Chapter 218 - 218: This is Not a Discussion, it’s a Notification

Translator: 549690339

Upon hearing this, Yang Ye clicked his tongue a few times and then looked at Shopkeeper Zhou, “Go on, fetch Qiao Xiaomai. Let the princess experience something indescribably wonderful.”

Indescribably wonderful.

Those four words successfully made Bai Zhi’s face turn a few degrees colder.

Noticing this, Shopkeeper Zhou spoke up, “Miss Qiao is in the Zuixian Building, she came over today to sell a new dish.”

Although he sympathized with Qiao Xiaomai in his heart, in front of Bai Zhi, he had no choice but to obey.

“Oh, another new dish? Bring her up quickly.” A spark of interest flashed in Yang Ye’s eyes as he straightened up.

Bai Zhi cast him a sidelong glance, a shadow flashing across her beautiful eyes.

“Yes.” Shopkeeper Zhou stepped out to find Qiao Xiaomai downstairs.

Upon hearing the reason, Qiao Xiaomai naturally felt her head spin.

What was this all about?

This really was like sitting at home and disaster flying in from the heavens.

Nonetheless, no matter how unpleasant, she had to go upstairs. This was the harsh reality of life in this class-driven society.

Seeing her reluctant face, Shopkeeper Zhou reassured her, “With Prince Wei here, your personal safety is guaranteed.”

However, upon hearing his words, Qiao Xiaomai’s face showed even more unwillingness.

Personal safety?

Was only her personal safety guaranteed?

What the hell!

With a stomach full of worries, she carried the dried tofu upstairs.

Upon entering the private room, she respectfully greeted the two dignitaries.

Thankfully kneeling was not a custom at the time, otherwise, she would be even more bitter.

“So, this is your dish?” Interrupting Bai Zhi, Yang Ye beckoned Qiao Xiaomai towards him, “Come here and let me have a look.”

He appeared warm and friendly, seemingly forgetting the unpleasantness of Qiao Xiaomai’s subtle refusal last time.

Qiao Xiaomai approached and placed the bowl of dried tofu in front of him.

“This is vegetarian meat, it has many uses.”

She had brought plain tofu, without any preparation, but Yang Ye trusted her skills and tore off a piece to taste right away, too quickly for Bai Zhi to refuse.

“The taste is good.” After swallowing the tofu, Yang Ye retrieved a handkerchief from his bosom to wipe his hands and then looked at Qiao Xiaomai, “How much are you selling this for?”

“I plan to sell the recipe.” Qiao Xiaomai answered honestly.

“Have you already sold it to the Zuixian Building?”

“Not yet.”

“For how many taels of silver?”

“Two hundred.”

“Deal.” Yang Ye snapped his fingers.

Qiao Xiaomai”…”

Shopkeeper Zhou”…”

Shopkeeper Zhou wore no expression, but inside he was cringing, wishing he hadn’t haggled before.

If he had known, he wouldn’t have negotiated the price!

Qiao Xiaomai, in turn, hesitated and glanced at Shopkeeper Zhou.

“Speak up.” Seeing her hesitation, Yang Ye urged her.

Qiao Xiaomai looked at Shopkeeper Zhou with difficulty, “May 1 ask Shopkeeper Zhou to step out for a moment.”

If she revealed that the dried tofu was made from tofu, which meant unavoidably revealing the process, she wouldn’t want to disclose this in front of Zhou, seeing his penny-pinching earlier.

“Out you go.” Yang Ye immediately waved Zhou away.

Shopkeeper Zhou”…”

He stifled a complicated mix of feelings as he bowed and left the room.

Once he was gone, Qiao Xiaomai said, “Because the vegetarian meat is made from tofu which I already sold the recipe for to the Zuixian Building and Extreme Taste Residence.”

When she sold the tofu recipe, she stated that she wouldn’t use tofu for profit, only for her own consumption.

If she informed Yang Ye now, it would be an infringement of the agreement.

She could only honestly share her predicament.

“No matter, go ahead and sell it.” Yang Ye said nonchalantly.

Since the tofu recipe had already been offered to Emperor Yong’an by the Zuixian Building, he would just need to inform the palace.

Upon hearing this, Qiao Xiaomai felt relieved and disclosed the method of making dried tofu to Yang Ye.

Yang Ye immediately had his attendant give her two hundred taels of silver notes.

Silver notes – this was the first time Qiao Xiaomai had seen one. She didn’t take the time to inspect it further, tucking both notes carefully into her bosom.

Bai Zhi watched her movements, her lips curling into a cold, mocking smile, “Your name is Qiao Xiaomai, right?”

Shocked, Qiao Xiaomai quickly agreed.

“In three days, I’ll have a cooking contest with you.”

Qiao Xiaomai”…”

Blow me down, here it comes.

“But of course for a contest, there has to be a wager. 1 wager three hundred taels of silver and three hundred acres of land, you do the same. If I win, your silver and land are mine. If you win, my silver and land are yours.. What do you say?”