"Since you've remembered, then go ahead. Just come back early." Wu Zhenggui finally agreed to Song Nianchu's request.
"Alright, Uncle Zhenggui! I’ll bring you good news when I return!" Song Nianchu’s face instantly lit up with joy.
"Sure." Wu Zhenggui, too, was infected by her smile, the worry between his brows easing slightly.
After Song Nianchu left, Wu Zhenggui slowly let his smile fade.
Most families in the village had already run out of surplus grain. Even if they could barely hold on until the fishing season, they wouldn’t have much strength left to catch fish.
Without the energy to fish, the village would have no food, and without food, they’d only grow weaker.
Trapped in this vicious cycle, this winter would likely be a harsh one.
Ah…
Wu Zhenggui gazed up at the sky and let out a long sigh.
When the heavens decide to claim lives, no one can stop them.
......
Qinghe County’s state-run restaurant.
Manager Li had been darting to the back door every few hours these past few days.
"Song Nianchu hasn’t come. Stop running back and forth—I already told you, I’ll call you when she arrives." Old Man Li was growing impatient with Manager Li’s constant visits.
"Uncle, this is important. Do you remember where she said she lived before?" Manager Li couldn’t wait any longer. He was determined to find Song Nianchu himself.
"You’re going to look for her?" Old Man Li raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, I have to!" Manager Li’s tone was resolute.
Last time, he had served the jars of fish cubes Song Nianchu gave him as a new dish for customers to sample.
The response had been overwhelmingly positive. For days, guests had been asking when the new dish would officially be on the menu.
He had planned to discuss it properly with Song Nianchu the next time she came, but the girl hadn’t shown up for days.
With customers pressing him relentlessly, he couldn’t afford to wait any longer.
He had to take action—or risk missing this opportunity entirely.
"Oh, Manager Li, what are you doing out here? Looking for Old Man Li?" Just then, a clear voice rang out behind them.
Manager Li turned and saw Song Nianchu walking toward him.
His eyes widened instantly, looking at her as if she were a goddess of wealth. He hurried forward to greet her.
"Comrade Song, you’re finally here! I’ve been waiting for you for days." Manager Li was unusually enthusiastic.
Song Nianchu pretended not to understand, feigning innocence.
"Manager Li, what did you need me for? Is the restaurant running low on ingredients? But our village hasn’t gone out to sea yet—we don’t have anything to supply right now."
"No, no, it’s about the fish cubes you gave me last time—" Manager Li cut himself off mid-sentence. They were outside, and eavesdroppers could cause unnecessary trouble.
"Comrade Song, let’s discuss this in my office." He smiled warmly.
"Sure." Song Nianchu nodded.
Manager Li’s office.
"This is some new tea I recently acquired. Try it—if you like it, I’ll give you some to take home." Manager Li poured her a cup himself.
"Manager Li, is there something you need my help with?" Song Nianchu put on a slightly nervous expression.
"There is, but it’s actually good news for you too." He settled into the chair across from her.
"Oh? What is it?" she pressed.
"It’s about those fish cubes you made. Remember?" Manager Li finally steered the conversation to the main point.
"Of course." She nodded.
"I tasted them, and they were excellent. I want to feature this dish as our restaurant’s new seasonal specialty. It’ll put Qinghe County on the map!" He spoke with grand enthusiasm.
"Oh, that? I just threw it together at home. If you want to put it on the menu, just have your chefs make it. Why involve me?" Song Nianchu blinked, her eyes wide with feigned confusion.
Manager Li silently cursed the kitchen staff.
For days, he’d had them try to replicate Song Nianchu’s fish cubes—without success.
If they could’ve done it, he wouldn’t be sitting here negotiating with her.
But of course, he wouldn’t admit that outright.
"This is your creation. We can’t just take it without your permission—that wouldn’t be right." He spoke righteously.
Song Nianchu nearly laughed. Manager Li wasn’t a bad person, but he was far from the noble figure he pretended to be.
The real reason the dish wasn’t on the menu? His chefs couldn’t make it.
"So, what do you want from me?" She played along, pretending innocence while seeing right through him.
"Here’s the deal—I’d like to buy the recipe from you. But don’t worry, given our relationship, I’ll be more than fair. I’m offering 50 yuan to buy it outright." He held up five plump fingers.
The average worker earned just over 20 yuan a month. To Manager Li, 50 yuan was a fortune.
He was only offering this much because Song Nianchu had once saved Old Man Li’s life. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have gone higher than 10.
"Fifty yuan?" Song Nianchu widened her eyes dramatically, as if shocked.
Inside, she rolled her eyes. This man was a true swindler.
Fifty yuan for her recipe?
"Nianchu, this is an unprecedented offer. If not for our bond, I’d never go this high." He put on a magnanimous air.
"You’re too kind, Manager Li. But… this recipe was something my mother created especially for my father. Now that they’re both gone, it’s the only thing I have left to remember them by. Fifty yuan is generous, but it can’t compare to the love between my parents."
"Thank you for your kindness, but I’m afraid I can’t accept. Still, if you enjoy it, I’d be happy to make more for you in the future." She made to stand up and leave.
There was a term for this in modern business—packaging.
Take an ordinary product, attach a touching story to it, invest in marketing, and suddenly it’s worth ten times its actual value.
If Manager Li wanted to play games, she’d play along.
Her nickname, "Hollow Charcoal," wasn’t for nothing.
"W-Wait! You’re leaving already? Let’s talk more. If the price isn’t right, I can raise it!" Caught off guard, Manager Li’s confident demeanor crumbled into panic.
