Chapter 241 Cloud Sea Leisure Shop
Old Wang and Wu Yong have always been decisive and efficient; they act on their words immediately.
In just a few days, a delicate little wooden house was erected on the natural platform in the middle of the ladder.
The walls built of logs and the roof covered with blue tiles exude a rustic charm reminiscent of the mountains and fields.
No one knows how much effort they put in, but they actually managed to run the power lines up the mountain. Not only did the house have electricity, but they also neatly arranged simple kitchen utensils.
There are many drinks and other items. There are also quite a few ingredients.
Although it's not as complete as the Yunhai Fireworks Shop, it has everything you need, but there's no one in charge of cooking here for the time being.
Wu Yong was determined to revitalize the popularity of the Heavenly Ladder. After much thought, his gaze finally fell back on Su Yingxue—no one in Wushan could compare to her when it came to cooking and beverage preparation.
This little wooden shop only feels right when she's in charge.
He found an opportunity to visit her, pleading and begging, hoping that Su Yingxue could add some liveliness to the small shop on the Heavenly Ladder.
At that time, Su Yingxue had been trying to cook for several days in the cabin. The wind was strong and the weather was cold in the mountains. After working back and forth, she was tired and her shoulders were heavy. She was thinking of taking a break for a couple of days to recover.
Xu Qingqing, who was standing to the side, had already figured out everything in the shop. The meat she had stewed in advance was fragrant and flavorful, the secret seasonings were neatly arranged and categorized, and even the rice that had been mixed in proportion was properly packaged, enough to handle the flow of customers for two or three days, which could help Su Yingxue a lot.
With Xu Qingqing backing her up, Su Yingxue readily agreed to Wu Yong's request.
With most of the arrangements settled, the group gathered in front of the cabin to discuss the most important matter: finalizing the food for the shop—it had to suit the tourists' tastes while also being appropriate for the conditions on the mountain.
Xu Qingqing spoke first, suggesting with a smile, "Why don't we give this shop a name first? A name would sound more familiar and friendly."
Upon hearing this, Su Yingxue began to ponder in her heart. The mountain was shrouded in clouds and mist, and it was guarded by the Heavenly Ladder. The name should match the charm of the mountains and the wilderness.
Wu Yong suddenly looked up, his gaze sweeping over the signboard of the Cloud Sea Fireworks Shop in the distance, and then looking at the long, winding ladder in front of him.
He suddenly slapped his thigh and his voice became loud and clear: "I've got it! Let's call it Yunhai Xiaoyaopu! Look at our Heavenly Ladder, when you climb it the clouds float under your feet and the wind blows in your ears, how carefree and relaxed, this name is just right!"
Old Wang nodded repeatedly, clapping his hands in praise: "What a great name! It has both the familiar feel of Yunhai Yanhuopu and the carefree spirit of climbing the Heavenly Ladder. It's grand!"
Su Yingxue and Xu Qingqing also felt it suited their tastes, so the name of the shop was decided.
Next came the serious matter of discussing what to sell.
Su Yingxue was the first to make a decision: "We're in the tourist business, so the prices can't be too high, otherwise no one will want to buy; but they also can't be too cheap, so they have to be commensurate with the effort and ingredients."
The most important thing is that it needs to be simple and easy to make, and quick to serve, so that tired tourists don't have to wait too long. Besides, it's cold on the mountain, so it has to be hot to be truly comforting.
Xu Qingqing continued, "Wouldn't selling drinks be perfect? They're quick to serve, and you can even warm your hands while holding them—it couldn't be more suitable."
Su Yingxue nodded immediately. These words resonated with her. She suddenly remembered the osmanthus dumplings she had made in the autumn. That dessert combined soft and glutinous dumplings with a sweet drink and was a hot seller in the shop with an excellent reputation.
Recently, a sweet strawberry trend has been sweeping the beverage industry down the mountain. If the freshness and vibrancy of strawberries were added, it would surely be a hit.
"How about we try adding some strawberry elements?"
As soon as Su Yingxue finished speaking, Old Wang quickly chimed in, his face full of confidence: "What a coincidence! I know a merchant who grows strawberry greenhouses down the mountain. The strawberries are almost ripe right now, and he's just worried about not having a market. I'll go and talk to him, and I guarantee he can get some fresh, high-quality strawberries!"
Su Yingxue smiled and said, "Then I'll trouble Brother Wang to bring a basket of them tomorrow to try."
Wu Yong immediately agreed, then patted his chest and assured him, "I'll take care of all the ingredients and tools you need for making the drinks! I'll have someone bring them up from the foot of the mountain right away, and it should be ready by this afternoon at the earliest!"
Seeing how decisive and thoughtful the three of them were, Su Yingxue felt completely at ease.
She couldn't help but laugh and said, "With your help, if Yunhai Xiaoyao Shop still doesn't become popular, then it's because the tourists are not lucky enough to appreciate its quality."
As soon as she finished speaking, Xu Qingqing suddenly added, her tone playful: "Maybe someone is afraid of heights and doesn't dare to climb the ladder to try it."
Upon hearing this, everyone burst into laughter. The mountain breeze carried the laughter, dispelling the fatigue of the past few days.
After finalizing everything, the group looked up again and saw the sea of clouds surging in the distance, layer upon layer like cotton wool. The rising sun gradually broke free from the clouds, and golden rays spread down, warming the entire mountaintop.
The ladder winds its way through the morning light, and the little wooden house stands quietly on the platform. The wind carries the fresh scent of grass and trees and the sweet fragrance of what is to come, creating a grand and peaceful scene. Every ray of morning light is filled with a bright future and hope.
The next morning, as expected, Old Wang was on time, riding his tricycle up the mountain with a full basket of strawberries.
The strawberries in the basket were all covered with a fine white bloom, bright red, and their stems were still covered with fresh soil, indicating that they had just been picked from the greenhouse.
Xu Qingqing leaned closer, picked up a fruit, and took a gentle sniff. The sweet aroma mixed with fruity acidity filled her nostrils, and she couldn't help but exclaim, "So fresh! This flavor is much stronger than the ones sold in supermarkets down the mountain."
Su Yingxue stepped forward, picked a few ripe strawberries, and washed them with spring water. With a gentle pinch of her fingertips, the bright red flesh burst forth with sweet juice.
She first removed the stems from half of the strawberries, diced them, and set them aside as a garnish; then she put the other half into a blender, added a little rock sugar and warm water, and blended it into a smooth strawberry jam.
The blender hummed, and a sweet aroma quickly filled the cabin. Even the porters passing by couldn't help but peek out and ask, "Boss Su, what good stuff are you making today?"
Next, she made the mochi. Su Yingxue poured glutinous rice flour and cornstarch into a stainless steel bowl, added an appropriate amount of white sugar, and slowly stirred it with warm water until it became a smooth paste.
She put the basin into the steamer and steamed it over high heat for fifteen minutes.
During this time, Xu Qingqing was not idle either. Following Su Yingxue's instructions, she poured pure milk into a small saucepan, added a spoonful of condensed milk, and slowly heated it over low heat to make the milk aroma more mellow.
Fifteen minutes later, the steamed mochi paste became crystal clear.
Su Yingxue put on disposable gloves and kneaded the mochi repeatedly while it was still hot until it became smooth and elastic.
She pinched off a small piece, rolled it into a strip about the thickness of a finger, and then cut it into small balls.
The freshly cut mochi balls were still warm and fragrant. Xu Qingqing couldn't resist picking one up and putting it in her mouth. They were chewy, soft, and slightly sweet, so delicious that her eyes narrowed.
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