Chapter 161-165

Chapter 161: Lamb Noodles

The next morning, the enticing aroma of golden, crispy fried dumplings filled the air, blending with the subtle sweetness of soft, glutinous rice porridge and the refreshing crunch of freshly mixed shredded radish. Each bite was a delight, warming the stomach and lifting spirits.

At noon, the canteen served a hearty dish of steamed noodles, their silky strands perfectly absorbing the flavors of tender pork slices and crunchy soybean sprouts. The rich, savory sauce clung to the noodles, making every bite irresistible.

As evening fell, the comforting scent of cornmeal porridge simmering over low heat mingled with the savory fragrance of stir-fried pork with dried tofu and the delicate, oniony aroma of scallion rolls. The students and teachers alike savored each dish, indulging in flavors that had once been a rarity in their daily meals.

The canteen had become a haven of culinary joy, and the satisfaction on everyone's faces was unmistakable. Laughter and chatter filled the hall as students eagerly discussed their favorite dishes, no longer holding back their praise for Xia Mingyue’s impeccable cooking skills. Even the reserved and authoritative Master Dai had softened, his stern demeanor giving way to a quiet approval that did not go unnoticed.

This change was more than just about food. It was a shift in atmosphere, a newfound sense of harmony. The students, realizing that delicious meals and diligent study could coexist, grew even more motivated in their academic pursuits.

After all, if their improved meals had convinced Master Dai and Headmaster Zhou to be more open-minded, then maintaining their hard work was essential. They could not afford to disappoint their Masters. More importantly, they refused to disappoint themselves.

As the days passed, the county school flourished like crops in spring, swaying with vitality under a gentle breeze. The once rigid and monotonous environment had transformed into one of warmth and quiet enthusiasm.

Watching this transformation, Headmaster Zhou stroked his beard, a pleased hum escaping his lips as he carefully tended to his prized orchid pots. The fragrance of the delicate flowers blended with the lingering scent of the evening meal, creating an air of serenity in his study.

However, his peaceful moment was abruptly interrupted by his young servant, who hesitated before speaking.

"Headmaster, I feel this isn’t the time to be celebrating...," the boy murmured cautiously.

Headmaster Zhou paused, his brows furrowing slightly. "Why not?"

Master Dai’s attitude had softened, the students were more diligent than ever, and the canteen had become a place of joy. What reason was there to worry?

The servant fidgeted before sighing. "Madam Xia’s cooking is indeed exceptional, but she is only here temporarily. At most, she will stay another twenty days. Once she leaves, everyone will have to return to eating Chef Wei’s meals again...."

A heavy silence fell between them.

Headmaster Zhou’s expression darkened as realization dawned. Yes, everyone had grown accustomed to Madam Xia’s delicious cooking. Their palates had been refined, their expectations heightened. Once Chef Wei returned, with his rather uninspired culinary skills, disappointment was inevitable.

Frowns would replace smiles, complaints would fill the air, and the once vibrant atmosphere might dissolve into discontent.

Cold sweat broke out on Headmaster Zhou’s forehead. His earlier joy vanished in an instant.

What should he do?

Convincing Madam Xia to stay longer was impossible. She had her own businesses to manage and had only agreed to help for a short period because the time commitment was minimal and allowed her to continue her studies.

Dismissing Chef Wei wasn’t an option either. He was an elder in the school, with deep ties to its history. During the war that had struck Jinqiu County, it was Chef Wei who had risked his life to preserve what little remained of the school’s provisions. His loyalty could not be repaid with dismissal.

It was a dilemma with no easy solution.

Headmaster Zhou began pacing, hands clasped behind his back. After several circles around the room, he suddenly stopped and turned to his servant.

"You are young and quick to learn. Why not take this time to study some cooking techniques?" He suggested earnestly.

The servant boy blinked in shock. "Huh?"

Headmaster Zhou, deep in thought, continued, "Or perhaps I should try myself? I may be older, but I have tasted many dishes in my lifetime. They say you can recognize a pig’s gait even if you haven’t raised one. Surely, my experience as a food connoisseur counts for something?"

