Chapter Six: The First Time Setting Up Shop (New Book—Your Support Is Welcome!)

The next morning, when Li Yi woke up, he found that his parents had already gone to the fields! After washing up and having a simple breakfast to fill his stomach, Li Yi began to busy himself.

Since Nianzi Mountain Village was a full 15 kilometers from the county seat, and a mule cart would take at least two hours to get there, he had to finish making the cold noodles and prepare the side dishes within two hours to arrive before noon.

Fortunately, he was already well-practiced in this. Before long, everything was ready! Loading all the items onto the mule cart, Li Yi set off straight for the county town.

As he traveled along the rural dirt roads, gazing at the lush green crops on either side and breathing in the freshest air nature had to offer, Li Yi felt in high spirits.

Though he was poor now, not even a single paper note in his pocket, his spirit was rich. Reflecting on his past life, he had built a vast business empire worth hundreds of billions at its peak, yet every late night, guilt over Tang Xue and the child who had never been born gnawed at his heart. Despite having the world and being admired by thousands, he could not escape the loneliness within, struggling a lifetime between remorse and solitude.

But now, Tang Xue was still alive, and barring any mishaps, she was carrying his child. There was still a chance for redemption.

By eleven in the morning, the mule cart reached the county, but Li Yi did not head to the city center. Instead, he directed the cart to the sugar factory on the outskirts.

Though the county was populous, the reform and opening-up had only just begun, and Qingshan County, a remote inland area, remained conservative in mindset. People were not yet open to individual enterprises.

If he boldly sold cold noodles in the city, he might even get arrested.

But the sugar factory was different. Though on the edge of town, it employed seven or eight hundred workers, all formal employees earning thirty to forty yuan a month, with strong purchasing power.

More importantly, Li Yi knew there was no canteen there. Workers either went home after work or brought their own meals.

With a safe environment and a ready market, this was a prime spot for street vending!

Finding a suitable place, Li Yi arranged the cold noodles and all the condiments on the cart, then waited patiently for customers.

At 11:50, a crisp bell rang, signaling the end of the shift.

Li Yi immediately perked up — his business empire was about to set sail from this humble mule cart outside a small factory!

Minutes later, workers began to stream out of the sugar factory gates.

Seizing the moment, Li Yi shouted loudly, “Authentic Qin Province Cold Noodles, two mao per serving, first come, first served!”

“Don’t miss out, genuine Qin Province cold noodles, delicious and refreshing!”

“Only two mao! You won’t get cheated or lose out, but you can buy a cool, tasty cold noodle dish...”

His novel calls quickly attracted a crowd. Seeing the cold noodles and the array of side dishes on the cart, many couldn’t help but swallow hard.

Finally, a middle-aged man stepped forward and asked Li Yi, “Young man, what kind of food is this? I’ve never seen it before.”

“This is called cold noodles, the most famous and classic summer refreshment from Qin Province. I guarantee you’ll want a second serving after the first!” Li Yi replied with a smile.

“How much?”

“Soup and toppings included, two mao plus two liang of food coupons!”

“Two mao plus two liang of food coupons? That’s expensive!”

“Brother, one serving takes one jin of white flour. The supply and marketing cooperative sells a jin of flour for one mao six. Considering the condiments, do you think two mao is expensive?” Li Yi explained.

“In that case, it’s not too bad. Give me one to try!”

“Alright! Please wait a moment!”

Li Yi deftly peeled off a large sheet of cold noodles from the tray, cut it into strips on the board, mixed it with various toppings, then added a small spoonful of chili oil on top.

He packed it into a bamboo tube and handed it to the man along with a pair of bamboo chopsticks.

The man skillfully pulled out two one-mao paper notes and a two-liang local food coupon, then squatted beside the mule cart to eat.

After just two bites, he couldn’t help but praise, “Young man, you’re good. The taste is absolutely amazing!”

“Thank you for your compliment, big brother. In summer, I wouldn’t trade cold noodles even for a pork knuckle!” Li Yi smiled.

“Is it really that good? Give me one too...”

“Me too...”

Encouraged by the man’s example, within ten minutes, all 62 servings of cold noodles were sold out. The popularity was astonishing.

After agreeing to come back and sell again at noon the next day, Li Yi finally broke free from the enthusiastic crowd.

On the mule cart, Li Yi counted the paper notes and separated the food coupons.

After tallying his earnings, a satisfied smile spread across his face.

Twelve yuan and four mao in cash, plus twelve jin and four liang of flour coupons!

This profit was simply unbelievable!

To put it in perspective, one jin of flour cost one mao six and could produce five servings of cold noodles. Selling each serving for two mao meant five servings brought in one yuan. The toppings and chili were homegrown and cost nothing.

In other words, he sold at one yuan for a cost of one mao six — a 625% profit!

And this business required no rent, no utilities, no employees. It was like filling a sack with money!

Moreover, judging by today’s demand, a few dozen servings a day clearly wouldn’t satisfy the workers, so Li Yi planned to make more the next day.

However, his home stock of seasonings like oil, salt, soy sauce, and vinegar was nearly depleted, so he decided to visit the supply and marketing cooperative to buy more ingredients.

The cooperative was located in the main urban area of the county, about five or six li from the sugar factory.

Along the way, looking at the low houses lining the streets and the dirty, muddy roads, Li Yi found it hard to imagine this place becoming the modern, bustling, clean, and orderly county stronghold he knew in the future.

But remembering that reform and opening-up had just begun, the stranglehold of planned economy still dominated, and the county’s pillar industry, coal, was still hidden underground, it was understandable that economic development lagged behind.

At the cooperative, the crowd was considerable, with mule carts and bicycles parked densely at the entrance.

After squeezing inside, Li Yi asked a clerk about prices for oil, salt, soy sauce, and vinegar. Price-wise, things weren’t too expensive for the era, but everything required coupons, which was frustrating.

Though he had money in hand, many items remained unattainable.

Reluctantly, Li Yi spent two yuan and eight mao on twelve jin of flour and two large fried dough twists, then left the cooperative.