Chapter 41

Li Qi and Cai Mindel sat facing each other, while Old Cai San stood respectfully to the side, not yet having the qualifications to sit there.

Although Li Qi and Cai Mindel had just met, after Li Qi's series of flattering remarks, their friendship instantly reached a critical point. Others might have thought they were old friends.

"Today, I am truly honored to meet you, Sir. If you do not mind, I would like to treat you to a simple meal as a token of my respect," Li Qi said, clasping his hands.

Cai Mindel had come today specifically to find Li Qi. Even if Li Qi hadn't said this, he had no intention of leaving. He hurriedly declined, "How can I let you do that? How can I let a gentleman treat me?" He then called out sternly, "Little San! Go and order some good dishes and bring a fine bottle of wine. I want to enjoy a drink with Mr. Li."

Old Cai San immediately understood and hurriedly replied, "Yes, yes, I'll go right away."

Li Qi had no intention of paying for this meal. He clasped his hands at Cai Mindel and said, "Since Sir Cai is so generous, I will not refuse."

In fact, Old Cai San hadn't gone downstairs. The owner of the restaurant had already rushed upstairs, clearly informed that Cai Mindel was in the shop. In the food and drink industry of Bianliang, Cai Mindel was one of the top figures, and these small taverns dared not offend him.

The owner had wanted to go over and greet Cai Mindel, but was stopped by Old Cai San, who only asked him to send up some good wine and dishes.

The wine arrived before the dishes. Just as Old Cai San was about to pour the wine for Li Qi, Li Qi stopped him and apologized to Cai Mindel, "I'm sorry, but I have sworn never to drink again. I hope you can understand."

Li Qi had come to the Northern Song Dynasty because of drinking. In other words, it was the alcohol that made him lose his parents and his wife, so he hated it more than anyone.

Cai Mindel had already inquired about Li Qi's background and knew he was once a drunk on the street. Now, hearing that he had sworn off drinking, he was somewhat surprised. After some thought, he understood and said, "Very well, then. Mr. Li, let's have tea instead of wine."

"Thank you, Sir!" Li Qi smiled.

Old Cai San, as instructed, poured a glass of wine for Cai Mindel and a cup of tea for Li Qi, then respectfully stepped aside.

"As the saying goes, a thousand pieces of gold are easy to come by, but a true friend is hard to find. Today, I feel a deep connection with you, Mr. Li. Here, I raise a glass to you."

"I am truly honored by your kindness, Sir. I am unworthy of such treatment!"

The two, one with tea and one with wine, drank together.

After putting down the wine glass, Cai Mindel suddenly sighed and said apologetically, "When you visited my shop last time, I was unable to greet you properly. I hope you can forgive me. I will drink a penalty cup." He then picked up another glass of wine and drank it in one go.

Sweat! I didn't expect this old man to be even more hypocritical than me! I was just passing by and making some extra money. Visiting your shop? Ha, I never even thought about it.

Li Qi glanced at Old Cai San, who was already sweating profusely, and smiled at Cai Mindel, "No, no, last time I had an urgent matter at home, so I couldn't visit. I am truly sorry. I will also drink a penalty cup." He then poured the tea into his mouth.

"Is that so?"

Cai Mindel, seeing that Li Qi didn't seem to hold a grudge over the last visit, breathed a sigh of relief. His face, however, showed regret, "To be honest, Mr. Li, I was very disappointed when we parted last time. Later, I found out that you are the head chef at Drunken Immortal Inn. I even sent Little San to invite you to my house, but unfortunately, you were out. I didn't expect to meet you here today. It seems everything is destined."

This old man's acting is really good. Destiny, huh? Ha, do you think you are the heavens?

Li Qi found it amusing but put on a surprised face, "Really? Why have I never heard anyone mention this?"

Cai Mindel was slightly taken aback and glared at Old Cai San, who was sweating cold sweat.

