Feng Haidong cleaned up his family's restaurant in the morning and tidied up everything in the afternoon.
Since the stoves in the kitchen were in use throughout the Chinese New Year period, there were basically no problems.
Soon, a fish tank was set up in front of the restaurant, and fresh fish swam in it. The restaurant officially opened for business at 5 p.m.
When business first resumed, the situation was roughly as Feng Haidong had expected.
Because it was right after the Lunar New Year, although the restaurant had reopened, there were practically no customers.
From 5 PM to 6 PM, not a single customer was seen.
That hour can be incredibly agonizing.
Especially for the other people in the restaurant.
Chen Zhiyong even seemed somewhat restless, pacing back and forth in the restaurant, and occasionally standing at the door trying to attract customers.
Yang Chengjian should have been in the kitchen, but since there were no customers, he had to come out from there.
Looking at the empty restaurant, Yang Chengjian appeared extremely nervous.
Chen Zhiyong returned from the doorway again, but before he could even stand still, he turned to leave again.
This time, Feng Haidong stopped him: "Dayong, stop wandering around aimlessly. Why don't you sit down and rest? Aren't you tired of walking back and forth like this?"
Upon hearing this, Chen Zhiyong could only stop in his tracks: "Uncle Dong, why aren't you in a hurry at all?"
Feng Haidong countered, "Why the rush?"
Chen Zhiyong said, "Why are you in such a hurry? Uncle Dong, we've already opened for business, but we haven't had a single customer yet. Shouldn't we be worried?"
Feng Haidong said, "No need to rush. Do you think your business would be this good a few days before the New Year?"
These words left Chen Zhiyong speechless.
Upon hearing this, Yang Chengjian and Dong Xia both recalled the events of the days leading up to the Lunar New Year.
It seems that the situation back then was indeed similar to the situation today.
Previously, the restaurant opened at 5 PM, and many people would flock there, with some even arriving as early as 4 PM to wait for it to open.
However, in the days leading up to the Lunar New Year, they usually start business at 5 PM and don't start getting customers until it gets dark.
Recalling these things made everyone relax and feel that they could wait a little longer.
Seeing that everyone seemed to have calmed down, Feng Haidong smiled and said, "Don't rush into doing business. Business will definitely have its ups and downs. It's just after the New Year, and the expenses during the New Year are relatively high, so many people may not be ready to start going out to eat yet. But don't worry, I think we should start having customers coming in soon."
As if in response to Feng Haidong’s words, almost as soon as he finished speaking, several young people suddenly walked in.
"Huh? Are you open for business yet, boss?"
The sight of someone coming in and asking questions immediately excited everyone present.
Yang Chengjian quickly said, "We're open for business, we're already open for business."
Chen Zhiyong enthusiastically stepped forward: "We're open for business! What would you like to eat? Come in and have a seat."
Chen Zhiyong's enthusiasm took the other party by surprise.
Feng Haidong came out and said, "Don't be nervous. Today is the first day our restaurant is open after the New Year, so there may not be many customers yet. We can give you a 20% discount on the grilled fish today as a holiday discount."
After hearing Feng Haidong's words, the young people happily stayed to eat.
After selecting their fish and sitting down in the restaurant, the young people began to discuss it.
"The grilled fish at this restaurant is especially delicious, and the crayfish they used to serve was also very good. They also have barbecue that you can order, and everything is very tasty."
"Yes, there used to be a long queue every day at this place, and you had to wait a long time to eat here."
Why is there so little people here today?
"It's just after the Lunar New Year, and many people haven't started going out to eat yet."
"Yes, yes, I estimate that business will gradually pick up after a few days of reopening. Many people will find out and come here when their friends treat them to meals."
After the first table of customers arrived, customers gradually began to come to the restaurant.
Among these guests, Feng Haidong also met some old acquaintances.
Sun Yongxing and Zhao Hongxia, along with their son and two elderly relatives, came to the restaurant.
When Feng Haidong saw them, he naturally greeted them personally.
"Brother Sun, what brings you here? Did you come especially to support me today?"
Sun Yongxing said with a smile, "Haidong, it's been a long time. I heard you've opened a branch in the provincial capital. Your business is really booming!"
Feng Haidong said, "I'm sorry to have made Brother Sun and Sister-in-law laugh at me. I was just doing this blindly. I happen to have a few cousins in the provincial capital, so I partnered with them to do it."
Sun Yongxing said, "Okay, I always thought Haidong was very capable, and I didn't expect that I would actually choose you."
Feng Haidong invited Sun Yongxing's family in: "Brother Sun, please come in. Are these your uncle and aunt?"
Sun Yongxing also introduced, "Mom and Dad, this is Feng Haidong, the guy I was telling you about. He used to be my partner next to the food stall. Now he owns his own shop, and he's even opened branches in the provincial capital. He's really impressive."
Sun Yongxing then introduced them to Feng Haidong, saying, "These are my father-in-law and mother-in-law."
Feng Haidong quickly greeted everyone, saying, "Thank you for coming to support me, Uncle and Aunt. Please come in and sit down. This meal is on me. I'll pick out a big fish for you later."
Sun Yongxing quickly said, "No, no, Haidong, if you're not going to take the money, then we'll leave now."
Zhao Hongxia also said, "Yes, yes, Haidong, you have to collect the money."
After some back and forth, Feng Haidong finally had no choice but to agree to accept the money.
After greeting Sun Yongxing and his family, they were ushered inside and seated.
Soon after, Mei Yaqin arrived with her husband and daughter.
"Haidong, we heard you opened for business today, so our whole family came right away. We've been wanting to try your grilled fish for ages."
Feng Haidong quickly greeted them, "Sister Mei and her husband are here? Come in and sit down, thank you for coming to support me."
Mei Yaqin introduced the people who came with her, saying, "This is my brother-in-law's family, and my sister's family. There are quite a few of us today, so you'll have to bring us two big fish."
Feng Haidong said with a smile, "No problem, Sister Mei and Brother-in-law, please go in and sit down first. I'll pick out two big fish for you later."
Afterwards, many friends and acquaintances came to support Feng Haidong.
Among them was Tang Anguo's entire family, who were also his senior colleagues at the factory.
Even Feng Haidong's factory director, Nian Zhipeng, and his wife's boss, Ding Huaixiao, brought their families to support him.
Zhou Xiaoxiao's brother-in-law, Lu Yaobin, brought Zhou Xiaoxiao's parents and sisters along to support her.
Almost overnight, Feng Haidong's restaurant became bustling with activity.
Amidst their busy work, smiles appeared on the faces of Yang Chengjian, Dong Xia, and Chen Zhiyong.
With the support of these friends and relatives, the restaurant became lively and naturally began to attract more people, who gradually chose to come to the restaurant to eat grilled fish.
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