Chapter 572: Chapter 556: Northeast Boxed Meals About to Arrive on the Battlefield

Wang Fan’s RV couldn’t drive into the vegetable market, but moving some pots and pans inside was no problem.

His stall was at the very end of the vegetable market, in an extremely inconspicuous corner.

After parking the car in a nearby parking lot, he used the camper to bring over some large items, and bought the rest within the market.

At this time, the vegetable market was quite busy. The prices in Wudu were extremely high, and the vegetables in the major supermarkets weren’t cheap either. The vegetables grown by these elderly folks were not only fresh but relatively cheaper, attracting many people to come and buy some.

Many people were surprised by Wang Fan’s arrival, mainly because the pots and pans clearly suggested he was planning to cook, but this was a vegetable market. The food street was just nearby, who would come here to sell food?

"Young man, are you in the wrong place? This is the vegetable market. The food street is on the road next to here."

A kind-hearted lady reminded Wang Fan.

Wang Fan, while setting up his things, smiled and said, "No, I’m in the right place."

The lady, who clearly had a warm heart, worriedly said, "Most people who come here have already had their meals. They certainly won’t buy breakfast, and by around 10, there won’t be many people here. Aren’t you afraid of losing money?"

Wang Fan replied, "It’s okay. If not, I’ll just cook for those grandpas and grandmas."

The lady laughed, "Then you’re really going to lose money. Those old folks bring their own food—they wouldn’t spend money on yours."

Wang Fan didn’t mind; he never planned on earning from the grandpas and grandmas anyway.

Seeing Wang Fan’s nonchalant attitude, the lady shook her head and walked away. By the time Wang Fan finished setting up the stall, it was nearly nine o’clock.

He took out his phone, snapped a picture of his stall, and shared it on his group chat and Weibo.

"I’ll be setting up a stall inside the Guanyin Bridge Vegetable Market for the next five days starting today, located at the very end of the market. Friends nearby, feel free to come and have a taste."

He even shared his location.

The fans in Wudu were thrilled at this news. Despite Wang Fan’s recommended shops, they were more eager to taste something made by this culinary master.

"Finally, we’ve been waiting for you. I’m glad I didn’t give up."

"He’s finally here, but I wonder what Boss Wang is planning to cook? I’m so looking forward to it."

"I’ve only heard about how delicious Boss Wang’s food is; today, it’s finally our turn, people of Wudu. Let’s go, everyone!"

"I work near Guanyin Bridge, hahaha. I’ll head over at noon to try Boss Wang’s dishes."

After posting the message, Wang Fan ignored his stall and started wandering around the market.

It was already past nine; the early-bird housewives and househusbands had bought their desired ingredients and were heading home.

Nearly half of the vegetables at the grandpas and grandmas’ stalls were sold, but half remained.

The peak time for selling vegetables was generally from 7 to 9 in the morning; after 9, the crowd dwindled, and by 10, there were scarcely any people left. To sell more, they’d have to wait until after 4 in the afternoon.

Keeping vegetables for an entire day would surely make them wilt, and prices would drop accordingly. To sell more, after 10, these elderly folks often carried their unsold produce to another market. Although it was more effort, selling even a bit more meant earning a bit more.

What Wang Fan wanted to do was buy all the vegetables that the old folks hadn’t sold.

"What? You want it all? Young man, won’t they spoil if you buy so many? Can you even finish them?"

Grandpa Jiang, who had met Wang Fan in the morning, asked in surprise.

Wang Fan smiled and pointed at his stall, saying, "Grandpa Jiang, see, I’ve set up a stall over there to cook. After buying your vegetables, I’ll cook them into dishes and sell them to the people nearby."

Grandpa Jiang shook his head repeatedly, "Young man, let me tell you, after 9, there’s hardly anyone left here. If you want to sell food, go to the nearby food street; selling here will surely make you lose money."

Wang Fan said, "Not at all. What I make is pretty tasty, and quite a few people will come to buy it, so don’t worry about selling it all to me. It definitely won’t be wasted."

Grandpa Jiang still shook his head, "Are you trying to take a loss just to help us clear out our stock? There’s no need for that; it’s not easy for you young folks to earn money either."

Faced with Grandpa Jiang’s stubbornness, Wang Fan felt a warm sensation in his heart.

"Don’t worry, Grandpa Jiang, pretty soon people will come to buy the food from me. My dishes do have a certain reputation. Why don’t you all stay here, and have a meal at my place later? For uncles and aunties over sixty, it’s half-price, and for grandpas and grandmas over seventy, it’s free."

"What? Free food? Young man, what do you mean by that?"

Grandpa Jiang was taken aback, and the other grandpas and grandmas around were equally astonished.

Free meals in this world?

Wang Fan had intended it from the start.

The elderly, even if they were robust, experienced a decline in their physical functions and thus ate less. Even if they ate to their heart’s content, it wouldn’t be much.

While chatting, Wang Fan had heard from Grandpa Jiang that many of these elderly vegetable sellers had participated in the war against Japan. Some were over 80, having experienced childhood during the war. Some even carried guns to fight before they were tall enough for a rifle.

This was something he, as a junior, could do to help these elderly folks.

Grandpa Jiang wanted to say more, but Wang Fan glanced at the time and said, "Grandpa Jiang and everyone, please quickly sell your vegetables to me. It’s getting late, and I still have to wash, chop, and cook the vegetables. Otherwise, when those customers of mine arrive, there won’t be anything for them to eat."