After putting the dried bean curd sticks back at the restaurant, Zhou Yan first took the old lady back to Zhou Village.
On the way back, he stopped at the supply and marketing cooperative and bought ten jin of dried kelp.
"Oh my, we're having seafood today!" Zhou Yan pushed the bicycle into the restaurant. Zhao Tieying came up and looked at the large bundle of kelp on the back of the bicycle with a curious expression.
Zhou Yan glanced at her, unsure if Aunt Zhao was being sarcastic.
After all, in later generations, if you said you were taking someone to eat seafood and a plate of kelp was served, you'd definitely get beaten up.
Aunt Zhao asked earnestly, "How much is it per jin? I haven't bought it for many years. When we were kids, we couldn't even afford a plate of kelp during the New Year or other holidays."
"Dried, 85 cents a jin."
"So much cheaper!" Aunt Zhao exclaimed in surprise, "That's great! I'll buy some to stew with meat this year for the New Year, it'll be so comfortable."
Zhou Yan was certain that Aunt Zhao was serious, and said with a smile, "No need to wait until the New Year, I've already bought them all. We can eat them whenever we want."
"Why are you buying so much? It's still a long way from the New Year." Aunt Zhao said, still puzzled.
Zhou Yan untied the kelp and said, "I'm planning to start making braised vegetarian dishes tomorrow. I bought some dried bean curd sticks from my aunt, and ordered some dried tofu. Knotted kelp can also be a vegetarian dish. I'll also get some potatoes and lotus root. I'll try this out first."
"Your potatoes and lotus root are vegetables, and dried tofu is barely considered one, but dried bean curd sticks and kelp are so expensive. How can you sell them mixed with vegetables?" Aunt Zhao shook her head repeatedly: "Good heavens, kelp is seafood!"
Zhou Yan pursed his lips, wanting to laugh.
But looking at Aunt Zhao's serious expression, he didn't dare to laugh.
This reminded him of something from the past. He had interviewed an old chef who talked about how kelp was more expensive than gold in the 1960s. At that time, ordinary people couldn't afford or eat kelp at all, and it was all imported. The price was even higher than that of shrimp.
Later, an academician surnamed Zeng popularized kelp farming technology, which led to a surge in domestic kelp production, allowing this seafood to enter thousands of households.
Judging from the price, it should have become widespread quite some time ago.
But it's clear that kelp still holds a significant place in the hearts of ordinary people.
"The pricing will definitely be different, otherwise everyone would choose dried bean curd sticks and kelp." Zhou Yan nodded. "Lotus root and potatoes sell for 40 cents a jin, dried tofu for 60 cents a jin, and dried bean curd sticks and kelp for 80 cents a jin. The net profit can reach about 50%."
He continues to follow the strategy of low profit margins and high sales volume.
Of course, the main consideration is purchasing power.
Meat prices have just dropped to one yuan a jin.
If the price of braised vegetables is higher than that of meat, customers probably won't be as accepting.
Moreover, 40 cents a jin for braised vegetables might attract some price sensitive customers, thus expanding the market.
That's just how food is.
When you find braised vegetables delicious, you'll naturally become curious about the rich, meaty aroma within.
Curiosity is the beginning of addiction.
It starts with a braised vegetable dish, but it will never end with one.
Zhou Yan had absolute confidence.
Relying solely on those men who loved to drink had reached its limit. Now, he needed to use braised vegetables to tap into the rich mine of female textile factory workers.
Female workers made up a full 70% of the workforce in the textile factory.
Working women who hold up half the sky in this era tend to be more meticulous in their daily lives.
They might occasionally buy braised meat for two yuan and fifty cents or three yuan a jin, but they would also consider the daily necessities of their household more.
Forty cents a jin of braised vegetables, they can get half a jin for just twenty cents. Bringing some home to share with the kids and family, and he doubt anyone could resist.
"Okay, as long as you know what you're doing, you definitely know more than I do." Aunt Zhao nodded and no longer hesitating it. Instead, she helped to clean up the kelp and swept away the salt that had fallen on it.
Today's trip was incredibly fruitful for Zhou Yan.
Not only did he gain a cousin, but the tofu product supplier was also secured, and the braised vegetarian dishes that were still under consideration were quickly finalized.
Zhou Yan couldn't guarantee how much tofu he could sell in a day.
