Husband, Let Me Touch Your Abs - Chapter 83

Chapter 83

 

The sky had yet to brighten, but the Zhao household was already bustling with activity.

 

A basin of water was splashed into the courtyard, startling the little black dog, which stood up and barked twice. Seeing no strangers, it groggily returned to its kennel, resting its head on its furry paws and continuing to doze.

 

“Don’t move. Let me tie your hair properly.”

 

Zhao Beichuan sat on a stool as Lu Yao bent down behind him, combing his thick, jet-black hair to the top of his head, where he tied it into a neat bun with a hairband. Finally, he placed a cap on his head, making him look refreshed and tidy.

 

Today, Zhao Beichuan wore a stone-blue short jacket with black trousers and cloth shoes handmade by Lu Yao.

 

“All done. You look so dashing,” Lu Yao said, tugging at his collar and leaning down to plant a kiss.

 

Zhao Beichuan held Lu Yao’s hand and replied, “You look great too.”

 

Lu Yao was wearing a willow-green short robe paired with brown trousers. Standing together, one a strong man and the other a handsome husband, anyone who saw them would surely comment on how well-matched they looked.

 

“Xiaonian, is everything ready for Douzi?”

 

“Ready!” The two children were also dressed in new clothes. Xiaonian wore an outfit she had made herself—a pinkish-red dress with beautifully embroidered plum blossoms on the hem and sleeves.

 

“Sister-in-law, let’s go!”

 

“Alright.”

 

Locking the main door behind them, the four headed towards their shop. Along the way, Lu Yao felt so nervous that his fingers cramped up.

 

“Do you remember everything I told you yesterday?”

 

Zhao Beichuan nodded. “Yes, smile when greeting customers, suggest a balanced mix of dishes, and recommend only one complicated dish at a time.” By complicated dishes, he meant those that required deep frying, like sweet and sour pork or candied radishes. If too many were ordered for one table, the wait for the next dish would be unbearably long.

 

Arriving at their shop, Lu Yao unlocked the door. Xiaonian and Xiaodou began fetching water, cleaning the floor, and wiping the tables, while Zhao Beichuan hung the newly made sign above the shop entrance.

 

Lu Yao made the final preparations by slicing commonly used ingredients and arranging them on plates for quick use when orders came in.

 

After finishing with the prep, he took some garlic cloves to peel, easing his tension.

 

Zhao Beichuan, equally anxious, flitted between tasks—sweeping the floor, wiping the door, and frequently checking whether the fish in the water tank were still alive.

 

Seeing him this flustered, Lu Yao chuckled and called him over, handing him two heads of garlic to peel.

 

Zhao Beichuan pulled up a stool to sit beside him. “Why am I so jittery?”

 

“Don’t worry. Whether we can keep the customers depends on you today.”

 

“I think our roles are mismatched. You’re good with words and should be out front welcoming customers. I should be cooking in the back.”

 

“But you don’t know how to cook.”

 

Zhao Beichuan scratched his head. “For today’s opening, you cook first. Teach me how when we have time.”

 

“Alright.”

 

The two sat side by side peeling garlic. Once done, the plump white cloves were stored in a jar for easy use later.

 

They washed green onions, chopping them into fine slices and strips, and julienned ginger. After ensuring the kitchen was well-stocked, they got up to open for business.

 

The sky was now fully bright, and the streets were gradually filling with people. When the hour arrived, Zhao Beichuan lit firecrackers, officially marking the grand opening of the Lu Family Eatery!

 

—

 

The posthouse remained bustling with visitors, many coming specifically to see Old Master Lin.

 

He was the Principal of the Imperial College. Although his position wasn’t particularly high and lacked actual power, he oversaw the highest institution of learning in the capital—a place many dreamed of entering.

 

However, the number of spots in the Imperial College was limited each year. Besides the children of royalty and nobility, officials from across the country often sought connections and backdoor arrangements to secure admission for their talented offspring. This made Old Master Lin the target of much flattery.

 

Beyond entry to the Imperial College, some sought to use him to connect with the Prime Minister.

 

The current Prime Minister, Liu Cheng’en, was Lin Jingxian’s disciple. It was said that Liu’s entry into the government was thanks to Lin’s personal recommendation.

 

Rumors had it that when Lin fell ill, Liu personally tended to him, serving medicine and meals by his bedside. Whether the stories were true or not, they spoke of the deep bond between the two.

 

After bidding farewell to the Prefectural Governor, the Headmaster of the Pingzhou Academy came calling shortly after.

 

It was nearing noon. Having promised Beidou to dine together, Lin Zijian grew anxious as it seemed the plan might fall through again.

 

Lin Jingxian, however, remained unhurried, smiling as he went out to greet his old friend. “Why are you only visiting me now? If you’d delayed any longer, I’d have come to find you.”

