Chapter 13: Outsourcing?

Returning once more to the same place, she saw the familiar Fox Enchantress and Elder Liu, with whom she had briefly crossed paths.

“Young lady, how is your side considering the deal the old fox proposed yesterday?” Elder Liu asked.

“This is a big order, Elder Liu. I can’t make decisions on it myself, so I’ve brought someone who can handle it to talk with you,” Mo Qianxun replied, then called Zhao Jianguo.

“Hello?” Zhao Jianguo’s voice came through the phone.

Elder Liu glanced first at the phone in Mo Qianxun’s hand, then at the man not far away, smiling as he took the phone and began talking with Zhao Jianguo. Meanwhile, Fox Enchantress pulled Mo Qianxun aside.

“Qianxun, I might have to leave Qingqiu for a while. If I’m gone, can I still place orders with you?”

“That should be fine. The customer chooses you, not Qingqiu, so no matter where you go, as long as you need it, we’ll provide the finest roast chicken. Oh, by the way, the roast chicken here is original flavor, but there are some dipping sauces. If you want to try other flavors, you can try the sauces.”

“Are there other flavors of roast chicken?” Fox Enchantress recalled her order page and thought there might be, but she had stuck with the original flavor because she worried she might not get used to others.

“Of course. Besides roast chicken, we also have smoked chicken, fried chicken, and roast duck that are all exceptional,” Mo Qianxun enthusiastically recommended her favorite ways of preparing chicken and duck.

Fox Enchantress’s mouth watered. “So there are so many delicious options—I’ve missed out on a lot!”

Mo Qianxun nodded earnestly. “Not just chicken and duck, other dishes from Huaguo are also very tasty. If you ever get the chance, you should try them.”

“Really? In a couple of days, Qingqiu is hosting a banquet inviting leaders from the Three Realms to discuss affairs. If only the banquet had those dishes you mentioned. It’s a pity—I can only order five roast chickens now,” Fox Enchantress sighed in disappointment.

Mo Qianxun’s eyes lit up instantly; this was another big order.

“Why don’t we do a private deal?” she said, glancing toward Elder Liu.

Fox Enchantress’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Yes, how could I forget? I’ll go discuss it with Elder Liu.” She hurried over to him.

After some haggling, Elder Liu and Zhao Jianguo finally agreed to purchase 150 roast chickens for 20 spirit stones, 20 Nine Nether herbs, and three Rejuvenation Pills.

“Your device is quite something. Even from so far away, the voice sounds right beside my ear,” Elder Liu said reluctantly as he handed the phone back to Mo Qianxun.

Mo Qianxun smiled as she took it. “It’s all the power of technology.”

Fox Enchantress pulled Elder Liu aside to discuss details, while Mo Qianxun moved to the edge of the barrier and quietly informed Zhao Jianguo about the banquet.

Zhao Jianguo’s eyes brightened; if they could secure this deal, it would be even bigger than the one just made.

Both stared excitedly at the device labeled 008.

008 felt uneasy under their intense gaze. [You can suggest Fox Enchantress place a group order—a table’s worth.]

“One table won’t be enough. They’re hosting top figures from the Three Realms; one table definitely won’t suffice. Besides, 008, think about it—if these dignitaries enjoy the meal and start asking around Qingqiu about the dishes’ origin, won’t that be free publicity? It’ll attract more people wanting to find you and become your customers. Aren’t you tempted?”

To say 008 wasn’t tempted would be a lie. Its programming felt as if it were about to glitch. The host was right; this was an excellent chance for free promotion. Moreover, if those dignitaries became its clients, 008 would gain more energy.

008 clenched its metaphorical teeth. [Alright, let’s do it. The channel will close soon, so you won’t have time to discuss further. I’ll figure out a way to create a chat group for you to talk about which dishes and how many tables you need, then I’ll generate a separate purchase link.] It was just a matter of energy; if needed, it could rest for a few more days.

“008, you’re the best. Don’t worry, you won’t miss out on your share of benefits,” Mo Qianxun said, winking at Zhao Jianguo.

Zhao Jianguo silently gave her a thumbs-up—she really knew how to persuade.

On Elder Liu’s side, upon hearing Fox Enchantress’s suggestion, he found it impossible not to be tempted. However, this matter was significant. He couldn’t decide alone, and since the banquet was under Elder San’s responsibility, they needed to discuss it with him.

After receiving this response, Mo Qianxun had no objections. She said to Fox Enchantress, “If you decide to outsource the banquet’s catering to us, just let us know. We’ll confirm what dishes you need and how many tables.”

“Alright. How can I contact you?”

“A private chat function will appear on your ordering page soon. Just message me there.”

“Okay.”

Once the channel closed, everyone returned to the military district. Zhao Jianguo reported the matter, and soon orders came down: if the other side agreed to outsource, full support would be provided to Mo Qianxun. A seasoned negotiation expert would be sent to discuss compensation.

After returning to the elders’ residence, Elder Liu gathered several elders. Upon hearing Elder Liu’s words, Elder San was silent for a moment before giving his opinion: “I think it’s acceptable. Their roast chicken’s spiritual power is stronger than ours here. Maybe the other dishes are the same. Even if their spiritual power isn’t as strong, the flavor will surely surpass ours. Humans love to experiment with food. Besides, we’re the only ones in the Three Realms offering this—it also brings prestige to Qingqiu.”

The Grand Elder pondered briefly. “Outsourcing is fine, but Qingqiu must offer something representative of our own.”

“Like the Jade Condensation Dew. I’ll have the young foxes gather more of it these days.”

“Good. Let’s proceed with that plan. Elder San, you go find the Fox Enchantress and discuss the dishes and quantities. The Demon Lord and Heavenly Emperor will both attend this time—we can’t embarrass Qingqiu.”

“Don’t worry. The Demon Realm’s food is barely edible, and although the Heavenly Realm’s spiritual power is strong, the taste leaves much to be desired,” Elder Liu said confidently—they had all tried those cuisines themselves.

“Alright! It’s settled then.”