TL: Moonlit
Lin Su, apart from helping Su Jin select storefronts recently, has been spending the rest of his time making wine.
The mountain grapes and cherries, brought back from the Star Mist Forest, were transplanted into the ground, resulting in a large area filled with vibrant red cherry fruits and purple mountain grapes, embellishing the orchard. This decoration made the already lush courtyard beautiful and lively.
Lin Su brought jars to store the fermented wine in a cool place, waiting for it to mature.
The final location for the gourmet restaurant was ultimately determined in a town not far from Farm No. 13. It is an independent two-story building that used to be a clothing store. Due to its suitable size and location for opening a gourmet restaurant, it was bought by Lin Su.
They hired a decoration company to replace the original small windows with spacious floor-to-ceiling windows. They also created a small garden in front of the restaurant, with a square table covered in a white tablecloth and adorned with a bouquet of flowers.
When the warm sunlight shines through, the shop becomes bright, warm, and cozy.
Regarding the menu, Su Jin and Lin Su studied and finalized it, dividing it into stir-fries, stews, hot pots, barbecues, and desserts.
Originally, they couldn’t make desserts with their existing ingredients. However, during their last trip to the depths of the Star Mist Forest, Lin Su and Su Ge found black and white spotted cows and wheat seeds.
Through cultivation, they soon had edible flour and milk.
With this, they could even create desserts.
For this purpose, Lin Su specifically contacted a kitchenware manufacturer to customize a batch of baking machines.
On the first day the machines arrived, Lin Su made a strawberry cake1I didn’t put a picture since there’s a wide variety of designs for strawberry cakes T.T, and Xie Bai observed the whole process. He kept shouting for Lin Su to teach him how to make cakes, as this kind of beautiful and delicious cake is what a young female should learn in cooking.
Lin Su didn’t refuse. Xie Bai couldn’t compare to Su Jin and Bai Zhou in terms of culinary talent, but becoming a pastry chef would be a good option.
Lin Su taught him the process of making the cake, and the rest would be up to Xie Bai’s own practice.
News about the opening of Ai Su Gourmet Restaurant was exposed online, and after hearing about it, many eagerly awaited people mostly regretted not being born on North Star.
North Star, which was previously looked down upon and considered barren, has completely changed.
Shortly after news of the upcoming opening of Ai Su Gourmet Restaurant spread, the North Star government announced to the public that the first batch of purified fruits and vegetables will be harvested from the North Star fruit and vegetable cultivation base. North Star residents will be able to purchase fresh produce with natural elements at designated locations.
Although the current quantity cannot meet the needs of the entire population, it still enriches the majority of people’s dining tables to some extent.
Moreover, the North Star government has set new prices, which can be considered much more favorable compared to the previous expensive prices.
This allows more people to enjoy the deliciousness of fruits and vegetables.
Once this news was announced, a sense of pride emerged among the North Star residents. In the past, whenever they mentioned being from North Star, they would face varying degrees of disdain. Now, they hold their heads high, and countless people envy them for coming from North Star.
While natural fruits and vegetables have not yet become popular on the capital planet, North Star residents were the first to enjoy them.
Furthermore, in the near future, the empire’s first rehabilitation center for treating mental disorders will be built on North Star. This also means that North Star residents will be the first to benefit from this treatment.
For a while, there were a lot of sarcastic comments online.
[“When will Lord Lin Su come to the capital planet to develop? The capital planet has all kinds of facilities, and there are more opportunities here. Isn’t it appealing?”]
[“We strongly demand that the Governor of the Star Region invite Lord Lin Su. Perhaps Lord Lin Su would be interested in coming to our Star Region to develop!”]
[“Ah! Can we still have a chance to settle on North Star?”]
…
Even though such voices online grew louder and louder, it had no impact on Lin Su’s life whatsoever.
On the day of the restaurant’s opening, government officials from North Star, including Star Domain Chief Lei Sen, An Ye, and Minister Mu’en, as well as Zhao An and the Rock family, who had received treatment from Lin Su, were invited to celebrate.
