After returning to the capital to farm, the abandoned concubine made a comeback.

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the window and fell on Lin Qin's face, dispelling her lingering sleepiness.

She got up, washed and dressed in a simple and elegant dress, ready to face new challenges.

Tom arrived as promised, a fake smile on his face, as if he had everything under control.

Lin Qin calmly invited him to sit down, served him tea, and the negotiations officially began.

"Mrs. Lin, I deeply admire your country's culinary culture, especially your exquisite cooking skills, which are truly breathtaking." Tom's words were full of praise, yet they concealed a sharp edge.

Lin Qin responded politely, waiting for him to reveal his true purpose.

Sure enough, Tom changed the subject and began to make all sorts of harsh demands on the terms of cooperation, attempting to monopolize the benefits of culinary diplomacy.

"Mrs. Lin, I propose that your country grant us, Country A, the exclusive rights to all the delicacies. In return, we will reward you handsomely." Tom's tone was arrogant, as if he were bestowing a handout.

Lin Qin sneered inwardly, but remained outwardly calm: "Mr. Tom, I'm sorry, I cannot accept your proposal. Culinary diplomacy aims to promote cultural exchange between countries, not to seek personal gain."

Tom's face darkened: "Mrs. Lin, you're refusing a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit! Don't forget, our country, Country A, is the biggest market. Without our support, your culinary diplomacy will be impossible!"

At the negotiating table, the atmosphere suddenly became tense.

Lin Qin took a deep breath, her eyes resolute: "Mr. Tom, I hope you understand that cooperation is based on equality and mutual benefit, not on bullying the weak. I am willing to cooperate with any country, but I will never accept any unequal treaty."

Tom sneered, "It seems Mrs. Lin won't admit defeat until she sees the coffin! In that case, don't blame me for being impolite!" He stood up abruptly, his tone forceful, "I'll give you three days to consider. After three days, I expect to hear your affirmative answer!"

Lin Qin watched his departing figure, then slowly walked to the window, gazing at the bustling street scene outside, and pondered to herself: Three days?

I want to see who bows down to whom in three days!

She summoned a maid: "Go, prepare the kitchen, I want to cook myself..."

Lin Qin rolled up her sleeves, revealing a section of her fair wrist, as white as jade.

Her expression was focused, and her every move exuded an indescribable elegance.

In the kitchen, pots and pans clattered like a symphony, their aromas tantalizing everyone's taste buds.

"Little Commander, it's up to you this time!" Lin Qin whispered to the air.

The cute little system immediately popped up, with a golden exclamation mark above its head: "Host, rest assured! Everything produced by this system is guaranteed to be of the highest quality!" A golden light flashed, and the ingredients in Lin Qin's hands seemed to be given life, radiating a strange brilliance.

Zhu Ling stood at the kitchen doorway, quietly watching Lin Qin's busy figure, her eyes gentle.

He picked up a clean handkerchief, walked to Lin Qin's side, and gently wiped the sweat from her forehead: "Are you tired?"

Lin Qin smiled and said, "I'm not tired. How could such a small thing be difficult for me!"

Three days passed in the blink of an eye, and Tom stepped into Lin Qin's residence again, a hint of contempt on his face, as if victory was in his grasp.

However, when he saw the dish on the table, he was completely stunned.

It was a dish I had never seen before, with perfect color, aroma, and taste, radiating an enticing glow, like a fine work of art.

"What is this?" Tom couldn't help but ask.

"This is something I specially prepared for you—'Prosperous and Flourishing Times'." Lin Qin smiled slightly, her eyes sparkling with confidence.

Tom picked up his chopsticks with some skepticism, then took a piece and put it in his mouth.

The next second, his eyes widened, and an expression of disbelief appeared on his face.

He felt as if he were in a dream world, with all sorts of wonderful flavors intertwining in his mouth, leaving him with an unforgettable aftertaste.

"This...this is simply divine!" Tom exclaimed excitedly, his words tumbling out incoherently. "I have never tasted such delicious food before!"

Lin Qin's lips curled up slightly. Tom's attitude made a complete 180-degree turn. He not only agreed to the previous cooperation terms, but also offered to make additional investments.

Envoys from other countries were also captivated by this "prosperous and flourishing era" and expressed their desire to cooperate with Lin Qin.

Ultimately, Lin Qin successfully signed preliminary business cooperation agreements with three countries, marking a complete success for her culinary diplomacy.

Everyone congratulated Lin Qin and praised her superb culinary skills.

Lin Qin responded modestly, but her gaze involuntarily drifted towards Zhu Ling. The two smiled at each other, everything understood without words.

"The real challenge is yet to come..." Lin Qin murmured softly.

Despite Tom's complete change of attitude, the other foreign envoys did not relax their efforts.

