Food Intelligence King

Chapter 17 Some People Love Spicy Food Too [Thanks to the generous donor "A Delicate Ash" for the generous donation]

After seeing off his suppliers, Chen Zhou focused on returning to his small business.

His steamed bun stall gradually gained some regular customers.

When people go out for a stroll in the evening, they often stop at the steamed bun stall for a while and chat with Chen Zhou or other familiar customers.

Such as:

"Is your child in first grade yet?"

How's business today?

"Thank goodness you didn't come last night, I would have had to row a boat to get around."

Most of the people there are neighbors living nearby, and they are especially happy that a delicious food stall has opened in this area.

I'll just buy two steamed buns on my way home; they're delicious and filling.
Feeling the trust and recognition from everyone, Chen Zhou felt very satisfied.

Unlike when I worked at my previous company—

The plumbing professionals draw up a whole row of urinal plans, but in the end, they don't even know if the users are satisfied with them.

Nowadays, diners vote with their feet whether a food is delicious or not.

This sense of accomplishment and participation is something that other jobs can't provide.

Of course, besides subjective feelings, Chen Zhou also has a string of "+1 positive review" comments, which pop up every now and then.

The street vending is nearing its end.

Chen Zhou called his wife and asked her to bring the child down so they could "clank and clank" their way back in the car.

You could hear how excited the little girl was over the phone.

Just then, a couple walked towards the steamed bun stall.

An elderly man smoking nearby was the first to recognize them.

"Hey, Xiao Meng, buying steamed buns? This place is really good, you should have come and tried it a long time ago."

Meng Da replied, "I heard it tastes good."

After finishing his call, Chen Zhou looked in the direction of the sound.

The people chatting were none other than the Jin Da Tobacco and Alcohol couple mentioned in the [Diner's Updates].

Chen Zhou had visited their store a few times occasionally.

During lunch and dinner time, you can often see the couple huddled in a small corner behind the counter, with just a table and a quick bite to eat.

In my memory, rice was always served in plastic takeout containers.

The couple probably don't cook for themselves much.
The two arrived at the stall and asked Chen Zhou how much the steamed buns cost.

Chen Zhou followed his usual practice and sold these at a discount.

Aunt Meng, who runs the tobacco and liquor store, seemed quite satisfied with the steamed buns. After telling Chen Zhou to pack up the rest, she even helped open the bag herself.

Meanwhile, Boss Meng, who was standing next to her, had his eyes on the condiments for the steamed buns.

He picked up a small cup and asked:

"Hey bro, your chili oil looks pretty good. Where did you get it from? Do you sell it at the Xingfu Market?"

Chen Zhou explained, "I made it myself."

"Oh, how much is a box?"

"It's free; it's given away when you buy steamed buns here."

"Then I won't be polite," said Boss Meng, already opening the chili oil bottle in his hand.

Under the LED lights of the food cart, the chili oil reflected a strong red glow, its color clear and bright, with a hint of reddish gold.

The chili flakes that had sunk to the bottom slowly flowed and sank to the bottom as he moved his hands.

Boss Meng leaned over and smelled it; it smelled pretty good, and it seemed to be fried in peanut oil.

He said with rapture:

"Bro, it smells delicious."

Chen Zhou smiled and emphasized to the other party, "It's the chili oil that smells so good, isn't it?"

Don't put me on any weird must-eat list, bro.

Mr. Meng rarely cooks at home, but I know he uses peanut oil, so it must be good.

Chen Zhou then gave him a brief introduction. Chili oil, besides the visible chili powder, also has the aroma of peanut oil.

To bring out the aroma when frying.

There are also four spices: Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, cinnamon, and bay leaves.

And four kinds of side ingredients—garlic, ginger, onion, and scallions.

These have been skimmed off as dregs, leaving only the spicy aroma in the hot oil.

Then pour this seasoned oil over the chili powder, crushed peanuts, and sesame seeds to achieve the current flavor.
Hearing that the chili oil was made with such high-quality ingredients, Boss Meng appreciated it even more.

"I usually love spicy food, and I always put chili oil in my steamed buns and dumplings. Are you giving away a box of chili oil with every few steamed buns I buy?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Zhou generously grabbed several boxes, put them in a bag, and handed them directly to him.

"Take this and eat it."

"Thanks so much, bro."

The other party returned the gift with a lotus flower, but unfortunately Chen Zhou didn't smoke.

Taking advantage of the opportunity presented by a few servings of chili oil, Chen Zhou struck up a conversation with the couple Meng Da and Liu Jinyan.

I originally wanted to ask them about the rent for nearby shops.

The other party initiated the conversation on this topic:

"Brother, I haven't even tried the steamed buns yet, but just looking at this chili oil, I know you're quite skilled. Have you ever thought about opening a small shop?"

"That's a plan," Chen Zhou nodded, then asked:
"May I ask how much your tobacco and liquor store's rent is per year?"

Meng Da flicked out his thumb and little finger.

Chen Zhou sighed with emotion:
"That's really not cheap."

Liu Jinyan, the owner of the tobacco and liquor store, curled her lip and said, "Who says it isn't true? We've been working for the landlord all year round."

She had a slightly different opinion from her husband: "You don't need to listen to him. Renting a shop might lead to losses. Setting up a small stall like this is more cost-effective."

Afterwards, the couple told Chen Zhou about the apartment layouts, rents, and market conditions of nearby ground-floor shops.

Because this residential complex was launched at the peak of housing prices, the ground-floor shops were rented cheaply, and the landlords felt they were losing money.
As Chen Zhou packed up his stall with his wife and children, several messages popped up on his phone.

It was sent by Comrade Wang Meng.

He said he originally planned to come today to buy some steamed buns and then discuss how to make short videos. However, his workplace required him to work overtime and conduct a surprise inspection in the university town area. He couldn't make it.

Chen Zhou replied:

"Sir, you're a city management officer, why are you reporting your whereabouts to a street vendor like me?"

"You're so boring!" Wang Meng replied with two silly emojis.

When thinking of Wang Meng, one cannot help but mention his casually uttered profound saying: "Relationships that cannot be shared are unlikely to last."

Chen Zhou turned to look at his wife.

"Yifan, is there anything you particularly like to eat?"

Your husband has some food information; he can keep an eye out for things for you.

Ms. Lin thought about it again and again.

Finally, tilting his head, he said hesitantly:
"steamed stuffed bun?"

Hearing her answer, Chen Zhou was already trying not to laugh. "Don't lie to me, okay? I was clearly tired of eating it a few days ago."

But, think about it.

Asking my wife about "favorite" or "special" is a bit of a stretch for her.

When Chen Zhou and Ms. Lin first met, they were both in college.

That's how she was back then.

Over the years, the two have not experienced a passionate, tumultuous period of love, but neither have they experienced a period of stagnation.

the other side.

Chen Taotao waited for ages but the bus didn't leave. Instead, she overheard her parents talking about their favorite foods and couldn't help but join their discussion:
"Dad, ask Tao Tao what she likes to eat."

Chen Zhou teased the child, "Daddy won't ask."

"Oh, why don't you ask me?"

(End of this chapter)