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  *****

  Guixiangzhai is an old brand that has been around for many years, with several classic pastries that have always been very popular. In recent years, they have also introduced a few new desserts, but most of them are just improvements on their traditional pastries. They don't sell badly, but they can't be said to be particularly good either. Guifangzhai has suddenly risen to prominence, not only is the name similar to theirs, with only one character difference, but also the pastries they sell are almost indistinguishable from those in their own shop.

  They had secretly sent someone to buy pastries from Gui Fang Zhai to taste. Those common types of pastries, Gui Fang Zhai's were not inferior to theirs at Gui Xiang Zhai. As for the more classic pastry varieties in their store, Gui Fang Zhai's quality and flavor were slightly worse. However, the people at Gui Fang Zhai were very cunning, claiming that these pastries were exactly the same as those at Gui Xiang Zhai, but selling them at a lower price than Gui Xiang Zhai's.

  Since the opening of Gui Fang Zhai, their business has been gradually taken away. The people in the shop are worried about this, and they have discussed with Dong Jia to make some new pastries that can surpass Gui Fang Zhai. However, so far, they have not succeeded.

  "Miss Xia Zhi, I'm not in a position to make decisions on this matter. However, our landlord happens to be in the back. Please wait for a moment, Miss Xia Zhi, and I'll go ask our landlord to come over." Zhang the shopkeeper thought for a moment before standing up and consulting with Xia Zhi. This time, his tone was even more cautious and respectful.

  The summer solstice is a natural nod. This is a big deal in the Cassia Fragrance Building, and the shopkeeper dare not take liberties, which is also reasonable.

  Zhang the shopkeeper saw Xia Zhi nodding and quickly called in a young apprentice to keep them company, while he himself hurried off towards the back.

  Xiao Qing, Zhang the shopkeeper is back, and behind him followed a plump middle-aged man. The man was of medium build, with a pale and chubby face that looked very rich and imposing.

  "This is our shop's landlord." Zhang Guan introduced to Xia Zhi.

  "In the lower fields, I often am." A stout middle-aged man politely bowed to Xia Zhi, "I didn't know Miss Xia had arrived, and I'm deeply sorry for not welcoming you from afar." He didn't actually recognize Xia, so this was just a courtesy. Nevertheless, his words were enough to show respect and importance towards Xia.

  "Tian Lao Ye was being polite. We came a bit abruptly, so please don't blame us, Tian Lao Ye." Xia Zhi also made a polite remark.

  After everyone had exchanged greetings and taken their seats, Zhang Guan invited Tian Chang to taste the pastries brought by Xia Zhi. Tian Chang had already heard from Zhang Guan about what had happened, so he didn't ask any more questions, but instead carefully began to savor the pastries.

  "Hmm." Tian Chang nodded after tasting the pastry. Indeed, as Zhang Guan said, this little girl brought a new and unusual pastry that was sweet, crispy and soft, very delicious. He had been running a pastry shop for a long time and knew his customers' tastes well. This kind of pastry was suitable for both old and young, once launched, it would definitely be very popular.

  "The dim sum isn't bad, did Xia Zhi's daughter make it herself?" Tian Chang put down the sachima in his hand and spoke to Xia Zhi in a gentle tone.

  Xia Zhi smiled slightly: "Don't worry, Master Tian, this dessert is only made by me, even the people in my family don't know how to make it."

  "If I buy the girl's recipe, then she can't reveal it to anyone else. Even if she wants to make it herself in the future, she won't be able to." Tian Chang said, looking at Xia Zhi.

  "Fangzi sold it to Lao Ye Tian, so it's his now. I will naturally keep it a secret and won't let others know. I myself won't make this pastry for profit either. However, if my own family wants to make one or two pieces to eat, that should be fine, right?"

  Tian Chang was just exchanging a glance with Zhang Zhuanggui.

  "In short, Xia Zhi thought that she would make some food at home, but that would be a year later." said Zhang Zhuang.

  Tian nodded frequently, then looked at Xia Zhi again.

  Xia Zhi thought for a moment, then nodded resolutely: "Okay." She sold Fangzi to Gui Xiangzhai, and she didn't want to cause trouble either. Can't just make it herself and not do it? If she really wants to eat it, she can come to Gui Xiangzhai to buy it.

  "Xia Zhi is a straightforward person." Tian Chang laughed and then asked Xia Zhi, "How much money would you sell this prescription for?"

  Xia Zhi smiled: "Money is a small matter. We make friends with Mr. Tian, and this recipe will be given to Mr. Tian." As she said that, she took out a piece of paper from her sleeve, which was the method for making Sakima. She wrote it very detailed, including the proportions of various ingredients and the fire temperature that needed attention.

  Tian first looked at Fangzi, nodded secretly, and then handed it over to Zhang Zhuanggui. The two of them carefully examined Fangzi and felt that not only was there no problem with it, but it was also written with great sincerity.

  This made the two even more suspicious. The two children in front of them were dressed neatly, but it was also clear that they did not come from a wealthy family. Why would they choose to give such a valuable gift to Gui Xiangzhai at this time?

  She saw the doubt on both of their faces. She didn't explain, but instead said another sentence: "If needed, I can also give a demonstration. Guaranteed to teach until you learn."

