While the city celebrated, Hao took a moment to check his progress on the system task. There were still more products to be sold before the task could be finished.
As for the spicy version of the instant noodles, it had been warmly welcomed to the store.
The time it landed in the hands of the cultivators, their reactions were nothing short of entertaining.
The fiery flavor hit them with an intense heat, making some pause, while others immediately reached for more.
Those used to enduring pain grinned as they swallowed, the spice adding a thrilling kick to their meal.
The noodles quickly became a favorite, especially among the younger crowd, who enjoyed the challenge of the heat.
However, the older cultivators weren’t so impressed. They preferred the original, familiar taste, arguing that the spice only masked the true flavor.
The debate quickly grew into a spirited discussion between the generations. Was the spicy version a new challenge to savor, or did the classic still reign supreme?
For now, a truce was reached, with both sides agreeing that each version had its place.
But the spicy instant noodles had certainly made their mark, sparking lively conversation and leaving a lasting impression.
Of course, Hao was a fan. Even if the only “mythical effect” he experienced was the burning hell that awaited him the next time he visited the restroom.
The days passed, and the regular customers continued to visit, but no new ones showed up. Hao, Kurome, and Mo Xixi remained busy with their daily jobs.
Life moved at a steady pace – just the regular cycle of selling and restocking.
But finally, after what felt like an eternity, Hao received a notification from the system.
He immediately checked it – the main task had been completed, and so had the first side task!
Hao claimed the reward. New products would be arriving soon – Peach Oolong Tea and Original Salted Potato Chips.
This was entirely new to the store, and Hao couldn’t help but feel a spark of excitement.
As for the last task… well, he still hadn’t found a potential store guardian to recruit. But that was for another day.
Hao had a tight sleep, the kind where he was half awake, half dreaming of new products.
He woke up early, rushing downstairs. The new cartons had arrived!
He jumped into unboxing mode. Hao tore open the first box, and there they were…
Bags of Original Salted Potato Chips!
The bags were pristine white, with “Potato Chips” boldly printed at the top. Just below it, in smaller letters, was “Original Salted.”
Towards the center, near the lower part of the bag, an illustration of thin, perfectly fried potato slices caught the eye. They were golden brown and crisped to perfection, each slice delicate and airy,
On the lower half of the bag, an illustration depicted thin, perfectly fried potato slices – golden brown and crisped to perfection.
Each slice appeared delicate and airy, with a light dusting of salt that shimmered enticingly.
The bag crinkled in Hao’s hand as he gave it a slight shake.
Crunch.
Something whispered in the back of his mind. The urge to tear the bag open, to indulge in the crispy, salty goodness inside.
One bite won’t hurt. You’ve waited long enough.
’Let’s check the oolong tea first.’ Hao resisted, pushing the temptation aside.
He moved over to the other box and opened it.
Inside, the cans of Peach Oolong Tea were neatly stacked. Just like the Cola and Lime Fizz cans, they were the same size and dimensions, but the design was completely different.
The can was a soft, pastel pink, almost like the color of a light sunset. The words “Peach Oolong Tea” were printed in bold, black letters across the center.
Below the text, an illustration of a ripe peach graced the can, its vibrant orange hue standing out against the soft pink backdrop.
Next to it, a halved peach was depicted, its white, juicy interior visible, with a delicate leaf resting beside it, completing the refreshing design.
Hao picked up one can of Peach Oolong Tea, rotating it. ’Never had this on Earth. But hey, looks like it’s gonna be pretty refreshing.’
The lingering burn of the spicy noodles from yesterday made his throat feel dry. He was thirsty, and this could be just what he needed.
Without waiting any longer, he cracked the can open.
A faint hiss escaped, but unlike the fizzy drinks he was used to, this one wasn’t carbonated. The smoothness of it made him feel relaxed, like a gentle breeze on a hot day.
Hao brought the can to his nose first, inhaling deeply. The delicate fragrance of peach and something floral filled his senses, not too strong, but enough to make him look forward to that first sip.
He raised the can to his lips and took a drink.
The taste hit him right away. It was a perfect balance between sweet and floral, but not overpowering.
The peach flavor wasn’t the overly sugary kind he had expected. Instead, it was subtle, almost like the fresh, natural taste of peach without that heavy sweetness.
The bitterness of the oolong tea blended perfectly with the peach essence, creating a smooth, calming sensation.
Hao squinted at the can design.
’This… could it be the white peach that makes it less sweet?’
’I’ve only ever had yellow peaches back on Earth. Maybe that’s why this one’s not as sugary?’
He took another sip, feeling the cool liquid slide down. The heat from the spicy noodles was long gone, replaced by the refreshing chill of the tea.
’This is good.’ Hao said with a satisfied smile. ’Not too sweet. Just right.’
’If all Peach Oolong Tea tastes like this, I’m in. I could get used to this.’
In fact, this could be his new substitute for the two sugary soft drinks he used to rely on. Forget Cola and Lime Fizz – this was the real deal now!
Setting the can aside, Hao reached for a bag of Original Salted Potato Chips.
Chips for breakfast? Who cares?
He was the store owner!
His thoughts shifted briefly to his parents,
would definitely lecture him if they saw him eating chips at this hour.
But what could they do? They weren’t here, so he could do whatever he wanted.