The servant’s jaw nearly dropped. Was the headmaster... losing his mind?

*****

As autumn deepened, the air turned crisp, and the scent of fallen leaves mingled with the lingering fragrance of ink and paper.

Xia Mingyue’s progress in literacy had been astounding. Not only did she complete every assignment given by Headmaster Zhou, but she often went beyond expectations, eagerly preparing for the next lesson.

Seeing such dedication, Headmaster Zhou felt a surge of pride. He carefully selected two books and handed them to her.

"These aren't written by famous scholars, but they contain simple yet practical words and phrases," he explained. "They will help you strengthen your reading skills."

Xia Mingyue’s eyes lit up with gratitude as she accepted them with both hands. "Thank you, Headmaster Zhou!"

Meanwhile, under the guidance of Sister Lu and Jiang Zhuguo, preparations for the breakfast stall were nearly complete. Xia Mingyue was torn——should she open the stall immediately after finishing her canteen duties, or should she let Sister Lu and Jiang Zhuguo handle it first?

Before she could decide, Headmaster Zhou arrived early one morning with unexpected news.

"Chef Wei will be returning this afternoon," he informed her. "Once lunch is over, you are free to focus on your own matters."

Xia Mingyue nodded. "Understood. Thank you, Headmaster Zhou."

However, she couldn’t bring herself to leave without preparing a proper farewell meal. After some thought, she went to the market and purchased half a freshly slaughtered lamb.

In the canteen kitchen, she worked with precision——shaving and deboning the meat, soaking it in cold water to remove excess blood, and blanching it with ginger and yellow wine to eliminate any gaminess. The broth simmered over a low flame, gradually turning from clear to a rich, milky white, filling the air with its enticing aroma.

Meanwhile, she prepared the dough, allowing it to rise before stretching and tearing it into thick, chewy noodles. As the final meal was served, steaming bowls of mutton stewed noodles were placed before the students and faculty.

The broth was rich and velvety, the meat tender and flavorful. A sprinkle of coriander and a drizzle of chili oil elevated the dish, making it the most unforgettable meal yet.

As students eagerly slurped their noodles, their eyes shone with appreciation. Even Master Dai, usually reserved, took his time savoring each bite.

Xia Mingyue smiled softly. Though her time in the canteen had ended, the warmth and satisfaction she had brought to everyone’s hearts would linger far beyond her departure.

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Chapter 162: Setting up the stall

The entire small dining hall was filled with nothing but the sound of satisfied slurping. No one was chatting, no one was distracted——every single person was focused on enjoying their bowl of rich, steaming mutton noodles.

The aroma of the thick broth, infused with tender slices of lamb and hand-pulled noodles, wrapped the entire canteen in a comforting embrace. Every sip of the soup was a burst of warmth, the kind that settled deep in the stomach and made one feel completely content. The occasional sound of chopsticks tapping against bowls and the muffled hums of delight filled the air.

For those still standing in line, waiting anxiously for their turn, the scene was nothing short of torment. They craned their necks, standing on tiptoe to peer ahead, trying to count how many people remained before it was their turn. Some impatiently tapped their fingers against their thighs, while others swallowed their saliva hungrily, watching their peers savor every mouthful with absolute relish.

Finally, when their turn arrived, their excitement was palpable. The moment the steaming bowl was placed before them, they could hardly wait. Grabbing their spoons, they took a sip of the rich, velvety broth without a second thought——too impatient to even blow on it. Some gasped as the scalding heat tingled against their tongues, but none of them cared. It was worth it.

Even the Masters, who usually maintained their composure, found themselves indulging without restraint. After finishing their first bowl, they looked at one another before shamelessly asking for a second. And then a third.

Xia Mingyue, along with Madam Niu and the others, had anticipated this. They had made sure to prepare generous portions of everything——mutton, broth, and noodles——ensuring that no one would leave the canteen unsatisfied.

And sure enough, the students took full advantage of this kindness. One bowl was not enough. Two bowls were just the beginning. Some went for a third, and even those with the smallest appetites couldn’t resist finishing every last drop.

