SFS Chapter 136 Business is booming
Chapter 136 Business is booming
Cheng Yuntao smiled brightly. She paused for a moment, raised her hand, and signaled everyone to calm down. Then, her clear and pleasant voice rang out, "I will still set up my stall here tomorrow, but the food I sell will be different."
Her clear eyes slowly scanned the curious crowd before her, and she patiently explained, "The food I sell every day is closely related to the repertoire being performed at the opera that day. My main goal is to allow everyone to enjoy the wonderful opera while also experiencing the charm of the opera more authentically through the delicious food on their tongues."
"Oh? Then tell us all, what is the relationship between the rose sugar steamed yogurt you made and the "Romance of the West Chamber" being performed today?" The young man in the lake blue brocade robe who had questioned earlier was named Feng Mulin. He was quite interested in Cheng Yuntao's stall and couldn't help but ask.
Cheng Yuntao nodded slightly and explained at a leisurely pace, "Since you're curious, I'll explain the reason in detail. 'When we met, red rain dotted the green moss; after we parted, yellow leaves rustled in the evening mist'—this is a line from 'The Romance of the Western Chamber.'"
"This steamed yogurt is as white as snow, pure and flawless, just like the pure and unadulterated love that stirred in the hearts of Zhang Sheng and Cui Yingying when they first met. When they met, 'red raindrops dotted the green moss,' and this 'red raindrops' are just like the rose petals that adorned the yogurt."
"The rose's delicate, voluptuous beauty not only imbues this dessert with vibrant color but also adds a touch of romance. The petals flutter, just as the moment they met, the flame of love instantly ignited, blossoming passionately and illuminating each other's hearts. This shower of crimson petals embodies the intense love and passion of their love."
"The lyrics shift to 'After separation, yellow leaves rustle in the dusk,' and these few words capture the desolate sadness and overflowing sorrow of the two people's separation. As you savor this rose sugar steamed yogurt, you'll experience the shifting flavors from its initial sweetness to its lingering aftertaste, much like the journey of love: not only the sweetness of moonlit nights, but also the lingering melancholy of separation."
"I hope that through this dessert, you will be able to more deeply appreciate the complex and arduous storytelling in 'The Romance of the Western Chamber' and experience the profound emotions and nature within it."
After hearing this, everyone nodded in praise and admired Cheng Yuntao's ingenuity.
"Boss, how much are your rose sugar steamed cheeses?" someone in the crowd asked for the price. Cheng Yuntao smiled and replied crisply, "One tael of silver per piece."
As soon as these words were spoken, the first people to go crazy were the onlookers.
Aunt Li, who was selling cakes, had her eyes as big as copper bells and her mouth wide open. Her hands, which were wrapping cakes for the customers, froze in mid-air, and her face was full of disbelief.
She yelled at the top of her voice, "What? One tael of silver per portion? Oh my God, has this girl been obsessed with money and has lost her mind? Does she know how many pounds of pork can be bought with one tael of silver? In our area, this is enough money to feed a family for many days. Who would be so crazy as to think like this, leaving the delicious pork and eating her small bowl of cheese? This is ridiculous!"
Uncle Zhang, who was selling fruit nearby, nodded hurriedly, still clutching the weight he hadn't put down in time, and echoed, "Auntie Li, what you said is so reasonable! A full tael of silver could buy several large baskets of the best fruit. Who would spend such a ridiculous amount on a bowl of ordinary dessert? In my opinion, her business was doomed from the beginning. I'm afraid she won't even make back her investment today."
Aunt Wang, who was selling groceries nearby, also came over, shaking her head and smacking her lips. "This girl looks quite smart, but why is she so confused about the pricing? Isn't business all about small profits but quick turnover? Who can afford the way she sells things?"
Everyone was talking at once, thinking that the price was ridiculously high and started to criticize the product.
But for those young men and women from wealthy families, this little bit of silver was nothing but a drop in the bucket, not worth mentioning at all. After hearing the price Cheng Yuntao quoted, they not only did not hesitate at all, but instead seemed to feel that they had gotten a good deal.
"Interesting, combining food and opera. Such a novel idea paired with this unique rose sugar steamed cheese. It's worth one or two taels of silver per portion. Give me one to try." Feng Mulin's tone was full of curiosity and anticipation for new things.
Cheng Yuntao smiled softly and skillfully took out a delicate little bowl. She filled it with the delicate rose sugar steamed cheese and carefully adorned the top with some beautiful rose petals. Then she handed it to the young master with both hands and said softly, "Young master, please enjoy it slowly."
Feng Mulin took the bowl, picked up the spoon, and gently scooped up a small spoonful of cheese. He gracefully placed it in his mouth, chewing slowly and savoring it carefully. In an instant, his eyes, which had originally been filled with a bit of scrutiny, brightened, and his face showed an unconcealable surprise and admiration.
"Wonderful! It's so smooth and delicate, it melts in your mouth. The aroma of milk and roses blends perfectly, sweet but not greasy. It's truly unique." He excitedly waved his hand and said to Cheng Yuntao, "Give me five more servings. My friends are also quite interested in new and exotic foods. Bring some back for them to try. I guarantee they'll be full of praise too."
This scene was seen clearly by everyone present, and for a moment, the crowd was talking about it.
Li Yuanyuan, a rich lady wearing a pink silk dress and pearls on her head, was hiding behind the crowd and whispering with her maid.
She frowned slightly, looking embarrassed, and said in a tangled manner: "I've almost spent all my pocket money on going out today. Although yogurt is new, it's not like I haven't eaten it before. Otherwise, forget it..."
The maidservant always acted according to her master's mood, so she nodded quickly and whispered in agreement, "Young lady, you are absolutely right. We should save some money."
But at this moment, Feng Mulin praised the pastry after tasting it, and bought a few more portions with a wave of his hand. This scene happened to fall into Li Yuanyuan's eyes. She stared at Feng Mulin's back as he walked away with the packaged pastry, and her eyes suddenly became firm.
The maid beside her keenly noticed the change in the young lady and asked softly, "Young lady, why don't you buy one to try?"
Li Yuanyuan and Feng Mulin had been bickering for over a decade. How could she possibly be left behind when Feng Mulin had already tasted something? "Xiao Cui! Go buy your young lady a portion! I want to see just how delicious this custard Feng Mulin praised so much is."
"Yes! I'll go right now, slave!"
Many maids and servants received orders from their masters and rushed to the stall where Cheng Yuntao was. It was so crowded that there was no place to stand.