Done, Orion thought internally as it held the finished collar, checking it carefully.
Orion attempted to replicate a similar inscription from the slave collar Liu Jin had brought; he brought several types of slave collars. The Liu family had several types of slave collars in their storage, but unfortunately, they didn't possess any as exquisite or luxurious as the one worn by Ying Hua; they only had low-quality and slightly better ones.
While waiting for the sun to rise and for Wang Lingxin to wake up, Orion used the time to research about the slave collar. Starting with the simple ones made from steel, these collars could be broken rather easily. The problem lay with the inscription; when the collar was forcibly removed or broken, the inscription would activate with varied effects. Some collars were imbued with inscriptions that would electrocute the wearer, some would explode, and some would poison. Orion needed to figure out how to neutralize them safely without harming the wearer.
There wasn't much progress regarding neutralizing the slave collars, but Orion had made some headway with copying the inscriptions and could now create slave collars by replicating the real ones. By using a simple steel collar and adding inscriptions, the collar became a slave collar that is difficult to remove, and attempting to remove it forcefully would activate the inscription.
Additionally, Orion was able to improve them by optimizing the inscriptions, or if Orion used the O# inscription, the effect would be far greater. Orion already had a basic understanding of the principles and workings of the slave collar, having created them on its own.
The research would continue further, with several possibilities that needed to be tried.
One possibility was overriding the inscription by inscribing a new one on the slave collar, which would forcefully drain the hidden small spirit stone acting like a battery. If the spirit stone was drained, even if the collar was forcefully broken, the dangerous inscription wouldn't activate as there would be no Qi from the spirit stone to power it.
The inscription used on low-quality the slave collar wasn't high level or complex; there were lots of points in the inscription that could be broken or forcibly imbued with another inscription. However, for the one worn by Ying Hua, it was more complicated and slightly more complex as Orion's AI had been analyzing the weaknesses of the inscription all this time and still hadn't found a solution. Although it found several weaknesses and possible exploits, Orion was still working on implementing a strategy to exploit them.
Rustling emanated from the bed as Wang Lingxin stirred. "Hoam," she yawned, rubbing her eyes as she gradually woke up. After a moment, she rose from the bed and turned towards the table in the middle of the room, where she spotted her master, busy as usual.
"Master, where did you go last night?" Wang Lingxin pouted; her tone tinged with curiosity.
Orion turned towards her. "Oh, you noticed I've been leaving?" it remarked casually.
"Of course, you've been disappearing every night for the past few days, leaving me behind," Wang Lingxin complained.
"I was attending to something important in the city," Orion explained.
"Why didn't you bring me along?" Wang Lingxin inquired.
"I didn't want to disturb your sleep, and besides, children aren't allowed in the place I visited," Orion replied.
"Really?" Wang Lingxin still gazed at Orion skeptically. "You're not having fun secretly without me, right?" Wang Lingxin added, a hint of suspicion in her tone.
"Of course not," Orion assured her. "Anyway, get prepared. I will need your help."
"What? Really? Master, you need my help? What can I help you with, Master?" Wang Lingxin's mood shifted from doubt to happiness. She forgot about how Orion had left her, simply happy that her master had asked for her help and that she could assist him.
"Then get prepared. We will be going to the Liu family," Orion stated.
In the Liu family residence in Fengxian, Liu Mingzhen sat in his workroom, surrounded by various papers and scrolls scattered across the table. He held a small ceramic bottle, occasionally smiling as he examined it.
A knock sounded at the door, and after Liu Mingzhen gave permission, an old man entered. This man was the steward highly trusted by Liu Mingzhen, despite only being at the 2nd stage of the Qi Condensation realm. He excelled at managing business and finance, and Liu Mingzhen often sought his advice on such matters. Despite his stewardship position, Liu Mingzhen held great respect for him.
"Ah, Uncle Wang, please, have a seat," Liu Mingzhen invited.
"Greetings, Master," Liu Wang responded respectfully as he took a seat. "Master, you still haven't used the MSG?" Liu Wang inquired.
"Hehe, of course. This MSG is very valuable. If I want to use it, I must pair it with food made from high-quality ingredients to maximize the benefits," Liu Mingzhen remarked.
When Liu Jin brought another small bottle of MSG from Orion, Liu Mingzhen was delighted. He decided to reward Liu Jin with a little of it for bringing more from Orion. Liu Jin also mentioned that the MSG was to be used for testing to check its long-term effects. Liu Mingzhen then righteously claimed that he would volunteer as the guinea pig and was willing to test the MSG himself.
Actually, Liu Mingzhen simply wanted to keep the MSG for himself. Liu Jin, Liu Wang, and the other elders knew this but could only accept. Even Liu Wang, Liu Jin, and the other elders were also willing to become guinea pigs and test subjects for the MSG, but alas, Liu Mingzhen claimed the MSG for himself.
"Uncle Wang, how are the preparations for the fried chicken restaurant?" Liu Mingzhen inquired.
"Everything has been arranged, but still, Master, I think it's a really bad idea," Liu Wang expressed his concern.
