Chapter 36-40

Chapter 36: Old Problem

"I'm at ease knowing the job is in your hands," Xia Mingyue said warmly, her smile lighting up her face.

The origin of the dried mustard leaves didn’t concern her much, as long as the quality remained consistent. In truth, Jiang Zhuguo could have skipped the explanation entirely and passed off the batch as her own, but she didn’t. Instead, she chose honesty——a trait that made her stand out.

Even more admirable, despite knowing the immense popularity of Xia Mingyue's mustard-meat pancakes and the profit they brought in, Jiang Zhuguo had never once hinted at raising the price of her supply. Her reliability and integrity were evident, and Xia Mingyue felt confident placing her trust in her.

Embarrassed by the compliment, Jiang Zhuguo scratched her head sheepishly. "Thank you, Sister Xia."

"It’s almost noon. Why not stay for a bowl of wontons before heading off?" Xia Mingyue offered kindly.

Jiang Zhuguo quickly waved her hands. "I appreciate the kindness, Sister Xia; but, I need to rush to Qingfeng Teahouse to meet Boss Yuan. I’d hate to be late."

"What business do you have with Boss Yuan?" Sister Lu interjected curiously, her voice tinged with concern.

Jiang Zhuguo sighed softly. "Our family’s fields haven’t been yielding much lately, and with work slowing down, I thought I’d find a job in town to help out. Someone told me Qingfeng Teahouse is hiring a teacup washer. The work isn’t hard, and the pay is decent, so I thought I’d give it a try."

At this, Sister Lu’s expression darkened. She pulled Jiang Zhuguo aside and lowered her voice, glancing around warily. "Child, listen to me. Don’t even think about working there."

"Why not?" Jiang Zhuguo asked, startled by her sudden seriousness. Even Xia Mingyue leaned in, her curiosity piqued.

Sister Lu spoke in hushed tones, her voice heavy with caution. "You might not know this, but Boss Yuan has a terrible reputation. He’s taken advantage of young girls under the guise of hiring them. Two families tried to bring him to justice, but he twisted the truth, claiming the girls seduced him for favors. One of them was shunned by her family and had to leave town. The other...." Sister Lu hesitated, her voice dropping even lower. "...She couldn’t handle the shame and took her own life. The authorities fined him, but it wasn’t enough to stop him. That place isn’t safe, child. No amount of money is worth it."

The color drained from Jiang Zhuguo’s face. Though only thirteen, she was old enough to grasp the gravity of Sister Lu’s warning. "If that’s true, then I won’t go. I won’t step foot there," she declared firmly.

The clan rules of Jiangjia Village were strict, and a tarnished reputation would spell disaster. Her mother’s frail health would only worsen under the weight of such shame, and her father——a man of considerable status——would likely sever ties with her, blaming her mother for failing to raise her properly.

Sister Lu patted her shoulder. "Good girl. You’ve made the right choice."

Yet, worry clouded Jiang Zhuguo’s mind. Her family desperately needed money. Without work, how could she help them?

Sensing her distress, Xia Mingyue suddenly spoke up. "Zhuguo, you’re looking for a job, right?"

Jiang Zhuguo nodded hesitantly.

"Why not work for me?" Xia Mingyue suggested with a smile. "You’ve seen how busy we get selling pancakes and wontons. I’ve been thinking about hiring someone to help out. If you’re interested, you could join us."

The offer felt like a lifeline. Jiang Zhuguo’s eyes lit up like stars. "Really? Sister Xia, you’re willing to hire me?"

She had braced herself for rejection, yet here was an opportunity beyond her expectations——working alongside someone she deeply admired.

"Of course," Xia Mingyue replied warmly. "I know you’ll do a great job."

"I promise I will!" Jiang Zhuguo’s voice trembled with excitement, and without hesitation, she rolled up her sleeves and got to work. She gathered firewood and stoked the stove, greeting customers warmly as they arrived.

"Would you like a large or small bowl of wontons?" She asked cheerfully.

The guests, charmed by her enthusiasm and pleasant demeanor, quickly made their choices and found seats.

Xia Mingyue observed her with newfound appreciation. Jiang Zhuguo wasn’t just hardworking——she was sharp. By offering two options instead of a yes-or-no question, she nudged customers into ordering without hesitation.

This girl has a knack for business, Xia Mingyue thought, her admiration deepening.

As the day went on, Jiang Zhuguo proved herself invaluable. She tended the fire, served customers, cleared tables, and even carried heavy benches with surprising ease during cleanup.

