Mo Yan said, “I’ve heard that although Qingyun Town has several inns, only two of them do really good business: Yunlai Inn and Xu Family Eatery. I haven’t eaten there myself, so I’m not sure how the food tastes. Why don’t we check both out?”
“All right, let’s go see them. You lead the way,” Shen Youyou replied.
With a plan in mind, she decided to first meet the managers of these two places and then discuss potential cooperation.
So, she and Mo Yan walked in single file toward the first inn, Yunlai Inn.
The inn was fairly large, and true to its name, it had plenty of customers. By the time they arrived, guests were steadily coming in for lunch.
A cheerful waiter at the door kept inviting people inside.
Seeing Shen Youyou and Mo Yan, he smiled politely and asked, “Are you here for a quick meal or lunch? Please, come in!”
Shen Youyou, not wanting to waste time on pleasantries, said bluntly:
“We’re not here to eat. I have business with your owner. Could you introduce us?”
The waiter’s enthusiasm immediately vanished. He looked them up and down. Their coarse linen clothes marked them as poor folk. He had expected potential customers, not two penniless strangers. His tone turned sharp:
“Our owner doesn’t meet just anyone. If you can’t even pay for a meal, leave at once—don’t disrupt our business! You look so shabby, I bet you’re just trying to freeload!”
He promptly shoved them out the door.
Mo Yan bristled at the insult and was about to argue, but Shen Youyou tugged at his sleeve, shook her head, and led him away.
Once out of sight of Yunlai Inn, she said,
“Mo Yan, no need to waste words. If they don’t appreciate my duck, that’s their loss. Judging from their steward, the owner probably isn’t a fair-minded person either. Let’s check the next place.”
Mo Yan considered it and nodded. She was right. Missing this opportunity was not the end of the world—they’d just regret it if they acted rashly. Following her lead, they headed to the Xu Family Eatery.
Although she reassured Mo Yan, Shen Youyou still felt a bit nervous. If this place turned out as arrogant as the last, she planned to approach smaller, less popular eateries. She was determined—her duck was too delicious not to sell.
After a short walk of about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, they arrived at the Xu Family Eatery.
From the outside, it wasn’t as spacious as Yunlai Inn, but it was tidy and well-kept. Shen Youyou immediately approved—the cleanliness reflected the owner’s care and diligence, a key requirement in their line of business.
As they lingered at the door, a woman inside noticed them and quickly approached, smiling politely:
“Would you like to eat? Please, come in.”
Shen Youyou replied bluntly, as before:
“We’re not here to eat. Is your owner present? I have business to discuss.”
The woman paused, slightly surprised, but quickly recovered, maintaining her warm, welcoming smile:
“Please follow me, then.”
Shen Youyou and Mo Yan exchanged a glance, nodded, and followed her inside.
Once in the dining hall, the woman told the waiter to continue his work and led them to the back courtyard. Shen Youyou realized that this small eatery had a hidden residential area behind it.
Seated in the main room, they were served tea while the woman said,
“Please wait a moment; I’ll fetch my husband.”
Shen Youyou nodded, and the woman left.
A short while later, she returned with a middle-aged man. He had a square face and dignified features—a man of integrity, not the deceitful type.
Seeing two young people enter, he was slightly surprised but remained polite:
“I understand you have business to discuss. I’m Xu Gang, owner of this eatery. Please, tell me what it’s about. May I know your names?”
Though a chef by trade, Xu Gang never underestimated anyone. Sometimes unexpected visitors bring unexpected opportunities.
Shen Youyou studied him and felt he was trustworthy. Without further ado, she presented the two flavors of her braised duck to Xu Gang and the woman.
“I’m Shen. Please, try the duck and see how it tastes,” she said.
Xu Gang, taking a piece of the duck gizzard—spicy flavor—chewed twice and was immediately struck by its unique taste.
This flavor was extraordinary—stimulating and delicious—a taste he had never encountered. Instantly, it awakened his appetite. As he swallowed, he inwardly regretted that there wasn’t a jug of wine to accompany it.
The woman tasted the five-spice flavor, and her expression also betrayed delight.
After swallowing, she said,
“Miss Shen, what kind of business do you wish to discuss? Are you selling this duck to our eatery? The taste is truly unique—I’ve never experienced duck like this.”
Shen Youyou, always straightforward, replied without beating around the bush:
“No. I didn’t bring much duck to sell directly. I want to give it to you first. You can offer a small portion to your customers for free. If they don’t like it, that’s fine.
If they enjoy it, then we can discuss cooperation. I can supply you long-term, and we’ll split the profits: eight to me, two to you, settled daily. And I’ll supply only your eatery.
Rest assured, this recipe is a family secret. It won’t be easy for anyone else to replicate.”