By the time lunch was over, the entire canteen was filled with students rubbing their stomachs and letting out contented sighs. A few even patted their bellies in satisfaction as they strolled out, their faces flushed with warmth.

Madam Niu and the others, who had begun clearing the dishes, exchanged amused looks. They held up the bowls, noticing how not a single drop of soup remained in them.

"Washing dishes has become much easier these days," Madam Niu joked, stacking the spotless bowls.

Xia Mingyue chuckled as she rolled up her sleeves. "At this rate, we could probably just put them back on the shelf without washing, and no one would notice."

The group shared a laugh, but beneath their smiles was a quiet, unspoken reluctance. Xia Mingyue would be leaving soon. None of them wanted to see her go.

During her time in the canteen, she had proven herself not only as an exceptional cook but as a warm and steady presence. She never put on airs, never shied away from hard work, and always treated them with kindness and respect. What made them admire her even more was her generosity in sharing her knowledge——never hesitating to offer cooking tips or guidance.

She had become more than just a temporary cook; she had become a part of their little canteen family.

And now, it was time to say goodbye.

After they finished tidying up, they walked with Xia Mingyue toward the school gate, lingering longer than necessary.

"Madam Xia, if you have time, you must come back and visit us," Madam Niu said earnestly.

"When we have a break, we’ll come to your place instead," another chimed in.

"If I ever leave the canteen, I’ll come work for you," someone added with a grin.

An older worker, who had remained quiet until now, suddenly stepped forward and pulled something out of his sleeve. "These are winter jujubes from my family's tree. They’re crisp and sweet. I brought them with me, but I didn’t feel like sharing with anyone else. You should take them, Madam Xia."

There was an undeniable warmth in their words, a sincerity that touched Xia Mingyue’s heart.

She accepted their gifts and promises with a gentle smile. "I will definitely come back."

Just as she turned to leave, a voice called out behind her.

"Madam Xia, please wait."

She turned to see Master Dai, striding toward her.

"Master Dai," she greeted, bowing respectfully.

Master Dai returned the gesture with equal sincerity. "Madam Xia, I wanted to thank you."

Xia Mingyue blinked in surprise. "Thank me? For what?"

"In these past few days, I have gained a great deal from the food you prepared." He paused, searching for the right words. "I may not be able to explain it fully, but please know that your meals have given me more insight than you can imagine."

She studied him for a moment before realizing what he meant. She had noticed his change in demeanor——the way he no longer resisted the idea of students enjoying their meals, how he had come to appreciate the harmony between good food and diligent study.

She smiled. "If Master Dai says so, then I’ll accept the gratitude without hesitation."

Master Dai nodded, a rare smile tugging at his lips. "I won’t keep you any longer. Safe travels, Madam Xia."

She bowed one last time before turning away.

*****

Xia Mingyue did not rest when she returned home. Instead, she immediately got to work, preparing for the next chapter of her life.

With the help of Jiang Zhuguo and Sister Lu, she took inventory of the ingredients and supplies for the breakfast stall. They had one day to prepare, and then, before the sun even fully rose on the third day, they were already setting up on West Street.

A long wooden bench. A sturdy table. Two large steaming pots.

In one pot, a thick, spicy Hulatang soup simmered, fragrant and full of warmth.

In the other, hot peanut oil sizzled as Xia Mingyue skillfully stretched dough into thin strips before gently placing them in the oil.

The moment the dough touched the surface, a loud sizzle filled the air. The golden strips puffed up instantly, releasing a rich, toasty aroma that mingled with the scent of the spicy soup.

Passersby who had been rushing through the morning air suddenly slowed their steps, their noses twitching as they caught a whiff of something delicious.

"What is that smell?"

"There's a new stall over there. It must be coming from there."

"Let’s go take a look."

Curious customers began to gather, their eyes lighting up when they recognized the familiar face behind the stall.

"It’s Madam Xia! No wonder it smells so good!"

Xia Mingyue greeted them warmly. "Would you like to try some? The first taste is on the house."

