The April morning light, like melting honey, gently flowed across the asphalt pavement of the city's commercial streets. The new leaves among the sycamore branches had grown long and unfurled, their emerald green swaying softly in the breeze, filtering dappled sunlight. The vermilion signboard of "Late Autumn Food Shop" shone brightly in the sunlight, and the sesame and peanut designs painted by Shen Nian'an were made even more vibrant by the morning dew. Two strings of red lanterns hanging at the entrance swayed gently in the wind, exuding a strong festive atmosphere—today was the shop's official opening day.
Lin Wanqiu got up early, dressed Shen Nianxi in a newly made floral cotton-padded jacket, and helped Shen Nian'an pack her schoolbag before rushing to the shop. Shen Tingzhou was already busy in the shop, arranging jars of jujube paste on the shelves. The jars had handwritten labels on them, the handwriting neat and elegant. Seeing Lin Wanqiu come in, he stopped what he was doing and handed her a hot towel: "I just bought soy milk and fried dough sticks from the breakfast stall at the alley entrance. Have some to tide you over, or you won't have time to eat later when there are more customers."
Lin Wanqiu took the towel, wiped her hands, and felt a warmth in her heart. During the few days of trial operation, business was exceptionally brisk; the snacks and baby food sold out early every day, and many customers even left their contact information hoping to pre-order. Today, for the official opening, she specially arranged for the village workshops to deliver twice the amount of goods and prepared opening promotions—a small bag of walnut shortbread for every three yuan spent, and the first fifty customers could also receive a free coupon.
"Dad, Mom!" Shen Nian'an ran in with her schoolbag on her back and a drawing in her hand. "I drew what our store looks like. We'll put it up at the door later. It'll definitely attract more customers!" On the drawing, the signboard of "Wanqiu Food Store" was particularly eye-catching. There was a long queue at the door, and everyone had a smile on their face. Next to it were four crooked characters that read "Grand Opening".
Lin Wanqiu smiled and patted her son's head: "Nian'an drew it so well, let's put it up at the door now." She and Shen Nian'an put the drawing up on the wall next to the shop door together, and as soon as they finished, a customer came over.
"Excuse me, is this 'Late Autumn Food Store'?" A woman in blue overalls, holding the hand of a four or five-year-old child, asked with expectant eyes, "My colleague told me that your red date paste is particularly good, and I'd like to buy some for my child to try."
"Yes, please come in." Lin Wanqiu greeted them warmly. "Our jujube paste uses Xinjiang grey dates, which are pitted, peeled, and steamed for three hours. The texture is delicate, and the kids will definitely love it. Today is our opening day, and if you buy three yuan worth of our products, you'll get a small bag of walnut shortbread for free."
The woman's eyes lit up and she immediately said, "Then I'll buy two pounds of red date paste and a pound of sesame brittle, which will be perfect as snacks for the kids."
Shen Tingzhou skillfully weighed the items, packaged them, and handed them to the woman. Shen Nian'an, meanwhile, helped collect the money and give change, her small face full of seriousness. The woman took the items and said with a smile, "Your store not only has good products, but also excellent service. I'll definitely come here often in the future."
As time went on, more and more customers entered the store, and a long queue formed in front of the counter, with everyone's face filled with anticipation. Lin Wanqiu was busy greeting customers and introducing products, while Shen Tingzhou was in charge of weighing and packaging. Shen Nian'an helped collect money and sort change behind the counter. The family of three worked together very well.
"Boss Lin, congratulations on your opening!" Wang Fugui's voice came from the doorway. He was carrying a large flower basket and was followed by several employees. "This is a small token of my appreciation. I wish you a prosperous business and abundant wealth!"
Lin Wanqiu was surprised that Wang Fugui would come to support her: "Mr. Wang, thank you, please come in."
Wang Fugui said with a smile, "I'm not only here to support you, but also to help you. You must be very busy today, so I've asked my staff to lend a hand and help you maintain order and serve customers."
Lin Wanqiu was filled with gratitude: "Thank you so much, Boss Wang."
With the help of Wang Fugui and his staff, the order in the store improved a lot, and customers didn't have to wait too long. Wang Fugui also took the initiative to introduce the products of "Late Autumn Food Store" to customers, his tone full of approval: "Let me tell you, the snacks and baby food in this store are really good. I now get all the raw materials for my store from them, and the taste is much better than before."
Upon hearing this, customers placed orders one after another, making the store even more bustling. By noon, most of the goods they had brought had been sold, so Lin Wanqiu quickly asked Shen Tingzhou to go to the village workshop to get some more goods, fearing that it would delay the afternoon's business.
In the afternoon, Lao Yang from the supply and marketing cooperative and the commune secretary also arrived. They held a banner that read "Leading Figure in Getting Rich, Good Merchant for the People." They smiled and said, "Wanqiu, Tingzhou, the commune has come to congratulate you on your opening today. Your store not only provides convenience for the residents of the city, but also drives the economic development of the village. It's truly remarkable."
Lin Wanqiu accepted the banner, her heart filled with gratitude: "Thank you, Secretary, thank you, Lao Yang. This is what we should do. We will continue to work hard to run the store well and provide everyone with better products and services."
The commune secretary nodded and said, "By the way, the city is going to hold a food fair soon. I've already registered you. You can bring your products to participate and let more people know the name 'Late Autumn Food Store'."
Lin Wanqiu's eyes lit up: "Really? Thank you so much, Secretary! We will definitely prepare well and strive to achieve good results at the trade fair."
After seeing off the commune secretary and Old Yang, Lin Wanqiu was filled with enthusiasm. She knew that the opening of the shop was just the beginning, and there were many more opportunities and challenges waiting for them in the future. As long as they insisted on quality and honest business practices, they would definitely be able to make the "Wanqiu" brand even more renowned.
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