Chapter 327: Chapter 170: Eyes Good at Spotting Opportunities_2
No one came to claim Xiao Tanzhi, and there were no childless families in the village who wanted him, so the monks at the temple had no choice but to keep him. Many people thought Xiao Tanzhi wouldn’t survive, but the child was quite sturdy; he not only lived but grew up to be so big.
A child raised in the temple naturally became a Little Monk. As for the name Yuan Tan, it was said to have some origins. The Monk who saved him accidentally kicked a pickled vegetable urn when he was carrying him back to his room.
Lian Manman thought more deeply about it; Xiao Tanzhi’s name could firstly illustrate his fate, as wild as weeds, and secondly, it also showed the cultural level of the monks in the temple.
Xiao Tanzhi was older than Lian Manman, eleven this year. Although he was a vegetarian all year round, he was well-fed, and after working all day long in the temple, he grew up robust, with a well-built body.
"Xiao Tanzhi, you know about it, come on, speak up," said Lian Manman.
Although Xiao Tanzhi grew up in the temple and was surrounded by the scent of incense, he wasn’t a bit like a Little Monk and was more like an ordinary farm child, easily becoming close with other children of a similar age.
"They are all here to work on the Empress’s temple construction..." Xiao Tanzhi babbled on. It turned out that the temple being built on the mountain for Empress Shen had already started. Many tasks couldn’t be done in winter, but woodcarvings, stone carvings, and the like could still be made. The workers who had come were only a small part, and by next spring when the construction would start in full swing, even more people would come.
"How do they eat here? Don’t they provide meals on the mountain?"
"They only provide lunch on the mountain, not breakfast or dinner. They brought their dry food, finding a sheltered place to eat, and they also come to the temple to ask for water to drink..."
Lian Manman’s gaze swept over the crowd and noticed that some people brought homemade dry food, while others bought snacks from the grocery store opposite.
"Right, Xiao Tanzhi, we made buns at home. This afternoon, my brother will bring some buns to you," said Lian Manman.
"I’ll come and pick them up myself in the afternoon," Xiao Tanzhi replied cheerfully, his round face smiling even rounder.
"That’s also fine. Xiao Tanzhi, shouldn’t you say ’thank you, benefactor’?" laughed Lian Manman. The Little Monk wasn’t very professional, which might also indicate that the senior Monks weren’t very professional either.
Xiao Tanzhi raised his hand to touch his bald head and smiled naively.
Lian Manman and Xiao Qi left the Earth God Temple and headed towards Qingyang Town. There were noticeably more people on the road than usual; once they entered the town, they found that the shops were busier than usual. Lian Manman didn’t go straight to buy fried dough sticks, but instead walked slowly up and down the streets with the most stores, carefully observing and listening attentively for various pieces of information.
Finally, Lian Manman and Xiao Qi went to the fried dough stick shop.
The shop did not only sell fried dough sticks but also fried pancakes and fried meatballs. The tables around the shop were full, many of which were occupied by non-locals.
Lian Manman bought half a pound of fried dough sticks and also ordered two bowls of soy milk. She and Xiao Qi squeezed up to a table to start eating.
The fried dough sticks were crispy and fragrant, and the soy milk was sweetened with sugar. Lian Manman ate alternating bites of dough stick and soy milk, noting that others dipped their dough sticks directly into the soy milk, a method she didn’t like. It was unavoidable that the oil for frying the dough sticks was reused, but it was pure soybean oil, and the dough sticks were free of alum or laundry powder, as these were not yet available. Of course, the soy milk was made from organic, non-GMO soybeans, and the sugar was pure cane sugar.
After finishing the fried dough sticks, Lian Manman bought another half pound, wrapped them in wax paper, and went to the grocery store to buy a bag of brown sugar before heading back to Thirty Mile Camp.
In the West Wing Room, the family was still having breakfast: steamed buns, a pot of pickled cabbage and frozen tofu soup, and a plate of salted vegetables.
This was unfair treatment, favoring the younger ones. Lian Manman chuckled to herself.
"You’re back so soon?" asked Lady Zhang, who had thought that Lian Manman and Xiao Qi would surely spend more time playing in the town. "Is it cold outside? Come up to the kang quickly."
Lian Manman placed the fried dough sticks on the table; they were still warm as they were wrapped in several layers and had been cradled in her arms on the way back.
Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang felt very gratified in their hearts, having such considerate daughters and sons who shared with the family was touching.
The family shared the few fried dough sticks.
After everyone had dinner and cleaned up, Lian Manman said she had something to discuss.
"Father, Mother, I’d like to discuss something with you." Once everyone had sat down, Lian Manman shared her observations from outside the Earth God Temple and in the town.
Because of the construction project on the mountain, the flow of people in their area had increased, and many needed meals. The clientele of the town’s eateries and snack shops had more than doubled than before. And it was expected to increase further.
"I’m thinking, if we open a shop selling food next to the Earth God Temple to provide convenience for everyone, we could also earn some money," said Lian Manman.
The Pickled Vegetable Workshop had already stopped production, and everyone had some free time. Lady Zhang, who was used to being busy, became somewhat interested after hearing what Lian Manman said.
Lian Shouxin pondered in silence.
"Dad, Mom, why don’t you go take a look and ask around?" said Lian Manman, noticing the hesitation in Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang.
Opening a small restaurant was a big deal, and of course, it needed careful consideration.
Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang changed their clothes and went out with Wu Lang following. An hour later, the three returned. Seeing their expressions as they entered the door, Lian Manman knew the venture was very likely to succeed.
"How is it?" Lian Manman asked.
"I think it’s doable," Lady Zhang said.
"Let’s give it a try," Lian Shouxin said.
"Then, let’s try it."
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Here’s one update; I’ll strive for a second one this evening, seeking pink encouragement. To those with secured monthly tickets, throw your votes, throw your votes! (To be continued. If you like this work, welcome to Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your recommendation votes and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)