Zhang Haibo, the envoy from Country B, frowned and said seriously, "Madam Lin, our Country B hopes that your country can provide us with the raw materials we need to ensure that our cuisine can maintain its best quality." Emily, the envoy from Country C, was not to be outdone and immediately added, "Yes, our Country C also hopes that your country can provide technical support to help us improve the techniques of food preparation."

Lin Qin looked at the three envoys in front of her. Although she felt immense pressure, her eyes remained firm.

She took a deep breath and replied with a smile, "Esteemed envoys, I understand your country's requests, but please believe that cooperation is for mutual benefit, not for one party to exploit the other. I will adjust and improve the cooperation plan according to the actual situation of each country to ensure that everyone can benefit from it."

In the kitchen, Lin Qin rolled up her sleeves and began to get busy.

The adorable little system bounced around her, offering various optimization suggestions: "Host, Country B prefers a sweet and sour taste, so you can try adding some lemon juice; Country C likes a rich milky aroma, so adding more cream would be more suitable." Lin Qin followed the suggestions and adjusted the proportions of the ingredients. Each dish was carefully prepared, and it was delicious in color, aroma, and taste.

At the table, the three envoys took turns enjoying the delicacies that Lin Qin had carefully prepared.

Envoy Zhang Haibo from Country B picked up a piece of sweet and sour pork ribs soaked in lemon juice, took a bite, and exclaimed, "The sweet and sour taste is simply wonderful!" Envoy Emily from Country C tasted a piece of creamy steak and nodded repeatedly, "The taste of this cream is simply intoxicating!"

Lin Qin smiled broadly, a hint of satisfaction in her eyes: "Esteemed ambassadors, these are the dishes I've adjusted to suit the tastes of different countries. I believe that through this kind of cooperation, we can better promote the exchange of culinary cultures among nations."

As time went on, the three envoys' attitudes gradually became more friendly, and they all nodded in satisfaction.

Ambassador Zhang Haibo from Country B took the initiative to say, "Madam Lin, we are willing to sign a preliminary cooperation agreement to jointly promote the exchange of culinary culture." Ambassador Emily from Country C immediately echoed, "Country C is also willing to join us in creating a better future together."

The atmosphere at the scene immediately became joyful and glorious, and everyone congratulated Lin Qin.

Lin Qin smiled modestly, but her gaze involuntarily drifted towards Zhu Ling.

Their eyes met at that moment, as if all their fatigue and stress had vanished.

"Next, let's formally sign the cooperation agreement." Lin Qin smiled and extended her hand, shaking hands firmly with Tom and the other two envoys.

The pen scratched across the paper, making a soft, rustling sound, like a triumphant song, heralding the prelude to the expansion of Lin Qin's business empire.

The smiles of the three envoys, Tom, Zhang Haibo, and Emily, were like a gentle breeze, a stark contrast to the tense atmosphere they had been in before. It was a classic case of "sudden change of heart"!

The signing of the cooperation agreement was met with thunderous applause and flashes of light from the cameras, making Lin Qin shine like a queen.

With a slight smile, she gracefully greeted everyone, exuding confidence and composure in every gesture.

A wave of glory washed over her, enveloping her. At that moment, she was the undisputed center of attention, the object of everyone's admiration.

After the successful conclusion of the culinary diplomacy, Lin Qin did not bask in the joy of success; she knew that this was just the beginning.

Even greater challenges lie ahead; she needs to work even harder to go further on her business journey.

As night fell and the city lights came on, Lin Qin and Zhu Ling strolled through the garden. The bright moonlight shone on them, giving them a silvery glow.

"The moonlight is so beautiful tonight," Lin Qin said softly. A gentle breeze carried the fragrance of flowers, which was refreshing and delightful.

Zhu Ling gently held Lin Qin's hand and looked at her affectionately: "Yes, just like you."

Lin Qin smiled gently and leaned against Zhu Ling's shoulder, feeling his warmth.

The two hugged each other quietly, enjoying this moment of tranquility and sweetness.

Back in her room, Lin Qin didn't rest. She sat at her desk, spread out a map, and scanned it back and forth with her eyes, her fingers occasionally tapping on the map, as if she were planning something.

The adorable little system hovered around her, asking curiously, "Host, what are you looking at?"

"I'm thinking about which direction to take next," Lin Qin said, her eyes gleaming with determination.

"Host, you're already amazing!" the little system said admiringly. "You've achieved so much in such a short time; you're simply a business genius!"

Lin Qin smiled and shook her head: "That's far from enough. My goal is..." She paused, looked out the window, and said meaningfully, "to build my own business empire!"

Outside the window, the night deepened, and the distant sound of the night watchman's gong could be heard; everything seemed quiet and peaceful.

However, deep within Lin Qin's heart surged a powerful passion; she knew that her era had only just begun...

She suddenly looked up at Zhu Ling and said, "I plan to..."