After the news of Ai Su Gourmet Restaurant’s opening, the SpaceNet interview team, which had stayed for a long time, conducted a live broadcast of the opening.
When unfamiliar and delicious dishes were served, the viewers glued to the live stream went crazy.
They desperately inquired where they could book a seat at Ai Su Gourmet Restaurant.
After the opening, the restaurant officially entered the right track. To accommodate the guests who came for the food without waiting, they implemented a limited-time reservation system.
The restaurant operated from 2 PM to 10 PM each day. Guests who wanted to enjoy the food could make reservations in advance through the Ai Su Gourmet Restaurant’s official website and enter with their reservation number.
In the early stages of opening, Su Jin, Bai Zhou, and Xie Bai were extremely busy. No one had expected that North Star, a place like this, would have so many wealthy people.
Almost every day, from the opening to the closing time, the restaurant was packed with customers.
Fortunately, Kane’s breeding farm had started operating smoothly in advance, ensuring a continuous supply of ingredients, which allowed the restaurant to keep running.
Recently, Su Jin came back home happily every day. Even though he was physically exhausted, he felt particularly satisfied in his heart.
Lin Su felt a bit distressed for him and said, “Female Father, if you feel tired, we can close the restaurant on weekends and take a rest.”
Su Jin had become slightly thinner due to their recent busyness, but his mental state was exceptionally good. He replied, “I’m not tired. I feel energized all over my body now. Don’t worry, if I feel tired, I will take a rest. Xiao Bai and Xiao Zhou can handle everything on their own now. If I want to rest, they can fully take over.”
Lin Su didn’t say much after hearing that; he simply smiled and suggested, “Female Father, you can recruit and train more suitable candidates. In the future, if we open branch restaurants, we will have good chefs to rely on.”
Suddenly hearing the word “branch,” Su Jin’s heart shook. The current restaurant already satisfied him completely, and he had never considered opening a branch before.
But as Lin Su mentioned it, Su Jin’s heart began to warm up.
Based on the daily revenue they were generating, they could easily afford to open another branch right away.
“You’re right. If we open branches in the future, we should start preparing now. It’s better to train our own chefs so we can trust them.”
During this period, Su Jin’s vision and abilities had improved to a certain extent through his training.
Inspired by Lin Su’s suggestion, he began to plan: “Let’s put up a recruitment notice outside the restaurant and see if anyone is willing to come and learn.”
As he said that, Su Jin remembered something else: “Is Lin Feng back these days? When he comes, let’s invite him and his team to dine at the restaurant. They’ve come all the way here, so we can treat them.”
“Leave the arrangements to me. Lin Feng will definitely be happy about it.”
“Okay, I’ll contact him tomorrow.” Su Jin finished speaking and patted Lin Su’s shoulder. “Xiao Su, it’s getting late. You should rest early too. When Lin Feng returns, you’ll also start working hard.”
“It’s not hard. These are all things I want to do. But Female Father, you should take care of yourself.”
“I know. Life is so good now, I can’t afford to fall.”
After their conversation, the father and son returned to their respective rooms.
William put down the terminal in his hand and looked up at Lin Su as he entered. “Did you finish talking with Female Father?”
Lin Su smiled and walked closer, nodding. “I discussed the idea of opening a branch with Female Father. What were you doing just now?”
As he spoke, Lin Su glanced at the terminal lying on the side, still flashing with incoming messages.
William reached out and pulled him into an embrace. “Xiao Su, would you like to go to the capital planet for a visit?”
Lin Su met William’s golden beast-like eyes and understood in his heart that as a prince, William couldn’t live on North Star for long.
Fortunately, he didn’t have such thoughts either.
Moreover, now that Kane and Su Jin both had their own careers, he wouldn’t worry too much no matter where he went.
It seems like it’s time to go out and see the world.
“Sure.” Lin Su reached out and hugged William’s large tail, gently stroking it. “When do you want to go back?”
William was surprised by Lin Su’s quick agreement, but his surprise was soon replaced by joy. “No rush. You still have things to take care of here. We can wait a little longer.”