"What's the matter? Please, speak your mind," Liu Mingzhen encouraged.
"There are several issues I see. First, the restaurant itself. Mr. Orion wants a simple and small stall rather than a big building. Won't this affect our Liu family's reputation? With only fried chicken on the menu, how can the restaurant attract many customers? And how great will the fried chicken be? There are already many fried chicken options in the city, even in our own restaurants, and they are quite popular. Why does Mr. Orion want the new restaurant to only sell fried chicken? Can it even compete? I worry that the restaurant won't turn a profit and will only incur losses," Liu Wang explained his concerns.
"Well, it's fine. As long as we can keep Mr. Orion happy, even if the restaurant fails, it won't cost us much," Liu Mingzhen assured.
The new restaurant is just a small-scale business. The Liu family also owns several large restaurants that generate significant income. Additionally, the Liu family is involved in other major business ventures. As a result, any losses incurred by this small business venture won't have a significant impact on the Liu family's overall financial standing. Therefore, Liu Mingzhen isn't worried about potential losses from the new restaurant.
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"Sigh, I really don't understand what a high-level cultivator like Mr. Orion is doing. Why would he be interested in a small restaurant business? Is it just a hobby? As for the MSG business, it's very promising and has the potential to bring in significant income. But fried chicken? Sigh..." Liu Wang sighed in frustration.
"Mr. Orion will come today to discuss our business cooperation further. There are things that can and can't be said. Mr. Orion is very important to our Liu family, so Uncle Wang, please be careful with your words," Liu Mingzhen cautioned.
"Don't worry, Master. I understand," Liu Wang reassured.
After Wang Lingxin got prepared and had breakfast, Orion and Wang Lingxin left the residence and headed to the Liu family residence. Upon arrival, the servants respectfully welcomed them and led them inside.
"I'll be having some talk with Mr. Mingzhen first. Maybe it will take a while. You can come, or you can wait outside and play," Orion said as they walked.
"Hmm... then I will be waiting in the flower garden," Wang Lingxin replied, not wanting to join the potentially boring discussion of adults and preferring to play. "So, what help do you need from me, Master?" she asked.
"You'll know later. I'll finish the discussion with Mr. Mingzhen first," Orion replied.
"Okay," Wang Lingxin said as a servant led her to the flower garden.
"Don't cause trouble, okay?" Orion reminded her.
"Okay, Master, don't worry," Wang Lingxin reassured him.
Meanwhile, a servant brought Orion to Liu Mingzhen's workroom. After a bit of pleasantries, Liu Mingzhen introduced his steward, Liu Wang.
"Mr. Orion, this is my steward, Liu Wang. He is an expert in business and finance. He will be the one managing the restaurant," Liu Mingzhen introduced.
"Greetings, Mr. Liu Wang," Orion greeted with a cupped hand.
"Greetings, Mr. Orion. You are too polite. I am just nobody. Just call me Liu Wang," Liu Wang replied, also cupping his hands.
After a little more pleasantries, they began to discuss the restaurant. Liu Wang handed Orion a scroll containing the plan and details for the restaurant. After a quick glance, Orion was satisfied and agreed with the proposal.
"So, this is the fried chicken that will be on the menu," Orion remarked as it retrieved a plate full of fried chicken, still hot. Finally, Orion had the fried chicken that Wang Lingxin had approved after experimenting with the recipe for days.
"Oh, so this is the fried chicken?" Liu Mingzhen questioned. Internally, he mused, Just chicken meat covered in some flour and then fried? Feeling somewhat disappointed, he pondered over the simplicity of the dish.
"Please, try them," Orion offered.
"Um, okay," Liu Mingzhen replied.
"Just grab them and eat, no need for chopsticks," Orion suggested.
"Then, excuse me," Liu Mingzhen said, reaching for a chicken drumstick and taking a bite. Liu Wang also grabbed a piece and began eating.
Crunch
Liu Mingzhen and Liu Wang's eyes widened in surprise at the deliciousness of the fried chicken. The exterior was crunchy, the meat was soft and juicy, and the seasoning had seeped deep into the meat. As they chewed, the combination of the crunchy coating, the tender meat, and the flavorful seasoning delighted their tongue.
Gulp
"Ah~...." Liu Mingzhen and Liu Wang both made satisfied noises, continuing to eat while savoring every bite until only clean bones remained.
"This fried chicken is really impressive, Mr. Orion. Its taste is so good, I'm sure the restaurant will be a success!" Liu Mingzhen praised.
"Thank you. Hopefully, the restaurant will indeed be a success," Orion responded.
Meanwhile, Liu Wang remained quiet as if lost in thought, all the while still sucking on the already clean chicken bone. Liu Mingzhen felt embarrassed by Liu Wang's behavior and was itching to scold him.
"Ahem," Liu Mingzhen cleared his throat, pretending to be composed.
Liu Wang, noticing the attention on him, spoke up. "Ah, please forgive me. I was thinking about something." Liu Wang said, appearing embarrassed. "Mr. Orion, I think we need to modify the previous plan for the restaurant," Liu Wang suggested.
