Zhu Yuanting came up with a plan. He took out one tael of silver and hired several beggars, instructing them to spread news in all four major districts of the capital.
Within just two quarters of an hour, the rumor had already spread everywhere.
“Yu Zhizhi has gone crazy—she’s setting up a stall right in front of the Sixth Prince’s residence!”
“I heard she’s selling some snack that smells unbelievably foul!”
“She must have lost her mind. With so many lively streets, she chose the quiet entrance of the Sixth Prince’s residence instead. What is she even thinking?”
“I’m going to take a look. I want to see what she’s really up to!”
…
At this moment, Yu Zhizhi was still peacefully sleeping, enjoying her lazy dream.
She had no idea that two groups of people were already heading toward her.
One group had already tried the stinky tofu and been drawn back by its unique flavor; the other came purely to watch the excitement after hearing the rumors.
“Miss, wake up!” Xiao Tao gently shook her.
Rubbing her sleepy eyes, Yu Zhizhi stretched. “Did you buy the buns? I’m starving.”
“They’re here, but you’ll have to wait. More than a dozen customers are already here to buy stinky tofu.”
Following Xiao Tao’s gesture, Yu Zhizhi saw a crowd standing in front of her stall, all looking expectant.
Her face instantly lit up with joy.
The free tasting strategy was working.
“Everyone, please wait a moment. I’ll start frying right away!”
As she began frying in larger batches, the smell became even stronger.
Within a hundred-meter radius, people instinctively covered their noses, their faces twisted in discomfort.
The customers who had already tasted it earlier were the only ones willing to endure it again and buy more.
More and more curious onlookers arrived from afar. The closer they got, the more they regretted their gossiping curiosity.
Too smelly.
Absolutely torture.
Can something this smelly even be eaten?
Zhang Lei, Zhu Yuanting, and Yu Shujin were also among the crowd. After spreading the rumor, Zhu Yuanting had gone to the Zhang residence, and coincidentally, Yu Shujin was there too. The three of them rushed over specifically to see Yu Zhizhi make a fool of herself.
“What are you frying? It’s all black!” Zhang Lei sneered.
Yu Zhizhi looked up calmly. Zhang Lei stood there with a smug expression, followed by Zhu Yuanting and Yu Shujin.
Perfect.
They could come watch the show—but if they interfered with her business, she wouldn’t be polite.
“Are you blind? Can’t you see it’s tofu?” she replied coolly.
Zhang Lei immediately retorted, “Then why is it black and so smelly? Are you selling spoiled food? You’re so black-hearted!”
A nearby crowd immediately turned on him.
“Who are you calling out? I’ve already tried it—it’s not poisonous!”
“This is delicious!”
“Stop blocking the line!”
Zhang Lei was left speechless.
Without needing to argue further, Yu Zhizhi focused on selling.
“Spicy level—mild, medium, or hot?”
“Mild,” the first customer said.
“Got it.”
Xiao Tao smiled and said, “That’ll be 20 wen.”
The customer paid without hesitation and immediately dug in.
He paused.
Then his eyes lit up.
“This is… unbelievably good.”
Soon, others joined in, eating eagerly while standing on the street.
Compliments began pouring in.
“This is the first time I’ve eaten black tofu!”
“The texture is amazing—crispy outside, soft inside, and so flavorful!”
“Twenty wen is not expensive at all!”
The queue quickly grew longer and longer.
Orders came in nonstop.
But among the three original helpers, one person had already gone missing.