Originally, I wanted to eat some wontons first and then visit the doctor, but I was unexpectedly led by the waiter to a private room upstairs.
Er Niang was a bit nervous: "Brother Hu, what's going on?"
Jiang Hu held Xiao Mi and gestured to Er Niang not to worry: "It's fine, it should be Shopkeeper Liu taking a liking to our greens. Let's wait quietly and not rush."
Just then, the waiter brought up a pot of hot tea along with two servings of snacks.
"Brother Jiang, I was just in the backyard fetching hot water and happened to overhear Master Zhang praising the vegetables and asking the Shopkeeper where they came from. You and sister-in-law can rest easy; the Shopkeeper will be here soon."
Jiang Hu quickly expressed his gratitude, while Er Niang still seemed a bit nervous but also a little excited. The two children's eyes were fixed on the two plates of snacks.
The waiter said, "Have a bit of food and water. I have to get back to work now."
After the waiter left, Da Wa eyed the snacks and swallowed: "Dad, Mom, can we eat?"
Even though he really wanted to eat, he didn't dare since his parents hadn't spoken.
The snacks were red bean cake and osmanthus pearl barley cake, looking so appetizing that they made one slobber.
Jiang Hu hesitated a bit: "You and your sister can each have a piece."
Though they could only have one piece each, Da Wa and Er Ni were still delighted, exclaiming joyfully before taking one piece each. They picked different ones and split their pieces in half to swap.
This way, they could both taste two different flavors!
Jiang Hu observed with a heavy heart: "When Dad makes more money in the future, I'll buy more for you."
Though the snacks were a gift from Shopkeeper Liu, they couldn't appear too impolite, just letting the children have a taste was enough.
Da Wa and Er Ni smiled sweetly: "Thank you, Dad."
Jiang Hu poured several cups of hot tea, placing one in front of each person, noticing that Er Niang appeared more relaxed now, gently soothing Tie Dan.
"Er Niang, why don't you have a piece too?"
Er Niang shook her head: "I don't need any. Let's leave after talking to the Shopkeeper."
Waiting took nearly two full hours due to which Jiang Hu became a bit restless, but Shopkeeper Liu finally pushed the door open.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Brother Jiang. Some unexpected matters came up earlier."
Shopkeeper Liu sat down with a smile next to Jiang Hu and looked at Xiao Mi in his arms: "Your child is really well-behaved, not even a bit fussy."
As Shopkeeper Liu sat down, the waiter presented a long tray, placing several small dishes on the table one by one.
Jiang Hu patted Xiao Mi's back: "Xiao Mi and Tie Dan have always been very well-behaved, giving us a lot of peace of mind."
He then turned his gaze toward the table: "Shopkeeper Liu, what's all this?"
Braised fish, cold tofu salad, leeks stir-fried with eggs, a dish of braised pork, and a plate of stewed pig's feet.
These were all simple home-cooked dishes, but together they were far better than what they would normally have for New Year's!
In addition to these, there was also a dish of stir-fried greens and a pot of fine rice!
Shopkeeper Liu laughed heartily: "Didn't I say earlier? Today is my treat. Brother Jiang and sister-in-law, please feel at home, let's dine and discuss the vegetable business."
As he spoke, he offered two pairs of chopsticks to Da Wa and Er Ni, who were already salivating: "You must be Da Wa and Er Ni. After such a long walk, you must be tired. Let's eat first and rest slowly afterwards."
The two children took the chopsticks but continued to look at their parents until Jiang Hu nodded, then they cheered and began to eat.
Shopkeeper Liu also invited the two adults: "Brother Jiang and sister-in-law, don't be shy. It's already mealtime, let's dine. Thanks to Brother Jiang, the restaurant's business has been booming lately. So please, enjoy heartily."
Jiang Hu respectfully accepted and didn't refuse further, inviting Er Niang to eat as they were genuinely hungry.
The adults were still mindful of manners, but the two children, though visibly eager, refrained from snatching up food, only eating quickly, which surprised Shopkeeper Liu greatly.
"It seems Brother Jiang disciplines his children very well; no wonder he's so popular in the village."
Shopkeeper Liu chatted while eating, having arranged for help downstairs, so he wasn't in a hurry.
Jiang Hu: "Shopkeeper Liu, you're too kind; I'm rather ashamed. It's mainly Er Niang who teaches the kids. I just work in the fields."
Shopkeeper Liu: "Oh? Sister-in-law must be very virtuous then, which is great. Brother Jiang can focus on earning and supporting the family."
Jiang Hu nodded repeatedly, thinking Er Niang was indeed the best.
Er Niang, on the other hand, felt slightly embarrassed by the compliment.
Tasting the greens, Jiang Hu could clearly discern that it was the same greens from his household, and the dish prepared by a professional chef tasted much better than their stir-fry, compelling Jiang Hu to take a few more bites.
He was especially surprised to see that Shopkeeper Liu also favored the plate of greens!
After lunch, Shopkeeper Liu had the waiter clear the dishes and bring a new pot of tea.
"Brother Jiang, we're old acquaintances by now. Recently, many people from Fuan Village have been bringing game to me, all saying it was on your recommendation. I've been grateful for that."
Jiang Hu waved his hand: "Shopkeeper Liu, you're too polite. I tried other restaurants before but was turned away before even getting in. You're the only one willing to deal with me and even taught me the lesson of keeping wealth out of sight—I remember it well."
Shopkeeper Liu: "Haha, let's skip the formalities and get straight to business. The few greens you brought earlier, I had Master Zhang whip up."
"You were right, Brother Jiang; these greens are indeed delicious. Here's the plan: you deliver twenty pounds to me daily. Market rate for these greens is three copper coins per pound, but I'll give you five. How about that?"
Jiang Hu was initially delighted, then shocked, and repeatedly waved his hand: "I can't accept that, no need for such a high price, just the market rate is fine."
Shopkeeper Liu raised a hand to interrupt: "No rush, Brother Jiang. Giving this price comes with a condition."
Jiang Hu quickly calmed down: "Please go ahead, Shopkeeper Liu."
"Here's the thing, your greens are indeed tastier, leaving a lasting flavor that's refreshing and sweet afterward."
Shopkeeper Liu sipped tea and continued: "We'll draft an agreement—five copper coins per pound, but the greens must be of the same quality and you can't sell to anyone else. How does that sound?"
Shopkeeper Liu spoke plainly, Jiang Hu understood clearly and nodded promptly: "No problem, I must thank Shopkeeper Liu. I just have a small request though."
Shopkeeper Liu raised an eyebrow: "Go ahead."
Jiang Hu hesitated for a moment, then spoke: "I only hope Shopkeeper Liu can help, if anyone asks the price of my vegetables, could you mention a lower price?"
Shopkeeper Liu was slightly surprised but quickly understood: "That's no problem. You're the sole breadwinner; it's best not to boast about earnings to avoid stirring greed."
He pondered briefly: "How about this, we say two copper coins per pound to others. If anyone asks, say it like that. Is that alright?"
Jiang Hu nodded repeatedly: "Alright, alright, thank you, Shopkeeper Liu."
Shopkeeper Liu chuckled lightly: "Then let's draft the agreement. Starting tomorrow, bring twenty pounds daily, and we'll settle payments the same day."