Chapter 81 Blackrock City Branch Trial Operation Lin Yue looked at him, her heart…
Lin Yue looked at him, his mind already racing with calculations. He didn't answer immediately, but instead invited Kaven into the small, dimly lit room of the inn. Gray and Amu stood on either side of the door, like two silent guardian deities, saying and doing nothing, yet the atmosphere in the room seemed to drop several degrees.
“Mr. Carwin, please have a seat.” Lin Yue pointed to the only relatively clean wooden stool in the room and got straight to the point, “Before we talk business, let’s get to know each other. My name is Lin Yue, a… um… small businessman from the East.”
"So it's Mr. Lin Yue, my apologies for not recognizing you."
"Go ahead, what kind of business do you want to discuss?" Lin Yue smiled and gestured for him to continue.
Carwin took a deep breath and, without beating around the bush, frankly revealed his situation: "To be honest, I used to be the biggest salt merchant in Blackrock City. But just half a year ago, a force called the Iron Anchor Merchant Guild suddenly rose to power. They had powerful figures in the city guard backing them up, and they used extremely domineering methods to almost cut off the livelihoods of all the small salt merchants in the city. My caravan was suppressed, my goods were looted, and in the end, I lost everything and almost went bankrupt."
He raised his head, his bloodshot eyes burning with fire: "Today at the tavern, I had the privilege of witnessing you add seasoning to your companion's soup. Although you were quick, I still saw the powder as white and delicate as snowflakes. And with my decades of experience dealing with salt, I can assure you that the aroma that wafted out at that moment was not only purely salty and savory, but also mixed with a refreshing and invigorating spice scent that I had never smelled before. Its quality far surpasses the inferior coarse salt sold by the Iron Anchor Merchant Guild, which is mixed with sand and bitter slag."
“If I may be so bold as to ask,” Carvin’s voice trembled slightly with excitement, “Mr. Lin Yue, do you have any more of this snow salt and spices? If you’re willing to sell, I’m willing to buy any quantity at 50% above market price. Or… if you trust me, let me help you sell these treasures in Blackrock City. I guarantee I can open up the market for you here!”
Lin Yue listened quietly without speaking, only tapping the table lightly with his fingers. He chuckled inwardly, "Goodness, this guy's nose is even sharper than Xiao Fen's, is he a dog?"
He looked at the businessman before him, whose eyes were filled with resentment and longing, and slowly shook his head.
“Mr. Carwin, to be honest, we didn’t bring much snow salt and spices with us this time; it’s mainly for our own use.” He saw a hint of disappointment flash in Carwin’s eyes, then changed the subject, “However, business isn’t out of the question. I’m very interested in opening a shop in Blackrock City that is our… um… We Hope Trading Company’s own.”
He gave a friendly smile: "To be honest, I do have some special connections that allow me to get these good things that others can't. But the friends who supply me are a bit eccentric; they don't like me selling their treasures everywhere. If I could have my own shop here, with my own signboard, and legitimately sell these good things little by little, that would be a good option. If we have a good working relationship in the future, I might even consider introducing you to some of my capable friends, so you can talk to them about bigger business opportunities."
Lin Yue's words were a mix of truth and falsehood. His friends were naturally himself and the hardworking people of Hope Town. But to Carvin, it sounded like this might involve a hidden, powerful force with exclusive resources, such as a reclusive family of alchemists. This filled him with both awe and excitement.
After hearing this, Carwin's eyes lit up at first, but then he gave a very awkward, bitter smile.
He shook his head, sighed, and said, "Mr. Lin Yue, your idea is good. But opening a new store in Blackrock City is difficult."
He held up two fingers and began to give Lin Yue, this outsider, his first lesson in surviving in Blackstone City:
“First of all, it’s the location. As you can see, all the decent places in this city have been snapped up by those big shots and the Iron Anchor Merchant Guild. Even though most of them are closed now, they’re hardly going to be rented out.”
