Chapter 61
At this moment, Shen Feng Ming happened to come out from the back.
The misses instantly regained their spirits. Due to being reserved, they didn't look at him. Just occasionally glancing at him.
The girl in blue was surnamed Cao. She was at a perfect age and looked pretty. Her family was one of the richest in Wuling County and was the cousin relative of Recorder Cao in Lu Prefecture. So she always felt that she was superior.
Seeing Shen Feng Ming, her heart was like it contained jumping deer. She had seen many men, but none of them were as outstanding as him.
Seeing that the other misses were all blushing and none daring to talk to Shen Feng Ming, she suddenly stood up and spoke to Shen Feng Ming, "Gentleman."
Shen Feng Ming looked at her. His eyes were deep.
Seeing him like this, Miss Cao felt as if she was in a vast ocean and forgot to say the words were at the tip of her tongue. Her mind went blank.
"My family has a courtyard in the west of the county city. If Gentleman doesn't mind, you can live there!" After Miss Cao finished speaking, she blushed. She had thought this, but didn’t plan to say it so soon.
What she thought was, first ask Shen Feng Ming's surname and the purpose of coming to Wuling County. Maybe she can help. Then after the two get acquainted, she can make this suggestion.
After all, seeing this gentleman’s extraordinary aura, he must not be an ordinary person. Him living in a restaurant was simply wrong.
Who would have thought that as soon as she met his gaze, she would lose it and ask this sentence directly.
Miss Ye and the others next to her were stunned. Miss Cao was so bold? They didn't dare to blink their eyes. They were both amazed and curious about how Shen Feng Ming would respond.
If he agrees...the hearts of the misses were churning. They also have other courtyards and it can be used by Shen Feng Ming.
Shen Feng Ming's eyes became cold at once. A trace of scrutiny appeared in his eyes, as if he was looking at a dead object.
This was his usual look when adjudicating cases. With this look, even the old foxes in the court who have been in the officialdom for many years couldn't stand it sometimes. It was as if he had seen everything through and the next moment would be irreversible. How could Miss Cao , a young girl, withstand it?
She bit her lip as her face paled. Her body was on the verge of falling.
"I...you...no." She wanted to explain a bit. She didn't intend to offend him. She wanted to understand him and help him...
But she couldn't even utter a complete sentence. Her eyes immediately turned red.
Although the misses behind her weren't targeted by Shen Feng Ming, they all felt chills. Even their breathing slowed down unconsciously.
The air seemed to condense together.
At this time, a soft voice sounded, "Gentleman Shen, can you help me buy some sugar?"
It was Jiang Yun Zhu. She came in to pick up the order and found Shen Feng Ming confronting some misses. No, correction, the misses were all frightened by him. So she spoke out at once.
In the morning, she decided to ask Shen Feng Ming to help with some work to prevent him from talking about paying back. She did actually ask him to help a few times during the course of the day. Shen Feng Ming complied. So it wasn't too big of a burden for her to ask him to help buy sugar.
Originally, when she was making milk red bean cake, she ran out of sugar. So she was going to buy it!
Like a gust of spring breeze blowing through the vast expanse, the condensed air melted in an instant. Shen Feng Ming turned to Jiang Yun Zhu, "En."
Jiang Yun Zhu gave him a string of money.
Shen Feng Ming took the money and walked out.
The misses next to her let out a sigh of relief with complicated expressions on their faces.
Just when Jiang Yun Zhu was talking to Shen Feng Ming, the two of them stood there like that. The female had full eyebrows and soft eyes. While the male was handsome and cold to the point that people dare not look... Who knew, he just caught the string of money and went to buy sugar. It gave a feel that it was real as well as like a dream.
"You..." Miss Cao stared at Jiang Yun Zhu. Then she suddenly covered her face with a handkerchief and ran away crying.
Jiang Yun Zhu: ...No, she thought she was helping her!
What, did she get it wrong?
"Boss Jiang." Miss Ye knew Jiang Yun Zhu and greeted her.
Jiang Yun Zhu looked at her questioningly. Just now?
"We were the ones who were abrupt." Miss Ye responded. Ain’t that right! Miss Cao suddenly uttered those kinds of words. It was quite inappropriate. In the end, she left in shame. She can only blame herself.
