Just then, a woman with fashionable permed waves rushed in energetically.
Her phoenix eyes tilted slightly upward, and two rosy patches colored her round cheeks. Her high cheekbones gave her an especially spirited appearance.
This person was none other than Li Chunxiang, the manager of the county’s Hongqi Restaurant, and Yu Weidong’s sister-in-law.
Li Chunxiang had originally come to the commune on business and only passed by the tofu workshop on her way, but a soul-stirring aroma stopped her in her tracks.
Was that the smell of tofu?
Yet mixed into it was an indescribable, alluring fragrance.
Her throat bobbed as she suddenly recalled Yu Weidong mentioning at the dinner table a few days ago that the Qingshui Tofu Shop had come up with something new called “Hairy Tofu.” At the time, she had not taken it seriously.
But now, this aroma was even more enticing than the signature braised pork at the state-run restaurant.
“Chunxiang, perfect timing!”
Seeing her, Yu Weidong’s eyes lit up as he quickly waved her over. “Come and try this.”
Then he glanced proudly at Jiang Qingli. “My sister-in-law has a very picky palate. If she thinks it tastes good, then this tofu must be excellent…”
Li Chunxiang had always been particular about food. She looked skeptically at the plain, unappealing tofu on the table, doubt filling her mind.
Could this dull-looking thing really taste good?
Perhaps her brother-in-law had been fooled again…
Still, under Yu Weidong’s expectant gaze, she reluctantly picked up a piece. The moment her tongue touched its soft, delicate texture, her pupils shrank sharply.
The tofu melted in her mouth, first releasing a rich soybean fragrance, followed by layers of savory flavor, and finally a faint lingering sweetness.
This unremarkable little piece had such astonishing taste.
It was clearly tofu, yet tasted nothing like ordinary tofu.
Suddenly, a brilliant idea flashed through her mind.
If this tofu were introduced into Hongqi Restaurant, wouldn’t Director Zhao from Victory Restaurant be furious?
Just imagining that man, who always competed with her, being frustrated made her lips curl upward in satisfaction. Even the fine lines at the corners of her eyes seemed to carry a hint of smug delight.
“Well?” Yu Weidong asked eagerly.
Li Chunxiang dabbed at the corner of her mouth with feigned composure, though excitement flickered uncontrollably in her eyes. “It’s… not bad.”
Lowering her voice, she added, “Brother-in-law, the county is promoting food diversity right now. If this tofu could be supplied to our restaurant…”
Hearing this, Yu Weidong’s eyes lit up.
Just yesterday, Secretary Xie had specifically mentioned promoting the Qingshui Commune’s “Hairy Tofu” as a specialty product across the county.
He had been worrying about finding the right channel, but Li Chunxiang’s suggestion instantly cleared his mind.
Of course, what better showcase than a state-owned restaurant?
With that thought, he turned excitedly to Wang Dagou. “Old Wang, would you like your tofu to be included in the supply list for the state-owned restaurant?”
Wang Dagou froze, thinking he had misheard. His dark face flushed red, and his rough hands rubbed nervously against his clothes as he stammered, “D-Director Yu, you mean… Hongqi Restaurant wants our tofu?”
Supply a state-owned restaurant?
His mind buzzed. That was an incredible opportunity.
In recent years, although the Changmin Supply and Marketing Cooperative had been purchasing his family’s traditional tofu, the daily sales were limited.
If he could supply the state-owned restaurant, it would be like securing half an iron rice bowl.
Not only would his work points increase, but his year-end dividends would also rise significantly.
Last year, the neighboring brigade’s chicken farm supplied eggs to the county guesthouse, and by the end of the year, every household received extra cloth coupons.
“Brother Wang, hurry and give your answer,” Jiang Qingli said with a suppressed smile, lightly nudging his arm as he stood there dazed.
The honest man finally snapped out of it. He stood at attention with a loud thump and gave Yu Weidong a ninety-degree bow. “Th-thank you for the organization’s support!”
The room erupted into chatter, everyone discussing the matter at once, and no one noticed the gradually darkening gaze in the corner.
