Chapter 27: Good Stuff Sells Itself

Chapter 27: Good Stuff Sells Itself

The braised duck parts were an instant hit the first time they appeared at the Fu household.

Though more bone than meat, they were surprisingly enjoyable—so flavorful and addictive that one piece was never enough.

The sisters-in-law couldn't get enough.

Fu San Sao (Third Sister-in-law) said, "Sis-in-law, didn't you make a lot? How about another one for everyone?" That small taste had only whetted their appetites.

Lu Xiang had cooked two large pots, but one piece per person was hardly satisfying. They all craved more.

Who knew that ordinary duck necks and wings could be so incredibly delicious? Those who got the wings devoured them in a few bites, while those with duck necks savored every morsel, meticulously picking the meat from the bones.

The Fu brothers and sisters-in-law had repeatedly told Xiao Cailian that their fourth brother had truly found a treasure! The same ingredients, prepared by Lu Xiang, became exceptionally tasty. Even these humble duck off-cuts were transformed into something amazing.

The other siblings looked at Lu Xiang, also wanting more but too shy to ask.

Fu San Sao, always outspoken, spoke up for everyone.

With her voicing their thoughts, the others simply waited for more.

Lu Xiang said, "No, I have to save these for selling tomorrow."

Seeing their puzzled faces, Fu San Sao explained their investment in the venture.

Fu Da Ge (Eldest Brother Fu) said, "Fourth Sis-in-law’s food is so delicious, it’s sure to sell. Just let us know if you need any help."

Lu Xiang replied, "Thank you, Eldest Brother. Not right now."

Soon, they finished the meal and retired to their rooms. Lu Xiang had worked tirelessly all day—scouting locations, sourcing ingredients—and was utterly exhausted.

After changing clothes and lying down, she was asleep in moments, her breathing even and deep.

By the time Fu Qinhui returned from washing up, Lu Xiang was sound asleep. A warmth spread through Fu Qinhui’s eyes as he lay down beside her.

As soon as he lay down, Lu Xiang instinctively turned and snuggled close. Fu Qinhui was warm, making him a comfortable presence to sleep next to on a cool night.

This unconscious gesture, however, kept Fu Qinhui awake.

He was a young man, now married, with his lawful wife beside him, her faint scent lingering in the air. Everything was testing his resolve.

But Fu Qinhui was an upright man, using his strong moral compass to fight off temptation. It wasn't until after midnight that he finally drifted into a deep sleep.

When Lu Xiang woke in the morning, she found herself tightly embracing Fu Qinhui’s waist. Usually, he would be up and ready by this hour, but today he was still in bed.

Feeling a blush creep up, Lu Xiang quickly released him.

As if sensing her movement, Fu Qinhui opened his eyes. He first glanced at the flustered Lu Xiang, then noticed the bright morning light outside before getting up to change.

They shared an unspoken understanding, neither mentioning the awkward intimacy of their morning embrace, as if it had never happened.

Lu Xiang quickly washed her face and headed to the kitchen. The braised duck parts, having soaked in the marinade overnight, were even more flavorful. She transferred them to a clean, large wooden bucket she had scrubbed the day before.

After covering the bucket, she prepared several small bowls and chopsticks, loading everything onto the back of their cart to push to the market.

The sisters-in-law offered plenty of advice along the way—after all, this wasn’t just Lu Xiang’s business. If not for their own work, they would have gladly joined her.

After Lu Xiang left, the sisters-in-law continued discussing, "Will these really sell?"

Fu San Sao said, "If they don’t, we can always eat them ourselves." Then she added, "Don’t laugh, but I was so tempted by the taste last night I could hardly sleep." She wasn’t alone—her husband had mentioned it several times too.

Initially, Fu San Sao had hoped to earn some money, but then she reconsidered—was making money really that easy? In their village, they worked daily for work points, earning just twenty yuan by year-end, each cent stretched to its limit for essentials.

If the duck parts didn’t sell, all the better—she could have more herself later.

Fu Er Sao (Second Sister-in-law Fu) teased, "You can say that among family, but don’t tell anyone else—they’d laugh at us."

Fu San Sao replied, "I won’t say a word." Then she added, "If this gets out, the Lu family will stir up trouble again. Have you heard? Since Lu Zhaodi didn’t get married, she’s been crying nonstop at home, causing chaos. I heard it from their neighbor. Because of that Lin Mu incident, her father lost his county job."

Fu Da Sao (Eldest Sister-in-law Fu), less informed, asked, "What happened?"

Fu San Sao recounted the story from start to finish, concluding, "People shouldn’t harbor ill intentions—karma catches up." Reflecting on the Lu family’s scheming, she thought: refusing such a good man like Fu Qinhui, then arranging a substitute bride—they thought they were clever, but others weren’t fools. Why go to such lengths?

Fu Er Sao chimed in, uneasy, "Exactly. She knew what kind of scoundrel Lin Mu was. Most would avoid him, but she threw herself at him, trying to ruin Lu Xiang’s reputation. We should steer clear of her—who knows when we might be betrayed and still end up counting her money?"

As the three sisters-in-law chatted, Xiao Cailian interjected, "Enough, look at the time! Stop dawdling and get to work. Don’t let our family be the last to arrive again."

The three sisters-in-law finally headed off to work.

...

Lu Xiang had walked a long way. They set out at dawn, and the sun was already high by the time they arrived.

They took two breaks along the journey.

By the time they reached their spot, Lu Xiang was utterly exhausted. Fu Qinhui said, "Maybe we shouldn’t do this again." He couldn’t bear to see her so worn out.

Though well-intentioned, his words came out cold.

Lu Xiang, feeling defiant, retorted, "No, I won’t quit." She was determined to earn big money—staying cooped up at home was not an option.

Fu Qinhui unloaded the goods, setting up in a shaded corner.

He had to return to work but soon brought back a stool and a straw hat he’d found somewhere, its wide brim perfect for blocking the sun.

"Thank you," Lu Xiang said.

Fu Qinhui gave a slight smile without another word and left.

Lu Xiang laid out the braised duck parts, their subtle aroma drifting through the air.

Soon, someone approached, asking, "How much?"

"Duck necks are thirty cents each, duck wings twenty cents each," she replied cheerfully.

The potential buyer frowned at the price—there wasn’t much meat, and fifty cents could buy a large meat bun instead.

He didn’t buy, but Lu Xiang wasn’t worried. She continued setting up. The braised duck parts emitted a subtle yet irresistible fragrance that teased the senses and drew passersby in.

"Miss, give me a duck wing," another customer said.

Lu Xiang picked out a large one.

The buyer’s eyes widened after the first bite—spicy, savory, and utterly addictive. "Delicious!" No wonder she dared to set up a stall; this flavor was unmatched.

Seeing a sale, others followed suit.

Lu Xiang’s braised duck parts were priced affordably—just enough to tempt people to try. Soon, a crowd gathered.