Chapter 24 It will go bankrupt in less than a month...
"Are you planning to mainly serve fish?"
The person who asked this question was the owner of the shop next door. He'd seen the shop next door preparing to open after two days of work and couldn't resist checking it out. They were both small restaurant owners, so they were competitors.
“Yes,” Song Wu Sao answered modestly, “I don’t have any other skills, except that I’m good at cooking fish.”
The shop owner, who had expected to face a competitor, looked at her with a hint of pity: "You've never run a shop before, have you? You won't get any business opening a fish restaurant here!"
He earnestly advised, "These are all small shops around here, mainly doing fast food business, selling for ten or twenty yuan a serving. They're cheap and can be repackaged in large quantities. Fish dishes aren't really suitable for this kind of business. If you cook a fish dish and put it in those nicely decorated restaurants, you can sell it for seventy or eighty or even a hundred yuan without any problem, but you can't sell it for that price here."
The owner, a man in his thirties, glanced at the beautiful Zhao Feiyan beside him, puffed out his chest, and said, "I suggest you stick to your old business and switch to a small stir-fry restaurant. Otherwise, you might go out of business after just one month..."
He shook his head as he spoke, and finally revealed a hint of regret, as if he had already sentenced the newly opened "Song's Fish Restaurant" to death.
Zhao Feiyan frowned, thinking that this person was really clueless.
Sister-in-law Song stopped her, still speaking gently: "There's nothing I can do. This is all I'm good at. If I could do anything else, I would have done it already."
The man had intended to offer some insightful opinions, but when he suddenly saw Zhao Feiyan raise her eyebrows slightly, her expression turning cold and exuding an imposing aura that made people afraid to look up, he shivered. After realizing what she meant, he felt a little embarrassed and chuckled awkwardly, "Alright, then I wish you a great start today! If you have any questions, you can come to the shop next door and ask me."
After saying that, he turned and left.
He himself was puzzled and somewhat embarrassed: why did he become so weak after being glared at by that little woman?
It must be because I stayed up late last night and didn't sleep well; that's why my heart was pounding just now...
I still need to go to bed early!
"She's really annoying." Zhao Feiyan frowned.
“Actually, there’s some truth to what he said.” Although Song Wu’s wife also felt that the man’s words were unpleasant, she admitted, “This location is indeed better and more suitable for a fast food restaurant.”
When opening a restaurant, location is the most important factor.
Zhao Feiyan was very nervous: "What should we do?"
"Don't worry," said Sister-in-law Song confidently. "A good reputation is built up slowly, there's no rush."
She opened this small shop not primarily to make money, but to use a small investment to understand the state of the catering industry in this era, the tastes of modern people, and to practice her skills.
She had made this clear to Lu Xiaoqi beforehand, and as her sponsor, Lu Xiaoqi was very supportive of her idea.
At this moment, an older woman who had just been buying groceries also came over:
"Oh my, Sister Song, are you really planning to open your own shop?"
When Song Wusao turned around, she found He Guihua, a neighbor she had met while buying groceries. He Guihua was a very warm-hearted woman who greeted her with a smile: "Yes. You've finished buying groceries? Don't cook at home today. Come over and visit when you have time. I'll treat you to fish."
Although it was just a polite remark, it made people feel comfortable. He Guihua smiled and said, "Okay, okay, I wish you a prosperous business."
After she left, Zhao Feiyan asked curiously, "Does she also live in this community?"
Sister-in-law Song nodded and whispered, "She lives in the building next to ours. Her son and daughter-in-law are in the provincial capital, and she lives alone. She likes to do square dancing and such. She's quite the show-off, and many old ladies in the neighborhood know her."
Zhao Feiyan was filled with respect: "Fifth Sister-in-law, if you had been by my side back then, I probably would have become Empress long ago."
Her information-gathering ability is unmatched, even by the standards of her trusted confidants.
Sister-in-law Song didn't take it to heart: "If you go to the market more often, you'll get to know everyone."
Most of the people who frequent the farmers' market are these aunties. She's about the same age as me, and we chat casually while buying groceries. After a few more encounters, we naturally become familiar with each other.
