I See through Everything

In less than ten days, the first batch of low-cost fish balls was produced.

To differentiate them, the company labeled the inexpensive fish balls as B Level, while the ones produced before were labeled A Level.

Soon, the fish balls were packaged. To promote them, the sales department offered wholesalers in places like Chaoshan and the Pearl River Delta a 5% rebate.

In other words, for every 1-kilogram bag of B Level golden fish balls they sold, a wholesaler would receive a 0.5 yuan rebate.

This led many wholesalers to proactively promote the fish balls and fish tofu produced by the Hailufeng Company.

...

On the bustling streets of the Erma Road night market, there was a popular food stall. Its owner, Chen Daxia, was famous for his curry fish balls.

Chen Daxia’s curry fish balls were famous mainly because he chose high-quality ingredients, though they were a bit pricier than those from other stalls.

Early one morning, Chen Daxia arrived at the city’s wholesale market, ready to purchase golden fish balls to make his curry fish balls.

"Boss, where are the Guotai fish balls? I need a fresh batch," Chen Daxia asked the wholesaler, who specialized in frozen foods like fish balls and hot dogs.

The wholesaler pulled out a large box of Sea Tyrant brand fish balls. "Old Chen, these fish balls are as fresh as they come. This shipment just arrived this morning."

Chen Daxia frowned. After a careful inspection, he said, "My curry fish ball business is built on quality. I can’t afford to be careless with the fish balls. These don’t look quite right."

The wholesaler quickly explained, "Old Chen, rest assured, this is genuinely good stuff. How about this: I’ll give you a better price. Take 300 cases, and I’ll give them to you for 5 yuan per half-kilo."

Chen Daxia shook his head. "Price isn’t the main concern. If the quality’s no good, it doesn’t matter how cheap they are. I need top-quality fish balls—firm texture, no fishy smell."

At this moment, the owner of a neighboring stall, having overheard their conversation, called out warmly, "Old Chen, come take a look over here! I’ve got a new shipment of premium-grade fish balls. I guarantee they’re just what you’re looking for."

Chen Daxia walked over, picked up a fish ball to sniff it, and gave it a gentle squeeze. He nodded in satisfaction. "Now, this is more like it. What’s the price on these?"

The stall owner smiled. "Old Chen, you’re a regular customer. I can give you a good deal—18 yuan per half-kilo."

Chen Daxia thought for a moment. "Alright, I’ll take 10 kilos to start."

The wholesaler handed Chen Daxia a Huazi, then hauled out a large box of fish balls. "These are also from the Hailufeng Company, but they’re the B Level ones."

Chen Daxia’s brow furrowed. He picked one up and sniffed. There was no noticeable fishy smell, but the fish flavor itself was a bit faint. "How much per half-kilo for these?"

"5 yuan."

"What? 5 yuan? These are way better than the Sea Tyrant ones. How can they sell them so cheap? Aren’t they worried about losing money?"

"Probably a new product promotion!"

"Give me 5 kilos of these B Level ones, too. I’ll take them home and test them out."

"No problem."

Back home, he immediately started simmering his curry sauce and defrosted a portion of both types of fish balls. After simmering in the sauce for over an hour, the curry fish balls had completely absorbed the flavor.

His son, who was tinkering with the food cart and had just finished mixing the batter for egg burgers, saw the two pots of curry fish balls and asked curiously, "Dad, how come you made two pots of fish balls today?"

Chen Daxia didn’t answer. Instead, he speared an A Level fish ball with a bamboo skewer, took a bite, and carefully savored the flavor.

His son came over, speared a B Level fish ball with a skewer, and took a bite. He looked puzzled. "This tastes a little different from usual. Dad, did you switch brands?"

"Try the other pot," Chen Daxia said. After taking a sip of water, he in turn speared a B Level fish ball. The moment he tasted it, he noticed a clear difference.

’It was starchier, for sure, but the fishiness was very faint, and there was no noticeable earthy aftertaste. Chen Daxia’s tongue was extremely sensitive to flavors, which was why he was so particular about the quality of his fish balls. After all, he had to eat them too—he couldn’t very well abuse his own palate!’

"Huh? Dad! These ones taste even better! They’re so springy, with a hint of sweetness, and no fishy taste at all."

"Of course. When you’re in the food business, you have to insist on quality. Only the best fish balls can make the most delicious curry fish balls. That’s how you keep customers coming back."

His son, Chen Xiaofeng, nodded repeatedly with a smile. "You’re right. I’m sure the curry fish balls made with these will be a huge hit."

Then, Chen Daxia suddenly asked, "Haven’t you always wanted to strike out on your own?"

"Dad, why bring this up all of a sudden?" Chen Xiaofeng answered evasively.

Chen Daxia knew what was on his son’s mind; it had become especially obvious after he got married. "Alright, you’ve started a family and need to build your career. You can have my old food cart. Use these fish balls to make your curry fish balls."

"Dad, why are you giving me this pot of fish balls?"

"Because they’re cheap," he replied. "You’re just a rookie, you think you can start out selling at a premium? Just follow the portion sizes I taught you. You can sell a serving for eight yuan."

Chen Xiaofeng was dumbfounded. "Eight yuan? How am I supposed to make a profit?"

"These fish balls cost five yuan a half-kilo. You tell me, can you make a profit or not?" Chen Daxia said, glancing at his flustered son.

The moment he heard the cost, all of Chen Xiaofeng’s doubts vanished.

Chen Daxia drove his small tricycle out to set up his stall. The rich aroma of curry soon filled the air, drawing in passersby.

"Boss, one order of curry fish balls, please! That smells amazing. Your curry fish balls are still the best around," a customer said eagerly.

Chen Daxia smiled as he packed up an order. "Give it a taste. The fish balls are even better quality this time!"

The customer took a bite, and his eyes lit up. He gave a thumbs-up. "Wow, you were right! This is incredible. Boss, you really put your heart into your food!"

Watching the satisfied customer, Chen Daxia’s face beamed with pride.

「Meanwhile.」

Chen Xiaofeng had already picked out a spot. In the afternoon, he made his way to the mouth of a small alley in West Gate Market.

While the flavor of his curry fish balls was nothing special, the price was unbeatable. His eight-yuan serving was larger than what other stalls sold for twelve.

The egg burgers, which Chen Daxia had taught him to make, also attracted quite a few passersby.

That day, the father and son duo each sold out their entire 5 kilos of curry fish balls.

As time went on, more and more food stalls, hot pot restaurants, and malatang shops found out about the low-cost fish balls introduced by the Hailufeng Company. Soon, demand for the product far outstripped supply.