Waiter: "The name sounds familiar. Manager, please wait a moment while I go and inquire!"
The waiter returned in a hurry shortly afterward.
"The shopkeeper is indeed from the Wei family!"
Manager Jiang frowned slightly.
"I've only been happy for a few days. I thought that with Taoranju closing down, we would be the ultimate beneficiaries in the whole of Daxing Town. I didn't expect another restaurant to come and try to take a share of the profits."
"Doing business is really difficult."
He couldn't afford to be careless; the dishes at Zuixianglou were the best in Laomiao Town, and their reputation for stir-fried dishes had been established in Daxing Town for decades.
Otherwise, they wouldn't have expanded their operations so much and come to Daxing Town.
Before long, a middle-aged merchant-looking man with a smile appeared at the gate.
"I am Wei Guang, the manager of Zuixianlou. Today is the opening day of my restaurant. May I invite Manager Jiang to my master's room for a chat?"
Manager Jiang was slightly taken aback, unsure of what the other party meant.
I hesitated for a moment.
He nodded and said, "Wait a moment."
He instructed his waiter to buy a few pounds of fruits and vegetables and a few pounds of wine from the street, then followed the manager to Zuixianglou with a smile.
We arrived at the side room.
Pushing open the door, Manager Jiang was slightly taken aback to find several men who looked like merchants already seated inside.
He knew all these people; they were all owners of restaurants and taverns in Daxing Town.
"Oh, Manager Jiang is here too."
Soon, a middle-aged man with slightly graying temples appeared. Although he was smiling, his face showed deep weariness.
He smiled gently and said, "I am Wei Yihong, the owner of Zuixianlou. This is my first time visiting this place, and I may have offended you with some of the rules. I apologize in advance."
He made a very grand gesture, first tilting his head back and drinking a large glass.
Seeing his sincerity, the people's initial unease subsided somewhat.
"You're too kind, shopkeeper."
They said this was also a way of drinking together.
Everyone was still speculating about this person's intentions.
Wei Yihong said calmly, "I came here only to pave the way for my youngest son and earn a huge fortune for him. Even if he is a good-for-nothing in the future, it will be enough for him to live a comfortable life and squander as he pleases."
"This is all a father can do."
"I have no intention of competing with any of you restaurants. I only want to do business peacefully. You don't need to worry. Wei Yihong means what he says."
His face was flushed, clearly indicating that he was slightly tipsy.
Manager Jiang was slightly taken aback. Why was he told to pave the way for his youngest son? Judging from his age, his eldest son should be at least twenty years old.
That's weird.
The person in charge quickly helped him up.
Wei Yihong said calmly, "I am not a good drinker. Please make yourselves at home. I'll take my leave now."
"Wei Guang, the managers seem to still have some concerns about me. Tell them about the eldest son's situation to put their minds at ease. I'll go back and rest now."
"yes!"
Manager Jiang looked at the swaying middle-aged man, whose steps were unsteady like an old man. He was only in his forties, but seemed to be on his deathbed.
Wei Guangwen said gently, “It’s a misfortune for our family! My eldest son is already twenty years old, and he’s basically handling all the mundane tasks at the restaurant. My master is practically retired… enjoying his old age!”
"But... because he was engaged to a woman, they were supposed to get married when the young master returned from his business trip. However, he encountered bandits on the way and was stabbed. The wound wasn't deep, but he developed a high fever on the way back and died halfway!"
"My master can only hold on to his body to pave a bright future for the young master. He hopes that after he passes away, the young master will live a good life!"
Everyone was taken aback.
Manager Jiang sighed slightly.
Life is truly unpredictable.
They then realized why Wei Yihong had said he wouldn't compete with the other restaurants.
It seems to be true; having lost their ambition, they no longer bother to scheme against the various restaurants.
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
Wei Guang cupped his hands in greeting: "I'll go take care of my master first. Please make yourselves at home."
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