In the blink of an eye, it was already the end of autumn, but Chen Liyue did not have much time to feel sad about the passing of time. The barbecue shop had good business in the summer, but it would be worse in the winter.
What should we eat in winter?
It happened that Shen Yian came to Shen Liyue that day and said that he had gained some insights from reading the account books today, but he still had some questions to ask Shen Liyue.
Shen Liyue nodded. It was a good thing to have problems. She was just afraid that he wouldn't be able to see any problems.
"What's the problem? Just tell me." Shen Liyue looked at Shen Yian with a smile.
"I've noticed that grain prices this year are significantly higher than in previous years. This is because the war in the northern border has intensified, and much of the grain in the city has been purchased at cost by the imperial court. Grain merchants are unable to make a profit, so to survive, they have no choice but to raise the price of grain to sell to the people. Although the people are innocent, it's understandable."
Shen Liyue nodded, "That's right, so what do you think went wrong?"
Shen Yian continued, "I just don't know why the price of fruit has also increased this year? Even if the price of grain has increased, people won't have to eat fruit to fill their stomachs."
Shen Liyue smiled, but did not answer his question, and asked him another question.
"Does your father drink when he is at home?" Shen Liyue asked.
Shen Yian said: "Yes. Although my father is not a big drinker, he always has a few drinks at dinner. When my mother is in a good mood, she will also have a few drinks."
Shen Liyue asked again: "What is the wine made of?"
Shen Yian said, "Food." But Shen Yian was still puzzled. Food is needed everywhere in life, but what does this have to do with fruit?
Shen Liyue thought to herself: Our rich young master still doesn’t understand the lives of ordinary people.
But Chen Liyue didn't get angry and patiently explained to him: "When grain prices rise, everything related to grain will also rise, including food and alcohol, right?"
Shen Yian nodded, but still didn't understand.
"The people of Wangjing City love elegance and refinement. Not only at banquets, but even at ordinary people's homes, they drink. However, with rising grain prices, ordinary people are struggling to even afford basic necessities. How can they afford to buy wine brewed from grain?"
Shen Yian seemed to understand, "Of course not."
Chen Liyue continued, "Not only grains can be used to make wine, but fruit can as well. Didn't you notice that my barbecue shop has been buying a lot of fruit since the spring and summer of this year?"
"Yes, but I always thought that those fruits were used to make candied fruits and put them in the barbecue shop as side dishes..." Shen Yian regretted why he didn't look more carefully.
Chen Liyue said, "Even if we want to make preserves, we don't need that many fruits. I have a small courtyard dedicated to winemaking, and I've been making fruit wine for a long time."
Shen Yian lowered his head, feeling very sad. He was afraid that he had not made any progress after studying for so many days and would disappoint his elder sister.
Chen Liyue smiled and patted his head: "Don't be discouraged, you are still young after all, and it is rare for you to see this. Do you know where your limitations are?"
"I...I didn't think deeply enough." Shen Yian said.
"No." Chen Liyue said, "Your limitations lie in your perspective. You only understand the environment you live in, but you haven't seen the living conditions of ordinary people."
"Yes." Shen Yian lowered his head even lower.
"Okay." Shen Liyue said in a relaxed tone, "Sister will take you out for a walk today."
In fact, Shen Liyue was still quite happy. Thanks to Shen Yian's reminder today, her wine shop could officially open for business.
The winery had been prepared long ago, and the storefront had been inspected. The fruit wine that was ordered to be brewed by Uncle Wang had been brewed in batches and stored in the cellar. A batch had already been supplied to the Four Seasons Villa and the barbecue shop, and the response was good. The only thing missing was the right time.
On normal days, there is no need to worry about food. The price of fruit wine is more expensive than grain wine, so even if you open a fruit wine shop, the business will not be very good. Now the price of grain has risen, while the price of fruit has only increased slightly. What's more, I have been prepared and started purchasing large quantities of fruit in spring and summer. It is just right to sell it now.
When Old Man Wang saw Shen Liyue coming, he hurried over to greet her.
"The eldest lady is here. If you hadn't come, I would have come to her house to ask for a visit." Old Mr. Wang said happily.
Seeing Uncle Wang like this, Shen Liyue knew that he was probably talking about the opening of the fruit wine shop, so she was in a good mood. "Don't worry, Uncle Wang, I'm here."
Uncle Wang brought Shen Liyue and Shen Yian to the wine cellar, which was already full.
When Shen Yian saw so many wine jars, his eyes widened in surprise.
It was really my elder sister who was good at planning. She had already prepared so many jars of wine. I couldn’t have thought of this.
"If the wine shop opens, how long will these wines last?" Shen Liyue asked.
Mr. Wang replied, "If business is good, surviving this winter will not be a problem." He did not say the second half of the sentence because according to the current situation, business would not be bad.
"Okay." Shen Liyue nodded, "Then let's open it tomorrow."
Old Man Wang had already made preparations. During this period, he had instructed the servants to clean the wine shop inside and out. He also had someone make a plaque with the words written by Chen Liyue. He was just waiting for the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening.
There is just one thing that Mr. Wang still needs to ask Shen Liyue's opinion on.
"Are our selling prices based on the current market price?" It's not surprising that Mr. Wang would ask this question. Nowadays, the prices of grain and fruits have risen, and the prices of various types of liquor have also risen.
Chen Liyue pondered for a moment, then said, "Let's set the price based on the previous profit."
When Mr. Wang heard what Shen Liyue said, he felt relieved because he had originally thought so.
A new store opened, and in order to boost sales, they had to make some profit. Furthermore, when they purchased fruit in bulk, prices were still very cheap. Although costs had increased, it didn't really matter to them. If the young lady made a killing at this time, some would inevitably accuse her of profiting from the country's misfortune.
Uncle Wang knew that the young lady had a kind heart and didn't want outsiders to spread rumors about her, so when he heard what Shen Liyue said, he naturally smiled happily.
Shen Liyue thought for a moment and added, “If the fruit price doesn’t drop after this batch of wine is sold out, then the price will have to go up a bit.”
When it comes to business, he is still a businessman after all. Although Chen Liyue is kind-hearted, she is not stupid.
"Yes, yes, yes." Mr. Wang agreed happily. He couldn't lose money on this business, right?
It was decided that the wine shop would open tomorrow, and Shen Liyue took Shen Yian to walk around the store again.
Uncle Wang's work was indeed reassuring. The shop was clean inside and out, except for the red cloth hanging on the plaque at the door. Shen Yian was a little curious, "Big sister, what is the name of this fruit wine shop?"
Shen Liyue grinned, "You'll know tomorrow."
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