The atmosphere in the live streaming room had reached a certain level of excitement. Although no bullet comments were flying by, everyone was restless with anticipation, and some proactive viewers had already started trying to make the sauce themselves!
There wasn't a single bullet comment, making the live streaming room unusually quiet, but Fatty and Lindu could feel the enthusiasm from the other side of the screen. That restrained passion seemed capable of breaking through the screen and crashing into them like a whirlwind.
Lin and Fatty were both thrilled; one was excited about Hero Coins, while the other was looking forward to the wealth that was about to come.
Riding on this surge of emotion, Fatty blinked his eyes, which rolled around like mung beans, clearly plotting something mischievous. However, no one noticed Fatty lurking in the shadows as he quickly refined his scheme.
"Hey everyone, look how selflessly I’m sharing the secret recipe for the sauce today! Shouldn't you all give me a wave of 666?"
Fatty squeezed in front of the screen with a beaming smile, nearly knocking Lin over. His greasy face wore a charming grin that concealed his cunning intentions.
With this shout, the visitors in the live streaming room immediately fell for it. No one thought about what Fatty would say next; they frantically clicked on the virtual screen, and waves of "666" began to flood in like rolling waves!
Seeing that the momentum was building up nicely, Fatty hurriedly shouted again, "Brothers! I can see your enthusiasm!"
After a brief pause, Fatty's expression changed instantly; his smiling face transformed into one resembling a bitter melon faster than any magic trick! If he didn’t become an actor, it would truly be a waste of talent!
"Since you all love me so much, I’m also generous with you. So please forgive me... I have to close my shop; there are indeed some hardships..."
He exaggeratedly squinted his eyes as if he were crying out for sympathy. Fatty's face twisted into an abstract grimace that was more comical than sorrowful, resembling a clown from a television drama!
"Pfft!" Poverty Old Man couldn't help but burst out laughing, followed by a fit of coughing. It was unclear whether he was genuinely choked or just trying to cover up his embarrassment.
On the other side of the screen, most viewers wore expressions that were both amused and exasperated. They shook their heads while typing out their thoughts.
The bullet comments began to roll in at a slow pace because everyone was trying to express similar sentiments. When someone posted their thoughts, others quietly waited for answers.
...
"Fatty, you can save your pathetic performance! Who are you trying to fool?"
"Brother, Fat Brother, if there are difficulties, just say it. I refuse to believe that with so many of us, we can't solve it!"
"We also want to hear what you think, Brother. If there really are difficulties, let's brainstorm together..."
In this vast interstellar society, it's rare to see such a group of people come together and say these words. Many of them might just be onlookers or willing but unable to help, yet within this Live Streaming room, there truly exists a group of individuals who can solve many of Lin's problems—problems that money can fix.
Because of Lin's talent, they are willing to contribute. This exceptionally gifted young man is worth their efforts.
Those with vision can see that Lin, with just a single dish of "Cool Summer Noodles", has showcased his potential. In the Culinary World, he is destined to hold a prominent position in the future.
Helping such a young man in need is the most practical investment.
...
The rolling screen echoed the sentiments of most people. The Live Streaming room fell into silence again. On this side of the screen, Lin Ye furrowed his brows, hesitation flickering in his eyes.
He was contemplating whether it was truly appropriate to recklessly shut down the Noodle Shop, and even pause the Live Streaming for a while.
"Brother, just say something. Look at how everyone is."
Fatty noticed that Lin Ban was silent and felt a bit anxious. The atmosphere had already reached this point; if Lin still refused to explain himself to everyone, then all his efforts would be in vain, and he might as well give up being a "Live Streaming consultant"!
Until someone in the Live Streaming room said, "Come on, Brother, you still have us behind you, no matter what difficulties arise!"
Immediately after, a wave of "You still have us behind you" surged up, and the same message flooded the Live Streaming chat as everyone began typing it out.
The barrage in the Live Streaming room exploded, and Lin's mental defenses crumbled.
While people in reality are becoming increasingly indifferent, within this vast network, individuals often reveal their true nature. Beyond the ugliness, there lies their kind hearts.
