As Cheng Yue expected, these servants and maids, who thought they were a gift, were planning to get rid of them on the way, since their master wouldn't know anyway.
But to my surprise, Cheng Yue was so thoughtful that she even prepared a portion for them. I immediately felt that she was a really nice person.
Since I had something to eat myself, I gave up the idea of eating all the freebies.
So they presented the pastries carefully and relayed Cheng Yue's words to their master verbatim.
What Cheng Yue didn't know was that not long after the servants returned to the manor, she received many orders.
Because it's so delicious! And there aren't enough freebies, not enough to eat!
The maids and servants were all eager to get started, waiting to rush to Cheng's shop and grab the braised food as soon as it went on sale. Their master had promised an extra hundred coins as a reward if they did a good job.
The masters may not know, but they do: everyone gets a share of these complimentary pastries.
People from several households throughout the county have received their orders, and there will definitely be many to order pastries tomorrow, so they'd better hurry!
...
Cheng Ji.
After the braised food sold out and the crowd dispersed, Cheng Yue and Chen An prepared to pack up their things.
The main task was to tidy up another part of the shop, the area where they would sell pastries.
When planning the shop's renovation, Cheng Yue had already decided to make pastries, so the place was already set up.
At that time, we also ordered some standard shelves, but they were just piled up on the side and not yet arranged.
There are two types of shelves: one square and the other a three-tiered design.
There are three square ones, each about one meter long and wide, placed in the middle of the shop. The tiered ones are placed against the wall. Since shop space is limited, this arrangement is the most reasonable.
It's a pity there's no glass; otherwise, it would be perfect.
Cheng Yue and Chen An quickly arranged the shelves and called Chen Tong and Chen Ning to wipe them clean with a rag.
Chen Ning worked meticulously, while Chen Tong, on the other hand, was fidgeting and clearly not paying attention.
Cheng Yue poked Chen Tong's forehead, "What are you thinking about? You look so listless."
Chen Tong rubbed his head, finally coming to his senses, and said anxiously, "Mom, they all think these pastries are too expensive. Will business be good...?"
They had seen everyone's reactions. Although an old man and a few others thought the price was reasonable, most people thought it was too expensive.
Although she also felt it was a little expensive, when she thought about how her mother would add sugar and oil handful by handful when making pastries, it suddenly didn't seem so expensive anymore.
But it's no use just because she thinks that way; others don't know how high-quality their ingredients are.
When Chen Tong said that, Chen Ning blinked and said, "Yes, what can we do if everyone thinks it's too expensive?"
This is Chen Lin busy in the backyard. If he were here, he would probably have the same expression.
Cheng Yue found it amusing, but it was normal for the child to be worried, so she patiently asked, "Do you think our braised food is expensive? Are the drinks at Aunt Liang's expensive?"
Chen Tong and Chen Ning frowned, pretending to think, "It must be expensive, because many people can't afford it."
Cheng Yue chimed in, "Yes, people who can't afford it will naturally think it's expensive, but people who can afford it will definitely be willing to spend the money."
Each item has a different price and is targeted at a different group of people.
Braised food isn't affordable for everyone, and the same goes for pastries. In business, we should focus on one type of customer; not everyone can become our customer.
The two sisters suddenly realized, "We understand now. Some people say everything is expensive, while others say it's cheap. Those who don't mind the price will naturally be willing to spend the money!"
"Yes! And our pastries are really delicious, I'm sure a lot of people will like them!"
With their burdens lifted, the two sisters worked with incredible energy.
In no time, everything was packed up, and it was just the right time for lunch. Cheng Yue and the others had lunch before going home, planning to come back early the next morning.
The next day, as soon as the braised food window opened, a big, round, red-faced person appeared, startling Cheng Yue and the others with their loud voice.
"Mr. Cheng, my wife wants thirty gift boxes. How much is the deposit? I'll pay it now!"
In short, paying upfront is always the right thing to do!
After these words were spoken, the servants and maids behind them were in an uproar and began to shout.
"And our lady wants twenty gift boxes! The deposit will be paid immediately!"
"Our master wants fifty gift boxes!"
"..."
Their voices were louder and louder than the last, making Cheng Yue and the others feel excited. What a lot of money!
Cheng Yue raised her hand to indicate: "We have them all, everyone please don't rush. Those who want to order pastries, please come in from over there, and we will register you one by one."
As soon as these words were spoken, more than half of the people scattered in a flash, startling the customers who were buying braised food.
They tried the pastries, and they were indeed delicious, but unfortunately they couldn't afford to buy them. Luckily, they could still afford the braised dishes!
Cheng Yue and the others registered on the side. After registration, they were given zongzi as a gift. The zongzi were priced higher, with sweet ones costing ten coins each and savory ones costing fifteen coins each.
She originally planned to promote the zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) while someone ordered the pastries, since that was her target customer.
"We also sell zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) in the store, in three flavors. Take some home for your host family to try, and if they like them, you can place an order together."
By the way, the county magistrate also ordered braised food gift boxes. If any of you gentlemen and ladies are interested, you can order them as well.
These are for you to eat. Here, take them.
Why not use the title of county magistrate? After all, she wasn't just making things up.
"Thank you, Mr. Cheng. We will definitely pass on your message!"
The servants and maids, having gotten what they wanted, naturally spread the word when they returned to the mansion.
After the people who had ordered pastries left, Cheng Yue was about to take a count when she looked up and saw an acquaintance at the door.
"Ji San?"
It was none other than the servant that Madam Chen had initially called to help.
Normally, it's a young maid who comes out of the Chen residence to buy braised food, and Ji San has never been seen to come out. Presumably, she's needed, so he doesn't have to do errands.
It's been a long time since we last met. Ji San was surprised that Cheng Yue still remembered him, so he chuckled and cupped his hands in greeting:
"Hehe, I didn't expect Madam Cheng to still remember me. I came here to order pastries, zongzi, and braised dishes for you, Madam."
Every year, the master and mistress receive many gifts during the holidays, and ordering gift boxes is for reciprocating. In previous years, they had no choice, but now that Cheng Kee is here, they naturally want to support their own business.
Cheng Yue smiled and said, "Of course I remember. You helped me a lot back then."
Ji San is so meticulous in his work, how could I not remember?
"By the way, how much does Mrs. Chen want to order?"
Ji San said, "We need sixty boxes of each of the three kinds. Cheng Niangzi can decide the flavor of the pastries herself. For the braised dishes, we only need duck parts, and more sweet and spicy ones."
Cheng Yue thought to herself, "This Madam Chen really loves spicy food. It's one thing to want spicy food normally, but she also has to give New Year's gifts according to her own preferences. She's really rich and willful."
After Cheng Yue remembered it clearly, she gave Ji San some more zongzi (sticky rice dumplings). Ji San happily accepted them, said goodbye, and went home first.
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