The Wealthy Eldest Sister Rules Supreme - Chapter 560
Chapter 560: Chapter 547: Stewed Pig Trotter with Kidney Beans
Although the situation with the dried noodle factory is different from the glass noodle factory in Miao Village, the factory was initially fully invested and constructed by Shang Chengen, and then slowly shared silver stocks with the villagers. Nevertheless, it’s still crucial to have a detailed discussion with the village chief.
After all, the village chief holds significant prestige in the village and has a strong influence. Many misunderstandings that they might fail to clarify could be easily explained by the village chief, making matters clear to the villagers.
Moreover, building a new workshop in a village can benefit the villagers, but not everyone benefits from it. Some people always like to stir up trouble or harbor resentment because they cannot benefit. In such cases, it wouldn’t be appropriate for them to reconcile disputes; the village chief is the best person for the job.
In short, discussing various matters with the village chief in advance can facilitate the smooth operation of the workshop.
“Manager Zhuang, rest assured. I’ve already met with Village Chief Su of Shijiazhuang. We’ve also discussed the details, and even selected the location for the workshop. Some people have already been sent to repair and clean up. The perimeter wall has been built, following the size specified by Manager Zhuang. The necessary tools are being made, which would take another day or two.”
Shang Chengen said, “I was thinking, once the tools and everything here are sorted out, Manager Zhuang could also go. If there’s anything unsatisfactory, we can discuss it then, so that Manager Zhuang won’t have to run around.”
Telling everything at once indeed saves time and effort, but…
“How does Manager Shang know that I will definitely agree to open a workshop here in Shijiazhuang?” Zhuang Qingning asked curiously.
“I’m not certain,” Shang Chengen replied smiling.
“So, if I don’t agree, won’t all you’ve done be wasted?” Zhuang Qingning raised her eyebrows.
“No problem at all. Nothing can be perfect at the first attempt. If this location doesn’t work, we’ll simply choose another one,” said Shang Chengen. “Though it may seem wasted, it would actually help to avoid many problems in selecting the next site.”
“Moreover, I have visited many places before and after the New Year and have carefully considered each one. Shijiazhuang is, in my opinion, the most suitable place. I’m 80 to 90 percent sure that Manager Zhuang will agree to it. That’s why I started preparing early.”
In other words, he wasn’t being obstinate or inflexible. He had assessed and considered before deciding to act.
From this, it could be seen that Shang Chengen was extremely determined to open this dried noodle factory, and it seemed he wouldn’t give up until he achieved his goal.
Those with a pursuit of perfection tend to be extremely dedicated and focused on their work.
Zhuang Qingning chuckled, “Since Manager Shang says that Shijiazhuang is quite good, I’ll just follow Manager Shang’s suggestion and wait for the workshop to be ready before I make my judgment.”
Seeing that Zhuang Qingning agreed, a smile appeared on Shang Chengen’s face as well. He continued discussing the matter of the dried noodles with Zhuang Qingning.
They chatted until the sun began to set in the west.
Shang Chengen took his leave and stood up.
Zhuang Qingning planned to see Shang Chengen and Kugua off.
Just after taking two steps, Shang Chengen stopped and looked at Zhuang Qingning, somewhat embarrassed. “There’s… Manager Zhuang, I have a favor to ask.”
“Just speak your mind, Manager Shang.” Zhuang Qingning smiled.
“When I came, I smelled a wonderful aroma, which seems to come from your kitchen, Manager Zhuang. This scent has become increasingly strong both while we were talking. May I ask, what are you cooking that smells so enticing?” Shang Chengen asked.
Zhuang Qingning, who initially thought that Shang Chengen was going to make a request, laughed when he mentioned this. “I was just free, so I stewed some pig trotters. I was planning to have pig trotter soup tonight. If Manager Shang likes it, I have clay pots at home; I can give you one.”
“Since Manager Zhuang is willing to share, I will not hold back,” Shang Chengen promptly accepted. “Then I will bother Manager Zhuang and take a look at this pig trotter soup.”
With that, Shang Chengen and Zhuang Qingning went into the kitchen.
The fire in the stove was still burning. The mellow bubbling sound under the pot lid, coupled with the aroma-filled hot steam rising above the pot, made Shang Chengen feel that the aroma was even stronger. When Zhuang Qingning lifted the pot lid, he peered inside.
The small chunks of pig trotters and the thick, white broth in the pot were bubbling and rolling. The aroma drilled straight into his nostrils.
“It’s not fully cooked yet, but it’s almost there.” Zhuang Qingning, after scooping some up in a bowl for Shang Chengen, suggested, “Would you like to have a taste, Manager Shang?”
“I won’t hold back then.” Shang Chengen blew at the hot steam in the bowl and took a sip. He smacked his lips, “Manager Zhuang’s soup is stewed with white kidney beans, so the soup is thick and creamy.”
“You also added a seasoning rice wine cooked with Sichuan pepper, star anise, and ginger to eliminate the smell and enhance the flavor. The added quantity was just right, so it tastes just right and there is no smell of pig trotters. Besides…”
Shang Chengen took another sip and furrowed his brows, “There’s something else in this soup. I can’t figure out what kind of seasoning you put in it.”
Zhuang Qingning subtly gave Shang Chengen a thumbs-up.
As a noodle shop owner, he did do a good job researching cooking. He could taste what kind of seasoning she had put in the soup.
She did add a tiny bit of MSG into the soup, just to enhance some umami. However, she didn’t expect that Shang Chengen could pick up this mild flavor.
“It’s a special seasoning I made myself,” Zhuang Qingning made up a lie.
Since it was a “special seasoning”, it certainly couldn’t be revealed easily. Although Shang Chengen was interested in the method of preparing the delicious food, he didn’t ask further and just said with admiration, “No wonder it tastes so good.”
“Can I trouble Manager Zhuang to fill me some? I’d like to enjoy a full meal.”
“Rest assured, Manager Shang.” Zhuang Qingning found a slightly larger clay pot, filled it with the soup and pig trotters, then handed it to Kugua. “If it gets cold when you get back, just heat it up, sprinkle some green onion, it will taste even better.”
“Thank you, Manager Zhuang.” Shang Chengen expressed his gratitude. He and Kugua, carrying the pot of white kidney bean pig trotter soup, then left.
As for Zhuang Qingning, she cleaned up and prepared dinner for her and Zhuang Qingsui.
After dinner, Zhuang Qingning started another daily task to earn diligent points — embroidery.
