The Spirited Daughter-in-law and the Mountain Man

He said with concern, “Could I carry it, then?”

She laughed and asked, “How would you do it? Put it on your wheelchair?”

“Yep.” He nodded earnestly.

“That could work, but you’d have to muster up courage, and I’d have to push your wheelchair. Plus, it would look rather odd.” She thought for a moment, then said, “I should carry it.”

“Alright.” His face reddened slightly, “Qingyue, where are we heading now? Are we going to sell the rest at the vegetable market?”

“No, we’re not going to the market.” She said, “We’re heading to a restaurant to see. Maybe some restaurant owner likes eating it and will buy everything.”

As they were passing by a noodle stall, they spotted two men eating noodles at a table. One of them was saying, “Rich Source Tavern made a lot of money recently with their unique stir-fried ferns. Even other dishes in the restaurant have become more popular. But sadly, today I heard that a chef from Drunken Immortal Pavilion, which boast the reputation as the world’s best restaurant, has figured out a way to remove the bitterness from the ferns. Drunken Immortal Pavilion is now buying fresh ferns for one cent per jin.”

“The ferns are almost out of season, not many people would sell them…”

“Well, they could still profit for a few more days…”

Upon hearing this, Xiao Qinghe felt perturbed, “Qingyue, the Drunken Immortal Pavilion figured out the method to remove the bitterness from the ferns so fast! You really are a visionary.”

“It’s none of our concern.” She said nonchalantly.

They were passing by the entrance of the Rich Source Tavern. She glanced at the entrance.

Following her gaze, Xiao Qinghe looked over. Although he can’t read, the sign at the entrance had four characters and the restaurant was elegantly decorated. It must be the Rich Source Tavern, “Qingyue, what are you looking at?”

“Nothing much. Manager Duan of the Rich Source Tavern is standing at the entrance.”

He guessed right! He felt guilty thinking that his wife sold the fern recipe for such a high price, and that another restaurant, Drunken Immortal Pavilion, has already figured out the method to remove the bitterness from the ferns.

Seeing his expression, Su Qingyue knows what he’s thinking, “Fourth brother, I was completely justified in selling the recipe. Don’t overthink it.”

“Alright.” He thought his wife was really amazing, she could tell what he was thinking without him saying a word.

Shopkeeper Duan spotted Su Qingyue, took a careful look, and then came over, “Oh, if it isn’t Su Qingyue.”

Su Qingyue replied indifferently, “Manager Duan, I trust you are well.”

He spoke sternly, “Su Qingyue, I bought your recipe for fifty taels of silver, but the chef at Drunken Immortal Pavilion has figured it out!”

She raised an eyebrow, “So what? Do you want a refund because you think you overpaid?”

“Considering what I paid, I ought to get a refund.” The more Manager Duan thought, the more heartbroken he was.

She nodded, “Makes sense. You should have a refund.”

Surprised, Xiao Qinghe asked, “Qingyue… What are you saying? We can’t possibly refund fifty taels of silver…”

Manager Duan stretched out his hand, “Give me the money?”

She scoffed, “I should be the one asking for a refund.”

“I should get a refund, you took my silver!”

She laughed, “Back then, you were reluctant to buy my fresh stir-fried fern recipe. Do you have the face to ask for a refund now? I hear that your Rich Source Tavern has made a nice profit selling stir-fried ferns, and thanks to this dish, you’ve attracted more diners who order other dishes, turning your declining business around. How come you’re not mentioning that?”

A crowd was starting to gather around them, and Su Qingyue stepped closer to Manager Duan.