After chatting for a while, they officially started working. She did most of the work, while Zhao Feiyan helped tidy up the tables, chairs, and dishes. Then, a deliveryman brought over two flower baskets, which Lu Xiaoqi had ordered long ago, along with one for Yuwen Kai. They were placed at the store entrance, giving the store a festive atmosphere for its grand opening.
It's just... not very lively.
When Lu Xiaoqi picked up Qin Yue and arrived at Song's Fish Restaurant, it was already 11:30 a.m., but there were only Song Wu Sao and Zhao Feiyan in the restaurant, and not a single customer!
Sister-in-law Song remained calm: "It's alright, customers will always come into the shop."
Qin Yue blinked, looking at the "Song Family Fish Restaurant" in front of her, a sense of disbelief rising in her heart.
That's it?
When Lu Xiaoqi approached her saying that her relative owned a restaurant specializing in fish, she naturally assumed it was a large restaurant with at least a dozen or even dozens of tables. But now...
This is just a typical street-side fast food restaurant! The average cost per person is probably no more than thirty yuan. Although the restaurant is clean, the decor is extremely basic, with only four tables inside. When all four tables are full, the aisle becomes very cramped and difficult to turn around in.
"Although it's just a hole-in-the-wall restaurant, I guarantee with my integrity that it's absolutely delicious!" Lu Xiaoqi, of course, noticed her friend's mood and said earnestly, her eyes full of confidence.
Although Qin Yue was somewhat disappointed, she couldn't just turn around and leave unless she planned to break off her friendship with Lu Xiaoqi.
"I believe you! Boss Song looks like a really good cook." She had extremely high emotional intelligence. While smiling and greeting Song Wu Sao Zhao Feiyan, she secretly squeezed out a "treat me to barbecue tonight."
Lu Xiaoqi: "Absolutely no problem, order whatever you want. I'm just worried you'll want to come back for dinner after you eat here."
So confident? Maybe he really does have some skills.
Qin Yue immediately started planning: Small, unassuming restaurants aren't necessarily a bad thing. These days, many people prefer videos that explore small, local shops, finding them more authentic and down-to-earth. This topic might actually be worth exploring, and we could even make a feature on it.
Lu Xiaoqi had already ordered the food.
Qin Yue glanced at the menu on the table; it was even written in calligraphy. There weren't many dishes to choose from, mainly fish.
Song Sao Fish Soup, 68; West Lake Vinegar Fish, 98; Jade Fish Balls, 88; Scallion Crucian Carp, 58; Salt and Pepper Fried Fish Bones, 38; Tofu Crucian Carp Soup, 48; Steamed White Fish, 108... The rest are just a few common stir-fried vegetables.
Her brow twitched involuntarily. The price wasn't too expensive, but that was compared to chain restaurants. For a small fast-food restaurant like this, it was practically worthless.
Just then, a customer walked into the store: "Boss, please cook me a dish."
Zhao Feiyan handed over the menu: "What would you like to eat, sir?"
Her words were rather formal, and the man paused for a moment, muttering, "They changed the person? Tsk, it's so expensive now. Never mind, I won't eat here."
After saying that, he angrily threw the menu on the table and turned to leave.
Two more people came in, but like them, they left as soon as they saw the prices on the menu. Some felt embarrassed, while others made a sarcastic remark before leaving: "This little shabby shop is charging so much! They're robbing us!"
Qin Yue, who had watched the whole thing, couldn't help but say, "If you don't plan to adjust the menu, I suggest you just stick it on the wall. That would save you a lot of time."
Lu Xiaoqi also agreed: "We could also put up a sign at the entrance and choose a dish to promote each day."
This store definitely has a lot of room for improvement. Qin Yue is a store review livestreamer, and Lu Xiaoqi is happy to hear her opinions.
Qin Yue naturally answered all her questions without reservation, but what she didn't say was that no matter how much the restaurant was improved, the most important factor was still the chef's skill. If the skill wasn't up to par, all the changes would be in vain, given the restaurant's foundation.
As we were chatting, the dishes were served.
Zhao Feiyan wore a mask and acted as a waitress.