"What do you mean exactly?!" Liu Mingzhen was surprised by Liu Wang's sudden desire to change the plan, especially since Orion had already agreed to it.
"Let's hear about it," Orion replied, open to discussion.
"I think we can increase the price further and make the restaurant more luxurious to match the taste of the menu. Previously, we aimed for regular folks, but I think we can target richer people as customers, after all, the fried chicken is so good and unique." Liu Wang suggested.
"Will it be fine to increase the price? What if there are only a few customers?" Liu Mingzhen raised a concern. And didn't you previously feel skeptical about Mr. Orion's fried chicken? Look at you now, praising it, Liu Mingzhen thought to himself.
"The problem is to let people know about the taste. Once they know, I am sure they won't complain about the price," Liu Wang reassured.
The three then continued their discussion, finally agreeing to modify the plan. The restaurant would be slightly bigger, grander, and more luxurious, and the prices for the fried chicken would be raised. In the first month of opening, there would be promotions and discounts to attract customers.
"Mr. Orion's plan for a smaller restaurant spread throughout the city is really good. I never thought of such an idea before," Liu Wang agreed after hearing Orion's plan.
For Liu Wang, Orion's idea is truly unconventional. Usually, they make the restaurant very big to accommodate the city's people, but using many smaller ones could indeed make it easier for people, as they don't need to walk far to reach the restaurant. Although it will be less grand than a single big restaurant, Orion prefers practicality over prestige and reputation.
"If the restaurant is successful, which is very likely, we will open more restaurants throughout the city. Later, we will also start the expansion and build in Yanjing City. I will let my brother handle the restaurant in Yanjing City," Liu Wang explained.
Liu Wang's brother, Liu Wei, was also a highly trusted steward of the Liu family and he is currently in Yanjing City.
"That sounds good," Orion agreed, while Liu Mingzhen nodded in agreement.
The discussion about the fried chicken finished, the name for the restaurant also been decided which is Supreme Fried Chicken. The discussion then shifted to the MSG. It was agreed not to reveal information about the MSG yet. Instead, another restaurant would be built—a luxurious and grand establishment specialized for cultivators. The food would be added with MSG to enhance its effects and taste. Liu Wang skillfully come up with the plan, and the three agreed.
After finishing the discussion regarding their cooperation, it was time for Orion to teach the chefs how to make the fried chicken. Orion headed to the kitchen where the Liu family's trusted chefs were waiting. Orion let the chefs taste the fried chicken, which impressed them. Then, Orion began teaching them.
After a while, the best-finished fried chicken was served on a plate, with a bowl of red sauce placed beside it on the table. Wang Lingxin, seated at the table, scrutinized the fried chicken while the chefs stood nervously at the side, surprised that it was a kid who would judge the fried chicken and not Orion.
Wang Lingxin then took a piece and began to eat. After finishing, she wiped her mouth with a piece of cloth and put on a serious expression. She started giving her appraisal, her detailed and professional critique surprising the chefs with its depth. Although the fried chicken was good, it still fell short compared to Orion's. Wang Lingxin pointed out various flaws and areas for improvement.
The chefs were left stunned, their jaws dropping at the unexpected expertise of this young girl. To think that someone her age could deliver such a professional critique was astonishing. It became evident that there were still many aspects they needed to refine and perfect.
Orion observed silently from the side, impressed by how much Wang Lingxin had learned from the food review videos it had created. Liu Mingzhen was equally impressed, seeing how Wang Lingxin, despite her youth, had become an expert at judging food in such a short time with Orion. It made him wonder how far she could go in the future, especially once Orion began teaching her on the path of cultivation.
The Supreme Fried Chicken business is just a small enterprise, and even if it turns a profit, it will still be modest and not sufficient to advance Orion's plans. However, if it succeeds and expands widely with more restaurants, the profits will increase. Orion has agreed with the Liu family regarding the Supreme Fried Chicken business and allowed them to handle marketing in Yanjing City, Fengxiang City, and the surrounding areas. Orion also plans to cooperate with other people in other locations; the Supreme Fried Chicken partnership is not exclusively tied to the Liu family.
Orion has already been contemplating the secret society it intends to establish. It will have a large population, with not all individuals directly involved in Orion's future projects. Skilled workers will be required for the projects, while unskilled individuals can contribute in other ways. Some will need to support the population itself, engaging in tasks like labor and farming, while the Supreme Fried Chicken business and MSG will also play a part in the economy and society. Additionally, Orion is already preparing for other businesses, like blacksmithing, but that will still need to wait until after the house is completed.
Only when almost sunset did Orion and Wang Lingxin leave the Liu family residence.
"Master, will you need my help again tomorrow to taste the fried chicken?" asked Wang Lingxin.
"Yes, will you help me?" inquired Orion.
"Of course, I will help you. I will do my best in tasting the fried chicken," replied Wang Lingxin, happy because her master needed her help.
"Thank you, you're doing a great job," responded Orion.
"Hehehe," chuckled Wang Lingxin, smiling, pleased to receive praise.
Orion and Wang Lingxin rode in a horse carriage back to the residence.