But as long as his braised vegetables sold well, the dried bean curd sticks and dried tofu alone would keep Grandma Sun and her grandson busy.
…
That evening, after the factory closed, the braised beef, as expected, sold out.
In less than ten minutes, the remaining six jin of braised beef were gone.
Many customers were still clamoring to make reservations.
However, Zhou Yan didn't open reservations for any dishes other than braised pig's trotters, only promising to double the supply tomorrow to ensure everyone could buy braised beef.
Ten jin of braised beef hadn't yet impacted the braised pork products.
But Zhou Yan had already reduced tomorrow's pig head reservations by one, because adding another ten jin of braised beef would inevitably affect the braised pork products.
He had to control waste.
After closing in the evening, Zhou Yan went for a run with Lin Zhiqiang.
"Uncle Lin, you got new running shoes again?" Zhou Yan looked at Lin Zhiqiang's white Feiyue running shoes and couldn't help but smile, "Sister Meng is really good to you."
Lin Zhiqiang was a little proud: "Of course, I run everyday, my body is in great shape, she...she's happy too."
Zhou Yan was baffled by what he said, wondering just how happy Sister Meng could be.
"Have you been in contact with Xia Yao lately?" Lin Zhiqiang asked casually, but his eyes were carefully watching him, trying to see something different from his expression.
"We exchange letters occasionally, she must be quite busy." Zhou Yan replied with a smile, his expression largely unfazed.
"That's good. Young people should stay in touch, keep in touch often, so the relationship doesn't fade. If you don't understand anything, just ask me. I have a lot of experience." Lin Zhiqiang said with a smile.
"Okay, I'll definitely ask Uncle Lin for advice later." Zhou Yan nodded.
After chatting for a few more minutes, the topic turned to the current situation.
"I heard that China and United Kingdom are going to sign a joint declaration. Everyone's been talking about it lately. Hong Kong is about to be returned to China..."
They had been chatting all the way there, and Lin Zhiqiang was quite surprised and agreed with Zhou Yan's deduction.
Zhou Yan smiled slightly in response.
He didn't remember anything else, but the return of Hong Kong was a crucial point; he couldn't forget it.
Lin Zhiqiang ran home covered in sweat and looked at Meng Anhe, who was practicing Ba Duan Jin[1] in the living room, and said, "Zhou Yan is such a cultured young man. If I had a daughter, I would definitely arrange for her to marry him."
Meng Anhe calmly continued her movements, saying with an air of nonchalance, "You don't need to tell me that. Tell my sister and brother in law."
"Then I'll go write a letter." Lin Zhiqiang turned to head towards the study room.
"Stop right there!" Meng Anhe glared at him. "Go take a shower first, don't get your sweat on the desk and chair. Also, if you're going to write, just write, don't mention me, I don't want to take responsibility."
"Ah? Anhe, aren't we husband and wife one, of one heart?" Lin Zhiqiang was a little hurt.
Meng Anhe calmly replied, "This is the result of your investigation. I only know that Zhou Yan cooks well. I've already told my sister about that. I haven't had much contact with him in other aspects yet."
"Alright, I'll write again next time. Let's see when Old Xia can't resist writing to me. The last letter was back in June." Lin Zhiqiang turned and grabbed his enamel basin and clothes to take a shower.
"Zhou Yan really has won his heart…" Meng Anhe couldn't help but shake her head with a smile.
…
The dried bean curd sticks only needs to be soaked in cold water for about three hours beforehand; soaking it for too long will make it too soft and mushy, losing its essence.
The kelp only needs to be soaked for six hours.
Considering that the braising time for vegetables is shorter and they don't need to be soaked in the braising liquid for too long, it's fine to soak them after getting up tomorrow morning.
Currently, the only thing soaked overnight is the dried bamboo shoots.
After taking a shower and soaking the dried bamboo shoots, Zhou Yan and his chess-playing buddy Comrade Old Zhou engaged in a fierce battle, each winning and losing a round, before parting ways satisfied.
Zhou Yan didn't rush to sleep. He found a piece of wood about 40 centimeters long and 30 centimeters wide, sketched a rough draft with a pencil, designed it simply, and started writing the sign.
He first used a large brush to write six big words in red paint: Xiba Tofu! 20 cents a jin!
Then, in smaller yellow ink, he wrote: "Silent Tofu Stall."