Jiang Yun Zhu smiled. As long as there was no problem, it was fine, "I made a snack. Misses, do you want to try it?"
"What snack?" The round-faced girl asked curiously.
"Ginger milk curd."
"From the sound of it, it's made with ginger and milk." The oval-faced girl licked her lips. "Quickly give us a taste."
Earlier, the milk red bean cake was delicious.
Jiang Yun Zhu immediately brought over some ginger milk curd. This thing was actually very easy to make. Through filtering, get fresh ginger juice and heat it slightly. Afterward, heat the milk to a certain temperature, add sugar, and quickly pour the milk into the ginger juice.
The collision of white milk and ginger juice was the origin of the ‘collide’ in the name.
When milk meets ginger juice, it will coagulate into a milky white solid.
Qishanju were particular about the utensils for holding the food. There was a white porcelain cup in the shape of a persimmon. When one opened the lid, one could see the white jelly inside. It was a pleasing sight to see.
A white porcelain spoon was used to scoop it. It was tender and fragrant.
Once in the mouth, the spiciness of ginger juice blended perfectly with the sweetness. It fully complemented its milky fragrance.
Especially after eating it in the stomach, the body felt warm, as if the cold air of this winter had been dispelled.
"Delicious." The round-faced girl praised.
"It's quite comforting to eat." The oval-faced girl remarked.
"Can the elderly eat this food?" Miss Ye asked.
"Of course." Jiang Yun Zhu said.
Miss Ye's eyes brightened slightly. Her grandmother was getting old and was very afraid of the cold every winter. She felt that if her grandmother ate a bowl of this every day, her health might be much better.
"Ginger juice can drive away the cold. Milk is a nourishing food. The combination of the two is very suitable for people with a cold body or have a cough." Jiang Yun Zhu informed. Tne history seemed to be ginger milk curd was born because an old woman having a cough and her daughter-in-law boiled ginger juice for her. Finding it too spicy to drink, milk was later added inadvertently. This was how this snack was born.
Afterwards, the old woman ate the ginger milk and her cough got better. It goes to show its efficacy.
As soon as she said this, the round-faced girl said, "Since it's good, Boss, give me another bowl then."
It was delicious and good for one’s health. Of course, she had to eat more.
"Boss, can you pack two portions for me to take away?" Miss Ye asked.
"Boss, I want two for takeaway." The oval-faced girl followed. Her father had been suffering from a cough. It would be wonderful if it helped with the cough like Jiang Yun Zhu had said.
Jiang Yun Zhu smiled and agreed. It seemed that there was more market for this ginger milk curd than milk red bean cake. Also, Wuling County was rich. After everyone had money, what was more important than a healthy body?
Jiang Yun Zhu decided to add this ginger milk curd to the menu.
Jiang Yun Zhu was standing in the aisle talking to Miss Ye and the others. At the side, Qin Yao heard what they said clearly. Was ginger milk curd that delicious? Why was it not on the menu? Was it specially made for those misses?
Qin Yao wanted to ask, but also didn't want to.
At this moment, Jiang Yun Zhu turned to her and said, "Miss, do you want some ginger milk curd?"
Qin Yao was shocked, Jiang Yun Zhu didn't recognize her, right? Her face was reddish, but she pretended to be calm and steady, "Bring one."
Jiang Yun Zhu went to the back kitchen, brought her a portion of ginger milk, and then left.
Qin Yao took a bite. It tasted unique. At this time, the dishes she ordered were served. Spicy beef tenderloin. This beef tenderloin was too tender and smooth. A hundred times better than their family’s chef's.
Stir-fried cabbage. She was used to eating good things, so she immediately noticed the difference in this dish.
She never thought the owner of this restaurant would have such skills. Looking at the layout of this Qishanju, Qin Yao's thoughts fluctuated for a while.
After eating, she left a piece of silver and let without waiting for Li He to come over.
Li He naturally saw her leave. He had visually checked the silver left was more than enough to pay the bill. That’s why he didn't stop her. After she left, he took the piece of silver and gave it to Jiang Yun Zhu.
Jiang Yun Zhu didn't mind. She didn't want to deliberately make friends with Qin Yao. Still, because of the fate in her dream, she always saw her a little differently.
In the evening, Qin Yao didn't come. Instead another person came.