When Lin saw these messages, he felt a tremor in his heart as if something quietly emerged from within him—like tender sprouts breaking through the soil, swaying as they pushed out from deep inside.
In two lifetimes, Lin Da mostly struggled alone. He was accustomed to moving quietly in the dead of night, like a lone wolf wandering the edge of a desert.
This time, however, his heart warmed instantly. He realized that he was not far from the pack… just separated by a screen.
This made Lin even more determined to close his shop and take a break from live streaming! For the people who supported him!
Of course, before that, he needed to explain clearly why he was closing the Noodle Shop.
...
Lin's throat felt a bit hoarse, as if something was stuck in it, making it difficult for him to articulate. This was the first time Lin felt that speaking could be so challenging.
“Cough, cough…” After clearing his throat a couple of times, Lin felt a bit better and managed to speak. Strangely enough, while his throat cleared, his eyes began to itch.
The barrage of comments in the live stream paused at the moment Lin cleared his throat, and everyone waited for what he would say next.
“I… I not only want to close the Noodle Shop but also take a break from live streaming for a while… Although I know everyone has been with me for three months, which hasn’t been easy, and you all enjoy watching me cook…”
Lin explained firmly, fearing that others might misunderstand him. This was his first time actively explaining himself to others; he hoped no one would misinterpret his previously aloof demeanor. In that moment, the coldness that had isolated him vanished.
“But I have my own thoughts… I am currently a recent graduate; my compulsory education is coming to an end. The next half month will determine the direction of my life… I want to become an Interstellar Warrior; I want to be a great adventurer!”
“I want to explore the endless sea of stars in search of culinary ingredients and new cooking methods! I want to grow and create even more wonderful dishes to share with everyone!”
“So, I must use this half month to improve myself and break through the barriers to becoming an Interstellar Warrior so that I can get into Warrior Academy and embark on the path of a warrior…”
Lin's words were no longer flat; they reflected his dreams and current difficulties. His tone trembled with highs and lows, filled with hope for the future and confusion about the road ahead.
The live stream remained eerily silent; no one spoke. If it weren't for the increasing viewer count, one might think everyone had left.
Fatty stood nearby, sighing softly. He understood Lin's past better than most and recognized how daunting Lin's challenges truly were; he felt it deeply.
For the dream of becoming an Interstellar Warrior, yet having no chance of achieving it, Fatty could only express his regret with a deep sigh.
No one knew better than Fatty how poor Lin's physical condition was. From the beginning of school, his Warrior Talent was nearly nonexistent. Even by high school, after completing all the tests and refining his abilities, he remained a Flat talent, unable to bear the burden of becoming a warrior.
In this Galactic Era, every young boy and girl with dreams wanted to become an Interstellar Warrior, hoping to make their names resonate across the stars in the future.
While this idea is admirable, very few can realize it due to various limitations. This is the reality; the pinnacle of the pyramid is always so narrow. To reach the summit, one must have the strength to step on the sands at its peak.
The first step, and a crucial one at that, is talent.
Everyone's talent is different. To become an Interstellar Warrior, you need to excel in one aspect—perhaps physical strength, perhaps mental strength, or perhaps understanding of equipment. In short, some things are innate; no amount of effort later can bridge that gap.
Fatty was particularly sensitive to technological products; this talent is collectively known as "Equipment Spirit Sensitivity." His strength reached the edge of Advanced; one more step up would be Top-tier, a rare talent that made him well-known in their school.
Talent is important and finely categorized into four stages: Low-Level, Intermediate, Advanced, and Top-tier. Each stage has four subdivisions. Fatty was classified as Advanced Level Four, a very formidable talent level.
Lin, on the other hand, was just an ordinary person with mediocre grades and no outstanding qualities. His talent was below Low-Level and referred to as Flat level; others often mocked such individuals as having Muggle Talent.
A useless Muggle with no value.
To break through the Muggle-level talent was undoubtedly a fool's dream. At least that's what Fatty believed.
Patting Lin on the shoulder, Fatty sighed heavily and softly advised, "Brother, don't take being a warrior so seriously. Your Culinary Talent is so good; why must you struggle down a path of no return? It's a waste of time and not worth it..."
