Chapter 37

“I’ve thought about the problem you mentioned. From the soybean sprouts last time to these two dishes today, although I said that I wanted to sell my things to you, I also taught the recipe to your waiter for free.

“There are many ways to make this tofu, and what I’ve shown you today is only one of them. If you want to split the profits with me, I can provide you with the recipe for free.

“I’m sure you know how much it costs to buy a dish at buyout price, right?”

Manager Li couldn’t help but think highly of Zhao Zhan now. The other party was just an ordinary hunter, but he could actually think of other things in this way. He was a natural businessman.

“If we split the profits, let’s split it fifty-fifty.” Manager Li shook his head and smiled bitterly. “You’re really good at doing business. It seems that I’ve things to learn too.”

“I’ll take sixty and you take forty.” Zhao Zhan’s expression was calm and unyielding. “I’ll pay for the raw materials, I’ll also make the tofu, and I’ll provide the recipe. What do you think of this instead?”

Manager Li still wanted to haggle, “But the guests are all here because of my inn. Also, the other ingredients and labor fees will be all paid for by me.”

“I trusted you and it was the right choice to work with you on the bean sprouts business. That’s why I came to you first for the tofu business and didn’t look for anyone else.”

With his ego being pressed down, Manager Li shook his head helplessly. “You and your wife are not ordinary people. Since you’ve said so, well do sixty-forty then. I’ll sign the contract now. How about it?”

Zhao Zhan’s hands, which had been placed under the table, finally relaxed slightly. His palms were actually sweating from this conversation.

In the past, he was just a worker who sold his prey directly to the kitchen in charge of purchasing them. This was the first time he was seriously talking business with someone alone. It would be a lie to say that he was not nervous.

“Since the contract has been established, how about we settle the accounts and pay you the silver every five days?”

“Yes, this tofu won’t take as much time as soybean sprouts. I will send it over every other day. This thing can’t be stored for long. If the interval between each time is too long, it will get sour. At that time, the customers will have an upset stomach, and your reputation will be on the line.”

“Alright, Young Master Zhao’s future achievements will definitely not be limited by Wangshan Town anymore.”

Manager Li was really optimistic about Zhao Zhan’s future. He was young, capable, and willing to work hard. He was honest and took care of his wife.

If he had a daughter, he would definitely not miss out on such a responsible and loving man.

“By the way, I was thinking of making a house. It’s made of bricks and tiles. Do you know anyone that can help with that? The workers will be from our village, and we need to find a reliable master to lead us.”

“I do know one. Head east from the inn’s front door. He’s the one with a red strip of cloth tied to the door. There’s a lot of work for him to do in the winter. You can try your luck and see if he’s around.”

“Thank you.”

Zhao Zhan left the inn and went to Master Fu’s house according to his directions. He arrived at the right time. Master Fu had sprained his foot yesterday, and today his foot had swelled into the size of a bun. He couldn’t go out and was disappointingly sighing at home.

This year, the business had only begun to pick up recently. It was almost the new year, and everyone wanted to take advantage of the time before the soil froze to repair their houses. However, he did not expect his feet to be so bruised that he could not even stand.

Zhao Zhan walked to the door and knocked on it. “Is this Master Fu’s house?”

“Just push the door open and come in. I’m at home.”