She Became A Downfall Noble Lady-Chapter 76 - The Largest Restaurant in the County Town
Chapter 76: Chapter 76: The Largest Restaurant in the County Town
Chapter 76 -76: The Largest Restaurant in the County Town
Ye Xinyan was making double-layered milk custard when her family, after the shock of the ice cream, became immensely interested in this new delicacy. They all gathered around her, eyeing her every move with eager anticipation which left her quite embarrassed.
Ye Xinyan, feeling quite helpless under their intense scrutiny, had to stop and helplessly spread her hands as she said, “This is what you can call double-layered milk custard. The method is not much different from what we normally eat, you don’t need to crowd around me like this. Just chatting casually on the side and glancing over every now and then, you’ll know how it’s made.”
“Oh…” all three answered in unison, stepping back slightly, but they still watched her actions intently.
Ah, well, let it be, milk custard isn’t an overly complicated snack; even if she felt uncomfortable, she could still make it. Ye Xinyan could only resign herself to continue the task at hand.
Not until she placed the two soup bowls into the steamer did Nanny Jin ask, somewhat discontentedly, “Is it really that simple?”
“It is indeed this simple,” replied Ye Xinyan irritably. “I told you two long ago there’s no need to stare like this; you didn’t believe me and insisted on wasting your effort.”
Qi Younian said with a laugh, “We were taken aback by the ice cream you made; we thought everything you made was extraordinary. This double-layered milk custard does seem simple. I wonder how it tastes?”
“The taste is not a problem. Just by looking at the ingredients, milk, sugar, egg whites, you know they are things ordinary folks can’t afford, so of course, the taste is exceptional. But since double-layered milk custard is simple and looks quite ordinary, I’m afraid it won’t be as rare as the ice cream and won’t fetch a high price.”
Qi Younian nodded, “If we can get the ice cream business going, that alone would be a considerable income. Foods made from egg whites don’t need high profits. Forget about making money, as long as we break even, that’s acceptable.”
Qi Younian was right; as a byproduct of making ice cream, the egg whites definitely needed a proper use. Without this double-layered milk custard, even if egg whites were a rare treat for the common folk, if eaten too often, they might become a burden instead.
Ye Xinyan grew up in the north, where she had heard older people say that dairy products were not yet popular during the days of poor transportation and communication. In remote villages, should several days of bad weather occur, it was hard to even give away produced milk. Often, they would use milk for kneading dough, but oddly enough, those noodles didn’t taste as fresh as those made with water, becoming a cumbersome waste that couldn’t just be thrown away.
While they were talking, it was time to take out the double-layered milk custard. As soon as the cover of the pot was lifted, a rich aroma of egg and milk wafted out.
“Sister, it smells so good,” exclaimed Qi Jia happily as he followed behind Ye Xinyan, lured by the scent.
Nanny Jin quickly held him back, admonishing, “Jiajia, step back a bit, be careful not to get burned.”
Ye Xinyan turned and smiled, “You little glutton, go wait on the kang; let it cool down a bit, and I’ll bring it to you.”
“I’ll go help Nanny Jin grab the spoons,” said Qi Jia, turning around and trotting towards the cabinet to fetch spoons.
Qi Younian chuckled, “Ye Zi, this double-layered milk custard better be delicious, otherwise it wouldn’t do Jiajia justice.”
Ye Xinyan humphed twice and muttered, “It seems I can’t talk too big in the future, otherwise, if I can’t make something tasty, I’d be in an awkward position.”
Qi Younian laughed heartily at her comment.
Once the smooth and rich double-layered milk custard reached their mouths, Qi Younian was too preoccupied savoring the taste to tease Ye Xinyan anymore.
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Given the peak of summer, hot food wasn’t necessary; Ye Xinyan cooled the double-layered milk custard to a warm temperature before serving it up on the table.
Qi Jia had a small bowl all to himself, while Qi Younian and two others shared one small bowl. Not only did Qi Younian and Nanny Jin rave about it incessantly, but even little friend Qi Jia kept eating and repeatedly exclaimed how delicious it was.
Seeing the three adults finish their bit of double-layered milk custard, Qi Jia’s movements slowed when eating. Then, scooping up a spoonful, he brought it to Qi Younian’s mouth, saying as he did so, “Grandpa, eat.”
Qi Younian patted his head, smiling, “Jiajia is good, but this is meant for children to eat. Grandpa just needs to taste it. Xiao Jiajia, you eat.”
Qi Jia hesitated, looking at Nanny Jin and Ye Xinyan, uncertain because Nanny Jin was his elder. He chose Nanny Jin, and the spoon he was holding was again offered to her, “Then, Nanny Jin, you eat.”
Nanny Jin also pushed his hand back with a laugh, clearly contented as she spoke, “Nanny Jin won’t eat it. Our Jiajia is a good child, knowing to share the tasty food with everyone. You’re the youngest in our family, so of course, you should eat first.”
When Qi Jia looked towards Ye Xinyan, she quickly waved him off, “Sister is also an adult, adults shouldn’t compete with children for food. You eat by yourself; as long as you’re happy, everyone will be happy.”
Qi Jia couldn’t quite retract the spoon he was extending, his eyes full of grievances. Wasn’t there a pressure for him to eat delicious food alone while everyone watched?
Ye Xinyan nudged Nanny Jin, saying, “Nanny Jin, please eat a mouthful anyway, otherwise, the little guy won’t be able to eat.”
Helplessly, Nanny Jin ate a spoonful of the double-layered milk custard, and Qi Jia continued to enjoy his treat contentedly.
Qi Younian watched Qi Jia eat with a smile, turning to Ye Xinyan to say, “Ye Zi’s double-layered milk custard is delicious too. Though it’s not as astonishing as ice cream, its taste is also excellent, and it’s sure to sell well.”
Ye Xinyan lit up immediately, “So you’re saying it tastes good?” As she said this, she also looked at Nanny Jin. Nanny Jin had seen a lot in Duke An’s Mansion, having tasted many delicacies bestowed by the masters. Her assessment was important.
Nanny Jin nodded emphatically, “It’s not just ‘okay’; it’s very good, very delicious.”
Ye Xinyan clenched her fist, delighted, “Then it’s settled.” She would go to the largest restaurant in Qingyuan County tomorrow and market her delicious snacks.
True to her word, the next morning, Qi Cheng and Nanny Jin prepared breakfast for four, while Ye Xinyan made a small tub of ice cream on the side. After stirring it a few times and wrapping it in cotton batting, she waited for it to freeze into shape.
Once they arrived at the county city and got their stall set up, Ye Xinyan took Qi Jia to the rented small room and continued to process and stir the ice cream, striving to make the texture of the ice cream even finer.
After steaming a small bowl of double-layered milk custard, their preparation for selling the snacks was essentially complete.
The small bowl of double-layered milk custard was placed in a little basket usually used for Qi Jia’s play, covered with a plate, and handed to Qi Jia to carry.
Ye Xinyan herself carried the two buckets, one large, one small, containing ice cream along with the brine inside. Wrapped in layers, they headed for the Great Crane House a few streets away.
Qi Jia probably felt that after coming to his grandpa’s house, he finally had a chance to work and exert himself. Holding Ye Xinyan’s hand with one of his and carefully carrying his little basket with the other, he walked along, watching the street scenes, and chattering nonstop to Ye Xinyan. His walking posture revealed his excited mood.
Ye Xinyan initially thought about whether to stop a donkey cart for the few streets’ walk. But seeing the little guy so excited, she decided not to dampen his spirits and to just walk there instead.
After about a quarter of an hour’s walk, they arrived at the Great Crane House.