 

An elderly man of similar age approached with a smile. “You’re the busy one. I wouldn’t dare intrude.”

 

The two scrutinized each other for a moment. He Zhiqiu said, “It’s only been seven years, yet you’ve aged this much.”

 

“Look who’s talking. Isn’t your hair entirely white?”

 

“Bah, I’ve had premature gray hair since my student days. But how’s your health? I heard you returned home to recuperate. I wanted to visit, but work kept piling up at the academy.”

 

“I’m much better now.”

 

Lin Zijian, standing beside his grandfather, curiously eyed the old man.

 

“Is this your grandson? He’s grown so much! The last time I saw him, he was just a month old. He even peed all over me when I held him.”

 

Lin Zijian widened his eyes. That actually happened?

 

Lin Jingxian laughed heartily. “This is your grandfather’s dear friend. Call him Grandpa He.”

 

Lin Zijian quickly cupped his hands in greeting. “Greetings, Grandpa He.”

 

“Good boy. I came in such a rush today that I didn’t bring you a gift. I’ll make up for it next time.”

 

Lin Jingxian waved it off. “What’s the point of such formalities between us? Let’s go out and eat while we catch up.”

 

—

 

Meanwhile, at Lu’s Eatery, the sign swayed gently in the wind, but the interior was a bit quiet.

 

After setting off the firecrackers, everyone sat in the main hall waiting for customers, but there wasn’t a single soul in sight.

 

Xiaodou couldn’t help but yawn.

 

Xiaonian whispered, “Sister-in-law, could it be that we won’t have a single customer today?”

 

Lu Yao, equally uncertain, forced himself to appear confident. “No, it’s not even noon yet. Let’s wait another half-hour. Customers should come soon.”

 

Zhao Beichuan, growing more anxious, started sweeping the floor again. Although he usually appeared steady, he was only 19 years old. Without Lu Yao leading the way, he wouldn’t have had the courage to spend several hundred taels to open this eatery.

 

After another quarter of an hour, someone finally appeared at the entrance. The man peered inside and asked, “Are you open for business?”

 

Lu Yao’s eyes lit up as he quickly got up to greet him. “Yes, sir! Please come in!”

 

“I’d like to reserve a table. Some friends will join me later.”

 

“Sir, you can also order in advance. That way, the dishes will be served quickly when you arrive.”

 

Hearing this, the man walked in and asked about the menu.

 

Lu Yao, fearing the man might not be literate, enthusiastically described their specialty dishes and prices. “How many in your party, sir?”

 

“Five.”

 

“In that case, I recommend three hot dishes and two cold ones. For hot dishes, you must try our specialty braised fish, made from freshly caught fish. The taste is unmatched.”

 

The man nodded cheerfully. “Alright, I’ll take the braised fish and that lion’s head dish. It sounds impressive. For the other dishes, you can decide, as long as they’re enough for five.”

 

“Understood!” Lu Yao quickly jotted down the order, adding minced tofu, wood ear mushrooms with eggs, and fried peanuts to the list.

 

“For staples, we have millet rice, soup noodles, and sweet cakes. Which would you like?”

 

“Millet rice.”

 

Lu Yao estimated the cost: a three-and-a-half-pound fish at 60 coins, plus the other dishes and staples, totaled 205 coins. He rounded it down to 200.

 

“Your prices are reasonable. The last time we ate at Yixing House, four of us spent over 300 coins. I hope your food tastes as good as it sounds.”

 

Lu Yao smiled. “If you’re not satisfied, the meal’s on me.”

 

Hearing such confidence, the man relaxed and handed over a string of coins as a deposit. “Prepare the dishes. We’ll be here at noon.”

 

“Understood! Have a good day, sir!”

 

Lu Yao tossed the money to Zhao Beichuan. “Handle the customers just like I did. I’ll head to the back to prep the food!”

 

Clutching the coins, Zhao Beichuan was so nervous that he broke into a sweat. Chatting up customers was much harder for him than working. He quickly pulled Xiaodou and Xiaonian aside to practice.

 

—

 

“A bowl of mixed stew is 20 coins, cold bitter greens are 20 coins…”

 

“Brother, you got it wrong. The cold bitter herb salad is twelve wen, not twenty wen,” Xiaodou corrected him.

 

“Alright, cold bitter herb salad is twelve wen, fried peanuts fifteen wen, garlic ribs fifty wen, and another bowl of mixed stew makes it… makes it…”

 

Xiaonian held her forehead. “Ninety-seven wen. Round it down to ninety-five wen.”

 

“This is too hard! I’ll greet the customers later; you two help take the orders.”

 

Just as he was speaking, four customers entered through the door. “Is this your grand opening today?”