That was all the encouragement they needed. The first customers took their seats, watching eagerly as she fished out golden, crispy fried dough sticks from the oil, while Sister Lu ladled out steaming bowls of Hulatang, adding just the right amount of vinegar and sesame oil.

As they took their first bites, their expressions transformed.

The fried dough sticks were crisp and fragrant, shattering lightly with every bite. The spicy soup was thick and comforting, tingling the tongue with its deep, rich flavors. Together, they were the perfect combination——one crunchy, the other warm and soothing.

Before long, more people arrived, drawn in by the scent alone.

"How much for the fried dough sticks? I’ll take five to bring home."

"Another bowl of Hulatang, please. This one’s on me!"

The breakfast stall was barely open, and already, business was thriving.

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Chapter 163: Learning Secretly

The breakfast stall business was thriving beyond Xia Mingyue’s expectations. Every morning, a long queue formed, stretching from the stall and spilling onto the street. Even those who originally came for fried dough sticks found themselves drawn to the rich aroma of the spicy soup simmering in the pot.

Despite their experience in setting up stalls, Xia Mingyue, Sister Lu, and Jiang Zhuguo found themselves struggling to keep up with the overwhelming demand. The pace was relentless, and at times, their movements were frantic.

Fortunately, the customers were patient. The scent of freshly fried dough sticks and the sight of piping hot bowls of spicy soup were enough to keep them waiting in good spirits. After all, good food was always worth the wait.

By noon, not a single fried dough stick or drop of spicy soup remained. Everything was completely sold out.

The three of them let out a collective sigh of relief, wiping the sweat from their brows. However, those who arrived late and missed out left with regretful sighs, only departing after confirming that Xia Mingyue would be setting up her stall again early the next morning.

As they began cleaning up, Sister Lu glanced at the bulging purse filled with silver and copper coins. Her eyes crinkled with joy.

“This breakfast business is even better than our lunch stall,” she said, practically beaming. “At this rate, we don’t have to worry about finding franchise partners. The money will flow in naturally!”

Making money gave her an immense sense of satisfaction. The thought of continuous earnings made her heart feel lighter.

Xia Mingyue, however, was already thinking ahead. “We’re still a little uncoordinated. It felt chaotic today.” She tapped a finger against her chin in thought. “Let’s divide our tasks better. Tomorrow, I’ll focus solely on frying the dough sticks. Sister Lu, you’ll be in charge of scooping the soup and managing the bowls. Zhuguo, you handle selling the fried dough sticks and collecting money. If we each focus on our own tasks first and then help each other when we have time, things will go much more smoothly.”

Both Sister Lu and Jiang Zhuguo nodded in agreement, each mentally preparing for the next day.

*****

By the second morning, the trio had found their rhythm. The workflow became smoother, and despite the growing number of customers, everything operated in an orderly fashion.

Using the previous day’s sales as a reference, Xia Mingyue estimated the demand and increased the amount of fried dough sticks and spicy soup prepared. As a result, their earnings surpassed the first day’s total.

Customers were greeted warmly, each receiving a friendly smile along with their breakfast. Their happiness was infectious, further boosting the stall’s reputation.

But as business flourished, Sister Lu’s cheerful expression suddenly turned sour. She had noticed a peculiar woman.

The woman, slightly shorter than Sister Lu, had a square face and a plump figure. She had appeared at the stall every morning since they had set up shop. On the first day, she purchased a single fried dough stick, but from then on, she never bought anything else. Instead, she simply stood nearby, watching.

At first, Sister Lu assumed the woman might be struggling financially and could only afford to look rather than buy. But after observing her closely, she noticed something suspicious——her eyes were fixed on Xia Mingyue’s hands as she fried the dough sticks. Even more telling, her fingers twitched slightly, mimicking the motions.

Sister Lu’s brows furrowed. This woman wasn’t just watching——she was trying to steal their technique.

Xia Mingyue also caught on and suddenly called out, “Are you trying to learn how to fry dough sticks?”

The woman froze, her eyes widening like a thief caught red-handed. "I—I was just curious," she stammered. "Just watching for fun."

