1994: Vegetable farmers strike back

Chapter 441 Cai Lan's Food Tasting
"Really, Mr. Cai?"

"I have no reason to lie to you. Don't eat it yet. Raw vegetables taste bitter."

"It's not bitter at all; this dish is actually quite sweet. Mr. Cai, would you like to try some?"

Cai Lan waved his hand, still holding the food review column he had just finished writing. He writes two food reviews a week, and for each article, he eats at at least five restaurants.

The young man chewing on vegetables had approached him many times. He was just about to start preparing his manuscript for next week, so he figured he might as well give it a try.

His attempts to dissuade him were completely ineffective. The young man took another bite of the greens, looking quite pleased, as if he genuinely enjoyed eating raw greens.

Cai Lan then said, "Wait for me downstairs for a while. I'll come down after I submit my manuscript."

"Okay, Mr. Cai, I'll wait for you."

Xia Yang nodded quickly, occasionally taking a bite of the late-season cabbage heart while waiting.

Not long after, Cai Lan got out of the car and said, "You can drive now and pick up my girlfriend."

"Oh, okay."

Cai Lan is 55 years old this year. He has two great hobbies in life: eating and women. He never hides them and is always surrounded by beautiful women when he eats.

In terms of romance, Cai Lan's talent was something Xia Yang greatly envied.

Thinking of this, Xia Yang, who was waiting at the traffic light, couldn't help but take another bite of the late-season cabbage heart, which made Cai Lan in the back seat stare in astonishment.

Is the problem with the person, or with the food?

Cai Lan's gaze darted back and forth between Xia Yang and Qing Cai, and he suddenly became even more interested.

"Handsome, is this bok choy?"

"Yes, that's right. Zengcheng late-season cabbage. The temperature was low a few days ago, and there was frost at night. The late-season cabbage will produce more sugar and flavor substances under low temperature stress, so it tastes sweet and does not have the astringent and spicy taste of ordinary cabbage when eaten raw."

Cai Lan listened attentively and commented, "You know quite a lot at such a young age."

Xia Yang smiled politely. He had memorized several paragraphs of the introduction written by Boss Chen overnight, so how could he not understand it?
It's a pity I can't remember more of the planting methods, otherwise I could have shown off to Cai Lan more.

He was one of the Four Great Talents of Hong Kong!
Cai Lan produced a series of films including "Wheels on Meals," "City Hunter," and "Armour of God." Jackie Chan's success is also inseparable from Cai Lan's assistance, and he is highly regarded for his writing.

If he could show off a bit more in front of Cai Lan, he would have more to talk about when he goes out to pick up girls.

What a waste of my brain!
Xia Yang took another bite of the late-season cabbage heart, feeling frustrated. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Cai Lan watching, and the corners of his mouth unconsciously curled up slightly. This was exactly the effect he wanted.

"Does the handsome guy have a girlfriend yet?"

“I haven’t even gone out with women lately,” Xia Yang shook his head and said, “I’ve been busy helping my family sell vegetables every day…”

Xia Yang spoke frankly about Tongxingtai's situation and his purpose.

Cai Lan wasn't particularly averse to it.

Since his food reviews became famous, every restaurant he visits has its owner taking a photo with him and then using his name to attract customers.

He even wrote in his review that if he smiled in the photo, the restaurant was okay; if he didn't smile, it was no good.

"You're so young, you can't not find a girlfriend. Being lustful is human nature. Trying to hide or suppress it will only trap you. You might as well just follow your heart."

"Mr. Cai, how many girlfriends have you had?" Xia Yang was very curious, as Cai Lan's female companions always seemed to change in the news.

Cai Lan smiled and said, "There should be more than thirty by now. One a year isn't too much to ask. If I can date another thirty in my lifetime, it will be about worth it."

He truly deserves to be called a role model for our generation. Xia Yang could only silently admire him. He didn't have Cai Lan's talent. If Tongxingtai went bankrupt, he wouldn't even have the money to play with young models.

Thinking of this, Xia Yang silently took another bite of the late-season cabbage heart. Brother, whether I can live a life of romance depends on whether you can win over Cai Lan's stomach.

A short while later, the car arrived at a high-end apartment in Happy Valley.

After Cai Lan called out, a beautiful woman with a mink coat over her shoulders and red lips that reflected the snow walked over.

Xia Yang glanced at her and then looked away. He had initially thought it was Rosamund Kwan, but it turned out to be a minor celebrity.

Rosamund Kwan was a frequent guest on the show "Tonight No Taboos" hosted by Chua Lam, and has become an extremely popular actress in the past two years.

If Rosamund Kwan and Chua Lam were to have dinner together today, Xia Yang couldn't even imagine how big a sensation it would cause, and the probability of Zengcheng Late Cabbage becoming an instant hit would be much greater.

That's just wishful thinking.

