Chapter 142: The Culinary Tycoon

Bursting Towards the Ocean

Master Hu’s words immediately energized Yu Qingze. He asked, “Master Hu, are you interested?”

Master Hu nodded and said, “If we can truly tap into the seafood market as you described, there’s definitely money to be made. However, the issue lies in the complexity of bringing seafood back. Seafood usually doesn’t survive long without seawater, and I believe it usually lasts only a few days on the market. It takes about three days from our location to the mouth of the sea, and there aren’t many Hongyun ships. Therefore, we can only obtain seafood from the areas near the coastal mouth to ensure a shipment every three days.”

“But if we want to venture further, we would need to form a fleet to ensure a timely supply of fresh seafood. It depends on how long it takes to reach a particular destination. If it takes a month for a one-way trip, we would need at least eleven ships to guarantee a fresh batch of seafood every three days. If it’s even farther, we would need to increase the number. That would require a significant investment.”

Indeed, he was the leader of Tongshan’s shipping industry, thinking this far ahead.

Yu Qingze pondered for a moment and said, “Eleven ships would indeed be a substantial investment. Preserving fresh seafood is a challenge. If we’re planning to open a Tie Ban Shao restaurant, using sea shrimp and squid would be sufficient. I’ve heard from the Hongyun crew members that these two items are not too far away and can be transported nearby.”

“In that case, we can have two separate lines for the ships—one for closer destinations, dedicated to obtaining fresh seafood, and another for farther destinations, primarily focused on dry goods. We can also bring back other local specialty products. To exaggerate a bit, if there’s anything edible that Tongshan doesn’t have, I can figure out a way to sell it as long as we can obtain it. If we have a significant quantity of dry goods, we can even open a specialty seafood and dried goods store. When the ships travel, they can also take additional merchandise from businesses along the way. Does this sound feasible?”

Master Hu looked at Yu Qingze appreciatively; he had a sharp mind. He said, “Your idea is excellent, but it still needs careful consideration. We have limited experience in seafood transportation. If we don’t handle it properly and end up with everything dead upon arrival, we’ll be at a loss.”

Curious, Yu Qingze asked, “Do you know how Hongyun transports seafood?”

Master Hu replied, “I’ve only heard that they use specially made wooden boxes to hold the seafood in seawater before entering the river. Once they reach the mouth of the sea, they transfer everything into wooden barrels filled with seawater, and they have to bring extra seawater for replacement. It’s quite troublesome.”

“I see,” Yu Qingze frowned. In ancient times, there were no oxygen pumps, which was the main reason why seafood was difficult to transport inland. They could only rely on natural seawater.

Master Liao said, “You guys are getting into the details. Old Hu, shouldn’t we decide whether we’re going to collaborate and how many ships you can provide?”

Master Hu said, “We need to make sure it’s feasible. You’re too impatient. Fortunately, you’re not in the shipping business, or else you’d be incurring losses.”

Master Liao, who dealt in jade crafts, chimed in, “Indeed, I’m not as knowledgeable as you in this area. I can only judge jade. So, have you reached an agreement?”

(Note: Master Liao’s occupation was mentioned as dealing in jade crafts.)

Yu Qingze smiled and said, “I have no problem with that; it all depends on Master Hu.”

Master Hu replied, “There’s no major issue, but I don’t have enough ships. You’ll have to invest some money.”

Young Master Zhao was very interested in this business and said, “That’s not a problem. Discuss with Boss Yu, let us know how much we need to contribute, and we’ll do it.”

The other two family heads nodded, indicating their agreement.

“I should discuss it with Boss Yu? Are you trying to make us the hands-off managers?” Master Hu stared.

Master Liao said naturally, “Well, we don’t understand much about shipping and food business, as you mentioned earlier. Did you forget? This matter really depends on you and Boss Yu. We’ll provide the funds, and you tell us how we should proceed.”

Young Master Zhao added, “Yes, Uncle Hu and Boss Yu, you two should take the lead, and we can give suggestions along the way.”

“Do you both agree with this?” Master Hu asked the other two family heads.

The two family heads nodded.

That meant they agreed to cooperate.

Yu Qingze was very pleased in his heart.

Afterwards, they discussed the details of the cooperation and reached a preliminary agreement. However, they needed to discuss the specifics in more detail, and it wasn’t suitable to do so at this place today. Therefore, they scheduled another time to continue the negotiations.

In any case, the goal of tonight had been achieved, and Yu Qingze felt relieved.

As the banquet came to an end and the guests were seen off, it was almost time to close.

Only a few tables of customers remained downstairs, and the kitchen began cleaning up and tidying things as they were wrapping up for the day.

Yu Qingze had a bit too much to drink and felt a little dizzy, but he was still somewhat clear-headed. He walked into the kitchen and saw Chang Le washing the pots. He approached from behind and hugged him.

Chang Le was startled and turned around to see that it was Yu Qingze. He immediately breathed a sigh of relief and gestured, asking if Yu Qingze had drunk too much and was feeling dizzy.

Yu Qingze shook his head and said, “I’m fine. Brother Le, I’m happy. Master Hu agreed.”

Upon hearing this, Chang Le smiled and gestured for Yu Qingze to let go of him. He suggested that Yu Qingze should first drink some sobering soup and then rest for a while.

However, Yu Qingze didn’t let go. His head was heavy, and he just wanted to hold onto Chang Le.

