Ye Tiancheng returned to the hotel with the steamed buns, paid for another day, and then went with Xiao Pang to chat with Sister Fang. The main purpose was to investigate the Jiang family, which was as impenetrable as a bronze wall and iron bastion, and see if they could find any breakthroughs.
"You're talking about the Jiang family, we look down on them completely. Those people's ancestors did wicked things. They thought that after so long, no one would mind anymore? Many people here have already been affected by them. Their ancestors' graves were dug up, so naturally, they really hate that family. They don't dare to come out to buy things, otherwise, it's very likely they would add laxatives and deliberately bring them bad luck."
He didn't expect the Jiang family's reputation here to be so bad, but it was normal. Who told their ancestors to take shortcuts? Once you take a shortcut, you must be prepared for the day when your name is reviled for generations.
"If you want to make friends with the Jiang family, what method would be more effective?"
"Why would you provoke those people? There isn't a single good person in the Jiang family. On the surface, they claim to have washed their hands of their past, but in reality, they haven't stopped doing those dirty deeds. Their descendants are also dealing in antiques here. It's obvious they're not good people."
Sister Fang's prejudice against the Jiang family was evident. As soon as she heard someone wanted to make friends with this detestable family, she didn't hide her expression at all. It was as if she had seen a ghost, and she was clearly unhappy.
"We have our reasons, it's not to do those dirty deeds with them. But don't worry, we won't do such thankless and unrewarding things. Doing too many wicked deeds will lead to being childless."
Under Ye Tiancheng's fervent plea, Sister Fang temporarily chose to believe him. While tidying the front desk, she said carelessly.
"You're wrong about that. The Jiang family hasn't been childless yet, but it's close. There's only one young grandson left in the family, and that grandson is very strange. I heard he was sickly as a child. He's now nine years old, but he's like a normal child of four or five. I heard the child is very abnormal and probably won't live long, he'll die soon."
Sister Fang, who was usually so good-natured, was now actively cursing them. This showed that she really couldn't stand the sins committed by the Jiang family. It was actually quite normal. After doing so many wicked deeds, if people said a couple of words like this, even if the Jiang family were present, they wouldn't dare to retort.
"I haven't heard about a child. Does that child have any hobbies?"
"I heard he likes to eat Tang Ren (sugar figures), and the Jiang family spoils him very much. I think the main reason is that they are afraid their only son will die. If that only son dies, the Jiang family will be childless because they did too many wicked things like tomb raiding. That would be quite satisfying. I don't want to curse a child, but our family's tomb was also robbed before. Thinking about it makes me quite angry."
This child actually likes to eat Tang Ren. That's easy to handle. Ye Tiancheng immediately decided to set up a stall. He would set up a stall in the town for a day or two, and then travel around before going to the Jiang family's mansion to sell Tang Ren. This would probably be legitimate. Otherwise, selling directly at their doorstep would always arouse suspicion, making it seem too fake.
"In short, don't get too close to the Jiang family. Such a wicked family, if you get close to them, there will be no good end. Sooner or later, you will be implicated and die by their hands. None of them are good people; they are all vermin."
Sister Fang told them so much because she didn't treat them as outsiders. In fact, Ye Tiancheng was quite touched. So, he decided to give the proprietress some face. When she spoke, Ye Tiancheng didn't contradict her and even actively agreed. This was also a matter of etiquette.
"You're right. Don't worry, proprietress. I'm not someone who can't distinguish between good and evil. I will definitely remember everything you've said."
After saying this, Ye Tiancheng extended his hotel stay for another three days because this plan couldn't be completed in a day or two. Regardless of whether he lived there in the future, since the proprietress had helped them so much, he couldn't let her down. He had to do what he should do and not disappoint her too much.
"Oh, my dear brother, you're too kind. I'm just harsh with my words, but sometimes I don't have that many bad intentions. Don't mind what I said; if it really came down to doing something against them, I wouldn't be able to do it."
Ye Tiancheng knew that this was officially called "a sharp tongue but a soft heart." Anyway, Sister Fang was a good person. When Ye Tiancheng said he wanted to extend his stay for three days and handed the money to the proprietress, she smiled so broadly that her eyes disappeared.
With everything ready, Ye Tiancheng began to set up a small stall selling Tang Ren in the town. Everything on this stall was made by Pang Zi. Lin Xue's spiritual power was not needed yet. It would be better to use spiritual power when it was time to lure the Jiang family's young grandson. For now, they would conserve it.
Ye Tiancheng started setting up the stall in the afternoon, just to act. He didn't intend to make money. After all, a Tang Ren cost only five yuan. If he relied on selling Tang Ren to make money, it would probably take a very long time.
"Brother Pang, your Tang Ren is really delicious. My little cousin bought one and I ate it, and I thought it was delicious, so I specifically came to patronize your business. Brother Pang, my mom said you're from out of town. Are Tang Ren from your place always this delicious? Can I go home with you?"
