her jealousy twisted her face beyond recognition.
To stay low-key, she was in full disguise—wearing a mask, sunglasses, and a black trench coat, even tying her signature wavy hair into a tight bun.
She thought she had successfully blended in, but…
Her intimidating aura was impossible to hide.
And more importantly…
Who the hell dresses like this first thing in the morning?!
A person wearing sunglasses, a mask, and a trench coat at 9 AM was practically screaming “I am an important person!”
People in the queue were already sneaking glances at her.
Then, in a moment of emotional loss of control, Ming Ruogui accidentally yanked off her sunglasses, revealing her distinctive phoenix eyes.
The white-collar woman in front of her gasped, turned around, and blushed. “Y-You’re Ming Ruogui?! Sister Ming! I’m a huge fan!”
Ming Ruogui quickly put her sunglasses back on, a little flustered. “Shh! I’m not Ming Ruogui.”
She glanced around.
The people who had been secretly staring at her immediately looked away.
After making sure she hadn’t attracted more attention, Ming Ruogui leaned in, patted the fan’s shoulder, and whispered:
“If—just hypothetically—I were Ming Ruogui… If I gave you an autograph and took a picture with you… would you swap places with me?”
Moving one spot ahead meant getting fried rice faster.
Ming Ruogui stared at the fan expectantly.
The fan was overwhelmed with emotion. “Sister Ming, I’ve been watching your dramas since college!” She was touched—and then she flatly refused.
“But… I’d rather not trade spots.”
She smiled sweetly. “Sister Ming, I’ll always support you in my heart.”
…In her heart.
Not in her actions.
Because—this was Boss Jian’s fried rice.
Chasing idols was one thing, but priorities were priorities.
Ming Ruogui: “…”
Fake fan!
The fan, still thrilled about meeting her idol, couldn’t contain her excitement and whispered, “People have been saying they ran into you at this food stall, but I didn’t believe it. Turns out it’s true!”
“The paparazzi say you’re here to see CEO Gu, but I knew instantly—you’re actually here for Boss Jian. I mean, who could resist his fried rice?!”
She leaned in even closer. “Sister Ming, they say you begged Boss Jian to be your personal chef, even got down on your knees. Is that true?”
Ming Ruogui: “???”
Excuse me???
Yes, she had dramatically clung to Jian Yunlan’s leg while crying her heart out…
But she absolutely did NOT kneel!
Black rumors, all fabricated black rumors.
Ming Ruogui coughed lightly. “First of all, I am not Ming Ruogui.
“Secondly, Ming Ruogui did not kneel and beg him. She simply sat on the ground in sorrow, her eyes brimming with tears, and gracefully, beautifully invited Boss Jian to be her personal chef.”
The female office worker: “…”
What’s going on? There are so many unnecessary details and filters in this description.
Not far away, in an alley below the Yuanzhou Group building.
A camera was quietly set up.
Paparrazo Xiao Hou crouched behind the camera, adjusting the lens to focus tightly on the disguised Ming Ruogui.
With an earpiece stuffed in his ear, he adjusted the lens while whispering into the mic, “Trust me, today’s scoop is huge. That top-tier three-character actress—yes, the one whose xianxia drama just exploded in popularity—her secret romance with a two-character surname CEO of a major group. I’m following it live.”
“We’re about to get solid proof!”
In just ten minutes, the livestream had already attracted fifty to sixty thousand viewers, all drawn in by the title: “Top-tier three-character actress secretly meets major group CEO”.
Wasn’t this exactly the hot rumor about Ming Ruogui and Gu Xingzhou?
Xiao Hou had previously spotted Ming Ruogui near the Yuanzhou Group building by chance and immediately realized this was a golden opportunity.
Why would Ming Ruogui come to Yuanzhou Group?
Obviously, to secretly meet Gu Xingzhou!
[What if Sister Ming is really just here for fried rice?]—a bullet comment floated across the screen.
Xiao Hou saw the comment and shook his head.
Come on, be serious.
If Ming Ruogui wanted fried rice, she could eat at any Michelin-starred restaurant. Why would she come here for a street stall?
How could a street stall possibly be that enticing?!
“I, Hou Mianbao, am putting my words down here today. If Ming Ruogui is really just here to buy fried rice, I—I—”
“I’ll do a livestream eating @##?%???”