Then, with a nervous laugh, she turned on her heel and hurried away, disappearing into the crowd.

Jiang Zhuguo watched her retreat with a frown. "Looks like we’ll have a new fried dough stick stall next door in a few days."

Xia Mingyue simply smiled. "She can try, but no matter how much she imitates, she won’t be able to replicate my taste."

Her confidence was unwavering.

Sister Lu and Jiang Zhuguo nodded in agreement. They knew the quality of Xia Mingyue’s food wasn’t just in the ingredients or the technique——it was in her years of experience, her understanding of flavors, and the care she put into each dish.

Still, it was frustrating.

Xia Mingyue’s unique recipes were meant for legitimate business growth, for future franchises——not for opportunists looking to profit off her hard work without permission.

But what could they do This was reality.

The moment people saw a business thriving, copycats would emerge, eager to snatch a share of the profits.

Even if their food lacked the authenticity of the original, it would still bring in money. And for many, that was enough.

Sister Lu huffed. "It’s shameless."

But Xia Mingyue only smiled. "Then we’ll just keep creating new dishes. Let’s see if they can keep up."

*****

The next morning, Xia Mingyue unveiled a new item at her breakfast stall——sweet fruit pastry.

Golden brown and square-shaped, the pastry had three slits in the center and a delightfully puffy texture, as soft as a fried dough stick.

But unlike fried dough sticks, its surface was coated in a thin layer of crispy, caramelized sugar, giving it a sweet and crunchy bite.

Paired with the spicy, tangy Hulatang soup, the contrast of flavors was irresistible. Children and the elderly, in particular, fell in love with it instantly.

Within hours, sweet fruit pastry became the stall’s best-seller, surpassing even the fried dough sticks.

And just when people thought Xia Mingyue had peaked, she introduced another creation on the third day——fried cloth bags.

Shaped like small rectangular pockets, these crispy treats were fried until golden. Before they fully formed, a hole was poked in one end with a bamboo chopstick, and two fresh eggs were poured inside.

The result? A crunchy exterior, with an inside that was tender and rich with perfectly cooked eggs. The layers of crispiness and softness made each bite an explosion of texture and flavor.

Customers flocked to try the new delicacies, and just like that, the stall’s popularity soared even higher.

*****

Meanwhile, Madam Yu——the woman who had been secretly observing Xia Mingyue——spent two days experimenting at home.

She wasted several kilograms of flour, ruined multiple batches, but finally, she managed to fry something that resembled a dough stick.

It wasn’t quite the same.

The color was off, the texture was harder, and the inside lacked the signature fluffiness of Xia Mingyue’s. But fried food always smelled good. And in the end, smell alone was enough to tempt customers.

Feeling confident, Madam Yu packed her homemade dough sticks into a clean cloth-lined basket and carried them to the street, setting up her own little stall.

"Freshly fried dough sticks!" She called out. People stopped. They had heard of Xia Mingyue’s famous fried dough sticks.

"How much?" Someone asked.

"Five cents a stick——one cent cheaper than Xia Ji’s!" Madam Yu announced proudly.

She eagerly handed a sample to the curious buyer, believing she was about to steal some of Xia Mingyue’s business.

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Chapter 164: Seizing the Family Property

The man eyed the fried dough stick that Madam Yu had handed him with some hesitation. Its color was unappealing——too dark, uneven, and uninviting. He instinctively wanted to refuse, but since the fried dough stick was already shoved into his hand and the seller was a woman, it felt impolite to reject it outright. Reluctantly, he reached into his purse, handed over the five copper coins, and took a bite.

The moment he bit down, his brows furrowed.

He had tasted Xia Ji’s fried dough sticks before——crispy on the outside, airy on the inside, fragrant with just the right amount of oiliness without being greasy. They were delicious, a treat he had been enjoying for the past two days. However, today, due to an early errand, he had missed the opportunity to buy from Xia Mingyue’s stall. By the time he finished his business and returned, Xia Ji’s breakfast stall had already closed.

