CHAPTER 387: 372 EXCHANGES HIS INSTANT NOODLES FOR YOUR FACTORY

Although Hua Zifeng was somewhat tempted by her words, he still didn’t think they had a chance to collaborate. After all, that clothing factory on the outskirts of the city was in a prime location, and he himself had plans to make use of it. However, this young woman outright demanded that factory, which showed she had a sharp eye. As for her mouth, it was even sharper. Talking with such confidence about a new product that could sell big—it was almost too much.

To trade something like the clothing factory, he still had to weigh whether it was worth it.

"Even if we just make canned goods, so what? There are so many types of canned goods that we could pick one randomly and still have a market. If we do things honestly, we can have a stable existence and keep our bellies full," he said casually with a smile.

Tian Sangsang maintained her calm expression and replied, "I thought, Hua, that you were an ambitious person and wouldn’t settle for just filling your belly. Plus, given that you’re the boss here, your current situation shouldn’t be that great, right? I heard you’re new to this position. You know what they say about new leadership—they’re supposed to make waves. Well, I’ve got a wave right here. The moment you agree, it’ll be ready to go. If you’re willing, I can show you my product now."

Hua Zifeng suddenly sat upright, bracing his elbows on his knees and staring at her intently. "I’ve eaten quite a variety of things, you know, and I’m pretty selective."

"To tell you the truth," he said with a devilish smile, "I’ve had my fair share of beautiful women too, but I’ve never tasted someone like you. If what you make doesn’t suit my palate, wouldn’t that mean I’ve wasted all this time since you walked in? Besides, as I mentioned earlier, this place isn’t easy to get into. Now that you’re in, don’t think you’ll get out so easily, missy."

Missy... That nickname. For someone who’s already a mother?

Tian Sangsang frowned slightly and said, "I haven’t introduced myself yet. My name is Tian Sangsang."

"I definitely don’t plan to leave easily, just as you didn’t waste your last few days waiting for me," she said, raising a hand slightly. "Give me five minutes—one chance to win over the clothing factory."

Hua Zifeng paused for a few seconds, then lowered his head as if deep in thought. Quickly, he raised his head with a roguish grin. "Sure, why not. For someone as attractive as you, I’m willing to give an extra chance."

"Make the most of it, Ms. Tian, because I have a habit of devouring anything in my path."

"I understand, Mr. Hua. Opportunities are scarce and only for those who are prepared," she said with a faint smile. "That means you won’t have a chance to devour me—you’ll have to settle for eating real food instead."

Tian Sangsang took out a black bag from her purse and asked courteously, "Is there a kitchen here?"

"I’ll take you there," Hua Zifeng said with overwhelming curiosity. He truly wanted to see what kind of delicious food could be whipped up in five minutes!

He led Tian Sangsang to the factory’s dining hall. The chefs there were already preparing ingredients to cook meals. When they saw Hua Zifeng, they respectfully bowed to him.

There were two kitchens—one large and one small.

Hua Zifeng walked to the smaller kitchen and instructed the staff to leave temporarily. Soon, the kitchen was left with only the two of them.

"Here are the ingredients; take a look. If there’s anything missing, I’ll have someone fetch it for you. As for machines, feel free to ask," he said.

Tian Sangsang glanced briefly around the kitchen. "No need for machines. As for ingredients, everything I need is in my bag."

Hua Zifeng squinted slightly, staring at the black bag in her hand. "You can start."

"Mr. Hua, since we haven’t officially collaborated and this is my secret recipe..."

"Fine, I’ll leave too," Hua Zifeng interrupted. "And you don’t have to call me Mr. Hua. We’re about the same age, aren’t we? Calling me Mr. Hua makes me feel old. My name is Hua Zifeng; call me ’brother,’ and I’ll be happier."

Tian Sangsang memorized his name silently and nodded lightly. "You’re quite humorous, Mr. Hua. One more question—there aren’t any recording devices or cameras in this kitchen, are there?"

"This isn’t the United Nations," Hua Zifeng said lazily, spreading his hands. "Nor is it a dressing room."

"As long as it’s not Uniqlo, then it’s fine," she said with a smile. "It’s just that your factory is so imposing that I couldn’t help but ask. I’ve been imagining something grand awaiting me, perhaps even surveillance as legendary as cameras."

Hua Zifeng understood her meaning instantly and stepped out of the room. He felt like there was a cat living in his heart, constantly scraping at him with its claws. What fun. Intriguing. The anticipation was unbearable.

Tian Sangsang closed the door to the kitchen and slightly curled her lips into a smile.

Hua Zifeng stood outside, staring unblinkingly at the closed door. In his mind, he counted: one second, two seconds, three seconds, temple—no, wrong.

Tian Sangsang opened the black bag. It was clean and contained a few round blocks of instant noodles along with various ingredients. That’s right—she was going to make Master Kong’s Braised Beef Noodles.

Master Kong’s Braised Beef Noodles, the classic of instant noodles, once wildly popular across the country. Of course, later came other competitors, such as Old Jar Pickled Beef Noodles and Seafood Egg Soup Noodles, but Braised Beef Noodles remained an unforgettable classic.

At this time, instant noodles were still novel to most people. Even legends like Lao Gan Ma sauces—whether tofu paste or spicy condiments—had yet to reach America.

Instant noodles nowadays are often viewed as junk food. But in their early days, they were decent. Over time, controversy arose due to excessive knockoffs, food additives, and lax oversight by food safety agencies. Questions of corporate greed naturally followed. But in hindsight, what food is truly safe anymore? It’s often just a matter of degrees—whether water pollution, unfit seafood, pesticide-laden fruits and vegetables, or other snacks like potato chips packed with additives. Even milk sometimes isn’t pure, and heading outdoors often means worrying about subpar air quality.

Everything comes down to moderation. If consumed in moderation, few diseases arise. Many illnesses stem more from poor habits or lack of restraint—aside from hereditary or accidental issues. Fundamentally, instant noodles aren’t inherently bad; eating them excessively is. Occasionally indulging won’t harm you.

Thus, the Braised Beef Noodles in Tian Sangsang’s hands were her own creation—researched and crafted personally. From the meat sauce packet to the seasoning and vegetable packets, they were all clean and untainted by the standards of later years. She had even tasted the instant noodles of Japan before—though their shelf life was shorter and less oily than domestic ones, offering relatively healthier options. Yet some would argue it’s all the same at the end of the day.

Five minutes—that was the promise. Thinking all this only took one minute. Tian Sangsang picked up a large porcelain bowl, placed the noodle block inside, sprinkled her homemade powder, added the vegetable and meat sauce packets, poured hot water over, covered it with a lid, and placed the bowl on an iron tray to carry it out.