Chapter 25: Does Zhaodi Girl Really Have Enough Money to Pay

Rufeng escorted Hu Zhaodi out of the mountains before returning to the cave.

Once back at the Ji family home, Hu Zhaodi chatted for a while with Old Ji and his wife. After arranging to head to the county the next day, she washed up and practiced her martial arts.

The next morning, she found a few clay jars and took out some chicken bouillon powder from her spatial storage. After tearing off the outer packaging, she poured the bouillon powder into the jars and returned the empty packaging back into her space.

After breakfast, she loaded the jars onto the ox cart and placed the medicinal herbs she’d gathered the previous day into a basket, ready to go.

Old Ji looked at the jars with a puzzled expression. “Zhaodi, what are these?”

Hu Zhaodi smiled and replied, “Mr. Ji, these are seasonings I made when I couldn’t sleep at night. I thought I’d bring them to the county today and see if I can sell them for some extra cash.”

“Zhaodi, your health is more important. If you have things to do, do them during the day. Don’t stay up late; you need to let your body recover.”

She nodded, “Alright, I’ll keep that in mind. Everything’s packed, so let’s set off early and get back soon.”

“Good, climb aboard!”

She hopped onto the ox cart, and they set off for the county.

At the city gates, she slung the basket over her shoulder, holding a clay jar in her arms. “Mr. Ji, please wait here. If all goes well, someone will come to fetch you soon and take you to Fumanlou Restaurant. I’ll wait for you there.”

“Alright, you go on ahead. I’ll be here.”

She smiled, turned, and walked away. First, she stopped at the herbal shop and sold the herbs she’d gathered. Then, finding an empty alley, she discreetly took a deer carcass from her spatial storage, placed it in her basket, and headed toward Fumanlou Restaurant.

At the restaurant entrance, the greeter immediately approached her.

“Ah, miss! Please, go to the back courtyard; I’ll go fetch the owner.”

She nodded with a smile and made her way to the back. The greeter rushed into the restaurant, excitedly running to get the owner.

As for why he was so enthusiastic, that was thanks to the owner. Ever since he tasted the broth Hu Zhaodi had enhanced with chicken bouillon, he’d instructed the greeter to watch the entrance and warmly welcome her if she returned.

Hu Zhaodi wasn’t naïve; she understood the reason for the warm welcome—it was all about the bouillon.

The moment she stepped into the back courtyard, the owner of Fumanlou Restaurant came out with a beaming smile.

“Ah, miss! I’ve been waiting for you!”

Hu Zhaodi smiled. “Didn’t I say I’d be back within three days? It’s only been a day!”

The owner looked at her eagerly, grinning. “I was still hoping you’d come sooner! So, did you bring the seasoning?”

She nodded and looked at the jar in her arms.

The owner’s eyes lit up, and he hurried forward to take the jar from her, eagerly unsealing it and taking a deep whiff.

“This aroma… It’s mouth-watering even just to smell. I bet any dish made with this would be a hit. Did you only bring this one jar?”

Hu Zhaodi replied leisurely, “Of course not. But I didn’t carry it all with me. Boss, if every restaurant in the county used this, imagine how much I’d earn in a day?”

The owner’s expression shifted. If all the restaurants in town used it, how would his establishment stand out? He couldn’t bear the thought. This seasoning was too good—he wanted to monopolize it. If his business took off, he could even expand to other places.

But if this seasoning spread throughout the entire county, the flavors of the dishes in every restaurant wouldn’t vary much, and soon enough, his own establishment would lose its uniqueness.

Realizing this, the owner of Fumanlou Restaurant became even more obsequious. “Miss, you must have arrived early this morning, and by now, you must be hungry. Let’s go to a private room to discuss this, and you can also taste our signature dishes. I’d love to hear your suggestions!”

Hu Zhaodi pretended to hesitate. “I really can’t, Boss. I’m quite busy today; I still need to visit several other restaurants to discuss business.”

The owner’s eyes darted, and he quickly countered, “Miss, don’t be in such a hurry! Fumanlou Restaurant is the largest in the county. When it comes to business, we should naturally discuss it here first! Also, about that deer in your basket, I assure you I can offer you a fair price surely you will be satisfy”

“Oh? How much are you willing to pay for the deer?” she asked.

The owner pondered for a moment, gritting his teeth before extending his right hand with fingers spread. “Fifty taels! This is definitely the highest price you’ll get in the entire county.”

The shopkeeper, standing nearby, widened his eyes in disbelief. The deer she brought was an ordinary one, not the pricier silver-spotted variety. The maximum price for an ordinary deer wouldn’t exceed fifteen taels, so the owner was offering a huge loss!

What kind of seasoning was so valuable to warrant such a generous offer from the owner?

Hu Zhaodi smiled. “Since you’re so sincere, let’s head to the private room and discuss this.”

“Please, please, upstairs!” The owner gestured for her to go ahead, his face beaming with delight.

The shopkeeper, understanding the situation, quickly stepped forward to take the basket from Hu Zhaodi.

As they reached the stairs, the owner turned to the shopkeeper and instructed, “Go inform the kitchen to send over all our signature dishes for our esteemed guest to taste.”

“Understood, Boss.”

Hu Zhaodi quickly interjected, “Boss, you don’t need to bring out the dishes. I’m quite poor and won’t be able to pay for the meal.”

“Miss, you’re being too modest. Today, just enjoy yourself! This meal is on me,” he insisted.

“That won’t do! I’m on a tight schedule. My elder is still waiting for me at the city gate to take me home!” she argued.

The owner waved his hand dismissively. “No need to rush! It’s not every day we find a kindred spirit. I’ll send someone to fetch your elder, and we can eat while we talk. Just tell me what your elder looks like and where to find them so I can send someone.”

Hu Zhaodi described Old Ji’s clothing and features, explaining, “My elder’s surname is Ji, and he’s waiting by an ox cart with four clay jars on it.”

“Alright, I’ll arrange for someone to get him.”

The shopkeeper immediately volunteered, “Boss, I’ll personally go to fetch this young lady’s elder.”

“Good. Hurry, the faster the better!” the owner urged.

“Yes!” The shopkeeper replied, turning swiftly to head to the kitchen.

The owner personally led Hu Zhaodi up to the most luxurious private room on the second floor, pouring tea and serving her with care.

Once the dishes were fully prepared, the shopkeeper entered the room with a shocked Old Ji, who was followed by two waiters carrying clay jars.

Hu Zhaodi stood up to greet him. “Mr. Ji, sit over here. We’ll have our meal and then head back.”

Old Ji stared at the table full of dishes he’d never seen before, his hands trembling with anxiety.

What a grand spread—over a dozen exquisite dishes! How much silver would all this cost?

Could Zhaodi really afford to pay for all of this?