In the next few days, when Xia Wan came back from school, she had hot meals waiting for her.

Today, Xia Aijun cut three thick fingers of fat meat and stewed them with tofu, which was rich in oil and taste.

The family ate around the table. Li Aizhen was in low spirits. Xia Wan and Xia Aijun discussed seriously about setting up a noodle stall.

"Dad, Mr. Li has made arrangements at the hospital. You can sell the noodles when the time comes."

Xia Aijun had always completed his tasks step by step. Suddenly, he had to start a business independently. He hesitated.

"After all, I haven't done business before. What if I lose money?"

In 2000, there were opportunities everywhere in this fifth-tier city. Although some people were a little bold or forced to set up a small business and sell food and fruits to make a living, the number of such people was small. Most people still cared about their dignity and were conservative.

However, Xia Wan was not afraid. She also dared to be shameless. Business often depended not only on luck but also courage. Even if she lost money, she could start over again. She had knowledge and vision. Even if she failed, it would not be a blow to her at all.

After careful consideration and market research, this business would definitely make a profit.

For the Xia family, it was a good opportunity to make their first fortune!

Xia Wan took out a piece of cigarette box paper, on which was densely written the required materials and costs, as well as the profits to be made. Obviously, it had been planned for a long time.

"We'll sell dried noodles! Add tofu or braised eggs, stew them on the stove with brine. They're fragrant and attractive. There's also laid-off Aunt Zhao in our alley, who was a master at kneading noodles. I made a deal with her: 10 kilograms of coarse noodles for 10 yuan can make 50 bowls of noodles. Plain noodles are sold for 1.5 yuan per bowl, and tofu costs 0.5 yuan, while eggs cost 1 yuan. The sauce, brine, firewood, and ingredients are all inexpensive. As long as we keep regular customers, we'll make a lot of money."

After hearing what Xia Wan said about the business, Li Aizhen, whose eyes were dull, suddenly lit up and felt that there was hope in her life. She said excitedly,

"No wonder you've been studying braised food and dried noodles recently. The food you make tastes great, and I'm sure people will buy it!"

Xia Wan smiled proudly. Although she lived a humble life in the An family in her past life and often studied new things and food to please her stepmother and elder brother, all the knowledge she had learned in her past life was deeply imprinted in her mind, which was a wealth to her.

It was a pleasant surprise that she could open up their prospects for getting rich with just a simple recipe of braised water and noodles in her mind.

Xia Aijun had more confidence. He carefully looked through the notes made by Xia Wan and calculated the profits. He added,

"The noodles are enough for consumers. People who are seeking medical treatment in hospitals are already in a bad mood and have tight budgets. As long as the price is reasonable and they are well fed, noodles will be welcomed. Moreover, there are a lot of residents around the hospital, and there are a lot of people passing by at work. Fast service is what they are most concerned about."

This reminded Xia Wan. Although it is undeniable that Chinese people value efficiency and have a fast pace. She had thought about it before, but she had not thought about the reasonable price. In the 21st century, society had sufficient productivity, and when material abundance was achieved, quality became the pursuit. Therefore, the taste of food was of utmost importance. Things were different now. The country was still in the early stage of development, and people were still pursuing affordability and basic needs.

"Then I can stop my seasoning experiment and start preparing to sell noodles directly."

Xia Aijun, who was laid off and unemployed at home, spent several days preparing miscellaneous items for selling noodles. He controlled the cost for the business within 30 yuan. He bought 20 kilograms of noodles, 15 eggs and 30 pieces of dried tofu, as well as 2 old stoves, coal balls, aluminum pots, and other things, which filled the front and back of a bicycle.

Today was Saturday, and the school was on holiday.

Xia Wan and Xia Aijun set off at 5 o'clock in the early morning.

When they arrived, the sky was bright.

There were already several stalls selling fruits and boxed meals at the entrance of the hospital, but none selling noodles. Xia Aijun carefully looked around and felt slightly relieved. He got off his bike and pushed it through the crowd. The two of them looked around but couldn't find a good spot to set up their stall, so they were worried again.

Xia Aijun and Xia Wan were standing outside the hospital, looking around. An old security guard holding a tea pot was sitting inconspicuously by the hospital gate. As soon as he saw the pretty girl approaching, he gave a signal to the two and moved his chair away.

Xia Wan was delighted. Knowing that this was a good spot specially reserved for them by the hospital, she quickly took Xia Aijun to an empty spot, parked the bicycle, and moved things down.

The wisdom of a nobody should not be underestimated!

After all, it was the first time for Xia Aijun to do business. He felt that his palms were sweating and his heart was beating fast. However, he still quickly set up the stall.

Xia Wan lit up the stove and was boiling the braising sauce. She had prepared the seasoning early in the morning. In the aluminum pot, eggs and dried tofu were neatly arranged and soaked in the braising water. Soon, the tempting taste filled the air, attracting the attention of everyone around.

A middle-aged woman in plain clothes was the first customer.

She rubbed the corner of her clothes with her fingers and hesitated to speak as she looked at the price tag next to her.

"How much are the noodles?"

Xia Wan did not dodge. She was straightforward and spoke loudly:

"Auntie, each bowl of 100 grams dried noodles costs 5 yuan. One egg costs 1 yuan, and dried tofu costs 0.5 yuan if you want."