the curtain, she watched the squad of soldiers who had just passed by, yawning, and the searchlights sweeping aimlessly.In the flash of light, ripples swiftly opened the window, sending the adjutant's..."I think we can sell scallion pancakes with fillings and a bowl of hot soup at our stall. Business would definitely be good in the winter, and Xia Tian could make mung bean soup in the summer."
Scallion pancake
The elderly couple from the Xing family had never heard of this before, so they looked to their daughter for an explanation.
"Mom and Dad, actually this way of eating is from Northeast China. It's just big pancakes rolled with vegetables. These vegetables can be cold or stir-fried, meat or vegetarian, and you can add some sauce or a fried egg in it. It's nutritious and delicious."
Ripple explained.
"How much oil would that be It's winter now, there are only cabbages and potatoes, everyone eats the same three things, will anyone buy it"
Xing Laotou said he wasn't very optimistic.
"Father, let me and Mother prepare this food first. After you try it, we can calculate the cost and see if we can make a profit before deciding on a price. What do you think"
Ripple said in a bargaining tone.
"Don't worry about making food right away, tell me your plans first."
Old Xing stroked the cigarette holder in his hand and said.
"Father, I said that when spring comes I don't want you and mother to plant anymore. Your bodies aren't as strong as they used to be. This winter we barely got you healthy after all the soup and medicine. If you start working in the fields again, it'll be for nothing!"
So, I was thinking that before school starts, I could find you all something to do in the county to make some money. I'll be going to school, but you'll still be by my side, and I'll have three meals a day taken care of. Then you won't have to worry so much.
It's just past Chinese New Year, and there are about ten days left before the cram school starts. Let's give it a try and see if we can set up a breakfast stall near our school. If business is good, we can also go to the factory gates in the county during lunchtime. All in all, it'll be an extra source of income.
"Even when I'm on vacation, I can still help you guys. Just wait until I get into college and have enough tuition saved up. Then we can go to the city together and experience college life."
Ripple didn't hide anything, directly stating her future plans. She knew that the family still had Old Xing calling the shots, and to do anything she had to convince her father first.
"Little sister, doing these things requires capital. Are you thinking of using the compensation the Li family gave you"
Old Xing asked.
"Well, money just sitting there doesn't make more money, it might as well be used to do something."
What if we lose
"Then let's just pretend we never got any compensation. When I get into college, I'll apply for work-study programs. I have hands and feet, I can always afford to finish my studies."
Ripples said firmly.
"Little sister, tell me the truth. Was it because your three older brothers said something during New Year's that you're afraid I and your mother will soften our hearts and give them money"
Old Mr. Xing was not senile. He had some guesses about his youngest daughter's proposal.
Ripples, after hearing this, said with a strained smile:
"Father, mother, even though my three older brothers are your children, if, I mean if, the three brothers really encounter difficulties and want to use the Li family's compensation money to help them, will you give it or not
"
This made me unhappy, after all this was compensation for the damage to my reputation, and I didn't even use it myself. Now that it's being used in my brother's house, I definitely feel uncomfortable about it.
If you don't give it, won't you be afraid that your three sons will be disheartened If it's really because you don't give money, and your three sons suffer financially, will you two feel comfortable about it Will you not resent me, your daughter"
Because Ripple's words were too blunt, the elderly couple fell silent at once.
Just as the daughter said, it's one thing if one doesn't have money to help their sons. But it's another matter entirely if one is capable of helping but chooses not to out of concern for the youngest daughter.
"Alas! Children are all debts."
Elder Xing sighed and said.
"Dad, what I said was the worst-case scenario. If the breakfast business goes well and our family has some income, you and Mom might want to help pull our three older brothers up, too. Then everyone would benefit."
However, I'll just be upfront about it. After all, this stall will definitely cost money, and I'm the one paying for it. They can't interfere with our small business. Once I get into college and leave, they can buy our stall from us if they want to.
The ripples laid all the cards out on the table, making everything clear.
"Alright, since you've already made up your mind, then give it a try. If it doesn't work out, just completely dismiss this idea and strive to get into a good university. You don't have to worry about tuition fees, I and your mother are still capable of handling them."
Mr. Xing knew his daughter was determined. Ever since she failed the college entrance exam, he had been holding back a breath of anger. His three sisters-in-law were all unwilling to let their elderly parents support their youngest daughter in studying again, and they subtly hinted that they should marry her off as soon as possible.
The three sisters-in-law didn't want to take advantage of the situation, and they didn't want to make their in-laws spend more money. They always believed that the Xing family's money belonged to the three brothers and had nothing to do with Lian Yi, their daughter who was about to get married.
The elderly couple also separated their family because the three daughters-in-law and youngest daughter didn't get along, at least they can live a peaceful life for two days.
"Father, mother, please rest assured. After I graduate from university, I will be assigned a job and stay in the city to develop my career. It will definitely be better than staying in the village."
R ripples immediately laid out the big picture.
"Alright, bring that food out first. We'll try it and then decide."
Finally, Elder Xing made the decision.
"Mother, let's go to the kitchen together."
The ripples immediately dragged Mrs. Xing into the kitchen.
After arriving in the kitchen, Ripples started to narrate. Meanwhile, Xing's mother, based on what Ripples said, began preparing the pancake batter, which was the most crucial step.
After the batter was ready, it was time to fill the pancakes. She stir-fried some potato shreds, a plate of pickled mustard greens and vermicelli noodles, and then made an egg drop soup. Then, mother and daughter started to make the pancakes in a flurry of activity.
At first, because I wasn't very skilled, the first three pancakes were broken or burnt. However, after brushing them with a layer of homemade spicy sauce and topping them with vegetables, the taste was really good. With a bowl of hot soup, it was filling. As a breakfast option, it is definitely a great choice.
Old Man Xing ate a scallion pancake. Mother Xing also ate one, and Lianyi ate two, finding it quite tasty. However, she thought it would be even better with eggs or meat inside.
Old Xing also saw that his daughter wasn't just being playful, so he began to calculate with his wife. They had enough flour and cornmeal at home, so they didn't need to buy any more. They would keep enough for themselves and sell the rest.
There are only a few kinds of vegetables in winter, such as turnips, Chinese cabbage, and potatoes. Adding to these, you can also make a few dishes with dried mushrooms and preserved vegetables that were sun-dried at home during the summer. The problem is meat; it's difficult to get because it requires ration coupons.
"Dad, when we make some money, let's buy some lard. After it's refined, the oil can be used for stir-frying, and the lard residue can be used as a meat filling in pancakes. Also, eggs fried with lard are also considered a kind of meat dish."
Ripple immediately came up with an idea, saying that since it was still the end of the planned economy era, buying things was still somewhat restricted.
"Okay, I'll do it your way. That way our costs can be lower."
Elder Xing still has some discernment.
"Dad, shall we go to the county tomorrow to rent a house and buy supplies for our business"
"Alright, you come with me. Your mother stays home and practice her pancake-making skills. We'll go buy some things."et, only some strange noises coming from the camera."Ah!"Li Gang let out a roar and smashed the small camera.< Lian Yi was snuggled in bed reading a novel, still the kind about cultivating immortality...