His stomach had been grumbling with hunger, and in desperation, he decided to buy from someone else as a substitute. But this..., this was a far cry from what he was expecting.

The dough stick was not only tough and chewy, but it was also overly greasy, leaving a heavy, unpleasant film on his tongue. There was no fragrance, no crispness——just an overwhelming oily taste that made him regret his decision instantly. He wanted nothing more than to spit it out, but since he had already paid for it, he forced himself to chew and swallow.

With a sigh, he continued walking, shoving the rest of the dough stick into his mouth out of sheer reluctance to waste his money.

Madam Yu, oblivious to his dissatisfaction, smiled triumphantly as she accepted the payment. She cheerfully called out, "Take your time! If you like it, come back for more!"

But as the morning wore on, it became clear that business was far from ideal.

Despite her efforts to call out and promote her goods, few people stopped by, and even fewer were willing to buy. By noon, she had barely sold a handful of her fried dough sticks, and the majority of her stock remained in the basket.

Fried dough sticks were best eaten fresh, straight from the pan. Once they sat for too long, they became soft and lost their crisp texture, making them even harder to sell. If she failed to get rid of them by the afternoon, they would be nearly impossible to sell the next day. And throwing them away would be a painful waste of money.

A wave of anxiety gripped Madam Yu as she squatted near the entrance of the alley, sighing louder and louder.

Beside her, an elderly woman selling eggs at a nearby stall smirked knowingly. "You must have learned how to make fried dough sticks from Madam Xia," she remarked, her eyes narrowing.

"Nonsense!" Madam Yu retorted defensively. "I figured it out myself! What, is Madam Xia the only one allowed to sell fried dough sticks? Can’t others make a living too?"

The old woman scoffed. "Stealing is stealing, no matter how you sugarcoat it. And if you’re going to steal, at least learn to do it properly. Madam Xia has already moved on to selling sweet fruit pastry and fried cloth bags, yet here you are, still struggling with fried dough sticks. You’re falling behind! No wonder you can’t make any money."

Madam Yu’s eyes widened in shock. What? Sweet fruit pastry? Fried cloth bags? She’s selling something new already?

She gritted her teeth, feeling both incredulous and frustrated. How could Madam Xia keep coming up with new foods so quickly? Did the woman never run out of ideas?

*****

Meanwhile, in Xia Mingyue’s courtyard, Sister Lu had just returned from a morning stroll, grinning from ear to ear. She could hardly contain her laughter as she relayed what she had seen to Xia Mingyue and Jiang Zhuguo.

"You won’t believe it! I ran into that woman, Madam Yu, on the street. The fried dough sticks she made looked terrible——lumpy, uneven, and the same color as soy sauce. I swear, it didn’t even look edible!"

She clapped her hands together, rocking with laughter. "She walked around for so long and barely sold a thing! Seeing her struggle like that..., oh! It was delightful!" Sister Lu was practically beaming with satisfaction. "Serves her right!"

Xia Mingyue, however, remained calm. She had seen plenty of people attempting to copy recipes in her past life——stealing culinary secrets, imitating dishes, trying to profit off others' ideas. None of it surprised her anymore.

"If you try to make money dishonestly, you’re doomed to fail," she said with a faint smile. "Some things can’t be stolen——like skill, patience, and experience. As humans, it’s always better to conduct ourselves with integrity."

*****

The breakfast stall business continued to thrive, drawing more attention from those eager to join. Seeing the success of Xia Ji, many people approached Xia Mingyue, inquiring about franchise opportunities.

To ensure that only trustworthy and capable individuals joined the business, Xia Mingyue sent Zhao Dahu and Zhao Erhu——her most reliable informants——to investigate the backgrounds of potential franchisees.

Eventually, they identified a suitable candidate: Yang Daya.

Yang Daya was just a year younger than Xia Mingyue. She had a thirteen-year-old second sister and two eleven-year-old twin sisters. Originally from Yangjia Village, forty miles away, the four sisters had endured a difficult life.

