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Su Li arrived at the secondary residence and saw Mo Hua waiting at the entrance from afar.
Si Qin carefully helped Su Li down from the carriage, and Mo Hua stepped forward to adjust Su Li's dress.
"Miss, why are you so late? It's almost noon."
Si Qin frowned. "Don't ntion it. Today was not a good day to go out. We ran into so bad luck."
Mo Hua wanted to ask more, but Su Li smiled and said, "It's fine. Is Young Master Xu here?"
Xu Mubai was going to stay at the residence long-term, so Mo Hua had been coming over frequently these past few days to help him acquire necessities. She had arrived earlier that morning as well.
"I already told him that you were coming today, so he hasn't gone out."
Su Li nodded and walked inside with her two maids.
Upon entering the courtyard, they saw Xu Mubai sitting in the yard reading a book.
"Miss, you're here." Seeing her arrival, Xu Mubai quickly stood up and greeted her.
Su Li sat down and said, "You may sit as well."
Xu Mubai bowed slightly and took a seat across from Su Li.
Su Li glanced at Si Qin, who then placed a stack of rice paper on the table.
Su Li said, "This is a shop-opening plan I've drafted over the past few days. Take a look."
"This is the layout of the shop, and this is what we'll be selling. I've noted all its unique features."
Xu Mubai took the papers and began examining them carefully.
One page after another, the more he read, the more astonished he beca.
His family had been in business for generations, and he had a keen sense for spotting opportunities.
"Mi... Miss, this idea is brilliant! This novel way of eating will surely beco very popular once introduced."
Su Li nodded. "Exactly. However, we still need an experienced chef to refine the taste based on the recipe I provided."
Xu Mubai replied, "Leave that to . Miss might not know this, but when it cos to food, if I'm second, no one dares to claim first."
Su Li looked up in delight. "That's wonderful!"
Xu Mubai was eager to get started with the plans.
"Miss, how about I start making the base... the seasoning now? You can stay for lunch, and you can give your feedback."
Su Li thought for a mont and nodded in agreent.
"Si Qin, go back to the main house and inform my mother that I'll be having lunch outside."
"Yes, Miss."
Xu Mubai picked up the recipe and stood up. "Miss, please wait here. I'll be done soon."
With that, he headed toward the kitchen.
There was an osmanthus tree in the courtyard, and the faint scent of flowers drifted over. Su Li closed her eyes contentedly.
"Mo Hua, bring so more tea."
However, Mo Hua remained silent behind her.
"Mo Hua?"
Su Li turned around and saw Mo Hua staring intently in the direction of the kitchen.
"Pfft." Su Li chuckled.
Mo Hua snapped out of her daze, her face slightly flushed.
"Miss, why are you laughing?"
Su Li teased, "Do you think Young Master Xu is impressive?"
Mo Hua nodded honestly. "Yes, he's handso, educated, skilled in business, and even knows how to cook..."
Seeing Su Li's mischievous expression, she stopped abruptly.
"Miss, you're teasing !" Mo Hua pouted and stamped her foot.
Su Li took her hand and said, "I'm not teasing you. If you like him, be bold. My Mo Hua is excellent and deserves a good man."
Mo Hua blushed and lowered her head.
"But... but I'm just a servant. I..."
Su Li sighed. "Silly girl, when you like soone, you don't care about their status or position. Besides, I've never treated any of you as servants. I destroyed your indenture contracts long ago—you're free individuals."
Mo Hua's eyes reddened, and she choked out, "Miss."
Su Li squeezed her hand gently. "Enough, enough. Go fetch so water. Let's sit and drink tea while we wait to try Young Master Xu's cooking."
"Yes, I'll go right away."
Watching Mo Hua's retreating figure, Su Li felt a sense of happiness.
In her past life, this girl had married Xia Wencan and suffered greatly. In this life, she hoped Mo Hua would find a good destiny.
Lately, Mo Hua had been running over here often, likely developing feelings for Xu Mubai.
Let things take their natural course. This would also allow her to see whether Xu Mubai was worthy of trust.