Old Cai San shuddered and hurriedly said to Li Qi, "It's true, I went to Drunken Immortal Inn a few times, but Mr. Wu said you were out."

"That's strange. I've been at Drunken Immortal Inn all this time and haven't left. And Mr. Wu never mentioned this to me."

Li Qi's face showed "confusion" as he said to Cai Mindel, "I think there might be some misunderstanding here."

Cai Mindel was also very puzzled. If they were both trying to avoid him, Li Qi should have covered for Wu Fuhong. Why would he expose Wu Fuhong? If not, then it must be Wu Fuhong's fault. This old man, daring to deceive me, I will make you pay one day.

Clearly, Cai Mindel had already blamed Wu Fuhong and was less wary of Li Qi. He chuckled, "Mr. Wu must have been too busy to pay attention to such small matters. It's no wonder, with the long lines at Drunken Immortal Inn almost reaching our shop."

Finally, the main topic! Li Qi chuckled, "I hope you can be lenient, Sir."

Cai Mindel smiled, "Mr. Li, not only are you knowledgeable, but your culinary skills are also exceptional. Just with this stinky tofu, I believe no one can match you. I was fortunate enough to taste a piece, and it was truly unique."

"Oh? How do you know this stinky tofu is my creation?" Li Qi "feigned surprise," but his heart was as clear as a mirror.

Cai Mindel smiled, "I have been dealing with Drunken Immortal Inn for many years and know it very well. I also know the former head chef, Master Zhou. To put it bluntly, if he could make this stinky tofu, Drunken Immortal Inn wouldn't be what it is today."

As he spoke, a hint of resentment flashed in Cai Mindel's eyes. The sudden appearance of the stinky tofu had disrupted his plan to acquire Drunken Immortal Inn, which naturally made him angry.

Li Qi "realized" and nodded, "You are right, Sir. This stinky tofu is a family secret recipe. I revealed it to repay Mr. Wu for saving my life. I did not mean to target you. If I have offended you, I hope you can forgive me."

Hearing that the secret recipe for the stinky tofu was indeed in Li Qi's hands, Cai Mindel was delighted and chuckled, "Mr. Li, I am not an unreasonable person. To be honest, since Drunken Immortal Inn started selling this stinky tofu, my business has also improved. More customers are coming, so I have benefited from you!"

This was true. Drunken Immortal Inn only sold stinky tofu and no other dishes or drinks. The four pieces of stinky tofu were not enough to satisfy customers, and the stinky tofu itself had an appetite-stimulating effect. Those who left Drunken Immortal Inn would naturally go to Emerald Pavilion.

"If that's true, then it's even better," Li Qi smiled. In fact, he had anticipated this. Not only Emerald Pavilion, but even the tea stand run by Aunt Cao next to Drunken Immortal Inn had seen a significant increase in business.

"However, there is one thing I need to mention about Drunken Immortal Inn," Cai Mindel suddenly changed his tone and said sternly.

Li Qi was surprised, "Oh? Please enlighten me, Sir."

"Enlighten is too much to say," Cai Mindel chuckled, "But Drunken Immortal Inn only sells a hundred or two hundred pieces of stinky tofu each day, which makes the customers who can't get it complain to my shop every day, causing a lot of trouble."

Li Qi laughed, "Is that so? You are joking, Sir."

"I am being serious. You at Drunken Immortal Inn have such a good business, why do you only sell so little every day? It's very confusing," Cai Mindel said, puzzled.

Old fox, after all this talk, you are just trying to get information. Fine, I prepared this for you anyway. Even if you didn't ask, I planned to tell you.

"This—!"

Li Qi looked troubled, hesitating to speak.

"What? Is there something you can't say?" Cai Mindel pressed.

Li Qi was silent for a moment before he smiled bitterly, "Sir, you are a genius of your time. I believe you have already seen through the reason."

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I was temporarily assigned to a business trip, so I only have one update today. Sorry.

{Piaotian Literature}