The guy ordered a table of dishes when he entered the door, such as Dongpo pork, dry-roasted fish, pot-braised pork with preserved vegetables... the store's special braised hairtail in brown sauce and spicy octopus. Finally, he ordered a milk red bean cake.
Li He was serving him. At the beginning when he listed out the name of the dishes, he felt that a big customer came. The more he listened, the more happy he was. He said, "This guest, how many of you are there?"
"Just me alone. What's wrong?" the man raised his chin and responded.
"I'm afraid you alone can't finish so much by yourself." Li He asked doubtfully.
"Mind your own business. Can't I try everything? I can take away the rest and save it for tomorrow. What, you open a restaurant and are afraid of guests eating too much?" the man squinted and said angrily.
"Of course not. Are you sure you want to order so many dishes?" Li He confirmed again.
"Sure. Make it for me quickly. I'm hungry here!"
Li He took the list and walked back to show Jiang Yun Zhu.
One customer ordered so many dishes! More importantly… Li He pointed out, "Boss, I don't think he looks rich judging by his clothes."
Jiang Yun Zhu looked at the list and found it strange.
She went to the front to have a look and saw a person sitting in the corner of the left wall. The person was dressed in brown clothes, with eyebrows hanging and eyes sideways. From first glance, he wasn’t someone easy to get along with.
Could it be that he came to dine and dash? Jiang Yun Zhu returned the list to Li He and stated, "Let him pay first."
"En." Li He agreed and accepted the list. He went up to the person outside, "Customer, our restaurant only makes small profits. You order so many dishes, please pay first!"
The man became angry as soon as he heard this, "Is there such a rule?"
While being on guard against him, Li He said, "We are a small business. Besides, isn’t paying first and paying later the same?"
"How can it be the same? What if you don't cook well?"
"If you're afraid that our cooking won't taste good, you can order one dish first."
"One dish! What can I taste?"
Li He smiled and said nothing. There was an academy on this street. The constables from the Yamen often patrolled on this street. So he wasn’t afraid of this guest causing trouble.
With him like this, that person felt as if his fist had hit cotton. He didn't know how to continue.
Suddenly, he sat down and said, "Let's try a Dongpo pork first."
Li He went to the back kitchen to tell Jiang Yun Zhu.
"Give him a dish of Dongpo pork." Jiang Yun Zhu said. She wanted to see what he wanted to do.
Dongpo meat was served quickly. Jiang Yun Zhu stood behind the counter, watching him.
The man took a mouthful of Dongpo meat. An intoxicated look appeared on his face. Then he ate up the plate of Dongpo meat. Not even the soup was left.
Then he poured another large cup of hot water and patted his stomach. He stood up to walk out.
"Customer, forty-eight Wwen." Li He immediately stopped him.
The man said, "Deduct from my son or daughter's monthly pay."
That's right, this person is Xie Yong. He only found out in the afternoon that Xie Lian came to work in Qishanju. He had heard of Qishanju's name a long time ago, but he didn't have the money to eat. Now he found an opportunity.
"Who is your son or daughter?" Li He didn't know, so he asked.
"My son's name is Xie Chen. He’s a student. My daughter's name is Xie Lian." Xie Yong answered.
Li He turned to look at Jiang Yun Zhu.
Jiang Yun Zhu understood. It turned out to be him! She walked over immediately, "I'm sorry, Xie Lian is on trial. There is no monthly pay. The money for Xie Chen will not be paid to him until the end of the month. So please pay the bill first."
Seeing that she was a female, Xie Yong immediately acted contemptuously and said angrily, "Then put it on the tab first."
"This store does not keep tabs."
"I think you’re purposely making it difficult for me. I have already told you to deduct from Xie Chen's pay. And you refuse to let me go. Is this how you do business? Everyone..." He was about to yell.
But Jiang Yun Zhu stated in a cold voice, "Is there a father like you? How about this? I’ll call Xie Chen and Xie Lian. If they agree to put the tab in their names, I'll let you go."
Xie Yong’s eyes spun twice, "Okay, call them here."
"Wait a bit. Xie Chen should be coming later." Jiang Yun Zhu said. She remembered that Xie Chen said in the morning that he would come to send Xie Lian home in the evening. After finishing speaking, she ignored Xie Yong and went to the back.
Xie Yong stood there. Scoffing, he sat down. It was only right and proper for son to pay his father’s debts!
