While the soup simmered, Ye Jiujiu quickly tidied up the kitchen. Afterward, she stepped to the restaurant entrance and sat for a short rest. Outside the glass window, the narrow alley was wrapped in shimmering heat, the air rising like waves from a giant furnace.
She took a sip of water to moisten her throat and was just about to check her phone when she spotted Grandma Liu approaching with two flower baskets. Immediately, she stood up to open the door.
"Grandma Liu? What brings you here?"
"Why didn't you tell us you were opening today?" Grandma Liu chided gently as she placed the flower baskets on both sides of the entrance. She peeked inside curiously. "The whole place looks completely different now."
"It has changed a lot," Ye Jiujiu admitted with a smile. "It's cool inside—come in and sit for a bit."
"Alright, then."
Grandma Liu stepped inside, taking in the interior décor. The place looked just as classy as the upscale restaurants on the commercial street. There were nine wooden tables of various sizes; she found a long table near the door, perfect for her family of eight.
"Where's the menu? I smelled something delicious from the back alley, so we came to try it."
Ye Jiujiu hesitated as she handed her the menu. She knew Grandma Liu had come to support her, but… would the prices scare her?
Sure enough, when Grandma Liu opened the menu, her eyes widened in disbelief. Were these prices real?
Her eldest grandson beside her also froze in shock.
Oh no… This must be the legendary seaweed-assassin pricing!
Luckily, Liu's eldest son reacted quickly, took the menu from his stunned mother, and decisively ordered one of everything.
Grandma Liu's heart throbbed painfully—such expensive dishes! But she had watched Ye Jiujiu grow up. How could she refuse?
Ye Jiujiu poured Longjing tea for everyone.
"Grandma Liu, Uncle Liu, please sit and relax. I'll start preparing your dishes. Feel free to help yourselves to drinks."
She returned to the kitchen—only to find Grandma Liu following her.
"Jiujiu, do you need help with anything?"
"There's no need, I can manage. It's hot here, Grandma Liu—you should sit outside and cool off."
Ye Jiujiu spoke while working, her movements smooth and confident.
Seeing the girl's proficiency, Grandma Liu realized she really didn't need help. Her gaze swept over the stainless-steel basins—fresh seafood still wriggling inside. After witnessing that level of freshness, she felt the price might actually be justified.
She comforted herself silently and stepped out. "If you need anything, just call me."
"Alright," Ye Jiujiu replied while plating a dish. A few dishes later, she delivered everything to the table on time. "Grandma Liu, how do you find the taste?"
"It's delicious!" Grandma Liu exclaimed as she bit into the scallop—plump, tender, unbelievably sweet. "I thought seafood this big would be fishy, so I never dared to try it before. But it's amazing—better than pork!"
Liu's eldest daughter-in-law nodded. "I don't know how to describe it, but it tastes better than any seafood I've ever eaten. I feel refreshed while eating."
Everyone agreed that the high price was completely justified.
"Jiujiu's cooking is truly excellent."
Hearing this, Grandma Liu finally relaxed. She had been worried at first, but now she knew—the girl really was skilled. Still… these prices might scare other customers.
Before she could continue speaking, Lele's mother called from across the room.
"Boss, we've finished eating!"
Ye Jiujiu walked over with her tablet. "Were you satisfied with everything?"
"Very satisfied!" The chubby boy patted his round stomach proudly. "It's super delicious. I'll bring all my kindergarten friends tomorrow!"
"Boss, this is the best seafood I've ever had," Lele's father added. "By the way, since your menu changes every day… what will you have tomorrow?"
"We'll have to see tomorrow," Ye Jiujiu replied with a gentle, practiced smile.
What would be available tomorrow? That depended entirely on what the refrigerator delivered.
"That sounds mysterious. Now I want to come again."
"If you enjoy it, please visit anytime. There will be new surprises daily."
She tapped on the tablet. "Lele's mom, including the wine and drinks, today's total is 2704 yuan."
"Since today is our grand opening, there's a 20% discount. The final amount is 2163."
"That's a great deal!"
After paying, Lele's mother led her family home through the back alley. Once back, she immediately posted photos of the restaurant and dishes on her WeChat Moments:
"Found an incredibly delicious private seafood restaurant—highly recommend!"
Her friends, seeing the elegant décor and beautifully arranged dishes, commented:
"Is it really that good?"
"All wild-caught, super fresh, better than any seafood I've tasted. The menu changes every day, quantities are limited—you need to go early!"
Her post instantly piqued everyone's interest. They began asking for the location and prices, planning to visit soon.
Lele's father, satisfied with the meal, said he would bring clients here next time—convenient, close to home, and impressive enough.
Grandma Liu's children also agreed. Except for being slightly expensive, everything was perfect. They were already planning future family meals there.
Meanwhile, completely unaware that her business was being advertised for free, Ye Jiujiu checked the remaining seafood in the kitchen. There was enough for five more tables.
Could she really sell out today?