vncnus Chapter 8 Influence
Chapter 8 Influence
Deep within the Starry Sky Forest, beside the Lake of Life.
A large cat with three eyes and golden fur looked up at its surroundings with a somewhat bewildered expression.
Just a moment ago, she felt a force of destiny that was very similar to her own suddenly appear.
But this force of fate appeared only for a moment before silently subsiding away.
"My auspicious beast, what's wrong?"
Just as the three-eyed golden lion was looking around, a majestic voice suddenly rang out beside her.
As she finished speaking, the space around her distorted.
A man with black hair and a black robe stepped out from there.
"Emperor Tian".
The three-eyed golden lion's tone carried a hint of bewilderment.
"I think I sensed the presence of someone of my kind."
"similar?"
Upon hearing this, Di Tian was slightly taken aback, then revealed a helpless expression.
"Auspicious Beast, from the day you were born, you bore the destiny of the entire Star Dou Great Forest. How could there possibly be another being like you in this world?"
The three-eyed golden lion blinked its golden eyes, thought for a moment, and seemed to agree that what Di Tian said made sense.
But for some reason, a feeling of concern that she couldn't quite explain lingered deep in her heart.
……
The next day.
Huo Yuhao set up his barbecue grill on a relatively clean street corner, next to a wooden sign that read "Little Huo Grilled Fish".
First, he carefully checked all the various spices placed on the small table next to him. After confirming that everything was correct, he picked up a cleaned bluefish from the wooden basin next to him.
With practiced ease, the perilla leaves were torn into pieces, mixed with other seasonings, stuffed into the belly of the bluefish, and then skewered.
Then, mix the prepared sauce with spices and rub it into the fish's belly. Next, brush a thin layer of oil evenly onto the fish skin before placing the fish skewers on the grill.
The charcoal crackled, oil dripped onto it, sizzling softly, and wisps of white smoke rose, gradually releasing the aroma of grilled fish.
It must be said that after exchanging culinary skills with Master Rong Nianbing in the God Realm, my grilling fish skills have made a huge leap compared to my previous life.
An enticing aroma is the best advertisement.
As the aroma of grilled fish wafted out, people who were just passing by began to slow down, and then some hesitantly walked over.
Before long, a small queue spontaneously formed in front of the oven.
Even the other vendors around him couldn't help but glance at him curiously.
"Young man, how much is your grilled fish per serving?" At the front of the line, a middle-aged man in black with a kind face finally couldn't help but ask.
"Ten copper soul coins per serving." Huo Yuhao answered casually without looking up, skillfully flipping the fish skewers while brushing on the sauce.
"Ten copper soul coins? That's expensive?"
The middle-aged man's voice rose slightly, and his face showed surprise and hesitation.
He often frequented this area and knew that a similar bluefish in the market cost only around one copper soul coin.
The price increased tenfold after processing? That's too expensive.
However, smelling the aroma of the grilled fish, he subconsciously swallowed and, after struggling for a moment, reluctantly took out a copper soul coin from his pocket and handed it to Huo Yuhao.
"Okay. Young man, give me one."
Huo Yuhao flipped the grilled bluefish over, brushed on more sauce, and asked, "Would you like it spicy?"
"Uh, mildly spicy, just mildly spicy is fine," the middle-aged man quickly replied.
When Huo Yuhao handed a grilled bluefish to the middle-aged man, the eyes of those behind him and the onlookers around him involuntarily focused on the fish.
The fish skin, roasted to an enticing golden brown, still glistened with oil, and a rich aroma continuously wafted out from the cut opening in the fish's belly, filling one's nostrils.
The middle-aged man eagerly took it, not caring that it was hot, and took a big bite.
When your teeth come into contact with the grilled fish, they even make a slight crackling sound. The fish skin is completely grilled until crispy, but there is no burnt smell at all.
With just one bite, the middle-aged man's eyes widened, and he didn't even have time to say a word of praise. In just a few bites, a rather large grilled fish quickly disappeared into his mouth.
He smacked his lips, seemingly unsatisfied, then looked at Huo Yuhao with pleading eyes:
"Young man, can I buy a few more? Your grilled fish is absolutely delicious."
Huo Yuhao looked up, observed the number of people in line, and silently estimated the number of bluefish he had brought.
After comparing the two, he shook his head apologetically at the expectant middle-aged man and said:
"Sorry, we don't have many grilled fish left today, and there are quite a few people waiting in line. If you still want to eat, you'll have to come earlier next time."
Upon hearing Huo Yuhao's words, the middle-aged man's face showed obvious disappointment. He could only sigh helplessly and turn to leave.
Those queuing behind, seeing this scene and hearing the middle-aged man's comments, were filled with curiosity and anticipation. They craned their necks to look ahead, wondering just how delicious the grilled fish was.
Everyone who tasted it exclaimed in surprise, saying they had never eaten anything so delicious before.
In just a few days, through word of mouth among diners, the name "Xiao Huo Grilled Fish" spread far and wide in this area of the eastern district of Tiandou City.
Even before Huo Yuhao sets up his stall every day, long queues form, with a constant stream of people coming to eat grilled fish.
However, Huo Yuhao only grills a limited number of fish each day.
Firstly, he couldn't possibly spend all his time grilling fish, and secondly, he couldn't steal all the business from the surrounding vendors.
Upon learning that the grilled fish was limited, the other vendors around secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
After all, those who were attracted by the grilled fish but failed to buy any might try the other items at their stall instead, thus benefiting from the experience.
A few more days passed.
While Huo Yuhao was still working hard to grill the fish.
Just then, a clear, melodious voice, tinged with anxiety, rang out from outside the crowded throng.
"Excuse me, please make way, thank you! Please make way."
As soon as she finished speaking, a figure nimbly squeezed through the gaps in the crowd—it was none other than Jiang Nannan.
She spotted the familiar boy's figure behind the oven at a glance, her eyes immediately lit up, she let out a long sigh of relief, and the anxious look on her face was quickly replaced by joy.
"Yuhao, I've finally found you."
She had been searching for Huo Yuhao's whereabouts for the past few days, but Tian Dou City was so big that it was too difficult to search for someone aimlessly.
Until yesterday, she overheard passersby excitedly discussing "Xiao Huo Grilled Fish," saying that the grilled fish tasted absolutely amazing and was unforgettable after just one bite.
She then realized that it was very likely Huo Yuhao who was selling grilled fish.
Now that I've come to see for myself, it's indeed the case.
Now we can finally invite Huo Yuhao over and properly thank him.
"Sister Nan, what brings you here?" Huo Yuhao stopped what he was doing, looking at her with some surprise, then asked with concern, "Is there anything wrong with Auntie's illness?"
"No, no," Jiang Nannan quickly waved her hand, a grateful smile on her face. "My mother's illness should be almost cured. Thank you so much, Yuhao."
She walked over to Huo Yuhao's side, and seeing how busy he was, she said, "Yuhao, let me help you too."
Looking at Jiang Nannan's expectant gaze, Huo Yuhao swallowed the words he was about to say that it wouldn't be necessary.
"Then, Sister Nan, could you please collect the money for the grilled fish for me?"
"No problem, leave it to me."
Jiang Nannan readily agreed and immediately stood behind the money box next to the oven, ready to start helping.