The reborn of paranoid boss cannon fodder wife(191-195)

Chapter 191: Doing Business with the Big Boss

Xiao Wei still had homework to do. After watching TV for a while, he voluntarily went back to his room to work on her assignments.

Bai Lu lowered the volume and switched channels during the commercial break. Several channels were showing advertisements; apparently, even popular TV dramas had commercials. Left with lifestyle programs, Bai Lu asked Xiao Cheng if he wanted to watch. Xiao Cheng replied, "Up to you."

So, she changed the channel.

It happened to land on the provincial TV station, currently broadcasting the evening news: "Last night in the early hours, there were multiple incidents of group fights and illegal gambling in South City. Hospitals are on 24-hour alert. The provincial government is taking this seriously and has appointed... to investigate..."

A few official statements, some marginal photos—it was enough to make Bai Lu pause her channel-changing actions.

Official statements were often carefully worded, downplaying significant events to maintain social stability.

Multiple group fights in South City—gang conflicts were erupting in various streets and alleys.

Illegal gambling discovered—issues at He Yongli's gambling den, likely related to the ongoing gang conflicts.

Hospitals on 24-hour alert—overnight, chaos ensued, and hospitals were filled with the injured.

Provincial government taking it seriously—the scale and severity of the incidents prompted intervention from higher authorities.

Appointed... to investigate—until the situation was clarified, South City would be under constant surveillance. The vice mayor would be confined at home for investigation.

The gangs undoubtedly referred to the four major powers in South City—representing the hidden forces of the Big Boss, local bosses, He Yongli, and Li Chengbin.

Looking at those seemingly insignificant photos, the clothes of the injured, tattoos, and scattered weapons on the ground revealed that members of all four powers were present.

Even though Bai Lu knew that the four powers, involved in various illicit activities, would be eliminated twenty years later, witnessing the conflict unfold now was still shocking.

These weren't small gangs in the alleyways; they wouldn't engage in fights over trivial matters.

Only someone extremely familiar with the styles, nature, and underground dealings of the four major powers could orchestrate a plan to incite them into conflict without being detected.

This person had to be an insider or, more specifically, a former insider who had reached a certain level in one of the powers. Someone with broad access to information, connections in all directions—someone like a brother, a friend.

They didn't interfere with each other unless necessary, responding collectively when needed.

In this era and place, having such influence and being able to walk away unscathed meant one thing—a single individual.

There was only one...

Bai Lu suddenly felt a chill down her spine. The fingertip holding the remote control, from the top of her head to her heel, went cold.

Without turning around, she knew that at this moment, Xiao Cheng, seated behind her, was watching her.

Moreover, he wasn't blinking—an intense gaze fixed on her. If she stood up, his eyes would follow her; they wouldn't disappear until she spoke.

Feeling somewhat floaty, Bai Lu hadn't even said thank you and was already thinking of going back to cover herself with a blanket to sleep.

What a dream!

The actions of the four major powers had caused great harm, tearing families apart, breaking marriages, leaving people homeless. Everything that happened from last night until dawn was their deserved retribution.

Bai Lu wasn't ungrateful; it's just that the matter was too significant, beyond her expectations, and needed some time to buffer.

If she couldn't handle it, she could simply change the channel.

It's not that big of a deal.

Bai Lu took a deep breath.

Her formidable emotional control, honed in the field of psychology, quickly processed and dissipated the emotions.

Turning her head, she revealed a perfect smile, just like usual: "Manager Xiao, interested in partnering for a lucrative business?"

Without deviation, Xiao Cheng, directly meeting the clear gaze of the girl, showed a slightly surprised expression.

After the news report, she sat leisurely in the chair, but her body suddenly stiffened.

However, in an instant, she returned to normal.

He hadn't even speculated on what she was thinking, and she had already turned around, flashing a sweet smile at him.

In a few words, she diverted his attention.

Xiao Cheng leaned back, casually crossing his legs, picked up the cup of cold tea on the table, took a sip, and shifted his gaze from staring to focused.