Lin Su tilted his head in response. “Are you talking about the rehabilitation center?”
“Yes, and also about Female Father and Male Father. Don’t you want to bring them to the capital planet?”
Lin Su didn’t expect that while he was unaware, William had already considered so many things. Lin Su smiled, revealing the dimples on his cheek, and his bright black cat-like eyes sparkled mischievously. “William, were you secretly considering our future when you were alone?”
William gently poked the adorable dimples on Lin Su’s cheek with his finger and replied softly, “My future can’t be without you, and I hope you can be with me wholeheartedly.”
Lin Su felt warm inside. He liked this big fox who considered him in such a way, making him feel that his emotions were not given in vain.
Unable to resist, he reached out and hooked his hand around William’s neck, placing a kiss on his lips. “My future can’t be without you either, so I’ll go wherever you go.”
“Good.” William embraced him, his face displaying a radiant smile.
Since they had decided to go to the capital planet, certain preparations needed to be made.
Most of the matters regarding the rehabilitation center could be entrusted to Lin Feng and his team. Lin Su only needed to come regularly to repair some of the animal patterns.
As for Kane and Su Jin, they would need to ask if they were willing to leave and develop in the capital planet, bringing the breeding farm and the gourmet restaurant there.
Alternatively, after Lin Su settled in the capital planet, he could gradually relocate them there.
Lin Su believed that Su Jin and Kane would choose the second option. It was currently the period of growth for their careers, and it would be hard for them to leave at this time. Kane and Su Jin would definitely be reluctant.
“Lin Su, something happened!” Xie Bai rushed back, his face pale as he called out to him. Lin Su quickly stood up, his mind focused. “What happened, Xie Bai?”
Su Ge, who was busy at the moment, put down his work upon hearing the news. “Take your time, don’t panic.”
“The restaurant is in trouble. It was fine before, but suddenly a customer started foaming at the mouth. Now the person has been taken for medical treatment, and Uncle Su Jin was taken away by the police. What should we do, Lin Su?”
Upon hearing that Su Jin had been taken away, Lin Su’s heart tightened. “Don’t panic. Let’s go and see. You two wait for me in the car. I’ll inform William.”
William, after hearing the news, reminded Lin Su to stay safe and watched as Lin Su left not long after.
A tall male figure in black military attire appeared in the courtyard. If Lin Su were present, he would have recognized this tall male as the one who had bought fruits from him before. At that time, Lin Su had even suspected the man’s identity.
“Your Highness.”
“Follow him and ensure his safety.”
“Yes.”
William stood at the gate, watching his subordinate leave. He felt something brushing against his leg and looked down to see a little panther cub clawing at his pants leg. William’s canine ears trembled slightly, and he used his foot to gently push the small creature away.
The playful panther cub, thinking William wanted to play, pounced back up and leaped toward William once again.
Yan Lie, lying nearby with half-closed eyes, observed the scene but didn’t pay it much attention.
Although the male beastman emitted a strong aura, Yan Lie didn’t sense any ill intent.
Lin Su arrived at the Ai Su Gourmet Restaurant with Xie Bai and Su Ge. Outside the restaurant, a crowd had gathered. When they noticed Lin Su’s arrival, the crowd dispersed, and someone recognized Lin Su, shouting, “What’s going on, Lord Lin Su? Are the ingredients in the restaurant not fresh?”
“Yes, what’s the matter? You need to give us an explanation. Otherwise, we won’t dare to eat even the best things!”
“That’s right. We came here to enjoy delicious food, not to risk our lives!”
Voices like these gradually spread through the crowd. Lin Su saw Bai Zhou standing in front of the door, looking particularly helpless. He walked over and gently patted his shoulder, asking Xie Bai to take Bai Zhou inside to rest while he dealt with the situation.
Su Ge instinctively stood beside Lin Su to protect his safety.
“Everyone, please calm down. We are just as surprised by this incident. Please give us some time, at least let me check the surveillance footage inside the restaurant, okay?”
