Chapter 63: Accepting Autumn Pavilion

Xuanxue Restaurant.

Yun Xuan and his three companions stepped out of the car, casting their eyes over the nearly full dining room, the pianist at the center, and Yun Xuan felt thoroughly satisfied. The environment was elegant, the cuisine delicious, and though the prices were indeed a bit steep, compared to Autumn Pavilion it was much more reasonable. Moreover, the menu here changed daily, so guests with reservations could almost always discover new dishes.

Yun Xuan had prepared thirty basic recipes and thirty innovative ones, rotating them almost every day, with diverse combinations—a dish might only repeat after two months. “Yun Xuan, someone’s here for you,” Alice, who was temporarily tending the front desk, pointed toward the reception room. “Thank you,” Yun Xuan smiled, entering the reception room with Yun Xun’er and Yun Xue. Lin Qingyu didn’t follow; she sat aside, poured herself a cup of coffee, and sipped quietly.

Inside the reception room, Dongfang Ao Xue and a woman in professional attire were seated on the sofa. “Miss He,” Yun Xuan extended his hand upon seeing the woman. She was the manager at Autumn Pavilion, and had been very helpful when Xuanxue Restaurant was established. “Mr. Yun Xuan, you are truly accomplished at such a young age,” He Wen Yue smiled as they shook hands.

“Master, I’m ready. I can begin learning from you at any time. The house is right across from Xuanxue Restaurant,” Dongfang Ao Xue said softly. “Master?” Yun Xun’er and Yun Xue were momentarily surprised. “This is the third young lady of the Dongfang family, and also my apprentice. I’ll be teaching her culinary arts; Autumn Pavilion was her apprenticeship gift,” Yun Xuan explained succinctly.

“This...” Yun Xun’er was at a loss for words. Autumn Pavilion was given as an extra? She knew well the status of the Dongfang family—becoming the mentor of their third daughter meant Yun Xuan was forging a significant connection with them.

“This is the account book and this year’s income,” He Wen Yue handed Yun Xuan the ledger and a bank card. “Does Miss He plan to leave Autumn Pavilion, or...?” Yun Xuan took the items and asked. “If Mr. Yun Xuan doesn’t require my services, I’ll leave Autumn Pavilion and seek another position,” He Wen Yue replied with a tentative smile.

“Your monthly salary will increase by ten percent, with a year-end bonus of thirty thousand,” Yun Xuan offered. “Thank you for your appreciation, boss. I’ll manage Autumn Pavilion diligently,” He Wen Yue said, delighted.

She had been recruited as manager for Autumn Pavilion in Fangyu City, while the deputy manager was the actual representative of Autumn Pavilion. She’d been prepared to be replaced by Yun Xuan, the owner of Xuanxue Restaurant, and had even planned to leave after handing over the duties. She hadn’t expected Yun Xuan to offer such terms.

A ten percent salary increase wasn’t much, but the thirty-thousand year-end bonus equated to the average annual net income of a regular resident in Fangyu City. “As long as you manage Autumn Pavilion well, I’ll add ten thousand to your bonus every three years,” Yun Xuan said with a smile.

“Thank you, boss!” He Wen Yue exclaimed, thrilled. With an extra ten thousand every three years, and the current salary and promised bonus, next year would be seventy thousand—a sum greater than most graduates in Fangyu City could earn. She was now immensely grateful for having chosen hotel management and studied diligently.

...

He Wen Yue left with the account book. Autumn Pavilion and Xuanxue Restaurant operated on different standards; He Wen Yue had worked long enough to be familiar with everything, and Yun Xuan felt more assured leaving her in charge than anyone else. The deputy manager sent by the Dongfang family had departed, and Yun Xuan had no intention of assigning new staff to Autumn Pavilion—he simply instructed He Wen Yue to keep an electronic ledger and submit it regularly to Yun Xun’er.

He Wen Yue would decide which Autumn Pavilion employees stayed; those who remained would receive a ten percent salary increase—a small comfort.

That afternoon, after work, Yun Xuan personally prepared a table to treat Xuanxue Restaurant’s staff, Yun Xue, and the others. When the three returned home, it was already eight o’clock.

“Good night, Sister Xun’er, Snow-chan, Xuan-kun,” Lin Qingyu waved and went home. “Good night,” Yun Xuan replied, feeling a bit tired. It was already late; giving gifts could wait until tomorrow.

Entering the house, Yun Xuan saw a pile of clothes in the living room. He said nothing, poured himself a glass of water, and went to his room.

...

Sitting before his computer, Yun Xuan finally felt settled. As usual, he opened the Northern Sauce public account to answer questions. Many asked what Magical Girl Madoka was; Yun Xuan’s reply was simple: “Secret.”

After responding to dozens of questions, Yun Xuan opened the page for “Stand-In,” glancing at the number of favorites—it had reached one hundred and fifty thousand, firmly securing a top spot in the new book rankings. “At this rate, it won’t be long before it’s published,” Yun Xuan thought, looking at the count.

Light novel serializations in the comic world were slow, but the print edition was released midway through the serialization, and was even faster than the online chapters. Most people preferred to buy the print version, either online or at bookstores—it was very convenient.

After the new book rankings came a series of recommendations, and once the book reached a certain number of favorites, it could be published.

Closing the computer, Yun Xuan took a sip of water and lay down in his nest, drifting off to sleep.

...

The next morning.

Yun Xuan rose early, feeling much better, and happily began sketching various anime characters—figures he hoped to introduce to this world someday.

One drawing depicted a boy with silver short hair, a warm smile, dressed in a green tracksuit—adorable and undeniably reminiscent of Lin Qing... no, it was Saika Totsuka from Spring Things.

Looking closely, the resemblance between Lin Qingyu and Saika was striking. Yun Xuan almost suspected Lin Qingyu was an angel sent by the fujoshi faction.

“Knock knock”—the sound of knocking came from outside the door.

“Come in,” Yun Xuan called without even raising his head.

Yun Xue entered, carrying breakfast. “Brother, you’re up early, drawing already?” she set the tray down, gazing at the anime figures.

“These are all my original creations. I have so many ideas. If you’re interested, Xue’er, you could write a light novel for my manga, or I could illustrate your light novel,” Yun Xuan said, glancing at Yun Xue.

Her white T-shirt was adorned with a cute little rabbit, pink shorts accentuating her fair legs.

Yun Xuan had always been slender, but not the type to collapse at a gust of wind—he looked well-proportioned.

“Brother... what are you looking at...” Yun Xue noticed Yun Xuan’s gaze, her cheeks flushing.

“Of course I’m looking at you. My Xue’er is so beautiful. Whoever marries her in the future will be blessed beyond measure,” Yun Xuan teased her in earnest.

“Brother, I want to stay with you and Sister Xun’er forever. I won’t marry anyone,” Yun Xue pouted, even cuter than Lin Qingyu.

“I never imagined my little sister was such a brother-con. Now I’m a little scared,” Yun Xuan laughed heartily.

“Brother, you’re bullying me again... Wait, who’s this?” Yun Xue pointed at one of the beautiful girls Yun Xuan had drawn.

(P.S.: Dear readers, can I get a few recommendation votes?)