Yummy Yummy Yummy Episode 7 Recap
> Yummy Yummy Yummy Recap
On the much-anticipated full moon night, Shen Jianshe prepared a lavish Spring Water Lamb dish. The Shen family, while somewhat reluctant to leave Yong'an after settling in, held onto their deepest wish of returning to modern times. When Lin Yan finally arrived, he noted the luxurious spread and the many lanterns adorning the hall, which Li Fengxia explained were made specially because of his presence.
Shen Jianshe urged Lin Yan to try the lamb, hoping it would be the key to their return. Lin Yan found the lamb delicious, and upon seeing his approval, the family erupted in joyful cheers, expressing their gratitude. Li Fengxia reminded Lin Yan to prioritize his health alongside his official duties, while Shen Shaojie wished him a smooth career path.
During the meal, Lin Yan’s aide, Liu Chang, subtly suggested that with Shen Shaoguang's situation resolved, Lin Yan could finally propose dissolving their engagement. Lin Yan had indeed intended to speak on a matter but hesitated when the Shen family stated they also had something to discuss. A polite back-and-forth ensued, with no one wanting to speak first, until Shen Shaoguang finally announced they had prepared a farewell gift. Lin Yan was surprised, asking if it was a "farewell" gift.
Shen Shaoguang presented clothes they had made, hoping he would always be splendidly attired. Li Fengxia added that the lanterns were meant to illuminate his future, and Shen Yangyang presented a family portrait she drew, placing Lin Yan in the center. Though Lin Yan misinterpreted it as being "stuffed into this spot," Li Fengxia clarified it meant he held the most important place in their hearts.
The family then explained they had stayed long enough and needed to return to their hometown. They expressed their deep gratitude for his hospitality, toasting him and urging him to take good care of himself, even leaving him a rice tofu recipe so he wouldn't just "dryly gnaw on steamed buns" while busy with work. Lin Yan, realizing their departure, decided against mentioning his own matter, deeming it "minor" and "not worth mentioning."
As the family finished their meal, Shen Yangyang commented that the swaying lanterns resembled fireflies. Lin Yan, recalling a spot behind Jingzhao Prefecture where glowworms gathered, offered to take Shen Shaoguang and Shen Yangyang to see them after dinner.
Despite Shen Shaoguang’s concern about violating the curfew, Lin Yan assured her they could use the back gate to avoid patrols and explained that seeing the "fireflies by the Cang River," Yong'an's most famous night view, was an opportunity they shouldn't miss before leaving.
Among the beautiful glowworms, Shen Yangyang enthusiastically caught one, but Shen Shaoguang gently asked her to release it, explaining that "fireflies will die within a day if you trap them," and it was better to let them be free. Reflecting on this, Shen Shaoguang wished Lin Yan freedom too, who echoed it as his greatest wish.
Shen Shaoguang then confessed that she initially saw him as a distant high official to be "enshrined," but after spending time together, she discovered his "cold face but warm heart" and now considered him a friend. Yet, she sadly stated she was merely a "passerby in Yong'an" and did not belong there, so she had decided not to make friends. Lin Yan admitted he felt the same, leading to a poignant moment of shared understanding.
Earlier, Shen Shaojie sought out Liu Chang, asking for help with a "lifelong matter." He showed Liu Chang a stack of poetic letters he had received from noble ladies of Yong'an after the princess's poetry gathering, admitting his lack of knowledge in poetry and asking Liu Chang to interpret them.
Liu Chang read praises of Shen Shaojie's "outstanding talent" and "battle of wits," his "suave, handsome, and dashing" demeanor, and even one from a young lady who held "secret affection" for him. Shen Jianshe lamented missing out on gaining fans, but Li Fengxia scolded him for his absurd talk. Shen Shaojie, basking in the newfound admiration, expressed reluctance to leave, wanting to take the "love from my fans" with him to endure any future hardships.
He felt understood by the people of Yong'an in a way his family did not. Later that night, the family gathered with their gold, contemplating their supposed return. Shen Shaoguang, who had written the script for their time travel, reaffirmed that they were meant to return to modern times by waking up after moving their ancestor with Spring Water Lamb on a full moon night.
However, Li Fengxia and Shen Shaojie expressed their reluctance to leave, finding it easier to earn money in Yong'an and noting that their modern-day restaurant was struggling. Shen Shaojie highlighted his popularity in Yong'an compared to his lack of job prospects in the modern world. Shen Jianshe added that he looked forward to winning the "Culinary Master Competition" next year, aspiring to be the "Top Chef of Yong'an."
Even Shen Yangyang expressed a desire to stay because Lin Yan played with her. Shen Shaoguang, disheartened by their change of heart, handed over the gold, telling them to accept their fate and return. The next morning, Shen Shaoguang woke up from a dream of selling gold in the modern world, only to realize, much to her dismay, that they were still in Yong'an.
A maid informed her that everyone had fallen asleep drunk in the courtyard, and Steward Liu had moved them to their rooms to prevent them from catching a chill. Shen Shaoguang, acknowledging that all their "methods for going back" had failed, reluctantly faced the reality that they might have to stay.