"Jade fish balls, Xiao Lu, you should try them." Sister-in-law Song Wu also came out of the kitchen. "This was one of my signature dishes back in the day, and many distinguished guests liked it."
On a white porcelain plate, three large, jade-like fish balls floated in the shallow soup, surrounded by verdant sweet peas, the color combination simple and elegant. Qin Yue raised an eyebrow, unable to hide her surprise.
As the saying goes, color, aroma, and taste are the most important factors in a dish's appeal. These days, visually appealing dishes are all the rage; even if the taste is mediocre, people will still buy them if they look good. For Qin Yue, this jade fish ball dish definitely falls into the category of "visually appealing dishes."
The choice of tableware and the elegant and refreshing color scheme are quite unusual for a small fast food restaurant, enough to make many fashion-conscious people take out their phones to take a picture and post it on their WeChat Moments.
"Wait, let me shoot some footage first."
The food bloggers didn't just take photos; they took out their phones, set up tripods, and placed them on the table to shoot videos.
Just as the two were picking up their chopsticks, eager to try, someone entered the store.
Xu Chen is a white-collar worker on Wuliu Road. Although Wuliu Road is a residential area, it's not far from the city center. If he wants to take a stroll around at noon, he usually chooses to come here for lunch at a small restaurant. He's very familiar with some of the restaurants in the area.
That day, a peculiar little shop caught his attention. The shop's entrance was covered by a cloth, making it look quite unusual. If he remembered correctly, it used to be a fast-food restaurant called "Little Yang's Stir-Fry." Had it changed hands?
Without thinking, Xu Chen stepped inside, eager to try something new.
The shop was small, and as soon as you entered, you could see the jade fish balls on Qin Yue and Lu Xiaoqi's table.
This dish looks beautiful!
He recalled the upscale restaurant he'd taken to when entertaining clients; the food looked just like that wonderful experience. Not bad!
Xu Chen, being an E-person, immediately asked, "May I ask what dish you're having? Is it good?"
"Delicious! It's called Jade Fish Balls." Lu Xiaoqi enthusiastically recommended, "You should order it and try it. The chef here used to be a head chef."
Zhao Feiyan had already handed over the menu.
Jade fish balls? Xu Chen glanced at them; 88 yuan, a bit expensive. If this were in the upscale restaurant he missed, he wouldn't have a problem with 188 yuan, but here... However, after hesitating for a moment, Xu Chen still ordered them.
"Okay, then give me a serving of jade fish balls."
It's only 88 yuan, not over 100, not bad. He just got his bonus today, so he can splurge a little.
Zhao Feiyan ran briskly to the kitchen to report the good news to Sister-in-law Song.
At the same time, Qin Yue finally got to taste the jade fish balls. With a spoonful, the soft, bouncy fish meat trembled in the spoon, mixed with a few small sweet peas. She couldn't wait to put them in her mouth.
The first taste is of soup, very clear with a light sweetness, but upon closer tasting, it becomes rich and mellow, with the freshness of the fish immediately rising up, creating a very layered flavor.
She tried chewing the fish ball in her mouth and was somewhat surprised to find that it was not the usual mashed texture, but rather had a granular texture of fish meat. It was delicate and smooth yet flavorful, with a slightly oily feel, making the fish meat flavor stand out even more.
It tastes even better than before!
Occasionally, you'll even find a tiny sweet bean or two, adding a touch of fresh spring flavor and a lively feel, which is quite fun.
"It's delicious!" Qin Yue exclaimed sincerely.
Lu Xiaoqi looked at her with a grin: "Are we going out for barbecue again tonight?"
This is a culinary skill that has been certified by the system and has become a unique ability!
“Then I’ll have to try something else,” Qin Yue retorted, not to be outdone.
West Lake Vinegar Fish and Salt and Pepper Fish Bones were also served. These two dishes weren't as beautiful as the Jade Fish Balls, but their presentation was equally impressive. Sister-in-law Song, who seemed to have traveled from the Song Dynasty, certainly had her own unique aesthetic sense.
Xu Chen craned his neck to the side, glancing over every now and then. When he saw the West Lake Fish in Vinegar Sauce, he leaned back, looking rather disgusted.