"What business?"

Bai Lu refilled the empty water cup for him and slowly began, "Wait until the dust settles in the next two days. Those people will be dealing with the aftermath, busy with their own matters, and won't have time for us. During this period, I'll teach Auntie Wu and Uncle Fugui, along with eight others, the technique. After learning, let them test the market."

"In the meantime, you contact Luo Shiliu, Xiao Zhuang, and others. They can learn the roasted chestnut business from us. Once we confirm there's no problem in the market, you can let them teach in the towns and cities beyond Shitiao. We'll start with a limited number."

Pausing, Bai Lu glanced at Xiao Cheng, finding no signs of disagreement. She continued, "We won't just provide training but also establish a supply channel. The reputation of roasted chestnuts has already been established for quite some time, and the business won't be bad. You can decide the commission for your brothers. After deducting their share, the remaining profit will be split equally between us."

Xiao Cheng raised an eyebrow, "How much is the tuition?"

Bai Lu smiled gently, extending one hand and pressing down with two fingers, showing three fingers in total, "Three thousand per person."

Xiao Cheng furrowed his brows slightly.

"Three thousand is not much," Bai Lu explained, "Before, Gao Jianchuan and Wen Li came to buy the technique, offering twelve thousand. It shows that roasted chestnuts have a considerable market share, and the off-season sales are successful. It's worth this price."

"Moreover, we also provide a supply channel. By limiting the number of students, we ensure that the market for roasted chestnuts won't saturate quickly. This way, the new and old chestnut-selling bosses can make steady profits. Three thousand is really not much."

In the future, classes teaching the art of making roasted chestnuts would charge at least twenty to thirty thousand. Adjusted for the prices of the 90s, three thousand was just right—close enough.

During this time, when buying vegetables at the market, Bai Lu didn't just chat with people. Through their words, clothing, and expenses, she had already deduced their true financial situation.

Although the economic level here was low, there were still families able to afford three thousand. Especially the bosses doing business on the streets, three thousand in savings was considered less.

Xiao Cheng, looking at Bai Lu's face, which appeared a bit anxious, lightly laughed.

"What I meant was that it's too little."

Bai Lu was momentarily stunned, then confirmed that she hadn't misheard—Xiao Cheng said too little, not too much.

"It's not little. Selling one technique is a one-time deal, selling many techniques means popularizing the business on a large scale. Different positioning," she explained.























Chapter 192: Pain

Xiao Cheng took a sip of tea, "Have you considered letting others teach after learning?"

Bai Lu, confident, replied, "Of course, but when your brothers go to teach, no one will dare snatch business from us until our teaching journey is complete."

This was one reason Bai Lu chose to cooperate with Xiao Cheng—his reputation could fend off troubles.

Those in small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs all understood the rules of the trade. They knew the kings and queens of the market, the big shots on every street, and the consequences of challenging them.

Xiao Cheng observed Bai Lu's confident demeanor, his complex expression gradually fading. "Did you suddenly decide to cooperate today, or was it a preexisting idea?"

"Definitely a preexisting idea," Bai Lu responded.

Xiao Cheng raised an eyebrow, "Your vision is not small."

If you asked what it felt like to be praised by a big shot, Bai Lu, with a mischievous look, silently conveyed, "You get it, I get it, we all get it."

Xiao Cheng cleared his throat, "Why didn't you mention it before?"

"Because you were busy opening the store, and I didn't want to bother you." Bai Lu had considered cooperating with Xiao Cheng when she decided to sell the candied chestnut recipe—no other option crossed her mind.

In the 90s, female entrepreneurship was not as common as in the 21st century. In this era, a woman doing business, especially a solo venture, would face more challenges and troubles than men. With time spent on solving problems, there would be no room for a good life.

With a smooth path available, there was no need to strain alone. Cooperation with Xiao Cheng was the best choice.

Xiao Cheng expressed his satisfaction with Bai Lu realizing he was reliable. "I have time."

