Chapter 133: Holding Back 1

Madam Zhao nodded. “Okay, go ahead.”

Madam Zhao was also happy.

Su Sanlang went to Chen Hu’s house.

Chen Hu and Madam Qian were still cooking. When they saw Su Sanlang, they knew that he had something to say.

Chen Hu said, “Big Brother, we bought a thousand catties of vegetables today. We’ve already prepared 500 catties. We’ll get the rest done tomorrow.”

That was enough to sell for days.

Su Sanlang smiled gently and said, “Okay, it’s been hard on you. But tomorrow, you’ll probably have to do it alone. Sister-in-law will have to enter the town with me and cook a few of her specialties at Fu Man Lai Restaurant.”

Chen Hu paused for a moment before saying with a smile, “That’s no problem. I can do quite a lot by myself.”

Madam Qian was a little nervous, so she stammered, “Big Brother, this, this is so fast…”

She thought it would be after the New Year, but it was so soon.

Su Sanlang nodded and said, “Yes, thank you, sister-in-law.”

Madam Qian waved her hand uneasily. “Not at all.”

Su Sanlang knew that Madam Qian needed to calm down. After he finished speaking, Su Sanlang said, “Then I’ll go back first.”

Chen Hu sent Su Sanlang out. After Su Sanlang left, Chen Hu returned to the house and said to Madam Qian, “Darling, don’t be nervous. I believe you will definitely succeed.”

Madam Qian smiled shyly and nodded. “Yes, I will get over myself.”

Su Sanlang had finally found Fu Man Lai, who was willing to cooperate. No matter what, she could not be a burden.

Chen Hu looked at Madam Qian with concern and said, “Darling, there’s no need to give yourself so much pressure. Let’s just do as we usually do. When the time comes, just treat it as cooking for us at home.”

“Father is right. We also believe that Mother can do it.”

Chen Daniu and Chen Erniu also encouraged Madam Qian.

Chen Shi, who was only a year old, did not quite understand, but he also smiled and ran to Madam Qian’s side. He hugged her leg and said vaguely, “Mother is the best…”

Madam Qian smiled. It was already winter, but her heart was as warm as spring.

When Su Sanlang went out the next day, Madam Qian followed him.

Chen Hu took Chen Shi to make sauerkraut and pickles. Chen Shi already knew how to walk and did not like being trapped in the back basket. As soon as Chen Hu ignored him, he began to cry.

Zhou Heng walked out. Chen Hu was coaxing Chen Shi. He said to Zhou Heng apologetically, “I’m sorry, Heng. I woke you up. I’ll coax him to sleep immediately.”

Zhou Heng’s expression was calm. He walked over and said, “He doesn’t want to sleep yet. If you trust me, let me play with him.”

Chen Shi knew Zhou Heng. He immediately clapped his hands and shouted happily, “Brother Heng…”

Zhou Heng smiled and reached out to carry Chen Shi out. He led him to the back room.

Chen Hu looked at Chen Shi, who was not crying, and a hint of gratitude rose in his heart. Without Chen Shi crying, Chen Hu focused on work.

He had often helped out and learned Madam Qian’s craftsmanship, so it was not difficult for him.

There were several large casks and vats in Su Sanlang’s house. Since they sold more than a hundred catties everyday, the casks with a capacity of three to four hundred catties were emptied in a few days.

—-

Su Sanlang and his family entered the town.

Madam Qian followed quietly. When the shop opened, she watched as Chen Daniu and Chen Erniu cleverly greeted the customers. Her expression was gentle as she looked at Madam Zhao with gratitude.

Madam Zhao was also very busy. She had to cashier and weigh.

Su Xiaoling was busy too. Everyone was busy.

Su Sanlang took a basket of sauerkraut and pickles and took Madam Qian to the Fu Man Lai restaurant.

Madam Qian was very quiet on the way. Her head was slightly lowered, and her mutilated hand was hidden in her sleeve.

Su Sanlang knew that Madam Qian had a quiet personality. He didn’t have much to say. He didn’t walk very quickly so that Madam Qian could have more time to adjust herself.

When they arrived at Fu Man Lai Restaurant, Su Sanlang said softly to Madam Qian, “Sister-in-law, don’t feel too much pressure. It’s fine even if it’s not done well.”

Madam Qian was very touched. She nodded and said, “Thank you, Big Brother. I will definitely do it well.”

She was nervous. She was so nervous that her teeth were clenched and her cheeks ached, but she would never back down.

He followed Su Sanlang into Fu Man Lai Restaurant.

Shopkeeper Niu was already waiting. When he saw Su Sanlang, he immediately greeted him with a smile. “Brother Su, you’re here. Is this the chef? How should I address you?”

Su Sanlang said gently, “She’s my sister-in-law. Her surname is Qian.”

Shopkeeper Niu looked at Madam Qian. With just a glance, he knew that Madam Qian was insecure. He made an inviting gesture and said, “Madam Qian, Brother Su, follow me. The kitchen is at the back. It has everything you need. See if you need anything else.”

Shopkeeper Niu led the way to the kitchen, and Su Sanlang and Madam Qian followed.

The scullery boys were all out doing odd jobs.

A cook in his forties was already waiting.

When they reached the kitchen, Su Sanlang asked Madam Qian, “Sister-in-law, do you need anything else?”

Madam Qian looked around the kitchen. There were chickens, ducks, fish, and mutton. She swallowed and finally found the courage to say, “There’s a lot of stuff here. It’s enough.”

Madam Qian took the basket from Su Sanlang and started preparing.

The chef was also watching.

Madam Zhao made four dishes. One was spicy cabbage tofu soup.

One was fish and mutton, one was sauerkraut braised pork, and one was sauerkraut fish.

Madam Zhao’s culinary skills were excellent. Two hours later, four dishes were served, and the fragrance assaulted the nose.

The chef could not help but try them with a chopstick spoon.

Shopkeeper Niu also began to try. After trying, he looked at the old chef.

The cook gave a small nod.

Shopkeeper Niu smiled and said, “Brother Su, the dishes are not bad. Let’s go to the private room to discuss how to cooperate.”

Madam Qian whispered to Su Sanlang, “Big Brother, I’m not needed here. Can I go to the shop?”

Su Sanlang nodded. “Sister-in-law, do you remember the way?”

Madam Qian nodded.

Su Sanlang said, “Alright, then go over first. I’ll be back as soon as we’re done talking.”

Madam Qian nodded and heaved a sigh of relief. She had done well today. The dishes were all good. She had not embarrassed her brother or dragged him down.

It should go smoothly when they talk business next. She thought.

Madam Qian left the restaurant.

Su Sanlang also went to the private room with Shopkeeper Niu.

Shopkeeper Niu asked the waiter to bring tea and snacks while he chatted with Su Sanlang about how he had taken over this restaurant.

He then asked some more about Su Sanlang’s family.

They chatted for a long time, but he didn’t talk about how to cooperate. Su Sanlang wanted to ask, but he never got the chance.

Shopkeeper Niu estimated that it was about time. He stood up and said, “Brother Su, wait a moment. I’ll go and relieve myself before continuing the conversation with you.”

Su Sanlang nodded. He needed time to think, too.

When Shopkeeper Niu got up and went out, Su Sanlang pondered. He felt that Shopkeeper Niu seemed to be stalling for time, but why?