441, A Little Surprise (4th Update)
Several head chefs came over, their hearts filled with a touch of worry.
“The reason I’ve called you here is to ask about the disciples you’ve trained. How many of them are capable of handling things on their own? I plan to take them to the county town in February to open a braised pork shop. No pressure-those willing to come with me can come, and those who aren’t can stay with you and continue learning the culinary arts!”
“They will definitely be willing to go!”
Xie Zhinuan was known for his generosity.
They were apprentices in the restaurant, uncertain when they would be able to graduate, but following Xie Zhinuan to another place to open a braised meat and noodle shop meant becoming managers. Managing two shops alone, one could earn a vast amount of silver in a year-certainly at least a hundred taels, and if the business thrived, even several hundred taels were possible.
Thus, as soon as Xie Zhinuan proposed the idea, they were all willing to go with him.
“Not everyone can come, though. I’ll pick four from among you to start with. We’ll go to four different county towns to get started. Your master is also here today. If I take you there, you’ll definitely become managers in the future. You know what I’m like; if you serve me well, I won’t treat you unfairly. But if you’re full of cunning schemes, I have plenty of ways to make you deeply regret it!”
“Don’t worry, boss, we will definitely follow your orders and won’t dare to mess around!” more than a dozen apprentices promised earnestly.
Going would mean becoming managers, which was undoubtedly a lucrative affair, a chance to make a fortune.
Who would willingly push such an excellent opportunity away?
Xie Zhinuan was clear-headed, planning to leave on a trip after the opening of the new estate on the sixteenth of the first lunar month.
She would take Xie Yi with her, as well as Xiaoyuan, so there wouldn’t be any rush to leave, constantly worrying about home.
“Alright then, you can go back to work for now. I still have some business to discuss with your master!”
The head chefs had made a fortune last year and were anticipating that this year they would earn even more.
They were eagerly awaiting Xie Zhinuan’s commands.
“Let’s wait and see how the business goes here. If it’s good, you’ll have to stay. I can only take two of you to open restaurants in other places. In the future, one restaurant will be managed by one of you. I can’t always stay in the restaurant; I need your help to look after things!”
The head chefs promptly replied, “Of course, that’s only right!”
They couldn’t earn as much silver by opening restaurants on their own.
But with Xie Zhinuan, the silver just kept accumulating.
Moreover, having the Han King as her backer, no one dared to bully her or cause trouble at her doorstep.
Xie Zhinuan then arranged a few more things before taking Shanu, Xiaoyuan, and Aunt Chen back home.
As soon as she entered the door, she noticed something different about the house today.
Eagerly looking for Xie Yi, she found Uncle Dumb holding Xie Yi and watching an old man eating. The table was laden with dishes, rich and exquisite, prepared by the two cooks from the kitchen.
“Mom!” Xie Yi ran over quickly.
Xie Zhinuan picked him up, glanced at Uncle Dumb, and then looked at the old man.
He seemed somewhat familiar.
“…”
That’s that old beggar.
Uncle Dumb had already stood up. “Zhinuan, this is my master!”
The old man looked up, gave Uncle Dumb a glance, and quickly shook his head, “I am not your master, you never formally took me as your master, so we can’t be considered as mentor and protege!”
He then turned to Xie Zhinuan, “What’s this, young girl, are you surprised to see me?”
“Not surprised,” Xie Zhinuan softly replied.
She had Xiaoyuan take Xie Yi away.
And sat down on a chair nearby.
The old man had changed his clothes, wearing clean, never-before-worn garments belonging to Uncle Dumb. Having bathed and now sitting down to eat, he looked somewhat out of place.
“Not surprised?” the old man raised his eyebrows in disbelief, then insisted, “Are you truly not surprised?”
Chapter 443