Selecting a few reliable brothers wouldn't take much time, Bai Lu understood. "Then it's settled."

Xiao Cheng agreed, "Mm."

Bai Lu extended her hand, "Manager Xiao, a pleasant collaboration."

Xiao Cheng looked at the small hand before him, slowly reaching out and gripping it gently. "Pleasant collaboration."

Bai Lu, looking at his hand, suddenly remembered something, "Is your back wound healed? Do you still feel pain? Do you need another application of medicinal liquor?"

Considering the recovery speed she witnessed last night, it should be almost healed. Applying or not wouldn't matter.

Xiao Cheng, no stranger to injuries, knew that the small wound on his back should have healed by now. "Not sure."

Bai Lu, unconsciously moving towards his collar, quickly retracted her hand.

She was facing a big shot, not a child.

Her subconscious actions were too natural!

Bai Lu deeply reflected on her mistake and spoke sincerely, "Take off your top. Let me check the wound. If it's healed, there's no need for more medicinal liquor."

Xiao Cheng, realizing the contrast between the sober and drunk treatments, calmly began unbuttoning.

The room fell into a quiet state, with only the sound of buttons being undone, not too gently.

Under the bright light, Bai Lu saw the nearly healed traces on Xiao Cheng's back and sighed in relief.

"It's healed. No need for more application."

Xiao Cheng, looking at the roses blooming under the moonlight outside the window, spoke in a natural tone, "I still feel pain."

Bai Lu wasn't sure if he had injured the bone. She lightly pressed the faint scar. "Does it hurt?"

Xiao Cheng, refusing to lose face, admitted, "Hurts."

Bai Lu changed her position and pressed the area around the scar, asking, "What about here?"

"Pain."

"What about here?"

"Pain."

"And here?"

"Pain."

Bai Lu stood behind Xiao Cheng, unable to see his facial expressions. She pressed several positions around the scar, and he consistently claimed to feel pain. Unconsciously, she moved to a farther position.

"What about here?"

Xiao Cheng's nerves had been following the soft fingertips on his back, not misled by subconscious actions.

"Can't feel anything."

Bai Lu, sensing the displeasure of being treated like a fool, silently withdrew her hand from his shoulder.

Opening a small bottle, she poured medicinal liquor into her palm and began massaging his back. "Maybe you injured the bone. It takes a hundred days to heal tendons and bones. Tonight, let's apply it again. Tomorrow, I'll buy some bones and make soup for you to nourish."

Her tone was calm, like discussing daily affairs. Her slender figure was reflected on the open window, blurry yet clear.

It resembled a considerate wife caring for her husband.

Xiao Cheng, looking at the vivid roses, softly said, "Okay."

The gentle massage dispersed the pain, whether replaced by pleasure or the gentle touch of small, boneless hands.

In the backyard, the small river welcomed a big frog, croaking to inform its nearby friends of the new guest. The crickets in the vegetable garden chirped, perhaps to welcome or warn the potential threat of a new neighbor.

The little fish, in their territory with a new neighbor, continued their carefree play. Bubbles rose joyfully, kissing the moonlight.

Outside the window, everything was peaceful and auspicious. Inside, in the tranquility, the atmosphere silently drew closer.

After applying the medicinal liquor, Bai Lu watched Xiao Cheng put on his clothes and escorted him to the door, bidding him goodnight.

Xiao Cheng had heard White Dew say goodnight many times but had only heard her say goodnight. He didn't know what it meant.

He thought it probably meant saying goodbye at night, so he naturally responded, "Goodnight."

—May 29, 1997, clear, Xiao Cheng and Bai Lu installed their first television at home.

After discussing with Wu Xiuyun and Yu Fugui, they decided on a 21-inch new television.

The next morning, when coming to Bai Lu's house to get chestnuts, Yu Fugui arranged to go to the city with Xiao Cheng to buy the TV.

After Bai Lu mentioned the candied chestnut teaching plan, Wu Xiuyun was thrilled. On the spot, she expressed her desire to learn.

