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Yuan Jiaqi watched her carrying three large cloth bags and stepped forward to take them, concerned that she might strain herself. To his surprise, the bags were much lighter than he expected.

“What’s inside?”

“These are snacks I made for the kids, but you can have some too. Come on, give them a try.”

She had Yuan Jiaqi place the bags on the table and open the bag’s mouth to reveal its contents.

No one had seen popcorn before, and they all gathered around. Just then, Mayor Qian arrived.

Everyone was too busy looking at the three bags to greet him. They stared intently at what was inside.

Qiao Mai had the children grab a big bowl and give them several handfuls of popcorn, telling them to eat on the side.

As the adults watched the children enjoying the popcorn, their mouths watered, and they couldn’t help but make sounds of amazement. They wanted to reach out and grab some, but they were afraid of being teased.

Qiao Mai smiled and said, “Go ahead. If your hands are clean, grab and eat. After you finish, I’ll tell you what it’s made of.”

Mayor Qian didn’t waste any time; he reached out and grabbed a handful, enjoying the creamy sweetness.

Although he does not have a sweet tooth, he couldn’t stop stuffing more into his mouth.

After finishing what was in his hands, he went for the rice cakes. No one touched the dark chocolate-flavored ones.

Qiao Mai rolled her eyes, realizing they didn’t appreciate the chocolates.

So, she grabbed a handful of chocolates and started eating.

Others saw her eating and asked, “What’s this dark stuff?”

“It’s made from a type of fruit, much better than the yellow one you’re eating.”

The adults began grabbing and eating the chocolates, and they found the taste rich and unique.

Mayor Qian saw an opportunity and tried to strike a deal with her.

Qiao Mai glared at him. “Don’t even think about it. After the New Year, my shop will start selling these. If you take the recipe, what will I have left to sell?” “Your shop is turning into a grocery store.”

“Humph, they’re just small snacks, various delicious tidbits. What do you understand?”

Everyone couldn’t help but laugh at this exchange, looking at the three bags of snacks. Qiao Mai made sure to leave some for the children and instructed her staff to distribute them so that everyone in the family could taste them, especially Shopkeeper Niu and his associates.

After trying these delicious snacks, Shopkeeper Niu and his five attendants immediately came over.

With a smile, he asked, “Mistress, can we sell these snacks in our shop?” “Of course, that’s what they were prepared for in the first place.”

“That’s fantastic! I believe with these, our business will only get better.”

“After the second day of the New Year, I’ll teach you how to make them. But for now, take a good two-day break.”

“Thank you, Mistress. We’ll take our leave then.”

Shopkeeper Niu and his team left, while Mayor Qian decided to try again. “Madam Qiao, if you’re not selling this, how about giving me another recipe?” Qiao Mai considered, “Does your Qian family’s pastry shop sell biscuits?”

Mayor Qian shook his head. “No.”

“How about egg cakes?”

“Yes, we have those and puff pastry, cake, and similar items. Plus the mooncakes and cream cakes we bought from you.”

“Alright, after the New Year, I’ll prepare some biscuits for you to sell. This stuff lasts for half a year and is especially delicious. Get your money ready.”

“How about let me try it this afternoon?”

“You’re quite eager.”

“It’s the New Year; you have nothing to do. Besides, you didn’t visit relatives this year, right? You’ve sold goods during the New Year before, haven’t you?

Who would complain about having more money?”

“Fine, let’s have lunch first. We can discuss it later.’

“Okay, I’ll wait here at your place. We can do it like last time with the cream cakes—prepare and taste and make the deal on the spot?” “You’d better go back. I’ll have someone deliver them to you.”

“No, I want to watch you make them.”

Yuan Jiaqi cleared his throat softly, and Mayor Qian explained, “Don’t get me wrong. I’m worried that your wife might change her mind. If someone else gets hold of the recipe, you know what the consequences could be.”

“My wife is decisive. She has never lied to anyone, and you’re the only one who doubts her.”

“Alright, you two are a couple. You will side with her.”

