Fan Zehao, moved by the moment, raised his wine cup. He smacked his lips and said, "Once Brother Ying goes to develop in the inner city, I'll definitely let you taste wine that's been aged for over five years. It'll be leagues better than this, no comparison!"
It was a shame they were here to investigate a case and hadn't planned for such delicious fare. If he had known, he would have brought a whole cartload!
Ying Xiong's heart stirred at his words and he immediately declared, "Once this horse gang case is cleared up, I'll return to the inner city with you. Making money isn't the main thing; I primarily want to taste that five-year wine you mentioned!"
He set down his cup, unconcerned about any potential embarrassment from his earlier statement, and laughed, "I've had wine before. Honestly, it tastes better than other fruit wines and flower wines. But this mulberry wine is good for us men, and it's my favorite. While different wines have different flavors, I still prefer grape wine. You mustn't be stingy when I come this time!"
Fan Zehao responded, "What are you saying? Even if you spent your days soaking in a wine vat, I could still afford it. It's just that with your small frame, you might not be able to handle it. Don't end up drinking yourself to death; I couldn't bear to see you go that way!"
The earlier part of his speech had been pleasant, and the tone was consistent. But the latter part had become absurd. Zhao Jiaqi couldn't help but kick him underneath the table and glare at him.
His words had ruined everything; a single meal had sent someone away.
So that's how the term "wine-guzzler" came about!
Seeing his wife was angry, he instead smiled at her and said, "My words might not be pleasant, but they are the honest truth. It's good to drink well; if our health is good, we can drink more meals, eat a variety of delicious foods, and enjoy these good times. Isn't that wonderful?"
He finished speaking and turned his head to look at Ying Xiong, who was eating with a greasy mouth. "Why do you have to drink your life away? Brother Ying, do you agree with me?"
"Younger Brother Fan is absolutely right. At our age, we have money and status, and we lack nothing in terms of food, drink, or entertainment. The rest is about enjoyment. To live long, one must learn to live healthily. Your words are flawless, Brother, I support you!"
Zhao Jiaqi observed that these two, who hadn't even had a few drinks, were already talking about health. One was in his early thirties, the other not quite forty. And they were already talking about health!
This was too ahead of its time!
Zhao Jiaqi felt that while talk was talk, and health was health, there were some things that... couldn't be delayed!
For instance, the matter of having children!
The two men were happy, and drinking was enjoyable. After several rounds of dishes and drinks, Ying Xiong didn't forget about making money.
He set down his wine cup and became serious.
With his phoenix eyes, he looked at the woman eating with her head down and said, "Sister-in-law, your roasted whole pig is truly delicious. Are you willing to sell the recipe?"
Zhao Jiaqi looked up at him and replied without thinking, "I don't need money urgently, so I'm not selling!"
Having been in the business world for nearly twenty years, he could understand the meaning behind her words.
Not needing money urgently!
In other words, she didn't dislike money, but she didn't lack it, and she also needed to earn it!
The meaning was clear: she was willing to partner with her recipe, and then split the profits.
Dealing with intelligent people had one advantage: it was straightforward and hassle-free!
In a short time, Ying Xiong's mind had raced through countless possibilities, and he quickly made a decision: to partner with her and open a restaurant.
Even if the profit was less, it was money earned easily. Why wouldn't he do it?
"I'll provide the capital, you provide the production method. How should we split it?"
His opening was so direct and concise, without unnecessary words. This point truly made Zhao Jiaqi look at him with new respect!
A moment later, she replied, "Fifty-fifty, with profits calculated annually! I'll only be responsible for collecting the money. As for operational issues, I won't be involved."
Ying Xiong had only guessed the possibility of a fifty-fifty split, but he hadn't expected her to not be involved in anything else. Wasn't this becoming a hands-off proprietor?
However, this was good. With one person in charge, besides the profit, there would be no other disputes, which was less troublesome.
Ying Xiong readily agreed, "No problem. I have nothing else, just a lot of money. Since this roasted whole pig is so delicious, I plan to open restaurants in every town and prefecture. I'm just not sure if you have enough staff for the roasted meat!"
Zhao Jiaqi stared at him for a long time. After a while, she parted her rosy lips and said, "Since I'm cooperating with you, it means I trust your character. I will personally teach the people you find. Whether the people you find are reliable is your business. I will only be responsible for teaching the production method!"
Therefore, whether there were enough people or not was his problem!
Right now, in doing business, she was looking for partners. As for management, that was a troublesome matter. Why would she eagerly go and manage it herself?
This statement greatly surprised Ying Xiong, "Oh? Aren't you afraid that once I learn it, I'll abandon you? Then you'll have lost both your investment and your business!"
"I'm not afraid. What you learn will be far less than what I've researched. That's one reason. Secondly, my current identity, although I don't have much authority, I can still use some of it. You're a smart person; what good can come from offending someone from the government!"
After hearing her words, Ying Xiong was deeply shocked. He also marveled that this woman's thoughts were so meticulous. Without anyone noticing, she could see through everything. If this were a man, the world might already be hers!
Since she had clearly stated her position, he naturally couldn't pretend to be ignorant anymore. He raised his wine cup and said solemnly to Zhao Jiaqi, "Sister-in-law trusts me, Ying, so I naturally won't let you down. Talking more now is not as good as showing you through actions!"
"Wishing us great prosperity!" Zhao Jiaqi smiled and also raised her wine cup, saying with a smile!
The two clinked their cups and drank them dry. Fan Zehao, standing nearby, suppressed the corners of his mouth from splitting into a wide grin. He leaned closer to Zhao Jiaqi and whispered, "Wife, look, I introduced this business to you, right? So, shouldn't I get a share of the money you earn? I'm not asking for much, maybe two percent... even one percent of the profits would be fine. What do you think?"
Zhao Jiaqi was eating meat, and as she listened to her husband, she frowned, not understanding his request at all, "What do you need money for?"
Fan Zehao lowered his head, pulling at her sleeve with a wronged expression, and softly replied, "When I go out to eat, I don't have money in my pocket, so I don't dare to treat anyone. The last few times I went out with my godfather and some brothers, they paid. I... feel so embarrassed!"
Seeing his pathetic look, Zhao Jiaqi wondered if she had been too harsh.