Chapter 36: Chapter 36: First Meeting (2)_1 Chapter 36: Chapter 36: First Meeting (2)_1 Instantly, a pleasant aroma filled the air.
“Big sister, what food is this? How come I’ve never seen it before?” The woman selling noodles sniffed the scent and couldn’t resist coming to ask.
“This is fragrant tofu.” Lin Ziyin saw that her sister-in-law and older sister were tensed up and smiled as she replied.
“Eat.” Lin Yanzhi pointed at the fragrant tofu. He hadn’t even eaten this at home before.
“How come I’ve never seen you make this before?” Wu Dayou was also puzzled as he stood watching.
“Everyone, try some.” Lin Ziyin quickly speared some with bamboo sticks and handed them out to her family.
Pilgrims and people out for a stroll had smelled that alluring aroma quite a while ago, but they didn’t recognize what was in the flat pan. Hence, despite their curiosity, none had come forward to make a purchase yet.
They found it odd how this family was conducting their business – not a single serving had been sold yet, and they had already started eating it themselves.
“How much for this?” Someone finally noticed how much Wu Dayou, Lin Changting, and Lin Yanzhi were enjoying it and couldn’t resist coming over to ask out of curiosity.
At the inquiry about the price, Lin Changshu and the others were thrilled. However, they didn’t dare set the price themselves, so all of them looked to Lin Ziyin.
“Five pieces for three wen.” Lin Ziyin answered with a beaming smile.
“How can it be so expensive?” The customer gasped in surprise, causing Lin Changshu and the others to flinch at the price too.
With the way Lin Ziyin had portioned it, a pound of tofu could easily be made into over thirty pieces, so the price really was steep.
“Sir, my fragrant tofu is a unique business, and due to its complex preparation process, it’s currently only being provided for masters at temples. Plus, the distinctive aromatic spices and sauces, it’s absolutely unparalleled. What’s sold at three wen is not only the taste, but also its finesse. And besides, judging by your apparel, you don’t seem to be someone who would haggle over small change.” Lin Ziyin wore a business-like smile on her face.
People generally like to be praised. The customer, upon hearing Lin Ziyin’s words, no longer wanted to dispute the price.
“Since it’s the only one of its kind, give me one skewer.” He took out three wen and handed it over.
“Alright, sir. Here you are.” Lin Ziyin swiftly prepped a skewer and handed it over, making sure to brush on the sauce.
“This is delicious.” After a few bites, the customer couldn’t help but exclaim.
That was essentially a live testimonial! Some people suspected that the customer had been planted, but a glance at their attires and the two kids sitting behind with sauce all over their faces wiped out any doubt.
“Get me a serving.” A young man stood in front of the stall and disdainfully tossed a piece of silver into the box.
“Alright.” Seeing the broken silver, Lin Ziyin promptly handed him a skewer.
The teenager, dressed in fine white damask, looked ethereal just standing there. In full view of the crowd, he calmly tasted his skewer, not giving a hint of vulgarity.
The crowd held their breath as they awaited the young man’s verdict.
“Three more skewers.” Unexpectedly, after finishing his skewer, the first customer ordered three more skewers as he tossed nine copper coins into the box.
“Alright.” Lin Ziyin adeptly prepared another three skewers and handed them to him.
“Delicious.” The man continued to praise and advertise Lin Ziyin’s business even while he ate.
“Five skewers.” After finishing one skewer, the teenager ordered five more skewers, indicating his servant to pay with another piece of broken silver.
“Two skewers for me.”
“Three for me.”
Suddenly, pandemonium erupted. The inactive Lin family got a shock.
“Please form a line, we’ve plenty of tofu, but only one stove.” Lin Ziyin cheerily said, “Sister, cut the tofu. Sister-in-law, add firewood.”
“Okay.” Guo Huiniang snapped back into reality and quickly went to help with Lin Zige. Lin Changshu was also busy carrying tofu. The old grandfather was appointed the guardian of the two children, as the market was crowded and chaotic, the children were a priority.
“Eight skewers for you, young master. Enjoy.” Lin Ziyin handed a handful of skewered tofu to the teenager.