“Your satisfaction is our affirmation of work.”
Xie Sui was neither humble nor arrogant, nodding slightly. There was no obsequious flattery, and his former glibness and casualness had vanished, replaced by an air of mastery.
Chef Fang couldn't help but glance at him, wondering if the kid had a change of heart.
The leader was very satisfied. Having seen plenty of sycophants, he found this unpretentious, calm, and self-possessed demeanor more admirable. He offered some encouragement and then dismissed Xie Sui.
Xie Sui returned to the kitchen as if nothing had happened. Chef Fang, relieved, offered him a cigarette and asked, "Do you know who that was?"
"Who?"
"The new County Party Secretary, Secretary Liu. He's the top official in the county, even higher than the County Mayor."
"Oh, that scared me to death. Thankfully, you didn't tell me earlier. Otherwise, my legs would have turned to jelly, and I wouldn't have been able to speak. I definitely wouldn't have dared to go in."
Chef Fang: "..."
So, he was fearless because he was ignorant. He had thought Xie Sui genuinely didn't know fear.
Xie Sui sneered inwardly. A mere secretary? He had met countless high-ranking officials in his past life. He had even dined with foreign royalty, including queens. If he were to get nervous now, it would mean he was regressing.
"Chef Fang, my brother here wants to learn a trade. Do you think you could take him in?"
"No problem, but he'll be an apprentice and has to start with the basics. It's very hard work."
"I understand. With your guidance, I'm sure he won't suffer."
Chef Fang chuckled, "You, you little scamp. I don't take apprentices."
"I understand. I'll leave him here. I'm leaving now."
Chef Fang and Wang Tie Zhu saw him off. Wang Tie Zhu felt a bit uneasy. He was still just a child, about to leave home and live alone. He was already having second thoughts.
Xie Sui slipped him ten yuan and patted his shoulder. "A man can't be a coward. You used to be quite formidable when you argued with me, didn't you? We don't stir up trouble, but we don't fear it either. If you can't handle it, you can come back and be my gatekeeper. There will always be a meal for you."
Wang Tie Zhu suddenly felt less scared. He pushed Xie Sui's hand away. "Who wants to be your gatekeeper? I'll definitely become a top chef and prove to you how capable I am."
"Yes, you are capable. I'm leaving now."
Xie Sui got on his bicycle, whistling, his back exuding a dashing aura.
Wang Tie Zhu rubbed his eyes fiercely. He was a man, and he would make something of himself.
...
After settling Wang Tie Zhu, Xie Sui returned to the factory. The ice cream was frozen. Gu Lei and a few others were squatting under the eaves smoking. Xie Sui gave them some to taste.
"Does it taste good?"
On such a hot day, just the coolness was incredibly refreshing. Gu Lei eagerly took a bite. It was sweet, soft, smooth, and cool. Every pore of his body seemed to open up. He nodded vigorously, "It's delicious. Better than popsicles. Xie Ge, you're amazing. Did you make this?"
"How much do you think we should sell it for?"
Without packaging, Xie Sui scooped out a few balls, similar to ice cream scoops in his past life. Each person ate three balls. These guys ate them like Zhu Bajie eating ginseng fruit, gone in a few mouthfuls.
"Can we have some more?"
"Get lost. Eat too much and you'll get diarrhea. Just taste it. We'll let you eat until you're sick when we make money."
Gu Lei licked his spoon. Xie Sui couldn't bear to watch. Such ambition!
"Popsicles are three cents each, black sesame bars are five cents, and milk bars are the most expensive at eight cents. I think this is even better than milk bars. It should be at least ten cents, right?"
The others chimed in, "Ten cents. People will definitely buy it."
"No, this relies on volume. If we sell it too expensively, no one will buy it, and we won't make money. I'll calculate the costs tomorrow. We'll make money with this this summer."
"Alright, Xie Ge, you're amazing. This stuff will sell better than dried fruit. The goods we sent last time didn't sell well. In a few more days, when the students are on vacation, it'll be even harder to sell."
The henchmen complained. They had come to make big money. If it continued like this, a few dozen yuan a month wasn't even as good as being a factory worker, and the work was easier.
"Can't sell? Impossible. That's because I haven't properly marketed it. Once the sales channels are established, the next step is promotion. I want children to go to the small shops and leave with snacks from our Chunfeng Factory, monopolizing the pocket money of all the children in the county."
Gu Lei and the others burst into laughter. It sounded like grand pronouncements, but how much pocket money could children have? How much could they really earn?
Xie Sui laughed along, saying no more. Reality would slap their faces.
For the entire afternoon, Xie Sui stayed in his room, writing and drawing, not going out. In the evening, on his way home, he packed a lunchbox full of ice cream, wrapped it in thick quilts, and took it home for the children and Wan Wan to try.
Zhang Wenfeng didn't know what he was bringing. Xie Sui was wary of his greedy wife. Men, the power of a wife's nagging was immense. Xie Sui wasn't sure his standing in Zhang Wenfeng's heart could be higher than his wife's.
The journey was uneventful. Dou Dou and Ding Ding were playing at the village entrance. Seeing him return, they rushed over, "Dad, Dad, do you have any treats? Dou Dou is hungry."
"Ding Ding's tummy says it wants candy and meat. Braised pork, sweet and sour ribs."
"Alright, I'll arrange it. But Dad has to ask Mom if you two were naughty today. Otherwise, the treats are useless."
"We were very good, very obedient, more obedient than Dad."
Xie Sui burst into laughter, picking them up one in each arm. Having children was the greatest joy.
When they got home, Lin Wan Wan had already tidied the yard. Millet porridge was simmering in the pot, and she was washing vegetables. The yard was filled with the warmth of home. Sudansx.com
"Wan Wan, we're back."
"Wash your hands, dinner will be ready soon."
"No rush, look what Dad brought you to eat!"
Xie Sui opened the lunchbox. The ice cream had melted a bit, but it was still edible. The two children clapped their hands with joy, "Is it ice cream? Dad's the best, good dad, mua!"
Lin Wan Wan playfully chided, "Why buy such expensive things? You're spoiling them too much."
"It's not expensive, I made it myself. We don't have a refrigerator at home, otherwise, we could make it here. Try it, is it delicious?
Wan Wan, you should try too. Kids can't eat too much, or they'll get diarrhea."
Lin Wan Wan had no choice but to eat too. The sweet and cool taste filled her mouth, and she closed her eyes contentedly. Women had the least resistance to this taste.
The lunchbox of ice cream was finished before they knew it. Lin Wan Wan ate the most. The two children disliked their mother for the first time, fighting for ice cream.
Lin Wan Wan blushed slightly, "Dad said kids eating too much will get diarrhea. Mom is doing this for your own good."
"Heh heh..."
The two children let out identical sarcastic laughs. 'Believe that, my foot!'
"Haha... Mom is right. Dad will bring you more tomorrow. We'll sell ice cream at home in the future, and you'll have enough to eat."
"Really? Can I sell it to my friends?"
"No, we don't have a refrigerator, so we can't sell it. We can only sell it in the county town. But Dad can make you a tangerine juice drink. You can chill it in well water and then sell it to your friends."
"Thank you, Dad, I love you!"
Xie Sui received a face full of slobbery kisses again. He pretended to be annoyed but helpless, making Lin Wan Wan laugh heartily. Serves him right for always teasing them into kissing him. Enjoy it now!