Their mother had passed away when they were young, and earlier that spring, their father succumbed to typhoid fever. Despite inheriting a house and over ten acres of land, their uncle seized everything, claiming that, as women, they had no right to property.

Yang Daya fought back, taking the matter to the village head. Though the village head sympathized, he had to follow the rules——women could not inherit land. In the end, a compromise was reached: the uncle would keep the house and land but was required to pay the sisters over ten taels of silver as compensation for their upbringing.

Though unfair, it was the best they could hope for. The alternative would have been staying under their uncle’s control, where he would decide their marriages and pocket all their dowries. Worse, he might sell them off to the highest bidder without a second thought.

Understanding this, Yang Daya took the money and left the village with her sisters. They moved to the county, rented a small courtyard, and began searching for ways to make a living.

By chance, she heard about Xia Ji and Xia Mingyue’s expanding breakfast business. Desperate for an opportunity, she approached Xia Mingyue, hoping to secure a franchise.

Yang Daya was hardworking, honest, and responsible. Having raised her sisters from a young age, she knew how to run a household, cook, and manage money. Her younger sisters were also diligent and mature beyond their years.

Impressed by her character, Xia Mingyue decided to make her the first franchisee of the breakfast stall.

The franchise fee followed the same structure as the other stalls——five taels of silver upfront, with an additional one tael per year. In return, the central kitchen would supply all necessary ingredients daily, and Xia Mingyue would personally teach Yang Daya how to fry dough sticks, sweet fruits, and cloth bags, as well as prepare spicy soup.

With the breakfast business growing rapidly, Xia Mingyue knew that franchising was the right move. If she continued to run everything herself, the workload would soon become overwhelming. By handing off operations to capable individuals like Yang Daya, she could expand efficiently without overextending herself.

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Chapter 165: Idea

This arrangement would prevent any disputes that might arise and allow Yang Daya to take over an established business seamlessly, ensuring that she and her sisters had immediate access to food and shelter.

However, there was another cost to consider. The breakfast stall came with essential tools——an iron pot, a stove, bowls and chopsticks, a long table, and stools——all of which Xia Mingyue had initially purchased. These were valued at four taels of silver.

Understanding that Yang Daya had just arrived in the county, had rent to pay, and would need funds to purchase ingredients from the central kitchen, Xia Mingyue made a generous concession. She allowed Yang Daya to pay one tael upfront, with the remaining three taels to be settled in monthly installments of one tael each.

Yang Daya hadn’t expected the franchise agreement to go so smoothly. Nor had she expected Madam Xia to be so kind-hearted and accommodating. The thought of someone trusting her with such an opportunity brought a lump to her throat.

Tears welled in her eyes, but she quickly blinked them away, unwilling to show weakness in front of others. Instead, she and her three younger sisters bowed deeply to Xia Mingyue.

“Thank you, Madam Xia! We promise to work hard and run this breakfast stall well!” Yang Daya’s voice trembled with emotion. “We won’t let you down!”

Moved by her sincerity, Xia Mingyue smiled. “It’s good that you have the determination. Now, go home, get some rest, and organize your work. Tomorrow morning, you’ll start learning how to fry dough sticks and make spicy soup.”

“Yes, we’ll come early tomorrow!” Yang Daya nodded eagerly, still expressing her gratitude before finally leading her sisters away.

The Yang sisters rented a small courtyard in Sifu Lane, just three alleys away from Xinghua Lane. The owners, a couple surnamed Shi, had two children and had inherited the property from a relative who had moved out of Jinqiu County.

While the Shi couple wasn’t overly warm, they were reasonable. They charged fair rent and even made minor improvements to the courtyard——raising the gate slightly and tying extra clotheslines for convenience.

It was a modest place, with a main hall, two inner rooms on the east and west sides, a storage wing, and a small but well-maintained kitchen. Though the space was limited, the four sisters had already cleaned it thoroughly, making it feel more like home.

As soon as they returned, Yang Daya let out a long sigh, shaking her head in amazement. “Madam Xia is truly a good person.”

Yang Sanya and Yang Siya nodded in agreement.

