CHAPTER 35: CHAPTER 35: HELP! THERE’S A GREEN TEA BITCH HERE!

What just happened was merely a small episode for Wang Fan.

Having grown up under the red flag and raised in the spring breeze, he endured many hardships from a young age but always maintained goodwill toward the world.

The roads on the Fifth Ring sometimes have a peculiar nature; traffic can suddenly get congested, yet at times, it clears up unexpectedly.

Naturally, Wang Fan didn’t want to miss this opportunity and sped at 80 mph, finally arriving at the Tiantongyuan Community a little past 7 o’clock.

What surprised him even more was that there were even more stalls at night than in the morning, with a wider variety of goods.

A large number of workers had already dragged their tired bodies back, looking dejected like frostbitten eggplants.

There were fewer stalls in the evening than in the morning because after a day of hard work, the workers preferred to treat themselves to better meals. Just outside this street lay a series of small restaurants offering quality food at reasonable prices, attracting a large number of workers.

Also, those in the breakfast business had to start working at 2 or 3 in the morning, and few had the energy to work nonstop into the afternoon.

This allowed Wang Fan to snag a spot near the entrance of the community.

Next to Wang Fan was a middle-aged guy in his forties selling fried skewers, about 170 cm tall, with a scruffy beard and wearing a military coat, which made him look somewhat similar to Wang Fan.

Seeing Wang Fan, he cheerily greeted him: "Hey, little brother, you look new. Just started here?"

Qian Mo had been working here for over five years and knew almost all the regulars.

Wang Fan politely responded, "Yes, I am new here."

Qian Mo looked at the large box Wang Fan was moving and remarked in surprise, "Hey, little brother, what are you selling that requires such a big box?"

Indeed, Wang Fan’s box was quite large, a rectangular prism measuring one meter by eight-tenths by eight-tenths, making it quite eye-catching. Moreover, the system-produced food preservation box could hold contents far beyond what its size suggested it could.

"I’m selling Steamed Buns."

Qian Mo chuckled, casually lighting a cigarette, "No wonder you’re new here. It’d be difficult to sell those buns at night; they’d sell better in the morning."

Wang Fan asked curiously, "Why is that?"

Business was slow then, and Qian Mo was bored, so he welcomed having someone to chat with and opened up his chatterbox.

"Ah, that’s all from experience. I’ve been doing this here for over five years. I’ve sold everything from pancakes, burgers to pies. They’re all based on my experiences, and I usually don’t share them with others. It’s because I find you agreeable that I’m giving you these pointers."

"These office workers returning home in the evening, after a full day’s work, want to eat something good. So, their targets are mostly those small restaurants. For street food stalls like ours, we have to offer something greasy and flavorful that captures their senses. Your Steamed Buns might stand a chance in the morning, but they won’t have a market at night."

As he spoke, Qian Mo took a deep drag from his cigarette, finishing off the half-length stick in one go.

Wang Fan thought what the man said made sense, but since he was already there, he might as well try selling anyway.

"You have a point. It seems I didn’t think it all through, but since I’m already here, I’ll sell whatever I can."

Qian Mo nodded, "You have a good attitude, but don’t get your hopes up. The higher the hopes, the greater the disappointment."

Wang Fan nodded and fell silent, as he wasn’t typically a talkative person.

Seeing Wang Fan not much of a talker, Qian Mo didn’t push it either. He pulled out his phone to watch a livestream. Fashionably dressed women on the screen were sweetly calling out "brother" while dancing exuberantly, leaving Qian Mo all grins.

...

...

Chen Xuanxuan came back from work, reluctantly dragging someone along.

"I say, Zhang, the goddess, you saw there was no Steamed Bun stall this morning, so why are you coming home with me?"

Zhang Yue chuckled, "Isn’t it because those buns you bought were delicious? You only let me have 10 at noon as if it cost you your life. I didn’t have enough. I’m considering staying at your place tonight so I can check out tomorrow morning for buns. I want 30 then!"

Chen Xuanxuan looked at her suspiciously, asking, "Are you really not staying because I mentioned the bun stall owner is handsome, and you shamelessly want to stay over?"

Zhang Yue immediately protested her innocence, "Heaven knows, am I that kind of person? In our media company, which handsome guy haven’t I seen? Why would I travel all the way here!"

Chen Xuanxuan scoffed, "Oh, please, with those pretty boy types in our company, can they catch the eye of the great goddess Zhang?"

As they talked, they soon arrived at the community entrance.

At this time, Zhang Yue suddenly tugged at Chen Xuanxuan’s sleeve urgently, "Xuanxuan, Xuanxuan! Look at 3 o’clock direction, there’s a handsome guy!"

Following the gaze to 3 o’clock, Chen Xuanxuan’s eyes lit up, grabbing Zhang Yue’s hand, she started running.

Yanked by the hand, Zhang Yue stumbled, nearly falling, "Take it easy, sis! Be classy!"

Chen Xuanxuan said as she ran, "Classy, my foot! That’s the bun seller I told you about. You let me have only a few buns at noon. Tonight, I wanna eat 50!"

Zhang Yue exclaimed in delight, "Really? Oh wow, this trip wasn’t in vain after all."

With that, she quickly sped up. She too had been craving those buns all afternoon.

From afar, Qian Mo saw someone running towards them and quickly put away his phone, rubbing his face. At this time of night, anyone was sure to head for his fried skewers. There was no way anyone would want to eat Steamed Buns this late.

"Haha, young brother, I’m about to make my first sale. Oh hey, two pretty girls, they are so good-looking."

Everyone enjoys looking at beautiful women, and Wang Fan was no exception. When he looked up, he realized the girls were the same ones who praised his skills in the morning.

As the two girls got closer, Qian Mo couldn’t wait to speak, "Ladies, what would you like to eat?"

Without even turning her head, Chen Xuanxuan replied, "Next time for sure."

Then turned to Wang Fan in excitement, "Buns, buns, I want buns! Give me 50 buns!"

Wang Fan laughed at this, "Miss, can you finish all that?"

Chen Xuanxuan patted her stomach, the sound of her hand hitting her down jacket made a "thump, thump" sound.

"Don’t be fooled by my slim figure. I have a big appetite. I missed out on a few because of this idiot at noon, and tonight I must make up for it."

She then nudged Zhang Yue with her elbow and asked, "How many do you want?"

But to her surprise, the nudge made Zhang Yue softly exclaim, "Ouch, that hurts, Xuanxuan, be gentle."

Then shyly, she quietly said to Wang Fan, "I have a smaller appetite, just two for me will do."

Having spoken to Wang Fan, she turned to Chen Xuanxuan, "Xuanxuan, eating so much at night isn’t good for your stomach. Take it easy."

Her voice was as soft as a falling feather, making one’s heart itch.

But Chen Xuanxuan was shivering with goosebumps.