Feng Yiyi used disposable bowls; she had plenty in her space.
She often stocked them from camping trips.
First time selling, people didn’t know; couldn’t let them eat with hands.
People queued up, taking bowls away.
Then, Uncle Li approached Feng Yiyi.
“Girl, what are you selling?”
“Spicy sausage!”
“How much per bowl?”
“Fifteen wen!”
“How’s the taste?”
Feng Yiyi skewered a piece with a toothpick and handed it to the manager.
“You can try before buying!”
The manager glanced, took it, and put it in his mouth—a flavor he’d never tasted.
He immediately said to Feng Yiyi, “Girl, are you selling the recipe for this dish?”
Feng Yiyi looked at him, “How so? You want to buy the recipe?”
“Yes, I’m the manager of Fumanlou across the way.”
Feng Yiyi smiled, “I don’t sell recipes; it’s my family’s secret method. But we can cooperate.
I provide the marinade; we split all profits from this dish 50/50.
If you agree, we cooperate; if not, forget I said it.”
The manager was shocked; he sized up the girl—young, but shrewd!
“Girl, you know I’m just a manager; I can’t decide.
How about you bring everything over? I’ll buy the remaining sausage.
Come to our restaurant; I’ll ask the boss.”
Seeing the fish hooked, Feng Yiyi said: “Good, I’ll pack all the sausage in boxes for you.
Xiang Qiao, watch the stall for me; I’ll be right back.”
“Okay, Yiyi, go ahead.” Xiang Qiao said.
Feng Yiyi took off her apron, rinsed her hands with water from a bottle, wiped with a handkerchief, and followed the manager to Fumanlou.
Prince Xuan’s eyes never left Feng Yiyi.
Thinking: This girl is quite clean.
Feng Yiyi and the manager entered the restaurant, sat in the private room next to Prince Xuan’s.
The manager ordered: “Waiter, serve tea to this girl! By the way, girl, what’s your name?”
“Manager, I’m Feng Yiyi.”
“Good, Miss Feng, I’ll go consult our boss.”
Feng Yiyi nodded.
The manager knocked three times, pushed the door open, carried a bowl of spicy sausage to Long Xuanling’s side.
“Master, this is what that girl made; her name is Feng Yiyi.
She won’t sell the recipe; says we can cooperate. Split profits 50/50 on this dish; she provides the marinade, we provide the rest.”
Long Xuanling picked up a piece with chopsticks and ate it.
The sausage was fragrant, spicy, tender without greasiness—a perfect side dish.
“What’s this red spicy stuff? Never seen it before?” Long Xuanling asked.
“Subordinate asked; she says it’s chili pepper.”
Prince Xuan’s lips curved: “This girl is young but business-savvy. She’s just down on her luck now.
When she rises, she won’t care for 50/50 split.”
“Master agrees?”
“If not, see those other places? They’ll approach Feng Yiyi too.”
“Yes! But we need a contract to bind her.
Since cooperating on the recipe, she can’t partner with others.
Can’t profit from one then another; breach means compensation!”
“Understood!”
The manager sweated; after years, first time cooperating.
Suddenly, like discovering new land: Our prince is surnamed Long, this girl surnamed Feng.
Now partners—this is dragon and phoenix auspicious!
Business sure to profit! Coincidence or fate?
Soon, he returned to Feng Yiyi’s room cheerfully.
Holding paper and pen, beaming: “Miss Feng, sorry for the wait. Our boss says to sign a contract.
Since partnering on this recipe, you can’t cooperate with other restaurants.
Otherwise, breach the agreement, pay 1000 taels compensation.”
“Rest assured, Feng Yiyi is honest. This spicy sausage only partners with your Fumanlou!”
Feng Yiyi wasn’t good at traditional characters, so said: “Manager, I can’t write well; sign my name for me!”
The manager understood; few girls read or write.
Unlike men, who must study for exams.
He didn’t refuse, “Good!”
He signed for Feng Yiyi, who pressed her fingerprint.
“Miss Feng, when will you teach our chefs?” the manager asked.
“Manager, I’ll prepare the ingredients today; come teach tomorrow!”
“Miss Feng, where do you live?”
“My home is in Zhao Village; first house at the entrance.” Feng Yiyi said openly.
These words all reached Long Xuanling’s ears.
Prince Ling thought: Unexpected talent in this backwater.
Girls are usually timid, shy of strangers.
But this one speaks well, shows the poise of a future great one.
He never imagined this girl would nearly kill him.
Reason simple: At the cliff bottom, he used her as antidote for aphrodisiac, vented, left a jade pendant, and left…
The manager continued: “Miss Feng, if you have more recipes, hope to partner with our Fumanlou.”
“Good, I’ll prioritize you.”
With that, Feng Yiyi cupped her fists, “Manager, I take my leave.”
“Girl, take care; we’ll wait for you tomorrow.”
“Good!”
Feng Yiyi returned to her stall; Xiang Qiao was watching.
Seeing her back, Xiang Qiao exclaimed: “Yiyi, you’re amazing! Even Fumanlou’s manager came for you.”
“Is he that great? Why so surprised!”
“You don’t know; this restaurant is owned by a big shot from the capital. Been here for years!”
“Oh, thanks, Xiang Qiao. After I pack up, I’ll go buy salt with you.”
Feng Yiyi tidied up, found Liu Er, put the griddle on the cart, and went with Xiang Qiao to buy salt.
On return, she bought more pig intestines and pork belly; the two rode back to Zhao Village…