Chapter 44: Chapter 044: Defend the Shortcomings
Translator: 549690339
At first glance, there didn’t seem to be anything out of the ordinary about the tofu stall run by these two young girls. It just seemed like they laughed more and were more business-savvy than the average tofu vendor. There was truly nothing astonishing about it.
Why did the shop manager feel there was more to it?
Just as Sun Xing was wondering about this, Chang Yuanda had already stepped forward and began to walk away.
Sensing this, Sun Xing hastily followed.
The two made their way to Fushun Tower, but instead of entering through the front door, they entered through the back door and proceeded directly into the backyard.
At that moment, the kitchen staff in the backyard were busy preparing food and cleaning dishes. Only Zhang Yongchang sat there, arms crossed and head lowered, on a small stool.
Seeing this, Chang Yuanda instructed Sun Xing to deliver the tofu to the kitchen first. Then he chuckled, “Brother-in-law, who has upset you this time?”
When Zhang Yongchang was upset, he would typically be silent, his face clouded and his head bowed.
“You’re here.” Zhang Yongchang raised his head to see Chang Yuanda. His dark expression relaxed slightly, but his annoyance was still palpable. With furrowed brows and a less than kindly tone, he asked, “What brings you here?”
“Well, 1 heard someone upset you, so 1 rushed right over. Which blind fool dares to upset our esteemed Chef Zhang?” Chang Yuanda joked.
Zhang Yongchang frowned at Chang Yuanda’s jesting demeanor – something he found quite unbecoming for a man in his thirties – and felt it was particularly irksome given his current mood. “If you have something to say, say it. If not, then leave,” he snapped.
Being familiar with Zhang Yongchang’s temperament, Chang Yuanda dropped his joking manner and said with furrowed brows, “Actually, there is indeed a matter I’d like to discuss with you.”
“However…” Chang Yuanda paused and continued, “Considering the state you’re in, brother-in-law, why don’t you go first? Perhaps 1 can help in some way.”
Seeing Chang Yuanda being serious for once was somewhat refreshing. Feeling relief as he spoke, Zhang Yongchang admitted, “Lately, I’ve heard some murmuring that the caramelised tofu at Ruyi Pavilion supposedly tastes better than my own.”
“Once or twice, 1 dismissed it as the Chai family’s attempts to discredit me. But after hearing it several more times, and even noticing Qin Hongbao has been coming in less frequently – and when he does, he doesn’t order the caramelised tofu – 1 became puzzled. That mediocre cook at Ruyi Pavilion, could his caramelised tofu really taste better than mine? The very proposition is absurd!”
“Absolutely absurd!” Chang Yuanda chimed in from the side.
This man, who had travelled to countless townships and tasted dishes in various restaurants, knew that Zhang Yongchang was indeed an excellent cook, especially when it came to caramelised tofu. Even if his skills couldn’t surpass the chefs in the city’s finest restaurants, they were definitely on par with the cooks in the county.
Throughout the entire town, Chang Yuanda would be the first to dispute anyone claiming to make better caramelised tofu than Zhang Yongchang.
Zhang Yongchang shot him a glare, “So, due to this, I got into a heated argument with someone. 1 even went to Ruyi Pavilion to taste their caramelised tofu, just to see how their rendition could possibly taste better than mine.”
At this, Chang Yuanda suddenly broke out into a cold sweat.
A premier chef from Fushun Tower having a row with a patron and then going to Ruyi Pavilion to order food? This complete disregard for face was simply beyond belief – something only the obstinate Zhang Yongchang would do.
“And when 1 got to Ruyi Pavilion, they served me their caramelised tofu, so tried it, and guess what?”
Zhang Yongchang went on, slapping his thigh in frustration, “That good-for-nothing cook, whoever he learnt from, his caramelised tofu is actually much better than before. And, to my surprise, it’s roughly on par with mine.”
Or perhaps, even marginally better.
“Is that really true?” Chang Yuanda looked taken aback.
“Isn’t it?” As Zhang Yongchang continued, his frustration spiked: “That cook at Ruyi Pavilion barely can cook. He has no culinary talent to speak of and even with a good mentor, I doubt he could learn much. But his caramelised tofu…”
It had turned out to be extraordinarily delicious.
He had tasted it carefully. The sauce was just as it was before and didn’t taste any better, but the tofu…
Zhang Yongchang shot upright and exclaimed, “Could it be that you’ve been selling the better tofu to Ruyi Pavilion, while Fushun Tower gets the bad stuff because I’m here?”
“Absolutely not!” Chang Yuanda hastily waved his hands in denial, “I’ve always given instructions for only the best tofu to be sent to you. I know about your temper and wouldn’t dare to slight you.”
“As for Ruyi Pavilion, they stopped purchasing tofu from us some time ago. I was just wondering whether I should ask them why, but 1 haven’t done so yet. One thing is certain, we did not provide them with superior tofu while giving inferior tofu to you.”
Although Chang Yuanda was often joking around, his professionalism was reliable, and his words were trustworthy.
Then what…
“It’s really strange. If Ruyi Pavilion didn’t buy from you, where else could they get good tofu?”
If even using their low-quality tofu, Ruyi Pavilion could still serve caramelised tofu that tasted better than his, didn’t that mean his culinary skills were regressing?
Zhang Yongchang felt increasingly agitated, as if he wanted to tear out several strands of hair.
“By the way, you were saying you had something to discuss with me. What is it?” Zhang Yongchang looked up and inquired.
“These past few days, tofu sales at the shop have been down.” Chang Yuanda spoke with furrowed brows, “I’ve noticed a lot of regular customers aren’t coming to the shop to buy tofu anymore. I’ve been wondering why. It seems two young girls selling tofu on the street might be to blame. Li Fang told me their tofu is cheaper, which is why they’ve taken over our business. I came here intending to discuss this matter with you, and consider how we can win back our business.”
Street vendors selling tofu?
And they’ve taken over Changji’s business…
Ruyi Pavilion hasn’t been buying from Changji for a while, and recently, the flavour of their caramelised tofu has remarkably improved.
Zhang Yongchang suddenly stood up, “Where are they? I need to go see for myself.”
And with that, he stormed off, full of fiery determination.
He really was protective of his family. Just hearing that someone had encroached on Changji’s business, he was ready to confront them head-on. The sight was indeed inspiring.
Surely, coming to Fushun Tower today was the right decision!