Is it really possible that someone actually ordered this dish here?
However, he didn't have time to think about anything else, as the jade fish balls he ordered were quickly served.
"Guest, your food has arrived." Zhao Feiyan's voice was very pleasant. Although her attitude was not very enthusiastic, her elegant demeanor gave Xu Chen the illusion that he was in a state banquet hall.
When faced with delicious food, everything else seems illusory.
Xu Chen usually prefers strong flavors, and he finds many bland dishes unappetizing, as if eating nothing at all. But this jade fish ball dish was incredibly satisfying. Although it was light, it was flavorful. He felt as if his taste buds had been refreshed, becoming more sensitive, and he could even taste the subtle layers of flavor, just like a gourmet. The sweet and savory taste went straight to his head, making him unable to stop eating.
Towards the end of the meal, I had another bowl of rice, and I finished it all by mixing the last bit of sweet peas and fish ball bits from the remaining broth with the rice.
The white porcelain plate was so clear that it seemed to reflect his image.
He finished his meal in a flash, then slumped back in his chair with a satisfied burp.
Xu Chen felt that this meal was the best he had ever eaten in his life, apart from his mother's cooking, and the most satisfying meal he had ever had. However, the former was still viewed through the lens of family affection.
He glanced at the next table and saw that the two dishes served afterward, West Lake Vinegar Fish and Salt and Pepper Ribs, had also been finished, leaving only some sauce and condiments on the plates.
"Is it delicious too?" he asked Qin Yue.
Qin Yue slammed her hand on the table and gave him a thumbs up: "This one!"
When Qin Yue tasted the jade fish balls, she knew she had truly stumbled upon a master chef. A chef capable of making such a dish could certainly excel at other dishes as well. As for the West Lake Vinegar Fish... it should be edible too.
Like Xu Chen, she also disliked this dish, and had even made a video about it before, which received the most likes of all her videos. That's why she listened to Lu Xiaoqi and decided to come here—whether it's delicious or not, it will generate buzz.
Unexpectedly, it tasted better than she expected, and she actually finished it all!
"Friends, can you believe it? I actually finished this West Lake Fish in Vinegar Sauce!" Qin Yue stared at her phone with disbelief at the empty plate in front of her. "This is West Lake Fish in Vinegar Sauce! Last time, I almost wanted to throw the plate into West Lake! And I even asked the chef to make another plate. I promise I can finish it all, no waste!"
Seeing her friends' enthusiasm, Lu Xiaoqi knew she had it in the bag this time.
Xu Chen happily paid the bill and decided to come back tomorrow with some colleagues so that everyone could order more dishes and try them all.
But apart from him and Qin Yue, there were no other customers in the shop throughout the entire lunch break.
The owner of the shop next door, who had finished his work, sat eating at the entrance of his shop. Looking at the deserted Song's Fish Restaurant, he crossed his legs and said loudly to the helper in his shop, "Some people just won't give up until they're completely defeated. You can't appreciate it if I give them some good advice. Just watch, I guess they won't be able to stay in business for another week!"
Song Wu Sao and Zhao Feiyan, who were in the shop, naturally heard it.
Lu Xiaoqi then realized what had happened that morning. She rolled her eyes and said, "Let him say whatever he wants, just ignore him and let's do our thing."
She took Qin Yue to the hotel first; Qin Yue needed to edit a video, so she didn't need to accompany her. In the afternoon, she went to finish up the remaining advertisements and materials, and asked Sister Song if she could launch a cost-effective set meal suitable for working people—although she wasn't worried about the fish restaurant's return rate and subsequent customer base, her most important task was her weekly quota.
We need 100 positive reviews a week! I only received two this afternoon, probably from Qin Yue and that male customer. At this rate, we definitely can't meet the target; we need to focus on volume.
Song Wu Sao was also thinking about this issue. Since the restaurant's positioning was set, it would be correct to offer a cost-effective set meal.
“Sure, I have a plan.” After understanding the meaning of the set meal, Sister Song Wu immediately came up with a solution. “I saw that the jade fish balls at noon were quite popular. We can divide one into three portions and add another dish to make a set meal. Tomorrow, I will make a sauerkraut fish set meal.”