With a hint of regret, Xia Yang stuffed the remaining leaves of the late-ripening cabbage into his mouth and began chewing, making Cai Lan, who was waiting for his morning tea, feel hungry just watching him.

This guy really loves eating raw bok choy!
Soon, they arrived at their destination. Xia Yang said, "Mr. Cai, we've arrived."

Cai Lan glanced at the restaurant's signboard, Huang Ji Restaurant, which looked unremarkable.

After receiving Xia Yang's notification, Huang Jianyuan kept his eyes fixed on the door. When he saw Xia Yang arrive with Cai Lan, he was surprised, but then greeted them with a big smile.

"Mr. Cai, Miss, please have a seat."

"Alright, this handsome guy has been pestering me for days, insisting that I try your vegetables, so let's give it a shot."

Huang Jianyuan was not about to let this opportunity slip by, and said, "Mr. Cai, our snacks are also very good. How about we have breakfast first, and then serve the vegetables last?"

Cai Lan pondered for a moment and said, "Alright, you can decide on your signboard."

"Okay, I guarantee you'll be satisfied."

Huang Jianyuan had made preparations as soon as he learned that Cai Lan might come to Huang's Restaurant.

Xia Yang didn't disturb Cai Lan's meal any longer, but sat down at another table to eat breakfast.

A short while later, dishes of snacks and breakfast were served to Cai Lan.

Huang Jianyuan has some skills to have built his business to where it is today, and Cai Lan showed a satisfied smile while eating breakfast.

Soon, two more small plates of green vegetables were served. One of them looked very familiar to Cai Lan, and he couldn't help but look up at Diao Mao, who liked to eat raw green vegetables.

Xia Yang gave Cai Lan a friendly smile and gestured for her to try it, but in reality, Xia Yang was very nervous and apprehensive.

He admitted that the taste of raw choy sum is indeed better, but who really likes to eat it raw? It's all for Cai Lan's taste.

Without further ado, Cai Lan picked up a carefully trimmed late-season cabbage heart and put it in his mouth to chew.

The moment you take a bite, you're amazed. The seemingly thick root is incredibly crisp and tender, and you can clearly hear the crunching sound when you chew it.

Cai Lan savored it carefully; the stem was as crisp as a pear, extremely sweet, and the leaves were smooth and tender, seemingly carrying a deep, subtle fragrance of lard.

"Not bad, delicious."

Cai Lan nodded repeatedly, saying that it was worth it to be able to eat such a plate of bok choy in the winter.

No wonder that guy likes to eat it raw; it's indeed a rare and delicious vegetable, and I imagine it would taste good raw.

Cai Lan's favorite vegetable is bok choy, but when he thought back on all the bok choy he had ever eaten, he realized that none of them had surprised him as much as this one.

"rare."

After making another comment, Cai Lan tasted the lettuce in another plate. It tasted just as good. In addition to the stir-fried lettuce, there was also a small plate of lettuce leaves on the side. The shape and color of the leaves looked very tempting.

"Lettuce is also good."

After tasting the flavor, Cai Lan and his female companion quickly finished the remaining vegetables.

He then offered to pay the bill, but Huang Jianyuan refused to accept it. He also asked for a photo, which Cai Lan agreed to, and they posed for a photo with a big smile.

He hadn't paid yet, and he was already planning to write about today's experience in his food review, but he felt the content wasn't enough, so he looked at Xia Yang who was approaching. "Handsome, are these two vegetables grown at your family's market?"

“Our family owns shares in the business, and we offer more than just these two dishes; our other dishes are also very good…”

Cai Lan waved his hand to interrupt, then asked, "Is the late-season cabbage grown in Zengcheng?"

“Hmm.” Xia Yang continued, “Zengcheng has a very good environment, including climate, soil, and water, so it can grow high-quality late-season cabbage. Especially now that the temperature has dropped, it’s the best time to grow it.”

"I want to see it."

Upon hearing this, Xia Yang and Huang Jianyuan were both slightly taken aback, and then overjoyed.

Xia Yang said, "Mr. Cai, I can arrange it immediately, but Zengcheng is a bit far away."

Cai Lan laughed and said, "If you're going to eat, eat the best you can find. The harder it is to find, the more you should look for it. After eating it, your life will be worthwhile!"

"Mr. Cai's words are brilliant."

Huang Jianyuan struck up a conversation again. He also loved to eat, and although he was far less famous than Cai Lan, he believed he had some experience with it.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Xia Yang quickly made a phone call, muttering to himself as he spoke: "Boss Chen, Boss Chen, answer the phone quickly, whether we can get the club's young models in the future depends on this."

While waiting, Xia Yang always felt that something was missing in his mouth.

Chen Jiazhi quickly understood the situation, while Xia Yang was still reminding him to make various preparations in his ear.

"Don't get excited."

"How could I not be excited, Mr. Chen? This is Cai Lan! If he writes a column praising Chi Cai Xin, our fortunes will soar!"

