Gu Zi had just finished perfecting the broth for the soup, delicately integrating small pieces of flour, shredded seaweed, tofu skin, and wood ear mushrooms into the simmering pot. Covering it, she announced, "Spicy soup. It's seasoned with salt and has a distinctive taste. It's particularly rejuvenating for men after a day's work."
Li Hua, curious, sampled the concoction with a small spoon. The freshness of the stock was unmistakable, yet it diverged from the light soups she was accustomed to. The soup was a symphony of spicy and sour notes, enriched with fragrance, and its texture was both sticky and smooth on her palate. With just a sip, she felt a burst of revitalization.
"Where does this delicacy originate from?" Li Hua inquired, her curiosity piqued. "I've never eaten anything like this before."
Gu Zi said, "I believe it's from the northern region. It's a breakfast favorite there. I picked up the recipe from others."
As the soup neared completion, Gu Zi began to add sesame oil and vinegar for the final seasoning touch, then bent down to remove the firewood. The spicy soup was ready to be served.
Meanwhile, Li Hua busied herself by artfully slicing the chopped green onion meat pie into a fan shape, as Gu Zi packed both the spicy soup and meat pie into boxes.
Contemplating her earlier thoughts, Li Hua ventured, "Sister, could you teach me how to make this? I'm eager to learn."
Gu Zi, without pausing her activities, looked up at Li Hua and reassured, "Of course, as long as you're willing to learn. Sister-in-law, what are you planning?
Li Hua nodded slowly, sharing her vision, "With your and your brother-in-law's help, our family could start a small business. I've discussed it with your brother. He works at a pig farm, and I don't want to sit idle. I'm thinking of getting my parents to help sell some items."
Although Su Shen was a big boss, the Lin family was determined not to rely solely on their affluent son-in-law. They aspired to use their own skills to earn a living and lead a fulfilling life.
Li Hua was aware that her sister-in-law was skilled in preparing many local specialties. Even if she learned just a fraction from her, she believed she could manage a food stall.
After tasting her sister's spicy soup today, she felt that there was nothing more suitable than this. She wanted to try selling this in town.
After sampling her sister's spicy soup that day, Li Hua was convinced it was the perfect product to sell in town. Firstly, the cooling weather made the warm, spicy soup an ideal remedy against the chill. Moreover, the soup, filled with meat and vegetables, could serve as a hearty breakfast, offering simplicity and convenience likely to appeal to many.
Yet, understanding her plans were still in their infancy, Li Hua was keen to share them with Gu Zi, seeking her opinion and insight.
To Gu Zi's surprise, Li Hua's ideas mirrored her own. She had long harbored a desire to pass on her culinary knowledge to Li Hua, encouraging her to embark on a small business venture. Gu Zi believed that seizing the entrepreneurial spirit of the age was essential to avoid future regrets.
However, Gu Zi had hesitated to offer unsolicited advice, aware that genuine eagerness to learn is not always guaranteed. She had been waiting for the right moment, which unexpectedly came when Li Hua approached her first. Naturally, Gu Zi was more than willing to teach.
"You're interested in selling spicy soup? That's a brilliant idea!" she exclaimed, encouragingly. "When do you wish to start learning? I'm available in the afternoons and have all the ingredients. Feel free to come over."
Before setting off with Li Hua, Gu Zi arranged for Mother Lin to look after the children.
She mentioned to Li Hua, "Certainly, but if we're serious about this business, we might need to refine the recipe. If I'm busy, I'll inform Su Shen in advance. I'll keep you updated when you deliver the food."
The sisters-in-law shared a sense of excitement as they walked, discussing their plans and feeling elated all the way to the Lin family's paddy field, where the sun was beginning to set.
Pointing at the plot of land before them, Li Hua explained, "This is the land we rented. You might not know, but the land our grandmother gave to our parents is barren for rice cultivation. We can only grow some resilient vegetables. It's particularly challenging to manage."
Hearing this, Gu Zi felt a pang of sadness. She knew the Lin family had been given the short end of the stick during the division of family assets, concluding that such relatives were better off avoided.
Gu Zi had no desire to interact with that so-called grandmother, including the uncle and aunt. Yet, she realized avoiding them might not be feasible.
She cautioned Li Hua, "Your uncle and aunt have previously taken advantage of our family. They're probably still resentful. You must beware of them.."
...