As soon as Jiang Yun Zhu arrived at the back, Mrs. Huang came over and said to her, "Boss, go and see that girl."
Who? Jiang Yun Zhu soon found out that Xie Lian was hiding behind the water tank. Like a dying little animal, she held her head as her body shook constantly.
Jiang Yun Zhu did feel pity for her. She always suspected that Qin Yao would become like that in her dream because of Xie Chen.
Although Qin Yao didn't know her anymore, she remembered how kind she was to her. She didn't want to see her become like that again.
Such a romantic and lively girl. What kind of experience did she have to go through to become that sad and troubled.
It must be a deep pain.
"Don't be afraid. Your elder brother will be here later." Jiang Yun Zhu said softly to Xie Lian.
Hearing Xie Chen, Xie Lian's trembling became less severe.
At 7pm, Xie Chen came to pick up Xie Lian and saw Xie Yong as soon as he entered the door.
The father and son quarreled almost at once.
Xie Lian started to tremble again. Still, she raised her head and looked into the store, eagerly looking for Xie Chen's figure.
Finally, when she saw him, she felt much more at ease.
"Go. Go see your elder brother." Jiang Yun Zhu stretched out her hand. This matter must be resolved.
Xie Lian blinked and looked at her in panic.
Jiang Yun Zhu smiled at her.
Xie Lian stared at her for a while and finally tentatively put her hand into the other party’s.
Jiang Yun Zhu held her hand and brought her to the store.
Xie Chen saw Jiang Yun Zhu and Xie Lian, who was behind her. He felt so ashamed , "Miss Jiang, I told him yesterday to let Xie Lian go out to work and he agreed. Unforeseen, he would run to the store and cause trouble for you."
He pulled Xie Lian over. The two bowed to Jiang Yun Zhu together.
Jiang Yun Zhu didn't mind. It was a small matter.
So, what to do now? Xie Yong wanted to put the tab under Xie Chen or Xie Lian’s name.
Jiang Yun Zhu turned to Xie Chen. He should know that if he agreed to this kind of thing for the first time, there would be a second time. Then she would have to consider whether to let the siblings stay.
Of course, Xie Chen understood that the man in front of him couldn't be expected to find his conscience. As long as he takes a step back, he will take a step closer and finally push him into the abyss.
"I don't agree." He gritted his teeth.
"What did you say?" Xie Yong made a gesture to hit him.
Xie Chen stared at him with frowning eyebrows. His hands clenched into fists.
Xie Yong didn't dare to make a move. He glared at him angrily and directed to Jiang Yun Zhu, "It's only right and proper for the son to pay the debt of the father!"
If it was an ordinary boss who was afraid of getting into trouble, he will definitely agree to it. Anyway, the money deducted was from Xie Chen.
In the past, there were creditors who came to Xie's house. In the end they all demanded money from Xie Chen. So Xie Chen’s hard-earned money was never left.
Xie Chen lowered his eyes. He knew that he and Xie Lian might be driven away and they wouldn't get a penny of wages.
"I don't care what your relationship is. If you eat my food, I will ask you for money." Jiang Yun Zhu stated. She was afraid of trouble, but also not afraid of problems.
Xie Yong's eyes widened, "You! I don't have any money. Even if you ask from me, you won't even get a penny."
Xie Chen looked at Jiang Yun Zhu in surprise.
Jiang Yun Zhu smiled, "Then you want to eat without paying?"
She winked at Li He.
Li He went out immediately and called the constables patrolling the street.
When Xie Yong saw the constables, he panicked. Still, he persisted his way- father's debt should be paid by the son.
This time, without waiting for Xie Chen to say anything, Jiang Yun Zhu stated, " Xie Chen has no pay at all now, how can he pay?"
The constable asked a few simple questions and found out what was going on. Such a trivial matter! If he won't pay, he would be locked up in prison. When the family brings the money over is when he would be released. That's generally how they handle it.
After that, they paid no heed to Xie Yong and directly locked him away.
Xie Chen and Xie Lian were left. Xie Chen looked at Jiang Yun Zhu. His lips moved twice. In the end, he pursed his lips and bowed to her. If the tides change, he will never forget her kindness today!
PreviousAt this moment, Shen Feng Ming happened to come out from the back.
