13:Trial Sale
Having just come out of the oven this morning, the pastries were still warm to the touch. The layered, flaky texture melted in the mouth, whilst the filling was soft, chewy and sweet. Taking a bite, one felt so blissful it was as if one might just float away.
“My, young lady, you’ve got quite a talent!” After tasting them, the woman was already captivated by the delicious flavour.
“They’re just a little something to make ends meet. If you like them, why not buy some to take home for your family to try?” Tao Qinghe replied with a smile.
The woman was quite tempted. “The flavour is truly excellent, but…” She seemed a little embarrassed. “I just wonder if you sell them by the piece? Perhaps just two?”
“Of course, I’ll sell them by the piece,” Tao Qinghe replied, delighted that business was about to begin. “I’d be grateful if you’d support my business!”
Seeing that she showed no sign of hesitation, the woman felt reassured. “Then wrap up two for me. If my family likes them, I’ll come back to buy more from you in future!”
As they spoke, Tao Qinghe had already wrapped the pastries in bamboo leaves. “It’s all thanks to you—I’ve only just opened and already have a regular customer,” she said with a smile as she handed the pastries to the woman.
Having served her first customer, Tao Qinghe looked at the eight copper coins in her hand and felt much more at ease. As long as people came to try them, what was there to fear about not selling them?
With that thought, she felt full of energy and turned to call out again. The young girl’s loud voice rang out on the street, and in no time at all, it attracted quite a crowd of onlookers.
In the blink of an eye, another person stepped forward. “These pastries smell delicious. I noticed earlier—could I have a couple of bites before buying?” The woman’s eyes sparkled with shrewdness, yet her face wore a smile. “Young lady, would you mind giving me a sample to try?”
Hearing this, Tao Qinghe didn’t hesitate. She took out a sample pastry and handed it to her.
The woman took the pastry and immediately popped it into her mouth. Before she’d even chewed it twice, she held out her hand again. “Oh dear, I ate it too quickly just now. I haven’t really tasted it yet,” she said, pointing at Tao Qinghe’s hand. “Give me another one. If it’s good, I’ll definitely buy some!”
Tao Qinghe raised an eyebrow slightly. Before she could say a word, someone nearby spoke up, “I say, you with the big mouth, are you here to scrounge again today?”
Seeing that she was actually being given a free taste, the onlookers hurriedly chimed in, “Miss, your pastries smell lovely. Let me have a bite. If they’re good, I’ll buy plenty!”
Seeing yet another person asking for a sample, the others didn’t want to be outdone and all rushed to ask Tao Qinghe for a taste of her pastries.
Tao Qinghe saw the crowd growing and seized the opportunity to lift the cloth covering the pastries, letting the aroma waft out. She was more than happy to oblige, handing out small portions of pastries to the onlookers one by one, whilst calling out, “‘Full-Mouth Fragrance’ pastries, just four cash coins each. Try before you buy—one bite and you’ll be all smiles!”
The aroma in the air grew ever more intense. Those who had already received their samples began to eat them eagerly, and for a moment, exclamations of praise rang out in succession.
After tasting one, a burly man savoured the flavour for a moment before asking, “Miss, these pastries certainly live up to the name ‘Full-Mouth Fragrance’, but four copper coins a piece is a bit steep.” He spoke somewhat sheepishly, “If I were to buy three, might you offer a discount?”
“As you’ve just tasted, the filling is generously packed with malt sugar, and the pastry is crisp and flaky, made with plenty of lard. This price is already quite reasonable,” Tao Qinghe explained with a smile. “If you buy two more, I’ll knock a copper off the price.”
The burly man looked torn, but finally said, “ “In that case, I’ll take two for now.”
Tao Qinghe showed no disappointment upon hearing this; she simply wrapped them up neatly and handed them over, adding with a smile, “If you like them, do come back for more.”
Seeing that there were no more pastries left to sample, the others looked rather disappointed. Even though they thought the taste was quite good, they eventually dispersed, and no one else came forward to ask the price.