Lin Su’s tone was gentle, his attitude sincere, as if he wanted to negotiate. This caused the crowd, who had initially demanded an explanation, to gradually quiet down. “Lord Lin Su is right. No one wants such an incident to occur. We’ll give you time, but don’t make us wait too long.”
“We’ll wait here, but please explain to us as soon as possible.”
Lin Su gestured for Su Ge to stay there while he went back to the restaurant and accessed the surveillance footage. He found the time frame when the incident occurred. In the video, a young male was seen serving a plate of cooked lamb chops. For the first ten minutes or so, nothing happened. However, as time went on, the individual began to scratch their face frequently, with the movements gradually becoming more frequent. Eventually, they suddenly collapsed on the floor, convulsing and foaming at the mouth.
Upon reaching this point, Lin Su already had an answer in his heart: an allergy to lamb.
These lamb dishes were obtained from the Star Mist Forest, and the quantity was limited. Most of them were left for breeding on the farm, with only a few used for promoting new dishes.
They never expected such an incident to occur.
Xie Bai stood there with a worried expression, feeling even more uneasy when he saw Lin Su sitting there in silence.
Their gourmet restaurant was running smoothly, using only the freshest ingredients. How could something like this happen?
What would they do if they couldn’t continue operating the restaurant after this incident?
“Lin Su, what’s the situation? Is there a solution?”
Snapping out of his thoughts, Lin Su smiled and patted Xie Bai’s shoulder. “Don’t worry, everything will be fine.”
“But how can everything be fine? Uncle has been taken away. Maybe we should try to bail him out first. He must be terrified,” Xie Bai wiped his face. “I want my father to help.”
“In that case, I’ll have to trouble Minister An Ye.” Lin Su didn’t refuse Xie Bai’s offer, even though the responsibility for this incident didn’t solely lie with them. The police station wasn’t a suitable place for Su Jin to stay for long. “In a while, you can take Bai Zhou and meet your father. I’ll stay here; it’s safe with me.”
“No, I can’t leave you here alone. It’s too dangerous. Although I can’t be of much help, I can lend a hand if needed.”
Xie Bai rarely showed a stubborn side, and Lin Su felt comforted by his determination. He didn’t refuse anymore. “Alright, then please contact the hospital and ask about the situation there.”
“Okay.”
Lin Su stood up and left the restaurant. He saw the crowd that had been waiting outside, insisting on staying until they got an explanation. When they saw him, they started speaking up: “What’s the situation, Lord Lin Su? Have you found the cause?”
“Lord Lin Su, we came to Aisu Gourmet Restaurant because the food is delicious and because we trust you. Don’t try to deceive us!”
“Lord Lin Su, please tell us quickly. Can we still come here to eat in the future?”
“Everyone, please calm down and listen to Lord Lin Su.” Su Ge spoke up, suppressing the rising clamor.
“First of all, I want to apologize. During the preparation of the ingredients, we overlooked some potential issues. The ingredients themselves are not problematic, but some people may have a physiological rejection to the food they consume. That’s why, today, all of you had no issues after eating the featured lamb chops, but that customer suddenly fainted.”
Lin Su paused here, and the crowd responded again, “Yes, I ate a lot of the lamb chops today, and the meat was especially tender. I have no problems now. It was only that person. The rest of us are perfectly fine, aren’t we?”
“Yeah, that’s right! I also ate them, and I’m perfectly fine now!”
“So you mean it’s not an issue with the ingredients but rather the individual’s body? Does that mean if we eat something that doesn’t suit us, we might end up like him?”
“I don’t want to end up like him. What should we do? Are we never going to enjoy gourmet food again?”
“That’s not acceptable. I’d rather die than give up food. Besides, I have money!”
“Lord Lin Su, is there any way to address this issue?”
Listening to the discussions in the crowd, Lin Su smiled and said, “Everyone, don’t worry. Regarding this issue, it would be best for all of you to visit the hospital and get tested for allergens. Then, in the future, try to avoid consuming foods that could potentially trigger allergies.”
“Yes, our allergens are definitely different. We can only go to the hospital for testing and avoid eating things that may cause allergies. It has nothing to do with the restaurant.”