Sister Lu watched in amazement. "Look at you, so thin and small, yet full of strength!"

Jiang Zhuguo grinned. "I’ve always done housework at home——carrying wheat, filling water tanks.... I’m used to it." She effortlessly hefted a pile of bowls onto the flatbed truck.

Sister Lu chuckled, her face softening with affection. "This child really is something."

But her smile vanished the moment she spotted Zhao Dahu and Zhao Erhu standing nearby.

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Chapter 37: Ignorance

These two rascals of hers, always claiming they never get enough to eat, yet look how plump they are! Fat for nothing! Sister thought.

Zhao Dahu and Zhao Erhu exchanged glances, their faces crestfallen as they sighed in unison.

Mother was disliking them again.

But then again, it wasn’t the first time. They had grown used to it——mostly.

Meanwhile, the cleanup was underway. Pots, bowls, and spoons clanged as they were washed and boiled. Jiang Zhuguo worked diligently, her movements efficient and purposeful.

Watching her, Xia Mingyue felt her satisfaction grow. "You should go home and let your mother know. Pack two sets of clothes and bring your essentials. Come early tomorrow morning, and we’ll get started officially."

"The wages are 500 yuan a month," she continued, her tone businesslike but kind. "That includes food and accommodation. You’ll get paid at the end of each month, and you’ll have two days off."

Jiang Zhuguo’s eyes widened. Five hundred yuan!

To her, it was a fortune. The tea-washing job at Qingfeng Teahouse offered only 200 yuan a month, and her cousin, who could read and do accounting, earned just 500 yuan as a bookkeeper.

Overwhelmed with gratitude, Jiang Zhuguo dropped to her knees. "Thank you, Sister Xia! Thank you so much!"

Startled, Xia Mingyue quickly reached out to help her up. "No need for that! But let me make one thing clear——you’ll need to do the job well. I’m paying you to work hard. If you slack off, I won’t hesitate to let you go."

"I promise, Sister Xia! I’ll work hard and never disappoint you."

Five hundred yuan! No matter what, she was determined to prove herself worthy of the opportunity.

Xia Mingyue smiled. "Good. Now it’s late—head home and rest. Be here early tomorrow morning."

"Yes, Sister Xia!" Jiang Zhuguo replied eagerly. But before leaving, she ensured everything was in order. She emptied the boiled utensils, wiped them clean, refilled the water tank, and even helped wash and sort the leeks.

Xia Mingyue’s satisfaction grew. This kid wasn’t just hardworking——she was thoughtful.

As Jiang Zhuguo made her way home, she couldn’t contain her excitement. She jogged most of the way, occasionally breaking into skips and jumps. By the time she reached the small adobe house, her energy hadn’t waned.

"Mom!" She called out as she entered, still wearing her backpack.

Madam Tian, her mother, turned toward her with a faint smile on her tired, weathered face. She reached out to touch his sweat-dampened hair. "What’s got you so happy?"

"Mom, I found a job!"

Madam Tian's lit up. "You did? Is it at the teahouse you mentioned? They’re really paying 200 yuan a month?"

"No, not the teahouse," Jiang Zhuguo replied, shaking her head. "It’s at Sister Xia’s place——the one who buys our mustard leaves. She’s running a stall now, and business is booming. She hired me to help out." She paused, her voice rising with excitement. "And guess what, Mom? She’s paying me 500 yuan a month!"

Madam Tian’s jaw dropped. "Five hundred yuan? That much?"

"Yes! With this money, you won’t have to skip your medicine anymore. You can get a proper prescription and take it regularly."

Madam Tian’s expression softened, but her tone remained practical. "Even if you earn 500 yuan, you shouldn’t waste it. My illness isn’t worth the expense. Save the money for your father——his work is more important."

"But Dad earns money copying books," Jiang Zhuguo protested softly.

"Copying books is time-consuming, and it distracts your father from his studies," Madam Tian explained. "Besides, if he keeps selling copied texts, it’ll seem beneath him. People might look down on him, and that’s no good for a scholar."

Madam Tian sighed, her voice growing more earnest. "Your father is working hard for our family’s future. If he passes the imperial examinations and becomes an official, we’ll all live better lives. We’ll have a big house, good food, a carriage to ride in, and servants to tend to us. You’ll be the daughter of an official family, Zhuguo. But until then, we must endure hardships. Only by enduring now can we reap rewards later."

