Chapter 50: French Fries and Ketchup

After they finished the registration and stepped outside, the students had just ended their classes. Most of these children were eight or nine years old, wearing adorable school caps, and walking in small groups toward the dining hall.

Lin Yanbei watched them, his heart swelling with excitement. From tomorrow onward, he would study here too! He vowed to work hard and never let down his parents and little sister.

When they reached the entrance, the scholar Ge was no longer there. The page accompanied them out of Haixing Academy, and Lin Sangqian spoke up, “Young man, may I ask you something?”

“Go ahead,” the page replied cheerfully.

“How much would it cost to buy a small courtyard in town?” she asked.

The page thought for a moment. “From what I’ve heard, even the smallest ones cost at least a hundred taels.”

Lin Sangqian felt disheartened. She simply couldn’t muster a hundred taels right now.

“What about renting?” Lin Beitao, sensing her thoughts, asked.

“I’m not sure about renting, but it shouldn’t cost more than ten taels a month.”

“Thank you very much.”

“You’re welcome, take care.”

As they walked, Lin Sangqian calculated in her mind. Since all three brothers were studying in town, it was time for her and their parents to move there as well. Living in the village and traveling back and forth every day was too troublesome, especially since they no longer had fields to tend. Moving to town would also keep them away from those troublesome relatives, and the factory was about to be built anyway.

But this meant she’d need to rent two courtyards, totaling twenty taels. With her brothers’ schooling costing over four taels, she’d be left with very little money. She knew she needed to keep some savings at hand. After considering it, she decided she’d need at least a hundred taels before she could start planning their move to town.

It didn’t seem all that difficult, after all.

On the way, Lin Sangqian bought some fabric and sewing supplies as instructed by Liao Shuxia. Liao Shuxia no longer embroidered handkerchiefs but was planning to make embroidered purses. While purses took more effort to make than handkerchiefs, they could fetch a much higher price.

They didn’t hurry home but first went to the Full Fortune Restaurant.

“Miss Lin! You’re here,” Yang Shi exclaimed as he was greeting guests. He rushed over immediately, “Are you here to deliver chicken feet?”

He glanced behind Lin Sangqian, seeing that the others carried nothing, and looked a bit disappointed.

“The chicken feet will be delivered tomorrow.”

“They’re very popular now, but the quantity is too small. People keep coming to ask about them,” Yang Shi said. “Oh, and the potato chips—they’re becoming a sensation throughout the town! Look…”

Lin Sangqian glanced around. The restaurant was bustling; some were dining, but others seemed to be waiting for something.

“Those people are waiting for the potato chips to be finished so they can buy them,” Yang Shi explained with a smile.

“I’ve prepared something new to teach you today,” Lin Sangqian said. “Where’s Manager Lu?”

“The manager isn’t here at the moment; he should be back soon.”

“That’s fine, I’ll teach the chefs first. When Manager Lu returns, I’ll discuss the price with him.”

“Miss Lin, aren’t you worried the manager might deliberately lower the price?” Yang Shi whispered.

Lin Sangqian laughed, “We’re partners now. That means we need to trust each other.”

Yang Shi was deeply impressed. No wonder Miss Lin had such vision!

After a while, the potato chips in the kitchen were ready. A few staffers brought them out to a large table for sale. Those who had been waiting immediately rushed forward to line up.

Lin Sangqian approached and her eyes widened. Not only were there potato chips on the table, but also French fries!

The chefs at the Full Fortune Restaurant were truly remarkable. She had only taught them how to fry potato chips, and they had managed to develop French fries on their own!

Yet, she had come today precisely to teach them how to make fries!

Lin Sangqian slapped her forehead. She would never again underestimate the wisdom of ancient working folk.

Seeing that the fries came in both original and spicy flavors, Lin Sangqian had a sudden idea. Although they had figured out how to make fries, they probably didn’t know that the soul of fries was tomato ketchup.

Now that the kitchen was no longer busy, Lin Sangqian went in and taught them how to make ketchup.

The method was simple: wash the tomatoes and boil them briefly, peel off the skins, then mash them thoroughly with a rolling pin to squeeze out the juice. Heat a pot, pour in the tomato juice, bring it to a boil over high heat, then simmer on low, stirring constantly. After about fifteen minutes, the tomato juice would become thick and sticky. Add a bit of salt and sugar, simmer a little longer, and it’s done. Once cooled, it becomes a tangy, sweet ketchup.

“Fries with ketchup will surely be popular,” Lin Sangqian said. “Of course, some people like chili powder sprinkled on their fries, so you can offer both options.”

The chefs dipped fries in ketchup and nodded enthusiastically.

“It’s a whole new flavor! We’ll make more ketchup right away and sell it with the fries!”

At that moment, Yang Shi hurried in, grinning. “The potato chips and fries are nearly sold out. Chefs, please fry some more!”

The chefs immediately set to work, and Lin Sangqian helped out for a while in the kitchen.

Soon after, Lu Chengren returned.

Yang Shi quickly spoke up for Lin Sangqian, “Manager, Miss Lin came today specifically to teach us ketchup. With ketchup, fries will taste even better—and look, there are even more customers today!”

Lu Chengren nodded and asked, “She’s already taught it?”

“Yes.”

He was a little surprised. That little money-lover, teaching them the method before settling a price?

Just then, Lin Sangqian stepped out of the kitchen.

“Manager Lu.”

“Miss Lin.” Lu Chengren smiled. “I hear you taught the chefs how to make ketchup. What’s your asking price for the recipe?”

Lin Sangqian felt a bit embarrassed. “No need.”

She had intended to teach them how to make fries and earn a little money, but ketchup really ought to be considered a complimentary addition.

Since the fries had already been invented and the ketchup was so simple, she felt awkward charging for it.

Lu Chengren guessed the ketchup must be easy to make. “Then let’s say five taels for the recipe. With ketchup, the fries will surely sell better.”

Lin Sangqian thought for a moment and nodded, “Alright.”

Just then, an elderly man walked in. He seemed to be here to buy potato chips and fries, but when he saw Lin Sangqian, his eyes brightened and he strode over.