Chang Le felt helpless and firmly held onto Yu Qingze’s wrist, exerting a little force to pull his hand away. Then, he half-dragged and half-carried Yu Qingze to sit at a table in the main hall.

Da Song and the others looked on and stifled their laughter.

Jiabao also chuckled, but he was happy to see his elder brother and brother-in-law getting along so well. He poured a bowl of sobering soup and brought it out to give it to his brother-in-law.

Translated on ho lo lo novels dot com.

Chang Le took the bowl and directly fed Yu Qingze to drink the soup.

After finishing the soup, Yu Qingze held onto Chang Le’s waist without letting go, burying his head in his embrace and rubbing against him. Feeling dizzy, he had no desire to move and closed his eyes, waiting for the alcohol to wear off.

Chang Le, feeling helpless, began massaging Yu Qingze’s head.

The guests at the remaining two tables soon left, and the staff finished cleaning up. Uncle Min spoke up, saying, “Brother Le, there’s medicinal soup simmering in the pot for you. It’s almost ready, so be careful. Boss Yu had too much to drink, and when you take a bath later, don’t soak for too long. Take care.”

Chang Le nodded shyly and thanked Uncle Min with a gesture.

Jiabao was a little worried. Chang Le reassured him that everything was fine and asked him to return to the rented house with everyone else.

After everyone had left, Chang Le stayed with Yu Qingze for a while longer. Finally, the effects of the alcohol began to subside a bit.

While the medicinal soup for Chang Le was still being prepared, Yu Qingze went to take a bath. He scooped out the medicinal soup from the pot and let it cool down. By the time Chang Le finished bathing, it would be ready for soaking.

Yu Qingze had no intention of looking at the account books today. After Chang Le finished the medicinal bath, cooled down from sweating, he immediately embraced Chang Le and nestled into the bed. Yu Qingze’s body covered Chang Le’s, and he kissed him passionately.

Since Chang Le started his treatment, they hadn’t been intimate, at most just a simple kiss. But now, with the lingering effects of alcohol, Yu Qingze’s body was restless, and he couldn’t resist anymore.

In the midst of their entangled lips and tongues, Chang Le mustered the last bit of rationality and gestured, indicating that Dr. Ye said they couldn’t.

Yu Qingze took a nibble and whispered, “I know, I won’t go in. Just take it out. Darling, do you want?”

Chang Le, dizzy from the kisses, his eyes watery and filled with desire, blushed even more. But he nodded. After so many days, of course, he wanted.

Seeing his response, Yu Qingze slid down his body and pulled himself under the covers…

Chang Le furrowed his brows lightly, half-closed his eyes, and felt the sensations. Afraid of suffocating his husband, he propped up the covers with his hands and bent his legs to allow air to circulate. But in the end, trembling sensations washed over him, his grip weakened, and the covers slipped off.

Yu Qingze, sweating profusely, emerged from under the covers. He grabbed a towel from the bedside and wiped away his sweat before reaching back into the covers to wipe Chang Le. He asked, “Are you comfortable, wife?”

Chang Le hadn’t fully recovered yet and only nodded lightly.

Yu Qingze kissed Chang Le’s lips and rubbed his body against him.

Chang Le also wanted to emulate Yu Qingze and serve him under the covers. But Yu Qingze held him tightly, not letting him slip down, and instead guided his hand to the right place, indicating for him to use his hand.

In the midst of the enveloping scent of Chinese medicine in the room, the two of them relieved the desires that had accumulated over the past ten days.

After they finished, they cleaned up a bit using the bathwater that Chang Le had prepared. Yu Qingze cleaned the bathtub and then embraced his wife as they slept.

The next morning, Yu Qingze woke up feeling a bit dizzy, but the pressure that had built up in his body had dissipated, leaving him feeling much lighter and relaxed.

When Dahe approached, Yu Qingze decided to have a chat with him, mainly to inquire about Dahe’s future plans. If Yu Qingze and Master Hu managed to establish a fleet in the future, he wanted Dahe to come aboard the ship and learn how to steer.

He didn’t hide his intentions from Dahe and directly told him about his plans. Then he said, “It’s not set in stone yet, but it’s highly likely. It mainly depends on you and whether you’re willing to join me. Your main responsibility would be leading the team to transport flour, seafood, and other goods. I can also ask Master Hu to find an experienced captain to teach you and guide you. It should have more prospects than just hauling sails.”

Dahe’s eyes brightened at his words, and a different kind of radiance appeared on his sunkissed face. Excitedly, he responded, “I want to go, I want to go. I’ve wanted to learn how to steer for a long time, but most captains refuse to teach.”

For over a year, Dahe had been doing manual labor on the ship, such as hauling sails and carrying cargo. These tasks only required physical strength and didn’t have much technicality. Anyone could easily replace him. He had also thought about not relying solely on physical labor in the future and wanting to learn some skills. However, he was unfortunate that the captain he followed already had apprentices and wasn’t accepting any more. So, he could only wait and make plans while hoping for an opportunity.

Now, Yu Qingze’s proposal struck a chord with him, and he couldn’t help but immediately agree.

Yu Qingze smiled and said, “Great, once everything is finalized, I’ll inform you.”

Dahe nodded happily and thanked him, saying, “Thank you so much, Brother Yu.”

Once everything was settled with Dahe, Yu Qingze headed to the blacksmith’s workshop to request another iron plate. Afterwards, he started preparing the recipe for Tie Ban Shao, wanting Master Hu and the other business partners to taste it beforehand to ensure a satisfactory collaboration.

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