Meng Zhao's primary goal for this trip was Yongsheng Restaurant. According to information that Gu Changwu had previously gathered, Yongsheng Restaurant was the largest restaurant in Yuyang County, with a total of 26 branches. Its business was always booming, and the restaurant never sold any starch-related foods.
Having learned from yesterday's experience, Shen Yun became bolder. Instead of stepping on Meng Zhao's heels, she carried a box and followed about half a meter behind her on the right.
Both of them were wearing clothes they had just bought the day before. As soon as they entered the restaurant, a waiter came up to greet them, "What would you like to eat, sir? We have just received a deer. The meat is delicious. Would you like to try it?"
Meng Zhao shook his head and said, "Brother, I have a business I'd like to discuss with your boss, Mr. Lu. Could you please pass on a message?"
Upon hearing that they weren't there for a meal, the waiter's tone became a bit stiff, "Our boss is very busy; he can't just see anyone who wants to."
Hearing this, Meng Zhao was not angry. He still smiled and said softly, "Brother Er, if your boss knew that you made him miss a good business deal, he probably wouldn't let you off easily. But if you go and pass on a message for me, even if your boss doesn't like my business, I don't think he will blame you. Don't you think so?"
After hearing Meng Zhao's words, the waiter looked her over again. He saw that she was dignified and beautiful, with a calm expression and exquisite clothes. After hesitating for a moment, he said, "It's just a message. Please wait a moment, sir. I'll be right back."
Meng Zhao found a place where he wouldn't get in the way and stood with Shen Yun. Then he looked around at the layout of Yongsheng Restaurant. The first floor hall was spacious and bright, the floor was very clean, and the tables and chairs were arranged neatly. Looking up at the second floor, the windows of several private rooms were painted with different floral patterns, which looked quite elegant.
Meng Zhao thought that this was a good opportunity to learn from other people's experience. However, not long after, the waiter returned and led them to a guest room.
Not long after she sat down, the door was pushed open, and a young man dressed in fine clothes walked in. Meng Zhao immediately stood up, took two steps forward, bowed slightly, and began to introduce herself.
"Mr. Lu, I've long admired your name. My name is Meng Zhao, and I've come from Qinghe County. I've come today with something new that I'd like to recommend to you. I'd like to see if you're interested." Meng Zhao spoke earnestly, his eyes radiating confidence.
The young man nodded slightly in acknowledgment, then said with a smile, "If Madam Meng has anything good, why not just bring it out?"
Meng Zhao waved his hand gently, and Shen Yun understood. She immediately opened the box she was holding and placed it on the table. Meng Zhao gestured, "Please take a look, Mr. Lu."
Lu Yuanshi took a few steps forward, slowly sat down at the table, stretched out his slender fingers, picked up a pinch of starch, rubbed it between his fingertips a few times, and after feeling its unique astringent taste, raised an eyebrow slightly, "Starch?"
Upon hearing this, Meng Zhao's heart skipped a beat, but he still calmly replied, "Boss Lu knows about this."
Lu Yuanshi chuckled twice. "I'm in the restaurant business, so I know a thing or two about what's new on the market." As he spoke, he looked away from the starch and at Meng Zhao with a hint of inquiry in his eyes.
Meng Zhao steadied himself and said, "If Boss Lu knows about this starch, then I won't have to explain it to you. I'm sure you're aware of the benefits of starch. It can be used to make many new dishes and also enhance existing ones. I wonder if you'd be interested?"
Lu Yuanshi's eyes held a hint of something unreadable. "Madam Meng, how do you plan to sell this starch?"
"Thirty wen per jin." Meng Zhao calmly stated her price. With transportation costs so high these days, there's no such thing as a unified national retail price. She sells it for twenty-five wen per jin in Qingshi County, so naturally the price will be higher here in Huian.
Seeing that the other party's smile seemed to have deepened, Meng Zhao was delighted and pressed his advantage, saying, "My offer is very sincere. I wonder what Boss Lu thinks?"
"Heh, Madam Meng is indeed an honest person. This price is really reasonable." Hearing this, Meng Zhao was about to breathe a sigh of relief, but his next words tightened her heartstrings.
"But I still won't accept it."
Meng Zhao's smile froze instantly, and she asked softly, "Why is that?"
Lu Yuanshi picked up his teacup, took a sip of tea, and then slowly explained the reason: "Because I signed a contract with Xiao's Grain Store a few days ago."
Meng Zhao's heart sank, but she was still unwilling to give up. "May I ask, at what price did you purchase it from Xiao's Grain Store?"
Setting down his teacup, Lu Yuanshi calmly said, "Forty-five coins per catty."
Meng Zhao hurriedly said, "Boss Lu, my price is even more favorable. If you need more, I can also deliver it to your door, which will save you a lot of trouble."
The person opposite smiled and shook their head, "No need. I signed a one-year contract with Xiao's Grain Store. If I break the contract, I'll have to pay a penalty."
Meng Zhao continued to persuade him, "Boss Lu, your business is so big, with so many shops, you should know the principle of accumulating wealth little by little. Although the penalty for breach of contract may be a lot, with my discount of 15 coins per catty, you will be able to earn it back in a short time."
"Hehe, I am indeed tempted by the price offered by Madam Meng, but I still will not choose to breach the contract."
Meng Zhao's smile faltered. "Why?"
The other party waved his hand, "As you can see, my business is very large, so reputation is very important to me."
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