Chapter 21: Are They Afraid of Me?

After saying that, Jiang Cheng also felt a bit regretful.

If he had arrived earlier, those two Roasted Sweet Potatoes would have been sold already.

But his skill at roasting sweet potatoes is limited; since these two came specifically, even if they don't come today, they'll come later.

"No problem, we'll just wait; after all, it's lunch time now."

The man said with a smile.

"Alright."

Hearing that, Jiang Cheng got busy as well.

He placed the sweet potatoes and lit the charcoal.

As time passed, the sweet potatoes slowly cooked over the coals, their aroma growing richer, intoxicating anyone nearby.

The caramel‑colored skin deepened, and as Jiang Cheng turned them, they crackled sharply; the flesh inside gleamed golden, making mouths water at the sight.

"Boss, are they done?"

The man asked impatiently.

His stomach growled.

His companion beside him couldn't help but swallow saliva.

He didn't know if he was hungry or if the stall owner's sweet potatoes were truly that good, but he felt he'd never seen Roasted Sweet Potatoes look so appealing.

Even Lu Zicheng, who was selling roasted starch sausages nearby, couldn't help licking his lips.

Thinking carefully, he realized he hadn't had Roasted Sweet Potatoes in a long time.

Maybe he'll buy one? But watching Jiang Cheng make money right after opening his stall made him a bit jealous, and now he had to pay himself.

"Forget it, it's just a Roasted Sweet Potato. How could it be that tasty?"

"Just a few more minutes."

Jiang Cheng smiled.

His hands kept moving.

"A few minutes, huh? Okay."

The man nodded repeatedly.

Yet the next few minutes felt as long as several tens of minutes to him.

Finally, Jiang Cheng took the Roasted Sweet Potatoes down and put them into a bag.

"Roasted Sweet Potato?"

The man eagerly produced the twelve yuan he had prepared, handed it to Jiang Cheng, and took the Roasted Sweet Potato.

"Don't eat it yet; it's still hot."

Jiang Cheng quickly reminded him.

"It's fine, it's fine, boss, thanks."

The man waved at Jiang Cheng and left with his companion.

While walking, he said, "How's it? This Roasted Sweet Potato is special, right? Just the smell makes my mouth water."

"Indeed, it smells great, just too hot."

"Patience can't eat hot tofu; don't worry, once it cools you'll know how delicious it is."

The two vanished into the crowd.

"Regular customer?"

Lu Zicheng asked curiously.

Jiang Cheng smiled and shook his head.

Lu Zicheng turned back without thinking much.

However, the afternoon that followed made him gradually start to doubt his life.

At first, it was no different from previous days.

Every now and then, pedestrians would come to buy his roasted starch sausages or go to buy Jiang Cheng's Roasted Sweet Potatoes next door.

But the difference lay in…

Customers who bought his stall's sausages ate while walking away.

But customers who bought Roasted Sweet Potatoes from Jiang Cheng's stall ate while praising them and curiously asked how Jiang Cheng actually roasted them.

The outer skin is golden and crisp; a gentle peel removes the whole sweet potato, unlike other stalls where the skin sticks to the flesh—if you don't eat it it's wasteful, if you do eat it it's difficult, and you might accidentally swallow the skin.

It could be said to be the best Roasted Sweet Potato they've ever eaten!

And each time, Jiang Cheng would smile and say it's a proprietary technique, not to be shared.

Time flew, and it was already evening.

Pedestrians on the street dwindled, and the vendors began packing up to go home.

"Jiang Cheng, you sold a lot today, right?"

At that moment, Lu Zicheng's voice rang out.

The aroma of the Roasted Sweet Potato was so strong it attracted many customers.

He noted that Jiang Cheng had at least ten to twenty more customers today than yesterday, meaning he sold at least ten to twenty more than usual.

If someone bought two or three at once, the profit would be even higher.

"It's fine."

Jiang Cheng replied vaguely.

As the saying goes, one should not have a malicious heart, but must have a defensive mind.

Whether his relationship with Lu Zicheng is good or bad, matters concerning profit are best kept secret to avoid unnecessary trouble.

"You bastard, still keeping it secret from me."

Lu Zicheng's tone was a bit sour, "I'm not blind; you earned at least a hundred more yuan today than yesterday."

Jiang Cheng fell silent.

I have to admit, people in business have sharp eyes and good memory; a guess was almost spot on.

He sold twenty more Roasted Sweet Potato today than usual, almost clearing all that he bought in the morning.

At 6 yuan each, today's revenue was close to 430 yuan, versus the usual 200‑plus, near 300, exceeding by about 130; net profit topped 200 yuan.

Of course, even so, to save up 3,000 yuan over the next few days is still short by a few hundred.

But Jiang Cheng knew this was only the first day; many of today's Roasted Sweet Potato buyers would become repeat customers.

If he promotes it to the people around him, the revenue will soon break 500, even 600, 700 yuan.

Saving up 3,000 yuan is definitely doable.

"Jiang Cheng, how exactly did you do it?"

Lu Zicheng's eyes were filled with deep doubt as he glanced at the oil barrel, "Did a master give you guidance, making your Roasted Sweet Potato skill improve that much at once?"

"Heh heh heh, I guess so."

Jiang Cheng smiled, not wanting to tangle further on this topic.

"It's getting late; head back early. See you tomorrow."

"See you tomorrow."

Lu Zicheng nodded, and as he pushed the cart back, his mind was full of unanswered questions.

He hadn't seen Jiang Cheng add any special seasoning. Why were the sweet potatoes this fragrant? Could he have chosen higher‑quality potatoes? Yet the price stayed the same; that would cut profit, wouldn't it?

Not necessarily; perhaps it's a low‑margin, high‑volume strategy. Lu Zicheng's mind cleared.

After returning, he could also buy some higher‑meat sausages and try selling them at the same price to see if business improves.

Jiang Cheng naturally didn't know what he was thinking; while it was still daylight, he went to the grain shop and bought a hundred jin of sweet potatoes.

If customers came as they did this morning, it would waste a lot of time; better to buy them tonight, clean promptly, and set up the stall tomorrow morning.

After a short delay, having bought the sweet potatoes, he entered the alley and found many houses already shut their doors; occasionally a few people with hands in their pockets wandered about, looking suspicious, clearly not good folk.

Jiang Cheng tensed his nerves.

After two Real Combat experiences, he no longer felt as nervous when confronted by thugs blocking the road.

Moreover, his Proficient level with the Short Staff was just one step away from Mastery.

If someone stopped him, he could not only raise his proficiency but also snatch some money.

What he hadn't expected was that the thugs, upon seeing the newcomer was him, quickly turned into side alleys and vanished.

One occurrence could be called coincidence, but two or three times becomes intriguing.

"Are they afraid of me?"

The thought sprang up in Jiang Cheng's mind.

(End of chapter)