Chapter 7 — After Taking Mother Away, We Changed Our Lives

After Aunt Tran joined, our productivity was completely liberated. The name "Mother and Son That Ly Huong" is becoming more and more famous in some surrounding neighborhoods. Our customers also gradually expanded from the original small restaurants to spice stalls in local markets. They saw the "handmade, real ingredients" reputation of my chili sauce, so they agreed to set aside a shelf for us. That means… Our products started reaching ordinary families directly. This is a huge step forward. To match that step, I decided to upgrade the packaging. The previous handwritten labels looked too primitive. I spent a few hundred yuan to find a printing shop to design the official label. Above is printed the artistic text:

“Mother and Son That Ly Huong.”

Below is also a small line of text:

“Mother's taste, made with all my heart.”

In the corner of the label there is also a hand-drawn picture that my mother and I discussed for a long time before deciding. A gentle mother. Next to her is her braided daughter leaning on her. Although simple... But both warm and professional. When the first batch of chili sauce with a new label was placed on the shelves... Mom and Aunt Tran were both extremely excited.

“Oh my god, Nguyet Nguyet, it doesn't look any different from a big brand!”

Aunt Tran praised her endlessly. Mom held a jar of chili sauce, turned it over and looked at it forever. The pride in her eyes could barely be hidden. My heart is also sweet. Who would have thought... Mother and daughter used to squeeze into a room of less than ten square meters, eating instant noodles all day... Now they are actually gradually building their own careers. But the bigger the tree, the stronger the wind. As our business improved, troubles also followed. The first person to cause trouble was a stall selling the same goods at the night market. Previously, the whole market was the only one selling handmade chili sauce. Then, out of nowhere, a man appeared and also set up a stall selling so-called "esoteric spicy sauce". His price is 3 yuan cheaper than ours. The bottles used are identical to ours. The sticker also imitated my style, with some scribbled letters filled with fake goods. Many cheap customers began to be pulled over by him. My business at the night market was clearly affected. Aunt Tran was so angry that she couldn't bear it.

“This is no different from outright robbery!”

"Nguyet Nguyet, let's reduce the price! Compete with him too!"

I shook my head.

“Aunt Tran, it can't be reduced.”

“My cost price is there.”

“The chili and spices we use are all the best.”

“Reducing prices means reducing quality.”

“That's like smashing your own sign.”

“Competing with him on price, I can't compete with him.”

“In the end, only both died.”

Mom also looked at me worriedly.

“So… what should we do?”

Actually, I felt a lump in my heart. But I know... At this moment, I have to stay calm. I silently observed that man for several days. Later, he discovered that although he sold it cheap, many customers did not return a second time after buying it. I secretly bought a bottle of his sauce. As soon as I opened the lid, I could smell the pungent scent straight to my nose. Taste a piece... Besides the tongue-numbingly spicy taste, there's no flavor or aroma whatsoever. From the ingredients to the way of making, everything is not on the same level as us. Only then did I truly feel secure. I said with mother and aunt Tran:

“I don't need to pay attention to him.”

“Just do your job well.”

“But from today, our night market stall has to do one more thing.”

That evening, I pushed the cart to the market as usual. Next to the counter, I added a small electric stove. On the stove, cook a pot of hot white porridge. Next to it is a plate of pre-cut white dumplings. I generously ordered out all the chili sauce to try. In front of the stall, there is also a sign:

“Taste it then buy it, don't be afraid to compare the real thing.”

While the opponent on the other side was still loudly shouting:

“Cheapest price in the whole market!”

I picked up the speaker. The voice is not loud but extremely clear.

"Everyone passing by, don't miss it."

“Free test of Mother and Son That Ly Huong's skills.”

“A bowl of hot porridge, a piece of dumpling dipped in chili sauce that mom cooked herself.”

“Warm the stomach and warm the heart.”

“It's not good, everyone just turn around and go straight.”

“It's delicious, please support us.”

This action of mine immediately attracted countless looks. Free white porridge, free dumplings, and delicious chili sauce... Who wouldn't want to try it? Very quickly, customers surrounded the counter. Me, my mother and Aunt Tran were so busy that we couldn't take a break. The person scooping porridge. The person delivering the cake. The person invited to try the sauce.

“Auntie, are you used to this level of spiciness?”

“Brother, this sauce mixed with noodles is perfect.”

As soon as the customer tasted it, his expression immediately changed.

“Oh, this sauce is so fragrant!”

“It's completely different from the cheap products over there!”

“Boss, your ingredients are so good!”

Comparison… It is the most direct advertising. The stall of the man selling fake soy sauce gradually became deserted. He stood on the other side looking at our bustling scene, his face pale. That night, not only did all the soy sauce we brought sell out... We also received a few more pre-orders. Many people even ask for the factory address so they can buy it in person. While packing, Aunt Tran gloated and said:

“Deserve it!”

“Who said to imitate me!”

"If you can learn the shell, how can you learn the soul!"

Mom also laughed. The wrinkles at the corners of the eyes are dilated. I looked at the gray back of that man tidying up his stall, but I didn't have much of a feeling of victory in my heart. I feel more alert. I know this is just the first small challenge. In the future, if you want to go further and become stronger... You will definitely meet much stronger opponents. The only thing we can rely on... is mother's skills. Is perseverance with quality. On the way home, the moonlight lengthened the shadows of the three of us on the ground. Suddenly I feel... The name "Mother and Son That Ly Huong" should probably be changed a bit. No need to change name. But it's time to actually register a trademark for it. I want the three words "That Ly Huong" to become a brand protected by law. A truly resounding name. As soon as that thought appeared, it took root in my heart. I want my dad. Want my brother. I want everyone who has looked down on us to know... Even if we were kicked out of home with nothing... We can still rely on ourselves... Build a kingdom that belongs to us.