Jiang Zhuguo listened in silence, her heart conflicted. She respected her father’s ambitions but couldn’t ignore the harsh reality of their daily struggles. Still, she didn’t argue. Instead, she set down her backpack and said, "Mom, you must be hungry. I’ll cook some vegetable porridge."

She picked fresh spinach, washed it carefully, and mixed it with cornmeal to create a thick, sticky porridge. It wasn’t much, but she added extra cornmeal tonight to make it more filling.

Madam Tian watched her silently, her thoughts swirling.

She believed that her daughter, Jiang Zhuguo... must have heard the villagers’ gossip again.

The women in the village loved to talk, spreading rumors and sowing doubt. They likely feared her husband’s potential success and were trying to stir trouble.

But they didn’t understand. Jiang Yihe was destined for greatness, and she, Madam Tian, would one day be an official’s wife. She couldn’t let her daughter remain small-minded like those idle women.

The next morning, just as the first light of dawn broke over the horizon, Jiang Zhuguo arrived at Xia Mingyue’s house, ready to start her new chapter.

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Chapter 38: Wrapped Cold Noodles

When Jiang Zhuguo arrived, she brought along a change of clothes, a wooden pillow, and a small quilt. The quilt, though clean and neatly washed, was stuffed with reed fluff. While reed fluff wasn’t as soft or warm as cotton, the weather was warming up, so it would suffice.

However, Xia Mingyue couldn’t help but notice Jiang Zhuguo’s slightly swollen eyes.

“Are you okay? Your eyes have dark circles,” she asked with concern.

“I’m fine!” Jiang Zhuguo grinned. “I was just too excited. When I told my mom about getting this job, she was overjoyed and talked with me for hours, reminding me to do my best. I couldn’t sleep last night because I was afraid I’d oversleep and miss work.”

Her excitement reminded Xia Mingyue of her first day at work in her past life, bringing a small smile to her face. She quickly guided Jiang Zhuguo to knead the dough.

As expected, Jiang Zhuguo, accustomed to household chores, handled the task with ease. The dough she kneaded was smooth, round, and evenly sized, much to the satisfaction of Xia Mingyue and Lu.

The business continued as usual——making cakes, setting up the stall, and selling wontons——but with Jiang Zhuguo’s help, both Xia Mingyue and Sister Lu found themselves much more relaxed. Tasks that used to be frantic now seemed manageable.

Around noon, Zhao Dahu and Zhao Erhu delivered pancakes to the county school, a routine task. The school consistently ordered forty to fifty pancakes daily, and to show her appreciation, Xia Mingyue occasionally sent a few extra. Today’s batch included her special red bean cakes——crispy pastries filled with sweet, slightly textured red bean paste. Each cake sold for six cents and had become quite popular among the school staff.

When the brothers returned, they brought back the earnings and a message.

“Mr. Zhang said that while the cakes are delicious, eating them every day is getting repetitive. He heard you’re selling wontons now and asked if we could deliver those instead. They’re willing to order dozens daily.”

The idea intrigued Xia Mingyue but also posed logistical challenges.

“Wontons with soup are tricky to transport. Even if we put them in a clay pot, they might become soggy by the time they arrive,” she mused.

Wontons were best served fresh, straight from the pot. Compromising their quality was out of the question for Xia Mingyue, a perfectionist when it came to food.

Setting up a small mobile stove at the school could be an option, but transporting equipment and managing resources seemed cumbersome. It would also strain her current operations.

She considered expanding the business by opening a branch, but with limited manpower and funds, that was not feasible for now.

Perhaps the solution lay in diversifying her menu instead.

That afternoon, after closing the stall, Xia Mingyue visited the farmer’s market. She bought sesame paste, fresh cucumbers, mung bean sprouts, carrots, and a bunch of vibrant spring coriander. The coriander, fresh and juicy, was a treat even in the afternoon heat.

Back home, she instructed Jiang Zhuguo to clean the pots and bowls while she prepared a new dish. She started by kneading a piece of dough and then washing it in water.

Jiang Zhuguo was baffled. “Sister Xia, won’t the dough dissolve into soup if you wash it like that?”

“It will, but not completely,” Xia Mingyue replied calmly, not pausing her work.

Jiang Zhuguo watched in fascination as the water turned murky while the dough in Xia Mingyue’s hands shrank. Eventually, the dough became a small, yellowish ball, which she steamed. Meanwhile, she separated the starch water that had settled, discarding the clear top layer and keeping the thick paste at the bottom.

