Transmigrated From A Chef to A Commoner

A top chef, Qiao Mianmian, transmigrates and becomes the youngest daughter in a blended family in ancient times. Her father is a butcher, her mother takes on odd sewing jobs, and their family of nine are ordinary people living at the bottom of society. With her elder siblings reaching marriageable age, the government increases taxes, and a heavy rain destroys one of their mud houses... Life is so tough that they struggle to eat two meals a day. Qiao Mianmian dreams of a life with a house, land, and wealth. To achieve her ideal life, she sets up a small stove beside the butcher shop and starts by selling braised pig offal.

Lu Zhao is a newly appointed commander. After renting a new residence, he notices the delicious aroma of food wafting from next door every mealtime: braised fish today, roast mutton tomorrow... Seeing his attendant burning rice every day, Lu Zhao sighs, holding his forehead. Upon learning that the young lady next door runs a small food stall, he immediately heads out with money. Later, Lu Zhao's elderly mother, worried he might starve, comes to visit. As soon as she enters, she is stunned and can't recognize him. "Who are you?" Lu Zhao, now taller and sturdier, replies, "Grandmother, it's me." Seeing his round-faced attendant beside him, the old lady thinks she's seeing things. My goodness, even piglets don't grow that fast!

Note: This is a group portrait slice-of-life food story, slow-paced and set in a fictional era.

The second story is about Zeng Shuyi, who is on a blind date at a state-run restaurant. Her date spits while talking, and Zeng Shuyi puts down her chopsticks. The matchmaker introduces them enthusiastically, but Zeng Shuyi's mind wanders. Her eldest brother is preparing for his third attempt at the college entrance exam, her second sister is returning to the city with her family from the educated youth point, and her younger brother was expelled for illegal buying and selling. The whole family is crammed into a small three-room courtyard on Wutong Lane, with even the passageway occupied by a bed. The siblings each have their own thoughts and desires, all wanting a better life. Zeng Shuyi is also determined to fight for herself. Seeing her neighbor, Xiao Wang, selling fish balls by the window, and selling out in the time it takes to eat a meal, Zeng Shuyi decides to go in a different direction. After much thought, Zeng Shuyi tells her parents "no" for the first time, intending to be at the forefront of the times and start an individual business!

Note: This is a family drama group portrait story with imperfect characters and a long timeline.