"He's still too young; he can't even seize opportunities," Chen Jiazhi muttered, then added, "I'll call your dad."

Xia Yang's face immediately turned as red as a pig's liver, and he said, "Boss Chen, I've calmed down."

Chen Jiazhi then asked, "How many companies are on that list you have?"

Xia Yang immediately replied, "Bye!"

"That's really an auspicious number." Chen Jiazhi smiled happily and said, "Cai Lan's food review column will probably be a week or two away, but Tongxingtai can get started now, understand?"

"Should we give them free mustard greens, lettuce, and Zengcheng late-season cabbage to try?"

"Correct."

"it is good."

"You need to send it over as soon as possible, preferably within two days. It's almost January, and many contracts will be expiring and need to be renewed."

This list of 88 includes high-quality order contracts with clubs, upscale restaurants, and other establishments, making it difficult to poach them using ordinary methods.

However, the supply of mustard greens, lettuce, and Zengcheng late-season cabbage in Hong Kong has been exclusively provided by Tong Hing Tai.

However, not all contracts between Au Tai Kee and Cong Yu and their customers stipulate exclusive supply; some only specify unique varieties.

Therefore, as long as the quality of the vegetables can impress restaurants, mustard greens, lettuce, and late-season bok choy can also enter the supply chain, and other categories can be planned later.

Contracts are typically signed monthly, quarterly, or annually, but regardless of the type, the period ahead is crucial.

Xia Yang quickly realized the importance of the matter. Boss Chen still values ​​me, entrusting me with such an important task.

Xia Yang was so excited that he wanted to bite something again.

After agreeing on a time to go to Zengcheng with Cai Lan and Huang Jianyuan, Xia Yang hurriedly returned to Tongxingtai.

When Xia Youche saw him return, he said, "Yangyang, we need to hurry up and visit the clients on the list these next two days. I'll go with you."

Xia Yang stood there, frozen in place. "Dad, you knew all along?"

"Yes, Mr. Chen told me that over the phone."

"Oh~"

In the afternoon, a truckload of vegetables arrived at Tongxingtai first. Xia Youche and his son Xia Yang split into two groups, each leading a team to start sweeping the streets.

Xia Youche has been in the vegetable industry for many years. He is mature and prudent, and has many acquaintances. Many people are willing to give him face, but his efficiency is far behind that of Xia Yang.

When the two met again that evening, Xia Yang's team delivered almost twice as many cars as Xia Youche's.

Xia Youche solemnly instructed, "Yangyang, don't be fooled. This is no joke. Don't let someone take it and then just throw it aside."

"Dad, don't worry." Xia Yang patted his chest wearily. "You can rest assured about my work."

Xia Youche looked suspiciously at another veteran employee who had come along, and the latter smiled and gave an OK sign.

The small business owner's method is somewhat unique, but it is indeed very effective; anyone who sees it will at least try the dishes.

Xia Yang took a sip of water, burped, and felt his mouth was full of the taste of vegetables.

"Dad, I'm going home to sleep. Want to come back together?"

"You go back and rest first."

"What about you?"

"I'll just lie down on the chair for a bit; I have to sell vegetables again in two or three hours."

"Oh."

"If you can't hold on, go back first."

"Ah."

Touching his slightly uncomfortable stomach, Xia Yang wanted to go back to the toilet. He didn't know how he had managed to eat so many vegetables. Towards the end, with each bite, he imagined that they weren't vegetables, but young models.

Xia Youche also learned about Xia Yang's street sweeping methods from the veteran employees, and shook his head and sighed, "Young people really have ideas!"

In just one and a half days, Tongxingtai contacted all 88 high-quality clients on the list.

The efficiency was so rapid that even Chen Jiazhi was amazed. Taiji from Yuhe District would never be able to react at such a speed.

He could imagine how many restaurants in Hong Kong had been repeatedly testing dishes these past two days, eagerly awaiting the results.

We also look forward to Cai Lan's arrival.

"Uncle, do you think Jackie Chan will come along?"

Stop dreaming, stop thinking about nice things.

Chen Jiazhi mercilessly attacked Yi Long, who was just randomly throwing punches on the side.

Chen Jiazhi made many preparations for Cai Lan's visit, as he is a food enthusiast and naturally wanted to make sure Cai Lan was there.

He also talked to his family about this person, and when he learned that the person had a good relationship with Jackie Chan, Yi Long was excited because he liked watching Jackie Chan's movies.

Chen Jiazhi arrived at the edge of the field. The winter sun was warm, and the two dogs lay down to sleep beside him.

Not far away, people from Green Vine Company were conducting surveys and design for micro-sprinkler irrigation for the vegetable market, and vegetable farmers were scattered like stars in the fields.

If it weren't for waiting for Cai Lan, Chen Jiazhi might have taken a break to go fishing in the river.

(End of this chapter)