Transmigrated into an Ancient ABO Fantasy World: A Culinary Comeback - Chapter 3

Wang Xiaojin returned home and finished washing the pots, bowls, and utensils. The sky had already darkened, resembling a large piece of deep blue glass. Exhausted and aching all over, she lay on the bed and quickly fell into a deep sleep.

When the roosters in the village crowed for the third time, she got up. The base ingredients could still last a few more days, so today she decided to prepare dough for 100 bowls. Yesterday, after she sold out, many people had crowded around, eager to eat more, so she boldly decided to make a larger batch.

She kneaded the dough quickly today, stacking the dough sticks neatly in a basin before starting to make the tapioca noodles. The method for making tapioca noodles was similar to that of cold skin noodles, but much simpler, no need to wash the dough. Just mix two taels of potato starch with some water to form a thin paste, pour it onto a small flat pan, swirl it around to spread evenly, then blanch it in boiling water. In no time, a sheet of tapioca noodles was ready glossy, translucent, and incredibly cheap to make. The first few sheets were stir-fried by Wang Xiaojin for her breakfast.

She prepared 50 servings, one plate each. By this time, it was almost time for the river workers to finish their shift. She placed the tapioca noodles and shredded cucumbers into a large basin, then generously added garlic, amaranth, soy sauce, aged vinegar, sugar, fried chili oil, sesame oil, and other seasonings. After mixing everything together, the translucent tapioca noodles took on a clear, savory hue, looking incredibly appetizing refreshing and perfect for cutting through greasiness. Each serving cost six coins.

When borrowing the cart today, Wang Xiaojin felt a bit guilty and slipped 100 coins to Uncle Zhang. Uncle Zhang repeatedly refused, saying that she was just trying to make a living and that the donkey cart would have been idle anyway. But Wang Xiaojin insisted. In the market, borrowing a donkey cart like hers would normally cost 80 coins a day, so Uncle Zhang had already been very kind to her.

A oxcart cost five strings of coins, a donkey cart seven strings, and a horse cart was even more expensive. Wang Xiaojin thought it would be more convenient to save up and buy one herself as soon as possible.

She arrived in the city a little later than usual and found a crowd already waiting eagerly for her stall. As she approached, the crowd grew restless. Xiang Dazhuang rushed to the front to be the first in line, accompanied by a woman who seemed to be his wife strikingly beautiful, with a somewhat assertive appearance.

Wang Xiaojin remained calm and unhurried. She took out the base ingredients to simmer the broth, and a rich, tantalizing aroma instantly filled the air.

“This smell is so intense, so fragrant!”
“Right? Just wait, it tastes even better.” It sounded like new customers had been introduced by others.

Once the broth, noodles, shredded cucumbers, and tapioca noodles were all ready, she began serving. Customers could buy whatever they wanted, and even if they bought everything, it would only cost 14 coins.

Xiang Dazhuang grinned foolishly and gestured that he wanted two bowls of board noodles and one serving of tapioca noodles. His wife, standing beside him, poked him unhappily and said, “Didn’t I bring you steamed buns today? Why are you ordering two bowls?”

“You should try it too, it’s really delicious.”
“I’ve already eaten.”
“Then just have a taste.” Despite his large build, Xiang Dazhuang actually tugged at his wife’s sleeve with his fingers. Wang Xiaojin couldn’t bear to watch and quickly served the two of them. The couple then happily went off to eat. It was clear that the young wife actually wanted to try the food but was likely being frugal.

The food in the pot gradually diminished. After some jostling and noise, the crowd dispersed in small groups, each finding a spot to slurp their noodles. Wang Xiaojin let out a long sigh, wiped her sweat, and was about to eat her own meal when a slick and shrewd-looking man wearing a headscarf and a somewhat worn sapphire-blue robe arrived gracefully, carrying a lunchbox.

“Young man, I’d like one portion of these board noodles and a cold dish to take away.”

Wang Xiaojin apologized, “Sir, the board noodles won’t taste as good if taken away, but the cold dish is fine.”

“It’s nothing. My elder brother Liu lives nearby. See that alley behind us? His mansion is right through there.”

