Chairman Wang waved his hands repeatedly and said with a smile, "Your Excellency is too kind. It is an honor for us to receive your invitation. Moreover, we are about to become partners, which is an even more rare opportunity."

Upon hearing this, Shen Congwen smiled with satisfaction.

He knew that to solidify the Shen family's position in the current situation, forming an alliance with forces like Brother Li and Chairman Wang was crucial. Therefore, he discussed the specifics of the cooperation with the two of them.

"My lord, the profits from hot pot restaurants are quite substantial. We have found a very suitable shop in the West Market; both its location and size are perfect for opening a hot pot restaurant," Chairman Wang said.

Shen Congwen listened and nodded inwardly. He knew that in this turbulent era, choosing a promising industry was crucial. A thriving hot pot restaurant could not only satisfy people's appetites but also bring in substantial income.

"I asked the broker and learned that this shop was originally owned by the Marquis's family," Chairman Wang said after a moment of contemplation.

Shen Congwen remembered that he did indeed own a shop in the West Market, currently operating a restaurant. However, the restaurant's business had always been lukewarm; despite its excellent location, the income was not satisfactory.

He explained, "I bought it many years ago and opened a restaurant there, but for some reason, business has never been very good."

After hearing this, Chairman Wang smiled and said, "My lord, although your restaurant has a good location, there may be other reasons why business is not good. However, you don't need to worry. We can renovate and adjust our business strategy, and I believe we can definitely turn things around."

Upon hearing this, Shen Congwen's heart stirred.

He felt that cooperating with Li Xi and Chairman Wang might truly bring new life to the shop. So, he discussed the specifics of the cooperation with the two of them.

After discussion, a cooperation plan was finalized.

Lord Hou provides the shops, Chairman Wang is in charge of the restaurant's daily operations, and Li Xi is responsible for the restaurant's decoration, layout, and menu selection.

Shen Congwen knew that to make the restaurant thrive, it needed a unique business strategy and high-quality dishes.

Therefore, in this collaboration, Li Xi was responsible for the most crucial aspects: the decoration, layout, and menu selection. This also signifies her importance in the overall operation of the restaurant.

Ultimately, the agreed-upon profit-sharing ratio was as follows: the Marquis's family would receive 20%, Chairman Wang would receive 30%, and Li Xi would receive 50%. Of this 50%, Li Xi would need to share it with Meng Zhelan and Ling'er.

Shen Congwen had no objection to this allocation. After all, he had only provided the shop, and his involvement would bring the business a certain reputation and protection. In this way, others would not easily bully the restaurant.

Marquis Wu'an did not look down on Li Xi and his companions because of his status. On the contrary, he knew that while status was important, a solid material foundation was equally indispensable. Without sufficient funds, an empty marquis's mansion was meaningless.

Therefore, he highly valued his cooperation with Li Xi and the others. That day, he noticed that the Empress Dowager held Li Xi and the other two in high regard. So, cooperating with them was the most suitable option.

"Xu'er, you will follow Young Master Li and Chairman Wang to facilitate this matter." Marquis Wu'an has official duties and cannot participate in business.

“Yes, Father,” Shen Xu replied. “I understand. I can also learn the ways of business from Brother Li and Chairman Wang, and broaden my knowledge and abilities.”

Shen Xu knew that this was his father's expectation and trust in him, as well as an opportunity for him to learn and grow. He would do his best to assist Young Master Li and Chairman Wang in making this happen, while also improving his business acumen and skills.

Marquis Wu'an had a sumptuous banquet prepared and brought out his treasured osmanthus wine.

He expressed his highest respect to Li Xi and Chairman Wang, and hoped that this banquet would deepen their mutual understanding and trust.

At the banquet, Marquis Wu'an, Li Xi, and Chairman Wang exchanged toasts and discussed current affairs. They talked about topics such as the political situation, business, and culture, exchanging views and insights. Marquis Wu'an particularly mentioned his unique insights into business management and how to achieve mutual benefit and win-win results through cooperation.

Li Xi and Chairman Wang deeply admired Marquis Wu'an's insight and magnanimity.

"My lord, I admire you to the core." Li Xi stood up and poured a full glass of wine for Marquis Wu'an.

"Haha, although Young Master Li is young, your insight has truly broadened my horizons." Marquis Wu'an looked at his third son with satisfaction, marveling in his heart that he had made such an outstanding friend.

The two looked at each other and smiled, then raised their glasses to drink together.

Wu Anhou's restaurant has suspended operations, with a sign outside reading "Closed for Rectification".

The restaurant was now empty, as if it had been quiet after a grand banquet.

Li Xi was already confident. In her hand, she held a design drawing, densely marked with various details and requirements. This was a blueprint she had drawn after careful consideration; she believed that only a perfect design could create a stunning restaurant.

President Wang was responsible for finding a suitable renovation team. She found her fourth brother, who worked in the Ministry of Works. This half-brother was very experienced, especially in this type of renovation. With his assistance, Li Xi's design concept would be perfectly realized.

After the restaurant was emptied, the renovation work began quickly. Led by Chairman Wang's fourth brother, the workers started their work in a tense but orderly manner. They meticulously carried out the renovation and arrangement according to Li Xi's design drawings.

At night, Li Xi returned to Tingfeng Courtyard and studied the recipe for hot pot broth with Meng Zhelan and Ling'er.

They experimented with various combinations of ingredients and seasonings, constantly adjusting the proportions in order to create the perfect hot pot broth.

Meng Zhelan even dragged her father along to concoct a herbal tea recipe that was perfect for hot pot.

Meanwhile, Li Xi, Meng Zhelan, and Ling'er carefully selected various dishes suitable for hot pot. They considered nutritional balance and flavor combinations to ensure that every guest could enjoy a delicious feast at the restaurant.

Shen Xu worked tirelessly alongside Li Xi at the restaurant from morning till night. He was responsible for assisting Li Xi with various tasks, personally handling everything from communicating with the renovation workers about renovation details to purchasing building materials.

It must be said that Shen Xu, as a member of a powerful and wealthy family, has an admirable sense of aesthetics and knowledge. He has known the scions of prominent families in this circle since childhood, so he naturally knows that everything can attract people.

Qin Xiaolin used the excuse of going out to find a renowned doctor to ostensibly leave Kyoto. In reality, he secretly returned to Kyoto, but under a different identity.

When Li Xi sent an invitation to Qin Xiaolin just before the hot pot restaurant was about to open, she discovered that he was no longer in the capital...