Chapter 139 New Store Expansion Encounters Interference
Xu Yao sat by the window in the snack bar, holding a cup of warm jasmine tea in her hand, but the lingering aroma failed to dispel the sadness between her brows.
Outside the window, the sun is shining brightly, people are coming and going, the snack bar is bustling with activity, the waiters are busy all the time, and the shouting and the sound of bowls and chopsticks colliding form a lively symphony.
This was the scene she had always dreamed of, but at this moment, she just couldn't be happy at all.
Although Boss Li’s store was sealed off, it was like a time bomb and no one knew when it would explode.
Who knows if he will get desperate and take revenge on me?
What's more, the opening of a branch was imminent, and the funding gap was like a bottomless pit, making her breathless.
And there is Xue Han’s ex-girlfriend, who is still haunting us and pops up from time to time, which is quite annoying.
"Oh..." Xu Yao sighed and rubbed her temples gently.
So many troubles came at once, and she felt like a top, spinning non-stop but unable to find direction.
At this moment, a big warm hand gently rested on her shoulder, and a familiar masculine scent surrounded her.
Xu Yao looked up and saw that it was Xue Han.
He was wearing a simple white shirt with his cuffs slightly rolled up, revealing his strong forearms, and his eyes were full of tenderness and encouragement.
"What's wrong, my Yaoyao? Are you worried again?" Xue Han sat down beside her, speaking in a doting tone.
Xu Yao leaned her head gently on his shoulder, like a tired kitten finding support.
"Xue Han, I feel so tired. Opening a branch store is much more difficult than I thought."
"Don't worry, we'll do it step by step." Xue Han stroked her hair gently. "I can borrow some money from my comrades to open a branch. I'll also take care of my ex-girlfriend. Just focus on making your snacks and leave the rest to me."
Xue Han's voice was low and powerful, like a warm current, slowly flowing into Xu Yao's heart.
His words were like a reassurance, gradually calming her anxious heart.
Yes, she still has Xue Han and so many people supporting her, she is not fighting alone!
Xu Yao took a deep breath, and her eyes gradually became firm.
"You're right. Let's take it step by step. I've decided that within two months, we must open a second branch and achieve a monthly turnover of over 10,000!"
"Okay! My Yaoyao is so courageous!" Xue Han smiled and kissed her on the forehead, "I believe you can do it!"
With Xue Han's support, Xu Yao seemed full of strength.
She began to take active action.
The first thing to solve is the funding issue.
She thought about the connections she had made when she was setting up a stall at the market, and the old customers who had supported her.
The next morning, Xu Yao and Aunt Wang went door to door to visit old customers with their homemade cakes.
She told them in detail about her plan to open a branch and the financial difficulties she was currently facing, hoping to get their help.
"Xu Yao, you are such a capable girl! It hasn't been long since you opened your store, and you're already opening a branch!" An old customer said with a smile, "Don't worry, we all believe in you. We will definitely support your branch!"
"Yes, Xu Yao, your snacks are delicious and reasonably priced. We all like to eat them! Just tell me how much money you need!" another old customer also said enthusiastically.
Xu Yao and Aunt Wang visited each store one by one and received support and encouragement from many old customers.
Some of them donated generously, some helped contact other potential investors, and others said they would help promote the new store.
In addition to seeking help from old customers, Xu Yao also discussed with Xue Han to use part of the snack bar's profits as start-up capital.
Although the money is not much, it is a token of their thoughtfulness.
While solving the financial problem, Xu Yao did not ignore the interference from Xue Han's ex-girlfriend Miss Lin.
This woman was like a cancer, always trying to find ways to destroy her relationship with Xue Han, and even maliciously slandered her snack bar.
Xu Yao asked Aunt Wang to help keep an eye on Miss Lin's movements, while she began to collect evidence of Miss Lin's malicious slander against the snack bar.
She knew that she couldn't be lenient when dealing with such a person, and if Miss Lin took further action, she would be prepared to take legal action to protect her own reputation and that of the snack bar.
A few days later, Aunt Wang hurried to the snack bar, looking panicked.
"Xu Yao, something bad has happened! I just saw Miss Lin sneaking into Boss Li's store..."
Xu Yao's face darkened when he heard this. These two people getting together must be up to no good!
