Chapter 49: Selling Tofu
Translator: 549690339
Upon reaching the town, Qiao Xiaomai headed straight towards The Extreme Taste Residence.
It was morning and The Extreme Taste Residence had just opened. Shopkeeper He was checking the account books in the backyard. Upon hearing that she had arrived, he put down his pen, stood up, and came to the door.
Seeing that Qiao Xiaomai’s bamboo basket was full, he asked with a beaming smile, “Miss Qiao, what good items have you brought this time?”
Qiao Xiaomai also returned his smile, “It seems that the cold jelly noodles and fried noodle strips are selling well.”
“Rather average,” Shopkeeper He responded, not divulging too much. Tʜe sourcᴇ of thɪs content ɪs NoveIꜰire.net
However, his smile broadened even more, not just because they were selling well, but because they were selling extremely well.
Following Qiao Xiaomai’s suggestion, he provided each customer with a small dish of cold jelly noodles or fried noodle strips to try. These dishes were soft and fragrant, suitable for both young and old. After tasting, almost all customers asked for the price and considering its affordability, a majority of them placed an order.
Those who tasted the cold jelly noodles and fried noodle strips spread word around, attracting more customers.
Although it had only been two days, a stall selling fried cold jelly noodles and noodle strips had already been set up at the front of the Extreme Taste Residence. Precisely yesterday, they’d sold a thousand meals in a single day.
Considering that Bailu Town only had a population of over 30,000, the sales ratio was commendable!
Shopkeeper He believed that in half a month, just the sales from The Extreme Taste Residence in Bailu Town would allow him to earn back the fifty taels he’d given to Qiao Xiaomai.
The current stock of sweet potatoes was dwindling and would not last for long. However, once a new crop was harvested in autumn, the cold jelly noodles and fried noodle strips would surely be distributed throughout Qi Country via the Extreme Taste Residences across the land.
Then, it would be a time of rolling wealth!
Moreover, there were more ways to prepare cold jelly noodles and noodle strips than just frying them. Especially the fried noodle strips, they were excellent as a stuffing for steamed buns or a component for soups!
Once he mastered this skill, he would earn quite a sum even if he only sold cold jelly noodles and noodle strips!
Transforming ubiquitous sweet potatoes into such delicacies, Shopkeeper He looked at Qiao Xiaomai with increased benevolence.
“Miss Qiao, what have you brought this time?”
“Tofu.” Seeing Shopkeeper He’s unabashedly elated face, Qiao Xiaomai put down her bamboo basket and took out a piece of tofu.
“You can serve it cold, but it’s mostly fried or added to soups. You can taste it first.”
A surprised look appeared on Shopkeeper He’s face. Yet another unheard-of delicacy!
Giving a sweeping glance over Qiao Xiaomai in her coarse hemp dress, he refocused his attention on this lower-class young girl.
“Alright, 1 will have someone prepare it.” He summoned a waiter and instructed him to send the tofu to the kitchen.
The procedure was the same as last time. After a short wait, the waiter served a dish of fried tofu.
The original white tofu had turned golden brown, with vivid green scallions as a garnish. It was appealing and emitted a strong fragrance.
Shopkeeper He took a deep breath of the aroma. He picked up a piece with his chopsticks, placed it in his mouth, and chewed it slowly.
Even though the taste couldn’t compete with the cold jelly noodles and fried noodle strips, it was quite delicious.
It was delicate but also slightly resilient. After enjoying three pieces, Shopkeeper He put down his chopsticks and said, “Miss Qiao, it tastes good… but it’s not as good as the cold jelly noodles and fried noodle strips.”
A dimple appeared on Qiao Xiaomai’s face as she smiled, “That’s because you prefer the taste of cold jelly noodles and fried noodle strips, right?”
Shopkeeper He stroked his beard but didn’t confirm her remark. He just asked, “Are you also selling the recipe this time?”
“No, I’m only selling tofu.” Qiao Xiaomai shook her head.
Selling a recipe was too much of a loss. Tofu could be used to extend into a variety of soy products. She intended to accumulate a substantial fortune through this and pull the Qiao Family from poverty to affluence..