Manager Cheng brought two people with him: a coachman and a waiter.
He had two people help him carry the hundred catties of shredded chili peppers onto the carriage, and then he went inside with the Gu family.
The water on the stove was still hot, so Gu Nian brewed a pot of tea and brought it out.
Fortunately, Gu Shouxin had a habit of drinking tea. He had bought two packets of tea in Yuzhou Prefecture when he went to settle his gambling debts last time. Otherwise, he wouldn't have tea to offer them right now.
"Huh? What kind of tea is this from Brother Gu's house? It must be extraordinary! It tastes even better than the best tea I've ever had!" Manager Cheng said in surprise after taking a sip.
"Just ordinary tea leaves," Gu Shouxin said with a smile.
"Really. Brother Gu, I think your food is truly exceptional! Take that cake, for example. We took it back and had the pastry chef recreate it, and it was quite delicious, but it just can't compare to yours. And the dishes my sister-in-law gave me last time, made by the same chef, still tasted much better than what you make!" Manager Cheng exclaimed.
The three time travelers were surprised, but they didn't show it on their faces, as if Manager Cheng was just saying it on purpose.
Gu Xin's gaze drifted slightly. Was it because of the jade beads? Was it? Was it?
Oh no, what if someone notices?
"Brother Gu, sister-in-law, it's like this, the reason I've come here is still to discuss cooperation with you." Seeing that the couple didn't respond, Manager Cheng had no choice but to reveal his purpose.
"Oh? I wonder what else Manager Cheng would like to collaborate on with us?" Cai Xiaolian asked with a smile.
She already had a guess in her mind that this person must have come because of the scumbag chili incident, but she didn't bring it up herself.
"Brother Gu, sister-in-law, we're acquaintances now, so I won't beat around the bush. I'll just get straight to the point: could you sell us the recipe for Zha Haijiao?" Manager Cheng sighed inwardly, waiting for Cai Xiaolian to make an outrageous demand.
Unfortunately, he didn't get a chance. Cai Xiaolian refused without hesitation: "Manager Cheng, this is indeed not possible. You said we're familiar with each other, so you should know that my husband needs to study. I also have two daughters to raise! If we sell this to you, we can get some money temporarily, but what about later?"
Chili peppers are easy to make, and they don't lack chili peppers, so why would they want to sell them all?
The three members of the Gu family—father and daughters—remained silent, all watching Manager Cheng.
"The price is negotiable," Manager Cheng said sincerely, sensing that Cai Xiaolian was laying the groundwork for a price increase.
"Manager Cheng, we appreciate your sincerity, but this really won't do! If you buy our recipe for 'Zha Hai Jiao' (a type of chili sauce), you're cutting off our livelihood!" Cai Xiaolian insisted.
"This..." Manager Cheng finally saw Cai Xiaolian's determination; he hadn't considered this situation at all.
"Sigh, our Zuijianglou restaurant has been open in the county for almost a year, and business has never been very good. It's only these past few days that business has been booming. So, the owner wants to buy out this bunch of lousy chili peppers. Brother Gu, sister-in-law! The owner asked me to try my best to reach an agreement! Do you really think it's impossible to sell? I will try my best to meet your price requirements." Manager Cheng thought for a moment and then continued.
“Manager Cheng, you are also the manager of a restaurant, you should know that others may not be able to make this kind of chili sauce now, but they may be able to in the future,” Cai Xiaolian said with a frown.
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