The hard-earned opportunity had come. Even though their budget was not too generous with the new TV, saving a bit would allow them to come up with three thousand. This deal was guaranteed to bring in profits.

Wu Xiuyun postponed setting up her stall, went home first to get money to sign up for the candied chestnut teaching. After signing up, she realized that she and Yu Fugui were family—two potential customers.

After some hesitation, Wu Xiuyun couldn't help but ask for a favor from Bai Lu, "Bai Lu, since Fugui and I are family... can you count us as one person for the tuition?"






















Chapter 193: Hand-in-hand Mastery

Living under the same roof, when one person learns to roast chestnuts, it's equivalent to the whole family learning. Paying two tuitions or just one, the difference lies in the comparison between legitimate learning and "borrowing" at home, which might lead to unpleasant cooperation in the end.

Offering a favor that secures cooperation is a wise move. Bai Lu readily agrees, "Sure, Aunt Wu and Uncle Fugui can come over after lunch to learn."

Grateful, Wu Xiuyun quickly goes home to fetch a ham for Bai Lu, "This is a large ham that Fugui brought back from the countryside last night. It's been salted and sun-dried, won't spoil no matter how long it's kept. You can cut the meat off the leg and stir-fry or boil it. Also, boiling the ham hock for soup enhances the flavor."

Bai Lu, looking at the enormous ham, recalls the famous Jinhua ham from the future. Even though they're not in Jinhua, the ham here shines with luster and firm texture, clearly a successful creation.

The wisdom of the working people is truly remarkable.

Accepting such a valuable ham as a gift, Bai Lu feels a bit overwhelmed, "Aunt Wu, there's no need to be so polite. This ham is too precious; you could sell it for a good amount. The fruits you gave us yesterday were delicious enough."

"The fruits are good, but the ham is even better." Wu Xiuyun places the ham on the table, "We have more at home, all made for personal consumption, not for sale. It's not about money; it's about the taste you like."

Wu Xiuyun smiles and leaves.

Looking at the huge pig leg on the table, Bai Lu contemplates and starts planning the menu.

Ham stir-fried with garlic shoots, ham boiled with shredded vegetables, ham stir-fried with peas... and, of course, simmering ham hock soup!

Ham and pig hock soup should be good for bone health. Add some other ingredients, and it'll be a substantial boost.

Satisfied, Bai Lu's face lights up.

When marinating the ham, a generous amount of salt was used. It's best to soak it in warm water before consuming, which can be done later in the afternoon before preparing dinner.

After placing the ham properly, Bai Lu goes inside to make phone calls, contacting the eight other partners with different sales routes.

Having exchanged contact information initially, those with phones provided their numbers, and those without left the number of a neighbor or a nearby phone.

After making the calls and notifying all partners to gather for discussions, Xiao Wei also returns home from school.

Bai Lu plans to pick vegetables from the backyard garden but doesn't have time to inform Wang Cuihua, so she sends Xiao Wei instead.

Wang Cuihua, who has been dreaming of learning how to make sugar-roasted chestnuts, receives Xiao Wei's notification and rushes to Bai Lu's house.

Arriving there, Xiao Wei blocks her at the door, "I told you the time. No need to come so early."

"I want to learn how to make sugar-roasted chestnuts sooner." Wang Cuihua tries to push past Xiao Wei.

Xiao Wei firmly closed the door, "We haven't had lunch yet. Sister-in-law said we would teach together in the afternoon."

Wang Cuihua managed to squeeze one foot inside, hand clinging to the door, and begged earnestly, "Just let me in. I'll cook for you. I'm really good at it, and I guarantee you'll want more. Big brother Xiao Cheng will like it too."

Xiao Wei was momentarily speechless. He then called out, "Big brother."

Wang Cuihua instinctively turned around.

The door immediately closed.

Her hand and foot were both pushed out.

However, Wang Cuihua didn't feel sad or disappointed. Without delaying, she greeted Xiao Cheng, who had indeed returned. Holding groceries from the market, he walked over step by step.

