Here is a polished, smooth, webnovel-ready version of Chapter 4 — Clam Rice Noodles (2/2).
I kept the pacing, tone, and warmth, but improved flow, clarity, and emotional beats.
If you want a more dramatic / comedic / romantic / foodie-style rewrite, just tell me!
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Chapter 4 — Clam Rice Noodles (2/2)
"Come in."
Ye Jiujiu opened the door and let the deliveryman in. As he began installing the lamps, other deliveries kept arriving one after another. Before long, her small shop was packed from wall to wall with boxes.
The shop owner next door poked her head out after hearing all the noise.
"Are you renovating your shop?"
"Not renovating," Jiujiu replied with a smile. "Just changing the lights."
The woman leaned against her doorframe, cracking sunflower seeds leisurely.
"Are you really planning to open a shop?"
"Yes," Jiujiu said cheerfully. "You're welcome to come try our food when we reopen."
"Mm, sure."
The proprietress responded half-heartedly, shook her head, and went back inside.
The alley was too deep; foot traffic was rare. Many shops stayed closed most days. To them, Jiujiu's busying around was merely a bit of entertainment.
"Don't mind them. Just do your own thing."
Grandma Liu walked in carrying a basket. Seeing the boxes stacked everywhere, she sighed.
"These must have cost quite a bit. Do you still have money? If not, I can lend you some."
"I still have enough."
Jiujiu looked gratefully at her. Grandma Liu had been helping her nonstop.
"Thank you, Grandma."
"Ah, silly child. Your grandmother and I were like sisters. You don't need to be polite."
Grandma Liu looked at her affectionately. She had watched this girl grow up. Jiujiu had been taken in by Grandma Ye, and the two survived together with no relatives to rely on. Now that Grandma Ye was gone, the girl was all alone. How could she not worry?
In truth, Jiujiu wasn't as fragile as she appeared, but she didn't want to reject the elder's kindness. She simply smiled and nodded before glancing at the large bag in Grandma Liu's hands.
"Grandma Liu, did you just come back from shopping?"
"No, I brought these for you."
She took out several large bags of handmade vermicelli and rice noodles.
"My daughter-in-law brought back a lot from her parents' village yesterday. No additives."
"Grandma, you should keep these for yourself."
"There are still plenty at home."
She pushed them into Jiujiu's arms, then took out another bag of fresh peaches.
"These too. All grown in their orchard, no pesticides."
Jiujiu hugged everything tightly.
"This is too much…"
"It's just a little. Peaches aren't expensive."
Grandma Liu paused, then added softly,
"I heard from my daughter-in-law that the seafood you sent yesterday was very pricey. Don't send it anymore. It's too wasteful."
So that was why she came with so many things today.
"How was the taste?" Jiujiu asked with a smile.
"I don't eat seafood myself, but it smelled wonderful while cooking. No fishiness at all. My little kindergarten grandson said it tasted better than what his mother buys. He ate two big bowls of rice."
"That's great. I'm glad you all liked it."
After chatting a bit, Grandma Liu left so Jiujiu could continue working.
Once she was gone, Jiujiu washed the peaches and shared them with the installation workers.
Perhaps it was the sweetness of the peaches—they worked even faster afterward and finished the job before noon.
After the workers left, Jiujiu returned to the kitchen. The clams had already spat out most of the sand. She rinsed them and began wondering whether to cook ginger-scallion clams or garlic clams.
Both dishes required rice, so she reached for the rice cooker—but her eyes fell on the bags of rice noodles on the counter.
Suddenly, she craved clam rice noodles.
Decision made.
She soaked a handful of rice noodles, then set a pot of water to boil. While waiting, she peeled a purple garlic clove and chopped it into fragrant minced garlic.
The pungent smell stung her eyes, making them watery.
Sniffling, she stepped outside for some fresh air, stood briefly under the pear tree, then went to the wall to pick a small bunch of scallions and a few tender bok choy leaves.
By the time she returned and washed the greens, the water was already boiling. She tossed in the cleaned clams. When every shell opened, she removed them and soaked them briefly in cold water.
Since she had no ready stock at home, she needed to make a simple broth.
She used her homemade base—a versatile mix perfect for hot pot, malatang, and boiled fish.
A spoonful of oil, minced garlic, a piece of base seasoning—stir-fried until aromatic.
Then she added water and simmered it into a spicy broth.
Once it boiled, in went the rice noodles. After they softened, she tossed in the clams and leafy greens.
The moment the pot boiled again, the rich, savory aroma mixed with summer heat and drifted throughout the kitchen.
No fishy smell. Only deliciousness.
She ladled the clam rice noodles into a large white porcelain bowl and sprinkled green scallions on top. The sight alone was mouth-watering.
It was hot and humid at noon, so Jiujiu carried her meal into the air-conditioned dining room and sat down. She twirled a few silky white rice noodles with her chopsticks, blew gently, and took a bite.
Smooth. Aromatic. Refreshing.
The freshness of the clams blended perfectly with the spicy broth—absolutely heavenly.
She ate eagerly. After a few mouthfuls, she scooped up a clam.
Soaked in broth, the garlic aroma slightly overshadowed its original sweetness, but it was still tender and delicious.
She kept eating until the bowl was clean, then let out a satisfied little burp.
The refrigerator's seafood was simply too high-quality—everything she made tasted amazing.
Her confidence in opening the restaurant grew stronger.
Later in the afternoon, the remaining tableware and utensils were delivered. After paying part of the balance, Jiujiu was left practically penniless again.
Looking at her newly refreshed shop, she clenched her fists with determination.
She had to open as soon as possible.
She needed to make money.
No—
She wanted everyone to come enjoy delicious seafood.