Spreading the paste thinly onto an oiled bamboo steamer grate, she steamed it briefly, cooled it in water, and carefully peeled off a translucent, smooth sheet.

“This is...?” Lu asked curiously.

“Liangpi,” Xia Mingyue replied, crafting more of the thin, glossy sheets.

Once all the batter was used, she had a stack of soft, elastic cold noodles. She then prepared the accompanying ingredients: julienned cucumbers and carrots, blanched mung bean sprouts, steamed gluten cubes, and a variety of sauces——soy sauce, vinegar, garlic water, sesame paste, chili oil, and crushed peanuts.

Carefully assembling the dish, she mixed the cold noodles with the toppings and rolled them up like wraps.

“Here, try it,” she said, handing the rolls to Sister Lu, Jiang Zhuguo, and the Zhao brothers.

The translucent rolls revealed vibrant colors inside: green cucumbers, orange carrots, and red chili oil. They were almost too beautiful to eat.

But one bite was enough to win them over. The noodles were silky and slightly chewy, paired with the crisp freshness of the vegetables. The sesame paste was rich and fragrant, the chili oil added just the right amount of spice, and the vinegar balanced everything with a subtle sweetness.

“This is amazing!” Zhao Dahu exclaimed, his mouth full.

“It’s refreshing and satisfying!” Sister Lu chimed in, already reaching for another.

Jiang Zhuguo nodded vigorously, savoring the flavors. “Liangpi.... The name suits it perfectly. It’s cool and translucent, just like its appearance.”

Watching their reactions, Xia Mingyue felt a surge of satisfaction. Liangpi was sure to be a hit, and this could be the first step toward diversifying her menu and solving the school’s request.

*****

The author has researched extensively about the origins of Liangpi. Some sources trace its creation back to the Qin Shihuang era, while others claim it emerged during the time of Han Gaozu.

However, the background of this novel is entirely fictional and not rooted in historical facts. The details have been crafted solely to serve the plot. Readers and enthusiasts are kindly reminded not to take it too seriously or treat it as a historical reference.

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Chapter 39: Cuteness

The key to the dish lay in the peanut crumbs sprinkled inside. Every bite unleashed their rich aroma, complementing the flavors of the other ingredients and elevating the dish to new heights.

When the last strand of cold noodles slid down the throat, the only word the tongue could conjure was 'delicious.'

"So good!"

The four of them exclaimed in unison. Then, they froze for a moment before bursting into laughter.

"It’s so good!"

They echoed the sentiment again, their laughter rippling louder this time.

“Sister Xia, this cold noodle is truly something special,” Jiang Zhuguo said, her voice brimming with praise.

"And it’s perfect for selling outdoors!" Sister Lu chimed in. "Your Sister Xia is planning to take this to the county school. It’s portable, easy to eat, and sure to be a hit!"

Xia Mingyue smiled as she expertly cut a portion of noodles and mixed them swiftly. “Traditional cold noodles are typically cut into wide strips and served in a bowl with bean sprouts, gluten, shredded cucumber, and various seasonings. But these, wrapped and handheld, are called ‘wrapped cold skin’.”

Ah, two styles, one dish.

Whether it was the neatly wrapped cold noodles or the mixed variation in a bowl, both offered a taste nothing short of excellent. The adaptability of the dish made it perfect for street stalls, and Sister Lu could already see the potential.

The next day confirmed her guess. The cold noodles, sold in limited quantities at the stall, quickly drew a crowd.

The dish, aptly named 'Liangpi', delivered everything it promised.

It was icy cool, as thin as a silk sheet, smooth and delicate, yet delightfully chewy. The sauces and side dishes layered the texture and flavor beautifully, leaving a long-lasting, mouthwatering aftertaste.

The only downside? Liangpi wasn’t very filling. One portion merely teased the appetite, leaving most customers craving more.

Sensing the opportunity, Xia Mingyue began suggesting her meat pancakes to accompany the noodles. A crispy, savory pancake paired with smooth, refreshing Liangpi, followed by a fragrant bowl of wonton soup....

And if the diners were especially hungry? Two meat pancakes would do the trick.

Every customer left with a satisfied smile, some even letting out a quiet burp, much to everyone’s amusement.

When Boss Qian heard about the new Liangpi, he rushed over to the stall. "Madam Xia, two bowls of cold noodles, please!"

Xia Mingyue greeted him with an apologetic smile. "You’re late today, Boss Qian. The last bowl was sold just moments ago."

