Qian Duoduo and Qian Xiangdao arrived in the county town and found the state-run restaurant in Shangzhi County. They were very lucky to meet Chef Nan, the head chef of the kitchen. After introducing himself, Qian Duoduo said, "Chef Nan, we came here this time to ask you to take a look at the tofu made in our village."
Master Nan was a tall, serious man, completely unlike Master Jiao, who was always laughing. Qian Xiang was a little intimidated by Master Nan's serious expression.
Master Nan frowned as he looked at the slab of tofu that Qian Duoduo had brought in, noting that a piece was missing. He asked, "Why is a piece missing?"
Qian Duoduo said with a smile, "I just went to the state-run restaurant in Maoershan Commune and used a piece of it to make a Mapo Tofu for Chef Jiao."
As a fellow head chef at a state-run restaurant, Chef Nan naturally knew Chef Jiao. He nodded and asked, "Mapo Tofu, what kind of dish is that? Who makes it?"
Qian Duoduo said, “Our village’s tofu workshop has just been established. Since it’s a sideline business in the village, we naturally can’t go against the leaders’ requirements. Our village is a little closer to Mao’ershan Commune than the county town, so we went to the commune first. Master Jiao said our tofu is pretty good, but he said we can only make tofu with scallions.”
Master Nan also looked at the tofu, nodded and said, "Your tofu is more tender than the tofu made in the county town. It is indeed the material for making tofu with scallions."
Qian Duoduo said, "Master Nan, why do you say the same thing as Master Jiao?"
Master Nan was clearly surprised by Qian Duoduo's words, and a look of astonishment appeared on his serious face. This discovery made Qian Xiang admire Qian Duoduo even more. Duoduo could make such a serious face look different. He really is a 'boss'!
Qian Duoduo added, "Master Jiao said the same thing, but I didn't believe it. I made him a Mapo Tofu dish, and he praised it so much that he broke his palate from how delicious it was!"
Upon hearing this, Master Nan's previously serious face regained its expression, and he said with a rare smile, "Isn't it hot?"
Qian Duoduo chuckled, "Oh dear, I see through it but I won't say it!"
Chef Nan couldn't hide his unusually serious smile, and his tone softened as he asked, "Did you make that dish?" Seeing Qian Duoduo nod, he continued, "Then make one for me to try. If it's good, I'll keep your tofu."
Qian Duoduo was just waiting for these words, and said with a smile, "Okay, Master Nan, then I'll borrow your kitchen for a bit."
Master Nan took Qian Duoduo to the kitchen, leaving Qian Xiang somewhat incredulous. "That's it?" he thought. He had never considered what would happen if Qian Duoduo had made a mistake.
When Chef Nan came out, he saw Qian Xiang, who was still in a daze. Thinking of the clever girl in the kitchen, he shook his head. The two looked a bit alike, but the one was too clever, while this one was a bit silly!
Not long after, Qian Duoduo came in carrying the Mapo Tofu dish, with a bowl of rice next to it.
Looking at the dish in front of him, Chef Nan saw that the tofu was cut into even sizes, had a bright red color, and was evenly thickened with cornstarch. He could tell that the chef was someone who cooked often. He glanced at Qian Duoduo, whose eyes were shining, reached for the small spoon next to him, scooped up a piece, blew on it, and then put it in his mouth.
The tofu should have been blanched first, and it's well-stewed and flavorful. He nodded, "This dish is quite good."
Qian Duoduo smiled: "Thank you for the compliment, Chef Nan." From the moment this dish was served, she could tell that Chef Nan was much better than Chef Jiao; there was a reason why his dish was so hot.
Master Nan ate two more pieces, nodded, and was about to put down his spoon when he saw the rice bowl in front of him move forward slightly. He looked up at Qian Duoduo.
Qian Duoduo said, "Master Nan, try mixing this with rice."
Master Nan was obedient. He scooped the tofu into the bowl, stirred it, took a bite, and his eyes lit up. This was even better than eating it plain.
He said to Qian Duoduo, "That's good. Tell me, how do you plan to cooperate?"
Qian Duoduo didn't hide anything and brought out the supply agreement with the state-run restaurant in Maoershan Commune, and even the secret sauce.
Master Nan looked at it, nodded, and said, "The price is reasonable."
He said, "Wait for me a moment." Then he asked the waiter next to him, who was drooling, to call their restaurant's purchasing agent.
Not long after, a chubby middle-aged man walked in and said, "Master Nan, what do you need me for?" It was clear that he had run here, as his forehead was covered in sweat; he must have worked hard with all that fat.
Master Nan said, "Go and draft a copy based on this agreement."
Fatty Wang glanced at the agreement, which belonged to Liu Haibo of Mao'er Mountain. He then looked at the silent Qian Xiang and the smiling Qian Duoduo. Just as a shrewd smile appeared on his face, Master Nan interrupted him: "Sign it according to this agreement."
Fatty Wang knew that Master Nan had a very good relationship with the deputy county head in the county committee, so he wouldn't go against the other party's wishes on some matters. In addition, the price of this agreement was fair.
He readily wrote down an agreement and then stamped it with the official seal of the Shangzhi County State-Owned Restaurant.
Qian Xiang watched as if in a dream as he received the second agreement; just like that, he had secured an order for four slabs of tofu.
Qian Duoduo handed over the two agreements, a written recipe for Mapo Tofu, and a bottle of sauce to Master Nan.
Fatty Wang immediately said, "Master Nan, let's add Mapo Tofu to today's menu!" Seeing Master Nan nod, he said to him, "Master Nan, could you tell me how to make it and then make me a serving first?"
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