Chapter 249: "No Matter What, It Can't Be Sold"
"Hello, may I ask…" After finally locating a stall selling wheat flour in the bustling market, Qi Han stepped closer, ready to inquire about the price. However, he froze momentarily.
In front of the stall were dozens of large bags, each containing a different type of flour. Judging from appearances alone, they all seemed to be wheat flour, though clearly of various kinds.
"Mr. Qi, you have great taste! My stall boasts the most comprehensive selection of flour in the entire market," said the shrewd female vendor with a wide smile, her tone particularly cheerful.
She had seen the commotion at the stall selling Honey Badger and witnessed Qi Han's keen eye. Now that he had chosen her flour, she anticipated an influx of new customers following his lead.
"These flours... what's the difference between them?" Qi Han asked a rare question that sounded somewhat amateurish.
It wasn't surprising. In his previous life, Qi Han wasn't knowledgeable about cooking. While his skills had improved significantly in this life with Ruyi's help, he had always used the flour provided by Ruyi.
Flour from the system was uniform unless specified otherwise. Naturally, Qi Han was unaware of the nuances among different types of flour.
Though a bit taken aback by Qi Han's question, the vendor patiently explained.
"Mr. Qi, these flours come from different regions and are made from various types of wheat. This results in slight differences in taste. Additionally, the milling methods vary." She pointed to one bag, then to another. "For instance, these two bags contain flour from the same region and the same type of wheat, but their textures differ because of the milling process."
Qi Han nodded thoughtfully.
So that's how it was.
With dozens of types of flour in front of him, Qi Han couldn't possibly try them all. Soon, he made a decision.
"Do you have any flour from the region near the Kalei Forest?"
That area was quite remote. Logically, the flour used by the locals, including Feng Yi's mother, would most likely be locally sourced.
"Yes, I do!" The vendor's face lit up with joy as she quickly brought out three bags of flour. "These three are from the area near the Kalei Forest."
Qi Han nodded in satisfaction, paid for the flour, and left.
Shortly after he departed, as expected, the flour stall was swarmed by other customers. It wasn't long before the vendor's dozens of large bags of flour were sold out.
Other stall owners looked on with envy, wishing they could be the next lucky ones.
However, Qi Han had a very clear purpose. After buying the two main ingredients, he stopped at a quiet stall to pick out some houttuynia (folding grass) before heading straight home.
This time, there wasn't a repeat of earlier scenes. Even with Qi Han's endorsement, houttuynia wasn't everyone's cup of tea.
Back at the Small Shop, Qi Han gently set down Pururu, who had been perched on his shoulder, and carried the newly purchased ingredients into the kitchen. He resumed preparing the roasted meat buns.
This time, everything went smoothly. Qi Han quickly determined which of the three flours matched the one Feng Yi's mother used to make her roasted meat buns.
As for the Honey Badger, the hind leg meat bought from the market was slightly inferior to the system-provided meat, but it happened to perfectly replicate the flavor of the roasted meat in the buns.
After a few more attempts, Qi Han finally succeeded in recreating roasted meat buns that were almost identical to those in Feng Yi's memory.
Since the outside world didn't have the system space's time acceleration feature, by the time Qi Han finished making the buns, it was nearly time for the restaurant to open for lunch.
After letting the three women, who had been waiting outside for a long time, enter the shop, Qi Han didn't immediately close the door. Instead, his gaze swept over the diners already lined up outside. It didn't take long for him to spot Feng Yi in the crowd. Once he confirmed his presence, Qi Han felt a slight sense of relief and nodded in acknowledgment at Feng Yi's curious glance before shutting the door.
Unfortunately, the flyer advertising for delivery staff hanging outside the door still hadn't drawn any inquiries.
It looked like Ji Yunruo would have to work extra hard again during the lunch rush.
<+>
Having arranged with Qi Han the day before, Feng Yi arrived early to line up outside the shop. When he saw Qi Han nod at him and re-enter the store, Feng Yi took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves.
At this moment, he couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed.
Yesterday, after burying his mother and returning to Shrek City, the roasted meat buns his mother used to make had come to mind while tasting the Honey-Glazed Grilled Ribss.
Though the two dishes were very different in flavor, they were both made with Honey Badger, weren't they?
Overcome with emotion, Feng Yi—despite being a man in his forties—had broken down in tears, weeping uncontrollably in front of Qi Han.
After sharing his story, he couldn't deny that he felt much better, as if he had finally vented the sorrow that had been weighing on him.
But it had also been utterly mortifying.
Today, as he walked through the streets, several people greeted him warmly.
Without exception, they were all diners who had been in the restaurant yesterday and had heard his story.
Though their gazes were full of kindness, it didn't make Feng Yi feel any less awkward.
<+>
Before long, the restaurant's door reopened, and Fu Ya ushered the diners in. Feng Yi, having been near the front of the line, was naturally among the first group to enter.
As he stepped inside, Fu Ya added with extra courtesy, "Mr. Feng, the boss has prepared a special dish for you. I hope you'll enjoy it."
Upon hearing this, the eyes of all the diners turned toward Feng Yi with unabashed envy.
A dish prepared exclusively by Qi Han?
Feng Yi was momentarily stunned before nodding quickly. "I'm honored. I'm looking forward to it."
He then found an empty seat and sat down.
"Sir," a slightly chubby diner sitting across from Feng Yi wasted no time in speaking, his impatience evident, "could I try that special dish Qi Han made for you? I'll pay for it—name your price."
"Uh…" Feng Yi stared blankly at the man in the finely tailored but slightly tight-fitting outfit. After a moment, he recognized him. "Mr. Pan Kong?"
This was none other than the owner of the Pan Trading Company, a wealthy and influential businessman. Feng Yi's own business had some dealings with him, but in terms of financial power, Feng Yi didn't even come close to holding a fraction of his wealth.
Pan Kong, in turn, didn't recognize Feng Yi, but Feng Yi certainly knew who Pan Kong was.
"You know me?" Pan Kong was initially surprised but then delighted. He straightened his slightly protruding belly and spoke again, "If that's the case, you should know the financial power of the Pan Trading Company. Name your price—would you sell me that dish?"
Feng Yi hesitated. To be honest, he did have business interests that required Pan Kong's goodwill.
Selling him the dish could foster goodwill while also earning money—a win-win situation.
As Feng Yi wrestled with his decision, Fu Ya arrived with the special dish prepared for him.
When the dish's appearance was revealed, Feng Yi's body stiffened. His eyes filled with a mix of emotions.
"Apologies, Mr. Pan." Feng Yi turned to Pan Kong and said firmly, "This dish—I can't sell it, no matter what."
<+>
if you want to see more chapters of this story and don't mind playing $5 per month to see my latest update, please go to my Patreon[1]
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/collection/67255?view=condensed[2]
Latest Chapter in Patreon: Chapter 345: This Boy—He Must Not Be Allowed To Live![3]
Link to the latest chapter: https://www.patreon.com/posts/131359207[4]
[1] https://www.patreon.com/collection/67255?view=condensed
[2] https://www.patreon.com/collection/67255?view=condensed
[3] https://www.patreon.com/posts/131359207
[4] https://www.patreon.com/posts/131359207