nownovels Chapter 21 Funding?
Chapter 21 Funding?
"What is this?" Jiang Qi didn't answer.
"Eight Treasures Nourishing Essence Soup." Liu Ying lowered his voice, a smile plastered on his face. "A wonderful tonic for strengthening the body's foundation and replenishing vital energy!"
"While it cannot directly increase qi and blood, it can solidify the foundation, laying a better groundwork for future breakthroughs!"
He looked around, his expression changed, and he said as if he were speaking frankly, "Those forces outside like to do some kind of funding, right? I, Liu Ying, am just a cook who flips the wok, all alone, I can't compare."
But I'm pretty good at judging people, and I think Jiang Xiao is worth investing in!
"I can't afford the expensive medicine, but I can make this medicinal cuisine myself."
As he spoke, he patted his chest and said sincerely, "If Brother Jiang breaks through to the mid-stage of the Blood Refining Realm in the future... remember to give me, Liu Ying, a hand, and I will be completely satisfied."
Funding?
Jiang Qi looked at the ceramic bowl, a slight stirring in his heart.
I remember Instructor Zhou saying that the martial arts school has cooperation with many forces in Licheng. If a disciple breaks through to the mid-stage of the Blood Burning Realm, the martial arts school will recommend him for a protective position.
If someone is outstanding enough, there is indeed talk of additional funding.
But then a cook came along and asked for financial assistance...
After a pause, Jiang Qi declined, saying, "I haven't even condensed my third strand of blood energy yet, so how can I talk about the mid-stage of the Blood Refining Realm? This Eight Treasures Strengthening Soup is too precious, and I really feel unworthy to accept it."
It wasn't that he looked down on the chef, but because of the Cui Yuan and Luo Yue incident, he was always somewhat wary of this chef.
Liu Ying waved his hands repeatedly, and said with a self-deprecating laugh, "I'm not afraid of being laughed at by Brother Jiang, but I, Liu Ying, am just a cook. If Brother Jiang were truly 100% confident in breaking through to the mid-stage of the Blood Refining Realm, then this soup wouldn't be my turn to serve it."
A martial artist at the mid-stage of the Blood Burning Realm is already considered a significant figure in Li City.
Investing in a potential medium-term investment, building connections—if it works out, the implications are entirely different.
Upon hearing this, Jiang Qi remained silent for a moment.
Judging from the situation, they won't let you leave unless you answer.
What Liu Ying said seemed to make sense.
This is similar to investing. Even if there are risks, if you are told that there is a 50% chance of making money, most people would take the plunge.
"In that case, thank you very much, Master Liu." He took the ceramic cup and cupped his hands in thanks.
"Hey! Don't call me Master Liu, that's too formal!" Liu Ying's face lit up with a smile. "I'm a few years older, if Brother Jiang doesn't mind, just call me Brother Liu!"
"Thank you, Brother Liu."
"Haha, great! Great!" Liu Ying was in high spirits. "I have other matters to attend to in the kitchen, so I'll head back now. If you like this soup, feel free to come find me anytime!"
After saying that, he left with a satisfied air and light steps.
Jiang Qi looked at the pottery cup, then at Liu Ying, a glint of light flashing in his eyes.
Is this Chef Liu... really just an investor?
......
Leaving the martial arts school, Jiang Qi walked along the bluestone avenue towards Sweetwater Lane.
Because he was still wearing the short, tight-fitting clothes he wore during the daytime martial arts practice, they were soaked with sweat and then dried, making them feel stiff against his skin.
So he thought he would go back to the water room to change into clean clothes before going to Xiaoqi's house.
The old locust tree at the alley entrance rustled in the wind, casting a dappled and swaying shadow.
In the shadows, two figures stood.
Both men were dressed in black, with long swords at their waists, and were burly in stature.
Although they were just standing there casually, they subtly blocked most of the way to the alley entrance.
"stop."
Jiang Qigang was stopped by the two men as soon as he reached the alley entrance.
"Brother Song, Brother Hai."
He recognized the two men: Chang Song and Song Hai, both guards of the Fierce Wind Hall of the Ironclad Gang, and three experts in Qi and Blood.
Previously, anyone going to deliver water to the hall had to pass through the inspection of these two people before entering.
Chang Song took half a step forward, his gaze sharp as a knife, scrutinizing Jiang Qi from head to toe, a strange light flashing in his eyes.
Song Hai stood with his arms crossed, observing coldly with an indifferent expression.
