ICTEUWMN Chapter 123.2

[[Guests could choose from the crispy and delicious peach pancakes, crystal-clear and piping hot candied peaches, honey peach braised pork with a crispy exterior and tender interior, to the desserts which included warm honey peach sago and cold honey peach ice cream cake.

The desserts were so exquisitely presented that no one could bear to take the first bite. Instead, everyone picked up their light brains and started snapping photos of the food.

“This looks just like a piece of art.”

Facing the chorus of praise, Lu Zhen gestured for everyone to taste the dishes.

A spoonful of warm honey peach sago melted smoothly in the mouth. The sweet scent of milk blended perfectly with the chilled peach jelly and sago pearls, releasing a burst of peach aroma with every bite, delicious and refreshing.

The early summer night breeze gently brushed across the huafang on Qingjiang. On both sides of the river, water birds fluttered among the flickering lights. Holding the last dish served, peach blossom rice wine, everyone savored the mellow, intoxicating flavor, a feeling almost beyond words.

“To be honest, at first, we didn’t really believe that Taoyuan Mountain could develop into what it is today.”

“After all, doesn’t the old saying say, ‘green mountains and clear waters are as valuable as mountains of gold and silver’?”

Back then, when Lu Zhen said this, it sounded like the unyielding determination of a young entrepreneur unwilling to give up. But now, accompanied by this scenery and the lingering aroma of fresh peaches by the water, that phrase seemed to carry a whole new meaning.

As plates and cups lay in disarray, everyone continued their lively conversation as they enjoyed the tipsy feeling brought on by the rice wine, discussing many topics about life with enthusiasm.

A full moon hung high in the night sky, silently witnessing this poetic and beautiful moment: Drunk, one does not know the sky is reflected in the water; a boat full of sweet dreams presses against the stars.

Just as drowsiness and drunkenness gradually overtook the guests and the huafang returned to the shore, Lu Zhen, who was leaning on the railing, saw Sesame the panda rolling all the way down from the mountain.

Upon seeing Lu Zhen on the huafang, Sesame let out a few low calls.

“Look! Sesame and the others are here. Do you want to go see them?”

“I know it! Oh my god, it’s even cuter than in the live broadcast. No wonder it’s the most popular pet on Taoyuan Mountain!”

Many members of the investigation team had heard about this beloved panda in Lu Zhen’s live broadcast room, and they immediately looked toward the bamboo forest with surprise and delight.

Everyone felt that this peach feast on the huafang had been full of delightful surprises from beginning to end, blending nature and daily life so perfectly.

Lu Zhen, the only one who remained sober, signaled Zheng Duozhi, who was in charge of steering. They smiled at each other and together they docked the huafang completely. Then they led everyone toward the bamboo forest where Sesame awaited.

Meanwhile, at that moment filled with laughter and joy, the system that had accompanied Lu Zhen all this time issued the final main mission prompt:

[Ding! Congratulations, dear host. The main mission of “God Of Cooking” is now fully complete. You have unlocked 100% freedom to explore the culinary world. I wish you a pleasant journey. ^-^]]

[God Of Cooking: The End]

As Yu Mian’s first slow-paced food farming novel, “God Of Cooking” indeed had a completely different style from his previous works.

Whether it was the absence of intense plot twists and conflicts or the relatively mild and subtle romantic subplot, this novel carried a leisurely and free-spirited vibe that perfectly matched Lu Zhen’s pastoral life at the foot of Taoyuan Mountain.

Under the influence of Yu Mian’s previous works, books with fast-paced plots with sharp twists gradually emerged in the interstellar literary world. This book was like a fresh breeze, something different yet equally captivating for readers.

It also helped many realize that slow-paced, pastoral novels could be just as beloved.

When the final chapter, “Peach Blossom Feast”, was released, the speed at which the final backend data for the book shot up caught both Yu Mian and Editor Shaxs completely off guard.

[You must check out Teacher Fish Soup Noodles’ latest masterpiece “God Of Cooking”! For anyone who was hesitant to start reading during serialization, I highly recommend diving in now. I never expected the newly introduced peach blossom feast in the last chapter to be so delightful!]

[The descriptions are simply enchanting. I read it at work, and halfway through, I wanted to quit my job for a spontaneous trip. Don’t tell me there isn’t a place like Taoyuan Mountain somewhere in this vast universe!]

[No, no, no. I’m starting “Taoyuan Restaurant” right now. I desperately need the game to update with this fresh peach feast. Especially the huafang experience! Please, please, please. If this update doesn’t come out soon, my heart might just break!]

A flood of enthusiastic recommendations emerged. Discussions about the final chapter’s eye-opening huafang peach feast filled every corner of the forum and fans eagerly exchanged their longing for the utopian world created by Teacher Fish Soup Noodles.

[To be honest, when people said this book wasn’t as exciting as the author’s previous works, I strongly disagreed. “God Of Cooking” is undoubtedly the most unique and healing work in history. Every time life got tough, I would reread a few paragraphs and drift into dreams of Taoyuan Mountain. By morning, I’d feel recharged with new strength.]

