Traveling back to ancient times to get rich

Chapter 112 Instant Noodles

With a mix of trepidation and anticipation, Dong Nanxi stepped into the examination hall. Just as he entered, a crisp "click" sounded behind him—the examiner, expressionless, locked the small door. This lock seemed to completely isolate Dong Nanxi from the outside world. Unless it was time to relieve himself, he could only ring the old copper bell at the door to call the examiner to open the door and let him out to use the restroom; otherwise, he was absolutely forbidden from unlocking the door and leaving the room at any other time. Although there was no charcoal fire in the examination hall, it wasn't entirely devoid of warmth and care. Every morning, noon, and evening, someone would bring steaming hot water. This hot water allowed them to eat some dry rations, ensuring they wouldn't starve for the next few days.

Before this, Ye Qingchen carefully selected and gifted Dong Nanxi a small, exquisitely crafted thermos. She not only gave him this gift but also repeatedly reminded him to bring it with him during the exam. This seemingly unremarkable thermos had a magical property—as long as hot water was poured into it, the temperature would remain stable no matter how much time passed. This way, Dong Nanxi could enjoy steaming hot and delicious noodles anytime, anywhere.

The first question was surprisingly simple, a piece of cake for someone as quick-witted as Dong Nanxi. So, while other candidates hurriedly ate to replenish their energy during breaks, Dong Nanxi remained remarkably calm and composed. He leisurely drank a few sips of hot water to warm himself, ate a compressed biscuit and a piece of candy to maintain his strength, and then focused entirely on answering the questions, without being distracted by hunger. His pen moved swiftly and fluidly, his thoughts flowing like a spring, and in no time he had completed the first essay in one go.

Just then, a sudden cry came from a small examination room next door. Dong Nanxi, intrigued, looked in the direction of the sound and discovered that a student had accidentally broken his inkstone while eating. That inkstone was an essential tool for the student's exam! Now that it was broken, how could he continue the exam? Thinking of this, Dong Nanxi couldn't help but feel worried for the unfortunate student. At that moment, he thought to himself, "My sister-in-law was right." He quickly finished the first exam paper, and after waiting for the ink to dry completely, he carefully put it away, hung it on the wall, and prepared to eat.

Just then, he looked up and gazed at the examinees opposite him. They were still hunched over their desks, writing furiously, seemingly completely absorbed in answering the questions. He didn't know which exam they were taking, but that was no longer important to him, as he had already successfully completed his task.

He gently patted the backpack beside him and took out a small metal bowl with a lid. Ye Qingchen had told him this way the bowl wouldn't break. Then, Dong Nanxi carefully placed the pre-prepared fried noodles into the bowl, followed by various dried vegetables, tender scrambled eggs, and fragrant meat chunks, finally sprinkling in the appropriate amount of seasoning. Once everything was ready, he slowly lifted the thermos and poured boiling water into the bowl until all the ingredients were submerged. He then quickly closed the lid and pressed it down slightly to prevent the heat from dissipating too quickly.

This unique way of eating was taught to him by Ye Qingchen. Today was the first time he had tried it himself! After waiting for a short while, he eagerly lifted the lid of the bowl again. Instantly, an extremely rich aroma surged out like a burst dam, spreading unrestrainedly through the air. That alluring fragrance seemed to have a life of its own, drifting directly in all directions.

The other examinees, who had just finished eating their dry rations and were sitting not far away, stopped what they were doing upon smelling the sudden, envious aroma. They didn't know whose food it was, but it certainly wasn't freshly prepared from outside. Those who had previously found their dry rations quite palatable now felt that what they had just eaten was utterly tasteless, and a sense of inexplicable disappointment welled up within them.

On the other hand, Dong Nanxi's eyes lit up when he saw the sight in his bowl. The golden, crispy fried noodles, softened and elasticated by the hot water, intertwined like nimble little snakes. The previously withered vegetable leaves had absorbed the water and unfurled; the small pieces of egg had expanded and become plump; even the meat chunks had slightly enlarged, gleaming with an enticing sheen. Even better, as the steam rose, the delicious aroma of the broth filled his nostrils, whetting his appetite.

Unable to suppress his inner desire any longer, Dong Nanxi eagerly picked up his chopsticks and took a large mouthful of noodles. With a gentle bite, the smooth texture and rich flavor of the noodles instantly exploded on his tongue. Next, he scooped up a spoonful of the broth, brimming with the essence of various ingredients, and let it slowly slide down his throat into his stomach. That warm and satisfying feeling was like a ray of sunshine in winter, illuminating his heart and leaving him completely immersed in its bliss.

After finishing the noodles, still wanting more, he ate a sausage specially brought for him by Bai Zhi and Fu Ling, as well as a perfectly pickled salted egg. The sausage was firm and flavorful, leaving a lingering fragrance in his mouth; the salted egg had delicate whites and a rich, creamy yolk—both were exceptional delicacies. After devouring these treats in a whirlwind, Dong Nanxi felt brimming with energy, the fatigue from his long hours of writing completely gone. Now, full of energy and confidence, he prepared to throw himself into writing his second article.

So on the first day of the exam, he started on the second question, a question he had long been very good at. He glanced at it and began writing furiously. Because he knew martial arts, had hot water readily available, and had just had a good meal, he didn't feel cold, tired, or sleepy. He finished the second question in the middle of the night. After washing his hands and waiting for the ink to dry, he put the second question away and hung it on the back wall. Ye Qingchen had told him never to leave the completed exam paper on the table, because if a bowl of water, candle, or inkstone was knocked over, the paper would be ruined, so he always kept that in mind. He was indeed a little sleepy at this moment, but none of the candidates around him were sleeping. However, he had heard Ye Qingchen say that conserving energy was very important, so he ate a compressed biscuit and then hid himself in his down sleeping bag. The weather was really cold at night, but he had a down jacket inside and a down sleeping bag outside, and his stomach was full, so he had a good night's sleep.