Chapter 584: Chapter 584: Blocked in the Kitchen

“Sure.” Qiao Xiaomai nodded, “Oh yes, I came here with Sanlang to buy some ingredients for Buddha’s Temptation. Do you have any in stock, Shopkeeper?”

Because Bailu Town is far from the sea, these are all dry goods, which cannot be found in the market. Other than those brought by wealthy students, only the Zuixian Building and Jiweiju had the rest.

Shopkeeper Zhou understood why Qiao Xiaomai came at this time, turns out she wanted to purchase something.

He nodded, “Yes, I have plenty. How much would you like, miss?”

“Prepare enough for fifteen people.” Qiao Xiaomai instructed.

Initially, the recipes she sold to Zuixian Building were meant for one person. Now, she said she needs enough for fifteen people, so Shopkeeper Zhou understood immediately, “Alright, I’ll have someone prepare it for you, come, let’s go to the kitchen.”

“Sure.” Qiao Xiaomai stood up, followed Shopkeeper Zhou towards the kitchen.

In the kitchen, Zhu Hongyun was preparing Braised Pork.

She was following the steps taught by Qiao Xiaomai: cutting the meat, preparing various spices. When Shopkeeper Zhou led Qiao Xiaomai in, Zhu Hongyun was explaining the key points to the head chef of Zuixian Building, “That’s it, add water, first boil fiercely on high heat, then stew on low heat for half an hour, once the water has been fully absorbed and turned into a sauce, it’s done.”

As she finished speaking, the surprised voice of Qiao Xiaomai echoed from the entrance, “Eh? Second Sister-in-law, why are you here?”

Upon hearing this sound, Zhu Hongyun jolted, just like a rabbit that has been stepped on, immediately jumping up.

She unbelievably turned around, and indeed saw the figures of Qiao Xiaomai and Tong Sanlang at the entrance. Her eyes widened in horror and her face was full of fear.

Shopkeeper Zhou was surprised too, “Eh? Miss Qiao, is this lady your second sister-in-law?”

Zhu Hongyun didn’t tell Shopkeeper Zhou about Qiao Xiaomai, so he knew nothing about it. He must deny any relationship with her at this moment.

Before Qiao Xiaomai could answer, he promptly slapped his thigh, and swiftly explained, “Miss Qiao, it was past lunchtime when this lady suddenly came by, saying she cooked delicious Braised Pork and wanted to sell the recipe to my Zuixian Building.”

“As the owner of Zuixian Building, I can’t miss out on any good dishes, so I let her try her hand in the kitchen. So it’s true? She’s really your second sister-in-law?”

Qiao Xiaomai didn’t bother to discern whether Shopkeeper Zhou was telling the truth or lies. She had a pained expression on her face, her beautiful brows knitted together, “Yes, she’s my second sister-in-law. The Braised Pork… I taught her and my elder sister-in-law after breakfast. I didn’t expect her to come to Zuixian Building so soon.”

“So that’s what happened!” Shopkeeper Zhou exclaimed, slapping his thigh, a look of disbelief appeared on his face, “This is… Miss Qiao, you must know that I had no idea about her identity, if I knew, I definitely wouldn’t have let her try!”

On hearing his words, Qiao Xiaomai merely looked at Zhu Hongyun, saying, “All’s fair in business. You’re running a restaurant, you do what you need to.”

“That’s true, but we also have some rapport. If I had known that her Braised Pork was your recipe, I would have definitely informed you.” Shopkeeper Zhou made it clear that he was on good terms with Qiao Xiaomai and he was fully on her side.

Qiao Xiaomai fell silent upon hearing his words.

Zhu Hongyun was quite frightened at this point. She was annoyed with Tong Erlang’s fawning attitude towards Qiao Xiaomai, plus she also needed money badly, which is why she came up with this idea.

She knew that Qiao Xiaomai had a good relationship with both Zuixian Building and Jiweiju, so she didn’t mention her identity.

Isn’t it just pork? Why can Qiao Xiaomai think of it and she couldn’t?

Who’d have thought that she’d be caught red-handed by Qiao Xiaomai!