Chapter 108

C108 – I Can’t Sell It to You

“Mr. Li, you’ve sampled this dish, correct? After so many years, Mr. Li remarked, this is the first time I’ve encountered stir-fried vegetables of such exquisite taste. Even I find myself craving more. So regarding this dish...” Chef Wu’s implication was evident. He hoped Lee Donghua would endeavor to resolve the matter concerning the dishes.

Lee Donghua turned to Zhang Xiaoloong, his demeanor softening. “Xiaoloong, you heard it as well. Master Wu holds your dishes in high regard. You’ve been unjustly treated earlier. Uncle Lee will offer you an apology. With the primary issue resolved, do you think we can proceed with this dish?”

“No!” Zhang Xiaoloong remained silent, but Chen Yaru adamantly refused.

“Yaru, refrain from such childish behavior,” Chen Zhaomin chided his daughter, perceiving her actions as an attempt to throw a tantrum.

Chen Yaru shook her head. “I’m speaking the truth. Xiaoloong was persuaded to leave twice before. Later, I introduced him to Jinshi’s Elder Sister Yan. Sister Yan offered ten times the price, with a minimum guarantee of 50 RMB per jin for the vegetables.”

“Jinshi?” Lee Donghua nodded. “Perhaps the finest in a Qingyang City hotel. But if Jinshi can offer ten times the price, I can match it, even up to 80 RMB per kilogram,” he proposed.

The jest from before seemed to be materializing now. This dish was indeed potentially priced at 100 RMB per kilogram.

“That’s still not feasible. Sister Yan had already agreed to purchase all the dishes at this rate if Xiaoloong were to supply them elsewhere. Breaching the agreement would entail compensation,” Chen Yaru reiterated, shaking her head.

Lee Donghua comprehended upon hearing this. Ultimately, Chang Jun had caused this debacle. Otherwise, the exclusive vegetable would likely have gone to his Yunjiang Hotel.

Yunjiang Hotel wasn’t Lee Donghua’s primary venture. Although it held significance in Qingyang City, it paled in comparison to top-tier establishments like Jinshi.

Observing Zhang Xiaoloong’s awkward expression, Lee Donghua chuckled. “That’s enough, Yaru. You don’t need to play the villain for him. Since the price isn’t comparable, let’s halve it based on Jinshi’s rate. Five times the price with a minimum of 25 dollars. Does that sound reasonable?”

“That won’t do.” Zhang Xiaoloong was the first to object. “Jinshi’s price is for buyout, and Elder Sister Yan is correct. Such prices are suitable for exclusive, high-quality vegetables, not for mass-market distribution. If I set such a high price, firstly, the vegetables don’t justify it in terms of quality, and secondly, most consumers can’t afford it. It would defeat the purpose of growing these vegetables.”

This time, Chen Yaru didn’t oppose; she concurred with his viewpoint. “Yes, Uncle Lee. We need a price that encourages bulk sales, not deterrence.”

“In that case, let’s double the price.” Lee Donghua pondered. “Minimum price of 10 RMB per catty. These are high-quality vegetables and shouldn’t be sold like ordinary ones. With Qingyang City’s purchasing power, even if you double it, we’ll still buy them all, considering your 9 acres of land.”

Nowadays, people paid keen attention to food and health. With Zhang Xiaoloong’s green vegetables boasting excellent taste, they were bound to attract many consumers.

Many wouldn’t consider it expensive; they’d welcome it. If it wasn’t pricey, he wouldn’t buy it.

Of course, the crux was that selling premium quality food for ten dollars without added value wouldn’t fool anyone.

“How many dishes does Uncle Lee need?” Zhang Xiaoloong inquired.

“As many as you have.” This time, Lee Donghua resolved not to leave any openings for competitors.

Zhang Xiaoloong was surprised again. Could it be that the other party was intentionally offering money because of the Four Appearances Divine Orchid?

“Don’t worry about that.” Chen Yaru reassured. “Uncle Lee not only owns this hotel but also Donghua’s supermarket throughout Qingyang City. These vegetables might not be enough for the supermarket to handle.”

“Let’s set that aside for now. I heard you want to repair the road. Do you need my assistance?” Lee Donghua inquired.