Wen Ranran looked at these people and smiled calmly. “What would you like to say?”
They were nothing but worthless scoundrels who lacked ability yet envied others. In her previous life, she had followed her Master to dozens of competitions, large and small, and had seen plenty of unskilled people who resorted to underhanded tricks behind the scenes.
The vendors exchanged surprised glances. Faced with this situation, she wasn’t the least bit afraid.
The leader of the vendors stepped forward, not even looking at her directly. He pointed at her bamboo basket and spoke with a hint of threat, “Young lady, we’re all just trying to make a modest living here. Since you’ve come, we can’t do business anymore.”
“Why can’t you do business?” Wen Ranran tilted her head, staring intently at them. “You can just keep selling! Why would customers stop buying from you just because they’ve tried mine?”
The men stared fixedly at the young woman. Though she wore an innocent and harmless expression, they seemed to detect a hint of mockery in her clear eyes, and even her tone carried a subtle sarcasm.
The vendors looked at each other in confusion: It seemed like she was insulting their food as unpalatable, but then again, maybe not…
The vendor who had spoken earlier was also taken aback. He rolled up his sleeves and pointed at Wen Ranran, about to curse: “You…” mean our food isn’t as good as yours?
He gritted his teeth, feeling something was off—she hadn’t actually said anything. Swallowing his words, he took a deep breath and started again: “I…” Our food isn’t as good as yours, so of course customers won’t buy from us after trying yours!
He shook his head irritably, still feeling it wasn’t right: Why should we admit our food isn’t as good as hers?!
After going in circles for a while without clarity, the vendor finally blurted out angrily, “Anyway, you’re not allowed to come to A Cup of Spring tomorrow!”
“Oh—” Wen Ranran drew out the syllable slightly, then nodded. “Alright, I won’t come tomorrow.”
She hadn’t planned to go to A Cup of Spring tomorrow anyway. With so many restaurants and teahouses around, of course she needed to visit each one to expand her customer base to the maximum extent possible!
Who would choose to hang themselves on a single tree? How foolish would that be!
Seeing her agree without hesitation, the vendors looked at her with suspicion. “Really?”
Wen Ranran nodded emphatically. “Of course it’s true. Why would I lie to you?”
“At least you know what’s good for you!” the leader said coldly. “Don’t let me see you at A Cup of Spring tomorrow. As long as you don’t compete with us for business, we’ll stay out of each other’s way and all will be peaceful. If you don’t listen… don’t blame us for being impolite.”
With that, the group slung their arms over each other’s shoulders and walked away laughing, boasting to one another:
“Brother Zhao is the one to handle things. Did you see how scared that young lady was? She didn’t dare say another word and agreed immediately.”
“Hey, don’t say that! It’s everyone’s credit!”
Wen Ranran disdainfully tossed aside the basket in her hand, shaking her head as she watched the fools leave.
People like that would never amount to anything in their entire lives.
Wen Ranran went to the silver exchange to convert her loose silver and copper coins into banknotes, feeling completely at ease along the way: Having money in hand felt truly wonderful!
The streets were bustling with noise and excitement, with stalls everywhere. The long, drawn-out calls of vendors selling fruits and pastries echoed in the distance. The lamb soup vendor ladled from a steaming pot, the milky-white broth bubbling vigorously. Further ahead, the noodle stall owner kneaded dough, the noodles on the board uniformly thick and thin. The boss lady casually picked up a strand, shaking off the excess flour—the noodles looked soft, springy, and chewy…
Vendors selling flowers, lanterns, cosmetics and powders… all kinds of small stalls stood shoulder to shoulder, creating a scene of bustling prosperity.
Wen Ranran cheerfully returned to her Bo Zai Gao stall and spotted Sun Shi from afar, beaming as she collected money, while Wen Junliang was eyeing the braised dish pot with a thievish look, his eyeballs nearly falling into it. He tried to sneak a hand in when Sun Shi wasn’t looking but got caught red-handed. Sun Shi immediately placed her hands on her hips and started scolding him vehemently.
Finding the scene amusing, Wen Ranran approached just in time to hear Wen Junliang muttering with his head lowered: “I just want one piece. San Yatou wouldn’t even know.”
Sun Shi laughed in exasperation: “Ranran entrusted us with watching the stall because she trusts us! You always sneaking food is completely improper!”
Wen Junliang snorted: “You’re one to talk about being proper! Think about how you used to treat San Yatou before? You’re the most improper of all!”
“I…” Sun Shi was rendered speechless. After a pause, she gave him a disdainful look, rolled her eyes and turned away. “What kind of man holds grudges over old matters!”
Seeing neither would back down, Wen Ranran quickly stepped in to mediate: “Third Uncle, Third Aunt, why are you two arguing? You’re really acting like children.”
Seeing his supporter had returned, Wen Junliang immediately straightened up from his previous crestfallen appearance and leaned in to complain, casting triumphant glances at Sun Shi: “San Yatou, is it too much to ask for one piece of dried tofu?”
Wen Ranran glanced at Sun Shi, who had been happily collecting money earlier but now looked as dark as the bottom of a pot from anger at Wen Junliang.
“Why look at her?” Wen Junliang said smugly, raising his head. “This is your stall. You make the decisions.”
