Chapter 43 - Transmigration: The Farm Life of a “Fool”

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Chapter 43: A New Idea

 

 

When they reached the town, Liu Tong first led them to the place where they could park their ox cart, paying a few copper coins to have someone watch over it.

 

After that, they headed to Manager Chen's restaurant.

 

It was Manager Chen's first time meeting the famed young master of the Xu family, whom Liu Tong cherished so dearly.

 

The two exchanged polite greetings before Liu Tong handed over the jars of chili paste. "Manager Chen, this is all we have left from the last batch. It might be a few days before the next one is ready, so you'll need to be careful with how you sell it."

 

"This…" Manager Chen hesitated. "Can't you make it any faster? My customers have gotten used to it, and if the supply suddenly drops, I'm afraid they'll be displeased. These are my regulars, after all."

 

Regular customers were indeed important for a business. Manager Chen paid a high price for their goods, and the Xu family had been relying on the sales of this chili paste for some time now. Liu Tong glanced at Xu Ran, uncertain of what to do.

 

Xu Ran smiled. "Manager Chen, it's not something that can be rushed. The paste needs time to develop its flavor. However, I do have a way to keep your customers satisfied."

 

Manager Chen's eyes lit up. "What's your idea, Young Master Xu?"

 

"Manager Chen, doesn't your restaurant have many porcelain jars? You could use them to package the chili paste and tell your customers that what's left is the final few jars of this batch. Limit how much each person can purchase, and as a bonus, give them the jar as a gift. You could even accept pre-orders for the next batch, promising to fulfill their orders once it's ready. I'm sure your customers will be quite satisfied with that."

 

The restaurant did indeed have plenty of porcelain jars, and eager to retain his customers, Manager Chen readily agreed. "This is a great idea! Ah Ran, if you don't mind me calling you that, you truly are a clever one."

 

Xu Ran shook his head. "I don't mind at all."

 

"Also, Manager Chen, if some customers miss out on buying the paste, you could offer them a discount instead. Maybe serve them a few complimentary dishes or reduce the price of their order by half. You can decide which option works best. That way, no one will leave dissatisfied."

 

"Excellent, excellent! I'll arrange everything right away," Manager Chen said excitedly, nearly forgetting the chili paste in his haste to implement these ideas.

 

"Manager Chen," Xu Ran called out, "You haven't collected the paste yet."

 

Manager Chen smacked his forehead in embarrassment. "Ah, look at me! How about this—you and your family should stay for lunch today. It's on me."

 

Xu Ran didn't stand on ceremony. "In that case, we graciously accept your offer, Manager Chen."

 

"I like how straightforward you are," Manager Chen said, smiling.

 

Xu Ran returned the smile. "Likewise."

 

Once Manager Chen paid for the chili paste, Xu Ran and his family headed off to explore the town.

 

Last time, Xu Ran had been in too much of a hurry to take a good look at the streets, but today he took his time, noticing many things he hadn't seen before, especially the small trinkets—each one crafted with exquisite care.

 

As they passed a stall selling kites, Tangtang and Guoguo were completely mesmerized, their eyes fixed on the colorful creations. Xu Ran walked over with them. "Pick whichever one you like."

 

Though they loved the kites, both children knew they were expensive. They had once seen a child in the village with a kite, and it had been treated like a rare treasure.

 

Tangtang, understanding their family's situation, shook his head. "Daddy, I don't need one. We can just look."

 

Seeing how considerate his children were, Xu Ran's heart ached. He remembered how, when he was young, he only had to ask, and his parents would buy him toys, as long as they weren't too expensive. But now, his own children could only look longingly at a simple kite.

 

He gently patted Tangtang's head. "Go ahead and pick. I can certainly afford two kites."

 

"Really?" Guoguo's eyes sparkled with hope, and Xu Ran nodded. "Of course. If you don't believe me, ask your Ah-mo."

 

Liu Tong, who doted on his children, certainly wouldn't refuse. He smiled and nodded. "Your father is right. Choose whichever ones you like."

 

There were only two designs available: a swallow and an eagle. The children each chose one and happily clutched their kites in their hands.

 

Afterward, the family continued browsing the shops, picking up useful items as they went.

 

Xu Ran even found corn for sale, but the shopkeeper wouldn't sell it to him. He explained that his master required approval before any corn could be sold.

 

The master happened to be away, and though Xu Ran felt disappointed, he wasn't discouraged. "Shopkeeper, could you hold onto it for me? When your master returns, tell him Xu Ran from the Xu clan's Village is interested in buying it. I'll come back in a few days."

 

"Of course, Young Master Xu. I'll keep it aside for you."

 

Xu Ran cupped his hands in thanks. "Thank you for the trouble."

 

Though he hadn't secured the corn, Xu Ran didn't let it show. The family then made their way to a bookstore, where they bought books, ink, paper, and brushes, spending two taels of silver. But no one felt the money was wasted—they all agreed it was a worthwhile expense.

 

They had planned to buy cotton bedding next, but as it was rather bulky, Xu Ran decided they should eat lunch first and come back for the bedding afterward.

 

As the family headed toward Manager Chen's restaurant, they were unaware that a few pairs of eyes were fixed on them from behind.

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