Chapter 104 : How to Have a Good Face  

Fang Xiaoluo was well aware of the standard market price for cucumbers.  

She raised two fingers.  

Tang Jingxian guessed, “Two cents per pound? That’s already quite expensive.”  

Fang Xiaoluo shook her head. “No, not two cents, two yuan.”  

Tang Jingxian was taken aback. “You’re saying your cucumbers cost ‘two yuan per pound?’”  

In her lifetime, she had never seen cucumbers priced that high.  

Fang Xiaoluo nodded confidently. “Boss Tang, you just tasted my cucumbers. I dare say they have a unique flavor unmatched by any other cucumbers on the market.”  

Tang Jingxian didn’t respond immediately, but she didn’t disagree either. It was true, those cucumbers left you craving more after just one bite.  

Fang Xiaoluo continued, “To be transparent, Boss Tang, my cucumbers are nurtured with a special nutrient solution I developed myself. After numerous trials, I finally achieved this taste.”  

“Not only are they delicious, but eating them regularly can boost health and strengthen the body.”  

“At two yuan per pound, my cucumbers are a bargain. If you buy them for that price, I believe you could sell them for five yuan each.”  

Tang Jingxian chuckled and shook her head. “Five yuan per cucumber? Who would pay that kind of money?”  

“Boss Tang,” Fang Xiaoluo countered, “you’re a seasoned businesswoman. Surely you know how to market a premium product better than I do. As the saying goes, ‘rarity increases value.’ My cucumbers are not only unique in taste but also offer health benefits. It depends on how you position your dishes and your target clientele.”  

“If you decide to purchase from me, I can supply a ‘limited daily quantity of ten kilograms’, regardless of the season. Additionally, we can sign an exclusive contract ensuring that during the contract period, I will supply to you and you alone.”  

Tang Jingxian latched onto the key point. “No matter the season? Are you saying there won’t be a shortage even in winter?”  

“Exactly,” said Fang Xiaoluo confidently. “However, since cucumbers are off-season in winter, the price would naturally adjust accordingly.”  

Tang Jingxian asked, “If we sign a contract, how long would it be for?”  

“One year,” replied Fang Xiaoluo.  

Tang Jingxian smiled. “You’re young but very meticulous.”  

Fang Xiaoluo explained, “The market changes quickly these days. The pricing of my products must adapt to market dynamics. A one-year contract is the most secure for both parties.”  

After some thought, Tang Jingxian asked, “Do you have other vegetables besides cucumbers?”  

“For now, just cucumbers and cabbages,” said Fang Xiaoluo, “but I plan to expand to more varieties in the future.”  

Tang Jingxian didn’t make an immediate decision. “I’ll need time to consider this.”  

“Of course,” said Fang Xiaoluo. She took out a piece of paper, wrote her contact number, and handed it over. “Boss Tang, if you make up your mind, feel free to call me.”  

Tang Jingxian accepted the number, stood up, and smiled. “In any case, it was a privilege to taste such exquisite cucumbers today. Lunch is on me. Order whatever you like, and don’t hold back.”  

“Thank you, Boss Tang,” replied Fang Xiaoluo with a smile.  

After giving some instructions to the waiter, Tang Jingxian returned to work.  

—

At the table, Shen Jinxia rested her chin in her hands, gazing at her mother with admiration.  

“Mom, the cucumbers you grow can be sell for such a high price! You’re amazing.”  

Fang Xiaoluo tapped her nose playfully and said, “Your mom hasn’t sold the cucumbers yet.”  

Shen Jinxia responded confidently, “I can tell that auntie will definitely buy them! Oh, Mom, then our family is eating literal money every day.”  

Shen Zheng, proud of his wife, said, “With your mother around, our life will only get better and better.”  

Fang Xiaoluo smiled. “You have so much faith in me.”  

“Of course!” Shen Zheng sighed, “My wife is the most capable. I’m really lucky to have married someone out of my league.”  

“It’s good that you know.” Fang Xiaoluo teased, then handed over the menu. “Hurry up and decide, what do you all want to eat?”  

The portions at Dongfeng Hotel were generous. Fang Xiaoluo and Shen Zheng ordered Moo Shu Pork, eggplant with soy sauce, and four bowls of rice.  

When the food arrived, the waiter brought out two extra dishes: salt and pepper spare ribs and dry-fried pork tenderloin.  

“Our boss sent these over, these are dishes kids usually enjoy, so please don’t refuse.”  

They thanked the waiter and began eating. Meanwhile, the restaurant started filling up. Soon, every table in the lobby was nearly full.  

Shen Jinxia looked around, her eyes wide with curiosity. “Mom, so many people eat out at lunchtime?”  

Fang Xiaoluo nodded. “Yes, otherwise, how could the restaurant stay in business?”  

Just as she finished speaking, a familiar group of people entered the restaurant Xu Zhigang and Zhao Lihong’s family.  

Fang Xiaoluo immediately averted her gaze, not wanting to interact with them. She lowered her head, focusing on picking food for Shen Haiping and Shen Jinxia.  

Noticing her change in demeanor, Shen Zheng asked, “What’s wrong?”  

“I saw Xu Zhigang and the others.”  

Shen Zheng turned and saw them heading directly toward their table.  

Zhao Lihong approached with a smile plastered on her face. “Xiaoluo, what a coincidence! You’re here to eat too? It’s been so long since we’ve seen you. I’ve been thinking about you and wondering how you’re doing.”  

Without waiting for an invitation, Zhao Lihong and Xu Zhigang pulled over two stools and sat down.  

Shen Zheng, aware of how much his wife disliked her adoptive parents, spoke coldly. “Director Xu, there’s an order to things. We were already seated and didn’t invite you to join us. Don’t you think it’s inappropriate to just sit down uninvited?”  

Xu Zhigang, however, wasn’t fazed. They had been looking for an opportunity to approach Fang Xiaoluo, and this was it.  

He smiled ingratiatingly. “Commander Shen, we’re family, right? We haven’t seen Xiaoluo in a while and just wanted to catch up and reminisce about old times.”  

Fang Xiaoluo’s tone turned icy. “I have nothing to reminisce about with you, nor do I have any interest in gossip. Please leave and stop disturbing us.”  

Zhao Lihong and Xu Zhigang’s smiles stiffened awkwardly.  

Zhao Lihong cleared her throat and quickly revealed their true purpose. “Xiaoluo, we received a court summons a couple of days ago. After all, we’re your parents. There’s no such thing as lasting hatred between parent and child, is there? Why do we need to go to court over this? For the sake of our family’s dignity, shouldn’t you withdraw the case?”  

Xu Zhigang chimed in. “That’s right, Xiaoluo. Think about it, you’re the wife of the regiment commander now. If not for yourself, consider Commander Shen. Isn’t it unbecoming to escalate such a trivial matter to court?”  

Shen Zheng’s gaze turned sharp as he replied icily, “If Director Xu cares about me at all, then make sure to lose this case properly. Winning it would only make me prouder.”