Transmigrated into the fat wife of the future prime minister

Chapter 191 Successful Improvement
When Xu Qingmeng arrived at Jinxiuxuan in the afternoon, Liu Zhigang had already made the improved version of Chongyang cake that he had envisioned.

The pastries had a little honey added and were topped with candied fruit; one set had maltose added, and the other did not.

The one with maltose would make anyone with a sweet tooth drool, but Xu Qingmeng, whose taste isn't as strong, thought the one without maltose would be better.

Xu Qingmeng tasted the one containing maltose and found it to be within an acceptable range. The candied fruit was made of plums, with a sweet and salty taste and a hint of sourness.

Xu Qingmeng took a bite; it had both sweet and salty flavors, but was slightly salty, which made it seem like there wasn't a clear main flavor.

Of course, this was just Xu Qingmeng's own taste; she preferred it without maltose.

Both are good according to current popular tastes, especially the one with added maltose, which is a big plus in terms of visual appeal.

"Boss, how is it?"

Liu Zhigang looked at Xu Qingmeng nervously.

The others were also watching intently, filled with envy.

Under everyone's scrutiny, Xu Qingmeng nodded: "Not bad, it's delicious."

Liu Zhigang's tense expression immediately disappeared, and a smile appeared on his face: "Thank you, boss."

He knew that Xu Qingmeng preferred milder flavors, so he made two different kinds, but she tasted both and gave him positive feedback.

He didn't judge the strongly flavored dessert based on his own taste; he was genuinely excited and felt even more respect for Xu Qingmeng.

"This dessert can be served after the Double Ninth Festival. Of course, you need to figure it out and keep an accurate recipe to avoid two different batches."

"Yes, I've got it, boss."

Xu Qingmeng seemed to be thinking about something, and then said, "Although you created this pastry, you can sell it to others or give it to them, but since you are still in the shop, this recipe cannot be spread outside. Do you understand?"

The contract that Xu Qingmeng signed with them contained this clause: during this period, if a new dessert is created, the recipe can be kept by the individual, but it cannot be sold or taught during the employment period. This recipe, along with the one you learned, is confidential.

Liu Zhigang said seriously, "Boss, don't worry, I know this. If anyone in the kitchen wants to learn, I can teach them."

Xu Qingmeng said with a smile, "Whether you teach me or not is up to you. Of course, the shop won't use your house casually. I'll talk to the manager later and give you an extra sum of money, which will be given to you along with next month's wages."

Everyone looked at Liu Zhigang with envy. Sure enough, money can motivate people no matter what.

Apart from Liu Zhigang, the rest of the people were all very excited, after all, what Xu Qingmeng said was equivalent to three months' worth of money for Liu Zhigang, or even more.

Liu Zhigang said embarrassedly, "Boss, this is too much. I wouldn't call it innovation; I just made some changes based on your work."

"What's yours will be yours, and it's not just targeting you. Xing'er and the others will also get their drinks, but you're the first one to get desserts."

After Xu Qingmeng finished speaking, she looked at everyone and said, "This rule has always been popular in the beverage industry. This is why beverage sales were not as high as dessert sales, but their monthly wages were higher than yours."

Although the shop is small, it follows a principle of clear rewards and punishments. Good behavior is rewarded, but anyone who does something detrimental to the shop will not be tolerated.

"As long as it's for the good of the shop, we will reward you accordingly. The shop will never be stingy. Just relax. As long as you can make new pastries like Liu Zhigang and the taste is recognized, you will all receive an extra sum of money."

"Of course, I know more than just these kinds of snacks. Don't try to pass off other local specialties as your own. If I find out, then..." Everyone kept this in mind.

After Xu Qingmeng finished speaking, she left the kitchen shortly afterward.

Before leaving, I told the shopkeeper about the reward. The shopkeeper didn't have any objections, since this wasn't unusual in the shop.

The shopkeeper also knew that it was better that the owner didn't treat these apprentices as outsiders, giving them something to strive for and motivating them to work harder.

If the shopkeepers think of them, they will naturally do their part for the shop in return.

Once Xu Qingmeng had taken care of things at the shop, she stopped going there every day.

Quan County is only a small place. Gu Yunyi's injury caused quite a stir, but part of the reason was that he won the "Little Three Scholars" lottery.

Despite the rumors circulating outside, quite a few people still came to visit the Shen family every day.

Mrs. He was busy receiving guests, but since she was only one person, she would invite those who brought gifts or had a good relationship with her to stay for a meal.

This requires Xu Qingmeng to keep busy, but Xinting comes back every noon because she doesn't want her aunt to be too tired.

Whenever Xu Qingmeng tells her that she's fine and not to tire herself out by running back and forth so much, Xinting always says, "Auntie, I'm not worried about you, I'm worried about the little brother and sister in your belly."

Upon hearing this, Xu Qingmeng had no way to refute it and could only let her go.

Two days later, there were fewer people in the house, and everyone had some free time.

Aunt Tang and Aunt Li also came specifically to inquire when the shop would open.

After thinking for a moment, Mrs. He said, "It should be in the next couple of days. There are a lot of people at home these days, so it's not very convenient. Let's tidy up and open the door in the next couple of days."

This delay of a few days has cost her a lot of money, and Madam He is heartbroken.

After thinking for a moment, I said, "How about tomorrow? I'll have someone send some meat and vegetables over later."

Just as Aunt Tang was about to say something, she heard someone knocking on the door.

The three of them turned around and saw a young man standing at the door.

Seeing the three people looking at him, he quickly bowed and asked, "Excuse me, is this Madam Gu's home?"

The He family members exchanged glances. Were they here to see Mengniang?
Madam He stepped forward and asked, "May I ask, young man, is there anything I can help you with?"

The young man knew he had come to the right place as soon as he heard that!
The young man, a waiter at the Fucheng noodle shop, breathed a slight sigh of relief.

Fortunately, Young Master Gu was quite famous in Quan County, so he didn't take any detours. When he arrived in Quan County, he easily found out the address of the Gu family.

He quickly explained to Madam He, "Auntie, I came all the way from the prefectural city. Our manager had an appointment with Young Master Gu and Madam Gu. Would you please come out for a chat?"

At this time, Xu Qingmeng was taking a nap in the side room. Madam He invited the young man to sit down in the front hall and then went to call Xu Qingmeng.

(End of this chapter)