Chapter 344 - Chapter 344: Can You Teach Me
Chapter 344: Can You Teach Me
Translator: Nyoi-Ba Studio Editor: Nyai-Bo Studio
“What did that old man do?”
“I’m not entirely sure. All I saw was him seeing those people off with a huge grin on his face. I’m pretty sure he’s plotting something. You should be careful. They might be targeting the watermill workshop since you refused to let them work there.”
“Any other weird stuff?”
“I see them outside the workshop all the time.”
“Oh?”
“But, the chief has guards keeping the workshop safe all the time. No one can enter without permission.”
Zhao Chuchu wasn’t really worried that people might steal the secret to making tofu skins.
As the market grew bigger, just the watermill workshop in Lengshui Village alone wasn’t enough to meet the demand.
The other reason was that they were also contracted with the Yuan clan. Not many people were able to land such a contract.
As long as her relationship with the Yuan clan remained friendly, no one could cooperate with the Yuan clan directly.
“I see. Don’t worry about it. Even if they do steal the secret to making tofu skins, they wont be able to steal away our sales.”
“That’s right. You’re the face of the workshop, after all. Even the chief said that we have to make sure the tofu skins are all well made, or else we’ll tarnish your name. Though, I wonder why you’re so smart compared to others.”
“That’s because I read a lot of books. Before Da Lang taught me how to read, I Don’t know many things either.”
“Then, why doesn’t Da Lang know how to do this?’
“Because his eyes used to be bad, and he can’t see clearly. No one would’ve believed him even if he taught people, right?’
Old Mrs. Chen thought about it and found the lady’s explanation made sense.
When Xie Heng used to be blind, most villagers pitied him, but only a handful believed him.
In the end, most people would think that the words of a blind man weren’t trustable.
Even Old Mrs. Chen had the same thought.
It wasn’t that they were looking down on Xie Heng, but it was hard to believe a blind person who couldn’t do things on their own.
“But we are planning to move to the city next year. So, I hope you guys can master everything I have to teach.” “Is Da Lang preparing to take the exam?”
“Yes. He’s planning to take the next one.”
“That’s great! Thank God Da Lang is able to meet you, or else he would have to live a poor life. He’s such a smart person. Even our old scholar always praised him, saying that he could ace the test easily! Unfortunately, he lost his sight.” “Well, I’m not sure about that, but it’s worth a try. He’s still young, and he can still try again.”
Old Mrs. Chen wasn’t sure what Zhao Chuchu meant, but she could understand the implication of the lady’s words.
“Just tell Da Lang to focus on his study. If you guys need anything, just ask your Uncle Chen for help. They’re pretty free now.”
“It’s late. Why Don’t you stay over for dinner? We just killed a chicken today. Have Da Lang and Jun come over too.” Old Mrs. Chen invited Zhao Chuchu to have dinner with the Chen clan.
“I’ll have to go back and see if Da Lang has already made dinner or not. We’ll come over if he hasn’t started yet.”
“Sure thing,” Old Mrs. Chen replied with a warm smile.
Zhao Chuchu nodded and headed home first.
Fortunately enough, Xie Heng had yet to make dinner.
“Da Lang, Grandma Chen invited us over for dinner. You don’t have to cook today.”
“Okay.”
“Why Don’t we bring some food over too?”
Zhao Chuchu then returned to the house with a serving of cold served chicken
She could simply play it off as something she’d bought from the county town.
It would be hard for her to explain if the food was still hot and fresh out of the space.
She also brought a serving of cold braised duck feet too.
After Xie Heng had finished his work, he washed his hands and headed to the Chen clan’s house with Zhao Chuchu.
Xie Jun was already waiting for them there.
“Come on! I said I was making dinner. Why did you still bring food over?” Old Mrs. Chen glared at Zhao Chuchu.
“I got these from the town. These were supposed to be my dinner. They might go back if I keep them. You guys can try it too. It’s something new,” Zhao Chuchu explained with a grin.
“Come on, mom, Chuchu is practically family now,” Madam Zheng said. “There’s no need to be so reserved. What if they don’t want to come over again?”
“She’s right.” Madam Liang nodded. “Chuchu must’ve wanted us to try them. Da
Lang, Chuchu, here, have a seat first. Dinner about to be done.”
The atmosphere that the Chen clan had ‘Was perfect. Old Mrs. Chen had a really good relationship with her two daughters-in-law. They rarely fought as well. Madam Zheng and Madam Liang weren’t petty people as well. They ‘Were poor, but their lives were peaceful.
That was why Xie Heng always asked the Chen clan to help look after Xie Jun.
A family that always argued over the small things would be bad for the little boy’s upbringing.
Although Zhao Chuchu had brought over a lot of chicken and duck feet, it only took them a couple of minutes to finish them.
The children of the Zhao clan loved them the most.
“Chuchu, these are super tasty! The children rarely eat these back then, but look at them go today!” Madam Liang beamed. “Where did you buy these? I’ll have Dashan buy some when he goes into town.”
“I bought it from a stall. I kind of forgot where it was. A grandfather and his grandson tend the stall.” Zhao Chuchu quickly made an excuse. “I’ll see if I can find it again.”
“These sure are good. Who would’ve thought that chicken and duck feet could be made into such delicacies!’
“Well, many things can be turned into tasty food if you are willing to put your time into it. But, these must be their own secret recipe passed down in their family. I wonder if we can buy the recipe from them?”
Xie Heng, who had been silent throughout the whole meal, suddenly said, “It shouldn’t be hard. I’ll try to replicate these when I have the time.”
“Can you?” Old Mrs. Chen was surprised.
Xie Heng nodded and listed out the ingredient he thought was used in making the two dishes, and they were the same as what Zhao Chuchu knew.
Zhao Chuchu was speechless.
Fortunately for the restaurants out there, Xie Heng vvas about to become a government official, or else he would’ve taken over their businesses easily.
There was no way they would still be in business when Xie Heng could easily taste what ingredients were used in their specialty dish. The only way they would prevent that was not to serve him anything.
Zhao Chuchu was glad that Xie Heng was her man, that she had someone who could cook with her so that she didn’t have to worry about not getting any good food into her stomach.
He could make anything she wanted to eat.
“Then, can you teach me how to make these?” Old Mrs. Chen asked. “The children love them a lot.”
“Of course.” Xie Heng nodded.
When he was still blind, the Chen clan took excellent care of him and Xie Jun.
Xie Heng had always been grateful to them for that..