Chapter 12: The Look of One Unfamiliar with the World

“Has she noticed the special nature of this watch?” Lin Xiao pondered quietly.

This was no ordinary decorative wristwatch; it had been specially modified by Miss Yang to include extraordinary properties that could resist psychic abilities.

Otherwise, even if the watch was expensive, why would Lin Xiao accept such a flashy yet impractical gift?

It was precisely because it helped him protect important secrets and fend off psychic powers that he was willing to owe this favor.

Facing Chen Xin’s probing gaze, Lin Xiao remained calm and composed—if she wanted to look, so be it; it wasn’t as if it was something shameful.

In contrast, Xu Tao appeared quite awkward. In front of this wristwatch, he felt like a clown.

He broke the silence with a forced laugh: “Haha, everyone, don’t just stand there foolishly at the door. We’re here to experience the new culinary memory.”

Xu Tao led the way inside. As he passed the billboard at the entrance, his eyes were immediately drawn to it:

“Ultimate Culinary Memory Experience—Surpassing Imperial-Level Indulgence, Redefine Your Perception of Flavor! Satisfied or Not, No Charge!”

Such bold claims! Wasn’t there a risk of customers deliberately causing trouble or freeloading without conscience?

But the exquisite food photos on the billboard quickly captivated his attention.

What rare delicacies were these?

Xu Tao considered himself a true gourmet in the world of cuisine.

He had thought he had tasted every exquisite dish under heaven, but these photos dealt him a harsh blow—he was far too presumptuous!

What was even more astonishing was that although he had never tasted the delicacies shown, and some ingredients he couldn’t even identify, his body instinctively cried out:

These were undoubtedly rare, top-tier delicacies!

He did not realize this was the magic of Chinese cuisine’s “color” in the “color, aroma, and taste” triad.

A top-notch Chinese dish must visually entice customers with appetite at first glance.

Unlike San Ge, who made everything into a mushy blob that, no matter how good it tasted, never reached the realm of elegance.

Not only Xu Tao, but the young heirs following him were equally captivated by the billboard.

Originally, they all thought they had seen and tasted everything under the sun.

But now they realized—there really was more to discover!

Their impression of Lin Xiao subtly shifted as well.

Regardless of whether the food was truly as delicious as the advertisement promised, at least the content wasn’t exaggerated.

A young man kindly reminded, “Mr. Lin, I trust that your culinary memory experience will be innovative.

However, the promise of ‘no charge if unsatisfied’ in the advertisement might be unwise.”

Another chimed in, “You may be underestimating people’s tendency to seek freebies. Unless your culinary memory is so captivating that people fear never tasting such flavors again,

there will definitely be those who take advantage without conscience.”

“Thank you for your advice. I understand,” Lin Xiao nodded sincerely.

---

Lin Xiao knew these warnings came from genuine concern. He had to admit, like attracts like, and Xu Tao’s circle of young heirs truly had good character.

But he held absolute confidence in his culinary memory. He believed that faced with such a perfect experience, most people would not lie without conscience.

Even if there were rare exceptions, blacklisting those customers would be easier.

Seeing Lin Xiao unwilling to amend the advertisement, Xu Tao suggested:

“This memory can be experienced up to 200 times, and I’ll cover it all. You won’t have to worry about these trivial matters.”

Lin Xiao was momentarily stunned, then smiled helplessly: “I was hoping to use this memory to expand the reputation and influence of my small shop. If you take it all, how can I operate?”

He understood Xu Tao’s goodwill, but behind it was a lack of confidence in him.

Lin Xiao knew that actions spoke louder than words; to dispel doubts, the best way was to let them personally experience the shock of cuisine from another world.

“Everyone, please follow me. I believe after experiencing it, you will have a new understanding.”

With that, he pushed open the glass door and led them inside.

There were eleven people in total with Xu Tao today. Lin Xiao could only seat them in the main hall, as the private rooms were too small.

“Lin Xiao, the location doesn’t matter. Let me experience the culinary memory quickly,” Xu Tao said, pulling over a folding chair and sitting down immediately.

“Starting with you?” Lin Xiao took out the silver memory amber.

“Of course! I’m first,” Xu Tao closed his eyes deftly.

Lin Xiao: “...”

If you’re going to close your eyes, just close them properly—and with a look full of expectation? What’s that about?

To avoid others overthinking, Lin Xiao immediately activated the memory amber.

Silver threads of light flowed out from the amber, weaving into a beam that entered directly into Xu Tao’s forehead.

His expression instantly calmed, breathing lengthened and evened, as if entering a light sleep.

“All right, who’s next?” Lin Xiao looked around and asked.

“How long does this memory experience last?” a young man raised his hand.

“The memory lasts about thirty minutes, synchronized with real time,” Lin Xiao patiently explained.

“What’s the difference from dreaming?” the young man pressed on.

“It’s definitely different. The memory experience is not a sleep state; the brain’s cortical activity is the same as when awake, so...”

Before he could finish, Xu Tao’s expression suddenly became vivid.

His face froze momentarily, then his brow furrowed slightly. His nostrils fluttered gently, as if inhaling a captivating aroma.

His Adam’s apple bobbed, lips parted unconsciously, and his tongue lightly licked the corner of his mouth—an urgent yearning seemed to well up within him.

“Heavens! Look at Xu Ge!” a young man exclaimed.

“Do we even need to look? He’s practically drooling!” another pointed at Xu Tao’s mouth corner, “This isn’t just craving; it’s like a starving refugee who hasn’t eaten in days!”

---

“I’ve known Xu Ge all these years, never seen him like this!”

Suddenly Xu Tao’s expression softened.

His mouth involuntarily curved upward, crow’s feet of delight appeared at the corners of his eyes.

With a clear swallow, his entire body relaxed, shoulders slumping slightly, breathing becoming long and satisfied.

His blissful look was like a traveler on the brink of death in the desert finally tasting the sweet water of an oasis.

The infectiousness of this expression made the young heirs in the hall unconsciously swallow their saliva.

“This is exaggeration, right? Can food really be that delicious?”

“You know how picky Xu Ge is. If he acts like this, it must be amazing.”

The young heirs grew more and more eager, barely able to contain their desire, each itching to experience this “unprecedented” culinary memory.

Lin Xiao spoke at the right moment: “Who’s next?”

Before he finished, the scene erupted:

“Me! It has to be me!” a young man stepped forward eagerly.

“Get lost! We go by age, and I’m the oldest!” an elder heir grabbed him by the collar.

“Respect your elders! By seniority, I’m the one—” another was pushed aside before finishing.

These usually refined young heirs were now in utter chaos.

“Stand properly! What do you think you look like?” Chen Xin frowned, her voice sharp.

The noisy crowd immediately fell silent.

“Follow my calling order,” she tapped her finger. “Xiao Kai, you’re second.”

“Yes, Big Sister!” the named youth responded loudly.

In an instant, order was restored. Under Chen Xin’s arrangement, they each sank into the memory illusion in sequence.

When the last heir closed his eyes, the vast hall contained only Lin Xiao and Chen Xin remaining awake, facing each other.

“Madam, it’s your turn,” Lin Xiao bowed slightly in invitation.

Xu Tao had been too preoccupied earlier to introduce her, so this was all he could say.

Chen Xin shook her head: “I’ll pass.”

Lin Xiao: “???”