Chapter 658: Negotiating Business

Translator: Henyee Translations | Editor: Henyee Translations

Luo Yiyang, with a hint of caution, said, “This is our secret recipe, I can’t tell you.”

The man chuckled, “Alright, I’ll take one.” He kindly helped Luo Yiyang drum up business, “Everyone just tried this young man’s braised meat, let’s all support him.”

A burly man said, “Here, cut me a pound.”

A woman added, “The braised meat is good, I’ll buy a pound for my husband to eat while drinking.”

Hearing so many people wanting to buy, Luo Yiyang and the children were thrilled. In their joy, they all helped the old women with the preparations.

Luo Jisheng and Yan Jingkui watched this scene, deeply moved.

They felt admiration for the efforts of everyone at the orphanage to make a living.

They were also impressed by Chu Qingzhi, whose simple idea might change the lives of hundreds at the orphanage.

Additionally, they felt some shame, realizing they should not steal the fruits of others’ labor. Reflecting on it now, they felt disgraced but were relieved that no severe consequences had occurred and resolved never to do it again.

Neighbor Yue Donglian saw Chu Qingzhi and came over, smiling and asking, “What are you doing here?”

Chu Qingzhi pointed to the nearby stall, “I’m helping the people from the orphanage sell braised meat.”

“Braised meat?” Yue Donglian inhaled the aroma and commented, “It smells so good.” She glanced at the stall and asked Chu Qingzhi, “Is the braised meat tasty?”

“Try it for yourself.” Chu Qingzhi signaled to Luo Yiyang, “Bring some sliced braised meat for this lady.”

“Right away.” Luo Yiyang briskly complied, then brought over a small plate with several pieces of meat to Chu Qingzhi, “Madam, please.”

Yue Donglian, a lady of refined upbringing, had never eaten on the street before. The enticing braised meat strongly drew her in, making her hesitant.

Chu Qingzhi took the plate in her hands, “There’s a teahouse nearby, shall we sit there?”

Yue Donglian smiled at Chu Qingzhi, appreciating her thoughtful nature, “That sounds good.”

In the teahouse, Yue Donglian had her maid wait at the door while she and Chu Qingzhi entered a private room and sat opposite each other.

Chu Qingzhi placed the plate in front of Yue Donglian and had the waiter bring a pair of chopsticks, “Madam, please try it. It’s a recipe I’ve just developed.” Yue Donglian was surprised, “You developed it?”

Chu Qingzhi nodded, “It’s the first time we’re selling it. If you find it tasty, I’d appreciate it if you could spread the word.”

Yue Donglian, with her vast network and resources, including several close friends in big business and her own shops and workshops, was a true wealthy patron. She had previously promised to help Chu Qingzhi with business and had brought her more than twenty orders the next day.

Her circle had already made Chu Qingzhi’s wrinkle-removing cream popular.

Yue Donglian admired Chu Qingzhi, “You really can do everything.”

“No need to flatter me, just try it.”

Yue Donglian tasted the braised meat seriously and after eating, she praised highly, “Chu Qingzhi, I’ve opened a tavern, and I think the braised meat would be perfect as a snack to accompany drinks. I’d like to buy some to try selling there, what do you think?”

“With a big customer like you, the children from the orphanage will have a good New Year.”

Yue Donglian smiled, “I’m also happy to help the children.”

After finalizing their agreement, they returned to the stall.

The crowd around the small stall remained large, with the price of seventy copper coins per pound of meat considered expensive for people from counties or villages, but in the capital, it was deemed acceptable.

Chu Qingzhi beckoned Luo Yiyang over, who immediately ran to her side, “Sister.”

Chu Qingzhi introduced him solemnly, “Let me introduce you, this is Madam Yue, my neighbor.”

Luo Yiyang bowed respectfully, “Greetings, Madam Yue.”

Chu Qingzhi continued, “She owns a tavern and wants to buy our braised meat to serve as a dish. You should prepare some braised dishes according to Madam Yue’s request and deliver them to her tavern, understood?”

Luo Yiyang was incredulous at securing a steady big customer so quickly, nodding vigorously, “Whatever Madam Yue requests, we will fulfill.”

Madam Yue, approachable as ever, said, “Don’t be nervous, my request is simple. Just deliver thirty pounds of braised meat to my tavern every noon. The flavor must remain consistent with today’s; if it changes and the business suffers, I will have to stop buying.”

Luo Yiyang, filled with excitement, assured, “Madam, rest assured, we will not cut corners.”

Madam Yue nodded, “Good, let’s sign a contract, and we will proceed according to the contract from now on.”

Luo Yiyang scratched his head awkwardly, “Sorry, Madam, but contracts for the orphanage need to be signed by the elder.”

Madam Yue was easygoing, “Then I’ll go and have your elder sign it, no problem.”

Luo Yiyang expressed his gratitude, “Thankyou, Madam.”

Zhou Xiangfu passed by in his carriage, the enticing aroma wafting in as the curtain fluttered open, and he caught a glimpse of Chu Qingzhi, prompting him to instruct the coachman to stop.

He stepped down from the carriage and approached Chu Qingzhi, “I didn’t expect to run into you by chance.”

Chu Qingzhi turned around, a smile appearing on her face, “Lord Zhou, what brings you here?”

“Just craving something tasty,” Zhou Xiangfu sniffed the air and headed towards the small stall, “This stall is quite unique.” He confidently stated, “It must be your idea, right?”

Chu Qingzhi raised an eyebrow, “How could you tell?”

“Only you would come up with such novel ideas.”

Zhou Xiangfu pointed at the braised meat, continuing, “That’s exactly what I came for.”

Seeing Chu Qingzhi and Zhou Xiangfu chatting familiarly, Madam Yue was quite surprised and whispered to Chu Qingzhi, “You know Lord Zhou?”

“Yes, what about it?”

“Lord Zhou is the wealthiest man in the Daling Dynasty, and he seems to treat you with warmth and respect. Your relationship must be special.”

“Our families have some cooperation, and I’ve helped the Zhou family with a few minor issues. We’re not particularly close.”

“Don’t be modest. I can tell.”

After trying the braised meat, a connoisseur of good food like Zhou Xiangfu was instantly won over.

“Miss Chu, let’s talk business.”

“Sure.”

“This braised meat is fresh, tasty, and affordable. You know I own several taverns. How about supplying me?”

“What kind of supply are we talking about?”

“I’ll order two hundred pounds daily, and you won’t have to sell to others.”

Zhou Xiangfu always liked to monopolize!

Chu Qingzhi calculated internally; two hundred pounds of braised meat, after covering costs, could earn eight taels of silver daily. Together with the sales to Madam Yue, they would earn at least eight taels a day. However, for the two hundred-plus people at the orphanage, life would still be tight.

“Here’s what we’ll do,” Chu Qingzhi said, “The children from the orphanage will only sell five hundred pounds of braised meat daily, no more. How does that sound?”

It was better to have a fixed income every day. Otherwise, if something was up and they couldn’t sell any, they would starve.

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