Hao followed.
"Open the lid of the cup slightly and place it on the circular platform. The dispenser will handle the rest."
Lin Yijun did as instructed. Steaming hot water flowed smoothly into the cup. His eyes flashed with surprise. So this was an enchanted artifact?
Hao waited until the dispenser stopped pouring water before speaking.
"Once it's done, close the lid and grab a pair of chopsticks. They're right there."
Hao pointed at a neatly arranged container beside the dispenser.
Lin Yijun picked up a pair and looked back at Hao. "Now what?"
"Take a seat in the corner. Place the chopsticks on top of the lid to hold it down firmly. Wait for three minutes."
Lin Yijun sat down as told, placing the chopsticks carefully over the lid.
"After that, stir the noodles to mix the flavor evenly, and then... you eat."
"That's it?"
"That's it."
Three minutes had gone by in a flash.
Lin Yijun opened the lid, and in that instant, an intense aroma surged out, wrapping around him like an invisible wave. His breath hitched.
It smelled incredible. A deep, rich fragrance of simmered beef broth mixed with the subtle sweetness of vegetables. His mouth watered before he even realized it.
Then, a faint wisp of qi rose from the cup.
Lin Yijun's eyes sharpened. Only now did he sense it. This wasn't just food. Qi was seeping from the broth, growing denser with each passing second.
Without hesitation, he removed the lid entirely and stirred the noodles. The golden broth rippled, releasing an even stronger aroma. The beef slices were tender, almost melting into the soup.
Thin strips of green onion floated alongside chewy strands of wheat noodles. Each swirl of his chopsticks sent another wave of thick, mouthwatering fragrance into the air.
Strangely, the qi concentrated even more as he stirred.
Lin Yijun couldn't wait no more. He picked up the noodles with his chopsticks and took a bite.
The moment it touched his tongue, his mind blanked.
The noodles were perfectly springy, coated in broth that was rich, savory, and deep with umami. The beef carried the essence of long hours of slow simmering, its tenderness complementing the chewiness of the noodles.
Even the vegetables had absorbed the soup's essence, bursting with flavor.
But more than that, qi flowed through his body with every bite. Warm, nourishing, and impossibly pure.
Lin Yijun thought of nothing else.
He slurped down the noodles without hesitation, drinking the broth straight from the cup between bites. The heat didn't bother him. He didn't care. He simply ate, savoring each mouthful in complete silence.
In mere moments, the cup was empty.
Then, suddenly, Lin Yijun's eyes shut as his breathing slowed. His entire body stilled.
Hao blinked.
"Oi... don't tell me he actually fainted from how good it was?"
[Host, he didn't pass out but rather entered an enlightenment state. The Instant Noodles work like an enlightenment pill, but far more effective.]
"Enlightenment?"
"How?"
"I've basically been surviving on these for days. Why didn't I get the same effect?"
The noodles were undoubtedly delicious. Far better than any five-star Michelin ramen back on Earth. But enlightenment?
He glanced at the empty cup in Lin Yijun's hands.
"...Isn't this just instant noodles?"
[Host, your meridians are completely sealed. How do you expect to absorb qi from the noodles?]
"So you're saying I've been eating top-grade cultivation food all this time, and it's been completely wasted on me?"
[Correct.]
"..."
"Then what about unsealing my meridians?"
[Host, you possess a special constitution. Unsealing your meridians is currently unavailable. You will be able to do so after completing more tasks and upgrading the system.]
Hao's eyes brightened.
He still had a chance to step onto the path of cultivation?
His mood improved instantly. He might not be able to absorb qi now, but as long as there was a way forward, he wouldn't complain.
He looked at Lin Yijun, who remained frozen in place like a stone statue.
One minute passed. Then another.
Still nothing.
Hao crossed his arms and stared for a while longer, but there was no change.
Losing interest, he walked back to the counter. He still had a store to run.
Main Task: Sell 1 Cup of Instant Noodles. 1/1
Reward: Unlock new products - Cola & Chicken-Flavored Instant Noodles. They will be delivered to the storage area after business hours.
Status: Completed! Claim your reward now?
Hao was saved. His descendants were saved.
If he hadn't completed the task... he shuddered. Just thinking about it made his legs go weak.
He tapped "Yes" on the screen.
Reward claimed!
Hao let out a long sigh of relief before smiling.
'The beef-flavored instant noodles are delicious, but after eating them nonstop, even the best food gets tiring. A new flavor is a blessing.'
And cola! He hadn't had soda in ages. The mere thought of the crisp, cold fizz hitting his throat made him excited.
[Host, new tasks are assigned. As stated before, there will be no more penalty or deadline for them. Congratulations on being the chosen one!]
Hao glanced at the screen.
Main Task: Sell 20 Cups of Instant Noodles. 0/20
Reward: Unlock new products - Spicy Version of Beef-Flavored Instant Noodles and Chicken-Flavored Instant Noodles. They will be delivered to the storage area after business hours.
Side Task 1: Accumulate 30 crystals from Cola. 0/30
Reward: Unlock new product - Lime Fizz. It will be delivered to the storage area after business hours.
Side Task 2: Hire your first employee. You weren't planning to do everything yourself, right? 0/1
Requirement: The employee must be at least Heavenly King Realm or higher. The system will automatically detect individuals within the vicinity who meet the requirements.
Reward: Store expansion. The third floor will be unlocked, moving your personal room there. The second floor will now be designated for employees.
"Hire an employee?"
[Yes, host. Although you can stay open throughout the day, it will take a toll on your mortal body. Having an employee will lighten your workload and ensure the store runs smoothly at all times.]
"In that case, will they be working all day while I just sit back and supervise?"
[Of course not, host. The employee is there to assist and cover for you when needed. They can also manage the store at night if necessary, allowing you to rest properly.]