Chapter 198 - 198 More Laughter
198 More Laughter
Many townsfolk could smell the fragrance of food from the west end of town. Even if they were just passing by, they would still go there to look around.
The fragrance was different from haggis soup and sesame buns. Everyone walked to the tofu shop and asked Su Wenzhe, “Sir, what delicious food did you make this time?”
Someone eating haggis soup at the shop also asked, “You must show us that new dish you made.”
Su Wenzhe explained smilingly, “That fragrance is coming from my third uncle’s stall. He and his family make delicious barbecued lamb skewers. If you guys have the time, why not try them? His family is the only ones making lamb skewers, after all.”
Su Wenzhe helped promote Su Fengzhi’s stall, and the customers became curious, “Now that you’ve mentioned it, we must take a look.”
Su’s Tofu and Binglan’s Desserts were near the westernmost end of town. Further west was a large plot of empty land with no houses, just before Su Teng Village.
Su Fengzhi had built a shed and set up his stall to sell barbecued lamb skewers on that empty plot of land. Previously, no one could set up stalls there, as the officials had plans for that area.
However, the officials did not mind it since it was a member of the Su family. They also paid attention to it for fear others would cause trouble for the family. That was all thanks to Su Binglan.
She had only left town for two days. Old Madam Feng and her grandson wanted to personally thank Su Binglan for what she had done, so they went to Hundred Herbs Hospital and asked Doctor Wu if the young lady was around.
Only then did Old Madam Feng know who Su Binglan was. She also learned from Doctor Wu that Su Binglan was not in town at the moment and that Su Binglan wanted her to protect the Su family.
When Old Madam Feng returned home, she told her son, the county magistrate, about Su Binglan’s request.
The county magistrate issued an order and told the county bailiff and the patrol team to take care of the Su family on the west side of town. Therefore the Su family would not have issues doing business, and people would protect them.
Everyone curiously asked Su Wenzhe, “Where is this stall you speak of, sir?”
Su Wenzhe patiently explained, “Follow this road toward the west, and my third uncle’s barbecue stall will be in the open space.”
He initially wanted Su Fengzhi to set up his stall next to the tofu shop entrance, but Su Fengzhi was afraid he would interfere with his nephew’s business.
He felt it was inappropriate to set up his stall there, so he insisted on settling on the open space in the west. Still, Su Wenzhe was quite concerned.
However, Su Fengzhi was confident in his lamb skewers and said to Su Wenzhe, “Your sister taught us about the lamb skewers, so the business will undoubtedly become popular.”
Everyone in the Su family knew Su Binglan’s ideas would always work. Therefore, Su Wenzhe failed to persuade his third uncle.
At first, Su Fengzhi and his family were worried about setting up a stall on the west side of town because it was a remote area. Everyone was used to buying things in the east, and all the famous stalls were there.
After Su Fengzhi opened his stall, Su Wenzhe understood business would boom if the food were delicious. Even if it were far away, everyone would go there to buy the lamb skewers.
Moreover, Su Wenzhe had eaten the lamb skewers before and knew they were delicious, so his doubt disappeared instantly.
Many passersby also walked toward the west to see what a barbecue stall was. They wanted to know what kind of delicious food would be there because they could smell the fragrance from afar.
Su Wenzhe and Liu Yinyin were busy when they saw Luo Jin’an nearby. They could not help but feel amazed. Barring Luo Jin’an’s scar, his temperament and appearance would make one feel calm.
No wonder Su Binglan’s predecessor insisted on purchasing Luo Jin’an from the slave farm. Although it was expensive, it was all worth it mainly because the Su family had a stable income now.
Liu Yinyin looked at Luo Jin’an and asked happily, “What brings you here, Brother-in-law?”
Luo Jin’an replied, “I came to see if you guys needed help.”
Su Wenzhe hurriedly said, “You don’t need to do anything, Brother-in-law. I’ve already promised Binglan I will treat you well, so I can’t allow you to tire yourself.”
The couple dared not let Luo Jin’an help them because they feared Su Binglan would get angry if she found out. They spoke to their brother-in-law patiently and softly.
Su Wenzhe looked at Luo Jin’an and thought his sister was right. Luo Jin’an’s temperament resembled that of an immortal. In Su Binglan’s words, Luo Jin’an was elegant and otherworldly.
Therefore, menial jobs were not suitable for Luo Jin’an. The couple felt something was off when they thought of how their brother-in-law used to work in the fields. Indeed, the couple knew it was more befitting of Luo Jin’an to study at the academy.
Luo Jin’an thought of his wife’s words, and his expression softened. He said, “It’s okay. I won’t tire myself out. Just don’t tell her.”
Still, Su Wenzhe insisted, “That won’t do because everyone else is watching. You’re precious to my sister, and I’ve promised her I wouldn’t let you work. My parents also reminded me several times to take good care of you.”
After some thought, Luo Jin’an said, “Then I’ll go to the backyard and help with the fire.”
Su Wenzhe persisted, “My sister cleaned and prepared the clothes you’re wearing, so I can’t let you dirty them.”
Luo Jin’an helplessly rubbed his temples. ‘Forget it. I’ll go and check on the dessert shop instead.’
Li Shi was watching the dessert shop at that moment. Su Binglan had made plenty of desserts before leaving town, so the shop would have enough to sell for a long time. Everything was going well at the dessert shop.
Li Shi saw Luo Jin’an approaching and respectfully greeted him. He let Luo Jin’an be in charge of the front desk while he helped greet the customers at the door. Everything was going according to plan.
…
Su Fengzhi and his family had set up a stall in an open area. Previously, the open area was full of weeds, so Su Fenzhi and his family cleaned it up to sell their lamb skewers there. They also organized their stall neatly.
Su Fengzhi and his son made lamb skewers while Madam Liu helped greet the customers. When Su Wenlin brought his wife and son back from his father-in-law’s house, he discovered that his father had recovered.
Then he and his family excitedly went to help Su Fengzhi. The whole family prepared in advance since Su Wenlin and his family did not learn how to make lamb skewers.
They all barbecued skewers and talked at the same time.
Su Wenlin realized how energetic his father was and asked, “Father, I’m glad to see you like this.”
Su Fengzhi busied himself as he said, “It’s all thanks to your cousin. I took the medicine she gave me, and my nose completely recovered. My throat is almost better too.”
Su Wenlin sighed and said, “I must properly thank Binglan for all this. It’s just that she’s not around now.”
In the past, the atmosphere in Su Fengzhi’s home was gloomy because of his conditions. However, there was more laughter among his family now.