On this day, across from Jufude Restaurant, a series of ’crackling’ firecrackers erupted, their deafening sound attracting many onlookers.
A beautiful maiden with a contagious smile stood in front of a temporarily set up stall, distributing samples of dim sum to passersby.
"Bafu Dim Sum Shop opens today, we welcome everyone to come and have a free taste!"
Cai Wei generously distributed bite-sized pieces of dim sum to the passersby. Upon tasting, they were immediately amazed by the sweet flavour, and without hesitation, they entered the shop to make their purchases.
There were also some old customers who had always bought dim sum at Bafu Restaurant. They had heard that Bafu Restaurant had opened a shop specifically for selling dim sum here, so they made a special trip to support.
The shop’s business was booming, with an endless stream of customers. It was so crowded that it was about to break the door, thanks to Mo Liancheng’s foresight. He had carefully classified the dim sum using oil paper in advance, weighed them properly, and prepared them for immediate sale, so they were not too busy.
When it came time to settle the accounts in the evening, Cai Wei roughly estimated that they had made over thirty taels of silver in one day. With the additional income from the restaurant and the cloth shop, it was enough to meet the instalment payment for the shop.
"Everyone has worked hard today. The leftover dim sum will be divided among you all as a reward."
Besides Mo Liancheng, there were two shopkeepers hired at the Bafu Dim Sum Shop. They had already heard that the boss of Bafu Restaurant was kind and paid them generous wages, and after seeing this firsthand, they knew it to be true.
Although not much was left over, everyone got a few golden baked egg tarts, a greasy honey twist, and a sandwich filled with stuffing. These were delicacies that they could never afford to taste before. The boss had easily rewarded them, which was too generous!
Mo Liancheng carefully wrapped the few things that Cai Wei had rewarded him with in oil paper and brought them home.
The place where he lived now was a small house with a separate courtyard. Although it was not big or luxurious, it was much better than when he lived in a shed before.
When Madam Mo heard her son’s return, she quickly got up to welcome him. Seeing Mo Liancheng return with vibrant energy and with a pack of dim sum, she couldn’t help but squint her eyes in joy.
"Liancheng, why did you buy these? They must have cost a lot, right?"
"Mother, these were not bought by your son, they were rewarded by the boss!" Murmured Mo Liancheng as he washed his hands.
Madam Mo unravelled the straw tie that held the oil paper package together, and said with gratitude, "Miss Mu is a benefactor to us, mother and son. Without her, I’m afraid I wouldn’t have been able to survive this spring! You must do your best to serve in her shop!"
"Your son saves!" Mo Liancheng replied.
Madam Mo opened the oil paper bag and pulled out a golden egg tart. She handed it to her son, saying, "Liancheng, you have been tired all day, have some dim sum first."
Mo Liancheng had been selling dim sum all day, and he knew how expensive these things were. Therefore, he was not willing to eat them himself, so he made an excuse and said, "Your son got tired of eating dim sum all day, it’s oily and he couldn’t necessarily digest them. You keep it for yourself, mother. I’ll find something lighter to eat in the kitchen."
Mothers know their children the best, Madam Mo knew what was on Mo Liancheng’s mind. But as her son was thoughtful, she didn’t want to disappoint him, so she picked up an egg tart, put it to her mouth, and chewed carefully.
The sweet taste was better than any dim sum she had tasted when she was a Madam. Liancheng said that their dim sum shop was right in front of that heartless man’s restaurant. With this delicious dim sum, it was bound to have a significant impact on his restaurant, wasn’t it?