Chapter 9: Perhaps a Street Stall Could Be a Side Hustle

"My deepest apologies. Since the two masters are unable to attend, I am here in their stead to handle matters concerning young master Zihao."

Teacher Yu, accustomed to this, sighed and explained the situation to the bionic robot. By the end, she couldn't help but offer a reminder. "Please make sure to inform his parents of Zihao’s behavior. Sometimes a child’s mischief isn't just a matter of nature, but a result of lacking parental companionship and needing their attention."

The robot did not engage further with Teacher Yu. Instead, it walked up to Jiang Suisui, its voice cold and devoid of inflection. "It is all Zihao’s fault. I apologize. How much compensation do you require? I will pay you."

Looking at this robot, which appeared almost identical to a human but possessed eyes devoid of any human emotion, Jiang Suisui found the situation quite novel. "Are you authorized to do this?" She didn't want to accept compensation now only to face more trouble later.

The robot nodded slightly. "Rest assured. When the masters are unavailable, I act as young master Zihao’s guardian. I can handle and take responsibility for everything concerning him."

Only then did Jiang Suisui accept the compensation, snacking on a piece of crispy pork as she did so. Seeing that the matter was half-resolved, the robot moved to nudge Yun Zihao, who was biting his lip tightly. "Young master, please apologize."

Yun Zihao shook his mop of red curls, his green eyes filled with stubbornness. "Get lost! You aren't my parents, stop bossing me around!"

The robot’s expression remained unchanged as it pulled Yun Zihao forward. "Young master, please apologize."

Stumbling from the force, Yun Zihao nearly fell, but Jiang Yueyi reached out to steady him. Still, he remained ungrateful, his face a mask of defiance. "I won't apologize! I didn't do anything wrong!"

The robot moved to intervene again, but Jiang Suisui stopped it. She looked at Yun Zihao. "You snatched my younger siblings' belongings and hit them. That is wrong."

"I'm not wrong!" Tears welled up in Yun Zihao's eyes. He looked over and saw Jiang Xingran and Jiang Yueyi standing behind Jiang Suisui. As for him, he had only this cold robot—a machine that never cared for him, never protected him, and certainly never cooked such delicious crispy pork for him. The more he thought about it, the more wronged and miserable he felt. Finally, he covered his face and ran out of the office.

Teacher Yu called out, intending to chase after him, but the robot was faster. "My sincere apologies. I will provide double the compensation. Please show understanding." With that, the robot went after Yun Zihao.

Teacher Yu looked helpless and said to Jiang Suisui, "Haohao is just a stubborn child. He’s been the same in past conflicts with other children—refusing to apologize, always ending things in such a rushed, perfunctory way."

"His parents are both very busy and have little time for him. Every time something happens, it's that robot that shows up. Even if I want to communicate, there's just no way."

Jiang Suisui understood the teacher's predicament. "It’s alright. At least he won't dare to bully Xingxing and Yueyue again. But if it happens again, we really must find a way to contact his parents; this can't go on like this."

Teacher Yu nodded and took a beautifully packaged bag from her cabinet. "This is peach blossom pastry I bought from Wanhua Pavilion. Thank you for the pumpkin cakes and the crispy pork."

Jiang Suisui, hoping to build a rapport with the teacher, did not refuse. She accepted it and said, "Next time I make snacks for Xingxing and Yueyue, I'll bring some for you too, Teacher Yu. Do you have any dietary restrictions?"

Teacher Yu smiled. "I don't have any restrictions; just bring whatever you like. I’m quite lucky to get to enjoy the food you make for the children. I must say, your cooking is truly excellent."

After chatting for a while, it was time for school to end. Jiang Suisui waited for Jiang Xingran and Jiang Yueyi to pack their little bags and then took them home. Just as they were leaving the kindergarten gate, she saw the parent who had dragged her child away earlier. Jiang Suisui remembered her as Xuanxuan’s mother.

Seeing Jiang Suisui, the mother’s face lit up. "Little Sister Jiang, we just met in the teacher’s office. Oh, I have a small favor to ask, if you don't mind."

Jiang Suisui was somewhat puzzled by the sudden warmth, given that the mother had looked at her with disdain just moments ago in the office. Still, she smiled politely. "Please, feel free to ask. I can't promise everything, but I'll help where I can."

Xuanxuan’s mother felt a bit awkward about her change in attitude, but she couldn't forget the aroma of that crispy pork. She had left her child with her husband and waited at the gate specifically for this. "That crispy pork you made... is it for sale?"

Jiang Suisui was taken aback. "Huh?"

The mother quickly explained, "My Xuanxuan has been pestering me for more. I’m not much of a cook; I usually rely on a food processor. It’s edible, but it’s just not the same. I was wondering if you could make me two portions? I’ll pay for it."

Jiang Suisui blinked, a new idea forming. She agreed happily, "Of course I can! When would you like it?"

"Would tomorrow noon be convenient?" the mother asked, filled with anticipation.

Jiang Suisui nodded. "No problem. One portion is roughly the size of this lunch box. Since we’ve gotten to know each other through this incident, I’ll charge you thirty star coins per portion. But I’ll have to buy the lunch boxes separately, so those will be fifty star coins each."

Xuanxuan’s mother added Jiang Suisui on the StarNet and promptly transferred two hundred star coins. "Thank you, little Jiang. You can call me Sister Yan from now on. My name is Zhou Yan."

Jiang Suisui introduced herself in return and, after saying goodbye to Zhou Yan, headed home with Jiang Xingran and Jiang Yueyi. On the way, she asked them, "Xingxing, Yueyue, did you like the crispy pork big sister made?"

Jiang Xingran nodded vigorously. "It was delicious!" Jiang Yueyi tried to speak but couldn't help swallowing hard, proving her love for the snack with her actions.

Seeing this, Jiang Suisui felt wonderful. She had found a new way to earn money.

After getting home, she let the children do their homework while she went to the supermarket downstairs to buy ingredients. Having received compensation from three parents, her hands were a little looser, but she knew she still had to be frugal. She bought some ingredients that were nearing their expiration date—it didn't matter, as they would be consumed tonight and tomorrow morning. However, she bought fresh pork specifically for Zhou Yan’s order; she would never cut corners on that. Since fresh pork cost eighteen star coins per catty, after accounting for oil, seasonings, and packaging, there was still a good profit to be made.

Back home, Jiang Suisui cooked dinner for the children, who hadn't had a proper meal. She made beef brisket with tomatoes and potatoes, along with a spinach and egg soup. The sweet and tangy tomato sauce mixed with tender potatoes and juicy beef was incredibly satisfying. Mixed into steaming hot rice, it was pure bliss. The light spinach and fluffy eggs provided a refreshing contrast, cleansing the palate.

Once the chores were done, Jiang Suisui marinated the pork and placed it in the refrigerator to fry the next morning. As she checked the children's homework, she pondered her future. Perhaps, she could make selling snacks a side business?