Lu Xiaoqi asked excitedly, "You've learned how to make sauerkraut fish?"
"It's not difficult," Sister-in-law Song said with a smile. "But I still need to practice, so I probably won't be able to open the door tonight. How about we just have sauerkraut fish at home tonight?"
“Sure, sure.” Lu Xiaoqi didn’t care about one night and agreed wholeheartedly. “Let’s launch one package a day. I’ll print all these things out this afternoon.”
Sister-in-law Song nodded and went into the kitchen.
Both Bianliang and Lin'an, where she grew up, are located near water, and she loves to eat fresh fish, but the styles of cooking fish in the two places are quite different. Her life of wandering broadened Song Wu Sao's horizons and tastes, so the dishes she makes often blend more flavors. For example, when she chops fish balls, she places a piece of pork skin underneath. With each chop, the fat from the pork skin seeps into the fish balls, making them more oily and smooth, and adding a unique aroma.
She made this when she saw someone making pork meatballs in Bianliang. When she arrived in Lin'an, she had a flash of inspiration while making fish balls, and it turned out to be very special and delicious. From then on, it became her private recipe.
Compared to some who cling to tradition, she is more willing to embrace change and try new things. This is also true of her approach to pickled fish. Although she only encountered this dish after arriving in this time and space, and it had a flavor she had never tasted before—more oily, spicy, and even making her gasp for breath—Song Wu Sao didn't reject it at all; on the contrary, she loved it and actively learned how to make it. Compared to the refined elegance of jade fish balls, she also preferred this down-to-earth dish.
Having practiced enough, Sister-in-law Song closed the door, hung up the "No Visitors Allowed" sign, and leisurely went home with her large takeout box.
The male boss next door became even more smug, thinking that she was the one who had suffered a great blow.
The helper flattered him: "Brother, you're right. I reckon they'll either change the menu tomorrow or close down in a few days. It won't even last a month."
The man felt incredibly wise and capable, but then he felt a little disappointed when he realized that if the door were really closed, he wouldn't be able to see the beautiful woman again.
But in reality, the family members thoroughly enjoyed the sauerkraut fish made by Sister-in-law Song, eating with great relish and gusto.
"I'm going to do a live stream tomorrow at noon!" Qin Yue shouted.
When she heard that the meal was being prepared by Chef Song, she immediately forgot about the barbecue. Barbecue was fine anywhere, but Chef Song's food was something she could only enjoy a limited number of times. Sigh, why didn't she live in Qinghe City?
Lu Xiaoqi's eyes lit up: "Live streaming is great! Welcome, welcome!"
Qin Yue doesn't do live streams for every store, because videos can be edited but live streams can't. So she doesn't usually do live streams; she only does them when she's very satisfied with the food or when she's extremely dissatisfied.
Lu Xiaoqi raised her hands and feet in welcome.
The next morning, as soon as Xu Chen arrived at the company, he excitedly made plans to have lunch with his dining buddy: "Trust me, that place is absolutely delicious. Although it's a bit more expensive than fast food, it's definitely worth it."
Some colleagues readily agreed, while others shook their heads upon hearing the price: "I know those small restaurants; they're run-down and shabby. Selling at such high prices is just ripping people off."
Xu Chen: "That's ancient history. This one is a master chef, someone who has definitely worked in high-end restaurants."
My colleague was still skeptical: "Would a head chef open such a run-down little shop there?"
Xu Chen slammed his hand on the table: "Just tell me if you're going or not!"
“I’ll go.” My colleague immediately stopped talking and nodded. “Since you’re all going, of course I have to join in the fun. But, Da Chenzi, it’s a promise, if the food isn’t good, you have to treat me to dinner tonight. I don’t have high expectations, just some oil-splashed noodles will do.”
My colleague is from Northwest China and loves oil-splashed noodles. He doesn't really like the bland food from the South.
Xu Chen: "No problem."
As a top salesperson, he refused to believe he couldn't sell this Amway product today.
As soon as lunchtime arrived, the three of them headed straight to Song's Fish Restaurant, where they happened to run into Qin Yue, who was live-streaming, at the restaurant entrance.
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