Since ancient times, luxurious homes have always favored waterfront locations. It’s said that being nestled between mountains and water brings wealth, which is why areas near the city’s rivers often become affluent neighborhoods. It seemed this Elder Brother Liu was quite wealthy, and the man before him was one of his subordinates. Wang Xiaojin packed the meal and handed it to him.

Fan Xi carefully accepted the food container, minding his steps as he headed toward the Liu residence. He knocked on the door and was led by the steward into the study. The master of the house, Liu Fujin, dressed in brocade robes, appeared thin and somewhat unimpressive. He sat on a golden sandalwood chair, his face clouded with worry. After exchanging a few pleasantries with Fan Xi, Liu sighed.

Fan Xi asked, “Brother, why do you look so troubled?”

Liu Fujin glanced at him and sighed. “Normally, family matters shouldn’t be aired outside, but I’m truly at my wit’s end.”

Fan Xi’s eyes lit up. “Brother, you’re treating me like an outsider. Your problems are my problems. What does it matter if it’s aired or not? Please, tell me.”

“Good brother!” Liu Fujin began to share his troubles. He had married a gentle and beautiful wife only in his prime, but his mother disapproved of her. His wife was tormented daily by his mother, and they were never allowed to spend nights together. It was truly shameful, he lamented. How could he carry on the family line under such circumstances?

Fan Xi found it strange. “Brother, you’re the head of the Liu family business. Who would dare stand in your way?”

At this, Liu Fujin grew timid. “How could a son and grandson dare defy his parents? Moreover, my mother is an old friend of the recently retired Elder Xie. I’ve heard Elder Xie has an extraordinary background, with disciples all over the country. The county magistrate is one of them. Right now, our family’s business relies entirely on my mother. There’s nothing I can do about it.” Liu’s voice grew softer and more uncertain as he spoke.

Fan Xi thought to himself that if Liu got his wish and indulged in nightly pleasures, his health would surely deteriorate given his frail constitution. Outwardly, however, he remained enthusiastic. He took out the meal container and urged Liu to eat first while he pondered a solution.

Their conversation had only lasted a few minutes, and the noodle dish was still as flavorful as ever spicy and addictive, paired with the sweet and sour cucumber strips and slippery mung bean starch sheets. Even Liu, who was accustomed to lavish delicacies, abandoned all decorum and slurped the noodles eagerly. “Which shop is this from? Especially this cold dish, it’s so smooth and delicious. My mother doesn’t even know about it.”

“Oh? Does your mother enjoy food?”

“Yes,” Liu replied, wiping his mouth with a silk handkerchief. “She knows every delicacy in this county inside and out. Unfortunately, she’s grown tired of them in recent years, and her temper has become increasingly peculiar.”

A brilliant idea suddenly struck Fan Xi. Excitedly, he slapped his thigh. “Here’s the solution! I’ll have that street vendor prepare special dishes for your mother. I’ll bring them over and have your wife present them as if she made them herself as an offering to your mother. What do you think?”

“This is a wonderful idea!” Liu Fujin’s eyes sparkled. He stood up and paced around excitedly, as if already envisioning his dream of romantic nights. Without hesitation, he generously gave Fan Xi twenty taels of silver for expenses. The two whispered and schemed for a while longer before parting ways.

Wang Xiaojin, completely unaware that she had become part of someone else’s plans, was quite pleased. Today, all one hundred bowls of her noodle dish had sold out, and the cucumber strips with mung bean starch sheets had received rave reviews. Some customers had even bought multiple servings. Each serving of the cold dish earned her three copper coins, and each bowl of noodles earned four. In total, she made 550 copper coins. If she could maintain this daily income, she would earn ten taels of silver in a month. Still, it wasn’t enough to repay Uncle Zhang’s debt, nor could she afford to buy a donkey cart anytime soon.

But there was no need to prepare more. The flow of people in a small county town was limited after all, and she couldn’t manage more even if she tried. Maintaining today’s quantity was just right.

To reward herself and give her mother a treat, she bought extra chicken, ribs, and other meats on her way home.

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