Tang Xianling, in the post-apocalyptic world, awakened a ‘Food Spiritual Root’. With the weather being extremely cold and extremely hot, and grains and vegetables difficult to grow, this ability was truly a “clever cook unable to make a meal without rice”—a complete white elephant.

One day, he transmigrated and became a common, ordinary widowed fulang in the marketplace of Rongchao. He had a father nearing death, a weak mother, in-laws who came to extort money with baseless accusations, and a family so poor it was rattling. All that was left was half a courtyard suitable for living and a closed-for-six-months, dust-covered shop front that used to sell Mutton Soup and Botuo.

Neighbors in the alleys sighed over the Tang family’s plight, speculating that they would soon have to sell off their remaining assets. They were just waiting for a chance to “send charcoal in the snow” (provide timely help) by buying the Tang family’s courtyard and shop.

Tang Xianling rolled up his sleeves. No rush. He’d deal with things one by one, but first, he needed a full meal.

The Tang family’s shop reopened, with the old owner, Old Tang, replaced by the young widowed Fulang, Xiao Tang. “What? They aren’t selling Mutton Soup and Botuo anymore? Then what are they selling?”

The Tang family’s little shop front initially sold morning meals: Preserved Vegetable Flatbread, Pork Floss Bread, Egg-filled Pancakes, Chinese Crepes, Meat and Vegetable Stuffed Buns, Century Egg and Lean Pork Congee, Sour Plum Juice… Customers flocked in. The aroma was intoxicating. After eating one meal, they were already looking forward to what they would eat the next day.

Later, the small shop front was upgraded into a restaurant. Boss Tang also got married. His new husband was a gentleman of excellent appearance, literate, skilled in martial arts, and younger than Boss Tang. It was said he was from a good background, and Huangfu was certainly a fine surname… but he was called Huangfu Tieniu?

That’s a bit rough.

The five flavors of life are sweet, sour, spicy, bitter, and salty. Full belly, warm clothes, and a loved one by your side—that is happiness.