NOVEL WEB Chapter 40: Chapter 40: Drawing in Customers
The shop began to take shape as the workers set up the shelves under Qi Jue's direction. The previously empty space now had a tidy arrangement—shelves lined the walls on either side, each with twenty compartments adorned with simple decorative carvings. A central counter was placed in the middle, covered with soft cloth, and two potted plants were positioned by the entrance, adding a touch of freshness. Further inside, a vacant area was left open, waiting to be filled with future products.
Jiang Huaiyu glanced around the shop with satisfaction.
"Looks good. Come, help me with this," she called out to Qi Jue.
She opened several rough cloth bags filled with ground spices and inspected each batch carefully. Though the powder wasn't as fine as she'd prefer, the clean, uniform colors and pure aroma reassured her of the workers' meticulous effort. Jiang Huaiyu tasted a small pinch and nodded approvingly.
"Bring out the wooden barrels we had made," she instructed.
Qi Jue complied, retrieving five barrels from beneath the counter. Without measuring, Jiang Huaiyu began mixing the spices with practiced ease. She worked like an artist, instinctively judging the ratios by sight and feel.
Initially, Qi Jue thought it inappropriate to watch, as it seemed like she was preparing a trade secret. But Jiang Huaiyu worked so openly, pouring and mixing without hesitation, that he realized there was no way he could memorize the process. Her quick, fluid movements left him utterly baffled.
"Stir this until it's evenly mixed," she said, gesturing to the first barrel.
Qi Jue grabbed a stick and diligently stirred while Jiang Huaiyu moved on to prepare other blends. Each mix had its own purpose—some for stews, others for stir-fries, soups, or cold dishes. By the time all five barrels were filled, the shop was filled with a rich, tantalizing aroma that drifted out onto the street. Passersby slowed, sniffing curiously, though none ventured inside.
"Let's set up some displays on the shelves. What about those wooden frames I asked for?"
Qi Jue produced five unvarnished wooden frames, perfectly sized to fit atop the counter. Jiang Huaiyu nodded approvingly and began scooping the spice blends into square sheets of yellow paper, folding and wrapping each packet with care. She worked swiftly, managing to package a third of the barrels' contents by the afternoon. The packets were stacked neatly on the counter, with a sample of each blend displayed above for customers to taste.
"Not bad," she said, dusting off her hands. "By the way, what have you been eating these days?"
Qi Jue hesitated, his ears reddening slightly. "Just some food from a nearby stall…"
"A stall?" Jiang Huaiyu raised an eyebrow, seeing through his attempts to downplay the situation. She didn't press further, sparing him the awkwardness of elaborating. "From now on, I'll have Xiao Cao bring you lunch and dinner. Also, I'd like you to set up a small cooking station outside the shop and prepare dishes for passersby to sample. Would you be willing?"
Qi Jue's expression brightened with understanding. "A clever idea! Letting people taste it for themselves will do more than any amount of advertising."
"Glad you think so." Jiang Huaiyu smiled. While she wasn't expecting immediate results, it was clear Qi Jue was dedicated and pragmatic—qualities she greatly appreciated.
Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of a short, stout man with a cheerful demeanor.
"What are you selling here?" the man asked, his small eyes narrowing in curiosity.
Jiang Huaiyu greeted him warmly. "These are traditional spice blends, crafted using recipes passed down for generations. Just add a pinch while cooking, and your dishes will be bursting with flavor."
"Generations, you say?" The man's interest piqued as he approached the counter. He eyed the displayed samples, his fingers twitching with anticipation. "Can I try some?"
"Of course," Jiang Huaiyu replied graciously.
The man pinched a small amount of the chili blend and tasted it. His face immediately turned red as he stumbled back a few steps, fanning his mouth.
"Spicy, isn't it?" Jiang Huaiyu chuckled, handing him a napkin. "That's our aromatic chili powder, made with over a dozen spices and herbs. It's perfect as a dipping sauce or seasoning, depending on how you use it."
Though he was momentarily overwhelmed by the heat, the man's eyes lit up with appreciation. "It's got a kick, but I can already imagine how amazing it'd be on some boiled meat! How much is it?"
"Thirty wen per packet," Qi Jue answered promptly.
"Not bad at all! Give me three packets of each flavor," the man declared, pulling out a pouch of coins.
As Qi Jue tied up the packets with straw string, the man introduced himself as Zhao Qin, owner of the nearby Fu Lai Restaurant. "If these spices are as good as they smell, you've got yourself a regular customer," he said with a grin, carrying the packages back to his establishment.
After Zhao Qin left, Jiang Huaiyu turned to Qi Jue. "You handled that well. If business picks up, don't hesitate to hire an assistant from the labor office to help with deliveries and stocking."
Qi Jue nodded with a small smile, clearly pleased with the praise.
However, the rest of the day passed quietly. Despite the enticing aromas wafting from the shop, most pedestrians were uninterested once they learned the products were for cooking. The concept of purchasing spices for home use was unfamiliar to many, who preferred dining out or sticking to simple salt and soy sauce.
Unfazed, Jiang Huaiyu began planning her next move. "Tomorrow, I'll bring a brazier, some charcoal, and a pot. Let's show them what these blends can do."
The following day, Jiang Huaiyu arrived at the shop with Xiao Cao and her son in tow. Xiao Cao, excited to see the shop for the first time, eagerly helped set up a small cooking station outside. They lit a clay stove, placed a pot of water over the flames, and began preparing a dish of braised lamb.
As the lamb simmered, Jiang Huaiyu added a generous scoop of the aromatic spice blend. The robust fragrance mingled with the smoky scent of the charcoal, creating an irresistible aroma that wafted through the street. Passersby stopped in their tracks, drawn in by the enticing smell.
"This should do the trick," Jiang Huaiyu said, smiling as a small crowd began to gather.