But Yang Erya hesitated. “I don’t mean to doubt her, but I’ve overheard some people in the past few days. They say Madam Xia is generous because she wants people to work for her family, earn money for Xia Ji, and build her reputation....”

Before she could finish, Yang Daya interrupted firmly, “Erya.”

She turned to her younger sister with a serious expression. “Madam Xia has built a successful business, so of course, there will be people who envy her and spread rumors. Do you think they’re happy seeing others thrive? The truth is, many people want to join Xia Ji, but not everyone qualifies. Those who weren’t accepted are bitter and resentful, so they spread these stories.”

Yang Erya frowned, considering her sister’s words.

“If we believe them and distrust Madam Xia, we’ll only be harming ourselves,” Yang Daya continued. “That’s exactly what these people want——to see us hesitate, fail, and walk away from a great opportunity.” She glanced at her younger sisters, her voice full of conviction.

“Remember what happened back in the village? When Uncle tried to take our house and land, people whispered that we should just obey. If we had listened to them, we would have been at his mercy, possibly even sold off. But we stood our ground, and now we have a new start.”

Yang Erya’s expression changed, a hint of shame flickering across her face. “You’re right, big sister. I won’t let others mislead me.”

Yang Daya softened. “Good. Madam Xia has done us a great favor. Even if we can’t repay her kindness, we should at least honor it by working hard and proving ourselves.”

A newfound determination shone in Yang Erya’s eyes. “I understand now. I won’t let anyone fill my head with doubts again.”

Pleased, Yang Daya nodded. “That’s the spirit. Now, let’s divide our tasks for tomorrow.”

Frying dough sticks and sweet fruits required skill and patience, and since it involved working near hot oil, Yang Daya decided to handle it herself. Yang Erya would assist and gradually learn the craft.

Meanwhile, making spicy soup was less dangerous but required precision in seasoning. Yang Erya would take the lead in learning this, ensuring that the sisters could divide responsibilities effectively.

As for Yang Sanya and Yang Siya, since they were younger, they would focus on assisting——washing vegetables, cleaning up, and handling customers.

Once everything was settled, the four sisters went to bed early, eager for the next day.

*****

The following morning, they arrived at Xia Mingyue’s home at dawn.

Yang Daya and Yang Erya diligently observed as Xia Mingyue demonstrated how to fry dough sticks to perfection——golden, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. Then, she taught them the proper technique for making sweet fruits and spicy soup.

Meanwhile, Yang Sanya and Yang Siya busied themselves with smaller chores——fetching water, washing vegetables, and tidying up the courtyard. Their initiative pleased Xia Mingyue, who appreciated their willingness to contribute.

The training progressed smoothly over the next few days. The Yang sisters were quick learners, impressing Xia Mingyue with their hard work and attentiveness.

However, while things were going well for Xia Mingyue’s business, trouble was brewing elsewhere.

*****

At the county school, Headmaster Zhou was facing a growing problem.

Ever since Chef Wei had returned to oversee the school’s canteen, the quality of the meals had plummeted.

Students, though disappointed, endured the ordeal in silence. They channeled their frustration into studying harder, hoping to pass their exams and leave the county school sooner.

But the Masters, who had to stay long-term, weren’t as patient. Over the past few days, several had approached Headmaster Zhou, indirectly hinting at their dissatisfaction.

The message was clear: the food was unbearable. Something had to be done.

After some thought, Headmaster Zhou decided to address the issue directly. At noon, he and Master Dai made their way to the canteen.

Inside the kitchen, Chef Wei——a round-faced man in his forties, slightly plump from years of tasting his own dishes——was preparing for the midday meal.

Upon seeing the two visitors, he broke into a wide, practiced smile.

“Ah, Headmaster Zhou! Master Dai! What an honor to have you both here today.”

His cheerful tone masked the tension in the room, but Headmaster Zhou wasn’t here for pleasantries.

The canteen’s meals were no longer satisfying, and if things continued this way, discontent would only grow.

And from the way Master Dai’s expression darkened as he caught a whiff of the food being prepared, it was clear——this wasn’t going to be a pleasant conversation.