Universe Infinite Canteen

Customers entering the restaurant greeted Ma Lu and He Xiaoqian with familiarity.

"Boss Ma, what's the new dish this week?"

"Xiaoqian, wow, you've become even more beautiful after a few days. I followed your livestream, why haven't you been broadcasting recently?"

"Ah, I'm learning how to make coffee and haven't had much time for livestreaming. Uncle Wei, what would you like to order today?" He Xiaoqian walked over with the menu in hand.

"..."

Compared to the initial skepticism about prices, distrust of the chef, complaints about service and environment, and even curses wishing Universe Infinite Canteen would shut down on the spot, the atmosphere in the restaurant improved greatly after a month.

Mostly, those who were most dissatisfied had vented their feelings and left, and those who remained were satisfied with the dishes and had no issues with the pricing.

Even the modest environment and rented tables and chairs gradually became a feature of Universe Infinite Canteen, perhaps a case of love me, love my dog.

In addition to regulars, the number of newcomers was growing every day. For example, the woman standing in front of the small blackboard at the moment was a stranger Ma Lu had never seen before.

She was quite tall, over 1.7 meters, wearing a khaki trench coat and an eight-paneled newsboy cap. Sunglasses covered her face, and a black mask concealed her identity, wrapping her tightly like a mummy.

Upon meeting He Xiaoqian, she said, "Get me a private room."

"Oh, sorry, we don't have private rooms."

The mummy seemed surprised, apparently finding it hard to believe that a restaurant wouldn't have private rooms, and added, "A small one would do if there's no large one available. I assure you I can meet the spending requirement."

"It's not about spending requirements, miss. We truly don't have any, big or small."

The mummy's brow furrowed slightly upon hearing this and she looked around, seemingly conflicted, but eventually sighed.

Just as she turned to leave the restaurant, Ma Lu called out to her.

"We indeed don't have private rooms, but if you just don't want to be seen, I've got a few divider screens that could enclose you."

"Divider screens?" The mummy tilted her head to think and then responded, "That'll do, I'll trouble you then, boss."

"Well, it's no trouble at all."

Ma Lu went to the storage room to move the divider screens, but by this time, the dining hall was already full.

A kind-hearted patron suggested the mummy buy tables and chairs from the grocery shop opposite, and Ma Lu found her a relatively quiet spot outside, setting up the divider screens properly.

Once she confirmed that there were no other people around, the mummy finally removed the sunglasses and mask from her face, revealing a delicate complexion reminiscent of a Barbie doll.

She had innocent, deer-like eyes and an untouched naivety that involuntarily prompted a protective instinct.

With those big eyes, the mummy gazed at Ma Lu. She had experienced this scene countless times before. Every time she removed her mask and revealed her true face, the people around couldn't help but scream excitedly, rush up for a photo with her, and ask for autographs.

However, this time the magic unexpectedly failed to work.

The man opposite didn't burst into tears, nor did he express surprise with an "it's you!" They simply looked at each other, for a few seconds.

Ma Lu lifted the menu in his hand, "Have you decided what you'd like to eat?"

"Huh, you don't recognize me?"

"Useless," Ma Lu shook his head, "someone's already tried that trick on me before."

"I... what trick? I'm clueless." The mummy was bewildered.

"Pretending to be an old acquaintance of mine to get a discount. I've already had no fewer than ten people claim to be my primary school classmates, plus six middle school classmates, and even more from kindergarten. I've lost count."

"How do you know they aren't?" the mummy asked curiously.

"I don't," Ma Lu said, "but even friends don't get a discount here anyway."

"That's cold, but I'm not your friend..." the mummy said before placing her left hand over her right eye and striking a pose, "How about now, does this ring any bells?"

"Oh, oh, oh, oh..." This time, Ma Lu finally reacted, "I know, I know, this is Rikka Takanashi from Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions, so you're a coser."

"......"

"I'm Angie from the love&five group," the mummy had no choice but to reveal the correct answer.

As a result, she saw Ma Lu still looking utterly clueless, and what was even more infuriating was that he then said, "If you aren't going to order now, I'll go attend to other customers. Just call me when you're ready."

Angie wouldn't give up, "love&five... the hottest idol group right now, haven't you heard of us?"

"I think I have some impression," Ma Lu said, "I think I saw the name on NetEase Cloud Music, in a fairly high position."
Your adventure continues at empire

"See, so you've also listened to our songs, you're one of our fans," Angie finally regained some face, but then she heard Ma Lu say.

"No, I skipped it."

"Why?"

"Because I don't recognize the singer."

"Ha," Angie gritted her teeth with irritation, and Ma Lu's next question only added insult to injury.

"Are you really that famous? Why are you trying to recruit fans while eating, or are you always so dedicated that you introduce yourself wherever you go? Speaking of which, when are you going to order?"

"I don't go around introducing myself everywhere."

Angie felt this was getting impossible to explain; she just wanted to enjoy the thrill of being recognized in public. Why couldn't this guy just play along?

Of course, she couldn't discuss this openly, and in the end, she could only heave a long sigh, "Let's order."

"All right, so what would you like?"

"Which dish is the tastiest?"

"Everything on the blackboard is delicious."

At that moment, Angie's phone started to ring. She glanced at the number, signaled to Ma Lu to wait, and then answered the call.

An anxious female voice came from the other end, "My ancestor, where have you run off to now? Do you know we've got a scene to shoot in one hour?"

"Of course I know, I just stepped out to clear my head. Don't wait up for me for dinner, I'll handle it myself." Angie paused before adding.

"By the way, how did it go with Director Xu, does he still insist on shooting the horseback riding scene live? Can't we just use close-up substitutions and post-production editing?"

"... I did hire a riding instructor as he wanted, and I've been training seriously for half a month now, but my instructor advises against shooting it live."

"... Right, try to persuade him again. I'll come over after I eat, don't look for me, you won't find me."

Angie hung up the call, "Where were we?"

"Everything's tasty."

"As predictable as ever. Then, do you have any recommendations?"

"Salty pork with eggplant casserole."