With this punch, Qian Kun crashed into the table, spilling the tea on the floor. People around him quickly moved aside. Enraged, Qi Yu continued to rush forward, punching Qian Kun in the face again and again.
The onlookers calmed down and rushed forward to pull Qi Yu away, but Qi Yu kicked them away several times. Compared to the rumored son-in-law who only did laundry for Li Xiaoxiao, his current nimble hands and feet were impressive.
"He seems to have some skills."
"Is he a trained martial artist?"
Everyone began to wonder. After beating Qian Kun, who was still lying on the ground covered in injuries and with his face swollen like a pig's head, unable to get up, Qi Yu looked at the merchants present with a gloomy expression, then turned and left.
The business deal fell through, and Chen Xueqing accepted the contract and left with Qi Yu. However, they hadn't gone far when several merchants followed them. "Young Master Qi, please wait a moment. We are interested in cooperating. May we discuss this further?"
Qi Yu turned around upon hearing the voice and saw a man in his forties, accompanied by a robust man. These two men had not been present at the gathering earlier.
Following behind were several merchants, including the Chen family and Chen Xueqing's mother. She was with them, glancing at Chen Xueqing from time to time, seemingly wanting to say something but holding back. These were all merchants who were not very large.
"Can."
Seeing that Qi Yu had agreed, the group hurriedly led Qi Yu and Chen Xueqing to Gu Lan's inn, but not the teahouse they had visited before. Qi Yu was satisfied. Once at the teahouse, Chen Xueqing explained the detailed price and profit margins, which made the merchants' eyes widen in disbelief.
Normally, a set of writing brush, ink, paper and inkstone would cost two taels of silver, but Li Xiaoxiao offered them a price of one copper coin for ten sheets of paper. Each sheet of paper was about half a person's height. By this calculation, the profit had increased many times over.
Seeing their interest, Chen Xueqing continued, "Not only that, we also offer other types of paper customization, such as paper fans, oil paper fans, and the oil paper we previously provided for wrapping food. If you want to sign up, just contact me every month to place your order. However, each order requires a deposit of 10% of the total price."
As they spoke, the businessmen became completely enthusiastic. If this deal were to be reached, the future prospects would be unimaginable. This negotiation was very successful, and because it was so attractive, all the businessmen signed the contracts.
With the task completed, Chen Xueqing finally breathed a sigh of relief. She was still thinking about how to explain to Li Xiaoxiao that she hadn't finished her work today.
Chen Xueqing was in a good mood after receiving some new orders and 500 taels of silver as a deposit. After the merchants finished discussing their cooperation, they ate at Suixin Pavilion. This restaurant was bought by Li Xiaoxiao and recently focused on specialty dishes, which the merchants wanted to try.
When the menu arrived, a dozen or so people tentatively ordered a dish called "Flying Together," a red date and lotus seed eight-treasure rice dish, symbolizing the arrival of spring, good fortune, abundance year after year, soaring success, wealth, and a house full of auspiciousness.
As the dozen or so people discussed development, Chen Xueqing spoke eloquently, sharing many business principles that were highly praised by the businessmen. After drinking two cups of tea, the bowls and chopsticks were set out.
The dishes were served one after another. The first dish was "Flying Together," made primarily of roast duck skin and egg skin. Pan San said from the side, "Honored guest, the dishes will be served one by one. You may start eating now."
As soon as Pan San finished speaking, the merchants picked up their bowls and chopsticks and began to eat. On the white jade plate with red rimmed edges, there were two rows of round, two-colored slices of meat. Each slice was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. There was also a small dish of special dipping sauce on the side. Just a little bit of the sauce was enough to make it wonderfully delicious.
The second dish, Eight Treasure Rice with Red Dates and Lotus Seeds, was served. Its main ingredients were glutinous rice, red dates, and lotus seeds. It was sweet, soft, and sticky, suitable for all ages. So they used the small bowls next to them and scooped out half a bowl with a spoon, the sweet taste lingering in their hearts.
The third dish is "Harmonious Spring Heralds the Dawn." One bite reveals its crispy, fragrant, rich, and vibrant colors, beautiful shape, and profound meaning. Shaped like mandarin ducks, it has two distinct flavors, rich in aroma and taste, with a clear distinction between meat and vegetables. The filling is made from medicinal Job's tears, seasoned with spices.
Other dishes followed, and everyone was completely immersed in the delicious food. They casually started discussing developments and recent events. Qi Yu occasionally responded to their questions, but didn't really like to talk to them.
After the meal, everyone was very satisfied. For some reason, the food at Suixin Pavilion was exceptionally delicious and sweet, and the freshness of the food was perfectly preserved. They were very satisfied with the meal.
However, Li Xiaoxiao's shop doesn't have many customers now. Although she made a lot of money selling crabs last time, she also attracted gossip from the people. It's just something that's abundant in the fields, yet she put it on the table and sold it for two taels of silver. It's practically extortion.
There were also many bad rumors about Li Xiaoxiao circulating among the people, saying that she was an extremely unruly, greedy, and immoral woman. Originally, her solo fight against the mountain stronghold had inadvertently transformed her image from a heroine to a female bandit.
At the same time, her shop was also daunting, with people afraid of being extorted by Li Xiaoxiao or paying exorbitant prices. Not many people came, so it was quiet. Gu Lan was not worried. Seeing that they were about to finish eating, she took the initiative to come up and said, "Honorable guests, if this is your first time eating here, we have discount coupons. You can use these coupons next time for half price."
The group silently accepted the discount coupons, and Gu Lan politely saw them out. After the group left, Qi Yu was about to leave when Gu Lan hurriedly stopped him and led him into the inner room.
“Master Qi, may my son stay in your esteemed residence for a few more days? I have seen the Qian family’s servants from the gambling den watching this place. I am truly sorry, Master.”
"Um."
Gu Lan leaned on her cane, her body swaying slightly, a smile on her face. "When I went to see Xiao Er again, Master Li secretly told me that my leg could still be treated, and that it only required acupuncture. To be honest, I was shocked. Master Li is really amazing."
Li Xiaoxiao can treat illnesses? Qi Yu suddenly recalled that during the time when her personality changed drastically, Li Xiaoxiao did indeed read medical books for two months. At the time, he just thought Li Xiaoxiao was reading for fun, but he didn't expect her to have learned how to treat illnesses.
"Alright, this matter must not be leaked. My wife did indeed receive some divine favor." Qi Yu said solemnly. Gu Lan's eyes widened instantly in disbelief, followed by a look of understanding.
"So that's how it is. No wonder your wife has such supernatural powers. Master Qi is truly blessed." Gu Lan's eyes were filled with tears and fervor. He had been somewhat skeptical at first. Giving a gourd of medicine and saying that drinking it regularly would be good for one's health seemed too absurd. If one had the chance to become an immortal, these things would be accomplished with a mere flick of the wrist.
"Thank you for clearing up my doubts, Master Qi." Gu Lan threw his cane on the ground and prepared to kneel down.
Qi Yu coldly stopped him, saying, "There's no need to kneel."
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