Jiang Qi's expression tightened slightly, but he didn't show it. He asked, "Does the hall need water?"
Chang Song acted as if he hadn't heard, his face cold: "Have you seen anyone from the Green Water Gang?"
Green Water Gang?
These two are protectors of the Liefeng Hall, so why would they suddenly run to an outlying area like Sweetwater Lane to chase after the Qingshui Gang?
"Reporting to Brother Song," Jiang Qi shook his head, "I didn't see any members of the Qingshui Gang."
Chang Song and Song Hai exchanged a glance, their gazes falling on Jiang Qi again, as if they were sizing him up.
"Is that so?" After a moment, Chang Song withdrew his gaze, his tone still indifferent, making it impossible to tell whether he believed it or not.
He paused, then added, "Deliver water to the hall on time tomorrow morning."
"Don't worry, Brother Song and Brother Hai, we would never dare to make a mistake." Jiang Qi cupped his hands in greeting. "You two have worked hard. Why don't you go to the water shop, sit down, and have some hot tea?"
Upon hearing this, Song Hai scoffed and glanced at Jiang Qi with disdain.
Chang Song replied impatiently, "No need. Mind your own business."
After saying that, he looked Jiang Qi up and down a few more times before leaving.
Jiang Qi stood still, watching the two leave, his face calm but his eyes darkening.
Within the body, the medicinal power of the Blood Nourishing Pill flowed continuously like a gentle stream.
With so many eyes in the martial arts school, the news of obtaining the Blood-Nourishing Pill has probably already spread...
A few barks came from the depths of the alley. He turned his gaze away and walked towards the water shop.
......
As dusk settled over Sweetwater Lane.
In the distance, wisps of smoke rose from the direction of the waterworks.
Upon closer inspection, it was discovered that there was no fire, but rather a stove had been erected in front of the water room at some point.
Zhao Xiaoqi was busy running around, washing vegetables, cutting meat...
And the one cooking at the stove was none other than Zhao's mother!
She looked much better than before, with a gentle smile on her face as she stir-fried the dishes in the pan.
"Mother, Qi-ge'er likes stir-fried pork, so add more meat," Zhao Xiaoqi said as she handed over the meat.
"I know, I know, I remember Qi's tastes," Zhao's mother replied with a smile. "You should rest for a while; you don't look too well."
"It's nothing. I delivered a few extra truckloads of water this afternoon. I'll be fine after a good night's sleep," Zhao Xiaoqi said nonchalantly.
Today was supposed to be the day Jiang Qi was to visit Zhao's mother at Xiao Qi's house. Xiao Qi's initial plan was to prepare a meal at home and wait for Jiang Qi to come over.
But Zhao's mother felt that Jiang Qi was helping too much, and that he always had to bring people home, which made her feel bad.
After discussing it, the mother and son decided to buy the ingredients and come directly to the water shop to cook a decent dinner for Jiang Qi.
While the two were busy, three more people came in carrying things.
"Xiao Qi, Sister-in-law Zhao, what's going on here...?"
The three who arrived were Uncle Chen, Uncle Wang, and Brother Sun, who had returned to the water shop.
Zhao Xiaoqi turned around and saw that the three people were carrying braised meat, fresh vegetables, and even a small jar of wine. He immediately understood.
Uncle Chen and the other two also realized what was happening.
The group exchanged smiles, all feeling a little embarrassed.
They were grateful to Jiang Qi for his kindness in finding them jobs with stable monthly wages. So, without prior arrangement, they all bought some food and drinks to thank him.
I never expected that we would happen to meet at the same time.
"Perfect! It'll be more lively with lots of people!" Zhao Xiaoqi said happily.
A rare sight of smoke rising from the small waterworks.
......
Jiang Qi carried the Eight Treasures Nourishing Soup into the water shop, but then paused.
In front of the water room, several tables were pushed together, and they were filled with steaming dishes.
Zhao Xiaoqi, Uncle Chen, Uncle Wang, and Brother Sun were busy setting out bowls and chopsticks and moving stools, while Zhao's mother was serving dishes.
"Qi-ge'er is back!" Zhao Xiaoqi, with her sharp eyes, spotted Jiang Qi first and quickly went to greet him.
"What are you all doing..." Jiang Qi looked at the table full of food and the busy crowd, his heart rippled slightly.
"Qi, come here, sit here." Mother Zhao wiped her hands, pointed to the main seat, and spoke in a friendly tone.
As she spoke, Xiao Qi pushed Jiang Qi to sit down in the main seat.