Chapter 588 Negotiating the Franchise
Chen Qingqing couldn't help but roll her eyes. It was quite difficult to find a dining companion. It seemed that it was impossible to have a good conversation.
She had no choice but to pretend to be cold and unhappy, "If you don't want to eat, don't follow me. Go back to where you came from."
Ke Xin's face turned pale, and she immediately sat down, picked up the chopsticks, lowered her head and started shoveling rice into her mouth, acting like a real bully.
"Eat some vegetables."
"Yes, Princess, as long as you don't drive me away, I'll do anything for you." Ke Xin was truly terrified. She had been sold dozens of times, but this was the first time someone had asked her to sit down for a meal. This princess seemed mentally ill. How could she be so kind to a servant? However, she was deeply touched and loved such a master.
She carefully picked up a fish ball, put it in her mouth and bit it. The meatball was smooth and chewy, spicy and fragrant. It was really delicious.
She had never eaten such delicious food in her life.
But she didn't dare to put any more food into the pot. She lowered her head and ate her rice quickly, for fear of angering Chen Qingqing again.
Chen Qingqing felt distressed and helpless, so she picked up the serving chopsticks and filled a bowl with vegetables for Kexin.
"Eat more. You are at the age of growing up. How can you grow if you don't eat enough?"
When Ke Xin heard this, tears immediately burst out.
"Thank you, Princess. You are so kind to me. I will do my best to serve you and will never let you down."
"Okay, let's eat quickly." Chen Qingqing remained serious.
After dinner, Chen Qingqing yawned out of boredom.
Anyang County is extremely poor now. People on the streets have pale faces, which is obviously caused by long-term hunger.
The most urgent task is to bring them income quickly. Relying solely on farming will definitely not work, but where should we start?
Chen Qingqing used all her brain cells to think hard, but she couldn't figure it out.
As I was thinking about it, I fell asleep in a daze.
Ke Xin carefully covered her with a quilt, then sat quietly on the stool, not daring to make any sound, for fear of disturbing Chen Qingqing's sweet dream.
"Ke Xin, is my younger sister awake? The customers are coming soon. Why don't you wake her up?" Chen Feng's voice sounded outside the door.
Ke Xin hurriedly stood up and walked to the door, lowering her voice, "No, how can we disturb the princess when she's asleep? The merchants are here, and they're waiting for the princess. How can we let the princess wait for them?"
Chen Feng rubbed his hands anxiously. "Hey, who brought you here? Although my little sister has been crowned a princess by the emperor, she is also the owner of Ruyi Tower. If we neglect these merchants, we will miss the opportunity to make money. Do you understand?"
"I don't understand. I just know that the princess hasn't woken up yet and can't be disturbed." Ke Xin's tone was firm and persistent.
Chen Qingqing had woken up long ago and heard the conversation between the two clearly. She said to the door, "Brother, I'm awake. I'll be there later."
"Okay, I'll go prepare some food first. Come here quickly." Chen Feng glared at Ke Xin before leaving, muttering, "I've never seen such a stubborn girl. I wonder where County Magistrate Zhou found her."
Ke Xin ignored him and pushed the door open and walked into the house with a basin of water.
"Princess, wash your face and refresh yourself!"
"Okay." Chen Qingqing took the towel handed to her by Kexin and wiped her face gently.
Not to mention, it seems like it feels good to be served. It seems like she needs to adapt slowly, otherwise this girl will have some new ideas.
After a quick wash, Chen Qingqing was led by the waiter to the private room for the banquet.
The guests had not arrived in the private room yet, but several plates of cold dishes had already been placed on the table, including pickled chicken feet and pickled radish.
Chen Qingqing warned, "Brother, when the merchants come, don't tell anyone that I'm the adopted daughter of the Emperor."
"Little sister, why can't we tell you about such an honorable thing?" Chen Feng looked puzzled. "I think if the merchants knew that we were cooperating with the royal family, they would be more confident in doing business with us."
Chen Qingqing shook his head lightly, his expression serious, "Brother, things are not as simple as you think. If the merchants knew my identity, they would inevitably have concerns and think that they are cooperating with us only because of the royal favor, rather than because they are truly optimistic about our business.
