Li Jin smugly waved the fishing rod in his hand. See that? A fish! I caught it!
Li Jiangyu took a glance and was unimpressed.
Duoduo helped you put the bait on, didn't she? Don't think I don't know.
Li Jin was unconvinced. I did it myself!
Duoduo smiled and stopped their childish bickering.
Sir, you'll know if you try catching another one. Didn't you say that actions speak louder than words?
Li Jin nodded.
Yes, Duoduo is right! Li Jiangyu, just you watch, I'll catch another one to show you!
As Li Jin spoke, he grabbed an earthworm from a bowl nearby and hooked it on.
When he cast the line into the river, Li Jin felt a bit anxious.
Earlier, it might have just been a fluke.
In his excitement, he had gone along with Duoduo's words and bragged too much.
Now that the big words were out, all he could do was pray that the fish in the river would definitely take the bait!
He didn't know if it was his good luck or if heaven had heard his prayers.
Sure enough, after a short while, Li Jin saw the bobber being pulled.
A fish was on the hook!
Li Jin felt a burst of pleasant surprise in his heart.
He cast a smug glance at Li Jiangyu and then began to reel the fish in.
Soon, another river fish was tossed onto the deck of the boat.
Li Jiangyu was dumbfounded.
You just had dumb luck. Catch another one, and if you succeed again, I'll concede.
I will! Who's afraid of who? Having caught another fish, Li Jin's confidence had grown significantly.
Duoduo secretly pursed her lips and smiled from the side.
Such a teacher was quite adorable!
Li Jin threw the hook into the river again, and sure enough, another fish bit the bait.
Li Jin beamed with joy. How about that? Li Jiangyu, do you admit defeat?
Li Jiangyu looked at Duoduo beside them. It must be because Duoduo is here that you were able to catch them.
Li Jin was so angered by Li Jiangyu's words that he was fuming.
Sir, Li Jiangyu, take your time fishing, I am hungry!
I'm going to see if the fish is ready! You guys catch some more, good luck!
Duoduo happily waved at the two of them and ran off.
Duoduo is gone now. Try fishing again. If you catch another one, I'll concede, Li Jiangyu said with an unconvinced face.
Watch me! Li Jin's competitive spirit was also roused.
Duoduo ran over to Su Xian with a grin, and Su Xian pulled her into an embrace.
Are you hungry? This fish will be ready in a moment.
Duoduo shook her head. Mother, once this is cooked, send it to Father. I can wait a bit longer.
Xu Jinxin laughed. How could we forget the Prince? The very first one that was grilled has already been sent over.
Su Xian nodded. Yes, your father already has his. This one is saved for you.
Hearing this, Duoduo suddenly felt her stomach rumbling.
Aunt Xu, when will it be ready?
Xu Jinxin quickly sprinkled seasoning over the fish. Just wait a little longer, it will be done shortly.
Duoduo swallowed a mouthful of saliva.
It smells so good! Aunt Xu, how do you grill it to smell so delicious?
Xu Jinxin was very proud.
Of course. Once you eat it, you'll know that it tastes even better than it smells!
Soon, Xu Jinxin took the fish off the grill and placed it on a nearby plate to let it cool.
Here, be careful of the bones. Eat slowly, it's hot!
Xu Jinxin instructed her repeatedly.
Duoduo took the plate and held the skewer, not knowing where to take the first bite.
Bite from here. Yes, this is the meat, there are fewer bones here, Xu Jinxin taught Duoduo.
So delicious! Mother, you have a taste! Duoduo held the fish up to Su Xian's mouth.
Su Xian took a small bite, and the flavor of the grilled fish spread in her mouth.
It was a taste she had never experienced before.
It's very unique, and the taste is excellent. I've never had anything like it.
Xu Jinxin looked triumphant.
Of course. Back in the day, I even thought about opening a shop relying on this craft!
But then I woke up and ended up here... Sigh, let's not talk about it. Life now is pretty good too, with no worries about food or clothing!
Xu Jinxin comforted herself.
Duoduo's eyes darted around.
Mother, is there anyone selling grilled fish in the capital? she asked her mother.
Su Xian thought for a moment. It seems there isn't.
Xu Jinxin laughed. My grilling method doesn't exist anywhere here!
What you're eating now is one of a kind! You won't find a second portion anywhere else!
Duoduo's eyes flashed.
One of a kind?
Isn't that the business theory the teacher talked about: having what others don't, and being better at what others do have?
If she were the first to try this out, wouldn't she make a fortune?
It just so happened she was worrying that Shitou and Lüdou were too young, making it inappropriate to open a shop.
Wasn't this a ready-made candidate right here?
Aunt Xu, did you say you wanted to open a shop? Duoduo asked with great interest.
Xu Jinxin turned the fish in her hands. Of course. I just love to eat, and when it comes to barbecue, I have the most expertise...
Duoduo interrupted Xu Jinxin.
Aunt Xu, how about we partner up and open a grilled fish shop?
Xu Jinxin stopped turning the fish and stared blankly at Duoduo.
Duoduo, are you sure you didn't misspeak? You and me partnering up? To open a shop?
Duoduo nodded, her little face showing a very serious expression.
Yes! You heard right! We'll be partners!
We can draw up a contract. I'll provide the silver, and you provide the skills. We'll split the profits fifty-fifty, how about that?
Xu Jinxin looked at Duoduo in great astonishment and finally looked at Su Xian.
Your daughter is really something! She's even scheming ideas onto my head?
Su Xian pursed her lips and smiled.
You've already agreed in your heart, so why are you being coy?
Xu Jinxin opened her mouth wide. How have I agreed? Su Xian, even you have become biased.
Duoduo is my daughter, of course I am biased towards her, Su Xian said, gently stroking Duoduo's back.
Aunt Xu, are you unwilling? Duoduo looked a bit troubled. She had already memorized all of Xu Jinxin's steps for grilling the fish.
She had even memorized all the seasonings Xu Jinxin mentioned.
Aunt Xu, I've remembered everything you just did! Duoduo reminded Xu Jinxin.
Xu Jinxin pinched Duoduo's cheek.
Oh wow! You've learned to threaten Aunt Xu now?
Aunt Xu knows more than just this; there are many other things I can do!
Duoduo nodded.
Right, that's why I proposed partnering with you.
If you think the division isn't fair, I can take just three shares, and you get seven!
Xu Jinxin was quite surprised. How did Duoduo know what she was thinking?
Su Xian poked Xu Jinxin. We've already made a concession, it wouldn't be right for you to keep putting on airs!
Xu Jinxin laughed out loud. Deal!
However, Duoduo, we need to discuss the specific details thoroughly, like the location of the shop and how much silver to invest.
Once we enter the capital, I'll go look for places. I'll pick out a few options, and we can choose the best one.
By the way, Duoduo, how much silver do you have? Xu Jinxin asked casually.
Duoduo blinked her eyes.
