If even an inferior product can enhance attack power by 5 points, what does that imply for the future?
"Master, I must attend to some guild matters. I'll introduce you to two foodie friends at noon. With your remarkable talent, why not open a shop?" Mu Yichun suggested before departing, aware that his time was limited.
Zhao Shen, however, fell into deep contemplation. Opening a shop? It seemed a feasible idea! Yet, the matter of financing remained a challenge.
...
Having earned another 88 gold coins, Zhao Shen's inventory now contained a plate of Dragon's Saliva Rice and 132 gold coins. One of the advantages of simulation life is that Dragon's Saliva Rice retains its quality and flavor when stored.
After purchasing two additional portions of ingredients, he was left with 36 gold coins. Thus, Zhao Shen embarked on his Culinary Master duties.
Now, he had 98 servings remaining to complete his task.
Paying 15 gold coins, he entered the stall area, where the hourly fee of 5 gold coins left him hesitating for quite some time.
Finding a quiet corner in the bustling stall area, he promptly put up a sign declaring his rice for sale.
...
Before long, a young man clad in athletic wear strolled into the stall area. After glancing around, he spotted Zhao Shen in the corner. Hungry and not wanting to waste time at a restaurant, he sought a convenient food option in the stalls.
In simulation life, a player typically consumes around 10 points of hunger per hour. Falling below 20 plunges one into a state of emptiness, which, while not detrimental, is uncomfortable. However, dipping below 10 induces hunger, resulting in an 80% decrease in attributes. Falling below 5 leads to a weakened state, with a 50% reduction in attributes.
A single serving of rice generally restores about 30 points of hunger. Yet, very few would eat rice alone; it could be choking. Dragon's Saliva Rice was unique in its offerings.
In contrast to the myriad of goods at other stalls, the straightforward simplicity of "rice" caught the young man's attention.
"Boss, is it just rice you have? No other options?"
...
"Yes, that's correct," Zhao Shen replied succinctly.
"Alright then, I'll take a serving. It should cost around 2 gold coins, right?" The young man reached for two coins and offered them to Zhao Shen.
"Apologies, but I have a sign indicating that my rice is Dragon's Saliva Rice, not ordinary rice. It is priced at 88." Zhao Shen explained.
"What? Am I deaf, or have you lost your mind? 88 for a single serving of rice? There's no way premium rice costs that much! Foolishness abounds; rice is just rice, no need to embellish!" The young man exclaimed, deriding Zhao Shen.
"My rice is indeed unique, which justifies the price. Would you like to try a serving?" Zhao Shen maintained his composure, calmly facing the young man's ridicule.
Ignorance is bliss, but how many truly awake individuals exist in this world?
"Ha ha..."
The young man chuckled derisively at Zhao Shen, dismissing him as a fool. How could a serving of rice escalate from 2 gold coins to 88? What a joke! He wouldn't be foolish enough to pay such an exorbitant price!
...
Subsequently, the area surrounding Zhao Shen grew increasingly desolate, as it seemed none wished to associate with this foolish vendor.
"Have you heard? There's an idiot selling rice for 88 gold coins, claiming it's Dragon's Saliva Rice!"
"Indeed! No one will buy from him, even if he stands there all day. Why emulate a con artist, but with such low intelligence? Who would fall for this? There are no gullible fools left."
Zhao Shen felt increasingly disheartened; was the price truly excessive? If only they understood the quality of the materials and the effort that had gone into it! How many ordinary people could enjoy such delicacies?
This was food fit for the Qin Emperor! I offer you a taste of imperial cuisine across the ages!
Yet, he knew he could never explain all of this; even if he did, few would believe him. In the end, Zhao Shen could only endure the frustration. Not everyone was willing to spend 88 gold coins to indulge in life's pleasures.
Simplicity is key; an eye-catching location is paramount, a true standout.
As time passed, Zhao Shen welcomed a second visitor to his humble stall.
...
With little time to spare for dining, the pace of life in the bustling metropolis was frenetic, as his boss had already begun urging him to defeat bosses in-game.
A man dressed in business attire, exuding an air of confidence, glided into the stall area. This was the allure of simulation life; the diverse backgrounds allowed one to experience a taste of the extraordinary amid urban bustle.
In the blink of an eye, rivalries and grudges could erupt into a flurry of blades and sparks.
The professional man was a game white-collar worker, tirelessly responding to his boss's demands. Earning several thousand gold coins monthly, the burden of car and housing loans weighed heavily upon him, compelling him to strive ever harder!
After a grueling session in a dungeon, he had missed mealtime. Fortunately, his boss had generously awarded him a bonus of 200 gold coins, prompting him to hastily head to the market stall area in search of ready-made food. His boss had been urging him on; currently, the simulation industry's giants were racing to seize opportunities, so every moment counted.
In contrast to the throngs jostling at the market center, this spot felt remarkably sparse.
Stall name: Selling Rice.
"Boss, is it just rice you have?" the professional man inquired, furrowing his brow.
"It's Dragon's Saliva Rice," Zhao Shen corrected.
"How much for a serving?" the professional man asked.
"88 gold coins; the price is clearly marked," Zhao Shen replied with calm assurance.
The professional man saw the stated price of 88 gold coins but was taken aback; he had not anticipated it to be an actual price, rather than a misprint or perhaps meant to be 88 silver coins?
...
Zhao Shen's patience wore thin. He had little desire to explain himself to those who could not discern value; he found himself missing Mu Yichun.
"Are you out of your mind? Do you make your rice from gold?" the professional man retorted.
"Ha! Haven't you noticed how the area around him is empty? People steer clear of that fool, lest they catch his stupidity."
"Indeed, you're the second person to say he's insane. Come to my stall; I sell rice for just 3 gold coins."
The crowd at the stall area had effectively ostracized Zhao Shen, treating his stand as some sort of scam. What a farce—88 for a single serving? It would be a miracle if he sold even one today.
...
"You idiots! Do you have any idea how delicious my rice is? I am a Culinary Master!" Zhao Shen exclaimed in frustration, but his voice fell on deaf ears.
Task prompt: "A Culinary Master must begin with standards; only by possessing the highest standards can one attain the status of Culinary Master!"
"My rice increases attributes! It grants a 24-hour buff to attack power!" Zhao Shen insisted!
Task prompt: "A Culinary Master must begin with standards; only by possessing the highest standards can one attain the status of Culinary Master!"
"I bought a watch last year, along with a middle finger!" Zhao Shen lamented, utterly speechless.
Task prompt: "A Culinary Master must begin with standards; only by possessing the highest standards can one attain the status of Culinary Master!"
Shaking his head, it became clear that the task was far from what he had imagined. Even the act of promotion was beyond his reach. He wondered when he might sell these remaining 98 servings; surely he couldn't wait for Mu Yichun to return for 98 days straight!
He regarded the disdainful gazes of passersby.
The world may laugh at my madness, but I shall laugh at their inability to see! One day, you will line up to savor the rice I've crafted!