Chef Hua
Chapter 169: Episode 108 Redistribution of Interests (Part 2) (Third Update)_2

Chapter 169: Episode 108 Redistribution of Interests (Part 2) (Third Update)_2

Pan Ping’an cursed Hua Xiaomai twice in his heart as a "slick operator," then gave a forced smile and said, "Let’s hear your thoughts, then?"

"It’s quite simple," Hua Xiaomai lifted her head and glanced at Hua Erniang, who stood by her side with great reluctance, "Currently, the preserved fruits and sauces that I make are pre-financed by you, Uncle Ping’an, before being taken to the Provincial City for sale. This way, no matter what happens, I won’t lose out, but if there’s any mishap, you’ll have to shoulder it alone—it’s just too unfair to you. So, I was thinking, from now on, before the preserved fruits, pastries, and sauces are sold, you don’t have to pay me any money. Once all the food is fully sold and the copper coins are truly in hand, then we can sit down slowly to divide the profits, how does that sound?"

Pan Ping’an’s heart pounded suddenly and he tensed up, his eyes wide open as he stared at her face: "How... how do we split it?"

Hua Xiaomai’s lips lifted into a smile as she lightly uttered three words: "Fifty-fifty split."

"What?!" Pan Ping’an shot to his feet with a cry, "How can that be?"

She had been waiting right here for him! Indeed, one must not do wrong, for once a mistake is made, it immediately becomes leverage for others to pinch you a hundred ways!

A fifty-fifty split? What a joke! The preserved fruits, pastries, and various sauces that he bought from Hua Xiaomai and sold to restaurants in the Provincial City, some were extremely popular and could fetch double the price! Now, if they were to share the profits equally, it was clear that Hua Xiaomai would benefit disproportionately, but for him, it meant earning a lot less—it simply wouldn’t do, absolutely not, absolutely not!

Hua Xiaomai seemed genuinely surprised, her round eyes widening innocently as she looked up at him. Pan Ping’an cursed three times in his heart, swallowed hard, and said with difficulty, "Xiaomai, this... this doesn’t seem quite right, does it? It’s true you made the food and the sauces, and I know you’ve worked hard, but I haven’t been idle either! After the foods are made, I have to exert myself to transport them to the Provincial City, and go from one restaurant to another to sell them; that’s no easy job! You..."

"I am aware that it costs a lot for the cart fare each time you transport the foods to the Provincial City, but every month, I also spend a hefty sum on food ingredients and raw materials!" Hua Xiaomai spoke earnestly, "If we split the accounts fifty-fifty from now on, we each take care of our initial investments without worrying the other in the slightest; why would you, Uncle Ping’an, feel... that it’s not suitable?"

"I..." Pan Ping’an was at a loss for words.

What could he do, what could he say? Who made him so eager to earn this money that he had to partner with Hua Xiaomai? There were not a few in Fire Knife Village who could handle kitchen work, but which among them could compare to Hua Xiaomai?

Only now did he realize what Hua Xiaomai’s second condition really entailed. Once she knew to which restaurants he sold the foods, she could inquire at their doors anytime she wished. By then, even if he was inclined to lie about the profits, he would probably be unable to get away with it!

How can someone so young be so cunning...

He clenched his fists and closed his eyes, "Can’t... we discuss this further?"

"What’s there to negotiate?" Hua Erniang jumped out again at this time, pointing at his face, her demeanor fiery as she said, "You’ve come back with such a huge mess, and we haven’t said a word of reproach, still willing to keep cooperating with you—just be grateful! This is all because of how well Grandpa Pan and Grandma have treated us on normal days. Otherwise, do you think anyone would bother with you? I’ll lay it out here: if you agree to my sister’s three demands, we continue to cooperate; if you don’t, then let’s just call it quits early. Who do you think is sitting around waiting to make a living off this little bit of money?"

Pan Ping’an was so intimidated by her tirade that he lost half his soul, taking two steps back, not daring to argue with her face to face, and could only look pitifully at Hua Xiaomai, "Xiaomai girl, must it really be like this?"

"Mhm, it must be like this." Hua Xiaomai nodded gently yet firmly.

"Ouch!" Pan Ping’an felt as if his heart was being gouged out, lamenting with a wail as he squatted down to clutch his head and tug at his hair. It wasn’t until a good while later, enough time for a cup of tea to pass, that he finally lifted his head, his originally neatly combed hair now a tangled mess.

"Fine, let’s do it this way, then." He spoke listlessly, his face scrunched up, looking almost as if he was about to cry.

Was there any other option? They clung tenaciously to the three demands and would not budge. If he agreed, he could still make money, albeit less than before; but if he refused, this entire business deal would come to nothing, lost for good!

"Uncle Ping’an, have you thought it through?" Hua Xiaomai raised an eyebrow, expressing concern, "Don’t force yourself, for if you go back on your word later, I won’t acknowledge it."

"I won’t, I won’t." Pan Ping’an shook his head in anguish, "Rest assured, I’m a man of my word. Anything I’ve agreed to, I’ll..."

"Well, that’s good to hear." Hua Xiaomai didn’t even wait for him to finish, promptly adding, "Since you’ll still be in the village for a couple of days, let’s invite Grandpa Liu over tomorrow and make a proper contract. That way, if there are disputes in the future, we have a document to verify. Also, could you please bring the account book with you each time you come back every month, so I can have a look? I may not understand it, but I can have my brother-in-law explain it to me, is that okay, Uncle Ping’an?"

"Whatever you say goes, I’ll follow your lead." Pan Ping’an hung his head, devoid of energy, "When Grandpa Liu comes tomorrow, just call for me. I’ll... I’ll go back first now."

"Okay." Hua Xiaomai nodded briskly, "Uncle Ping’an, don’t forget to join Grandpa and Grandma for dinner tonight!"

Eat, eat what! Pan Ping’an grumbled silently, gnashing his teeth and reluctantly responded before lifting his lead-heavy legs and slowly walking out of the Jing Family’s courtyard gate.

Hua Xiaomai didn’t bother with him, waiting for him to disappear outside the door before looking up at Hua Erniang and squeezing her eyes in a mischievous smile.

"Finally, you’re using your brain!" Hua Erniang chided her with a glance, unable to help herself, also starting to smile.(To be continued. If you like this work, we welcome you to vote with your recommendation ticket and monthly ticket at Qidian (qidian.com). Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to continue reading.)