Chapter 4 The Partition Goes Up
The next day, I put up a partition between the two stalls.
On the partition were four big characters I had spray-painted myself—【Heji Braised Duck Snacks】.
The moment Cheng Yanqiu saw it, her face changed.
Zhang Muzhe also pointed at the partition and cursed nonstop.
"What's the use of this fancy crap?"
"If the food tastes bad, does putting up a broken sign make it good?"
I ignored him and set out the freshly braised Braised Duck Snacks on the rack myself.
As soon as the fresh Braised Duck Snacks came out, the braised aroma drifted out and made passersby keep sniffing.
"Boss! You're finally open!"
Customers crowded around.
"Didn't get any yesterday, I was craving so bad! The usual, two jin each of duck necks and duck wings!"
"I want one jin of duck intestines, mild spicy!"
"Me too!"
I smiled and called out. "No rush, no rush. Plenty of stock today. Everyone will get some."
In less than two minutes, a long line formed in front of my stall.
A few regulars habitually walked toward the Mala Tang stall, saw no familiar discount sign, hesitated a few seconds, then turned back to the end of my line.
"Wang, come take a look. Today's ingredients are extra fresh!"
Seeing a familiar customer, Cheng Yanqiu immediately forced a smile and called out.
Wang waved his hand.
"No need, no need. Just buying Braised Duck Snacks is fine."
"Before I only got a bowl of Mala Tang to make the discount. Now that the Combo Deal is gone, buying alone is simpler."
Zhang Muzhe's face instantly turned the color of pig liver.
I raised my voice. "The Combo Deal is canceled, but the discount stays. This stall continues Twenty Percent Off for everyone, for three more days."
A cheer rose from the line.
Glossy duck necks, soft flavorful duck wings, crisp duck intestines...
My Braised Duck Snacks dwindled at a visible speed.
On the other side, Cheng Yanqiu guarded that pot of untouched broth, her face growing paler and paler.
Zhang Muzhe at first forced a few shouts, then blackened his face completely, pointed at Cheng Yanqiu's nose, and cursed.
"Useless thing, embarrassing yourself!"
He kicked over a plastic stool, set up a folding chair in the corner, and drank sullenly while scrolling videos.
"Sorry everyone, sold out today. Come early tomorrow!"
I smiled as I packed up. Behind me came Cheng Yanqiu's very soft voice. "He Qingwei..."
I glanced at her stall.
A full stall of ingredients, almost untouched.
She wanted to say something, but Zhang Muzhe cut her off coldly.
"Pah! Sales from discounts, what's so great! Have the guts to stay this hot every day, then I'll respect you!"
Zhang Muzhe staggered over drunk and kicked over the partition.
"Heji Braised Duck Snacks? Heh heh... just you wait!"