Chapter 502: Let Her Steal the Recipe
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Unbeknownst to Su Jing, Li Li had been secretly comparing herself to Su Jing since their childhood. Their families were of similar status, both quite poor. On the surface, Li Li and Su Jing were good friends, but behind closed doors, Li Li harbored a desire to surpass Su Jing.
However, every time, Li Li always fell short of Su Jing. Even in academic performance, Su Jing was not a top student, but Li Li’s scores were always slightly lower.
The same was true for their appearances. Su Jing was not extraordinarily beautiful, but she was prettier and taller than Li Li.
As they grew older and began to date, Su Jing found a boyfriend from the city. Consequently, Li Li’s goal for a long time was to find a city man as her boyfriend, intending to marry into the city.
Finally, she managed to find one, while Su Jing broke up with Tian Hai and returned to the village in a rather pitiful state. Li Li had initially planned to revel in Su Jing’s misfortune.
However, Su Jing had the powerful backing of her maternal family, making Li Jing feel inferior once again.
Li Li glanced cautiously at the staircase to check that that Gu Zi wouldn’t come down. Lowering her voice, she feigned concern for Su Jing, “I heard you broke up with Tian Hai. What are you planning to do now? You’re not thinking of relying on your sister-in-law, are you?”
Su Jing, unsuspecting of any malice, handed a washed apple to Li Li, replying, “Why not? My brother and sister-in-law have accepted me. I will get along well with them.”
Li Li, having no appetite for the apple, set it aside and began to sow discord, “You’re really naive, Su Jing. Now that you’re back, you should reclaim what’s yours. You should compete with her, otherwise, your brother will always favor his wife.
“Then you, as his sister, will gain nothing. I’m genuinely worried about your future.”
Listening to these words, Su Jing felt a slight twitch in her eyelid. If it were before, she would have taken these words to heart, but now, she scoffed internally.
A chill ran through Su Jing’s heart, and a cold glint flashed in her eyes. The friendship she once shared with Li Li might have been genuine, but it was also true that Li Li couldn’t stand to see her doing well.
However, Su Jing feigned ignorance on the surface, probing, “So, what do you think I should do?”
Li Li watched as Su Jing seemed to absorb her words, a secret thrill of victory fluttering in her chest. Su Jing was as gullible as ever, so easily manipulated. Lowering her voice, Li Li suggested, “The best thing to do is to keep the money in your own hands. Your sister-in-law has a braised meat shop in town, right? You could help out there, learn the recipe, and then we could start selling braised meat too.”
After a pause, she continued, “Once you have money, dealing with her will be much easier. Trust me, as long as she’s around, you’ll never have any status in the Su family. Only when she’s gone or you’ve managed to suppress her, will you become the head of the household. Your brother’s wealth shouldn’t be squandered on outsiders.”
Li Li was envious of the thriving business at Sister Hua’s Gourmet Shop. The success of the shop was well-known throughout the area. She was convinced that if she could get her hands on the recipe and replicate it, she could become wealthy. Even if she hadn’t run into Su Jing today, she would have sought her out with the sole intention of persuading her to steal the recipe.
Su Jing listened, her eyes growing colder. She asked, “Li Li, you’re my best friend. You’re doing this for my sake, right?”
Su Jing didn’t consider herself a saint, but after everything she’d been through, she had no intention of harming others. If her friend showed even a hint of conscience, she wouldn’t be able to harm her. So now, it all depended on whether Li Li had a conscience.
Li Li, consumed by her scheming, failed to notice the unusual tone and expression on Su Jing’s face. She took Su Jing’s hand affectionately and said, “Of course, we’ve known each other since we were children. I always have your best interests at heart.”
Su Jing smiled, but her eyes didn’t reflect the same warmth. “Great, I can get the recipe by tomorrow. My sister-in-law trusts me completely. Come over early tomorrow, and I’ll give it to you.”
Without changing her expression, Su Jing withdrew her hand, maintaining an air of feigned trust toward Li Li. After chatting for a while, she bid Li Li goodbye.
When Gu Zi saw Su Jing’s expression as she re-entered the room, it was cold and detached, reminiscent of Su Bing’s initial demeanor. Startled, Gu Zi asked, “What’s wrong?”
Su Jing smiled wryly, “Li Li wants me to steal the braised meat recipe. I agreed and promised to give it to her tomorrow. So, I’ll need your help, Sister-in-law.”
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Gu Zi was taken aback. She hadn’t expected the seemingly upright Li Li to be so devious. “What do you want me to do?”
Su Jing fetched a pen and paper, her voice icy, “You’re the expert in this field. Just give me a recipe that looks like a braised meat recipe. The key is that it should taste as awful as possible when prepared.”