Xu Ying felt wronged. She explained patiently, “Uncle, these are free samples, not for sale. If you want them, you’ll have to order directly from our factory.”
Upon hearing this, Director Wang Yongan instantly realized his mistake. A flush of shame also crossed his face, and he said awkwardly, “Little girl, I misunderstood you. I’m sorry. But truly, your fried foods are delicious. If someone were to buy them, couldn’t you give me a portion as a gift?”
He really wanted to take some home. Just a few days ago, his son had been clamoring for lu ya (卤鸭 – braised duck, a well-loved dish in Jiangnan cuisine, marinated in soy sauce, spices, and slow-cooked until tender), but he had no idea where to find it.
Even though he hadn’t managed to locate braised duck, these fried snacks were excellent too. If he could bring some home, his son would surely be delighted.
Director Wang came from a comfortable household. Both his parents were retired workers with pensions, his wife was also employed, and their son had been born late in life after years of childlessness. His wife had struggled with infertility for many years, and the couple had even considered resigning themselves to being childless. But then, against all odds, she had conceived. Because of this, they doted endlessly on their only son.
Lately, the boy had been crying for braised duck. Director Wang had searched all over the district but couldn’t find it anywhere. Seeing his son sulking in disappointment for days had pained him deeply.
Though he himself had never tasted braised duck, he knew how much his son wanted it. And these fried foods—crispy, savory, and fragrant—were indeed delicious. If he took them home, surely the boy would be satisfied.
Rubbing his palms nervously, Director Wang felt rather embarrassed. Just moments ago, he had been raising his voice to “keep order” and stop people from speculating. Now he was the one who wanted to buy the very same food. He cleared his throat and said in a lowered voice, “Girl, could you sell me some of your fried food? Don’t worry, I definitely won’t report you.”
But Xu Ying shook her head firmly. “Uncle, that really won’t do. These foods are meant only for promotions; we cannot sell them privately.”
Director Wang sighed in resignation. Glancing around at the other workers—most of whom belonged to the state-run Machinery Factory—an idea struck him. Thinking of the annual welfare packages that factories distributed to workers (customary in the socialist planned economy of the 1980s, often in the form of meat, grain, or other rare commodities), he raised his voice:
“Everyone, quiet for a moment. What do you think of the food from this factory? If you like it, how about we adjust the welfare this year and replace it with these braised and fried foods instead?”
The employees immediately responded with enthusiasm:
“Director Wang, I think it’s a great idea. Our factory’s welfare has been the same for decades—we’re tired of it.”
“That’s right! The braised food is really good, especially the braised duck. I want this for sure.”
“What?” Director Wang froze in surprise. “Braised duck?”
He was stunned. Hadn’t he just spent half a month searching for braised duck everywhere in Shanghai? And here it was, sitting right in front of him all along!
Rushing to the stall, he saw the trays of bright reddish-brown braised meats glistening under the light. His eyes widened as he asked in disbelief, “This—this is braised duck?”
Uncle Xu (Xu Ying’s elder relative, helping at the stall) nodded with a smile. “Yes indeed. You should try our factory’s braised duck—it’s absolutely delicious.”
Director Wang burst into hearty laughter. “Heavens! I’ve been looking for braised duck for half a month, and here it appears right before me! Quickly, pack some for me. How much is it?”
Uncle Xu looked embarrassed and explained, “Brother, this braised duck isn’t for sale either—it’s only for tasting.”
Director Wang realized he had spoken out of turn again. He smiled good-naturedly and asked, “Then who is in charge here? Our factory wants to place a proper order for braised duck and these fried goods to give as welfare gifts to the workers.”
Xu Ying stepped forward.
Director Wang blinked in surprise. He had expected the authority to lie with Uncle Xu or perhaps the older woman standing nearby. Instead, it was this young girl who carried herself with such quiet composure.
He studied her for a moment, then smiled and said, “Alright, then. What are your prices for braised duck and fried goods? We have quite a number of employees in the machinery factory, and our budget for this welfare distribution is fifty thousand yuan. Please arrange it accordingly.”
Xu Ying nodded calmly and took out a pre-prepared contract. Once the deposit was paid and the contract signed, their first official deal was sealed.
Qiao Yuzhu, watching from the side, was left in awe. She hadn’t expected it to succeed so smoothly.
As the machinery factory’s employees returned to their duties, the crowd around the tasting stall gradually thinned.
“Director Xu,” Qiao Yuzhu leaned closer and asked curiously, “shouldn’t we change venues now? Since the machinery factory has already signed a contract with us, shouldn’t we head to another factory to hold the event?”
But Xu Ying only shook her head.
Qiao Yuzhu frowned in confusion. They had already secured the deal with this factory, so why linger?
“Why aren’t we leaving?” she pressed.
Xu Ying reclined in her chair, her tone leisurely yet assured. “This is the largest factory in the city. Other factories will naturally send people over once they hear of any commotion here. When the shifts change, more people will come out, and we’ll continue the food tasting then. With so many employees around, word will spread quickly. Soon, people from other factories will come of their own accord. If we act too proactive, it may look as if we’re chasing orders, and that could make others suspicious.”
Qiao Yuzhu’s eyes widened in sudden realization. She felt her respect for Xu Ying grow even deeper.
Just as Xu Ying predicted, the machinery factory’s large workforce ensured that word of the free tasting spread rapidly. Those who had sampled the food in the morning carried news back into the workshops.
By noon, the entrance was crowded again.
“What’s going on here?”
“Why do I smell meat? It smells incredible!”
“You don’t know? They’re holding a food tasting. It’s from the Yuxian Food Factory. You can try their products for free, and they’re really delicious,” explained a machinery factory worker, though he looked anxious as he stared at the long queue ahead. He worried there might be nothing left by the time his turn came.
The moment others heard the words free meat, they eagerly lined up.
“This braised duck is amazing—rich, fragrant, spicy with a hint of sweetness. It’s irresistible!” exclaimed Wang Li, a young employee of the Shanghai Food Factory. She had come to meet her new boyfriend, who worked at the machinery factory.
They had agreed to have lunch together, but when she arrived, she stumbled upon the tasting event. Her boyfriend, who had tried the braised duck earlier that morning, had raved about it and insisted she must taste it herself.
Not wanting to disappoint him, Wang Li joined the queue. One bite of the tender, glossy braised duck was enough to leave her smitten. Even after finishing, the rich aroma lingered on her lips, making her crave more.
As soon as she returned to her own workplace, Wang Li rushed to spread the news to her colleagues.
“Did you hear? There’s a stall in front of the machinery factory offering free samples. The food is amazing! They said this is a survey of public taste in Shanghai. Everyone who’s tried it says it’s delicious. I bet it’s going to hit the department stores soon. If you want to try, go after work. If you miss this, you’ll have to buy it later. And trust me—meat this good will be expensive.”
Her words spread like wildfire. Soon, everyone at the Shanghai Food Factory knew about the Yuxian Food Factory’s tasting event at the machinery factory.