Chapter 120: Why Is He the Only One Being Left Out? So Annoying
Wen Yao hesitated as if unsure whether to speak.
Qiu Rongrong immediately understood and asked, “Sister, name your price.”
Wen Yao smiled. “You’re so straightforward—I like that.”
Qiu Rongrong glared playfully. “You planned this long ago, didn’t you?” Otherwise, why would she carry tenderizing powder with her?
Wen Yao neither admitted nor denied it. “Since we’ll be working together, how about thirty coins per jin?”
At first, it sounded expensive. But after seeing how little was needed to make a dish—and knowing it could be used in other dishes—it wasn’t costly at all.
She glanced at Chef Chen. “If you handled the meat yourself, could you make it this tender?”
Chef Chen shook his head honestly. “I couldn’t.”
That settled Qiu Rongrong’s decision.
“Forty coins per jin. Exclusive to Zuixian Restaurant.”
Wen Yao raised her brows—she was buying exclusive rights. Fine by her; she didn’t know any other restaurant owners anyway.
“Deal.” Wen Yao raised her hand.
Qiu Rongrong slapped it in agreement. In that small kitchen, they sealed their alliance—to make money together.
“Please have someone call my brother down. I brought some tenderizing powder—let him fetch it. Today is the fifteenth; Zuixian Restaurant is packed. It’s the best time to launch a new dish. Today, give each table a small portion of boiled sliced pork.”
“Give it away?” Qiu Rongrong frowned.
“It’s a tasting portion,” Wen Yao explained. “Small enough to leave them wanting more. We can do this every time we launch a new dish.”
“Will it work?”
“Trust me,” Wen Yao grinned.
Wen Jun was called down and secretly handed five bags of powder to swap and bring back. Though confused, he cooperated.
Wen Yao then taught Chef Chen every step—from preparing the meat to frying the base. The master chef learned it in one go and recreated the dish perfectly.
Manager Lu later handed over payment—five jin at forty coins each. Two hundred coins in hand.
Wen Yao was delighted. The powder cost only twelve coins per jin—huge profit.
On the way back, she hinted to Qiu Rongrong, “There’s another ingredient even better than dogwood—more fragrant and spicy. I’m still figuring out how to grow it. When I succeed, it’ll be even more popular.”
Qiu Rongrong grew excited. “What is it?”
“I’m not sure yet. But when I succeed, you’ll get it first.”
“Deal. Don’t worry—you’ll be well paid, little money-lover.”
———
That day, Zuixian Restaurant became livelier than the lantern festival. Every table received a free tasting of the new dish.
At first, many diners couldn’t handle it and nearly complained. But soon they found it irresistibly delicious. When they wanted more, Manager Lu spread his hands:
“Sorry! This is a newly developed dish. Only these samples today. If you like it, come back tomorrow. It’s called boiled sliced pork—only twenty portions daily, reservation required. Also, Zuixian Restaurant will launch two new dishes every month on the first and fifteenth, with free tastings.”
Customers begged and even offered extra money, but he refused. Several immediately reserved tables for the next day.
Manager Lu could barely hide his grin while collecting deposits.
In the private room, the Wen family and Doctor Jin received large portions.
“Yaoyao, you made this, didn’t you?” they asked after tasting it.
Wen Yao smiled at Qiu Rongrong. “It will be sold at Zuixian Restaurant from now on.”
They exchanged knowing looks.
After the meal, Xie Yushan couldn’t stand being ignored any longer. Qiu Rongrong seemed completely at ease with the Wen family. Even Xie Anyi forgot earlier embarrassment and played with the children again—only he sat awkwardly alone.
Watching Qiu Rongrong’s bright smile, something felt unpleasant. He had never seen her smile like this before.
He wanted to ruin her good mood.
“Madam, it’s getting late. We shouldn’t delay Mr. Qiu and Doctor Jin.”
Qiu Rongrong lowered her head, hiding her emotions. She whispered to Wen Yao, “I’ll send someone to pick you up tomorrow. We’ll discuss details then.”
“Alright.”
She stood, and the three of them said farewell before leaving.
Soon after, the dim evening brightened with lantern light. Opening the windows revealed dazzling streets filled with lanterns and crowds even larger than during the day.
