Chapter 406 - 357: Salted Vegetables? Very Delicious When Stir-Fried into Dry Minced Meat

Chapter 406: Chapter 357: Salted Vegetables? Very Delicious When Stir-Fried into Dry Minced Meat

Before he could finish speaking, Liu Hong suddenly cried out in surprise.

He had just spotted the two Blood Red Dragon Fish.

"Blood Red Dragon Fish? You actually have two Blood Red Dragon Fish this big, and they look to be in excellent condition. Boss Li, you really spared no expense! These two fish must have cost you several hundred thousand, right?"

Liu Hong was astonished.

’This Boss Li has money. He’s so extravagant!’

At that moment, the other customers’ attention was drawn to Liu Hong. Not because they were surprised at his claim that the two Blood Red Dragon Fish were worth several hundred thousand.

They already knew the value of the two fish.

They just wanted to see the look of surprise on Liu Hong’s face.

They enjoyed the sight.

Li You smiled. "It’s not that much of an exaggeration. I actually didn’t spend much on these fish."

"I see." Liu Hong nodded. He didn’t doubt Li You’s words.

That’s how it was with fish like these. Depending on the channel and the connections you had, the price could be worlds apart.

But regardless, getting his hands on two Blood Red Dragon Fish like these was an incredible feat.

Liu Hong sighed with admiration.

After watching Liu Hong for a moment, the customers turned their attention back to the two mangosteen saplings.

They were pleasantly surprised that the boss was going to plant mangosteens.

Mangosteens weren’t a common fruit in the area. In fact, they were a rare, luxury fruit.

Furthermore, conventional wisdom said that mangosteens weren’t suitable for growing in the local climate.

The customers loved nothing more than watching Li You plant these kinds of fruits—the ones that weren’t supposed to grow locally.

Just like the soursop before them.

As for the question of whether there was any point in planting something so unsuitable for the local climate?

That was a question they didn’t need to consider.

Just as the boss himself said, it was worth a try. Even if the planting failed, it wasn’t a big loss.

"Boss, when are you going to plant these two mangosteen saplings?" another customer asked.

Li You said, "I’ll plant them in a bit, once things quiet down."

"We’ll come and help you then," said a few customers who had nothing else to do and could stay a while.

Li You smiled. "Great, thanks, I appreciate it."

"Don’t mention it, Boss."

Afterward, Li You and Liu Hong carried the saplings over to the Hundred Fruit Garden.

Next, it was time for Liu Hong to order lunch.

He had mentioned earlier that he delivered the mangosteen saplings so early because he wanted to eat here again, and that was honestly one of the main reasons.

Since his last visit, he, Wang Zhongyu, and Cai Qingfeng hadn’t stopped thinking about the food and wine here.

Now, he could finally have it all again.

The only shame was that he had to leave right after his meal today, which meant he couldn’t drink any wine.

’I’ll just have to come back for a drink next time.’

After taking a seat in the restaurant, Liu Hong ordered Nine-Turned Pork Intestines, Chopped Pepper Fish Head, Mapo Tofu, and a Tomato and Egg Soup.

Li You went into the kitchen to get started. As it happened, other newly arrived customers had also just placed their orders.

Liu Hong’s dishes were served quickly.

He eagerly dug in. With every bite, Liu Hong felt a deep sense of satisfaction.

’The food here really is the best.’

’It’s a shame I can’t have any wine. Otherwise, this would be absolutely perfect.’

After slowly finishing his meal, Liu Hong ordered a braised chicken to go.

He planned to eat it on the road.

Finally, it was time to settle the bill.

But Li You refused to take his money, saying the meal was on him.

Liu Hong could guess why Li You wouldn’t take the money. It was because he had given him the two mangosteen saplings.

’But... isn’t this a little inappropriate?’

"Boss Li, part of the reason I brought you the saplings was because I wanted to see if you could successfully grow them. It wasn’t purely a gift," Liu Hong said. "Besides, you’re running a business, it doesn’t feel right not to pay. So, I really should pay. How about you just give me a discount?"

Li You smiled. "Running a business doesn’t mean I have to charge every single time. Boss Liu, please don’t insist. Otherwise, how could I feel right about accepting two such large mangosteen saplings?"

"Well..."

Liu Hong considered for a moment, then laughed. "If you put it that way, then I won’t stand on ceremony."

"That’s more like it," Li You said.

Just then, Da Bai brought over the packaged braised chicken.

Liu Hong took it and bid Li You farewell.

"Not staying a little longer today, Boss Liu?" Li You asked.

Liu Hong replied, "I have to go check on some goods in Qingshui Town, so I can’t stay. I’ll be back next time."

Li You nodded. "Then I’ll walk you out, Boss Liu."

Liu Hong waved his hands dismissively. "No, no, Boss Li. You’re busy, you’re busy."

"I’m not busy right now. It’s a good chance to stretch my legs anyway."

"Alright then."

Li You walked Liu Hong to the parking lot. After Liu Hong drove away, Li You returned to the restaurant.

He got back to work.

The rush continued until two-thirty in the afternoon, when things finally quieted down.

It was time to plant the mangosteen saplings.

The few customers who had offered to help with the planting were still waiting outside.

He grabbed a hoe and walked out the door.

Seeing him, the faces of the customers who had offered to help lit up. "Boss, are we ready to start planting?" they asked.

Li You nodded. "Sorry to keep you waiting."

The customers all replied, "Don’t worry about it, Boss. We didn’t have anything to do anyway, just killing time."

"Still, I kept you waiting."

"Not at all."

Exchanging pleasantries, Li You and the customers made their way to the Hundred Fruit Garden.

As for where to plant them, Li You had already picked out a spot.

He had chosen the sunniest location.

They started digging the holes.

The customers eagerly volunteered, and by taking turns, they quickly dug two holes that were more than large enough.

Next, they worked together to place both saplings in the ground and fill the holes with soil.

Then, they fetched a few buckets of water and gave them a good watering.