137 Chapter 137 Signature Dish (2)
However, Zhou Ying was not good at giving names, so she had to ask, ” Don’t you have names? If you have original names, can you keep them?”
“My name is Fang Qing. I know some martial arts and was previously the coachman in my previous residence.” At that moment, the strongest-looking young man spoke.
“I am Zhao Cheng. Previously, I was in charge of my elderly master’s food. I am good at making soup, especially herbal-type dishes.” A male chef stood out and said.
“Then why did you leave the residence?” Zhou Ying asked curiously.
Those who had served their elderly master usually had the benefit of seniority in their residence. Even if the elderly master didn’t put them in an important position, he wouldn’t sell them out.
The man was stunned and replied, “Do you still remember the official slaves back there? I was in the same batch, sold after my previous master’s family was in trouble.”
Zhou Ying nodded and looked at the others, but they didn’t speak up.
After pondering for a moment, she pointed to the two young men and said, “Then you will follow your new master’s surname. The older one will be called Gu Wen, and the younger one will be called Gu Wu.
As for the little boy, you will follow your father’s surname, Li, and I will give you a first name, Yue. I hope you’ll be happy with this.”
“Thank you for the name, Madam.” The three of them said at the same time.
Gu Wen then introduced himself. “I’m Gu Wen, and I’ve learned how to write from a steward in a manor for a few years. As for what I’m good at, it’s probably running fast.”
“I’m Gu Wu, a slave. I was born into a peasant family. If I have to say something I’m good at, it would be being diligent.”
Zhou Ying nodded. Gu Wen looked younger than Gu Wu, but she could tell that Gu Wen was smarter than Gu Wu.
Then, she looked at the three women with a troubled expression and said, “Mrs. Li, I’ll just call you Mrs. Li. and use your old name.
As for the two of you, the older one will be called Chun Niang, and the younger one will be called Qiu Niang.”
“I’m Chun Niang. I’m good at making desserts and best at making silver silk rolls.”
“I, Qiu Niang, have opened a shop before. I’m best at making dumplings, rolling noodles, and stir-frying vegetables.”
Chun Niang was fair and clean, while Qiu Niang was dark and thin. After remembering their characteristics, she nodded and said, “Is there anything else anyone wants to add? If you do, say it as soon as possible. Otherwise, don’t blame me for not giving you face when things get out of hand in the future.”
Everyone looked at each other for a moment, but no one spoke again.
“Let’s confirm again. Is there really no one? ”
Everyone shook their heads.
“Very good. In that case, I hope that everyone will work hard together in the future and run the restaurant well together.
“Whoever performs outstandingly, I can return your freedom to you in ten years.
“Of course, if you perform well and don’t want to leave, I can take care of you in your old age. Is there anything else you want to add?” Zhou Ying asked after she finished.
“Will Mistress really give us our freedom?” Li Sheng asked nervously. Mrs. Li also looked at her expectantly after hearing that. Although they didn’t have much hope, their son was still young, and they had hoped for him to lead a normal life.
“I’m a person of my word, and I’ll naturally fulfill my promise to you. Everyone can be a witness to each other.” Zhou Ying raised her hand and said.
“Thank you, Mistress.” When Li Sheng heard this, he and his son, Li Yue, knelt with a plop.
“Alright, it’s getting late, and it would be best if you guys cleaned up. I prepared some grains and vegetables in the kitchen in advance.
“Tomorrow, everyone will show off your skills, and I will start to a.s.sign tasks according to your skills. Of course, I will also point out your shortcomings.”
“Um, may I ask what kind of special restaurant Mistress wants to open?” Zhao Cheng asked curiously.
“We’ll have hotpot and barbecue as the main dishes, with some minor side dishes. So, you must bring out your unique skills tomorrow so that I can set the menu.” After Zhou Ying finished speaking, she gave Zhao Cheng five taels of silver and said, “If you lack anything, you can prepare it yourself, and just record the bill.”