Chapter 58: Heaven’s Table Officially Takes Off

Just Within two days, Heaven’s Table had become the most discussed establishment in Jade City’s cultivation district.

Zhao Ming was not the only one who went through that experience. Each cultivator who entered that place came out the same way, in a state of confusion and satisfaction.

"The food is legit," says the young lady to her sect sisters, while shopping at the street vendor. "The spiritual energy is truly authentic and well refined. I feel my meridians opened up a little bit after just one meal."

"Impossible at those prices," one of her companions argued. "You were fooled by formations or diluted ingredients."

"We cannot get these items at such prices, it’s impossible" one of the women’s companion argued. "Maybe you got duped with formations or diluted components."

"Then go see for yourself, anyways I’m returning tomorrow."

The news quickly spread through tea houses, training grounds, and merchant stalls. Some doubted it, while others were curious to see for themselves.

By the fourth day, a line had formed outside Heaven’s Table before the doors even opened.

Yu Liang watched from the second floor window as the crowd grew. Independent cultivators, outer sect disciples, even a few inner sect members who had heard the rumors and wanted to verify them personally. They waited with varying degrees of patience while some chatting amongst themselves, others standing in thoughtful contemplation.

"We’ll need to expand the kitchen staff," Master Chen said, appearing beside him. The old chef’s face showed both pride and concern. "We’re already operating at our maximum capacity, and demand is only increasing."

"How many more assistants do you need?"

"At least four more cooks. And another two for preparation work." Master Chen hesitated. "Quality, young master. If we expand too quickly and standards slip—"

"It will not decline," Yu Liang said. "I don’t care how many people you hire or how much you pay them, just keep up your standards."

Chen Master nodded slightly, relief clearly apparent in his posture. "As you order."

Lin Meihua arrived shortly after the lunch service began, looking slightly serious.

"The Azure Merchant Guild sent an inquiry. They want to discuss a partnership having us cater their monthly cultivation banquets."

"Wait," Yu Liang said, frowning slightly. "We’ve only been open for three days. Isn’t it a little hasty on their part? Or do they really trust us that much?"

"Word spreads quickly in business circles, especially when Steward Le recommends anything." She sat in a chair opposite him, taking out a notebook. "We have also had three requests from sect elders who want to make private room bookings for long periods of time. Two rich families wanted information on our catering service."

"Decline the exclusivity requests," Yu Liang said immediately. "This restaurant serves everyone equally. That’s fundamental to what we’re building."

"I thought you’d say that." Lin Meihua smiled. "What about the merchant guild?"

"That depends on the circumstances. Will it interfere with regular operations?"

"Not if we schedule it properly. Monthly banquets happen during off peak evening hours. We could accommodate them without turning away regular customers."

Yi Liang nodded slowly. "So accept it, but on our terms. Fixed prices, no special favors except for room bookings. If they want our food, they have to abide by our rules."

Yu Liang was so confident about turning down such major clients because this was the territory of the Azure Mist Sect, his sect. He knew better than anyone what would happen if these people tried to cause trouble here. It would practically be a death sentence for them. Of course, he had a plan in case things went that far.

But whether he would actually need it was another matter.

"Agreed." She made a note. "You know, most restaurant owners would be thrilled to secure wealthy exclusive clients. You’re turning away guaranteed profit." The she sighed, "I’ve honestly lost count of how many times I’ve praised you for saying the same thing over and over again."

"You’re writing that down too?" Yu Liang teased, glancing at her notes. "At this rate, I’m starting to think you’re secretly collecting my wisdom."

She gave him a blank look.

"Ahem, well anyway, if we treat the rich one different, that may be short-term gain, but reputation requires consistency. The minute we start to treat the rich people different, that’s when we lose our uniqueness."

Lin Meihua studied him for a moment, her expression thoughtful.

"You really believe that, don’t you? It’s not just business philosophy but you actually care about maintaining that principle."

"I do."

She smiled sweetly. "Good. I feel the same."

Outdoors, murmurs kept going.

A middle aged cultivator named Chen Bo stood in line with his nephew, listening to the conversations around him. He’d been skeptical when the boy insisted they come, but the sheer number of satisfied customers was difficult to dismiss.

"Uncle, look at that man," his nephew whispered, pointing to a cultivator exiting the restaurant. "That’s Senior Brother Liu from the Beast Taming Sect. He never eats anywhere below high end establishments."

Chen Bo saw how that senior brother stopped talking to some waiting cultivators, nodding happily. His face was filled with sincere happiness, not the kind of fake happiness that people put on their faces when they had been disappointed.

"Alright," Chen Bo grumbled. "Perhaps there’s something to this."

After waiting for forty minutes, they finally made their way in. Everything about the interior was much better than what he had anticipated. It was spotless, nicely decorated, and kept at the ideal temperature. The staff worked efficiently without hurrying and treated everyone equally politely.

Chen Bo ordered cautiously, selecting mid-range dishes to test the waters. When the food arrived, he understood immediately why the restaurant had generated such fervor.

This was master level cooking at prices that shouldn’t exist.

"That’s amazing, Uncle," his nephew spoke through mouthfuls of food.

Chen Bo thought for a while, his mind racing. He could easily afford to come here twice a week based on these prices.

"How does the owner even make a profit?" he wondered aloud.

An older cultivator at the next table overheard and chuckled.

"Been asking myself the same question. The ingredient costs alone should be triple than what we’re paying. Unless he’s secured some incredible supply arrangement, this business model makes no sense."

"Maybe he’s wealthy enough that he doesn’t care about profit," another customer suggested. "Perhaps he’s more interested in building a reputation."

"Or he’s just willing to take a loss for now to establish the restaurant," the older cultivator countered. "Either way, I’m not complaining. Food this good deserves a success."

Chen Bo finished his meal and left a generous tip that something he rarely did.

The experience was total worth it.

As he and his nephew departed, he noticed the line outside had grown even longer. Cultivators from all levels of society, all waiting patiently for their chance to experience what everyone was discussing.

"We’re coming back next week," his nephew said excitedly.

Chen Bo smiled. "We’re coming back in four days."

Within a week’s time, Heaven’s Table had already received over six hundred customers. The name of the establishment had become well known around Jade City, even to merchants and cultivators. Many of those who had initially been skeptical had changed their minds after just one visit.

Yu Liang stood on the second floor each evening, watching the steady stream of customers. For once again, the satisfaction he felt had nothing to do with profit or cultivation.

He had created something real. Something that made people happy, even if it was in a small way.

"The supplies are holding steady," Lin Meihua reported, joining him at the window. "My family’s connections are proving reliable. We’re maintaining quality without any shortages."

Yu Liang nodded thoughtfully. "So we’re not going to run out of ingredients and have to serve plain grass for dinner?"

"I’m starting to regret telling you anything."

"Good." Yu Liang chuckled, then asked, "Are you enjoying this? The work, I mean."

She considered the question seriously.

"I am. More than I expected to, honestly. There’s something satisfying about building something from nothing. Seeing an idea become reality."

"I feel the same way."

They stood by the window for a while, watching the restaurant below. The musicians played, the dancers moved between the tables, and the customers chatted and laughed.

For once, neither of them talked about money or business. There was no need to.

Some business were successful because there was an actual need for what they offered. Heaven’s Table had already shown its success by meeting the needs of all customers who entered through its doors.

The rest would follow naturally.