Wang Fan's heart at this moment was filled with mixed emotions.
He felt the joy of almost completing a task, but also the sadness of an impending goodbye.
Especially when he just arrived at Shuofeng Park, he saw a group of people already waiting there.
A fleeting thought of hesitation crossed his mind, why not just set up the stall here forever?
If he really continued here, earning a million a year wouldn't be just a dream; he might even be considered a top white-collar worker, right?
However...
Looking at the little wooden fish and the Treasure Chest, thinking about the magical effects of these two little items, he gave up on the idea.
Having finally gotten a magical solution, how can he give up just for an annual income of a million?!
With everyone's anticipation, Wang Fan quickly set up the stall.
The ones in the first place turned out to be Zhou Ruoqing and Shen Yu, with whom he had met a few times.
They weren't here because the morning's rice noodle rolls had been eaten by their boss, leaving them unsatisfied; it was rather because the rolls were so delicious in the morning, they were sent by their boss to buy some more.
The boss wanted to get some for his wife to try, and even offered them triple their wages for the task.
Having this clear opportunity to slack off made the two of them happy, and they lined up early in the afternoon.
Zhou Ruoqing said in that distinctive soft Southern accent: "Boss, two portions each of shrimp and scallop rice noodle rolls."
Then she pointed at Shen Yu: "This is our quota."
The boss specifically ordered the shrimp and scallop rice noodle rolls, so they both decided to stick with the same flavors that they liked.
Shen Yu said to the busy Wang Fan: "Boss, have you really not considered staying here? Look at the enthusiastic customers; you could finish early every day. Why do you have to move? If you move, you'll have to rebuild your reputation, isn't that a loss overall?"
Zhou Ruoqing echoed: "Exactly, exactly. If you move, where are we supposed to find such affordable and tasty rice noodle rolls?"
Wang Fan's tone held a hint of helplessness: "Mainly, there are some family matters I need to handle, and after that, I might not live here anymore. So there's no choice; I'll have to take things step by step when the time comes."
Wang Fan indeed felt a bit helpless, but not because of what he said, but because he couldn't talk to anyone about his system.
If word got out, he'd likely be sent to the 'Special Human Research Center' for scientists to study him.
Zhou Ruoqing and Shen Yu sighed in disappointment and had to take their rice noodle rolls and leave.
The two were about to return to the company when Shen Yu stopped Zhou Ruoqing.
"No, let's finish eating before going back."
Zhou Ruoqing asked in confusion: "Why? Don't you feel cold?"
Shen Yu rolled her eyes: "Did you forget how the boss devoured our breakfast this morning?"
The image of Li Ru pigging out that morning flashed in Zhou Ruoqing's mind, and she immediately held onto her box of rice noodle rolls tightly: "No way. If he dares to take even one bite, I'll fight him to the end!"
Shen Yu chuckled: "Exactly, so let's finish them off now and not give the boss any chance."
"Good plan!"
The two immediately agreed and found a bench in the park to sit down.
Eating the steaming rice noodle rolls while surrounded by snow-covered pines and cypresses created a unique ambiance.
Shen Yu put a piece of scallop rice noodle roll in her mouth and chewed happily, then said with a puzzled expression after swallowing: "It's so strange, it's the same flavor, but why does the afternoon one taste better than the morning one?"
Zhou Ruoqing looked surprised: "Ah Yu, you think so too? I thought it was just my imagination."
Shen Yu picked up another piece and looked closely: "There's no difference in the ingredients or texture, yet this one just tastes better in the afternoon. It's a feeling that's hard to describe."
Zhou Ruoqing pondered for a moment: "It's like... passion? The morning one is like an icy beauty - stunning but lacking something. The afternoon one is like a passionate aunt, tasting like... a mother's cooking?"
Shen Yu slapped her thigh: "Yes! That's it! The afternoon one is like it's made by a mom."
...
Wang Fan looked at the old man in front of his stall and asked with a smile: "Sir, what flavor would you like?"
The old man pointed at the shrimp and beef rice noodle rolls and said: "Give me one shrimp and one beef, please."
Then he grumbled: "That little brat, dared to trick an old man! Said 8 in the morning, but not a single one left at that time!"
This old man was none other than the one from the bus that day.
He was still so angry!
At first, he thought the young guy seemed nice, advising the elderly to come a bit later to avoid the crowd. But that sneaky little punk turned out to be just as sneaky!
When he arrived at 8 in the morning, the stall owner was just packing up to leave.
He then found out the rolls were usually sold out by 8.
It really made the old man furious!
In the queue, someone froze upon hearing this voice.
That voice sounded a bit familiar?
Qian Tong looked up and, lo and behold!
Isn't that the same old man who reported him that morning?
He felt not an ounce of guilt, thinking a tit for tat made them even. But, now if the old man recognized him, it might affect his ability to buy rice noodle rolls, and that wouldn't be worth it.
So, he tightened the hood on his down jacket, hiding himself in the crowd.
Let's not quibble with the elder!
Wang Fan noticed that quite a few old customers were lined up today; many were those who came on his first day of setting up the stall.
Zhang Wei looked at Wang Fan with a melancholic expression: "Boss, that's not fair. Just when my palate gets used to your flavors, you're leaving. What will I eat when I crave something like this in the future?"
Wang Fan smiled: "I'm sorry about that. Due to some reasons, I can't avoid leaving. But if there's a chance, I'll certainly come back."
Zhang Wei's eyes lit up: "It's a promise then. Rain or shine, I'll be waiting for you. One beef and one shrimp rice noodle roll, please."
The ones behind Zhang Wei almost all asked Wang Fan if he could stay when they reached the front, nearly making Wang Fan agree.
But if he stayed, he couldn't complete his system task, and without completing the system task, he'd only remain a small vendor working early and late for little profit. After all the effort to live anew, he had to rise up and enjoy the air of the wealthy, right?
This, this, and this three are not needed; pack up the rest for me!
That's something he wanted to say one day!
Thinking about saying things like this in the future, Wang Fan suddenly felt a renewed determination!
He absolutely couldn't skip completing the system task!