Lin remained silent. He shot a sharp glance at Fatty; words were unnecessary. However, his icy expression told everyone he was displeased.
Lin never allowed anyone to trample on his dreams—not even Fatty! The more others said he couldn't do it, the more determined he became to be that brilliant person.
Just like his desire to become a Culinary God stemmed from his first cooking experience when the children at the orphanage found his dish unpalatable...
Lin said nothing, but the Live Streaming chat exploded with comments defending him.
……
“Fatty, what nonsense are you talking about? Just because you can do it, my brother can't become an Interstellar Warrior?”
“Don't listen to Fatty's nonsense, bro. Whatever you need for your training, just ask the brothers. My family runs a Gene Enhancement Company; anything an Interstellar Warrior wants, we have at home!”
“Fat Brother, that's a bit too much. Even if my brother's talent isn't great, with enough potions, he can still make it!”
The words on the screen floated past Fatty's eyes one by one. He smiled wryly, knowing he should be angry, but these people were just too unaware of the situation.
Talent is "Flat." No matter how many enhancement potions he takes, he can only reach Interstellar Level 10, which is the absolute limit to becoming an Interstellar Warrior.
“Thank you all for your support. I just want to explain here that I want to walk my own path; I appreciate everyone's help.”
“That's it for today. In half a month, when the results of the Star League Examination are announced, I will stream again. Regardless of success or failure, I will let everyone know.”
Perhaps Fatty and the tourists' words had a significant impact on Lin; he appeared very tired and reached out to turn off the Live Streamer in a hurried manner, giving off a sense of incompleteness.
However, this time Fatty did not stop him. He knew that after this topic, Lin would not stream again because he was always resolute; if he said he would see everyone in half a month, then it would be half a month before he streamed again.
Just as Lin was about to turn off the Live Streaming, during those few seconds, the comments in the Live Streaming room started flooding in again.
……
“Half a month! Bro, we’ll wait for you!”
“Bro, you’ll definitely pass the Star League Examination!”
“Bro! We’re waiting for you; no matter what happens, I will wait for your return!”
“Bro, go for it! We’re waiting for you!”
Lin's gaze briefly swept across the room, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He pressed his weary hand against the Live Streamer, feeling a bit of the fatigue lift, replaced by a sense of relief.
"Smack!"
The blue screen vanished, and Chef Lin's Hero Live Stream had come to an end.
In the moment after the Live Streaming concluded, Lin slumped into the chair behind him. With a creak, the old wooden chair swayed precariously, as if it might fall apart, much like Lin's body and mind.
He tilted his head back, staring at the ceiling with a blank expression, lost in thought.
In a certain office, a sharply dressed executive opened the Virtual Network and dialed his subordinate's number.
"Beep beep beep..."
"Bss, what can I do for you?" The call connected with a deep male voice. The image was blurry, revealing only a black suit and a strong physique.
"Find someone for me. At the Noodle Shop on Earthen Slope Street, Lin. Look into his details."
"Understood, bss!"
As the call ended, the man in the crisp suit adjusted his gold-framed glasses and murmured softly, "Brother, we won't let you down..."
In another location, a luxurious villa loomed large like a castle.
"Ring ring~ ring ring~"
The crisp sound of bells echoed throughout the castle, somewhat jarring, reminiscent of a school bell signaling the end of classes.
"Red Mama! Red Mama! Hurry over here! I have something to discuss with the old man!"
The deep voice calling out drowned out the ringing, sounding somewhat lazy yet exuding an air of nobility, much like that of an emperor.
"I'm coming! I'm coming! Young Master!"
A woman's response followed, and the ringing ceased in response...
"Young Master, why are you in such a hurry to see the Master?"
"I'm looking for the old man... no, I mean I'm going to negotiate with my grandfather! He won't let me return to Family Origin for training, and I've made up my mind. I'm going!"
"You thinking this way is truly wonderful! The Master will surely be very pleased!" The woman's tone rose with delight.
"Yes, I think he will be happy too. This will be a rather unfair negotiation since my demands are quite low... but it's worth it for my brother!"
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