"Let's go and take a look!" Xu Yao put down the work in her hands and followed Aunt Wang as they quickly walked towards Boss Li's store... Xu Yao and Aunt Wang hurried to the door of Boss Li's store, only to see that the door was closed and the windows were covered with thick dust, presenting a dilapidated and depressed scene.
Am I overthinking it?
Aunt Wang was also a little confused: "This is weird, I clearly saw her go in..."
As we were talking, the middle-aged woman from the shop next door poked her head out, munching on sunflower seeds and asking with a gossipy look on her face, "Are you looking for Miss Lin? She just left through the back door and seemed to be in a hurry."
Xu Yao's heart skipped a beat. There really was something fishy going on between these two people!
Where does the back door lead to?
Xu Yao quickly reviewed the map of the town in her mind, and her eyes lit up. That road led to the long-distance bus station in the city!
Oh no, Miss Lin is going to inform the police!
"Auntie, please help me look after the store, I'm going to go out for a while!" Xu Yao didn't have time to think about it, she got on her bike and chased after her.
Fortunately, the bus station is not far from here.
Xu Yao drove at full speed all the way and finally stopped Miss Lin before the last bus left.
"Ms. Lin, where are you going in such a hurry?" Xu Yao looked at her with a smile, a hint of sarcasm in her tone.
Miss Lin's face turned pale, her eyes were evasive, and she stammered, "I...I'm going to the city...something..."
"Oh? What's the matter? Tell me about it. Maybe I can help." Xu Yao pressed on, speaking in a firm tone.
Miss Lin was forced into a corner, her eyes turned red, and she cried and said, "Xu Yao, I know you hate me, but I can't do anything about it. I love Xue Han, I can't live without him..."
"Don't try that!" Xu Yao interrupted her mercilessly, "You love him? You love him so much that you would team up with Boss Li to harm me? You love him so much that you would maliciously slander my snack bar again and again? Is your so-called love based on hurting others?"
Miss Lin was speechless after being rebuked by Xu Yao, so she just threw in the towel: "That's right, I just can't stand seeing you do well! How can a country girl like you get Xue Han's love? How am I worse than you?"
Xu Yao sneered: "You are far from it! What else can you do besides playing tricks? Do you think Xue Han will like a scheming woman like you? Wake up, he has seen through your true colors!"
Xu Yao was too lazy to talk nonsense with her and turned away.
Looking at Xu Yao's receding back, Miss Lin's eyes were filled with resentment.
She clenched her fists tightly and swore in her heart: Xu Yao, I will not let you go!
Back in the store, Xu Yao calmed down and began to think about how to deal with the situation.
Although Miss Lin was stopped by her this time, there is no guarantee that she will not play tricks again.
Instead of passively defending, it is better to take the initiative!
She thought of the various delicious foods she had eaten in her previous life and her saliva was almost flowing.
Stinky tofu, grilled cold noodles, hand-pulled pancakes, octopus balls, roujiamo... No, I can’t think about it anymore. The more I think about it, the hungrier I get!
Xu Yao took a deep breath and wrote down the cooking methods and recipes of these delicacies, and then improved and innovated them according to the tastes of the residents in the small town.
She decided to launch several new varieties of snacks, such as an improved version of roujiamo, which was added with local spices and sauces to better suit the tastes of local people; and an upgraded version of grilled cold noodles, which was added with a variety of fresh vegetables and meats to make it more nutritious.
In order to attract more customers, Xu Yao also plans to hold a large-scale food promotion event when the second branch opens.
At that time, there will not only be a variety of new snacks for free tasting, but also wonderful cultural performances and lucky draws, allowing customers to enjoy the food while also feeling the strong festive atmosphere.
The funding problem was gradually resolved.
With the help of Xue Han and Aunt Wang, they contacted several businessmen who were willing to invest. Together with Xu Yao's own savings and the profits from the snack bar, they barely raised enough start-up capital to open a branch.
Everything is going on in an orderly manner, and Xu Yao is full of hope for the future.
However, she always felt a little uneasy.
Will Miss Lin let it go?
Can the newly developed snacks really be recognized by customers?
Is two months really enough?
Xu Yao looked out the window. Night had fallen. The streets of the town were brightly lit and full of people.
She took a deep breath, her eyes determined.
No matter how many difficulties lie ahead, she will never give up!
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