Chapter 144: Practice Makes Perfect

The afternoon of the second day.

Soon after Qiao Sheng finished lunch, she went out to the real estate office to look at houses; after visiting several offices, she finally found a house she liked.

The house is a siheyuan with a single entrance and exit.

It's not very big.

But it has everything.

They live there, each person has more than one room.

Because it comes furnished and the house is about sixty‑to‑seventy percent new, the rent isn't cheap—one or two silver coins a month. That's after the negotiated price.

Qiao Sheng didn't mind the money, so she promptly rented it.

As soon as she rented it, she bought a broom and other cleaning tools. Fortunately the house was fairly clean; otherwise she'd have been scrubbing until nightfall and still not finish, let alone go to the shop to prepare the meals for later sale.

All set.

Qiao Sheng went to Cheng Xianglan's shop to buy shop covers, bedding, and the like.

She looked at her buying so much.

Cheng Xianglan, a bit surprised, asked, "Qiao Sheng, why are you buying so much?"

Qiao Sheng replied calmly, "I moved to a new rental. Our family has so many people, and the few blankets I had before weren't enough, so I came here to buy some more."

"Oh."

Cheng Xianglan didn't ask further; when she calculated the price, she gave Qiao Sheng a discount as before, and even arranged for someone to deliver the items directly to her new rental.

She had people to help.

Qiao Sheng's tidying went much faster.

Nevertheless.

When Qiao Sheng returned to the shop, it was already that late, but fortunately their shop now sells marinated dishes, so the customers who came to eat still had something.

"Lianhua, you finally made it back."

Qiao Hushui came over and said, without waiting for Qiao Sheng to speak, "Lianhua, these two tables ordered fish‑flavored shredded pork and twice‑cooked pork; hurry and make them."

"Alright."

Qiao Sheng entered the kitchen, tied on an apron, and got to work.

The shredded pork that Qiao Lanhua prepared has already been sliced.

The twice‑cooked pork is also cooked and sliced.

Just waiting for her to stir‑fry.

Qiao Sheng, quite satisfied, called Qiao Lanhua over to watch her stir‑fry.

Qiao Lanhua knew her older sister was trying to teach her, so she didn't refuse and watched attentively.

When customers later order these two dishes,

Qiao Sheng lets Qiao Lanhua stir‑fry them.

Qiao Lanhua hurriedly gestured, "Big sister, I haven't learned it yet; if I fry it and it isn't as tasty as yours, wouldn't that ruin your shop's reputation?"

"You little girl, you think you can learn just by watching? Don't worry, I'm here!"

Without further ado, Qiao Sheng handed the wok spatula to Qiao Lanhua.

With Qiao Sheng's words,

Qiao Lanhua, emboldened, began operating; she could stir‑fry fine, but couldn't toss the wok, and she added seasonings slowly, reluctant to use much.

The flavor was also bland.

She was also afraid that if it got salty she couldn't fix it.

She had problems each time she tried.

Qiao Lanhua couldn't help feeling discouraged, "Big sister, I'm too clumsy; I won't keep trying. When my younger sister is older, you can teach her; she learns faster than I do, she'll definitely succeed."

Qiao Sheng comforted her, "It's only a few tries; have confidence in yourself. Haven't you heard the saying 'practice makes perfect'? Once you're familiar with it, you'll have no problem."

This afternoon she went to pick up Xiao Shitou and the others, leaving earlier than before.

Today was the same.

She went and chatted with Na Lan Ruo Lan.

She kept talking until Xiao Shitou's group finished school, then she stopped chatting with her.

Feng Qingyang was the first out today; he immediately brought Shi Yun to Qiao Sheng and said, "Shi Yun, let me introduce you. This is Qiao Sheng; from now on, just like Shi Jin, you should call her Aunt Qiao."

(End of chapter)