Wen Ranran suddenly felt some sympathy for Sun Shi – being stuck with such an unreliable husband who constantly opposed her was quite unfortunate…
“Third Uncle, Third Aunt is just trying to keep proper accounts. If you keep eating Bo Zai Gao one moment and duck wings the next, the accounts will be completely messed up,” Wen Ranran pursed her lips. “Third Aunt has been watching the stall all evening. Instead of helping, you’re just making trouble for her.”
“Whose side are you on!” Wen Junliang stomped his feet in anger.
Hearing this, Sun Shi showed a slight smile and glared at Wen Junliang: “Ranran is reasonable, unlike you who just makes unreasonable trouble.”
Wen Junliang flicked his sleeves and turned away to sulk.
Sun Shi snorted coldly and ignored him, continuing to cheerfully serve customers.
Wen Ranran walked over and tugged at Wen Junliang’s sleeve: “Third Uncle, I’ll braise a separate pot for you tomorrow as snacks.”
Wen Junliang pulled his sleeve back and secretly extended one finger: “Add one portion of that Sunset in the Green Mountains of yours, or no deal.”
How old are you, still bargaining like this…
Wen Ranran had always been generous with her own people and readily nodded: “Deal.”
Seeing her agree immediately, Wen Junliang happily patted her shoulder: “San Yatou really knows how to treat people right!”
She looked back at Sun Shi who was bustling about frantically, then raised her head to tell Wen Junliang: “Third Uncle, look at Third Aunt. She used to care most about her dignity, but look at her now – politely smiling and being courteous to everyone. Do you know why she’s willing to set aside her status as the Bo Residence lady and endure this hardship of working in public?”
The smile on Wen Junliang’s face froze as he involuntarily looked toward Sun Shi by the food cart. This woman who had always held her head high was now bending her back, smiling cheerfully and saying “Please come again” to the customer before her.
He furrowed his brow and watched for a long time before walking over with a stern face. Though his expression remained stiff and awkward, he proactively picked up a sheet of oiled paper and handed it to Sun Shi.
Sun Shi glanced at him in surprise, giving him a light shove: “Go on, get away. Just seeing you annoys me.”
Though her words were harsh, Wen Ranran caught the faint smile that appeared when she turned her face away.
“Be annoyed if you must.” This time, Wen Junliang didn’t talk back but silently stayed by Sun Shi’s side, cheerfully repeating “Please come again next time!” on her behalf.
Now this looked like a proper family!
By the time they set up the stall again, Sun Shi had become much more skilled. She arranged the food neatly and orderly, not even needing Wen Ranran’s help.
Watching Sun Shi’s rapid progress, Wen Ranran sincerely praised: “Third Aunt, you’re becoming more and more professional now!”
Sun Shi lifted the lid of the braised dish container, smiling as she said: “Watching how you do business every day, even a pig would have learned by now.”
Wen Junliang raised an eyebrow: Huh? Is she insulting me? Well, maybe not…
“I’ll leave the stall to you, Third Aunt!” Wen Ranran picked up a basket of “Sunset in the Green Mountains” and waved to Sun Shi: “I’m off now!”
“Don’t worry, Ranran, I’ve got this here!”
“Great!”
After responding, Wen Ranran turned and headed toward Cheng’s Restaurant.
Having already made a name for “Sunset in the Green Mountains” at A Cup of Spring last night, plus with celebrity promotion, it should sell even better today.
Cheng’s Restaurant’s decorated archway and eaves were adorned with beautifully arranged lanterns, making the entire establishment exceptionally splendid.
Taking a deep breath, Wen Ranran had just stepped inside when she overheard people discussing her Sunset in the Green Mountains:
“Have you heard? Last night at A Cup of Spring, there was a young lady selling pastries. Her desserts inspired many people to compose poems – it was quite lively!”
“I heard, I heard! The dessert was called something like Sunset in the Green Mountains?”
“That’s the one! Even the Cheng family’s young lady was captivated by that dessert!”
“Really? I just came from A Cup of Spring, and guess what? The place was packed! Probably all wanting to see that Sunset in the Green Mountains. I wanted to see the excitement too, but there was literally no place to stand!”
…
Wen Ranran listened quietly, joy spreading across her face, unable to suppress the curve of her lips.
Good heavens, this celebrity advertising effect was beyond value! And it didn’t cost anything!!!
As Wen Ranran opened her basket, before she could take more than a few steps, a middle-aged man blocked her path. He looked down carefully at the cakes in her basket, his eyes lighting up with delight as he politely asked: “Excuse me, young lady, is this Sunset in the Green Mountains?”
Wen Ranran examined the man before her – his features were gentle, his gaze kind, not seeming like a bad person. After a moment’s thought, she nodded: “Indeed it is.”
“I’m the owner of Cheng’s Restaurant. Ye’er brought home your Sunset in the Green Mountains last night, and it was truly extraordinary. I recognized it immediately.” Boss Cheng said excitedly, making an inviting gesture. “Please come in, young lady.”
Simultaneously, he signaled to the attendant beside him with a glance.
Understanding the cue, the attendant went out with several others and began shouting loudly:
“We have Sunset in the Green Mountains here! Don’t miss out if you’re passing by!”
Wen Ranran was startled by this earth-shaking announcement. She turned to see numerous customers being drawn in and stared in astonishment:
Huh? You can do it like this?!