Chapter 39: Xia's Barbecue

Xia Yu was genuinely skilled at grilling. During his college days in his past life, he was a restless soul who had dabbled in many ventures with his close friends, including running street stalls for barbecue, milk tea shops, and board game cafes. It could be said that he was well-versed in both food and entertainment.

While his grilling technique wasn't exactly top-tier, it was at least far superior to the rubbish skills of Zhao Ruoxuan.

However, Xia Yu had no chance to show off right now, as there were no customers other than their own group.

"Fatty Wu, Zhao Ruohan, go and greet the customers. You need to be proactive when you see people passing by." As Xia Yu spoke, he watched the two of them fumbling awkwardly and couldn't help but step in himself. "Watch me."

Xia Yu stood by the grill. "Zhao Ruohan, come over here and join me."

"Oh." Hearing Xia Yu's command, Zhao Ruohan replied in a soft voice and walked to his side.

Standing together, Xia Yu at 1.9 meters and Zhao Ruohan at 1.78 meters, they looked like a golden boy and girl—the most stunning sight on the street. Almost every passerby couldn't help but steal a glance at them.

"Unique barbecue, a secret recipe passed down through three generations, taste guaranteed to be excellent!"

"Ancestral formula, secret seasonings, everyone who tries it loves it! Veggie skewers for 2 yuan, meat skewers for 4 yuan, freshness guaranteed!"

Xia Yu's loud, rhythmic shouting left Fatty Wu and Zhao Ruohan stunned. This was the first time they had seen this side of him.

At school, Xia Yu gave off only one impression: that of a cold and aloof campus god. They had never expected him to have such a grounded, lively side.

"Don't just stare at me, you need to call out too, Zhao Ruohan," Xia Yu said, glancing at her.

"Al-alright," Zhao Ruohan replied. She then tried to mimic his shouting, but her voice was much softer and far less resonant than his.

"Forget it, forget it," Xia Yu said, rubbing his forehead. "Zhao Ruohan, when customers arrive, you handle the service and the accounts. Fatty Wu, you take over the shouting."

"Coming, Brother Yu!" It must be said that boys generally have thicker skin in these situations. With Xia Yu's demonstration, Wu Yaozu had no reservations and began calling out the lines just as spiritedly as Xia Yu had.

Soon, the stall welcomed its first batch of customers: three young women.

"Give us some of this, and some of that," the young woman said with a smile as she looked at Xia Yu and made her selections from the stall.

"Ladies, here is a basket. Just put whatever you choose inside. I recommend the bean curd skin and the potatoes. As for meat, the ribs and the cartilage are excellent," Xia Yu suggested enthusiastically.

"Really? Then give us three of each of those." The young woman picked a few more skewers, filled the basket, and handed it to Xia Yu.

As he began to grill, Xia Yu asked, "How would you like them seasoned? Mild, medium, or extra spicy?"

"Mild," the young woman replied.

"You got it!"

With the first customers secured, Xia Yu was finally able to showcase his skills. Although he hadn't done this for a long time, grilling wasn't overly complicated; the barrier to entry was low, provided one controlled the heat and seasoned the food well.

Soon, the first batch of skewers was ready. Xia Yu placed them on a tray and served them personally. "Here is your barbecue. I've included one extra veggie skewer for each of you, compliments of the house. It's not much, just a small token of my appreciation."

"Oh, you're such a charmer! Thank you, little brother."

...

With the first group of customers setting the trend, business gradually picked up. That was how it usually went with food stalls—once there was a bit of a crowd, more customers would inevitably follow. Many people had the habit of preferring to queue up at a busy stall rather than visit an empty one.

Gradually, the customers grew in number, and Xia Yu became incredibly busy.

"Xia Yu, the drinks are running out!" Fatty Wu shouted. He was responsible for cleaning and delivering drinks, and he was having the time of his life. For the young master of the Wu family, this was a rare and enjoyable life experience.

"Got it! Brother Zhao, go get more stock, find a way quickly!" Hearing Xia Yu's words, Zhao Ruoxuan hesitated for a moment—was he being ordered around? But seeing how good the business was, he immediately complied, hopped on the tricycle, and went to buy more drinks.

"Zhao Ruohan, skewers for table three!" Xia Yu had finished another round of grilling and urged her to deliver them while they were still hot.

"Coming!" Zhao Ruohan was also busy, her forehead beaded with sweat, but her heart felt full. Seeing such good business meant they could earn more money, and her father's medical bills would be covered.

"Table six is ready to settle the bill!" Fatty Wu shouted.

"Okay." Zhao Ruohan picked up the pen and paper and walked over. Looking at the money given by the customers and the growing stack of cash in her hands, a happy smile bloomed on her face.

Business was booming. The heat radiating from the grill, combined with the sweltering summer air, left Xia Yu drenched in sweat, his clothes soaked through.

"Boss, pack up four lamb skewers for us to go."

"Coming right up!" Xia Yu shouted back. "Still medium spicy?"

"Two mild, and two with no chili. My wife and kids at home can't handle the spice," the customer said.

"Understood. Sir, for the ones for your kids, I'll pick out the pieces with the most meat, and I'll throw in an extra potato slice—kids love those," Xia Yu added.

"That's great, thank you! You really know how to treat people. Let's settle up."

The customer's words left both Zhao Ruohan and Xia Yu momentarily stunned, but Xia Yu quickly regained his composure and called out to her: "I told you to settle the bill, why are you just standing there?"

"Oh... right."