Shen Shaojie, however, saw it as an opportunity, suggesting they stay, open a small restaurant, and "enjoy the ancestral patronage we don't have in the modern era," even fantasizing about becoming the richest family. Li Fengxia scolded him for his "lay-flat-and-win" mentality. Shen Jianshe, still holding onto his ambition, dreamt of winning the "Culinary Master Competition" to be crowned "Top Chef of Yong'an."
Li Fengxia also pressed Shen Shaoguang, arguing that they had struggled financially in the modern world and that staying in Yong'an would offer them much-needed "financial security." Her family tried to console her, suggesting she adapt slowly and that perhaps one day they would "suddenly go back." The family decided to approach Lin Yan again. Shen Jianshe and Shen Shaojie, despite their attempts, found themselves unable to articulate their dilemma, instead just preparing more food.
Li Fengxia stepped in, explaining that they had encountered "some circumstances" and "might not be able to leave for the time being," hoping to continue residing in his manor. She offered that they would open a restaurant in Juxian Alley, would provide Lin Yan with three meals a day, and pay rent at the end of the month.
Lin Yan, initially taken aback by their change of plans, eventually agreed, waving away their offer of rent, saying it would imply he was complaining that his salary from His Majesty was inadequate. He told them to stay, asking only for a portion of rice tofu when they had time. The Shen family, relieved and grateful, promised to take care of his daily meals.
Later, Liu Chang noted Lin Yan's cheerful mood, even remarking that he was "all clumsy walking" after learning the Shen family was staying. Though happy for his friend, Liu Chang again pressed Lin Yan to dissolve his engagement, cautioning that while Censor Pei might be indiscreet but harmless, others could use the continued engagement as leverage to expose Lin Yan's true identity, potentially bringing to light the past incident of the Cui family.
That night, Shen Shaoguang found Lin Yan still working late and inquired if he was unwell. He admitted to having "trouble sleeping these past few days" and told her to go to bed. He offered his help if she faced any difficulties, reminding her of his position as Vice Prefect. She insisted she was "really fine" and would head back.
The next day, Shen Jianshe and Li Fengxia were enthusiastic about finding a shop in Juxian Alley, a renowned food street. The broker showed them various options, including Yunlai Tavern, known for its lavish and exotic dishes, and Guixiang Tavern, favored by scholars for its elegant, mild cuisine. Shen Jianshe boastfully claimed his future restaurant would surpass them both.
After dismissing several shops as too small or too ordinary, Li Fengxia reined in her husband and son, instructing the broker to find a less prominent, smaller place. They settled on a shop that originally belonged to Councilor Kang, a famous "food connoisseur" and the founder of the annual Culinary Master Competition. The shop was affordable at 300 qian a month, but with the condition that it must be rented to a food business.
Li Fengxia tried to haggle the price down to 250 qian, leading to a comical exchange with Shen Jianshe about the unlucky number. The broker eventually relented and agreed to the price, revealing that the backyard connected to an alley and could be expanded, effectively giving them "half a shop for free." When Li Fengxia questioned if this was allowed, the broker casually pointed out Yunlai Tavern's even larger, unchecked expansion, assuring them that "nothing will go wrong."
The family then eagerly proceeded to sign the contract. Meanwhile, Lin Yan was determined to investigate the illegal expansions in Juxian Alley. Liu Chang warned him that Yong'an's social waters were deep, and the powerful interests behind the East and West markets were "deeply entangled." He reminded Lin Yan that while cases like Mr. Yun's embezzlement were straightforward, many powerful figures in Juxian Alley, like those behind Guixiang Tavern and Yunlai Tavern, "can't be touched."
Liu Chang advised Lin Yan to merely make a "token gesture," but Lin Yan firmly stated that as the Vice Prefect, he "can't hold office without doing my duty." Back at their newly rented shop, Shen Jianshe and Li Fengxia were discussing renovations and potential expansions. Shen Shaoguang, still despondent over their inability to return to modern times, expressed her apathy, simply saying, "You decide. I'm fine with anything." Shen Yangyang, noticing her aunt’s unhappiness, offered her a lollipop.
Shen Shaojie tried to persuade Shen Shaoguang to "accept reality," dismissing their modern life as having "nothing worth missing," including her social media account with few followers or her "genius" ex-boyfriend. Li Fengxia and Shen Jianshe reiterated the financial benefits and ancestral blessings of staying in Yong'an, urging her to adapt to the new normal, saying, "Since we're here, we should make the best of it."
Shen Shaoguang, still grappling with her confusion, lamented how they suddenly landed in this "godforsaken place" and expressed her frustration over losing her savings spent on a dishwasher she never used, and the lack of freedom in this ancient society. Her family continued to encourage her, suggesting she would eventually "be fine in a few days."
Alone by the lake, Shen Shaoguang reflected on her situation, questioning what she could truly do if she had to "survive in a society like this." As she was about to leave, a scarf blew onto her face, obstructing her vision, causing her to stumble and fall into the lake. Bystanders immediately cried out, thinking she had intentionally jumped into the river.
