CHAPTER 141: CHAPTER 140: MANMAN, YOU’RE AMAZING

Nobody could figure out if Jiang Yuan actually had feelings for Liu Jitong.

She usually seemed quite chatty, but at such crucial times, she became particularly tight-lipped, impossible to pry open.

However, Jiang Yuan and Liu Jitong indeed almost lost contact, as Jiang Tianrui was the one procuring supplies. Initially, it was just a trial run, and not so many supplies were needed.

Everyone was busy, and Jiang Yuan was also busy learning how to make fried chicken and sauces, so no one paid much attention to her relationship with Liu Jitong.

The idea of fried chicken was suggested by Ye Manman, as was the sauce, so in the first two days of learning to make fried chicken, He Chen was in charge of quality control, and only after her approval did they start selling.

It must be said, the unique aroma of fried chicken was indeed overwhelming, while the stewed Sweet and Spicy Duck was a cold dish and not very noticeable unless you got close.

But fried chicken was different; it had to be fried and sold on the spot. The aroma was intoxicating and overpowering, making it even easier to sell than the already famous Sweet and Spicy Duck, drawing countless passersby to try it as soon as the pot was opened.

After all, Jiang Yuan priced it not too high, affordable for ordinary families to occasionally enjoy, and she took Ye Manman’s advice to list a board with their signature combos.

The combos were divided into several options: some sold boneless chicken pieces, others mixed wings and drumsticks, and another included fries. Initially, there weren’t too many categories, as Ye Manman worried Jiang Yuan and Jiang Tianrui might get overwhelmed, so they temporarily set up these three combos.

Jiang Yuan couldn’t really learn the whole chicken recipe at the moment, and the price was too high to sell, so they gave it up.

Worried that new things wouldn’t catch on, Ye Manman proposed a tasting event, frying on-site for people to try before buying. Surprisingly, the buyers were more enthusiastic than expected. Everyone got captivated by the crispy aroma, and a long queue quickly formed.

Neither Jiang Yuan nor Jiang Tianrui expected the fried chicken to sell so well.

Even though they found it incredibly delicious when they first tasted it, they were initially afraid the public wouldn’t accept this new way of eating.

But now, they found themselves unable to keep up with the demand.

Jiang Tianrui was in charge of frying the chicken, while Jiang Yuan recorded purchases, collected money, and packaged fried chicken for customers. Even so, the line continued to grow.

Seeing that the prepared chicken pieces and other ingredients were running low, Ye Manman quickly instructed Jiang Yuan to stop accepting money, then handed her a loudspeaker to announce that the fried chicken was sold out and to come back tomorrow.

As soon as the announcement was made, the waiting crowd erupted with many voices of discontent, although most were simply regretting they couldn’t taste such delicious fried chicken. Many promised to come earlier the next day.

Some were previous loyal customers of the Sweet and Spicy Duck. Thinking the fried chicken was the store’s new product, those who couldn’t buy fried chicken switched to buying some Sweet and Spicy Duck to satisfy their cravings.

"Hahaha, Manman! You’re amazing, how did you come up with such a great way to make fried chicken? It’s selling like hotcakes!"

"Oh my, I’m exhausted! I didn’t realize doing business was so tiring!"

"Look, my legs are shaking, and my feet hurt, hahaha~ but I’m so happy, I’ve finally made money, I can earn on my own now!"

While busily cleaning up with Jiang Tianrui, Jiang Yuan excitedly chattered to Ye Manman, her mouth unstoppable, her face shiny with sweat from the hard work, not having time to even wipe it off.

Ye Manman originally wanted to help with He Chen, but Jiang Tianrui insisted no, saying they should leave it to him and Jiang Yuan because they also had their own matters to deal with, and didn’t want to bother them.

Seeing Jiang Yuan exhausted yet so happy, Ye Manman suddenly felt it was wonderful, realizing it was indeed necessary for her to get used to it, after all, it was the path she chose herself.

She poured a cup of water for each of the Jiang siblings and handed them a towel.

Both of them were panting from exhaustion and sweating profusely from standing by the oil pot all day.

Once they tidied up, Jiang Tianrui approached He Chen with a serious question.

"Will us selling fried chicken at the entrance of your store affect your business? Should I rent the shop next door instead?"

He felt their selling fried chicken might affect the Sweet and Spicy Duck sales, and couldn’t help but feel guilty for all the help He Chen and Ye Manman had provided.

He Chen shook his head, "It won’t affect anything. The supply of Sweet and Spicy Duck is limited daily, and we plan to stop selling it by July, handing this store over to you. The location here is great for selling fried chicken."

Jiang Tianrui thought He Chen was simply accommodating Jiang Yuan because she was friends with Ye Manman, making space for her to try out a small business, temporarily running a trial operation, assuming they’d eventually need to find a new location to officially open.

He didn’t expect He Chen and Ye Manman to do this much for them.

Jiang Tianrui couldn’t help but glance at Ye Manman.

Seeing this, Ye Manman confidently grabbed He Chen’s arm and said.

"Don’t worry, we’ve already thought this through. Just focus on selling fried chicken here, don’t worry about affecting us. One is hot food, the other is cold; one is sweet, the other is spicy; they complement each other, there won’t be much effect."

"Besides, I’m going to take the college entrance exam and will move to another city with him. This location is too good to just hand over to someone else. Better to transfer it to Jiang Yuan; when you make big money, Jiang Yuan can visit me and bring gifts."

She seemed unafraid of not getting into university, and neither did He Chen, not a hint of doubt, making Jiang Tianrui swallow the words "what if you don’t get in".

Because he suddenly recalled the scene of Ye Manman silently translating foreign literature while learning to make fried chicken in their store these days.

That kind of book, he honestly couldn’t understand a word, it looked like ants to him.

Moreover, hearing from Jiang Yuan that Cheng Yuan’s test papers and mistakes were all explained by Ye Manman, it all made sense that she was so confident.

Yet, he still felt a little embarrassed.

"You guys are too kind to Jiang Yuan, the fried chicken will surely flourish. Taking only 30% isn’t enough, let’s revise the contract to add another 10%."

Jiang Yuan also understood that Ye Manman intended to transfer the store to her in the future. Such a prime location, who knows what the price might rise to in six months. They were too good to her.

Not wanting to feel guilty, Jiang Yuan quickly echoed Jiang Tianrui.

"Yes, yes, let’s revise the contract to add another 10%. I’ll make a lot of money and share it with you in the future!"

Watching the flushed faces of the siblings, Ye Manman couldn’t help but laugh.

"Do you think I didn’t consider these things? If I’ve set it at 30%, then it’s 30%, no changes. Instead of thinking about giving me an extra 10%, just make more money, do better, and bigger, eventually, with 30% I won’t worry about food and drink."

"But—"

Jiang Yuan wanted to say something more, but Ye Manman directly glared at her, pretending to be angry.

"No buts. If you keep thanking me over such trivial matters, our bond would dilute."

Hearing this, Jiang Yuan immediately fell silent.

"Alright, I won’t mention it again."

Jiang Tianrui didn’t speak, silently counting the money they made today and handed over 30% to them.

"Well, since that’s the case, let’s not be overly formal. Here’s today’s 30%, since we’re in the same store, we’ll just settle daily in the coming months. We can later switch to monthly or yearly settlements. Rest assured, we’ll keep accurate records and never hide anything from you."