From Street Vendor to Myth: Selling Noodle in Another World

"I'm just being modest. I'm just an ordinary person, after all."—Zentharis Lam said with a smile.

"Brother Lam, you're being too modest, ha ha."—Hao Trinh laughed heartily.

After that round of laughter, an awkward silence settled over the group—no one knew what to say next.

Darius Noctis shook his head. Rich people really don't say a single honest word, do they? Finding the conversation dull, he got into his car, pulled out a cigarette, and took a long drag.

The faint scent of tobacco in the air immediately caught Zentharis Lam and the others' attention.

"Mr. Noctis, what are you smoking?"—Hao Trinh instantly turned his focus to the cigarette in Noctis's hand.

"It's tobacco. Want to try?"—Noctis asked, offering him a cigarette.

"Is it like pipe tobacco?"—Hao Trinh asked, a little skeptical.

"No, you smoke this directly."

Noctis showed Hao Trinh how to use it and lit the cigarette for him. Hao Trinh took a deep inhale—then his eyes went blank, and his plump body collapsed onto the ground with a thud.

"He got to smoke the best one right away. Lucky guy."—Noctis muttered under his breath.

"Noctis, I think… I should lose weight."—Hao Trinh wheezed.

Well, isn't that obvious?—Noctis thought to himself, giving Hao Trinh a once-over. He must weigh over a hundred kilos.

"Mr. Noctis, could I have one too? The smell is incredible… pipe tobacco can't compare."—Zentharis Lam, unable to resist, thickened his face and asked for one.

"Here, take one. I'll light it for you!"

Noctis lit a cigarette for Zentharis Lam, who then became intrigued by Noctis's lighter. How could such a tiny thing create fire? Everything Noctis carried was bizarre.

"Strange… I can't sense any magical energy. Imperial fire-making tools are truly fascinating."

As a prince, Zentharis Lam had encountered many people from the Empire. They were often eccentric, and their belongings were peculiar, but he had never seen anyone like Noctis—where everything around him was a complete mystery.

It felt as if he were witnessing an entire world of novelties right before his eyes.

"This thing gives a light, floaty feeling… not as strong or harsh as pipe tobacco. Still, it's great for relaxation. Much more convenient than a pipe. The mellow flavor makes me want to write poetry."—Zentharis Lam mused, enjoying the experience.

"It's just a cigarette, not… whatever you're imagining."—Noctis gave him a baffled look.

"Whatever I'm imagining?"—Zentharis Lam laughed.

"Never mind. Just don't overdo it. Too much of a good thing turns bad."—Noctis shook his head. The prince already looked like he was hooked.

By now, Noctis had already lit his second cigarette. He warned others about smoking too much, yet he himself was a heavy smoker. If only I had a cup of iced coffee with this…

Thinking of it, he immediately got to work. Noctis brewed a few cups of coffee inside his vehicle, then handed one to Zentharis Lam and another to Hao Trinh.

"Oh, I completely forgot! This is Governor-General Van Bien of Phucloc Town. And this here is Mr. Noctis, an extraordinary cook!"

Zentharis Lam suddenly remembered that he hadn't introduced the man standing beside him, so he quickly did so. His real reason for coming here was to befriend Noctis, observe his peculiar belongings, and learn from him. To do that, he needed an excuse to stay around Noctis as much as possible.

In truth, Zentharis Lam had been keeping an eye on Noctis since he arrived at the town gate without a travel permit. He had originally wanted to approach Noctis then, but Hao Trinh had barged in. Even during the market trip, that fat merchant had taken the lead. So, he had no choice but to bring the Governor-General along to meet Noctis.

"It is an honor to meet you, Mr. Noctis. I am Van Bien, the Governor-General of this town. If you ever have any difficulties, please don't hesitate to come to me directly—I will ensure you are taken care of to the best of my ability."

Governor-General Van Bien greeted Noctis humbly. He had no idea who Noctis was, but if even the Crown Prince of their nation was trying to befriend him, then his status in the Empire must be high.

"Call me Darius Noctis."—Noctis nodded in response.

He initially considered offering a handshake but decided against it—different worlds had different customs, and he didn't want to risk seeming rude.

"Oh, right! Uncle Bien, Noctis lost his travel permit. I was planning to take him to your office later to get it reissued. Since you're here, could you help him with it now? Don't make it difficult for him—his cooking is amazing! You should stop by tonight to try it for yourself."—Hao Trinh suddenly sat up and suggested.

"…"

Zentharis Lam's expression darkened.

Damn it! This fat guy is too good at this. I came here specifically to build a connection, yet he's the one who stole the spotlight again.