 

“Yes, that’s right. Please come in, dear guests!”

 

The four picked a table by the window. “What signature dishes do you recommend?”

 

Zhao Beichuan, a bit nervous, blurted out the wrong price, “Braised carp, eighty wen per jin…”

 

“Huh?!” The customers all looked up.

 

Xiaonian quickly pulled on her brother’s sleeve. “Wrong, it’s eighteen wen per jin.”

 

“Oh, right, right, eighteen wen.”

 

“Brother, let me handle it.” Xiaonian cleared her throat and confidently recited the dish names and prices. The lead guest joked, “The big boss almost scared us away with that opening.”

 

Zhao Beichuan wiped the sweat from his forehead. “Sorry, sorry.”

 

“But the little girl was quick and smooth with the menu. Why don’t you recommend a few dishes for us?”

 

Learning from Lu Yao’s style, Xiaonian said, “Our restaurant’s signature dish is the braised fish. I guarantee once you try it, you’ll want it again!”

 

“Alright, we’ll have a fish then. Also, some shredded pork in Beijing sauce, one whole braised chicken, and a plate of cold tofu.”

 

Xiaonian quickly memorized the order. “Alright! Please choose your fish. All our fish are alive, slaughtered and cooked fresh to guarantee their quality!”

 

“With a sales pitch like that from the little one, we have to go for a big fish today.”

 

Zhao Beichuan accompanied the guests to choose their fish. Xiaonian excitedly sent her brother to report the order to her sister-in-law and stayed behind the counter, ready to greet new customers.

 

In the kitchen, Lu Yao was preparing dishes for the first table when Xiaodou rushed in. “What’s wrong?”

 

“More guests have arrived, ordering braised fish, shredded pork in Beijing sauce, a whole braised chicken, and cold tofu.”

 

“Got it. Tell your brother that the fish and pork will take some time, but the other dishes will be ready soon.”

 

The braised chicken had been marinating overnight and was ready to serve after being shredded. The cold tofu was also quick and easy to prepare. Within moments, both dishes were ready.

 

Just then, Zhao Beichuan came in with the freshly slaughtered fish. “The customers picked a seven-jin(3.5kg) fish!” The fish alone sold for over 120 wen!

 

“Leave it there for now and quickly serve these two dishes.”

 

“Alright.” Zhao Beichuan washed his hands, carried the dishes out, and served them. “Here you go, dear guests. Enjoy these first; the other dishes will be ready soon.”

 

Among the diners was a guest named Cao, ranked fifth in his family, so everyone called him Fifth Master Cao. His greatest passion in life was fine dining.

 

He had a nickname, “Cao Ironmouth,” and he was the one who wrote the rhyme about the city’s four great restaurants. With such a discerning palate, average food didn’t satisfy him.

 

If he deemed something delicious and praised it, that restaurant was sure to gain fame. Yazhaju was one such example.

 

Yazhaju had started as a small eatery, but thanks to its quality dishes that impressed Fifth Master Cao, it had risen to become one of the city’s four great restaurants in just a few years.

 

Coincidentally, while heading home yesterday afternoon, Fifth Master Cao heard a street vendor advertising this new eatery. His curiosity was piqued, and he decided to visit the very next morning with friends.

 

“Let’s see how this place tastes,” he said, picking up a piece of chicken and placing it in his mouth. His expression froze, and his brows furrowed as he savored the flavor.

 

The others, curious, asked, “How is it?”

 

“What is this taste?”

 

Zhao Beichuan’s heart sank. “Dear guest, is something wrong?”

 

Fifth Master Cao quickly waved his hand. “No, no, it’s just that this chicken is incredible. What did you put in it to make it taste this good?”

 

There were indeed other shops selling braised meats and chickens in the city, but none used as many spices as Lu Yao. The chicken had marinated overnight, soaking up all the flavors. One bite was tender and bursting with aroma!

 

Hearing this, the others grabbed their chopsticks. Before the other dishes arrived, the plate of chicken was nearly gone.

 

“Boss, give us another braised chicken!”

 

Zhao Beichuan cheerfully agreed and hurried back to the kitchen. “Lu Yao, Lu Yao!”

 

“What is it?” Lu Yao, busy frying fish, was startled.

 

“The guests want another braised chicken!”

 

“I thought something was wrong. You scared me.” Lu Yao handed him some tongs to retrieve the chicken from the pot, instructing him to shred it and serve.

 

Two fish were fried simultaneously. The larger one went directly into the pot to stew, while the smaller one was set aside for the next group of guests. Meanwhile, Lu Yao prepared the shredded pork in Beijing sauce.

