Radish and green vegetables, each has a preference.
Although Xu Nianhua liked it, she slowly realized that Pei Yicheng, judging by his upbringing, likely came from a family where there was never a lack of food or clothing, and a very good one at that.
He probably wouldn’t like such homely fare, right?
Oh, if only Doctor Du were here, he seems like he would enjoy it.
"I’ll give it a try."
Pei Yicheng, seeing that her expression seemed off, tried to lift the corners of his mouth into a smile to ease the awkwardness.
Xu Nianhua kept looking at Pei Yicheng, and when he smiled, softening his harsh features, she blurted out, "You look really good when you smile, you should smile more."
The smile froze on Pei Yicheng’s face.
Xu Nianhua regretted her words so much she could have slapped herself; men probably don’t like being told they look good, right?
The atmosphere turned awkward all at once.
"Brother Cheng, I’ve brought the chopsticks and bowls." Ling Dong had brought the items over, instantly breaking the awkwardness.
Pei Yicheng picked up the chopsticks and first tried the ginger in vinegar.
"Nianhua, may I try it?" Ling Dong asked Xu Nianhua, his mouth watering from the smell of the tangy ginger.
"Of course." Xu Nianhua nodded and said, "If you guys like it, my mom made a lot."
Nianhua seemed to sound better than Little Xu.
"Delicious." Pei Yicheng took a bite; the ginger was tender, a bit less sugary, but the sweet mingling with sour and the inherent spiciness of the ginger made it especially tasty.
Pei Yicheng finished a piece and commended, "Auntie is really skilled. It’s the first time I’ve had such delicious ginger in vinegar."
Ling Dong, already drooling, picked a large piece and said as he ate, "It’s a bit spicy, but, delicious."
After finishing a piece, Ling Dong picked another and his praises continued nonstop.
"I’m glad you like it." Seeing their genuine enjoyment, Xu Nianhua happily said, "Next time, I’ll bring over another jar."
This jar seemed a bit too little.
Pei Yicheng then tried the chili sauce, which tasted very good; he said, "It’s better than what’s sold outside."
Pei Yicheng, who loved spicy foods, found the chili sauce perfectly suited his taste.
"I think so too." Xu Nianhua agreed, filled with pride. Having others appreciate her mother’s cooking brought her more joy than praise for her own cooking.
"I think, if we produced this chili sauce on a larger scale, it could make money." Pei Yicheng spoke directly, "I’ll invest the money, Auntie can provide the expertise, and we can start a chili sauce factory together."
Xu Nianhua was stunned; she came only to bring chili sauce, yet the conversation had turned to a business partnership?
"You, aren’t interested?" Pei Yicheng frowned slightly; he wanted to help her family and hadn’t thought of a way yet, but after tasting the delicious chili sauce, he believed there would definitely be a market if it were commercially produced.
Xu Nianhua, slowly processing the proposal, nodded repeatedly, showing her willingness, but then hesitantly asked Pei Yicheng, "You just tried a little, and you think it can make money? What if it loses money?"
Starting a factory wasn’t something that could be done with an investment of just a couple hundred dollars.
"I trust my instincts." Pei Yicheng said emphatically.
Xu Nianhua returned home in a daze; in just a short time, Pei Yicheng had not only discussed the potential partnership but even mentioned how much to invest and even where the products could be sold.