Republic of China, 1928: Starting from a Wonton Shop

"Don't rush, everyone! There's plenty! There's plenty!" Li Chunsheng shouted loudly while making noodles, "I've prepared plenty of ingredients today! I guarantee everyone will have a good meal!"

Boiling water churns, then the ramen noodles are added to the pot.

Li Chunsheng's long chopsticks moved like a swimming dragon, gently stirring the noodles in the pot to prevent them from sticking together. This kind of ramen requires three boils and three floats, and the heat must be just right. Too much heat and it will be mushy, too little and it will be hard.

"Take it off the heat!"

With a clear shout, a strainer scooped up the noodles, drained the water, and placed them into a large porcelain bowl with pre-prepared seasonings.

Next comes the topping.

The pot of broth was bubbling away, and Li Chunsheng picked up a large ladle, skimmed off some of the foam on the surface, scooped up some bone broth, and poured it into a bowl with a "splash".

The heat of the broth brings out the aroma of the scallions and soy sauce at the bottom of the bowl.

Finally, add a slice of evenly sliced, stewed pork belly until tender and flavorful, and drizzle with a spoonful of tempting chili oil.

The chili oil spreads quickly over the white broth, garnished with bright green scallions, and slices of meat tremble gently on top of the noodles. Just the presentation alone is enough to make one's mouth water.

"Your noodles! Here you go!"

One after another, Li Chunsheng's movements were fluid and efficient, without any unnecessary words.

The diners, carrying their noodles, some couldn't find seats, so they simply squatted on the curb by the roadside, while others stood in sheltered spots against the wall, all sweating profusely as they ate.

Just as the scene in front of the stalls was bustling with activity, a commotion suddenly broke out on the outskirts of the crowd.

The crowd that was originally waiting to buy noodles made way for them, and a few timid customers, holding their bowls, changed their expressions and quietly shrank to the side.

"Make way! Make way! What are you all pushing for? Don't you have eyes?"

An arrogant voice rang out.

Li Chunsheng looked up and saw a familiar face covered in pockmarks.

Ma San is here.

Today, Ma San was still wearing that black cotton-padded jacket, twirling the two gleaming iron balls in his hands, followed by the two henchmen from yesterday who wore their hats askew.

Shunzi, who was still eating noodles, quickly clutched his bowl to his chest when he saw Ma San arrive, and looked at Li Chunsheng with some concern.

Everyone remembers what happened yesterday. Although Mr. Mei came to the rescue, Ma San is, after all, a local bully in this area. It's easier to see the King of Hell than to deal with his underlings. Who knows if he'll come looking for trouble again today?

Li Chunsheng wiped his hands on his apron.

"Hey, Third Master! You've arrived!" Li Chunsheng greeted him warmly. "Better late than never, how about a bowl of noodles?"

Having spent so many years mingling in the streets, he had seen countless people who feared him, avoided him, and hated him, but few were like Li Chunsheng, who, having just been pressured by debt collectors yesterday, could still greet him with a smile as if nothing had happened.

"Alright, Manager Li." Ma San walked to the stall, put his hands behind his back, looked at the bubbling pot, and then at the diners around him who were eating with their mouths full of oil. "Business is good."

"Third Master, you flatter me." Li Chunsheng said, pulling out three clean bowls from under the cutting board. "It's all thanks to the support of the neighbors; we're just trying to make a living. Since you're here today, Third Master, would you do me the honor of trying my cooking?"

Ma San raised an eyebrow: "What's this? Is Manager Li treating us to a meal?"

"Look at what you're saying," Li Chunsheng said without hesitation, grabbing a large clump of noodles. "Yesterday, thanks to Third Master's leniency, and also because of Mr. Mei's matter, Third Master didn't make things difficult for me. I remember this favor. These three bowls of noodles today are my tribute to Third Master and my two brothers!"

These words were extremely well said. They gave Ma San face, pointed out that yesterday's matter was over, and subtly mentioned the relationship with Mei Lanfang without saying it outright, giving Ma San a way out.

Ma San felt relieved. He had thought about it last night. Since Li Chunsheng had caught Mei Lanfang's eye, as long as Mei Lanfang hadn't forgotten him, this kid would be a hot commodity on Qianmen Street. Since he couldn't just force him, he had to find another way.

"Alright! Manager Li is a man of principle!" Ma San tucked the iron ball into his coat and sat down at a newly vacated table. "Since Manager Li is so kind, then bring three large bowls! And add plenty of meat!"

"Alright! Third Master, please have a seat!"

In this chaotic world, having skills alone is not enough to do business. You have to deal with both the legitimate and criminal worlds, as well as interpersonal relationships. If you don't handle any of these things well, you can ruin your business.

"Slap! Slap! Slap!"

Li Chunsheng once again twirled the dough in his hands.

"Excellent craftsmanship!" Ma San, who knew his stuff, couldn't help but exclaim.

In a short while, three steaming bowls of chicken broth ramen, each with generous portions, were served to Ma San and his two companions.

This time, Li Chunsheng really went all out. He added an extra spoonful of pork lard to each bowl of noodles and also cut three thick slices of pork belly.

"Third Master, please try it and see if it suits your taste."

Ma San looked at the bowl of noodles in front of him. The rich aroma of meat wafted into his nostrils, making his stomach rumble. Without any hesitation, he picked up a large mouthful of noodles and meat, and without even blowing on it, put it directly into his mouth.

"Slurp!"

The piping hot noodles, along with the spicy broth and tender pork belly, are eaten together.

The noodles are smooth and chewy, followed by the rich broth, the caramelized chili oil, and the savory pork cracklings, all bursting in your mouth. Finally, there's the piece of pork belly, perfectly marbled with fat and lean meat, stewed until tender. The fat melts in your mouth, while the lean meat soaks up the broth, becoming more and more fragrant with each chew.

Ma San didn't have time to say anything and took another big bite.

These days, even a minor leader of the Black Tiger Gang can't eat lavish meals every day. A bowl of noodles like this is something you might not be able to get even in a fancy restaurant.

In less than five minutes, the bowls in front of Ma San and the other two were empty. He picked up the bowl, tilted his head back, and drank the last drop of soup clean.

"ha!"

Ma San slammed the bowl down, letting out a long breath of hot air. A fine layer of sweat had already formed on his forehead. "That feels so good! That feels fucking good!"

The two henchmen beside him were also eating with their mouths full of oil, nodding repeatedly.

"I'm glad you're enjoying your meal, Third Master." Li Chunsheng smiled and handed over a dishcloth.

Ma San took the rag, wiped his hands, stood up, patted Li Chunsheng on the shoulder, and said in a low voice, "Manager Li, you're a sensible man! From now on, on this street, just say my name, Ma San! As long as I'm in this Black Tiger Gang, I'll guarantee your business will be safe and sound!"

That's a promise, even if it's a thug's promise, but in this area, it often carries more weight than the words of a patrolman.

"Then thank you very much for your help, Third Master." Li Chunsheng cupped his hands in thanks.

Ma San laughed heartily, not mentioning the money. He left with his two men, satisfied. Before leaving, he shouted on behalf of Li Chunsheng, "Line up properly! Anyone who cuts in line or causes trouble is disrespecting Ma San!"

Thanks to Ma San's actions, the order at the stall improved, and the competitors who were initially envious quietly put away their bad intentions after seeing this.