Mayor Qian wasn’t doubting Madam Qiao; he simply wanted to stay longer at the Qiao household, his eyes lingering on Lu Sanniang.

Yuan Jiaqi blushed, and Qiao Mai gave Mayor Qian a stern look. Seeing that it was getting late, she instructed her servants to prepare dinner.

Shopkeeper Tong spent five hundred taels on five recipes.

Mr. Qin spent five hundred taels to buy five designs for household furniture.

The others were envious but knew that Qiao Mai couldn’t help them with their businesses. They watched as those two left with full bags of valuable recipes, feeling disappointed.

What luck! Visiting the Qiao family for New Year’s greetings had turned into a lucrative deal for Mayor Qian and the others. Only Qiao Mai could have such good fortune.

With everyone gone, Mayor Qian urged her, “Quick, the biscuits!”

“Let’s go to my backyard. I have tea there, and you can chat while I work. I can’t let you watch me make it; it’s too intriguing. I can’t even celebrate the New

Year properly. Sigh-

Although she seemed helpless, there was a hint of pride in her words.

Yuan Jiaqi and the others chuckled while looking at each other. Mayor Qian, who was cornered, had nothing to say.

They followed Qiao Mai to her courtyard, where they settled in the living room. Yue Hong served them tea, and Qiao Mai brought out some snacks and fruits for them to nibble on while she went to check the recipe in her space.

She gathered all the necessary ingredients in her space and returned to the real world. Once in the kitchen, she started making the biscuits.

Outside, the snow was falling gently, creating a serene atmosphere. Egg yolk biscuits were easy to make. Even without butter, substituting with cow’s fat was a viable option.

She mixed flour with egg yolks and milk to form a dough, allowing it to rise. During this process, Qiao Mai quickly fashioned a simple mold to give the biscuits an attractive floral pattern on top.

After working tirelessly until dusk, the first batch of egg yolk biscuits was ready. Qiao Mai brought the biscuits to the living room.

“Here you go. I’ve baked only one batch for now. Everyone, please try them. If you want more, talk to Mayor Qian.”

“Absolutely!”

Mayor Qian wasted no time, grabbed a piece, and savored it. “The flavor is rich with the taste of egg yolk, not the least bit fishy. It even has a hint of milk fragrance. It’s crispy and gets even tastier as you chew. This is perfect for children and the elderly, but anyone can enjoy it. Delicious! I’ll buy the recipe.

Name your price.”

“These are easy to make. I’ll sell you the recipe for one thousand taels.”

“Deal! Write down the recipe quickly!”

Qiao Mai, somewhat resigned, wrote down the recipe. Mayor Qian had silver notes on him and immediately handed over a thousand-tael silver note.

“Madam Qiao, you are truly a money-making tree. They say you are a gold mine, and it’s not an exaggeration. You could earn two thousand taels of silver in a New Year.”

“Isn’t it all because you pushed me?”

“Look at you! Is making money also something you’re forced into?”

“Haha!”

It was quite late, but Mayor Qian didn’t leave. Instead, they all had a casual dinner in Qiao Mai’s backyard.

When Mayor Qian finally departed, he said, “Tomorrow, when Xin’er returns home, I’ll come over too.”

Shopkeeper Lu widened her eyes and puffed her cheeks. “You want to come when my daughter is back home?”

“Just to keep you company. Is there a problem with that?”

“Humph, I think you’re eyeing the good things in my sister’s home.”

“It’s not entirely wrong.”

“Haha!”

After Mayor Qian left, Shopkeeper Lu and Ruyi also left to rest. Yuan Jiaqi and the children helped Qiao Mai clean up the living room.

She allowed them to stay for a while but then headed to the kitchen, where she baked two more batches of biscuits.

She packed a large box for each of them. “Take these with you in case you get hungry tonight. ”

“Thank you, Mother! These egg yolk biscuits are delicious.”

“Remember not to eat them in bed, or the crumbs will keep you awake.”

“We understand, Mother. Thank you, Mother. You’re the best mother in the world.”

“Don’t flatter me. Now, go back and rest!”

“Yes, Mother!”