 

The vegetables had been prepped in advance, leaving only the meat to be stir-fried. After soaking the meat to remove any blood and mixing it with egg white, it was fried in oil for about ten seconds until cooked. Then it was stir-fried with sauce, plated, and sprinkled with sesame seeds.

 

Lu Yao lifted the pot lid to check the braised fish. The sauce had almost reduced, so he called Zhao Beichuan to serve it.

 

The fish was so large that it needed two plates to hold it all. Along with the shredded pork in Beijing sauce, the dishes were served together, their tantalizing aroma filling the room.

 

The guests hadn’t even started eating, but they couldn’t help but praise, “What amazing culinary skills!”

 

Fifth Master Cao had never had fish prepared like this before. Other restaurants typically steamed or boiled fish, which often left a fishy taste. But this fish had no trace of fishiness in its aroma.

 

He eagerly took a bite and immediately gave a thumbs-up. This fish was incredible!

 

From this moment on, Yazhaju would have to step aside in his heart to make room for this Lu family eatery.

 

The others were more intrigued by the shredded pork in Beijing sauce. As seasoned food lovers, they instinctively wrapped the meat and scallions in tofu skin, marveling at the texture. This small eatery really had something special!

 

Xiaonian and Xiaodou crouched in the back, calculating the earnings. Just this table alone brought in over 300 wen. If they served ten or so tables a day, they’d make a fortune!

 

Seeing the diners’ satisfaction, Zhao Beichuan finally relaxed. Soon, two more groups of diners entered, drawn by the aroma inside, both ordering braised fish.

 

At two quarters past noon, Old Master Lin and his companions arrived.

 

As they stepped inside, Xiaodou quickly ran over to greet them. “Hello, Grandpa Lin!”

 

Lin Jingxian affectionately patted his head. “It’s been a while, and you’ve grown taller.”

 

“Brother Zijian said the same thing yesterday, but I didn’t notice it myself.”

 

Beside him, He Zhiqiu curiously studied Zhao Beidou. “And this child is?”

 

“A little friend I met in Qiushui Town. He studied with me for a few days and recently passed the county exam. He’ll be taking the provincial exam soon.”

 

He Zhiqiu took a closer look at Zhao Beidou, impressed by the boy who had caught Lin Jingxian’s eye.

 

The aroma in the shop reminded Old Master Lin of his hunger. “Let’s stop standing in the doorway and sit down to chat.”

 

Xiaodou led the three to an empty table. “Grandpa Lin, what would you like to eat?”

 

Lin Zijian eagerly replied, “Yesterday’s fish. Let’s have another.”

 

Lin Jingxian added, “Can you still make the minced tofu? Since leaving Qiushui Town, I haven’t had tofu as good as yours.”

 

Xiaodou quickly nodded. “Yes, we can make it.”

 

“Then add a plate of cold bitter herb salad and three bowls of noodle soup. Let’s start with that, and we’ll order more if needed.”

 

Xiaodou noted the order and ran to inform Lu Yao.

 

He Zhiqiu, surprised, remarked to his old friend, “I remember you never cared much for food. How come you’ve changed as you’ve gotten older?”

 

“That’s because you haven’t tasted their cooking. Once you do, you’ll never forget it.”

 

While they waited, two more tables of diners arrived, filling the room with the rich aroma of dishes, making everyone salivate.

 

Zhao Beichuan hadn’t expected such a busy opening day. He rushed around tirelessly, even accidentally serving the wrong dish once, quickly compensating the table with an additional dish at no charge.

 

Xiaonian’s voice grew hoarse from greeting guests, but the smile on her face never faded. People jokingly called her “Little Shopkeeper,” praising her capability despite her young age.

 

It wasn’t until the end of the afternoon, after seeing off the last table of guests, that Lu Yao finally took a break. Exhausted, he slumped in a chair, arms too tired to lift.

 

Xiaodou brought over the ledger for him to review. They had served fifteen tables that day, carefully recording every dish and payment.

 

The most expensive table spent over 700 wen, while the cheapest only ordered two dishes for 80 wen. The total income for the day was four guan(string of 1000wen) and 650 wen(Total 4650 wen).

 

The number startled Lu Yao, who quickly recalculated with an abacus. No mistake—the amount was correct!

 

After deducting the cost of fish, meat, chicken, and wine, they had made at least three taels of silver(3000 wen) that day!

 

And that was with some dishes running out later in the day. If they had been fully stocked, they could have made over four taels!

 

Zhao Beichuan was equally stunned by the earnings. He brought out the wooden moneybox, and the family started stringing copper coins together. Soon, the table was piled high with strings of coins.

 

The worries, anxiety, and fear of the past days vanished completely. Overwhelmed with joy, Lu Yao hugged Zhao Beichuan and the two children tightly. The family wept tears of happiness.

 

“We did it. Our eatery made it!”