Chapter 117: This Feels So Satisfying
Qiu Rongrong hadn’t expected Wen Yao to understand even this, and her interest was immediately piqued.
“Little sister, go on.”
Zui Xian Tower hadn’t originally belonged to the Qiu family. It was part of her dowry when she married into this town. The chefs inside were all the original staff, and for years the restaurant had followed the same old routines. Their only advantages were the environment and slightly better chefs, yet profits were often unimpressive. The competition was simply too fierce.
Of course, she understood what Wen Yao was saying—but truly talented chefs were hard to find. In fact, the restaurant had once performed even worse than now. Only after she transferred a chef from her family’s restaurant and introduced Jiangnan cuisine did business begin to improve.
That was also why she had kept her eye on Wen Yao. She had tasted Wen Yao’s cooking before—the dishes Wen Yao prepared for the old madam had been made in double portions, and she had eaten them too. In truth, helping Wen Yao was also helping herself.
Seeing her interest, Wen Yao continued, “I won’t say too much. Every month, I can provide two new dishes—steamed, boiled, braised, fried, stir-fried, marinated, pastries, drinks. I can ensure you’ll have a steady stream of new dishes to attract customers.”
Qiu Rongrong stared at her, wondering if she had misjudged the girl. How old was she—nine? Ten? And yet she dared to make such a bold claim.
“You don’t believe me?” Wen Yao raised an eyebrow.
After a moment’s hesitation, Qiu Rongrong spoke honestly. “It’s not that I don’t believe you—it’s just that you’re so young…” Even her restaurant’s chefs wouldn’t dare promise two brand-new dishes every month indefinitely. Changing cooking methods without real innovation was easy; breaking convention was not.
Wen Yao wasn’t surprised. At ten years old, she was hard to take seriously.
“Then how about a bet?”
In the original story, Xie Anyi eventually became the richest man. Although the heroine later helped him with her cheat-like space and business cooperation, he already had a foothold in commerce before meeting her—otherwise she wouldn’t have targeted him. Wen Yao refused to believe the Qiu family hadn’t helped him early on. Sadly, their ending wasn’t good.
She had a good first impression of Qiu Rongrong and didn’t want to wait for Xie Anyi to rise by stepping on the Qiu family.
“What’s the bet?” Qiu Rongrong asked.
Wen Yao raised one finger. “One dish.”
—
Back in the private room, Xie Yushan sat awkwardly, feeling like he was on pins and needles. Suddenly, Wen Yao and Qiu Rongrong stood up.
“Madam, where are you going?” he called quickly.
All eyes turned toward them.
Qiu Rongrong curtsied. “Husband, I’m taking Sister Yao to see the kitchen.”
Xie Yushan frowned in disapproval. “Why take a guest to the kitchen?” His tone carried clear reproach—he felt it was improper and embarrassing.
Worse, Qiu Rongrong was being treated far better than he was. Instead of seizing the chance to curry favor for their son, she was taking a country bumpkin to the kitchen. The more he thought about it, the angrier he became, glaring at her.
Her grip on her handkerchief tightened. That look again. Every time she tried to do something for herself, he would judge her from a moral high ground.
At that moment, Shopkeeper Qiu spoke gently, “Yao Yao wants to see the kitchen? Then please trouble Madam Xie. This girl of mine loves studying food.”
Doctor Jin added, “Yes, let her learn from the chefs. That way Old Qiu and I will enjoy better meals in the future.”
Wen Yao lowered her head timidly. “But Master Xie doesn’t seem willing…”
Shopkeeper Qiu turned to Qiu Rongrong. “Isn’t this restaurant yours? Or did I remember wrong?”
Seeing Xie Yushan’s face turn as ugly as if he’d swallowed a fly, Qiu Rongrong suddenly felt a surge of satisfaction. Someone was speaking up for her—for the first time.
“This restaurant is part of my dowry,” she replied calmly.
Xie Yushan’s face turned the color of liver.
Shopkeeper Qiu added lightly, “I thought the owner had changed.”
Unable to hold back, Xie Yushan forced a stiff smile. “Since you say so, go ahead. Take good care of the guest.”
“Yes.” Qiu Rongrong bowed and left with Wen Yao.
Outside, she let out a long breath, feeling unexpectedly refreshed.
Wen Yao watched silently, smiling inwardly. At least she knew how to resist.
Back in the room, Shopkeeper Qiu finally addressed Xie Yushan.
“Where is your eldest son? I don’t see him.”
Xie Yushan perked up immediately. “He’s studying at the clan school. I’m honored you remember him.”
“Ah,” Shopkeeper Qiu replied blandly. “The Xie clan school is quite good.”
Xie Yushan smiled eagerly. “Still not comparable to learning from you. If my son could study under you, it would be his blessing.”
Shopkeeper Qiu nearly laughed. If the Xie clan in the capital heard that, they’d probably be furious.