A certain man was staring intently at the sleeve Jiang Qingli had touched on Wang Dagou’s arm, his eyes growing deeper and darker…
“Don’t thank us just yet.”
Yu Weidong took out the red notebook he carried with him, biting the cap of his pen as he spoke and wrote. “If this ‘Hairy Tofu’ is to be listed in a state-owned restaurant, it has to go through proper procedures.”
“First, the commune must issue an introduction letter and submit it to the county health bureau for quality inspection and registration. Then it must be approved by the commerce bureau and included in the planned supply list. Finally, the price has to be verified by the pricing bureau, it cannot be set privately.”
He paused, then added, “Right now, the Supply and Marketing Cooperative’s tofu is all handled by your Qingshui Tofu Shop, so your technical work points are two points higher than ordinary members. But if demand increases, the commune might form a dedicated ‘tofu production team’ or even expand it into a sideline production unit. By then, you would be a key technical member.”
Wang Dagou listened intently, every word clear yet somehow unreal, as if heard through a fog.
It was only when he heard the words “key technical member” that his entire body trembled.
This was something he had never dared to imagine.
He had never thought that the tofu-making skills passed down in his family could truly flourish in his hands.
At the thought, his eyes grew moist.
Yu Weidong was equally pleased. If this project succeeded, he might even be selected as an advanced cadre at the municipal level this year.
After a moment’s thought, he said seriously, “However, if this is to be promoted as a specialty product, the name should be changed. ‘Hairy Tofu’ sounds like it hasn’t been properly processed and doesn’t meet hygiene standards…”
Jiang Qingli’s eyes flickered as she immediately responded, “How about ‘Hongxing Tofu’? It carries a revolutionary tone and also reflects the spirit of our Changmin Commune, to keep a red heart forever loyal to the Party…”
“Excellent name!”
Yu Weidong looked at Jiang Qingli with approval. “I didn’t expect Comrade Xiao Jiang to have such strong political awareness. I’ll go back and submit a report right away. Old Wang, deliver twenty jin of the marinated Hairy Tofu to the Supply and Marketing Cooperative this afternoon for a trial sale!”
As Yu Weidong hurried off on his bicycle, Li Chunxiang picked up another piece of tofu and chewed slowly. “This tofu is indeed special, but the flavor is a bit one-dimensional. What if customers prefer spicy or sour tastes…”
Hearing this, Jiang Qingli’s fingers paused slightly.
Fortunately, she had already prepared for this.
Without drawing attention, she rolled up the sleeves of her blue blouse. “Manager Li, please wait a moment.”
Over the past few days, while helping Wang Dagou with the tofu, she had also been thinking about how to establish herself in this era.
After all, as a woman of the new era, she could not live like the original owner, idling away her days.
Yet no matter how much she thought about it, she had found no good solution.
Until this morning, while tidying up her room, she had accidentally discovered a tin box hidden beneath the kang mat, containing half a jin of white sugar.
Private trade was not allowed under current policies, but if it could be channeled through collective means…
With that thought, an idea had immediately formed.
She crouched down and took out two wild tomatoes she had picked during her morning run in the mountains from her patched canvas bag.
Mini Theater:
After the meeting, Shen Li cornered Jiang Qingli against the wall.
Jiang Qingli raised an eyebrow. “Assistant Shen, what are you doing? Planning to rob me?”
Shen Li kept a cold face. “You seemed pretty comfortable touching his arm just now.”
Jiang Qingli feigned innocence. “Who? Wang Dagou? He’s an honest man, I was just encouraging him, what’s wrong with that?”
Shen Li snorted. “Honest? When he bowed, his eyes were practically glued to you.”
Jiang Qingli tried not to laugh. “Shen Li, have you lost your mind?”
Shen Li replied matter-of-factly, “No! I’m just a little jealous.”
Jiang Qingli poked his chest. “You’re being unreasonable, everyone was discussing serious matters.”
Shen Li suddenly grabbed her wrist. “Serious matters? My serious matter is that you can only touch me.”