Unknowingly, Fat Trinh had already been marked by the noble Crown Prince of this nation. It seemed that his life would become quite troublesome in the days to come—he might even lose a few kilos from the stress.

"V-Very well…"—Van Bien's eyelid twitched slightly.

He glanced at Zentharis Lam before nodding at Fat Trinh. Hao Trinh, you're just unlucky. Normally, what you did would be commendable, but you dared to compete with the Crown Prince. This isn't my fault.

"Mr. Noctis, you don't need to trouble yourself by coming to my office. Out of respect for the young master here, I'll send someone to issue your travel permit on the spot. You just need to provide your details, and we'll record everything. I'll also cover the processing fees."

Being a shrewd man, Van Bien subtly glanced at Zentharis Lam while speaking. His meaning was clear—this wasn't for Fat Trinh's sake, but because of the powerful prince standing before them.

"Huh?"—Hao Trinh looked at his own Governor-General in confusion.

I was the one who brought it up first, so why is it now 'out of respect for the young master'?

"Hmph!"

Hao Trinh wanted to say something, but when he caught Van Bien's sharp gaze, he decided against it. After all, Van Bien was the Governor-General—his position was on par with Hao Trinh's father. As a mere junior, there wasn't much he could do. If Van Bien wanted to curry favor with the prince over something this trivial, then so be it. What a shallow move. My connection with Noctis runs much deeper than this. I'm even supplying him with meat and vegetables—how could that young master compete?

"Your father raised you well, Trinh."—Van Bien said approvingly, noticing Hao Trinh's composure.

Hao Trinh's face darkened, but he acted as if nothing had happened. He took a sip of iced coffee, and his eyes instantly lit up. Then, dragging on the half-smoked cigarette, he leaned against Noctis's car, gazing up at the sky in contemplation. His demeanor exuded an air of detachment from the material world.

What the hell? Did this guy just get enlightened or something? Since when did the fat merchant of this town start radiating the aura of a scholar?

Some passersby who saw this scene couldn't help but curse silently in their heads.

At that moment, Zentharis Lam also turned his attention to the iced coffee in his hand. He took a sip.

The taste was slightly bitter, with a hint of sweetness and a refreshing chill. It had a unique flavor—similar to tea in the way it was enjoyed, yet distinct with its balanced bitterness and subtle sweetness.

He then took another drag from his half-smoked cigarette.

His eyes lit up as he looked at Noctis, who was setting up a few chairs. Without hesitation, Zentharis Lam took a seat and leisurely enjoyed his coffee and cigarette.

The sensation was beyond words. It brought a light, euphoric pleasure, especially in the sweltering afternoon heat. This experience was simply too good—Zentharis Lam couldn't even find the words to describe it.

Seeing the two young men so relaxed, Van Bien couldn't help but feel tempted. It wasn't about Hao Trinh—after all, he was just a merchant. But even the Crown Prince, known for maintaining his noble image, was sitting back and unwinding in a foreign place, far from the palace.

What exactly is so captivating about this black liquid? Isn't that poison?

Observing Van Bien's longing expression, Noctis sighed helplessly. Well, since he's helping me with my travel permit, offering him a cup of coffee isn't too much.

So, he brewed another cup and even lit a cigarette for Van Bien.

After taking a sip and a deep drag from the cigarette, Van Bien finally understood why the other two had reacted the way they did.

On a scorching afternoon, after a hearty meal, there was nothing more refreshing than an iced coffee and a cigarette. It was pure bliss.

"This tobacco… and this black drink… they're incredible! It's called iced coffee, right, Noctis? Do you have more of it? Would you be willing to sell some to me? And the tobacco as well—I'd gladly pay three times the price for it!"

Hao Trinh, now fully awake, suddenly grabbed Noctis's shoulders and shook him excitedly.

"What? No, it's not for sale. I only have a limited supply—once it's gone, that's it."—Noctis said with a wry smile.

"Impossible! You really don't have any more? What about in the Empire? Can you tell me where to buy it? I'll pay you handsomely for the information!"—Hao Trinh's eyes gleamed with determination.

With his merchant instincts, he immediately recognized the massive business potential of this beverage and tobacco. If he could bring them to market, he'd make an absolute fortune.

" It's not from the Empire. I just happened to acquire some, and once I use it all, that's it—there's no more." - Noctis chuckled mischievously.

Even if he told them the truth—that he bought these things in another world—none of them would believe him. And besides, he wasn't lying. His supply was indeed limited, and once it was finished, there would be no more.

He still had a few boxes of coffee left, which he planned to ration carefully. Why would I sell it when I need it myself?