Boss Qian’s face fell. He had hoped to surprise his wife with a taste.

"Ah, tomorrow then," he sighed, his shoulders slumping. "Please save two bowls for me, Madam Xia."

"Why wait until tomorrow?" Xia Mingyue beamed, pulling out two carefully prepared portions. "I set these aside for you and Madam Liu to try. They’re complimentary, of course."

Boss Qian was taken aback. “Truly? You’re too kind!”

"It’s a small token of thanks for the kindness you and Madam Liu have shown me," Xia Mingyue replied warmly.

With gratitude, Boss Qian accepted the bowls and hurried back to his shop, eager to share the treat with his wife.

"Wife, look! Madam Xia’s new dish is here!" He announced, beaming.

Intrigued, Madam Liu approached, taking one of the bowls. “It smells heavenly and looks even better.”

She didn’t wait long. Picking up her chopsticks, she took a bite, and the smooth, fragrant flavors danced across her palate. Before she knew it, the bowl was empty.

"This is amazing,” she sighed, licking her lips. Yet, something felt missing....

Her eyes wandered to the second bowl in Boss Qian’s hands.

Hesitant, she asked, “Are you not eating, my husband?”

Boss Qian chuckled. “I figured one bowl wouldn’t be enough for you, so this one’s yours too.”

Madam Liu’s brows arched. “Are you saying I eat too much?”

“No, no!” Boss Qian cried, waving his hands defensively. “I just had a big breakfast, so I’m not that hungry.”

"Hmph," Liu scoffed but couldn’t help smiling as she polished off the second bowl.

Food always tastes better when you’re in a good mood!

Watching Madam Liu dive back into her bowl of cold noodles with gusto, his heart lightened.

She’s so easy to cheer up, he thought fondly.

His gaze softened as he observed her savoring each bite, her expression one of pure satisfaction.

She’s just like a child when she’s happy.

Adorable.

Meanwhile, Zhao Dahu and Zhao Erhu returned from delivering food to the county school. They were buzzing with excitement.

“Aunt Xia! Mr. Zhang and his colleagues loved the wrapped cold noodles. They’ve ordered forty portions for tomorrow!”

“Forty?” Xia Mingyue’s eyes lit up. The new product was an undeniable hit.

Though it meant waking up half an hour earlier to prepare, the thought of the extra earnings made her heart soar.

That evening, as the stall’s earnings jingled in her purse, Xia Mingyue hummed a cheerful tune on her way home.

“We ordinary folk, oh how happy we are...”

Her companions, Jiang Zhuguo and Sister Lu, exchanged knowing smiles, their hearts warmed by her simple, contagious joy.

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Chapter 40: Joining

The melody was cheerful yet simple, with a steady rhythm that easily caught the ear and warmed the heart.

But to Jiang Zhuguo, Sister Lu, and the others, it was unfamiliar.

This must be a folk tune from Chuzhou, they thought, nodding to themselves. After all, Madam Xia was from Chuzhou, and the lilting, joyous notes felt distinctly regional.

The tune was so catchy that, without realizing it, the group began humming along with Xia Mingyue:

"We ordinary people, oh, how happy we are today!Happy, hey, happy..."

Their impromptu chorus was interrupted by a loud shout.

"Madam Xia!"

Startled, they turned to see Jiang Erniu running toward them, panting heavily.

He stopped in front of Xia Mingyue, clutching his knees as he struggled to catch his breath. “Madam Xia..., I’m Jiang Erniu. I sell sesame cakes on the street. Do you remember me?”

"Of course, Brother Jiang,” Xia Mingyue replied with a polite nod.

She had visited his stall when she first arrived in the area. His sesame cakes, though edible, were far from impressive. The dough was often inconsistent, the seasoning lacked balance, and, most glaringly, he didn’t use syrup to coat the cakes——a critical step to elevate their flavor. Whether due to cost-cutting or incomplete training, it was clear his recipe wasn’t authentic.

As a result, Xia Mingyue never returned, but she remembered him well.

“Brother Jiang, is there something you need to discuss?” she asked.

Jiang Erniu hesitated, rubbing his hands nervously. “Well..., there’s something I’d like to talk to you about, but I’m not sure if it’s appropriate.”

“It seems important,” Xia Mingyue said, pushing open her courtyard gate. “Why don’t you come in and sit down?”

“Thank you,” he replied, following her in.

Jiang Zhuguo and Sister Lu tactfully excused themselves, retreating to the kitchen to tend to chores. Meanwhile, Xia Mingyue poured a bowl of tea and handed it to Jiang Erniu.