Next, using a small brush dipped in black paint, he wrote a few lines in smaller print: "Xiba Sun Ji Tofu, a centuries-old tradition. The tofu is delicate and chewy, suitable for frying, deep-frying, and boiling without falling apart. Welcome to try and buy."
Finally, he added: "I am deaf and mute. Tofu is 20 cents per jin. No bargaining or credit."
"I can't hear your voice, but I can understand your smile."
The wooden board was filled with writing.
But the main points were clearly distinguished.
Key information was bolded and enlarged.
The characteristics of Xiba tofu were explained in detail. This was Zhou Yan's own evaluation after buying and cooking it, which was considered fair.
As for the final note, it was meant to awaken people's inner softness.
Is he playing the victim?
It can be considered.
But Laifu is indeed quite pitiful. He's rather handsome, but thin and frail, and being deaf and mute, he easily evokes pity.
It's just that he was born at the wrong time; otherwise, Zhou Yan would have given him the online name 'Fu Gui' (meaning "Good Fortune").
If he simply edited and explained the situation truthfully, he'd never have to sell tofu again.
He could just sit in front of the stone mill everyday grinding soybeans, occasionally holding up a sign that said, "Thank you, brother!"
But now, his cousin Laifu...
Every day, he drags his thin body, grinding, filtering, boiling, and curdling the soybeans, pressing them to make a square of tofu.
After that, he has to carry it to town to sell, and then go back to cook dried bean curd sticks and dry tofu.
Tired as it is, Zhou Yan thinks Laifu would probably enjoy this sense of fulfillment more.
Of course, labeling him as deaf and mute was also to reduce his troubles; otherwise, customers wouldn't understand and would simply leave if he relied solely on sign language.
The pillars and base were ready. He'd just hammer in a few nails tomorrow morning, and a lightweight yet eye-catching billboard would be complete.
Since he'd made a promise to Grandma Sun, Zhou Yan was determined to do a good job.
It was just a block of tofu; Zhou Yan didn't believe it wouldn't sell.
…
The next day, at the crack of dawn, Comrade Little Zhou took the billboard to the riverbank and nailed it in place.
It was placed on the ground; the three-legged structure was quite sturdy.
And it wasn't too heavy to carry. He'd also brought a rope so Laifu could tie the billboard to his carrying basket; the mobile billboard wouldn't interfere with the tofu inside.
"Your billboard is really well written. It's eye-catching and attractive, and it explains things clearly." Comrade Old Zhou nodded as he looked at the signboard that Zhou Yan had placed in the basket on the back seat.
"I definitely need to put in some effort. I want him to sell his tofu well more than anyone else." Zhou Yan smiled and rode forward. He was counting on Laifu to learn and practice hard so that he could master Mapo Tofu as soon as possible.
Mapo Tofu is one of the three giants of Sichuan cuisine, alongside Twice-Cooked Pork and Kung Pao Chicken.
Zhou Yan was really looking forward to this dish.
After buying all the meat, he parked his bicycle at the bridgehead, leaving Comrade Old Zhou to watch it. Zhou Yan carried the wooden signboard along the riverbank, already anticipating Laifu's expression when he saw it.
His gaze swept over the vegetables displayed in front of the vendors. He bought two bunches of fresh bok choy and spotted four cabbages; he'd come back to buy them later.
As Zhou Yan approached the tofu stall, he suddenly heard two rather grating voices:
"Don't set up your stall here! I was here first! If you dare to set up your stall here, I'll overturn it all."
"That's right! So what if you're mute? I've been selling tofu here for three years, hurry up and take your tofu and leave!"
Zhou Yan turned his gaze from the vegetable stall and looked up.
Laifu stood behind a small table, protecting his tofu, his neck hunched, looking somewhat flustered.
Standing in front of him were a man and a woman, their expressions arrogant and domineering. The burly young man in the floral shirt even reached out to grab the basket Laifu was carrying.
"You son of a bi**h."
Zhou Yan cursed angrily, then shouldered the signboard and charged out!
[1] Ba Duan Jin (八段锦 Bā duàn jǐn), also known as Eight Pieces of Brocade, doesn't demand much space or time and uses special breathing and concentration techniques to improve both physical and mental well-being. It is one of the most ancient forms of Chinese qigong (a system of deep-breathing exercises). It is renowned for its health benefits, combining gentle movements with breath control.