“Secondly, there’s the permit.” He lowered his voice. “To open a shop here, you have to register with the city garrison and get a business license. If you don’t have connections, you’ll be skinned alive just for bribing them. What’s more, the Iron Anchor Merchant Guild is in cahoots with the city garrison. If they knew you wanted to sell salt, you probably wouldn’t even be able to get through the city garrison gate.”
Carwin's words, each one a genuine difficulty, instantly calmed Lin Yue's somewhat inflated ego.
Seeing Lin Yue deep in thought, Kaven knew his chance to demonstrate his value had arrived.
He straightened his chest, and although his clothes were worn, his eyes regained the confidence of a seasoned businessman: "Mr. Lin Yue, these difficulties are indeed insurmountable mountains for an outsider like you. But for me, Carwin," he smiled, "they are not entirely insurmountable."
“I do know a place for a shop,” he began to offer his bait. “It’s a shop left to me by an old friend of mine. He failed in business and gave it to me as collateral. The location… isn’t the best, but it’s at a three-way intersection with decent foot traffic. Most importantly, I have the deed, so it’s clean.”
"As for the permit..." A glint of shrewdness flashed in Carvin's eyes. "I've been running my business in Blackrock City for half my life. Although I'm down on my luck now, I still have a few friends in the city, from the captain of the guards to the street thugs. They still care about old times, or rather... they only care about money. As long as there are enough benefits, it's not impossible for them to turn a blind eye to us or even help us deal with some minor troubles."
He looked at Lin Yue and finally revealed his true purpose: "Mr. Lin Yue, I've laid all my cards on the table. What I need now is an opportunity, a chance for me to take back what I've lost. You have a unique source of goods and the potential to change everything, while I have the experience and connections to survive in this city. Our cooperation is the best option for you to gain a foothold in Blackrock City."
Carwin knew he had no other choice. Rather than being slowly worn down by the Anchor Merchant Guild, he might as well take a big gamble with this mysterious young man.
After listening, Lin Yue's opinion of the down-on-his-luck businessman rose even higher. This was no ordinary stray dog; he was clearly a cunning old fox who had been lying in wait for a long time, ready to seize any opportunity to make a comeback.
“Alright.” Lin Yue stood up and extended his hand to Carwin. “Mr. Carwin, you’ve convinced me. Take me to see your shop. If what you say is true, then we hope that the trading company’s first foothold in Blackrock City will start there.”
This was a gamble fraught with risk. Kavin was betting that Lin Yue's backing was real, while Lin Yue was betting that Kavin, this local bigwig, could really handle those deep-rooted troubles.
"Of course, I hope our cooperation goes smoothly."
Led by Kaven, Lin Yue and his group arrived at a dilapidated shop located at the intersection of the three districts.
The shop's location was indeed ingenious. It sat at a three-way intersection, with the left leading to the stinking slums, the right to the artisan street bustling with craftsmen, and directly opposite the main road leading to the cheap taverns and casinos frequented by mercenaries. All sorts of people converged here.
The shop itself is a spacious two-story stone and wood structure that looks quite old. The first floor is a huge hall, about a hundred square meters, divided into several areas by several thick stone pillars, large enough to accommodate a retail area, a public dining area, and several semi-open booths at the same time.
The second floor has been divided into seven or eight rooms of varying sizes, which can serve as future accommodations. The backyard also has a separate courtyard and several small huts, which can be converted into a kitchen, storage room, and staff dormitory, perfectly separating the work area from the living area.
"This will be the Blackstone City branch of our Hope Town No. 1 store from now on." Lin Yue looked at the shop covered in cobwebs and dust, rolled up his sleeves, and prepared to get to work.
Instead of rushing to open for business, he first used a few copper coins to hire a few seemingly clever teenagers who were wandering around the neighborhood.
“Go,” Lin Yue handed each of them a hot, fragrant potato pancake. “Take this and go to the busiest place in town and shout, ‘The old earthenware pot general store at the three-way intersection that went out of business will reopen in three days. They have the best soup in town, and one copper coin is all you can eat.’ The child who shouts the loudest and spreads the word the most can come back to me for another pancake.”
