When they got to the guild, Chi Lan was with the twins and Mama Chi was resting in their private chambers.Yuan as usual, was tending to some business associates.
So Muchen and Yun Lui just joined Chi Lan and the twins, who had only noticed their mama then.
They were so busy playing that they did not know of his presence when he had first entered the compound. They like to play with their uncle Lan because they get away with a lot things as opposed to their papa, Yun Lui.
Looking at the time, Yun Lui know that it will be too late for him to prepare their evening meals if he were to wait for Yuan. He called Muchen aside.
"Brother, I think I have to go now. It will be evening soon. Mother is resting so I need to go and cook supper now. Let's postpone talking with brother Yuan to another time. You stay here and come back together with mother when she wakes up."
He then informed Lan that he was leaving and gave a kiss each to the twins before he left.
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A servant came and cleared the dining table when they were done with supper for that evening. Yun Lui pinched Muchen afterwards.
"Mom, dad, please there's something that Lulu will like to discuss with us.", Muchen opened the floor for him.
"Oh dear, what is about?", PaPa Chi asked.
Yun Lui looked at them as he said, "Mom, dad, there's some business idea that I will like to seek your opinions on.", he paused.
"Go on my dear. Let's hear it.", Mama Chi said expectantly.
"Mom, I was thinking of transforming some spices into the way we have transformed the ones that we use at here at home, and supply it to others for sale.", Yun Lui stated.
"Hmm, that will be a great idea, Lulu. What do you say, Papa Chi?", Mama Chi asked.
"Erm, can I at least see a sample of what you're talking about?", Papa Chi asked.
It was then that Yun Lui realised how stupid of him to have forgotten that Papa Chi had no idea about those spices. He got up fast and ran to the kitchen to bring the bowl with the various bottles of spices.
He put the bowl on his side of the dining table and brought out the bottles one after the other. Mama Chi opened each of them and explained to Papa Chi what they were.
"And do they taste the same as the raw ones? Won't it lose some of its nutrients?", he asked
"No honey. I have been using these and not the raw ones for our foods for the past thirty months. I tell you, there is no difference in taste or any loss of nutrients.
The only difference is its positive traits. They are non perishable, that is, they can last for over a year and still taste just as fresh. And because of that, one does not need to worry when there is shortage of the raw ones.
It saves time because it's faster to cook with them.", Mama Chi rapped as if she was a salesman that has been promised a certain reward should she be able to close a particular deal.
Papa Chi put some of the powders on his tongue to taste and drank water before moving onto the next one. He may not have been cooking in the house but he has a fair knowledge in that.
He used to assist his wife in the kitchen when their children were too young and they did not have the luxury of hiring a servant for every chore.
"Hmmm.", he nodded as he continued, "They indeed taste just like the raw ones. Who came up with the idea to transform them into this state?"
"It's our Lulu, honey."
"And Mama Chi, you said you have been using these for the past thirty months?That's two a half years. Why didn't you tell Lulu to show this to me or Yuan?"
"Erm, were we supposed to?", Mama Chi asked, confused by her husband's question.
"We could have turned it into a business and Yun Lui would have been rich by now. Well nevermind. It's not too late.", he said to his wife and turned to his son.
"Muchen, inform your brother to find time and come here at noon tomorrow. Since it's the weekends I'll be here with my grandsons.
Lulu, do not worry at all, this will be a great business. I don't want to overwhelm you with too much information right now.
Since you asked for my opinion, then yes it's a great idea and I believe it will be successful. Now I will need you to describe to me the kind of picture that you have for this business.
Yuan will come tomorrow and all of us will sit and discuss how to proceed. We will all share our ideas here, come tomorrow noon, but at the end it's your preference that we will stick with, okay?", Papa Chi concluded and retired for bed.
It was now left with the three in the dining room.
"Mother.", Yun Lui got up from his seat and went to hug Mama Chi out of excitement.
"Lulu, is this the reason you went to walk in the town for ideas this morning? I'm glad you ended up with this brilliant one. I'm very proud of you my baby.
Let mommy give you a kiss, mmmuah, mmmuah, mmmuah.", she gave him a kiss on both cheeks and one on his forehead.
"What about me?", Muchen pouted.
Both looked at his cute face and burst out laughing.
Mama Chi then left for bed leaving Yun Lui and Muchen in the living room.
Yun Lui was in deep thoughts. His mind was filled with both concerns and excitement. He has been asked to describe how he sees his business to everyone tomorrow.
He hopes the picture that he has in mind does not disappoint them.