Chapter 20: One Hundred Pounds of Cured Meat a Day, a Big Business

Before long, the cured meat and side dishes were all prepared.

Shen Xuezhu waited outside the kitchen for a while, and then Xing Chu arrived.

“Young Master, since you’re here, I’ll start making the stir-fried chili with cured meat for you to taste.”

Xing Chu glanced at her and gave a soft hum.

Shen Xuezhu brought her two daughters into the kitchen. She didn’t feel comfortable leaving them outside.

Once in the kitchen, Shen Xuezhu washed her hands and started stir-frying.

As Shen Xuezhu continued to stir-fry, the aroma of cured meat blended with the unique scent of the chili, and the delicious fragrance filled the kitchen.

“It smells so good! This dish must be delicious!” one of the cooks said.

Soon, the stir-fried chili with cured meat was ready. Shen Xuezhu neatly plated the dish.

Xing Chu walked over, picked up a piece with chopsticks, ate it, and then took another bite.

He pursed his lips and said, “It’s really good.”

He then asked the kitchen staff to try it as well.

Li Qingshu led everyone to taste the dish.

Those who tried it all spoke highly of it.

“It’s so tasty!”

“It’s much better than ordinary cured meat!”

“It’s really good! I’d like to buy some to take home and let my family try it!”

Lu Xiaoli, a bit proud, said, “I told you, my mom’s cured meat is the best!”

Shen Xuezhu smiled at her and softly said, “Xiaoli, let’s keep a low profile.”

Lu Xiaoli had never heard of the term “low profile.” She asked, “Mom, what does low profile mean?”

Shen Xuezhu smiled gently and said, “It’s similar to being humble.”

Lu Xiaoli blinked her big eyes and said, “I’m already very humble!”

“Before, I only told the uncle we met when we entered the kitchen that your cured meat is really good.”

“Oh, I see. I understand now.”

Having earned everyone’s approval, Shen Xuezhu felt grateful to them.

“Madam Shen, let’s go to a private room to discuss things,” Xing Chu said, standing at the kitchen door.

Shen Xuezhu turned to look at him. “Alright!”

She then led her two children behind Xing Chu.

Shen Xuezhu agreed without hesitation. “I can guarantee it. Let’s sign the contract now.”

Lu Xiaoyue tugged at her sleeve and whispered next to her, “Mom, how are you going to make so much cured meat all by yourself every day?”

Shen Xuezhu whispered back in Lu Xiaoyue’s ear, “Mom can ask Aunt Yao and Second Sister Zhang to help with the curing.”

“Oh, I see! Me and my sister can help too!”

“You can help by eating it,” Shen Xuezhu teased.

…

After the contract was signed, Shen Xuezhu turned to the shopkeeper. “I’ve brought about twenty-odd pounds of cured meat today. Please arrange for someone to weigh it.”

The shopkeeper thought for a moment, remembering the contract she had just signed. “The contract specifies that you’ll deliver one hundred pounds of cured meat every day, but you’ve only brought twenty-odd pounds today.”