Gourmet: From a Stall in Northern Europe-Chapter 142 - 120: Sis, You’re My Real Sister! (Part 2)

Working at a big hotel, he knew well enough the importance of building good relationships with the wealthy. You never know, maybe someone in a good mood might tip you a little, enough to last several days' work.

People at the front of the queue lifted their heads to look at the large umbrella above them, then glanced at the small umbrellas in their hands.

Before they could figure out what to do, people nearby who had already started eating chimed in.

"Hey, if you ask me, let the lady buy first. We've all been waiting, what's a few more minutes?"

"She could have taken away the umbrella and left you guys in the rain, but she didn't, right? It's only fair to give something in return while enjoying the benefits."

"Look at this rain, oh my, I can't imagine what I'd look like without these umbrellas!"

"She's so slim; she can't possibly eat much. Show some gentlemanly spirit here!"

"If I hadn't finished eating, I'd give my spot to this lady first. I feel like I owe her."

"How about this, I'll buy the lady an iced soy milk."

Some even fished out coins to hand over to Lucas inside the window.

Amidst the uproar from several whooping people, those in the queue felt they should step aside, making way for her.

"You go ahead, miss. Thanks for sharing your umbrella!"

Jiang Shuqi flashed a quick look of surprise but didn't hesitate and gracefully went to the front of the line.

"Thank you, everyone."

The gentleman who bought the iced soy milk even poured it for her, put the lid on, and handed it over with a straw.

"Nice to meet you, beautiful lady. May I...?"

"No, you may not."

Jiang Shuqi accepted the soy milk from him, turned her hand around, and slapped a five-euro note into his palm.

"Here's your tip, thank you."

"?"

The man's smile froze.

Snickers of laughter emerged from the side, unable to be suppressed.

People had seen flirtations before, but not a swift failure followed by a tip. It dissolved the awkwardness instantly and politely diminished the man's status while elevating her own.

No wonder people say Great Xia folks know business so well—they sure think fast.

Jiang Shuqi didn't give the matter a second thought. Traveling around, she's seen all sorts; it's all too familiar.

She was even glad for the man that her friend from Mountain City hadn't come along. Otherwise, things might have gotten out of hand.

"How much longer, I'm starving!"

Lin Chen had seen this little rich lady cutting in line enough times not to bat an eye, glancing at the timer, "Two more minutes, hold on."

While speaking, his hands moved without pause, his fingers fluttering like butterflies as he swiftly pinched a delicate shrimp and pork potsticker, placing it neatly on the board.

"Speaking of which, others travel abroad for three to five days, at most seven to ten days; why are you staying so long? It's been almost a month, right? Visiting relatives?"

"Oh? You noticed?"

Jiang Shuqi nodded, not hiding anything, "I'm a travel vlogger; my job is to travel and take photos. I came here this time to catch up with my brother and help promote his work, and I also earn money. What's not to like?"

"Wow, impressive."

Lin Chen didn't dare ask more, giving a silent thumbs up.

He casually stumbled upon a family business; if he kept asking, her net worth might turn out to be several times what he'd guessed.

One shouldn't pry into the affairs of the wealthy.

"Beep beep—"

The alarm went off just then, and Lucas casually turned it off and lifted the lid.

Whoosh—

Thick steam rose, carrying a rich, savory aroma filling the air.

Those in line craned their necks to catch a closer look and take a deep whiff, curious about the fresh-off-the-stove fried dumplings.

Expertly turning off the stove, Lucas lifted a potsticker with a spatula, spun it halfway around the pot edge, reversed the turn, and finally gave a gentle jab and scrape, releasing the entire batch.

Even with a non-stick pan, cooking flower-shaped Crispy Bottoms like potstickers or fried dumplings means the bottom sometimes sticks a little, but not like other pans where they stay glued; here, a touch separates them.

"How many would you like?"

Though she had seen these at the front counter before, a whole pot of potstickers up close made Jiang Shuqi feel almost full.

No matter how delicately made, at its core, it's just potstickers and fried dumplings. For Great Xia people, it's nothing new, especially for a globe-trotting travel vlogger like her who's seen everything.

"I'll have si...five, I need to save room; I'm going to have rice later. Haven't filmed a vlog for a couple of days; my followers might protest, got to keep them happy."

"Sure thing."

Lucas nodded and quickly scooped five potstickers into a box, adding spicy sauce and vinegar he had prepared earlier.

Just as he was about to hand it over, he paused, eyes widening.

"Wait! Did you just say you're shooting a vlog? I thought you were just a photo blogger; you do videos too?"

"Yeah, I usually post photos, but if a new place is worth it, I'll record an episode."

"Sis! You're my sis! Teach me how to make videos that get views!!"

Lucas almost cried out, quickly pulling out his phone, opening TikTok's international version, and handing it over.

"For Xiao Hei's sake, please, please! This one's on me, okay? Or name your fee for lessons!"

"Huh?"

Jiang Shuqi was a bit stunned, leaning over to check.

"Wait, are you a blogger too? In the food niche?"

"Yeah, yeah! Now, there are many Westerners doing food blogging in our country. I thought no one was filming Great Xia cuisine abroad. Plus, Old Lin here, you know, we're going for a double-pronged, blooming everywhere tactic."

Jiang Shuqi took his phone and stepped aside, "You go package it for the next people, I'll take a look. Fresh out potstickers—wait, fried dumplings—are too hot to eat right away; let them cool."

"Okay, okay, take your time; any feedback is welcome. I don't mind criticism!"

Lucas was overjoyed, not afraid of her charging, just that she'd refuse to teach. He quickly beckoned to the next customers, "Ladies and gentlemen, how many would you like?"

Once his potstickers were sold out and the empty pot was filled with raw ones to heat, Jiang Shuqi finished casually watching a video or two, flipping through with a few swipes, shaking her head.

"This won't do. The video is well-shot, and the cooking process is entirely shown, but the whole video lacks soul."

"Hey, keep an eye on the pot!"

Lucas couldn't wait, tapping Lin Chen's shoulder, and quickly jumped down with stacked plastic stools to place alongside her.

"Sis, have a seat! Explain in detail!"

"Mhm~"

Jiang Shuqi didn't stand on ceremony, settling comfortably.

Seeing him fawningly approach, Lu Xiaohei scrunched his face in confusion, tilting his head, ears flicking, and gave him two slapping pats, a loud "pop pop" ringing out.

"Ouch! Lu Xiaohei, what are you doing!"

"Meow~"

"Xiao Hei, good boy, this is your dad. Two slaps are enough, don't scratch."

Jiang Shuqi petted it twice, then lifted her phone, "You see, other food exploration videos have clear themes, whether they're funny, competitive eaters, two hundred yuan blind boxes, or product testing. What's your theme?"

"If promoting Great Xia cuisine, it should be edited like 'A Bite of China,' with lots of research and video clips inserted."

"If not going the educational route, then it's mainly the daily format; you need to show diners' reactions, have interactions, and maintain a unique style, deepening audience memory."

Lucas listened, eyes brightening, nodding like a pecking chick.

"Right, right, makes sense. Sis, what's your account? I'll follow you and learn more. By the way, what's your unique touch?"

"Me?"

Jiang Shuqi flicked her hair, "Isn't it obvious?"

"Well?"

"Beauty! Young beauty! A rich young beauty~"