Courtyard House: Inheriting the Restaurant, the Jia Family Wants to Get It for Free

Cheng Shuhai scooped up a little with a small spoon and tasted it.

The liquor entered my mouth without the expected spiciness; instead, it was exceptionally smooth, like a warm current sliding down my throat. Then, a rich, mellow kick suddenly exploded in my stomach, instantly spreading throughout my entire body.

"Excellent wine!"

Cheng Shuhai couldn't help but exclaim in admiration.

This wine is better than any famous wine he had ever tasted in his previous life!

Of course, the main reason is that Cheng Shuhai can't afford those expensive, good wines.

He placed the newly brewed sweet potato liquor in the space, intending to use the space's hundredfold time flow rate to let it age for a period of time, which would definitely make it taste better.

The next morning, Cheng Shuhai picked out two jars of the most unassuming-looking "sweet potato liquor" and brought them to the restaurant.

He deliberately waited until the lunch rush, when there were the most diners, before leisurely placing the wine jar on the counter.

"Comrade Cheng, what's this? You really got some wine?"

The sharp-eyed boss who suggested selling alcohol yesterday was the first to ask.

"Homemade sweet potato liquor, everyone should try it."

Cheng Shuhai smiled and patted open the mud seal on one of the jars.

With a soft "bang," an indescribable, rich aroma of wine burst forth from the mouth of the jar, like an invisible hand instantly gripping the noses of everyone present!

The aroma of the entire restaurant, and even the fragrance wafting out onto the street, was completely suppressed by this domineering scent of alcohol.

Everyone stopped eating, sniffed deeply, and showed expressions of rapture.

"My goodness! What kind of wine is this? It smells amazing!"

"Just smelling it makes my craving for alcohol practically crawl out of my throat!"

The shopkeeper was so excited his face turned red. He rushed to the counter, looking at Cheng Shuhai expectantly: "Comrade Cheng, quick, give me a bowl!"

"Okay!"

Cheng Shuhai poured him a bowl.

The old man couldn't wait to pick it up, first taking a deep sniff, and then carefully taking a small sip.

The next second, his eyes widened like saucers!

He froze on the spot, as if struck by lightning.

"Old Zhang, say something! How's the wine?" his drinking buddy urged impatiently.

The old man didn't answer, but instead downed the rest of the wine in his bowl in one gulp!

"ha--!"

He exhaled a long breath of alcohol, a satisfied blush spreading across his face.

"Fine wine! Fine wine!" he shouted excitedly, his voice trembling. "This is the best wine I've ever tasted in my life! Compared to this, even strong liquor and baijiu are like horse piss!"

His words caused an uproar in the room.

"Is it really that good?"

"Give me a bowl!"

"Me too!"

The diners rushed to the counter like madmen, leaving their money directly on it, and then eagerly waited for Cheng Shuhai to pour the wine, afraid that they would miss out if they were late.

Cheng Shuhai was prepared, having Cheng Shujun maintain order while he leisurely poured drinks for everyone.

After drinking a bowl of wine, everyone's reaction was similar to that of the old man.

Without exception, they were all conquered by the superb taste of this "sweet potato pancake".

Those two jars of wine were sold out in less than half an hour.

Those who didn't get a drink were filled with regret and despair.

The news that "Cheng's Restaurant has divine wine" spread like wildfire among the drinkers in Nanluoguxiang.

The restaurant is doing even better business than before.

Countless wine lovers flocked to the restaurant, with queues stretching from the restaurant entrance all the way to the alleyway, all for a cup of the legendary "sweet potato liquor".

As evening approached, Liu Haizhong rushed over.

He pushed through the crowd, a forced smile on his face, and said to Cheng Shuhai, "Comrade Cheng, do you still have any wine? I'd like to buy some to give to our workshop leaders."

Since being punished to clean toilets, he has tried every means to curry favor with his superiors, hoping to be transferred back as soon as possible.

Hearing that Cheng Shuhai had some good wine, he immediately became interested.

Cheng Shuhai glanced at him and said indifferently, "That's all, we've sold out of wine for today."

"No, Comrade Cheng, could you give me some more? I'll pay extra!"

Liu Haizhong got anxious.

Just then, Yan Bugui squeezed in, carrying an empty wine bottle.

"Shuhai, I heard you're selling wine here? Give me two ounces, I'll take some back to try, and I'll also give some to our school leaders."

He had the same idea.

Cheng Shuhai looked at the two people, each with their own ulterior motives, and sneered inwardly.

"That's all. Please come early tomorrow."

After saying that, he ignored the two of them and turned to go into the kitchen.

Liu Haizhong and Yan Bugui were rebuffed and could only leave dejectedly.

They were all planning to be the first to line up tomorrow, determined to buy this "divine wine" no matter what.

The introduction of "sweet potato pancakes" brought Cheng's restaurant to a new level of fame.

To cope with the influx of customers, Cheng Shuhai had to resort to a scarcity marketing strategy.

They only sell three jars a day, one in the morning and two in the afternoon, and close up shop once they're sold out.

This did not dampen everyone's enthusiasm; on the contrary, it made "sweet potato shaved ice" even more precious, and it was hard to come by.

Those who couldn't buy the wine complained bitterly, while those who did were overjoyed, carefully savoring it amidst envious glances from others.

Cheng Shuhai was happy to have more free time, earn more money than before, and feel much more relaxed.

That evening, the restaurant was about to close, and the last jar of wine was empty.

Just as Cheng Shuhai was about to have Cheng Shujun hang up the "Please come early tomorrow" sign, an old man and a young man walked in through the door.

The older one looked to be in his sixties, dressed in a well-fitting long gown, and was in high spirits. Although his eyes were not large, they were bright and piercing, revealing a shrewdness.

The young woman was in her early teens, dressed in simple blue cloth clothes, with two long braids. She had delicate features, but her eyes were unusually firm, and she possessed a heroic spirit that was not common among women.

Cheng Shuhai's heart skipped a beat when he saw the young woman.

Xu Huizhen!

Although he looked much younger than he did on television in later years, he recognized his unique aura at a glance!

The man beside her must be He Yongqiang's adoptive father, the old man who also runs a small tavern.

"Young comrade, do you have any more wine?"

Old Man He spoke, his voice booming.

"I'm sorry, sir, we've sold out of wine for today."

Cheng Shujun stepped forward and answered politely.

Upon hearing this, Old Man He's face showed a hint of disappointment.

He sniffed the air carefully, then his eyes lit up.

"This aroma... is unusual!"

He muttered to himself.

Xu Huizhen, standing to the side, also curiously looked around at the small restaurant. Although it was not big, it was clean and tidy. The aroma of food and wine filled the air, making one's appetite very strong.

"Young comrade, we've come all this way just to try your wine. Could you spare us a small cup to try?"

Old Man He looked at Cheng Shuhai, his tone very polite.

Cheng Shuhai knew perfectly well that this man was a true connoisseur who had come for his wine.

He smiled and said, "Sir, you're an expert. Since you've asked, I have to give you that courtesy."