186 That’s Not Something I Like to Hear
Although the head manager did not achieve the original purpose, the recipes were an unexpected pleasure.
The recipes from Xie Heng were enough to be the signature dishes of Visitor’s Aroma.
Although there were only two recipes a year, there were so many ways to cook tofu skins, which could attract a lot of customers in a short period. If they changed to new cooking styles from time to time, there would be no need to worry about not being able to keep the customers.
“It’s late. We won’t bother you anymore. From now on, deliver tofu skins directly to the branch in the county as before. I trust you, Mr. Xie. I hope that tofu skins from your water mill will keep their current texture.”
What he was concerned about most was that cutting corners on the materials would affect the quality of tofu skins.
“Don’t worry, head manager. The water mill is not just doing a one-time sale either. If there is any problem with tofu skins, you can come to us anytime. Right now, the manager of the water mill is our Chief.”
“Well, it’s a deal then. We’re leaving now.”
Niu Tongsheng hurriedly said, “Head manager, it is so late now. Why don’t you spend the night in the village? To be honest, this neighborhood at night is not so peaceful. Some time ago, someone was nearly killed.”
The incident about Zhao Xing was still haunting Lengshui villagers. They didn’t even dare to take a stroll at night, fearing that they would encounter such beasts again.
“It’s fine. I have mastered a bit of kung fu. I can handle three or five people at least.” The head manager didn’t care much about it.
“The night road is not easy…”
The village road was full of potholes. One had to be very careful while driving during the day, let alone at night.
“We appreciate your kindness, and it’s not the first time we leave at night. It will be fine.”
Zhao Chuchu didn’t say anything.
It was better not to talk about such a topic.
There was a quote, “Don’t jinx anything. It might turn out to be a hostage to fortune.”
But the head manager insisted on going back to the county, saying that he wanted the tofu skins to be delivered back to the capital early in the morning of the next day and did not want to delay.
Niu Tongsheng could not convince them to stay. He could only give them the only wind lamp in the house so that they could see more clearly. Then, he sent them to the village entrance.
“Da Lang, did Visitor’s Aroma make the contract of a year’s quantity of tofu skins with us?”
“Yes. You can make tofu skins without any worries from now on, but you have to do it well. Don’t cut corners.”
“I understand. If we make the best tofu skins and gain a reputation, we don’t need to be afraid that no one will buy them.”
“Yes.”
“Da Lang, Chuchu, don’t worry. I don’t have other skills, but seriously, I will certainly be a good manager of the water mill.”
“If the business goes well, everyone’s wages will increase. You want meat, wine, or just porridge, it all depends on you,” Chuchu said seriously.
They only took 50% of the water mill’s profit, and the remaining 50% is for the village. Depending on how much was left at the end of the year, they distributed it to the clans working in the water mill.
If it needed to be expanded, then they would spend from the silver earned.
Chuchu only gave them a suggestion. The rest was up to them to figure out.
Because she knew in her heart that she could not stay here for the rest of her life.
As the saying went, “Teach a man to fish. You’ve fed him for a lifetime.”
In the future, even if she left Lengshui Village, the water mill could continue to operate.
The villagers were also good learners and worthy of being taught. The water mill didn’t necessarily need to be very large, but as long as they were honest, they could always be fed and clothed.
As for Zhao Guitang, the tofu trade was enough to keep their families busy.
And for the Zhao clan and those clans who shouted to kill her, she wouldn’t be soft-hearted at all. Even if they ended up begging for food in the streets, she wouldn’t take a single look at them.
Chuchu and Xie Heng had another meeting with the people working at the water mill at Niu Tongsheng’s house before they went home.
Xie Heng took the torch Madam Kong had given him and lighted the way for Chuchu.
With the evening breeze and the constant chorus of frogs and insects in the fields, the two walked along the pathway and headed home slowly.
“This idyllic life is so suitable for retirement.”
There was nothing wrong with it, except that one had to do everything himself.
“You are only 14 years old. Retirement is too far from you.” Xie Heng laughed lightly.
“I am not young. This kind of life is what I used to dream of.”
The technology was a bit backward, but what was better here was she could sleep safe and sound.
“Now that you are a child, enjoy the moment,” Xie Heng said. “The idyllic life is indeed beautiful, but the mosquitoes also make people uncomfortable.”
After saying that, he squashed a mosquito on his arm.
Chuchu found that Xie Heng was particularly attractive to mosquitoes. As long as he was around, mosquitoes would not let go of him.
She couldn’t bear to see the tender-skinned Scholar Xie being bitten all over, so she took out a bottle of mosquito repellent and rubbed it on his exposed skin. “I’ll make you a mosquito repellent scent bag later, so you can carry it with you for convenience. This bottle is not suitable for taking out.”
She held up the mosquito-repellent water. “However, you can use it at night.”
After that, she gave the mosquito repellent water to Xie Heng.
The cool smell spread out. Xie Heng found that he liked the smell of every single thing Chuchu took out.
“Thank you.”
“You don’t need to be so polite to me. I’ll just go and choose something of yours for repayment.”
She got her eye on the jade in Xie Heng’s underground treasury.
“Take whatever you want. No need to talk to me. You can do whatever you want with those things.”
“Are you not afraid that I will take them all and run away.”
“If you like, take my brother and me. We can go anywhere.”
Xie Heng turned his head aside.
The firelight danced in Chuchu’s glittering eyes, brighter than the stars in the night sky.
Xie Heng looked at her and was lost in thought for a while.
Chuchu was a good-looking girl, even more vigorous and dynamic at the moment. Every time he saw her, he felt his gaze was locked and found it difficult to move away from her.
He didn’t even know when she started to invade his heart.
He only knew that he wanted her to stay.
That thought was clear and strong.
Chuchu’s heart was set to flutter by his gaze.
Was there ever a pair of eyes that always looked particularly affectionate when looking at others?
Xie Heng’s eyes were like that.
“What are you looking at? Go back quickly. Junjun would be afraid alone at home.”
Chuchu returned to her senses, her face was burning, and she quickly walked forward.
She was afraid that if he continued to look at her, she would not be able to hold herself.
His eyes were too attractive.
The butterfly fluttering in her heart was so cheerful that it was about to break its wings.
Xie Heng quickly chased after her.
“Then, can I pack my bag and go with you?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Chuchu did not expect that she would be a hypocrite one day.
She was happy, yet she had to deny it.
“Then, I can only let you know slowly.” Xie Heng laughed. “Chuchu, will you come with me to the Imperial City?”
“No.”
“Why?”
“In case I destroy your luck with other girls. That would be terrible.”
Xie Heng frowned and reached out to grab Chuchu. “That’s not something I like to hear.”