Mo Hua returned with water and brewed tea for both herself and Su Li.
After a mont's thought, she brewed another cup.
"Young Master Xu must be tired from cooking. I'll cool a cup of tea for him." Under Su Li's amused gaze, Mo Hua stamred her explanation.
Su Li sighed dramatically. "Ah, girls grow up and leave ho—it's inevitable."
"Miss~"
Su Li laughed. "Alright, alright. I won't say anything further."
This girl had thin skin; if she got upset, Su Li would have to comfort her.
The mistress and maid chatted and drank tea in the courtyard while Xu Mubai worked fervently in the kitchen.
Soon, the courtyard was filled with a rich, enticing aroma.
"Miss, it slls so good! Just slling it makes hungry."
Su Li's eyes lit up.
This was the sll!
Xu Mubai truly was a gem! He must have succeeded!!
Unable to sit still, Su Li stood up and headed toward the kitchen.
The fragrance grew stronger near the kitchen.
"Miss, why are you coming in? There's too much smoke here. Go out and wait—it'll be ready soon!" Xu Mubai called out upon seeing Su Li enter.
Su Li stood at the kitchen entrance. "It's fine. I won't co closer."
She was too excited. She hadn't expected it to work out so well!
If the taste matched the aroma, it ant her money-making plan was halfway to success!
Soon, the dishes were served. In addition to the hot pot ingredients, there were a few light dishes prepared as well.
"Miss, Mo Hua, please give it a try."
Su Li eagerly took a bite and couldn't hide her joy.
"It's perfect! This is exactly the taste!"
It was identical to her past life!
"It's so spicy! But so delicious!" Mo Hua exclaid happily after taking a sip of water.
Su Li looked at Xu Mubai. "I didn't expect you to know how to cook."
Xu Mubai's eyes dimd slightly.
In the past, he had been a wealthy young master who never lifted a finger, indulging in gourt als without ever preparing food himself.
"Perhaps I'm naturally talented. After trying a few tis, I realized that whatever I've eaten, I can replicate almost perfectly." Xu Mubai forced a smile.
Mo Hua praised, "Young Master Xu, you're better than the imperial chefs in the palace!"
Xu Mubai modestly smiled. "It's thanks to Miss's detailed recipe."
Su Li smiled. She owed this to Yu Banxia, who hadn't yet returned to the capital in this life.
After finishing the al, Mo Hua cleaned up the dishes in the kitchen.
Su Li and Xu Mubai sat in the courtyard drinking tea and discussing the shop plans.
"The recipe has been confird to be problem-free, and the shop is ready. When I return to the main house, I'll send people to rearrange the shop according to my drawings. Your task is to handle staffing—servers, kitchen staff, accountants—all must be carefully selected. Quality over quantity."
Xu Mubai nodded. "Miss, rest assured. My judgnt in choosing people won't disappoint you."
Su Li said, "I trust you completely. Don't worry about the financial aspects—I'll send soone from the estate tomorrow with the funds."
Xu Mubai flipped through the utensil designs Su Li had drawn.
"Miss, this pot and spoon need to be custom-made by an experienced craftsman."
Su Li nodded. "Correct. And for the charcoal used in the hot pot, regular wood charcoal won't do—it produces too much smoke and burns out quickly. We need golden-thread charcoal. I've stockpiled so, but we'll use so for winter heating, so we need to purchase more in bulk."
Xu Mubai said, "Leave the golden-thread charcoal to . I know where to procure it."
Su Li nodded and added, "Hurry. Winter is coming early this year."
Xu Mubai was puzzled. "It's only early autumn. Winter is still months away."
Su Li gazed at the sunlight in the courtyard. "The weather is unpredictable. Trust on this—buy the charcoal quickly and in large quantities. It's best to have it delivered to the capital within half a month."
Though he didn't understand why Su Li was in such a hurry, he would follow her instructions without question.
They discussed a few more details. By the ti the sun began to set, Su Li and Mo Hua boarded the carriage to return to the main house.
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