Chapter 284: Business Partners

"What's done is done," Hua Zhi didn't want to dwell on the past and continued talking about the previous matter. "The cost of the canned goods can be calculated. Last year, the jars cost two silver each. This year, I arranged specifications and styles in advance with the kiln factory, and the price remains the same, but they look much nicer. Uncle can easily check this expense. Then there's the cost of the goods themselves, they aren't expensive, but I have to bring them from out of town, and I also arranged for an icehouse in advance. The price of rock sugar is fixed, plus labor and other expenses. Even the cheapest citrus canned goods require a base price of five taels of silver for us to make some profit."

Bai Mingxia objected without much thought, "Five taels is too expensive. This item can sell for ten taels in the capital city, but not necessarily outside. I also have to bear the shipping costs and losses during transit, as well as rent, labor, and so on. When everything is calculated, the profit might be similar to what we had at the restaurant before."

"The selling price cannot be lowered. In fact, many items from the capital city can fetch higher prices outside. Our business is not about low margins and high turnover. This canned goods business mainly targets the elderly, women, and children from wealthy households. If you lower the price, they might not even be interested. Also, Yunlai Restaurant is the only one, and later on, a considerable portion went to shops. The quantity is limited. If Uncle has the ability to spread this business all over the country, imagine the volume needed? When everything is added up, how high would the profit be? Let me calculate it for Uncle."

After some back and forth negotiation, they settled on a price for the citrus at four taels seven liang and the peach at four taels six liang.

"I plan to introduce a few new products - lychee, hawthorn, and pear. You can taste them first before we set the prices."

"Can these fruits be made into canned goods as well?"

"Any fruit can be made, but some may not taste good when processed, or they may not store well, like grapes. By the way, when selling the hawthorn canned goods, make sure to mention that pregnant women should not consume them as it can lead to miscarriage."

Bai Mingxia noted this important information. "How much of last year's canned goods are left?"

"There should be enough to support a few shops. Since these items are quite expensive, the sales volume is not high per day. Let's take it slow and not spread ourselves too thin at the beginning. Also," Hua Zhi looked at Bai Mingxia solemnly, "I trust you, not the Bai family. I hope Uncle can handle the family matters well and avoid trouble later on."

"As soon as I leave the capital city, my elder brother will not continue to bother me. Rest assured, I will secure what needs to be done and come back to finalize the partnership with you. Two months should be enough."

Hua Zhi checked the time. "Perfect, that's when the fruits will be ripe. I may need Uncle's help at that time."

After a detailed discussion and two more cups of tea, they paused. As Bai Mingxia looked outside and noticed it was getting dark, he slapped his forehead, "It's already this late; I can't escort you. Hurry back; other matters can wait."

Hua Zhi glanced outside and then stood up to respectfully bid farewell.

In the capital city, people had a consensus that the Shi Zai restaurant was a place for enjoying delicious food. The more people praised it, the higher its reputation became. No one would engage in inappropriate behavior or go wild there, especially not with alcohol.

The Shi Zai Restaurant only served fruit wine and the choice of wine depended on the dish. If it was a mushroom feast, fruit wine wouldn't even be served, let alone consumed.

The people who come here enjoy this kind of setting, and those who leave are always satisfied and content, without any messy affairs. The place always closes before it gets dark.

Fu Dong had already prepared everything outside and was waiting, while Bao Xia was whispering something to her; she hurried forward to greet the mistress as she came out.

"Are you done?"

"Yes."

"Then let's go back."

Bai Mingxia followed suit and came out, with Hua Zhi stepping aside to let him go first. As the two of them descended the stairs, they reached the corner where Bai Mingxia immediately saw the man waiting on the first floor.

He remembered this man; he had enquired about him secretly from Yue Zhi during his recent visit to Yinyan Pass. Yue Zhi seemed to know him, but Bai Mingxia wasn't sure of his identity. The way he interacted with Hua Zhi indicated they had a close relationship that was not to be taken lightly.

Hua Zhi also spotted him and greeted with a smile as she descended the staircase, "Have you been waiting long? Has Shao Yao and Xiao Liu also come out? I asked Lan Qiao to prepare the meal before their leave."

"Just arrived, they have already left," Gu Yanxi glanced at Bai Mingxia, "Finished talking?"

"Yes." Hua Zhi didn't introduce the two to each other as they were not related, "Uncle, I will leave first."

"Go ahead, it's getting late."

Gu Yanxi helped Hua Zhi onto the carriage before mounting his horse. Hua Zhi signaled Fu Dong to join her on the carriage.

On the swaying carriage, Hua Zhi helped Fu Dong to sit properly, "Do you have capable people working under you now?"

Fu Dong shook her head, "They each have their own responsibilities. If one person can handle everything, then everyone can graduate, but we are far from that stage at the moment."

Hua Zhi wasn't surprised; Fu Dong was a unique talent nurtured by her over the years. The other servants were nowhere near her level, and it was not possible for them to take over the kitchen in such a short time.

"Do you want to use them?"

"I want to use you." Hua Zhi's eyes softened as she looked at Fu Dong, who was obedient, helpful, and gentle—qualities Hua Zhi always liked in her maids.

"What do you need me to do, Miss?"

"I have sorted out the sources for ingredients on my trip down south. When I return north, around August, we will have to start the seafood business. I need you to take charge of the kitchen. The Shi Zai kitchen also can't function without you..."

"Miss, I can handle it." Fu Dong emphasized, meeting her mistress's gaze. "I can manage everything."

Hua Zhi was momentarily surprised but then smiled, pinching Fu Dong's cheeks, "You've improved."

In the past, Fu Dong needed some effort to push or move things, but now she was already taking the initiative to share the burden.

Fu Dong blinked, clasping the mistress's hand in hers and lowering her head. She still wanted to be by her mistress's side, not wanting to manage things, but if these were what the Mistress needed her to do, she was willing.

"The preparation of those items is easy; as long as they are fresh and boiled in water, they will taste good. During this time, focus on researching the dipping sauces; that's crucial. You also need to start preparing pickled vegetables and preserved dishes. The supplies at home won't last long, but don't worry about the hot weather; we have plenty of ice at home."

"Yes."

"After I leave, have Lan Qiao stay by your side. I see potential in her; she might be able to help you in the future."

Fu Dong nodded, "Yes, Lan Qiao is very diligent and thoughtful, but..."

"What's wrong?"

"She's engaged, and will be getting married by the end of the year."

No matter how many ideas one has, marriage changes things, and pregnancy and childbirth are the things they need to consider. Hua Zhi sighed a bit sadly, no longer holding out hope for Lan Qiao. She was glad she hadn't discussed anything with her since everyone pursues their own paths, and she didn't want to interfere with someone else's life.

"Then let her become my head chef."

Fu Dong lowered her head, feeling a bit reluctant, "I have thought of Lan Qiao as your head chef..."

"That day will come. When all the people from the Hua family return, we won't have to worry about these things, and then you can come back to be my head chef."

———TN: Done posting for today. See you next time.