By then, the deals we negotiate might be fake and not based on fairness and mutual benefit, and in the long run, it won't be of any benefit to our business."
Chen Feng scratched his head and frowned slightly, as if trying to understand her words.
"Little sister, I think I understand a little bit of what you said, but I also feel that this status is an honor, and it would be a pity if it is not used."
Chen Qingqing felt that Chen Feng was very frivolous now and had completely forgotten the original intention of opening a restaurant.
"Brother, don't forget that business relies on the quality of goods, honest management and reasonable prices, not on the royal name.
Only when customers truly feel that it is profitable and trust us can this business be sustained and carried out steadily.
Once they know my identity, they will probably try to curry favor with me, and then we won’t be able to truly understand the market needs and the shortcomings of our business.
Water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it. If everyone is flattering, do you think our Ruyi Building can still grow and gain everyone's recognition?"
"But..." Chen Feng still wanted to persuade her. He always felt that given Chen Qingqing's current status and position, it would be a pity if he didn't use her.
Chen Qingqing has realized that if she doesn't curb Chen Feng's thoughts, this elder brother will become bad.
She immediately frowned, "Brother, you don't need to say anything more. If you want to take advantage of my identity to get a shortcut, then you are wrong. Even if this restaurant is closed, I will not allow you to do whatever you want."
"Little sister, you misunderstood me. I wouldn't do anything illegal. I'll listen to you. When the merchants come, I promise I won't mention this matter."
At this moment, there was a sound of carriages outside the door.
Chen Feng and Chen Qingqing looked at each other and knew that the merchants had arrived.
The shop assistant came hurriedly to report that the customer was waiting in the hall.
Chen Qingqing and Chen Feng hurried out to greet them. They saw more than a dozen merchants looking around the hall. Chen Qingqing smiled and stepped forward, bowing gracefully.
"Everyone, thank you for coming from afar and having worked hard on your journey. I am Chen Qingqing, and this is my brother Chen Feng. Please come in."
After everyone took their seats as host and guest, the waiter quickly served them fragrant tea.
One of the middle-aged men spoke first, "Miss Chen, I've heard your restaurant is unique, but there are so many things involved in joining the franchise. I have a few questions. For example, regarding the decoration style of our restaurant, do we need to strictly follow the style here? However, local customs and practices vary, and simply copying the style may not be able to meet the preferences of local people."
Chen Qingqing smiled and replied, "The shopkeeper is right. The store's exterior style does need to be consistent with ours to ensure Ruyi Tower's recognition. However, we can make slight adjustments to the interior decoration details based on local customs. This way, we can retain the charm of Ruyi Tower while making it feel familiar to local diners."
"Ms. Chen, I heard that your store has a unique secret base material. After we join, will you really let us use this secret recipe?" another customer asked immediately.
Chen Qingqing nodded gently. "As for the secret recipe, you can rest assured. Since Ruyilou sincerely invites you to join, we will naturally provide you with the secret base ingredients for a fee."
The merchants raised questions one after another, and Chen Qingqing patiently answered them one by one.
The doubts of more than a dozen merchants gradually dissipated.
The middle-aged man smiled with satisfaction and said, "Miss Chen is indeed clear-minded and thoughtful. We have long been attracted by your restaurant's dishes. We came here this time because we are optimistic about the future of Ruyi Tower. Now, after listening to your explanation, I feel much more at ease."
Chen Qingqing smiled slightly and said, "Thank you all for your trust. If you have no other questions, we can sign the franchise agreement."
"Don't worry, everyone. We will not let you down if you cooperate with us." Chen Feng also agreed with a smile.
Everyone expressed no objection.
Soon, the store's accountant presented the contract documents that had been prepared long ago, and was ready to serve with pen and ink.
Both parties carefully reviewed the terms of the contract and signed their names after confirming that they were correct.
When the merchants picked up the pens and wrote their names on the contract, Chen Qingqing's nervous heart finally calmed down.
The successful conclusion of this partnership means Ruyilou will take an important step in expanding its territory. As long as we keep a steady mindset, we will definitely make a lot of money...
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