Chapter 682: A New Side Dish
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
“We’re going to a restaurant?” Shen Qiuchuan and Madam Ma were puzzled. Even so, they listened to their niece. They knew everything would go well if they did as she said.
“All right, we’ll follow your lead.”
Madam Ma explained, “Flower County has two of the largest and most famous restaurants. One is Drunken Cloud, and the other is River Restaurant.’
Su Binglan was surprised when she heard her aunt mentioning Drunken
Cloud. “There’s a Drunken Cloud in Flower County too?”
“That’s right. I heard River Restaurant used to be more famous than Drunken Cloud in the past. River Restaurant’s food was better, too. However, Drunken Cloud produced a few signature dishes and surpassed River Restaurant.
“Whenever people pass Flower County on their journey, they eat at Drunken Cloud. They have a dish called sour and spicy potato pancake.”
Suddenly, Madam Ma thought of something and excitedly continued,
“Binglan, isn’t that the same sour and spicy potato pancake you made for us?”
Madam Ma and the others could never afford to eat at Drunken Cloud. She felt inferior whenever Madam Ma passed the restaurant because the food was expensive.
She felt uneasy and avoided such restaurants. Even if she came to town to buy groceries, she would visit the market to look at cheap things. She would save as much as possible and avoid spending too much.
That was why she seldom visited the town in the past. If not for her work, she would never go to town. However, she knew her sister-in-law and niece were different.
Madam Ma was nervous as she sat in the carriage because she had never sat in one before. Very few people in Flower County owned carriages, let alone the villagers.
“Yes, the sour and spicy potato pancake 1 made is the same as Drunken Cloud’s,” Su Binglan said.
“Drunken Cloud bought their signature dishes from Cousin Binglan,” Shen Mohen added, “Otherwise, they wouldn’t have such delicious signature dishes.’
Shen Mohen had learned a lot during his time in Suteng Village. He learned about Drunken Cloud when its workers went to the Su family’s house to collect goods.
Madam Ma and the others looked at Su Binglan in shock.
‘So, that’s how it is. Binglan is amazing.’
Shen Zhishan had followed Su Binglan to town while Shen Qiuhua and Su Fengmao helped at home. That was because it was more convenient for Shen Qiuhua and Lin Qin to care for Jiang Nainai.
Su Binglan lifted the carriage curtain to look at the streets when they arrived at the town. She realized many shops were open, and many people were walking around. “Let’s go to Drunken Cloud first.”
They headed toward the restaurant, and the carriage stopped at the entrance. Even though Madam Ma knew her niece had brought her there, she still lowered her head nervously.
In comparison, Shen Qiuchuan looked calm. He had lived with his parents in the capital when he was young. At that time, Lin Qin and Shen Gang worked for the Shens.
Shen Qiuchuan had seen many things with his parents. Thus, he looked calm when he came to Drunken Cloud.
When the waiter saw Su Binglan and the others, he greeted them respectfully, especially Su Binglan and Luo Jin’an, “Please, come in.”
Su Binglan said, “Please take us to a private room on the second floor, preferably near a window.”
“Yes, ma’am. Please follow me.” The waiter led the group upstairs.
When Su Binglan reached the second floor, she looked around and found that the restaurant was in proper order. The waiter was also polite to all the guests. She could tell the management in this Drunken Cloud was acceptable.
Su Binglan then ordered a few dishes for everyone to eat. Madam Ma was stunned when she looked at the menu and the dishes on the table. Su Binglan called for everyone to eat. “Don’t worry about the cost. Just eat.”
Madam Ma sighed in relief and then picked up her chopsticks to eat. Meanwhile, her husband was in a daze as he took the first bite, recalling his childhood in the capital.
His parents always feared making mistakes and getting fired when working with the Shens. However, after retiring, they returned to Blossom Village to live a peaceful life.
Later, Shen Qiuchuan heard about all the terrible things that had happened to the Shens. He was frightened when he heard the news. Fortunately, he and his parents were safe.
Shen Zhishan felt like he was hallucinating. He could not believe he was eating in Drunken Cloud. Moreover, the food looked delicious. He could also enjoy the bustling scenery and the nearby riverside as he ate.
After the meal, Su Binglan called the waiter and asked for the manager. The waiter dared not be negligent when he saw the young lady’s temperament. He hurried to look for the manager.
Soon after, Mr. Wang arrived at the private room, shocked to see Su Binglan. “M-Miss Su? Why’d you come to Flower County?”
He rubbed his eyes, thinking he was hallucinating. Su Binglan was also surprised to see Mr. Wang there. She thought someone else would be the manager here. “Mr. Wang, weren’t you just in Tenghe Town?”
Mr. Wang returned to his senses and smiled, saying, “Since the restaurant in Tenghe Town is doing exceptionally well, the young master has promoted me to direct all of Drunken Cloud’s establishments in Dingzhou.
“Now, I only need to inspect our various establishments every month. Speaking of which, it’s all thanks to the dishes and goods you sold us. They made Drunken Cloud’s business boom like no other.’
Mr. Wang had gained the Xu family’s favor, and the young master greatly valued him. Mr. Wangs son and nephew even received jobs from the Xu family.
The young master had made Mr. Wang a director of Drunken Cloud’s establishments. The latter was responsible for all outlets throughout Dingzhou, which was an extraordinary opportunity for him.
Although Mr. Wang had significant responsibilities, being a director was much easier than being a manager. Still, he knew it was all thanks to Su Binglan.
The young lady smiled, saying, “Congratulations, Mr. Wang.”
Mr. Wang smiled back. “l must thank you for it, Miss Su. It’s a coincidence that
I’m in Flower County this time. I’ll be here for the next few days.”
He was talking with the manager in the office when he heard the waiter’s request to see the manager. He was puzzled and went to take a look but never expected to see Su Binglan.
Su Binglan smiled. “Well, it’ll be easier since you’re here, Mr. Wang. I have another new dish for Drunken Cloud..