BXBX NOVEL Chapter 89 - 89: This Group of Foodies
“Alright, it’s settled then. After the house is finished, I’ll pick a good day, and we’ll move in together. At that time, we won’t invite anyone else, just my husband’s teacher and his family and Mayor Qian, to have a lively gathering at our house. How does that sound?”
“The teacher is welcome, but why invite Mayor Qian?”
“During this time, he’s been looking out for us, so why not invite him?”
Liu Sanniang pursed her lips, looking somewhat unwilling, which piqued Qiao Mai’s curiosity.
“What’s your relationship with him?”
“It’s not much of a relationship, just someone who pursued me in my younger days.”
“Is that the only reason?”
“Anyway, don’t ask about my past with him.”
“Alright, when the time comes, don’t be unwilling. I’ve already decided to invite the mayor.”
“Up to you. But let me tell you, hide your valuable things well. He has sharp eyes and a love for money.”
“But he treats you differently, and he’s nice to you. What do you say?”
Shopkeeper Lu blushed and stopped discussing this topic.
As the weather gradually warmed up, Qiao Mai stayed home with Linger, selling goods. She rarely went out.
When she did, it was either to the embroidery workshop or to look at her new house.
Since there were no men at home during the day, she set up a table at the courtyard gate, blocking the entrance with some goods.
This way, customers could buy what they wanted without entering the house, reducing gossip and criticism.
Their left neighbor, Madam Chen, didn’t come by again. Qiao Mai enjoyed some peace.
With a wide variety of products for sale, her business attracted wealthy individuals from several nearby towns. When people thought of having a meal, they thought of Qiao Mai first.
As a result, her business was booming. Madam Chen often climbed a ladder to peek at her goods.
Qiao Mai had noticed her long ago but ignored her.
Madam Chen watched Qiao Mai make so much money every day. Her envy knew no bounds. She wished that those goods and the money were hers.
Qiao Mai enjoyed seeing Madam Chen’s envy and frustration.
She must have wanted to fly into their house when Chen Hao came over to eat snail noodles.
People like Madam Chen, who wanted to benefit without effort and were unhappy when things didn’t go their way, were not worth her attention.
Time flew by, and before she knew it, it was the end of the month, the day Yuan Jiaqi and the kids were supposed to return.
At noon, the group of food enthusiasts stepped into the house.
The table had already been set with a lavish spread of dishes. Among those who arrived were Wang Zongsheng and his two children, Wang Jiaru and Wang Zihan.
They introduced themselves, took their seats, and began eating the sumptuous meal prepared for them.
Wang Zongsheng had come specifically for the food. Old Mister Wang couldn’t wait to share their deal as soon as he returned home.
He had planned to come the next day, but some urgent matter suddenly came up.
He decided to come along with the Yuan family to save trouble.
Seeing the table filled with dishes he had never seen, Wang Zongsheng finally believed what his father said.
He ate while savoring the dishes slowly.
There was no denying it; Father’s words were right. Their daughter had made a special friend indeed.
The Wang family’s business extended throughout the country and included restaurants.
If they could obtain these recipes, it would not only elevate their restaurants but potentially become well-known in other cities as well.
Wang Zongsheng restrained his curiosity and focused on eating. On the other hand, Qiao Mai remained calm, pretending not to know what they were there for.
It seemed they wouldn’t be returning that day because there was still one more meal to enjoy – the hotpot dinner.
After eating and having tea, they watched Qiao Mai do business in the courtyard.
The two cunning old foxes from the Wang family were amazed by Qiao Mai’s ability to keep them guessing.
She knew what they came for but stubbornly refused to reveal their intentions. It was obvious they were eager to discuss business.
Wang Zongsheng, after watching her finish her sales, inquired, “Do you have connections for these products?”
“Yes.”
“Well, the dishes you’ve prepared taste excellent.”
“Thank you for the compliment, Uncle.”
“As for the recipes, my father already talked to you about it, right?”
“No rush. Let’s discuss it after we enjoy the hotpot tonight.”
