Chapter 956: Chapter 956 The Reason
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Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
“Business is down at Hongyun Restaurant since Manager Liu left for the Northern Continent,” Mingyu revealed. “They haven’t introduced any new dishes, and it’s hurting their bottom line, especially here in the capital.” Zhou Ying pondered for a moment before requesting writing materials. She then penned down the recipes for Cherry Meat and Iron Lion’s Head.
Briefly hesitating, she added vinegar and potato shreds to the list and handed them over. “Let’s start with these three. We can discuss the others later.” “Thankyou so much!” Mingyu beamed. “Be sure to order plenty at dinner!” “Three recipes for six dishes—a real bargain, no?” Zhou Ying teased. “Speaking of which, I heard you have some calligraphy copybooks in your dowry. Could I borrow them?”
“Borrow? Consider it a gift. I’ll bring two sets over later; let Guoguo choose the one she likes.”
“Thankyou on Guoguo’s behalf.”
After their meal, Zhou Ying collected the four roast chickens and hurried back with Mrs. Bai.
“Sister-in-law,” Mrs. Bai inquired, “why did you share the recipes with their restaurant?”
“Because that would be bad for us?”
“Yeah, you are compet.i.tors, after all.”
“Hongyun Restaurant belongs to both the Zhou family and the Emperor. We have a strong alliance.”
“Also, a unique restaurant like Gra.s.sland Taste Restaurant shouldn’t rely solely on a few secret recipes. Besides, attracting customers with variety keeps us ahead of the compet.i.tion.
“Lastly, having a monopoly isn’t good.”
“Is there anyone jealous of you?” Mrs. Bai expressed surprise.
“Naturally. The capital is full of powerful families. Our Gu family is new here, regardless of the past or present. Our current stability hinges solely on the Emperor and Empress’s favor. Without that, we’d face constant challenges.” “I see.” Mrs. Bai nodded in understanding.
Zhou Ying, seeing her comprehension, didn’t elaborate further.
Upon returning home, the children were done eating and playing ball in the courtyard. Seeing their flushed faces, Zhou Ying urged them inside, “Alright, that’s enough playing for today. Go inside and rest; don’t catch a cold.” “Understood, sister-in-law. I’ll keep an eye on them,” Gu Chenglin a.s.sured her.
“Be careful not to break the gla.s.s windows. A shard could be dangerous,” Zhou Ying cautioned before heading inside.
Little Chenchen, rubbing his eyes sleepily, toddled toward Zhou Ying and hugged her leg. “Mama, hug,” he whimpered.
Zhou Ying scooped him up and said, “Alright, Mama will carry you to sleep.”
She turned to Mrs. Bai and said, “Sister-in-law, please excuse me. I’ll take Chenchen to his room.”
With that, she walked towards the main house. Mrs. Bai picked up Xinxin, covered in dirt, and headed for the east courtyard.
After the two children left, the remaining children continued playing until exhaustion set in. They then headed to the west courtyard for bed.
That night, Gu Chengsi returned to his room and noticed new clothes and jewelry laid out. “My wife, did you buy all this? It must have cost a fortune.” “It came to 800 taels, but your sister-in-law insisted on helping out, saying it was for appearances. I wanted to refuse, but she wouldn’t hear of it.”
Gu Chengsi was surprised, considering Mrs. Bai’s usual lifestyle, and didn’t think much of it back in their county town.
However, upon arriving in the capital, their belongings did seem relatively modest.
He nodded and said, “If she insists, then accept it. But in the future, if you find something nice, remember to share it with your sister-in-law and the others.”