Indeed, within a few hours of the video's ascent to the pinnacle of popularity, the diminutive novice village in the northern district began to swell with an increasing number of visitors. The teleportation array flickered with light as an array of luxurious flying contraptions glided into the village.
"Brother, do you know where I can purchase golden egg fried rice?"
"Hey, friend, where can I buy golden egg fried rice?"
Such inquiries proliferated, as Zhao Shen's stall had already garnered a modest reputation within the village. With this surge of curiosity, the number of eager diners only continued to grow, effectively "surrounding" his stall.
…
While there were numerous onlookers, few were willing to make a purchase, especially since the item attributes were not displayed at the stall. The true effectiveness could only be discerned through tasting.
Yet, the enthusiasm of Zhao Shen's loyal customers could not be hindered by the crowd.
"Hey, you up front, are you buying or not? If not, step aside! I've been waiting forever!" The impatient youth in sportswear exclaimed, frantically glancing at the long line.
"Indeed, why are there so many people today!" An elderly gentleman conversed with several familiar patrons, their faces flushed with anticipation.
"Old man, you may not know, but Zhao Shen's stall has become a sensation! It was featured in a video and is currently ranked first!" Achar enthusiastically explained to the elderly man.
Ultimately, spurred on by the loyal customers, others began to sample the offerings, resulting in a cacophony of astonished exclamations.
"Wow, it really does boost attack power by ten percent! But the flavor is even more exhilarating than the attribute increase!"
"Damn, it's actually true! I'm going to become a regular in this novice village!"
"If golden egg fried rice can enhance attack power by ten percent, what about the others? Will they be even more delectable? Apologies, I am utterly captivated by this culinary delight."
"Mmm, mmm... ah... mmm, ah, ah, mmm... Goodness, this dish delivers critical hits!"
…
In an instant, Zhao Shen found himself engulfed in a tide of patrons, reminiscent of a massive clearance sale, yet fortunately, no stampedes occurred.
In response, Zhao Shen chose to quietly acclimate, turning a deaf ear to the surrounding noise as he focused on preparing golden egg fried rice in the system's culinary space. As a chef deity, the accolades of the moment would be plentiful in the future; how could he allow such trivial matters to unsettle him?
"Ding! As the Culinary Deity, you have successfully showcased your prestige; you have been rewarded with 1 point of prestige."
The throng began to dwindle in the evening, for night travel is fraught with difficulty. At this hour, only those willing to spend on teleportation fees would remain.
However, a significant shift in mindset had occurred among many; initially drawn by the allure of attributes, after sampling Zhao Shen's dishes, they discovered that the exquisite flavors were even more enticing than the bonuses.
By nightfall, after a grueling day of business that left Zhao Shen with sore muscles and aching legs, he checked his task and was astonished to find he had completed 769 out of 1000 servings.
With just over two hundred more servings required to complete the task, it was evident that numerous individuals had ventured here today in search of golden egg fried rice.
Zhao Shen felt content, as completing the golden egg fried rice task would elevate him by two levels, bringing him to level nine. In Life Simulation, every profession experiences a significant advancement upon reaching level ten, not only enhancing attributes but also acquiring unique profession-specific skills.
"I've heard that reaching level ten grants a hidden ultimate technique. I wonder what mine will be—a new dish? A new cooking technique? New ingredients?"
Zhao Shen mused silently to himself, pondering the approach of level ten.
…
However, it seemed that some of today's visitors were mere pawns; the true heavyweights would likely arrive the following day, prompting him to worry for his own safety.
"System, what happens if the Culinary Deity is threatened?" Talented individuals in novels often face oppression in their youth; as a distinguished chef deity, surely the system should provide some protection?
When facing problems, one typically reaches out to customer service or a GM; these two statements are invariably true. However, in the world of Life Simulation, where everything is automated, neither option was available, forcing Zhao Shen to direct his inquiries at his culinary profession system.
After waiting for ages, the system offered no response whatsoever, completely disregarding Zhao Shen…
"Seriously, don't you care about the Culinary Deity's well-being?"
System notification: "Host's bodily functions are operating normally and show no anomalies. If you wish to improve your physical condition, you may exchange prestige points for rewards."
"Come on, I meant what if someone coerces me into becoming their personal chef?" Zhao Shen was left speechless; was this truly artificial intelligence? It felt almost inept.
Culinary Deity Prestige: "In Life Simulation, who can rival you? Who dominates the vast continent? When your prestige is challenged and your dignity insulted, rise and battle with your frying pan!"
"Please tell me how I can protect myself; I'm a chef, not someone who should constantly fight with a frying pan!" Zhao Shen remained exasperated, realizing that the system was merely toying with him, evading his questions without offering any guidance on how to handle such troubles.
After a lengthy pause, the system continued to ignore him.
"You win." Zhao Shen relinquished any hope, recognizing that communicating with the culinary system was merely an exercise in self-torture, a lesson he had learned time and again.
…
The following day, Zhao Shen rose early, eager to complete his task and swiftly reach level ten. In the past, reaching level ten had felt like a distant dream, but now that he could attain level nine by completing the task, anticipation for the imminent advancement grew within him.
"Ah? Boss Zhao, you're up so early again today! It seems like the sun has risen from the west these past few days."
To his surprise, there were those who had arrived even earlier, a group of regulars eagerly queuing for his culinary delights. The sudden influx of customers the previous day necessitated their preparation.
Of course, those waiting were merely adopting a "let's see" attitude, as Zhao Shen's operating hours were never fixed; if they could catch him, great, but if not, they could always catch up on some rest. What Dou Dou had wished to accomplish had already been undertaken by others.
"Hmm, the weather is pleasant today," Zhao Shen nodded and remarked.
"Weather? Boss Zhao, you're quite humorous! In Flame Village, aside from the sun blazing in the sky at night, how could there be any variance in weather? Speaking of which, do serve me two Ice Ling Snow Silkworm Buns to cool off!" One patron, familiar with the refreshing nature of the buns, interjected.
"Indeed, Boss Zhao, please bring me two Ice Ling Snow Silkworm Buns! In this sweltering heat so early in the morning, it's unbearable to be drenched in sweat before dawn!" Someone else chimed in, and soon, a chorus of voices rose as everyone clamored for the delightful buns.
"Boss, I want some too! I'll take an Ice Ling Snow Silkworm Bun and the fervent red lotus noodles! An icy dish followed by a fiery one is heavenly!" This suggestion ignited a fervor among the crowd.
Once the excitement had subsided and everyone had voiced their desires, Zhao Shen slowly responded, "I'm sorry, but this morning, I only have golden egg fried rice."