Cold glares were cast at her from a distance. Xiao Wei, who had been clinging to the door just moments ago, received a stern warning, "If you damage the door, you'll have to pay for it."

That warning was left unfinished as Xiao Wei was scared stiff.

"Big brother... it's Wang Cuihua. She insisted on coming in despite Sister-in-law saying we'll teach in the afternoon."

After explaining, Xiao Wei immediately opened the door.

Xiao Cheng responded with a casual "Hmm."

Xiao Wei didn't face the cold knife-like gaze he expected. He knew he had handled it correctly, and his fear eased a bit.

Happily, he closed the door and went home.

Yufugui went to the city to watch television and stuck to his decision. He bought a 21-inch color TV and a satellite dish just like Xiao Cheng and Bai Lu. To celebrate the opening of Xiao Cheng's electronics store, Bai Lu treated him to a piece of large, brightly red-braised pork.

Xiao Cheng wanted to pick up the tab, but Bai Lu insisted, "Congratulations on the successful opening of your electronics store. This is my treat."

Xiao Wei wanted to take a piece but didn't dare. He had been rejected too many times before. Instead, he managed to sneak a piece onto Bai Lu's plate.

He did the same for Sister-in-law.

Celebrating the business of both big brother and big sister-in-law was a joint celebration.

Bai Lu glanced at the self-comforting face of the little guy and decisively placed a piece of red-braised pork in Xiao Cheng's bowl.

Xiao Cheng's bowl had two pieces of red-braised pork—one from Bai Lu and one... from Xiao Wei and Bai Lu.

The shapes and sizes were nearly identical, distinguishable.

"Eat quickly." Bai Lu handed him another piece, smiling and offering one more.

Xiao Cheng had a good memory. Glancing at Bai Lu, he used his chopsticks to pick up the red-braised pork and ate it.

Not a single piece was left.

Xiao Wei retracted his furtive glances, secretly rejoicing in his heart. He had won Big Brother's approval; he knew it because he hadn't received the cold shoulder. He happily enjoyed his meal, devouring the rice.

Suddenly, he felt so fond of Sister-in-law.

Bai Lu didn't enjoy eating fatty meat, so Xiao Cheng served her other dishes with lean meat.

The family happily ate their fill.

Before half-past twelve, all the partners had arrived. Wang Cuihua, who was supposed to be the earliest, just made it on time, wearing a particularly bright floral dress.

Chen Dafu gave her a suggestive look, "Flower chicken."

Wang Cuihua, constrained by Xiao Cheng's presence, bit her lip, choosing not to publicly criticize him as an ugly old duck.

At half-past twelve, Bai Lu turned on the TV, and the channel happened to be the provincial television station.

The news from last night was being replayed on time, "In the early morning hours, there were multiple incidents of group fights and illegal gambling in Nan City. Hospitals are operating 24 hours, and the provincial headquarters takes it seriously, appointing investigators to look into the matter."

Same words, same pictures.

Yufugui, Meng Youliang, and others, even without Bai Lu's precise judgment, guessed from the symbols of power in the corners of the photos and inferred a lot.

Except for Wang Cuihua, who didn't understand anything, everyone in the room was shocked, staring at Bai Lu for confirmation. Even though Xiao Cheng was standing beside her, they didn't dare look at him.

Bai Lu, surrounded by a red halo, seemed to be surrounded by blood shadows. Looking at Xiao Cheng, there might be a splash sound on the ground.

They knew Xiao Cheng had exceptional skills, but they never expected him to be this terrifying.


Even more unimaginable was Bai Lu's calm demeanor, standing side by side with Xiao Cheng.

In the gaze of everyone, Bai Lu confirmed their speculations, "You all saw it. Those people are now busy with their own problems and have no time to interfere with our candied chestnut business. You can rest assured to learn. Once you've mastered it and identified the market, you can open the door to a thriving business."

























Chapter 194: Opening a Teaching Class

Breaking the old path to forge a new one.

