Spring Noodles and Heavenly Silkworm Potato 3

Watching the small figure inside, skillfully adding seasonings into the bowls and simultaneously handling four strainers to scoop up noodles, Yu Ruman and Zhou Sen were utterly stunned.

They looked at the person before them repeatedly, but in the end had to admit that this expert, working with the proficiency of a seasoned chef, was indeed Wen Jiu.

Wen Jiu had just handed several bowls of noodles to Qiao Shishi when she noticed Yu Ruman and Zhou Sen standing outside the window.

In a rush to continue her work, Wen Jiu simply waved to acknowledge them, then immediately resumed her busy pace.

Though amazed by her deft skills, Yu Ruman and Zhou Sen did not interrupt further.

At first, seeing the long queue at this window, they considered going to another to get their meals. But when they caught the enticing aroma wafting from the bowls in the students’ hands—an unfamiliar, mesmerizing scent—they found themselves joining the line as well.

After waiting for a while, it was their turn, and only two portions of the Silkworm Potato remained.

They each took a small bowl of the Silkworm Potato and found an empty seat to sit down.

“The presentation looks pretty good,” Yu Ruman remarked, picking up a piece. The golden-fried potato sticks were coated in bright red chili oil, dotted with vibrant green scallions.

The alluring aroma teased her senses, prompting Yu Ruman to take a bite.

That single mouthful left her stunned, her expression blank as she slowly chewed the potato.

Seeing her like that, Zhou Sen couldn’t help but ask, “Is it not good?”

Unlike ordinary students, Zhou Sen occasionally dined at external restaurants, though their quality was only marginally better than the cafeteria’s.

Yu Ruman’s experience was even broader—as a school leader, she frequently traveled for business and had tasted delicacies at many grand hotels.

Yet this Silkworm Potato utterly surpassed those so-called hotel chefs’ creations.

“No, it’s incredibly delicious,” Yu Ruman replied, snapping out of her sensory reverie. “You have to try it!”

The flavor was something she had never encountered before. She had read many descriptions of exquisite food in past records, but only now truly understood what savoring a delicacy felt like.

Zhou Sen then picked up a piece and tasted it himself, his eyes widening in surprise.

First came the spicy kick of the chili oil awakening his palate, then the crisp potatoes released a subtle sweetness that lingered delightfully.

The taste left a fragrant impression on his lips and teeth.

“This flavor... it’s just too good,” Zhou Sen, usually reserved, couldn’t help but exclaim.

But after that, he focused intently on eating, completely immersed in the world of flavor.

Only after they finished the Silkworm Potato did they have the leisure to discuss.

“I think with Wen Jiu’s skill, just selling this Silkworm Potato could keep the cafeteria thriving,” Zhou Sen said first.

Yu Ruman shook her head. “I think she can bring us even more surprises. We haven’t even tried the Yangchun noodles that sold out.”

Yet this single dish had already brought them immense delight.

Because each window’s bowls and chopsticks were marked, Wen Jiu and Qiao Shishi stayed behind to collect and wash them.

So Yu Ruman and Zhou Sen didn’t seek Wen Jiu further; after placing their bowls in the return box by the window, they left the cafeteria.

Wen Jiu first cleaned the kitchen’s grease before carrying the return boxes back inside.

Though she loved cooking, Wen Jiu actually disliked washing dishes and scrubbing pots.

But with no other choice, she resigned herself to the task—washing dishes was a small price to pay to earn money.

She set the return box by the sink and began scrubbing one bowl after another.

Qiao Shishi, returning from the restroom, was puzzled to see Wen Jiu working so hard.

“Don’t you have a dishwashing robot here?” she asked.

Wen Jiu shook her head. “No, only when business picks up can we apply to the school for one.”

Qiao Shishi was speechless. “Can’t you just buy one yourself?”

“I could, but I don’t have the money,” Wen Jiu answered frankly, feeling no shame in admitting her poverty.

This surprised Qiao Shishi, who had done some research before joining the 3047 Academy.

Though all citizens of planet 3047 could attend the school for free, the campus jobs were mostly reserved for those children with some influence or power.

In other words, they used various robots to do the work while collecting money effortlessly.

She hadn’t expected Wen Jiu to be so poor.

Qiao Shishi quietly studied Wen Jiu’s gaunt, malnourished appearance and felt a complex mix of emotions.

But she said nothing, simply grabbed a cloth and joined in washing the dishes.

Together, they quietly finished the chores before leisurely strolling back to their dormitory.

“Jiu Jiu, what classes do you have tomorrow morning?” Qiao Shishi asked after changing into pink pajamas and lying down.

Wen Jiu had chosen many courses and momentarily forgot.

She opened her smart ring panel and checked, then said, “Superpower Use and Practice, and Physical Training.”

“Oh, then we can’t go to class together tomorrow,” Qiao Shishi said, turning over. “I have a combat class.”

Wen Jiu had signed up for that too, but not in the morning.

“Jiu Jiu, I added you as a friend on StarNet. Let’s play in the StarNet world together!”

Wen Jiu accepted Qiao Shishi’s friend request, then mimicked her actions, linking her thoughts to the smart ring.

[User “Wealthy Beyond Measure 9” is entering the StarNet world.]

[Connecting.]

As the mechanical voice echoed in her mind, Wen Jiu quickly plunged into darkness, then a white light gradually spread before her eyes.

[Connection complete. User “Wealthy Beyond Measure 9,” please abide by the laws of the StarNet world. Enjoy your stay!]

Soon Wen Jiu found herself standing in an unfamiliar place.

This must be the StarNet world Qiao Shishi mentioned.

In front of her was a small blue panel displaying all sorts of information.

Wen Jiu swiped it away and began observing her surroundings.

She noticed this place was even more splendid and dazzling than the city outside. Besides some familiar skyscrapers, everything else was new and wondrous.

Various mechs of different forms soared through the air, and hovering vehicles darted past like venomous snakes in a steel jungle.

Larger and more eye-catching holographic projections adorned the steel towers, displaying one advertisement after another with just a glance.

What amazed Wen Jiu further was that the people walking the streets were unlike anyone she’d seen before. Some were covered in intricate patterns, some sported animal ears, and even half-beast beings appeared.

The extravagant and peculiar costumes dazzled her eyes, and after a moment, she remembered to find Qiao Shishi’s location.

She sent her a message.

[“Wealthy Beyond Measure 9”: Shishi, where are you?]

[“Sweet Qiao”: I’m at the entrance of Mao Bai Mall. Since we entered at the same time, we won’t be far apart. I’ll wait here for you!]

Wen Jiu memorized the mall’s name and summoned her panel to activate auto-navigation. As she looked ahead, a trail of green footprints appeared on the ground, guiding her way.

Following the path and continuing to take in the surroundings, Wen Jiu felt like a country girl visiting a grand city for the first time, marveling at everything she saw.

Just as Qiao Shishi had said, they were indeed close; Wen Jiu reached the mall entrance in a little over ten minutes and saw Qiao Shishi standing there.

But unlike before, Qiao Shishi now wore a pink princess dress and had golden curls atop her head.

If not for the familiar face, Wen Jiu might not have recognized her.

However, when Wen Jiu hurried over, she startled Qiao Shishi.

“Excuse me... sir, do you need something?”