The misses instantly regained their spirits. Due to being reserved, they didn't look at him. Just occasionally glancing at him.
The girl in blue was surnamed Cao. She was at a perfect age and looked pretty. Her family was one of the richest in Wuling County and was the cousin relative of Recorder Cao in Lu Prefecture. So she always felt that she was superior.
Seeing Shen Feng Ming, her heart was like it contained jumping deer. She had seen many men, but none of them were as outstanding as him.
Seeing that the other misses were all blushing and none daring to talk to Shen Feng Ming, she suddenly stood up and spoke to Shen Feng Ming, "Gentleman."
Shen Feng Ming looked at her. His eyes were deep.
Seeing him like this, Miss Cao felt as if she was in a vast ocean and forgot to say the words were at the tip of her tongue. Her mind went blank.
"My family has a courtyard in the west of the county city. If Gentleman doesn't mind, you can live there!" After Miss Cao finished speaking, she blushed. She had thought this, but didn’t plan to say it so soon.
What she thought was, first ask Shen Feng Ming's surname and the purpose of coming to Wuling County. Maybe she can help. Then after the two get acquainted, she can make this suggestion.
After all, seeing this gentleman’s extraordinary aura, he must not be an ordinary person. Him living in a restaurant was simply wrong.
Who would have thought that as soon as she met his gaze, she would lose it and ask this sentence directly.
Miss Ye and the others next to her were stunned. Miss Cao was so bold? They didn't dare to blink their eyes. They were both amazed and curious about how Shen Feng Ming would respond.
If he agrees...the hearts of the misses were churning. They also have other courtyards and it can be used by Shen Feng Ming.
Shen Feng Ming's eyes became cold at once. A trace of scrutiny appeared in his eyes, as if he was looking at a dead object.
This was his usual look when adjudicating cases. With this look, even the old foxes in the court who have been in the officialdom for many years couldn't stand it sometimes. It was as if he had seen everything through and the next moment would be irreversible. How could Miss Cao , a young girl, withstand it?
She bit her lip as her face paled. Her body was on the verge of falling.
"I...you...no." She wanted to explain a bit. She didn't intend to offend him. She wanted to understand him and help him...
But she couldn't even utter a complete sentence. Her eyes immediately turned red.
Although the misses behind her weren't targeted by Shen Feng Ming, they all felt chills. Even their breathing slowed down unconsciously.
The air seemed to condense together.
At this time, a soft voice sounded, "Gentleman Shen, can you help me buy some sugar?"
It was Jiang Yun Zhu. She came in to pick up the order and found Shen Feng Ming confronting some misses. No, correction, the misses were all frightened by him. So she spoke out at once.
In the morning, she decided to ask Shen Feng Ming to help with some work to prevent him from talking about paying back. She did actually ask him to help a few times during the course of the day. Shen Feng Ming complied. So it wasn't too big of a burden for her to ask him to help buy sugar.
Originally, when she was making milk red bean cake, she ran out of sugar. So she was going to buy it!
Like a gust of spring breeze blowing through the vast expanse, the condensed air melted in an instant. Shen Feng Ming turned to Jiang Yun Zhu, "En."
Jiang Yun Zhu gave him a string of money.
Shen Feng Ming took the money and walked out.
The misses next to her let out a sigh of relief with complicated expressions on their faces.
Just when Jiang Yun Zhu was talking to Shen Feng Ming, the two of them stood there like that. The female had full eyebrows and soft eyes. While the male was handsome and cold to the point that people dare not look... Who knew, he just caught the string of money and went to buy sugar. It gave a feel that it was real as well as like a dream.
"You..." Miss Cao stared at Jiang Yun Zhu. Then she suddenly covered her face with a handkerchief and ran away crying.
Jiang Yun Zhu: ...No, she thought she was helping her!
What, did she get it wrong?
"Boss Jiang." Miss Ye knew Jiang Yun Zhu and greeted her.
Jiang Yun Zhu looked at her questioningly. Just now?
"We were the ones who were abrupt." Miss Ye responded. Ain’t that right! Miss Cao suddenly uttered those kinds of words. It was quite inappropriate. In the end, she left in shame. She can only blame herself.
Jiang Yun Zhu smiled. As long as there was no problem, it was fine, "I made a snack. Misses, do you want to try it?"
"What snack?" The round-faced girl asked curiously.