Wang Zongsheng couldn’t help but admire Madam Qiao. She remained unfazed even when he broached the topic. It seemed like she wanted to keep him in suspense.
In the evening, as they saw a table filled with ingredients, Wang Zongsheng couldn’t resist the temptation any longer.
He knew that hotpot was best enjoyed in winter, but even in summer, it had its unique charm. Even without meat, dipping various ingredients into the broth and enjoying them with the sauce made for a delightful meal.
Especially with these unfamiliar ingredients. If they could set up a workshop and produce them all, selling them throughout the country and even internationally, it would be a lucrative business.
“Miss, is this duck blood made from actual duck’s blood?”
“Yes, it can also be made from pork blood, used for hotpot, stir-frying, or even pan-frying. It’s incredibly delicious, but for hotpot, duck blood is the best.”
“What about these glass noodles?”
“Besides hotpot, they can be used for cold salads or making soup.” “Could you make some dishes with these ingredients tomorrow?”
“Of course, just let me know what you want.”
“Thank you. We appreciate it.”
Later that night, the three men from the Wang family slept together in a large bed while Wang Jiaru and her maidservant squeezed onto the same bed as Qiao Mai.
Old Mister Wang was already comfortably snuggled under the covers, feeling the warmth emanating from the bed. It seemed that the bed had been slightly heated.
“See? All these recipes are here, and once they are ready, your business will improve significantly,” Old Mister Wang said.
“Do we need to inform the main family about this?”
“This stuff belongs to us. There’s no need to inform the main family; just focus on it. They have their business, and we have ours.”
“How much silver do you think is appropriate?”
“Let’s say a thousand taels of silver for each dish. Don’t undercut her. These are recipes from Ruler’s friend.”
“Twelve dishes would be 12,000 taels of silver. We can exclude the beef and lamb rolls for the hotpot; our kitchen staff can handle those. But those glass noodles are quite good. We should make those.”
“That blood thing is also good, but it’s not suitable for setting up a stall. We can tell the kitchen staff how to make it and buy fresh ingredients to prepare it when needed.”
“Yes, let’s check those dishes tomorrow. If they’re suitable, we should offer 20,000 taels of silver to buy the recipes outright. Except for her personal use, it shouldn’t be sold to anyone else.”
“That’s essential. If she sells it to others, our business won’t thrive.’
“The lamb and beef rolls are excellent. We should instruct our kitchen staff to prepare them the same way.”
“Right. Her condiments are also crucial; that’s where the magic lies.” “Absolutely. Make sure she writes them down.”
The father and son were so excited that they talked late into the night. On the other side, Wang Jiaru, who had never slept on a brick bed, couldn’t fall asleep. She pulled Qiao Mai aside to talk.
“My father is very wealthy. Just look at the dishes we had today, tonight, and tomorrow morning. You should ask for at least 30,000 taels of silver. Don’t let him off easily.”
Qiao Mai chuckled, “Are you trying to fleece your own father?”
“I’m just telling the truth. He’s making money, but a portion of it goes to the main family in the Capital.’
“You’re not from the main family?”
“We’re a branch of the Wang family in the Capital.’
“I see.”
“So, you should seize this opportunity and get as much as ypossible. Otherwise, that money will go to the main family, not us.”
“And what about your family?”
“They’re making money too. Don’t ask too many questions. Just listen to me. If it’s less than 30,000, don’t sell, alright?”
“Of course. The recipe for the condiments alone is worth 1,000 taels, not to mention the rest.”
“Right, you just insist on a good deal.”
“Well, I wouldn’t demand an exorbitant price if it’s not worth it.” “Just remember that the Wang family can afford this sum easily.”
“I understand.”
The next morning, Qiao Mai entrusted Ling’er to Wang Jiaru’s maidservants to look after her and headed to the kitchen.
In the kitchen, she prepared a batch of glass noodles, first making sweet potato starch and then cutting it into squares twice the size of a fingertip. She then stir-fried it.
She also cooked some broad bean noodles, which could be used for cold dishes, and made a soup with glass noodles. She prepared a dish with bean noodles and another with large sheets of rice noodles..