“I need to make an appointment right away. I don’t want to end up like that person, eating something that doesn’t agree with me.”
“Lin Su, there’s news from the hospital.” Xie Bai ran out, holding up a screen with a test report. It stated that the allergic reaction had caused shock but, thanks to timely treatment, there was no longer a life-threatening condition…
“It really was an allergy to lamb. Thankfully, everything is fine now. It was so dangerous earlier.”
“It’s fortunate that the restaurant wasn’t at fault. Otherwise, we would have lost a wonderful place to enjoy good food. Thank you, Lord Lin Su, for resolving today’s issue. Otherwise, we would have misunderstood!”
“Let’s disperse now. Let’s not cause any more trouble for Lord Lin Su.”
The crowd gradually dispersed, and Lin Su’s communicator lit up. “Xiao Su, I’m fine. Don’t worry. Minister An Ye came to pick me up, and the hospital also sent news saying it had nothing to do with our restaurant. It was an allergic reaction caused by the person eating something they shouldn’t have.”
“Female Father, the restaurant is also fine. Don’t worry. We’ll meet at home later.”
“Okay, okay.”
Upon hearing that the restaurant wasn’t affected, Su Jin felt completely relieved.
Lin Su helped finish tidying up the restaurant before leaving to go home.
Bai Zhou, who had remained silent during the journey, spoke with lingering fear, “Shouldn’t we all get tested for allergens and put up warning notices outside the restaurant?”
Although Bai Zhou had a peculiar personality, he was attentive to details. Lin Su nodded, “Yes, we should all get tested, and warning notices should be posted. Although this incident wasn’t the restaurant’s fault, it served as a reminder for us. It’s a good thing. Su Ge, when we get a chance, bring some gifts to visit that customer.”
“Okay.” Su Ge nodded in agreement, his gaze sweeping over Xie Bai walking beside Lin Su. He couldn’t help but feel a pang of heartache, recalling Xie Bai’s frantic state when he had returned earlier today.
Buna, the tall male who had been following them not far behind, escorted them back to Farm No. 13 before turning to leave.
Back on the concealed warship, Buna was immediately surrounded by his fellow comrades. “Quick, tell us, what did His Highness want with you?”
Buna slightly curved his lips and said, “To protect the princess.”
“So, does that mean you got to talk to the princess again?”
“It was undercover protection this time, so I didn’t get to talk to him.” Although he felt a little regretful, Lin Su’s behavior was different from the typical pampered and powerful females, which made Buna unable to resist saying, “Our princess is amazing.”
“It would be nice to catch a glimpse of him from afar. We don’t even get a chance to meet him. No, if something like this happens again, let me go, okay?”
“Why you? Who doesn’t want to gain favor in front of the princess? I heard that he has an S-rank contracted beast, still uncontracted. I wonder if I have a chance!”
“Wake up, it’s broad daylight! Stop dreaming!”
…
Unaware of the discussions happening secretly among a group of people, when Lin Su returned to the courtyard, Su Jin had already been brought back by An Ye and was talking with Kane.
Upon seeing Lin Su, Su Jin walked over. “Xiao Su, you were worried, weren’t you?”
“As long as you’re safe, Female Father.” Lin Su pulled Su Jin to sit down and briefly explained what had happened. “So, when Lin Feng returns, we should all get tested for allergens.”
“That’s necessary. If it weren’t for today’s incident, we wouldn’t have realized it. But even though this time the fault wasn’t ours, Xie Bai, Bai Zhou, we need to have stricter control over ingredient management.”
Incidents like today should never happen again.
For a restaurant that specializes in gourmet food, food hygiene is of utmost importance. One careless mistake could easily ruin the hard-earned reputation they had built.
This incident had shocked everyone to some extent. Lin Su didn’t keep Xie Bai and Bai Zhou around for long and instructed them to go back and rest.
After they left, Lin Su went back to his room and snuggled into William’s embrace, rubbing against him and taking a deep breath of the cool scent emanating from the large fox. Only then did his lingering anxiety subside.
Lamb chops
TL’s note: sighs This makes me hungry… T^T