"Ginger milk curd."
"From the sound of it, it's made with ginger and milk." The oval-faced girl licked her lips. "Quickly give us a taste."
Earlier, the milk red bean cake was delicious.
Jiang Yun Zhu immediately brought over some ginger milk curd. This thing was actually very easy to make. Through filtering, get fresh ginger juice and heat it slightly. Afterward, heat the milk to a certain temperature, add sugar, and quickly pour the milk into the ginger juice.
The collision of white milk and ginger juice was the origin of the ‘collide’ in the name.
When milk meets ginger juice, it will coagulate into a milky white solid.
Qishanju were particular about the utensils for holding the food. There was a white porcelain cup in the shape of a persimmon. When one opened the lid, one could see the white jelly inside. It was a pleasing sight to see.
A white porcelain spoon was used to scoop it. It was tender and fragrant.
Once in the mouth, the spiciness of ginger juice blended perfectly with the sweetness. It fully complemented its milky fragrance.
Especially after eating it in the stomach, the body felt warm, as if the cold air of this winter had been dispelled.
"Delicious." The round-faced girl praised.
"It's quite comforting to eat." The oval-faced girl remarked.
"Can the elderly eat this food?" Miss Ye asked.
"Of course." Jiang Yun Zhu said.
Miss Ye's eyes brightened slightly. Her grandmother was getting old and was very afraid of the cold every winter. She felt that if her grandmother ate a bowl of this every day, her health might be much better.
"Ginger juice can drive away the cold. Milk is a nourishing food. The combination of the two is very suitable for people with a cold body or have a cough." Jiang Yun Zhu informed. Tne history seemed to be ginger milk curd was born because an old woman having a cough and her daughter-in-law boiled ginger juice for her. Finding it too spicy to drink, milk was later added inadvertently. This was how this snack was born.
Afterwards, the old woman ate the ginger milk and her cough got better. It goes to show its efficacy.
As soon as she said this, the round-faced girl said, "Since it's good, Boss, give me another bowl then."
It was delicious and good for one’s health. Of course, she had to eat more.
"Boss, can you pack two portions for me to take away?" Miss Ye asked.
"Boss, I want two for takeaway." The oval-faced girl followed. Her father had been suffering from a cough. It would be wonderful if it helped with the cough like Jiang Yun Zhu had said.
Jiang Yun Zhu smiled and agreed. It seemed that there was more market for this ginger milk curd than milk red bean cake. Also, Wuling County was rich. After everyone had money, what was more important than a healthy body?
Jiang Yun Zhu decided to add this ginger milk curd to the menu.
Jiang Yun Zhu was standing in the aisle talking to Miss Ye and the others. At the side, Qin Yao heard what they said clearly. Was ginger milk curd that delicious? Why was it not on the menu? Was it specially made for those misses?
Qin Yao wanted to ask, but also didn't want to.
At this moment, Jiang Yun Zhu turned to her and said, "Miss, do you want some ginger milk curd?"
Qin Yao was shocked, Jiang Yun Zhu didn't recognize her, right? Her face was reddish, but she pretended to be calm and steady, "Bring one."
Jiang Yun Zhu went to the back kitchen, brought her a portion of ginger milk, and then left.
Qin Yao took a bite. It tasted unique. At this time, the dishes she ordered were served. Spicy beef tenderloin. This beef tenderloin was too tender and smooth. A hundred times better than their family’s chef's.
Stir-fried cabbage. She was used to eating good things, so she immediately noticed the difference in this dish.
She never thought the owner of this restaurant would have such skills. Looking at the layout of this Qishanju, Qin Yao's thoughts fluctuated for a while.
After eating, she left a piece of silver and let without waiting for Li He to come over.
Li He naturally saw her leave. He had visually checked the silver left was more than enough to pay the bill. That’s why he didn't stop her. After she left, he took the piece of silver and gave it to Jiang Yun Zhu.
Jiang Yun Zhu didn't mind. She didn't want to deliberately make friends with Qin Yao. Still, because of the fate in her dream, she always saw her a little differently.
In the evening, Qin Yao didn't come. Instead another person came.
The guy ordered a table of dishes when he entered the door, such as Dongpo pork, dry-roasted fish, pot-braised pork with preserved vegetables... the store's special braised hairtail in brown sauce and spicy octopus. Finally, he ordered a milk red bean cake.
