Chapter 117: Madam Song Becomes Real

“There are many forms of spatial knots, and they can even be hidden somewhere on your body where no one can see them. Even if you don’t disguise it, no one would think to look elsewhere—unless they’re a spatial ability user,” Wu Xingyu analyzed with a straight face, indirectly exposing the flaw in Yun Qimu’s excuse for using the ring as a disguise.

“Besides, is there really any need to hide a spatial storage compartment?”

That rhetorical question hit the nail on the head—Yun Qimu was left speechless.

Once Earth Village grows bigger and stronger, spatial storage compartments won’t be a secret anymore.

Plus, since their goal is to attract more people to the village, why hide such a huge advantage? Of course they should show it off to draw people in!

The smile on Yun Qimu’s face faded completely. Hmph, this dog of a man is so inconsiderate.

She handed the energy coins from her spatial ring directly to the main system to start construction on the restaurant, then, still fuming, shoved the ring back at Wu Xingyu. “Here, the transaction’s done. Take your ring back.”

Wu Xingyu accepted the ring without a second thought, clearly satisfied.

But instead of putting it back on his finger, he tossed it into his own spatial storage and slipped on a mysterious purple gemstone ring instead.

The understated yet luxurious purple gem matched his black cotton robe even better, making him look even more like a refined, noble young master—elegant, aloof, and mysterious.

Pei Yu, who had been watching the whole time, stared with dead fish eyes. That Yunhe kid was right—this brat will never find a wife in this lifetime.

Heh, guess he’d been overthinking it before.

Even though Yun Qimu was now thoroughly annoyed with Wu Xingyu and his showy, rich-guy ways, the restaurant location stayed the same as they’d discussed—right next to Yuan An and Pei Yu’s cabins.

Their row of cabins, from right to left, housed the Tang father and son, Yun Qimu and her daughter, Mo Xie, Wu Xingyu, Yuan An and his group, and then the restaurant—so it was all pretty close.

Given that the main customers would be Wu Xingyu and the other rich folks who couldn’t cook, the location had been chosen to be near them on purpose.

While waiting, Yun Qimu walked a bit away, glaring at Wu Xingyu when he tried to follow her. Seeing his beautiful but now droopy face, she finally felt a bit better.

Pei Yu and the others wisely kept quiet, watching the drama unfold.

Pei Yu, in particular, was enjoying the show—serves that brat right to get glared at.

Yun Qimu ignored their exaggerated expressions and walked ahead by herself, only stopping when she reached the familiar area shrouded in white mist.

She pulled out the “Nuwa Creates Humans from Clay” card.

[Do you wish to hire Madam Song?]

“Yes, hire her.”

[Ding dong—Congratulations, player! You have used the ‘Nuwa Creates Humans from Clay’ card and hired Madam Song. Please pay 10 spirit coins per day as her wage.]

[Deduct 10 spirit coins now?]

Yun Qimu winced at the cost but gritted her teeth. “Yes, deduct them now.”

[Ding dong—Congratulations, player! You have successfully hired Madam Song. Please note: Madam Song possesses her own consciousness and will follow your instructions as long as they do not violate moral principles.]

Yun Qimu was surprised—she actually has her own consciousness?

As she thought this, the air in front of her suddenly twisted. A single point of light appeared, quickly sketching lines in midair. Gradually, the points of light wove together, forming the outline of a person before everyone’s eyes.

Pei Yu and the others, who had rushed over, were slack-jawed. What on earth was happening?

Finally, the last point of light stopped at the figure’s right eye, flaring with a dazzling brightness.

With the finishing touch, the figure drawn in lines became a real, living person.

She was a middle-aged woman dressed in coarse linen, sleeves rolled up and a blue scarf tied around her waist. She carried herself with maturity and charm; though there were wrinkles at the corners of her fair face, her youthful beauty was still evident.

A blue cloth band was wrapped around her hair bun. Her kindly eyes and gentle smile made her seem approachable and warm.

Then, she walked straight up to Yun Qimu, placed her hands at her sides, and gave a respectful curtsey. “Greetings, Boss. Please give your instructions.”

As she bowed, her kindly smile seemed to come alive, her eyes bright and gentle, sparkling with intelligence—she looked just like a real person.

Yun Qimu was amazed, but kept her composure, smiling warmly as she helped her up. “No need for such formalities, Madam Song. I’ve opened a restaurant, and I’m putting you in charge. You’ll handle everything in the shop, just report to me once a month. If anything comes up, feel free to discuss it with me.”

Madam Song smiled and nodded. “Yes, Boss.”

Yun Qimu scratched her cheek with a finger. “You don’t have to call me Boss. Just call me Village Chief Yun, like everyone else.”

“Yes, Village Chief Yun.”

Madam Song smiled kindly and even winked at Yun Qimu.

Now, Madam Song’s image in Yun Qimu’s mind felt even more vivid and memorable.

She glanced at the character profile the system sent over:

Madam Song: A common woman from the early Southern Song Dynasty, originally from the Northern Song capital of Dongjing (modern-day Kaifeng, Henan). She made her living running a tavern and was an expert cook, especially skilled at preparing fish dishes.

In 1126, the Jin army invaded the south, the capital fell, and the two emperors were taken north, marking the end of the Northern Song. The next year, Prince Zhao Gou established the Southern Song in Lin’an.

Madam Song fled south with the refugees and settled outside Qiantang Gate by West Lake in Lin’an. To make a living, she reopened her tavern, serving travelers from all directions.

Lin’an, near the southeast coast and West Lake, abounded in fresh fish, and locals loved fish dishes. Restaurants in and around the city offered countless varieties. Madam Song, always seeking innovation, experimented with new recipes and eventually created a unique fish dish using vinegar as the main seasoning, along with ginger, garlic, sugar, and salt. She named it “Sweet and Sour Fish.”

Her sweet and sour fish quickly became famous, drawing crowds of customers and making her business thrive.

In the spring of 1179, Emperor Xiaozong visited West Lake and summoned the local business owners, including Madam Song. When asked about her background, she replied, “I am from Dongjing and have followed the late emperor here—it’s been fifty years now.”

Moved by her loyalty, the emperor visited her tavern. Overjoyed, Madam Song personally cooked her signature sweet and sour fish for him to taste.

(Biographical note on Madam Song adapted from Baidu~)"