[Exactly! That’s why I feel so sad now that it’s over. No one can understand the deep sense of loss I felt when I saw the final line, like I was bidding a permanent farewell to Taoyuan Mountain.]

[+1. Keeping up with Taoyuan Mountain’s daily life updates, seeing what new delicacies Boss Lu Zhen had created, and trying to recreate them with my family had already become a healing, happy part of my daily routine.]

Among countless reviews, the novel’s healing qualities were undoubtedly the most frequently mentioned.

It was only through these overwhelming reader comments that people realized there were many people like Lu Zhen at the beginning of the book suffering from technological oppression but had long been overlooked.

However, Lu Zhen’s casual, tranquil lifestyle in “God Of Cooking” showed those once suffocated readers that life could be enjoyed at a slower pace too.

After all, every fruit tree has its own time to blossom and bear fruit.

[Actually, my favorite part was the very last line: “The main mission of “God Of Cooking” is now fully complete. You have unlocked 100% freedom to explore the culinary world”. Boss Lu Zhen began his journey of free exploration at Taoyuan Mountain, aren’t our lives the same? Suddenly, I’m thinking about trying a new life too.]

The new trend sparked by “God of Cooking” even attracted the attention of many experts, who attempted to study why the novel and its companion game, “Taoyuan Restaurant”, could set off such a back-to-nature craze.

Although there were some critical voices, arguing that those who immersed themselves in the virtual world of “Taoyuan Restaurant”, even wishing to become cyber life forms living in the game, were simply escaping the pressures of reality, there were also many differing opinions.

[In essence, this reflects that no matter how advanced technology becomes, humanity’s inherent love for nature will never be covered up. When we see a flower bloom, we feel the joy and beauty of life. When we see a lone bird flying over a vast riverside, we sense the vastness of the world.

Amid the boundless universe, aren’t these natural wonders among the greatest miracles? While gazing at the stars and exploring the limits of technology, we should not neglect the natural beauty all around us.

Moreover, the utopian existence of Lu Zhen and his Taoyuan Mountain undoubtedly embodies our hopes for an ideal life. What does that have to do with escaping reality? In fact, I look forward to seeing many of the delicacies and beautiful scenes from the book appear in real life.

Of course, my personal favorite remains the line: “Drunk, one does not know the sky is reflected in the water; a boat full of sweet dreams presses against the stars.” If there is a travel agency that can offer such an experience, please contact me immediately.]

Among many supportive messages, this comment by “Reed”, retained the style of Lu Wei’s unique reading experience. Once published, it received widespread praise and support from fans of “God of Cooking”, who felt that Lu Wei had perfectly voiced their thoughts.

It didn’t seem hard to understand why the final data of “God of Cooking” had soared.

The most astonishing part was that Yu Mian, who was preparing to move recently, unexpectedly received a letter and an invitation from the prestigious Walz Academy.

The letter, signed by Principal Charles, expressed great interest in the numerous references to ancient Blue Star knowledge within the novel.

[…In fact, I have always believed that we have overlooked much of this past history. Yet, your work effortlessly allows many young readers to feel the beauty and charm of it.

Therefore, I took the liberty of sending you this letter and invitation. If you are willing to spare some time to share your unique insights with our students, it would be our greatest honor.

Moreover, the student writing club at our academy eagerly anticipates your visit. Although their works are still immature, I personally found them novel and intriguing. Should you engage with them, it would surely be a memorable experience for our students.

—Principal Charles]

Beyond stating the reasons for the invitation, the letter also confirmed that all relevant teaching fees would be covered, demonstrating utmost sincerity.

“This does sound interesting, but wouldn’t I be too young for this?” Yu Mian held the letter and muttered, both curious and hesitant.

He was particularly intrigued by the prospect of reading the young students’ works, and discussing with them would certainly be fascinating. However, the sudden invitation to teach made him feel slightly unqualified.

“Walz Academy is quite famous, it’s also known for its progressive environment on the Central Star. Principal Charles is also a renowned educator. If you’re willing to go, I believe it would be an excellent opportunity,” Secretary Hals suggested after learning about the invitation, showing strong support for Yu Mian to give it a try.

Qiao Ni and the others were even more convinced that Yu Mian’s works were truly extraordinary. Otherwise, why would such a prestigious academy extend an invitation?

“It seems like I should write a formal reply to the principal,” Yu Mian said after a moment’s hesitation, finally agreeing.

“Of course, I still need to first publish the preview of Volume 8 for “Rebirth Of The Interstellar Soldier King”.”

As expected, with countless fans eagerly awaiting the new release, Fish Soup Noodles published the preview of “Rebirth of the Interstellar Soldier King: Volume 8” shortly after “God of Cooking” ended.

Peach Pancakes

Candied peaches

Peach Sago dessert

Peach Ice cream cake