Li He was serving him. At the beginning when he listed out the name of the dishes, he felt that a big customer came. The more he listened, the more happy he was. He said, "This guest, how many of you are there?"
"Just me alone. What's wrong?" the man raised his chin and responded.
"I'm afraid you alone can't finish so much by yourself." Li He asked doubtfully.
"Mind your own business. Can't I try everything? I can take away the rest and save it for tomorrow. What, you open a restaurant and are afraid of guests eating too much?" the man squinted and said angrily.
"Of course not. Are you sure you want to order so many dishes?" Li He confirmed again.
"Sure. Make it for me quickly. I'm hungry here!"
Li He took the list and walked back to show Jiang Yun Zhu.
One customer ordered so many dishes! More importantly… Li He pointed out, "Boss, I don't think he looks rich judging by his clothes."
Jiang Yun Zhu looked at the list and found it strange.
She went to the front to have a look and saw a person sitting in the corner of the left wall. The person was dressed in brown clothes, with eyebrows hanging and eyes sideways. From first glance, he wasn’t someone easy to get along with.
Could it be that he came to dine and dash? Jiang Yun Zhu returned the list to Li He and stated, "Let him pay first."
"En." Li He agreed and accepted the list. He went up to the person outside, "Customer, our restaurant only makes small profits. You order so many dishes, please pay first!"
The man became angry as soon as he heard this, "Is there such a rule?"
While being on guard against him, Li He said, "We are a small business. Besides, isn’t paying first and paying later the same?"
"How can it be the same? What if you don't cook well?"
"If you're afraid that our cooking won't taste good, you can order one dish first."
"One dish! What can I taste?"
Li He smiled and said nothing. There was an academy on this street. The constables from the Yamen often patrolled on this street. So he wasn’t afraid of this guest causing trouble.
With him like this, that person felt as if his fist had hit cotton. He didn't know how to continue.
Suddenly, he sat down and said, "Let's try a Dongpo pork first."
Li He went to the back kitchen to tell Jiang Yun Zhu.
"Give him a dish of Dongpo pork." Jiang Yun Zhu said. She wanted to see what he wanted to do.
Dongpo meat was served quickly. Jiang Yun Zhu stood behind the counter, watching him.
The man took a mouthful of Dongpo meat. An intoxicated look appeared on his face. Then he ate up the plate of Dongpo meat. Not even the soup was left.
Then he poured another large cup of hot water and patted his stomach. He stood up to walk out.
"Customer, forty-eight Wwen." Li He immediately stopped him.
The man said, "Deduct from my son or daughter's monthly pay."
That's right, this person is Xie Yong. He only found out in the afternoon that Xie Lian came to work in Qishanju. He had heard of Qishanju's name a long time ago, but he didn't have the money to eat. Now he found an opportunity.
"Who is your son or daughter?" Li He didn't know, so he asked.
"My son's name is Xie Chen. He’s a student. My daughter's name is Xie Lian." Xie Yong answered.
Li He turned to look at Jiang Yun Zhu.
Jiang Yun Zhu understood. It turned out to be him! She walked over immediately, "I'm sorry, Xie Lian is on trial. There is no monthly pay. The money for Xie Chen will not be paid to him until the end of the month. So please pay the bill first."
Seeing that she was a female, Xie Yong immediately acted contemptuously and said angrily, "Then put it on the tab first."
"This store does not keep tabs."
"I think you’re purposely making it difficult for me. I have already told you to deduct from Xie Chen's pay. And you refuse to let me go. Is this how you do business? Everyone..." He was about to yell.
But Jiang Yun Zhu stated in a cold voice, "Is there a father like you? How about this? I’ll call Xie Chen and Xie Lian. If they agree to put the tab in their names, I'll let you go."
Xie Yong’s eyes spun twice, "Okay, call them here."
"Wait a bit. Xie Chen should be coming later." Jiang Yun Zhu said. She remembered that Xie Chen said in the morning that he would come to send Xie Lian home in the evening. After finishing speaking, she ignored Xie Yong and went to the back.
Xie Yong stood there. Scoffing, he sat down. It was only right and proper for son to pay his father’s debts!
As soon as Jiang Yun Zhu arrived at the back, Mrs. Huang came over and said to her, "Boss, go and see that girl."