The new path has already opened up the market, a path to wealth holding the secret recipe, where both production and sales can be determined at will.

Yu Fugui and the others were extremely excited, and their perception of Xiao Cheng's social status had already been refreshed to the highest.

In just one night, there was a massive change in Nan City.

They truly witnessed the saying, "Things can change drastically overnight."

Amidst the awe-struck gazes, Bai Lu spoke again, "We will provide a supply channel for chestnuts. After you've learned, Ah Cheng and I will take you to the countryside to discuss the long-term procurement of chestnuts with the villagers."

"Don't worry about the quantity of chestnuts; even if a hundred more stalls open, it will be enough. There won't be any shortage before the off-season sales end."

With a stable and high-quality supply channel established, Yufugui and the others had no worries.

Before, they were curious about where Bai Lu sourced her chestnuts. Despite dealing with a significant amount daily, there had never been any shortage, and all the chestnuts were plump and free of defects.

Unfortunately, they didn't know how to make candied chestnuts, and knowing wouldn't have made much of a difference. So, they didn't think much about it.

Now, not only did they unexpectedly learn a profitable skill, but also, under the guidance of Bai Lu and Xiao Cheng, they secured a long-term and stable procurement collaboration with the villagers, ensuring a constant supply even if competitors emerged.

Bai Lu's teaching not only included mastering the skill but also opening up the candied chestnut market, guaranteeing a steady profit.

Meng Youliang and the others didn't hesitate; they immediately paid for the class. Being even a second late would be disrespectful to the opportunity of making big money.

Upon receiving a brief explanation from Bai Lu about the tuition fees for the recipe teaching, everyone, based on their trust in Xiao Cheng and Bai Lu, handed over the money without asking too many questions.

Bitterly, they realized that the money they earned from cooperating with Bai Lu in selling candied chestnuts during this period was not enough to cover the tuition fees. They had to dip into their savings to make up the difference.

It felt like working for Bai Lu for free, and they were not even breaking even.

However, the prospect of learning a money-making skill outweighed their unease.

Fortunately, coming to Xiao Cheng and Bai Lu's home, their trust was not betrayed. Xiao Cheng had already solved all the tricky problems.

They could now comfortably hand over the money to learn the skill.

Only Wang Cuihua, who was confused, had a question: "What if our stalls get overturned again?"

Chen Dafu thought she had a playful mind, "Didn't you watch the news on TV? Can't you understand human language? Bai Lu said those people who overturned the stalls are too busy dealing with their own problems. They won't bother us anymore. Why worry about being overturned? If you want to overturn something, do it to your own head and save yourself from asking such brain-dead questions all day long."

Wang Cuihua, embarrassed, glared at Chen Dafu.

After glaring, she quickly switched to a worshipful look at Xiao Cheng, "Big Brother Xiao Cheng is indeed the most powerful. He can handle anything."

Aunt Fangli completed the tuition payment and made a pointed remark with a smile, "Indeed, Xiao Cheng is amazing, and Bai Lu is clever. The two of them are a perfect match."

Wang Cuihua's hidden thoughts were exposed, and she choked for a moment before finding words to counter, "Big Brother Xiao Cheng is very clever too."

Wu Xiuyun nodded in agreement, "That's right. Smart people together can discuss common topics, support each other, and go further. Bai Lu and Xiao Cheng are truly well-matched."

Wang Cuihua was successively rebuked and chose to remain silent.

Being mentioned twice, Xiao Cheng and Bai Lu looked at each other as if they had a tacit understanding.

After a moment, one seemed unperturbed, and the other pretended to be nonchalant, once again avoiding eye contact.

The husband and wife, Zhang Huiru and Zhang Wanjun, jointly operated a fruit shop. They currently had no plans to open a branch, but since both of them came, it was only natural to inform Bai Lu. They decided that if they could learn, they would learn together; if not, Zhang Huiru would learn alone.

As a gesture of goodwill, the couple brought two boxes of the best-selling local pastries from the city, presenting them to Bai Lu.

