An Unexpected Encounter (Part One)

"What's a betting contest?" Lin Xin asked curiously. "What is that?"

"It seems you don't know, sir. There's been an event these past few days. The owner announced that whoever can accurately identify exactly how many spices are in our meat soup will have all their food and drink here today waived. Of course, nothing may be packed to go, and only one person may participate."

The waiter explained.

Lin Xin looked around and, sure enough, saw many people gathered around the middle of the restaurant ahead. Voices drifted out from within from time to time. Every so often, the crowd would erupt in thunderous applause. It was exceedingly lively.

Looking across the entire first floor, those who had come to watch the excitement and gotten hungry simply bought some cheap sweet rice-ball wine soup here.

Lin Xin rather admired the restaurant owner. Such a marketing tactic was already remarkably impressive in this day and age. On the surface, it was meant to give back to customers, but in truth, it drew more crowds and boosted the restaurant's reputation, while also allowing them to make a small profit from the flow of people.

He did not go join the excitement. Instead, he found a table nearby, sat down, and had the waiter come over to take his order.

"Our signature dishes include Mutton Yam Mushroom Soup, Assorted Vegetables, Dew Lamb Tripe, Red and Prosperous, Special Sauce Glazed Meat, Four Seasons Like Spring, Crispy Flower Basket, Hand-Pulled Mutton, Fish-Fragrant Eggplant..."

The waiter rattled off a string of dish names in one breath.

Lin Xin grew impatient just listening and waved a hand.

"Two home-style stir-fries, one serving of the signature mushroom soup, and two jin of rice."

"Right away." The waiter did not waste words and went off to arrange it.