Chapter 234: Suggestion
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
Jiang Chuan and his group brought wild vegetables and meat sauce to the restaurant. The restaurant was busier than their last visit. Two tables were occupied: one with a couple ordering two bowls of noodles and the other with three men indulging in alcohol.
Upon seeing them, the waitress waved them over, leading them towards the kitchen.
Doing business often becomes smoother with repeated interactions. Having previously purchased quality wild vegetables from Jiang Chuan, the chef didn’t waste time and promptly accepted the basket of greens vegetables they brought this time.
The chef stared at the basket on Jiang Chuan’s back and asked tentatively, “You didn’t bring any rabbits today?”
Jiang Chuan pretended to be obedient and scratched his head, “Rabbits are rare. How can we come across them every day? Next time if 1 find some, I’ll bring them to the city for you.
The chef, knowing that quality goods aren’t easy to come by, was satisfied with the answer. “Alright, bring a rabbit next time and I’ll pay you an extra yuan.”
The rabbit from their last visit was plump and tender, producing an exceptionally flavorful dish. Coincidentally, he met the town leader who was in the city for business. They ordered two plates of rabbit meat. Since then, they’ve constantly expressed a desire to have it again.
To win the favor of these leaders, the restaurant was eager to get its hands on more rabbits of the same quality.
The chef, not being a fool, decided to offer Jiang Chuan an extra yuan, hoping this would incentivize him to bring in more rabbits.
Jiang Chuan then pulled out several bottles of meat sauce from his basket, “I might not have rabbits this time, but I brought some homemade meat sauce. It’s delicious when used in dishes or even with pancakes. Give it a sniff.”
As he spoke, Jiang Chuan opened a bottle of meat sauce. The aroma of the meat combined with the fragrant oil was enticing. One whiff and the chef knew it would be delicious.
Without hesitating, the chef asked, “How much for these bottles of meat sauce? I’ll buy them along with the wild vegetables.”
Jiang Chuan replied with a candid smile, “It’s meat sauce made with fried pork tenderloin. There are five bottles in total. How about two yuan a bottle?”
The chef pondered internally. Meat had always been an expensive commodity, and pork tenderloin was the most succulent part of the pig. Once fried, it exuded a rich meaty aroma, making it ideal for Zhajiang noodles. Typically, a bowl of Zhajiang noodles cost just a few cents. His jar of meat sauce could prepare several bowls, so the pricing seemed fair.
“Alright, with the vegetables, that comes to fifteen yuan in total. We’re friends now, so I’ll throw in some salt as a bonus.”
Jiang Chuan remembered that he still had to buy some food and wine, replied, “I’ll pass on the salt. Instead, could you offer a discount on a couple of good bottles of liquor?”
The chef thought about it and asked the waiter to bring them out to the front desk to buy wine.
Surveying the wine selection, Jiang Chuan felt uneasy. In the contemporary world, he would be knowledgeable about wines. But in this era, he was unsure which wines were considered good. Choosing the wrong wine might upset Chen Xing, complicating matters.
He asked the waiter, “Miss, could you introduce these wines to me?”
The waiter was a little troubled.” Sir, I don’t really know much about these wine. The customers always choose their own wine. Very few of them ask me to introduce them. Why don’t you take two bottles of wine that you like?”
In this time, service standards were different. Restaurant staff had steady employment, and as long as they efficiently served meals, their jobs weren’t at risk. In the future, a lack of product knowledge might lead to dismissal.
As Jiang Chuan weighed his options, a man from a neighboring table, flushed from alcohol and speaking with an exaggerated tone, piped up, “Brother, you can’t go wrong with the Five Grain liquor. It’s crafted purely from grains and has a delightful taste!”
The waiter enthusiastically added, “Sir, that particular wine is excellent. It’s two yuan a bottle!”
Five Grain liquor was the priciest on display. Selling two more bottles might earn her a meat dish from the boss, which explained her excitement.
Only then did Jiang Chuan and the others notice the people at the table.
The three of them were all red-faced from drinking, and their seats were still shaking. The wine bottles on the table had already been emptied, but the dishes were barely touched..