Since Bai Lu had already set a precedent by accepting gifts from Wu Xiuyun and Yu fugui, she naturally accepted these as well.

Everyone had brought fruits and local specialties as gifts for Bai Lu when they took the candied chestnuts. This time was no exception, except for Wang Cuihua, who brought nothing.

Living next door to Xiao Cheng's house, she often saw Bai Lu receiving gifts, and her heart was full of envy and jealousy.

She thought Bai Lu wouldn't care about those small gifts, so she felt justified in not bringing any.

Seeing everyone else paying the tuition fees, Wang Cuihua reluctantly took out money from her pocket, "This is all I have left in my entire fortune. Bai Lu, you have to teach me how to make candied chestnuts."

"Even with on-site teaching, you won't learn. You might as well go home and farm," Chen Dafu mercilessly commented.

Wang Cuihua's face turned red, "You're the one who can't learn!"

"Alright, everyone, come with me to the kitchen." Bai Lu began the teaching after collecting the tuition fees.

The three electric chestnut roasting machines in the kitchen had already been dismantled by Xiao Cheng yesterday afternoon and placed in the firewood room.

The remaining empty stoves were equipped with large pots for manual roasting.

As Bai Lu explained the precautions for selecting sand, she lit the firewood in the hearth.

After lighting the fire, she picked up the spatula and started turning the sand in the pot. "Choose sand that is uniformly sized for even heating of the chestnuts. If the size difference is too big, some chestnuts will be cooked while others are still raw, leading to failure."

"So, we need sand for this... no wonder..."

Everyone finally realized why their candied chestnuts turned into a sticky mess when they mixed sugar with chestnuts while roasting.

No matter how many times they adjusted the ratio or changed the malt syrup, white sugar, brown sugar, or any edible sugar available in the market, it never worked.

It still turned out sticky.

Boiling chestnuts with sugar was a success, but it lacked the delicious, perfectly balanced taste of sugar-roasted chestnuts.

It turns out they needed to add sand while roasting.

"Where did this sand come from? I feel like I've seen it somewhere." Wang Cuihua thought hard but couldn't remember.

"It was sieved out during the construction of houses, the unwanted coarse sand and gravel." Yu fugui recognized it at a glance.

Their new house was built not long ago, and the memory was vivid.

Meng Youliang also nodded, "This should be the sand from the riverbank, polished smooth by water erosion."

"Exactly."

Bai Lu handed the spatula to the nearby Chen Dafu, "Choose sand with a smooth surface; too rough or damaged sand is unusable. When pouring sugar syrup, it will stick to impurities, and when chestnuts are added, they will stick to the surface, resulting in uneven color, making it look dirty and unappetizing, and it's prone to scorching, making it unappetizing."

Everyone quickly took out notebooks to jot down the key points.

Xiao Cheng originally planned to go to the city but, seeing that Chen Dafu struggled to learn how to roast sand for half a day without success, Bai Lu was about to demonstrate it herself. Xiao Cheng immediately changed his direction and went over.

"I'll do it."

























Chapter 195: Big Shot's Jealousy Edition Teaching

Bai Lu remembered that Xiao Cheng had something to do in the city and asked in a low voice, "Aren't you supposed to go to the city?"

Xiao Cheng coldly glanced at Chen Dafu, "Not in a hurry."

Chen Dafu stiffened, feeling as if he had been stabbed by an ancient ice blade, and he was in a bad situation.

The upcoming learning session seemed like torture.

As expected, the premonition was correct.

Xiao Cheng immediately assigned the teaching roles: he would teach the men, and Bai Lu would teach the women.

Despite Wang Cuihua and Chen Dafu trying to exchange roles, Xiao Cheng rejected them outright.

Moreover, the teaching methods of Xiao Cheng and Bai Lu were vastly different, making the men's class feel quite miserable.

Bai Lu demonstrated by actually roasting chestnuts while explaining every step and precaution in the simplest language, ensuring everyone understood. Questions were welcomed, and she provided on-the-spot answers.