The children's eyes lit up as they received the fragrant pancakes, and they scattered immediately, their clear shouts filling the streets and alleys.
Then Lin Yue began his major renovation project.
The two young men who came with him this time were named Shi Tou, who was steady, reliable, and strong; and Fei Ye, who was quick-witted and agile. Lin Yue divided them into two groups, along with Amu and Gray, and they began the enthusiastic renovation work.
Lin Yue, Gray, and Shi Tou were in charge of the hard furnishings on the first floor. They purchased yellow mud and sand from the source provided by Kaven, and personally scraped off a layer of the blackened walls and re-coated them smooth. They also bought planks to repair the damaged floors, and then repeatedly scrubbed them with stiff brushes and clean water until the original color of the wood was revealed.
Aunt Leah and Mia, along with two other girls, Sparrow and Bell, took charge of the interior decoration and kitchen preparations. They cut the dyed linen they brought from Hope Town into beautiful tablecloths and curtains, instantly transforming the dimly lit hall into a warm and bright space.
The kitchen was also spotless, with iron pots, earthenware jars, and ceramic tableware brought from Hope Town neatly arranged. They also went to the market to buy the freshest wild vegetables and some local animal bones for making soup.
The entire renovation process lasted three days. When the shop reappeared, it was completely transformed. Its clean and refreshing style, so different from the dirty and chaotic surroundings, became a striking and living advertisement in itself.
Lin Yue knew that simply copying Hope Town's menu wouldn't work here. He had to launch a more impactful product to attract customers, tailored to Blackrock City's specific needs.
So, a huge menu board, taller than a person and made from a single thick wooden board, was placed in the most conspicuous position at the entrance of the shop. The words on the menu board were written with charred wood, large and clear, and most importantly, the price of each item was clearly marked in Arabic numerals taught by Lin Yuexin.
This is unique in the entire Blackrock City. For the poor who can't even afford to eat, this open and transparent pricing method avoids the embarrassment of walking into the store only to find that they can't afford it, and is itself a rare form of respect.
Even though they couldn't read, Lin Yue and Amu would take turns shouting at the door to spread the word, afraid that others wouldn't know. After a few days of word-of-mouth, everyone in the city knew that the soup with the stick-like symbol could be drunk as much as you wanted for just one copper coin.
The menu was carefully considered by Lin Yue.
Their signature dish is Hope Soup, made with wild vegetables and a small amount of animal bones sourced cheaply from nearby villagers. Each bowl contains a tiny pinch of "Hope Salt," a potent ingredient that can change everything. The soup is incredibly affordable; a large bowl costs just one copper coin, and during their one-month trial period, refills are free.
The core products are Hope Snow Salt and Starlight Wheat Flour, packaged in small ceramic jars. Although they are expensive, they are of excellent quality and are specifically targeted at discerning customers with purchasing power.
The fast food series is a special Blackrock City version of the stamina recovery bento lunch, with more ingredients, a richer meat sauce, and a slightly higher price than in Hope Town. It is specially designed for mercenaries and craftsmen who need to replenish a lot of stamina.
The premium reservations feature specially prepared smoked rabbit and spicy rabbit cubes sealed in small earthenware jars. Quantities are limited and reservations must be made one day in advance, catering specifically to discerning nobles and wealthy merchants.
Three days later, Hope Trading Company's first branch officially began its trial operation.
"Don't miss out! Hope's Soup, just one copper coin! You won't regret it, you won't be cheated! Grand opening special, free refills!" Lin Yue stood at the door, shouting like a swindler going from street to street.
The incredibly low price and the slightly salty and savory aroma wafting from the pot instantly attracted the attention of all the poor and homeless people in the vicinity.
What is a trial operation?
Is it true that refills are free?
"The trial operation is a trial run before the official opening. We will continuously adjust based on customer needs and feedback, and officially open when everything is fully prepared. Moreover, this delicious and affordable bone broth really only costs one copper coin, and refills are free." Mia patiently explained to everyone using the words Lin Yue had trained her to say in advance.
