Yuan Xin had heard from Song Ze a few days ago that Xia Qingqing's parents had come to Beijing. This guy kept complaining that it was a pity he couldn't personally accompany his future in-laws on their trip to Beijing, and that he had missed another opportunity to make a good impression.

It was hard to believe that Song Ze had such a considerate side. Yuan Xin almost thought that Song Ze had a different soul. Was this still the same Song Ze who always argued with everyone?

"Aze, what do you think?" Yuan Xin looked at Song Ze, wanting to ask for his opinion. After all, the chili sauce business had always been a collaboration between the two of them, and any decisions needed to be made together.

“I think it’s okay,” Song Ze said firmly, without the slightest hesitation.

Even if the cooperation wasn't beneficial to them, Song Ze would still readily agree.

Yuan Xin wasn't surprised at all by his answer and said with a smile, "I think it's a good idea too, let's work together then."

Seeing that neither of them had any objections, Xia Qingqing continued, "Then let's discuss the specific details of the cooperation. You two will be responsible for the sourcing and sales, each taking 40% of the profits. My parents will be responsible for making the chili sauce, taking 20%. What do you think of this arrangement?"

Xia Qingqing had her reasons for saying that. Originally, this business belonged to Yuan Xin and Song Ze, and they had already bought the formula. Whether or not her parents were involved didn't really matter much. She understood this, which is why she only asked for 20% of the profits.

Besides, starting the chili sauce business was just to give her parents a transition period. It's an area they're familiar with, so they won't feel unfamiliar with it. Xia Qingqing will find a way to get them to do other businesses later.

Song Ze frowned upon hearing this distribution: "Isn't it too little for Uncle Xia and Aunt Xia? I'll take 30%, and Uncle Xia and Aunt Xia can also take 30%."

Xia Qingqing shook her head and refused: "Public matters are public matters and private matters are private matters. Let's allocate it according to my plan. If A Xin also thinks it's okay, then we'll settle it like this?"

Yuan Xin gave Xia Qingqing a deep look. He was surprised by the girl's perspective; she was even pushing away the benefits that were within her grasp.

But it's precisely this kind of personality that makes Song Ze like him so much.

"I'm fine with it. Do we need to sign a contract or something?" Yuan Xin asked with a smile.

He knew Xia Qingqing was very meticulous when he bought the chili sauce recipe, and he also thought it was better to be meticulous so that there would be less controversy in the future.

Xia Qingqing nodded and said, "I'll draft a contract in a couple of days. Once you've reviewed it and are satisfied, we can sign it."

After the cooperation details were settled, the group was finally able to eat in peace.

"Little brother, are you full? Do you want something else?" Yuan Xin asked with a smile, looking at Gou Dan, whose mouth was full of oil.

He thought the little guy had quite a big appetite; in no time, he had devoured half a roast duck, eating with gusto that made him feel even more hungry just watching him.

Just as Gou Dan was about to say no, he opened his mouth and suddenly let out a loud burp, then quickly covered his mouth in embarrassment.

"Are you full? If you are, don't force yourself. If you like it, I'll bring you here again next time," Xia Qingqing said. She knew that Gou Dan was always a bit unrestrained when he ate his favorite food and was worried that he would overeat.

Dog Egg nodded obediently: "I'm full, I won't eat anymore, thank you, brother."

"Don't be so polite, brother. I'll have your sister bring you out for dinner next time," Yuan Xin said with a smile.

After returning home, Xia Qingqing told Zhang Hongyan and Xia Heping about her collaboration with Song Ze and the others.

"Working with Xiao Song and the others to make chili sauce? Sure, sure, your dad and I are willing to do it," Zhang Hongyan said happily after hearing her daughter's words.

She's been worried these past few days. Living in Beijing costs money for everything, even buying a scallion. She's only spending money and not earning any, which is making her very unhappy.

Xia Qingqing knew long ago that her mother couldn't stay idle; she was never still at home, and she kept the tables and chairs sparkling clean.

“Song Ze and his family have a courtyard where they make chili sauce. There aren’t many people around. You and Dad might need to go there to make chili sauce later.”

Upon hearing this, Zhang Hongyan smiled and nodded: "That's great! I was thinking it wasn't convenient here, and the chili sauce would have a stronger flavor."

Actually, as long as she can earn money, she can work anywhere.

Xia Heping thought of another thing and looked at Xia Qingqing, asking, "Qingqing, what did you and Xiao Song say? We can't take advantage of them."

"Dad, don't worry, I know what I'm doing," Xia Qingqing said, explaining the agreed-upon profit-sharing arrangement.

Xia Heping was relieved: "That's fine. Your mother and I just need to lend a hand. It wouldn't be appropriate to take too much."

Zhang Hongyan did not refute her husband's words, which clearly indicated that she agreed with him.

......

That evening, Xia Qingqing cultivated her mental power as usual. She had almost used up the crystal cores that Gu Yunshu had given her last time, and only one was left.

After thinking for a moment, Xia Qingqing sent a message to Gu Yunshu, asking if she had managed to get any mental crystal cores.

After trying to cultivate her spiritual power using crystal cores, she couldn't accept the slow cultivation speed at the beginning.

This is what is meant by "it is easy to go from frugality to extravagance, but difficult to go from extravagance to frugality."

A short while later, Xia Qingqing received a video call invitation from Gu Yunshu.

After Xia Qingqing connected to the video call, she greeted Gu Yunshu with a smile: "Sister Yunshu."

"Qingqing, I went out for the past two days and forgot to give you the crystal core," Gu Yunshu said with an embarrassed smile to Xia Qingqing.

The next second, Xia Qingqing received 30 mental crystal cores.

"Thank you, Sister Yunshu. This will last me a long time," Xia Qingqing said with a smile, thanking Gu Yunshu.

She wasn't stingy after taking Gu Yunshu's crystal core; she directly sent 10 boxes of fruit to Gu Yunshu in exchange.

Looking at the extra fruit in the system warehouse, Gu Yunshu's gaze softened even more as she looked at Xia Qingqing: "Qingqing, use these crystal cores first, and let me know if you need more."

These crystal cores were obtained by Gu Yunshu through food and exchanges with other ability users in the base. However, there are fewer mental zombies compared to other ability users, so most of the crystal cores are concentrated in the hands of mental ability users. The number of crystal cores that ordinary ability users can obtain is always limited.

Especially after Gu Yunshu revealed her need for mental crystal cores, the base's upper echelons speculated that Gu Yunshu had awakened a new mental ability and was secretly collecting a large number of mental crystal cores.

The higher-ups at these bases wanted to use these spiritual cores to gain greater benefits from Gu Yunshu.

To put it bluntly, they want to act as middlemen and make a profit.

Gu Yunshu wasn't going to put up with them. She planned to find another opportunity to exchange crystal cores at other bases next time.