Who? Jiang Yun Zhu soon found out that Xie Lian was hiding behind the water tank. Like a dying little animal, she held her head as her body shook constantly.
Jiang Yun Zhu did feel pity for her. She always suspected that Qin Yao would become like that in her dream because of Xie Chen.
Although Qin Yao didn't know her anymore, she remembered how kind she was to her. She didn't want to see her become like that again.
Such a romantic and lively girl. What kind of experience did she have to go through to become that sad and troubled.
It must be a deep pain.
"Don't be afraid. Your elder brother will be here later." Jiang Yun Zhu said softly to Xie Lian.
Hearing Xie Chen, Xie Lian's trembling became less severe.
At 7pm, Xie Chen came to pick up Xie Lian and saw Xie Yong as soon as he entered the door.
The father and son quarreled almost at once.
Xie Lian started to tremble again. Still, she raised her head and looked into the store, eagerly looking for Xie Chen's figure.
Finally, when she saw him, she felt much more at ease.
"Go. Go see your elder brother." Jiang Yun Zhu stretched out her hand. This matter must be resolved.
Xie Lian blinked and looked at her in panic.
Jiang Yun Zhu smiled at her.
Xie Lian stared at her for a while and finally tentatively put her hand into the other party’s.
Jiang Yun Zhu held her hand and brought her to the store.
Xie Chen saw Jiang Yun Zhu and Xie Lian, who was behind her. He felt so ashamed , "Miss Jiang, I told him yesterday to let Xie Lian go out to work and he agreed. Unforeseen, he would run to the store and cause trouble for you."
He pulled Xie Lian over. The two bowed to Jiang Yun Zhu together.
Jiang Yun Zhu didn't mind. It was a small matter.
So, what to do now? Xie Yong wanted to put the tab under Xie Chen or Xie Lian’s name.
Jiang Yun Zhu turned to Xie Chen. He should know that if he agreed to this kind of thing for the first time, there would be a second time. Then she would have to consider whether to let the siblings stay.
Of course, Xie Chen understood that the man in front of him couldn't be expected to find his conscience. As long as he takes a step back, he will take a step closer and finally push him into the abyss.
"I don't agree." He gritted his teeth.
"What did you say?" Xie Yong made a gesture to hit him.
Xie Chen stared at him with frowning eyebrows. His hands clenched into fists.
Xie Yong didn't dare to make a move. He glared at him angrily and directed to Jiang Yun Zhu, "It's only right and proper for the son to pay the debt of the father!"
If it was an ordinary boss who was afraid of getting into trouble, he will definitely agree to it. Anyway, the money deducted was from Xie Chen.
In the past, there were creditors who came to Xie's house. In the end they all demanded money from Xie Chen. So Xie Chen’s hard-earned money was never left.
Xie Chen lowered his eyes. He knew that he and Xie Lian might be driven away and they wouldn't get a penny of wages.
"I don't care what your relationship is. If you eat my food, I will ask you for money." Jiang Yun Zhu stated. She was afraid of trouble, but also not afraid of problems.
Xie Yong's eyes widened, "You! I don't have any money. Even if you ask from me, you won't even get a penny."
Xie Chen looked at Jiang Yun Zhu in surprise.
Jiang Yun Zhu smiled, "Then you want to eat without paying?"
She winked at Li He.
Li He went out immediately and called the constables patrolling the street.
When Xie Yong saw the constables, he panicked. Still, he persisted his way- father's debt should be paid by the son.
This time, without waiting for Xie Chen to say anything, Jiang Yun Zhu stated, " Xie Chen has no pay at all now, how can he pay?"
The constable asked a few simple questions and found out what was going on. Such a trivial matter! If he won't pay, he would be locked up in prison. When the family brings the money over is when he would be released. That's generally how they handle it.
After that, they paid no heed to Xie Yong and directly locked him away.
Xie Chen and Xie Lian were left. Xie Chen looked at Jiang Yun Zhu. His lips moved twice. In the end, he pursed his lips and bowed to her. If the tides change, he will never forget her kindness today!
Thank you for the chapter!
ReplyDeletewin-win. father now can neither rack up debts nor abuse the kids. yeah, they won't look for getting that kind of scum out of prison anytime soon if ever
ReplyDelete