As the woman, now draped in a thick cloak, warmed up, her mind cleared considerably. "Young master is right. I had misunderstood. I was ridiculed by my sisters at home, and in a moment of despair, I ran away. Before I knew it, I had wandered here, and the more I thought about it, the sadder I became... But your words have enlightened me." The woman bowed slightly to Li Xi. "May I ask where you live, young master? I will visit you another day to express my gratitude."
"You're too kind. My sister and I run a small restaurant called 'Porridge, Noodles, and Rice' at the end of the main street in front of Baichuan Academy. Come and sit down sometime. Should I take you home or find you an inn for the night?"
It was past midnight when Li Xi returned home. As she stretched her tired body, she felt as if the magical bed had a magical power that attracted her to fall asleep immediately.
The following day, Li Xi found the location of the Chamber of Commerce carrying a food box. Ancient Chambers of Commerce were organizational forms similar to modern corporate alliances, composed of merchants and artisans in the same industry, with the aim of protecting their own interests and promoting economic development.
The main functions of a chamber of commerce are to provide members with business information, facilitate the exchange of experience and technology, and establish unified industry norms and standards to protect members' rights and interests. The chamber also provides members with market information to help them develop their businesses and, when necessary, financial support. Over time, the chamber has matured and begun to involve itself in political and social issues. It has exerted a certain influence on the government and plays an important role in society.
The chairman of the Qiyang Chamber of Commerce is Wang Lianyi. With his outstanding business acumen, extensive network of contacts, and unique leadership style, he has become a core figure in the Qiyang Chamber of Commerce.
Li Xi sat in the flower hall for a quarter of an hour before someone came to lead her to the reception room. "Young Master Li, I apologize for keeping you waiting. I've been quite busy these past few days, dealing with all sorts of trivial matters from the Chamber of Commerce. Your restaurant opened a few days ago, but unfortunately I was out of town and missed it," Chairman Wang said, leaning back in his armchair in a casual and languid posture.
In Li Xi's eyes, President Wang was a quintessential mature and sophisticated woman, with fair skin, a beautiful face, and captivating charm. It was said that she had refused her husband's offer to take a concubine, and in a fit of anger, she divorced him, took her dowry, and left. Later, through her own abilities and shrewdness, she became the president of the Qiyang Chamber of Commerce.
"How could I trouble Chairman Wang? You are so busy with your affairs, these are nothing to worry about. Look, I brought some food from a small shop for you to try." "Oh, interesting, then I'll give it a try."
The food box kept the food warm, and it was still warm when Li Xi took it out. She poured Chairman Wang a cup of special ginger tea, and one sip warmed her whole body. The food included yam and poria cake, taro cake, pumpkin cake, fish porridge, multigrain noodles, braised pork intestine noodles with chili, and pickled fish.
The aroma was irresistible, and Chairman Wang's appetite was whetted. Li Xi poured him more tea. As he picked up the last piece of fish with his chopsticks, Chairman Wang felt an unprecedented sense of satisfaction. "It's oily but not greasy, delicious and tasty. The pastries are soft, sweet and fragrant. This is the first time I've ever had fish and pork intestines with this flavor. What is this ingredient that makes my eyes water? I'm sweating all over after eating it. It's really good."
"President Wang, you flatter me. I have another purpose for coming today, which is to discuss a business deal with you," Li Xi said, bowing.
"Oh? Interesting. Tell me about it. You're quite capable, young man," Chairman Wang said, looking at Li Xi with amusement. "This is chili pepper. It can be added to all kinds of dishes. I've also made a sauce, which will be ready in a few days. I'll bring it to you, Chairman, to try then. This ingredient will definitely cause a sensation once it's launched and will become a new favorite," Li Xi said calmly.
“I want to do this business with you, Chairman. We are too small and weak to handle this business. Chairman, do you think this seasoning has a good prospect?” Li Xi’s eyes were full of confidence.
"Hmm, that's quite good. How would you like to cooperate?" President Wang tapped her fingers on the table thoughtfully. Based on her years of experience, this deal was attractive enough.
“We’ll split it 50/50. I’ll provide the formula, and you’ll fund the workshop and hire workers. With your connections, Chairman Wang, sales channels won’t be a problem,” Li Xi said sincerely.
"A 50/50 split? You're quite the schemer, aren't you? So I'm supposed to be contributing money and effort?" Chairman Wang couldn't help but chuckle.
“President Wang, your family and business are so large and powerful. My formula is unique and cannot be replicated. We can keep launching new products to meet the continued surge in sales,” Li Xi said confidently.
"Alright, I agree. Consider it giving the younger generation a chance; it'll also benefit our chamber of commerce," said President Wang. She had countless lucrative businesses, enough to ensure her financial security for generations to come. She certainly didn't know that this decision would elevate her status even further, surpassing even her ex-husband.
“Well, I have a small request,” Li Xi said slyly. “Oh, what is it? Tell me all at once,” Chairman Wang joked.
"It's a minor matter. The main problem is that Boss Ye of Youranju is going too far. Last night, I found those who caused trouble and interrogated them before I learned that it was Boss Ye who was being unreasonable. He has repeatedly sent people to cause trouble in our small shop. We are just ordinary people with no influence, and we've heard that Boss Ye has powerful connections. We don't dare to offend him. If Chairman Wang could step in..."
"That guy surnamed Ye is getting more and more arrogant, doing these rule-breaking things behind my back while I'm not around!" Chairman Wang slammed his fist on the table and roared. Each newly opened shop must set its price within the range stipulated by the Chamber of Commerce, and malicious bidding is prohibited. Newly opened shops can offer discounts for a few days to attract customers, and this young master Li has complied with the rules.
"Don't worry, Mr. Li. This guy surnamed Ye is maliciously suppressing us and violating our Chamber of Commerce's rules. We'll investigate today and make him apologize to you," Chairman Wang comforted Li Xi.
"In that case, thank you for your trouble, Chairman Wang. I am very grateful to you. Please come to my shop another day, and I will make you some more delicious dishes to try," Li Xi said, bowing with his hands clasped in thanks.
"Okay, I'll definitely make time to visit another day," Chairman Wang said with a smile to Li Xi.
"Then I won't disturb you any longer, Chairman. I'll head back now." "Alright." After Li Xi left, Chairman Wang beckoned his subordinates in, "Go and invite Boss Ye over..."
Having resolved this matter, Li Xi felt much more at ease. Since she didn't have the same powerful backing as Boss Ye, she could find someone with even stronger connections to keep him in check. Anyone would want to make a deal that brought both fame and fortune, but it required finding an upright and incorruptible person, and Chairman Wang was the perfect candidate. She had known about Chairman Wang since they started preparing to open the shop.
It was noon when they returned to the restaurant. Although it wasn't as bustling as the previous three days, there were still quite a few repeat customers bringing their friends and family. Meng Zhelan had prepared three or four kinds of health-preserving teas, charging only two coins per pot. These teas were very popular with the neighbors and students, so everyone was happy to pay two coins.
As they walked and chatted, Elder Sun and Headmaster Xu entered the restaurant. Li Xi happened to see them and greeted them with a smile. "You two have time to come today, please have a seat," she said, and gestured for the waiter to bring over pastries and herbal tea.
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