Even when faced with Wang Cuihua, who struggled to grasp the skill after ten repetitions, Bai Lu remained patient. She set up a separate pot for Wang Cuihua and allowed her to practice until she got it right.

On the other hand, Xiao Cheng's approach was different.

He explained the steps while roasting, then had Chen Dafu and others take turns trying.

Unable to get it right after one attempt, Xiao Cheng frowned.

Failing twice, he looked at them as if they were idiots.

It seemed like he was saying, "You're so dull-witted that you can't even grasp such a simple process."

Chen Dafu, feeling like a dull-witted pig, received cold glares every time he asked a question, like being scraped by cold knives.

He wished for Bai Lu's gentle and patient teaching.

Meng Youliang and others weren't faring any better. While they avoided Xiao Cheng's icy glares, they received a silent, piercing gaze, as if a doctor saying, "We did our best" after saving a critically ill patient.

Feeling judged by Xiao Cheng, they couldn't help but wonder if they were truly as foolish as he implied. Learning such a skill in one go was impossible even for a genius.

In their hearts, they silently cried out, yearning for the gentle and patient Bai Lu.

However, despite the desire for Bai Lu's teaching, the reality was that Xiao Cheng was the one teaching.

"I can evenly heat the sand and sugar syrup now, Bai Lu, come take a look," Wang Cuihua thought roasting chestnuts was simple, but she struggled.

Looking at the sand clumped together in the pot, Bai Lu advised, "Not good enough. If you pour chestnuts in like this, they will stick to the pot and burn. You need to roast the sand until the grains are dry and distinct."

Wang Cuihua pouted, "I'm exhausted. Isn't this sufficient? Bai Lu, your standards are too high. Who can be the best at everything?"

Turning to Xiao Cheng, she sought his support with a pitiful face.

Unfortunately, Xiao Cheng didn't even spare her a glance.

Bai Lu, with a slight smile, calmly suggested, "If your right hand is tired, you can use your left hand."

"I can't use my left hand with strength. Who does anything using the left hand? Bai Lu, don't make things difficult for me," Wang Cuihua disagreed.

Rolling her eyes, Bai Lu replied, "Ah Cheng can roast chestnuts with his left hand and even both hands together. Isn't that impressive?"

"Is this considered making things difficult?" Wu Fangli, enjoying the spectacle, teased along with a smile.

Hearing Bai Lu's words, Wang Cuihua's eyes lit up, "Xiao Cheng can roast chestnuts with his left hand and even both hands together?"

Bai Lu nodded, "Yes, quite impressive."

"Of course!" Wang Cuihua instantly changed, full of admiration, "Xiao Cheng is truly amazing."

Saying so, she picked up the spatula and continued roasting sand.

Wu Fangli and others chuckled and continued learning from Bai Lu.

As the women's class enjoyed a happy learning experience, Chen Dafu and the men's class faced Xiao Cheng's stern gaze.

Xiao Cheng's cold remarks, like "Not adding sugar syrup, saving it for the New Year?" froze their hearts.

They reluctantly picked up spoons, scooped out sugar syrup from the bucket, and rushed to add it to the pot.

Chen Dafu and others, who had roasted sand for an entire afternoon, finally succeeded. However, as soon as the chestnuts were poured into the pot, they frantically added sugar syrup, resulting in a burnt mess.

The men's class no longer received Xiao Cheng's disdainful looks, but instead, they all experienced the chilling effect of his silent criticism.

In contrast, Bai Lu, who faced similar situations, consoled and encouraged the women's class with warmth.

"Failure is the mother of success. Reflect on the experience this time, and you'll succeed next time. Keep going."

The men's class also wanted some words of encouragement!

"Still not adding sugar syrup? Planning to save it for the New Year?"

Xiao Cheng's cold words shattered their envy of the women's class.

Each one, with a pained expression, picked up a spoon and hurriedly scooped sugar syrup from the bucket, muttering, "Adding now, not saving for later..."