All of this was just to execute the plan. Even Pang Zi didn't expect that he would adapt to this kind of life so well. When this child ran over, Pang Zi even wished he had his own child, because children are indeed the cutest creatures in the world, making one's heart feel like melting cotton candy.
"They're very delicious. If you buy two Tang Ren at once, I'll give you a small Tang Ren shaped like you. You'll definitely like it."
Pang Zi was very patient with children. He looked at the child as if he were his own son, and spoke to the child in a very gentle voice, making people feel that he was a very loving person.
"I'm really impressed. You're giving away all your Tang Ren. Not only are they sold cheaply, but you're also giving away so many. I think you're purely going to bankrupt yourself."
Ye Tiancheng casually chimed in. After all, Ye Tiancheng also liked children. Looking at these little ones, he felt like he was seeing the future of humanity. Their innocent little faces and the sparkle in their eyes when they spoke were something adults couldn't achieve.
"Uncle, your Tang Ren is really delicious. I wish you good business."
The child was clever and probably sensed that Ye Tiancheng was being a bit critical. He quickly offered some commercial flattery, which made Ye Tiancheng feel embarrassed to say anything else. The child had already praised him. If he deliberately found fault, wouldn't he seem petty? Even a child felt he had a broader perspective.
A few children ran over to buy Tang Ren, and some were brought by adults. From the afternoon until the evening, it was originally just to act, but Pang Zi got quite into character. When they were packing up, he said to Ye Tiancheng.
"I've discovered that no matter how rich I am, I'm destined to be a chef. As long as others like what I make, I don't care. It doesn't matter if I earn less money, as long as I'm happy."
This Pang Zi was always thinking about things. However, Ye Tiancheng felt that everyone had their own aspirations. Pang Zi could express his true thoughts, at least he didn't treat him as an outsider.
"In the future, I'll still let you be a chef. If one day we can't make it anymore, we'll go to this small town and open a restaurant, and you can also sell Tang Ren. Pang Zi, I'm not kidding, your cooking skills are really something. Every time, you manage to amaze people. Even making a small Tang Ren, you can make it outstanding. I'm truly impressed by you."
Pang Zi was very pleased to be praised and smiled so broadly that his eyes disappeared. After returning to the hotel, they still had two Tang Ren left, which they directly gave to Sister Fang.
Pang Zi's Tang Ren used maltose, and there were some thoughtful touches. Not only did children love to eat them, but adults would also love them. The key was that adults wouldn't suffer from eating too much sugar. These candies were specially processed and did not cause much harm to the body, making them suitable for all ages.
"I happened to have made extra wontons. You must have been busy all afternoon. I heard from people that it's not easy to drive such a long distance to sell things. I just happened to have made a lot of wontons. Why don't I serve you each a bowl to try?"
They were indeed busy until late today. Many restaurants had already closed. It was not appropriate to go out to find food at this time.
"Then I'll trouble you, proprietress."
"Why are you being so polite with me? I've always been quite generous and don't like to fuss over things. Let's not treat ourselves as outsiders. Just consider me an older sister. You can call me Sister Fang from now on."
After saying that, she went to the kitchen to get two large bowls of wontons. Ye Tiancheng shamelessly asked his disciple Lin Xue for another bowl and then called Lin Xue out of her room to eat. The three of them ate the three bowls of large wontons as if they hadn't eaten in days, finishing them quickly.
"Sister Fang, I really didn't know before that wontons could be so delicious. It seems you're also a master at cooking. I really underestimated you before."
This time, Pang Zi wasn't just saying it to flatter her, but he truly thought so. Delicious food sometimes lies in small differences, everything is in a single thought. If it's not delicious, you can't pinpoint the strange taste, and if it's delicious, you can't pinpoint why it's good. Anyway, as soon as it entered your mouth, you could immediately see the difference.
"I just casually wrapped some wontons and boiled them. If I have to say where I put in effort, it's that my ingredients are fresh, and my wontons are bigger than those sold outside. Anyway, as long as you like them. You've paid a lot for rent, and it's rare for customers to stay for such a long time. It's not a problem to earn a little extra by giving you something delicious. Besides, I ate your maltose, and your Tang Ren are super delicious. I can't just eat them for free."
This Sister Fang is really great. If she weren't a bit older and of a different generation, Pang Zi might have fallen for such a virtuous and capable woman, who was also cheerful and generous. She looked like a good wife who could manage a household.
After eating the wontons, they rested. The next day, they set up the stall for the morning, and in the afternoon, they went to the old Jiang family mansion to act.
Carrying a box, Pang Zi was responsible for carrying the items, and Ye Tiancheng was responsible for calling out to sell them. The two of them cooperated very well.
"Tang Ren, selling Tang Ren! Super delicious Tang Ren, everyone come and buy quickly! If you have children at home, they will definitely like it. Our product is very popular among children, it's a star product among kids."