“Take your time, Brother Jiang,” she said. “What’s on your mind?”

Jiang Erniu fidgeted with the teacup, his face flushed with nervousness. “It’s a bit presumptuous of me, but... I was wondering if Madam Xia might teach me her skills in making pancakes.”

Xia Mingyue blinked, surprised. “You want to learn my craft?”

“Yes,” Jiang Erniu said hurriedly, sensing her hesitation. “I know this is a bold request, but I’ve thought it through. Pancakes are just fast food; they attract local customers at most. It’s not like a restaurant where competition is cutthroat. If Madam Xia agrees, I promise to open my stall far away——on North Street or South Street——so I won’t compete with your business. I swear I won’t be a threat to you!”

His words tumbled out in a rush, his desperation evident.

“And of course,” he added, “I’ll pay a fair price for your teaching. Whatever amount you think is appropriate....”

He trailed off, gauging her reaction. Seeing no immediate response, his heart sank.

I’ve overstepped, he thought, his face turning red with embarrassment. How could I expect her to just hand over her secrets?

Xia Mingyue lowered her head in thought.

No matter how delicious the pancakes and wontons are, they are still fast food.

As Jiang Erniu mentioned earlier, even if fast food is exceptional in flavor, its distribution range is inherently limited, imposing restrictions on how far the business can expand. One way to break through these limitations is by opening branches. With more locations, sales and profits will naturally increase.

However, branches can be divided into two types: directly-operated stores and franchise stores.

Directly-operated stores require significant financial resources——something Xia Mingyue currently lacks. As for franchising....

She glanced at Jiang Erniu. Since he had come to her, why not let him be the first to try?

Still, there was a major challenge with franchising: maintaining product quality, especially with freshly made food. Even with the same methods and recipes, personal differences could lead to variations in taste.

To address this problem....

Xia Mingyue raised her eyes and asked, "Brother Jiang, do you want to learn my craft?"

Her tone was calm, giving no indication of her mood. Jiang Erniu froze under her gaze, then quickly nodded. "Yes, Madam Xia, I hope you will accept me as your apprentice."

"An apprentice?" Xia Mingyue shook her head. "That’s not possible."

The answer hit Jiang Erniu like a blow.

He’d been presumptuous to hope. Of course, this was Madam Xia’s skill. Whether she accepted an apprentice was entirely her decision, and he had no right to expect it.

Feeling dejected, Jiang Erniu stood and prepared to apologize before leaving. But before he could speak, Xia Mingyue said, "However, you can join."

"Join?" Jiang Erniu blinked, startled. "What does Madam Xia mean by 'join'?"

"You pay me a franchise fee," Xia Mingyue explained. "In return, I’ll authorize you to sell my pancakes, wontons, and possibly other foods. I’ll guide you in opening a stall or shop. This is called, franchising."

She paused before continuing, "For now, I can teach you how to make pancakes and wontons, but only to a certain extent. I’ll show you how to make and fry pancakes, and for wontons, how to roll the dough, wrap them, and cook them. But I won’t teach you how to prepare the fillings."

Jiang Erniu’s expression grew more puzzled.

It sounded a bit like being an apprentice, but there were clear differences. Besides, the fillings were the key to the deliciousness of both pancakes and wontons. Without learning how to make them, how could he replicate Xia Mingyue’s flavors?

Seeing his confusion, Xia Mingyue smiled faintly and explained, "While I won’t teach you how to make the fillings, I’ll sell them to you. Brother Jiang, you can purchase pancake and wonton fillings directly from me at a fair price. Rest assured, I won’t overcharge you."

She continued, "You’ll simply need to inform me of the quantities you’ll need a day in advance. I’ll prepare everything fresh in the morning, and you can pick it up."

"There’s one more condition," Xia Mingyue added, her tone turning serious. "You’ll need my approval for the location of your stall. The size and number of pancakes and wontons must match my specifications, and prices must remain consistent with those at my stall. Additionally, your shop sign must display the Xia Ji brand, with your location listed as a branch."

This system of centralized filling preparation and standardized operations would ensure consistency in taste across all Xia Ji locations, protecting the brand's reputation.

After a moment of processing, Jiang Erniu’s initial hesitation turned to excitement.

If he followed Madam Xia’s plan, his stall’s food would taste exactly the same as hers. The opportunity to sell products under the Xia Ji name was a golden ticket.