Chapter 42

Is this a contemporary genius?

Cai Mindel was very flattered and said uncertainly, "Could it be because of insufficient capital?"

Li Qi sighed, remaining silent, which was a tacit acknowledgment.

"That explains it," Cai Mindel squinted his eyes. He knew the financial situation of Zui Xianju very well, so he believed Li Qi's answer without doubt. He sighed and said regretfully, "What a pity!"

"What's a pity?"

Cai Mindel sighed, "Your stinky tofu is unparalleled in the world. If you could get enough support, you would surely become famous one day. But—sigh."

Li Qi understood Cai Mindel's intention. He was trying to sow discord between him and Zui Xianju. With a look of regret, he said, "One can only do one's best. It would be best if everything went perfectly, but if not, I wouldn't dare to force it."

"Mr. Li, that's not the right attitude. As the saying goes, people aim high, and water flows low. Mr. Li, with your talent, it's a waste to stay at Zui Xianju. If you don't mind the simplicity of my shop, I would very much like to invite you to work there. What do you think, Mr. Li?" Cai Mindel squinted his eyes.

Since the secret recipe for stinky tofu was in Li Qi's hands, as long as he could bring Li Qi under his wing, the recipe would be his. Moreover, Li Qi's flattery earlier had won Cai Mindel's favor, and he genuinely wanted Li Qi to help him.

Li Qi had anticipated this. If it were half a month ago, he would have accepted Cai Mindel's invitation. He had no grudge against Cai Mindel, and although he had heard that Cai Mindel had done many heinous deeds, which successful person hadn't sacrificed many others to achieve their success?

But times had changed. As one of the owners of Zui Xianju, Li Qi had long regarded Cai Mindel and Feicui Xuan as his enemies. Moreover, he believed that it was better to be the head of a chicken than the tail of a cow. He was sure that no matter how generous Cai Mindel was, he wouldn't give him half the shares. He sighed and said regretfully, "I appreciate your kindness, but—"

"What? Is it because you doubt Mr. Cai's 'sincerity' compared to Mr. Wu?" Cai Mindel hurriedly asked.

Li Qi naturally knew what he meant by "sincerity" in terms of treatment. He waved his hand and smiled, "Mr. Cai, you're overthinking it. How could I doubt your sincerity? But—when I was homeless, if it weren't for Mr. Wu's help, I would have starved to death on the street. Although I'm not a hero, I know that a drop of water should be repaid with a spring of water. Mr. Wu saved my life, so how could I abandon him in his time of need?"

Cai Mindel's face showed disappointment, "Since Mr. Li is so eager to repay his kindness, I won't force you. However, Feicui Xuan will always welcome you."

Li Qi shook his head and smiled, "I'm not worthy of such praise."

"But, Mr. Cai has a word to say, I wonder if it's appropriate," Cai Mindel said.

Li Qi smiled, "Mr. Cai, please speak your mind. I'm honored to listen to your advice and would never refuse."

"I heard that Mr. Li is the head chef at Zui Xianju, but why haven't we seen you since the first day? The chef has always been Wu Fugrong's nephew," Cai Mindel asked curiously.

Li Qi naturally understood Cai Mindel's ulterior motives. He chuckled inwardly, thinking how persistent this old fox was, trying to sow discord between him and Mr. Wu.

But I'm a top chef from a five-star hotel. How could I fry stinky tofu on the street every day? Besides, I'm about to become an owner of Zui Xianju, so of course, I would delegate such labor to my subordinates.

Li Qi sighed deeply, "Actually, this is a family matter of Zui Xianju, and we shouldn't talk about it with outsiders. But I know that even if I don't say it, you will find out. Mr. Wu is kind-hearted and very nostalgic, so he let Wu Xiaoliu be the chef, and I understand that."

"Is that true!"

Cai Mindel's face showed regret, and he sighed, "Mr. Li, you treat fame and fortune like clouds. I admire you greatly, but you should also be cautious. You should think about your own future."

"Thank you for your concern. I know that, so I haven't told anyone the secret recipe for stinky tofu," Li Qi smiled.

Cai Mindel was delighted and quickly followed up, "Mr. Li, I have a plan that can ensure you a life of comfort."

"Oh, please tell me quickly," Li Qi said with "surprise."

Cai Mindel smiled mysteriously, "Mr. Li, you work hard for Zui Xianju, but the money you earn goes into Wu Fugrong's and the Qin family's pockets. You only get a small portion. Why don't you think about using this recipe to make money directly, for a one-time solution?"

Li Qi was delighted inside but showed surprise on his face, "Do you mean I should—sell this recipe to someone else?"

"Exactly!" Cai Mindel nodded and continued, "If you're willing, I'm willing to pay 800 guan for this recipe. Your shop sells only a hundred or so portions a day, and there's always a shortage. Even if my shop sells stinky tofu, it won't affect your business. This way, you won't be betraying Mr. Wu."

Hmph! Only 800 guan? Do you think I, Li Qi, haven't seen money before!

Li Qi pretended to hesitate for a moment before saying, "That's not a bad idea. But to be honest, my hometown is a small mountain village in the north. I have elderly parents and seven or eight younger siblings. The whole family relies on this recipe. I came to Tokyo to establish a business here so they can live a better life."

When it came to haggling, Cai Mindel was clearly no match for Li Qi.

Li Qi's words neither accepted nor rejected the offer, and he didn't mention the price. But he subtly told Cai Mindel that 800 guan could ensure his life, but it wasn't enough. He needed enough to support his whole family before he would sell the recipe.

Cai Mindel had thought Li Qi was from the countryside and hadn't seen much of the world. He thought 800 guan would dazzle him. But now, seeing his subtle refusal, he was surprised. However, 800 guan wasn't his bottom line. After some thought, he gritted his teeth and said, "I admire your filial piety. How about this: 1,500 guan. I'll pay 1,500 guan for your recipe. What do you think?"

Li Qi was delighted. He knew this was Cai Mindel's bottom line. If he didn't agree, things might change. He pretended to think for a moment and then bowed to Cai Mindel, "Since Mr. Cai is so sincere, if I refuse, it would be my fault. Alright, I'll sell the recipe for stinky tofu to you, even though it pains me."

"That's great, Mr. Li. But I have one small request, I hope you can fulfill it," Cai Mindel suddenly said.

This was unexpected. Li Qi gave him a questioning look.

"I want you to sign a document stating that neither of us can sell this recipe to anyone else," Cai Mindel squinted his eyes.

Damn! This old fox wants to buy the exclusive rights to my recipe. No wonder he was so quick. He's really clever. I underestimated him. Li Qi had indeed considered selling the recipe to others, but it didn't interfere with his plans. He nodded, "That's fair."

"Mr. Li, you're very straightforward. Let's make a deal then," Cai Mindel was relieved that Li Qi agreed, but the price was indeed high.

"Deal! But I don't have the recipe with me. I need to go back to the shop to get it. Please bear with me for a moment," Li Qi said apologetically.

"That's no problem. I'll send someone to deliver the money to your place, and you can give me the recipe then," Cai Mindel waved his hand and smiled.

This suited Li Qi's plan. He was worried that Cai Mindel might renege after getting the recipe, so it was better to exchange money for the recipe. He chuckled, "Thank you, Mr. Cai. Since the process of making stinky tofu is very complex, I'll bring the recipe to your shop and teach you how to make it. What do you think?"

"Having Mr. Li personally help us is the best," Cai Mindel laughed heartily.

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Writing from a different place is inconvenient. I can only update once today. Sorry.

{Piaotian Literature}