Chapter 526 - Chapter 526 Another Bowl, Please
Chapter 526 Another Bowl, Please
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Initially, she had thought she could make a profit from this peanut curd. However, after purchasing the raw materials and doing the math, she realized that if she sold the peanut curd at the same price as the shop across the street, she wouldn’t attract any customers. If she sold it for less, she wouldn’t make any money.
In the end, she gave up. Money wasn’t as easy to earn as she had thought. Today, she swallowed her pride and decided to buy a bowl to satisfy her craving.
Upon hearing this, Li Hua’s heart leapt with joy. As she had guessed, Gui Hua didn’t have the patience to make her own peanut curd. In the end, to satisfy her cravings, she had no choice but to buy it.
Seeing Gui Hua’s embarrassed expression, Li Hua didn’t tease her. Instead, she kindly invited her to sit down, saying, “You’re in luck. I made an extra portion of peanut curd today. Let me get it for you.”
Li Hua guided Gui Hua to a seat near the door, then quickly went into the kitchen to fetch the peanut curd. She soon returned, placing a bowl of peanut curd in front of Gui Hua and generously said, “Here, try it. If it’s not good, you don’t have to pay. Consider it my treat.”
The bowl was a common grey ceramic one, filled to the brim with a creamy white, thick liquid. Floating on top was a piece of golden-dried osmanthus, making it visually appealing and somewhat poetic.
Gui Hua’s eyes lit up with joy. She sniffed, detecting a faint, rich aroma. Excited, she asked, “Is this the peanut curd you were talking about? It looks delicious.”
Su Li, upon seeing the delicious food, couldn’t take his eyes off it. From a distance, he quietly asked Gu Zi, “Mom, is the shop selling the peanut curd you make for us? I want to eat it too. I’ve only had it once.”
Gu Zi chuckled, pouring Su Li a cup of tea. “You little glutton, you’re hopeless. If you come to the shop early tomorrow to help out, you might get to eat some. It’s too much trouble to make it at home. From now on, if you want to eat it, come help out at the shop.”
Su Li was more than willing, nodding enthusiastically. He even held his mother’s hand to make a pinky promise, saying, “Then, Mom, you promise me. When I’m on vacation, let me help out at the shop! I want to eat peanut curd every day!”
Gui Hua could hear the mother and son’s conversation, which made her even more eager to try the dish in front of her. She scooped up a spoonful and put it in her mouth, closing her eyes to savor the rich taste of the peanut curd. It was warm, sweet, and fragrant, but not greasy. The moment it slid down her throat, it brought her a feeling of happiness and sweetness. Everything was just right, leaving a lingering aftertaste.
Gui Hua didn’t say much. With a few spoonfuls, she finished the bowl of peanut curd. After licking her lips, she looked at Li Hua and said, “It’s so delicious. I want another bowl.” As she spoke, she took out two coins and handed them to Li Hua.
Li Hua immediately returned one coin to Gui Hua, saying, “As long as you think it’s delicious, that’s enough. If you want more, come back tomorrow. I’m out for today. But I do have some hot and spicy soup left, and a few small meat buns. Would you like some?”
In truth, Li Hua wasn’t being entirely honest. She had three bowls of peanut curd left in her kitchen, but those were reserved for Gu Zi and her family. She couldn’t sell those.
Gui Hua felt disappointed. She hadn’t had her fill yet. So, she decided on the spot to have her lunch here. If the peanut curd was this delicious, the other dishes must be great too. She couldn’t wait to try them and had completely forgotten her initial intention of not letting Li Hua earn her money.
Gui Hua said, “Then give me a bowl of hot and spicy soup, as well as two meat buns. Do you also have fried cakes? I want two fried cakes!”
Li Hua laughed and agreed, “Of course, I do. Wait for me to get them.” Although it was past breakfast time, there was no reason to turn down business.
Li Hua went to fetch the food Gui Hua had ordered. After serving her, she went back to the kitchen to work. Gu Zi, having rested, also went into the kitchen to help. She thought Li Hua, the shop owner, was adapting well and asked about Gui Hua.
While working, Li Hua told Gu Zi about her visit to Gui Hua’s shop and their conversation. Gu Zi found it amusing and said softly, “Gui Hua is quite interesting. You really have a way with people, sister-in-law. I think Gui Hua and you could become good friends.”
At the same time, Gu Zi was pleased to see Li Hua’s progress. Her sister-in-law was indeed smart. She hadn’t had to put in much effort to teach her, and Li Hua was already pushing herself to improve. It seemed that her brother, Lin Cheng, had good taste in choosing Li Hua, a smart and kind woman, as his wife.