  "There's no need for that. The young lady has written everything clearly in this recipe. We have many skilled craftsmen in our workshop, and with this recipe, it won't be difficult to make these pastries." Zhang said, then looked at the recipe in his hand again, "These pastries are called Sakima, I wonder what their origin is?"

  "There's nothing special about its origins, but Sakima's name has a rather exotic flavor. Since it's a type of pastry we didn't have before, giving it this kind of name is just right for attracting customers."

  "It's indeed a good name." Tian Changzai and Zhang Zhuanggui both nodded. Then, Zhang Zhuanggui looked at Tian Changzai with the prescription in his hand, and Tian Changzai nodded slightly. Zhang Zhuanggui apologized to Xia Zhi and left with the prescription.

  Xia Zhi guessed that he should take it to the back workshop for Teacher Fu to try making according to the recipe, and naturally wouldn't stop him.

  Tian Chang was gazing at Xia Zhi and Xiao Hei, whose faces didn't show a hint of anxiety, looking very carefree. He increasingly believed that Xia Zhi's words were true. This little girl really wanted to give Fang Zi Bai to him.

  But can he afford to ask for this prescription? Does he dare to ask for this prescription?

  After a moment of contemplation, Tian Chang spoke again with an even more cautious and respectful attitude towards Xia Zhi. "As the saying goes, 'no pay without work'. I, Tian Mou, have never met Miss Xia Zhi before, so why would she send charcoal in snowy weather, giving me this wonderful formula for free? Please enlighten me, Miss Xia."

  Xia Zhi laughed twice, she knew that Tian Chang was worried that she had ulterior motives.

  "As for the reason, didn't Old Man Tian say it himself?"

  Tian was even more perplexed: "Please instruct me, Miss Xia Zhi, I really don't understand."

  "It's just what Old Man Tian said - sending charcoal in snowy weather." Xia Zhi smiled and gave the answer.

  Tian was taken aback for a moment, then burst out laughing. He was a man who knew how to handle situations, and since Xia Zhi had spoken, he didn't refute him. "Miss Xia's actions are indeed a timely help in our time of need, my whole family is deeply grateful. I have some connections in the prefectural city, if there's anything I can do for you, please don't hesitate to let me know, I'll be eternally grateful."

  Is Xia Zhi asking for something? Otherwise, why would he be given a pastry recipe for free?

  "We may not be rich or noble, but we haven't asked Mr. Tian to do us any favors either. I've said it before, I just want to make friends with Mr. Tian. Does Mr. Tian look down on us and refuse?"

  The young girl is so young, but her words are sharp enough to make Tian Chang feel a bit overwhelmed. He hurriedly waved his hand and said repeatedly that he didn't dare. "Thanks to Xia Zhi's appreciation, Tian will consider you as a friend."

  "And also my old uncle." Xia Zhi smiled and pointed to the little black fish beside him, "My old uncle is more fond of making friends than I am. It was his idea for me to come to Lao Ye's shop too."

  Tian was always careful not to be lazy in front of Xiao Hei Yu, and he hurriedly saluted him. The two children were both very young, and it seemed that even Xia Zhi's son was older than them. But Tian didn't dare treat them as juniors. He also followed Xia Zhi's lead and called Xiao Hei Yu "Old Uncle".

  The little black fish was quite satisfied. He knew that the person in front of him should be Tian Lai Bao's father. Tian Lai Bao called him "Old Uncle". But this did not conflict with Tian Chang calling him "Old Uncle" too. He had gone to the town teahouse with his father, Tian Lao Ye Zi, to listen to storytelling, where great heroes and big shots made friends, and within families, different generations were addressed differently, each according to their own generation, which was a very common thing.

  "Now that we're friends, Xia Zhi doesn't have to call me Master Tian or Old Man Tian. Just call me Big Brother or directly by my name is fine... Uncle Lao will naturally just call me by my name." Tian Chang said with a smile all over his face.

  Xiao Hei Yu felt that this was quite alright. Xia Zhi smiled, but refused to call Tian Changzai "older brother", she couldn't take advantage of Tian Lai Bao's kindness too much. Moreover, Tian Lai Bao's mother and them were still fellow villagers. She also didn't feel comfortable calling Tian Changzai by his name.

  From then on, she often referred to Tian Chang as Boss Tian.

  They chatted and talked, time passed quickly. When Zhang the shopkeeper came back again, he was holding a red lacquer tray in his hand. On the tray were two white porcelain plates, and on the plates were the saccharima that had just been taken out of the oven from the workshop behind.

  Tian Changzai and Xia Zhi each took a Sakima product and nodded in unison.

  The method of Sakima is not difficult, especially for those who are familiar with making dim sum. Of course, it's also because Fangzi wrote the detailed recipe, otherwise even the teacher Fu from Guixiangzhai would have to experiment several times to reach this level.

  Tian Changzai and Zhang Zhuanggui exchanged another glance in secret, confirming that this prescription was fine.

  Zhang the shopkeeper personally poured another cup of hot tea for Xia Zhi and Xiao Hei Yu.

  Tian Changzai shifted in his chair: "Miss Xia Zhi and I have become sworn friends, but if she wants to give me this recipe for free, that's her looking down on me. However, we're talking business here, and there's no way I can get this recipe for free."

  (。)