A ragged beggar hesitated for a long time before finally pulling out his only copper coin, worn down to its indistinguishable pattern, from his pocket and handing it over with trembling hands in exchange for a bowl of steaming soup of hope.
He took a small sip carefully.
The next second, his numb and lifeless eyes suddenly widened.
A pure and mellow salty flavor blossomed on his tongue, a taste he had long forgotten. It wasn't the coarse salt he was familiar with, with its bitterness and gritty taste, but rather... a clean and warm flavor that could awaken the soul.
"So...so delicious!" He was so excited that tears welled up in his eyes. He picked up the bowl and drank the whole bowl of soup in a few gulps. Then, with trembling hands, he handed the bowl over and asked, "Could...could I have another bowl?"
"Enough is enough!" Lin Yue smiled and ladled him another full bowl.
His reaction immediately attracted the attention of the other onlookers.
"Is it really that delicious?"
"One copper coin for unlimited refills? It's worth a try!"
More and more people flocked in, and a long queue instantly formed in front of the shop.
The popularity of Hope's Soup has made the branch extremely busy from the first day of its opening. This booming business has naturally attracted the attention of local forces.
On the afternoon of the second day after opening, a few shady-looking thugs with curved knives at their waists swaggered into the shop.
The leader was a burly man with a scar on his face. He kicked over the signboard at the entrance and roared viciously, "Who's in charge here? Don't you know the rules of the city? Did you even greet me, Scarface, before opening your shop on this street?"
Most of the customers in the shop were too frightened to speak, and some even wanted to get up and leave.
Gray and Amu immediately stepped forward to protect Lin Yue behind them, and the atmosphere instantly froze as the two sides drew their swords.
Before Scarface could react, his two henchmen tried to rush up and overturn the table, but Amu grabbed them by the back of their collars, lifted them up like chicks, and threw them into the street without any effort, where they fell and were completely disoriented.
Lin Yue showed no sign of panic. He pushed Gray aside, a kind smile on his face, and took out a small bag of copper coins from his pocket, about thirty or forty in total, and handed them over.
"Brother, this is a small business, and I'm new here. I don't know the rules, so please bear with me."
Scarface watched as his two henchmen were easily taken down, then looked at the smiling young man before him, and his heart began to pound. He weighed the money pouch in his hand, a hint of disdain on his face, but his confidence had waned: "Is this all? Trying to fob off a homeless man?"
Lin Yue continued smiling, and personally ladled a bowl of piping hot soup of hope from the pot, handing it to the scarred leader.
"Brother, the money is a bit little, but the soup is hot. You and your brothers have worked hard, have a bowl of soup first to warm yourselves up."
Scarface was stunned for a moment. He hadn't expected the other party to not only give him money but also offer him soup. He glanced suspiciously at the bowl of soup, then at Lin Yue's harmless smile, but ultimately couldn't resist and picked up the bowl to take a sip.
"How is it? The taste is alright, right?" Lin Yue said with a smile. "Brother, we just want to run a small business peacefully and make a living. From now on, we will prepare this gift for you every month. Of course, if you and your brothers are thirsty or hungry, you can come to the shop for a bowl of hot soup anytime, it's on me."
His words were a combination of soft and hard tactics, offering both money and food, thus saving face for the other party.
Scarface stared at the clear soup in the bowl, then glanced at Gray behind Lin Yue, his eyes cold and his hand still resting on the spear shaft. A fine layer of cold sweat beaded on his forehead. He'd probably picked the wrong group today. These guys not only had good stuff, but they were also incredibly tough.
He hesitated for a long time, but finally drank the soup in the bowl in one gulp, then slammed the bowl down on the table and said in a muffled voice, "...You're smart enough to know what's good for you. From now on, if you get into any trouble on this street, just say my name is Scarface!"
After saying that, he swaggered away with his men.
Although spending money can avert disaster, at least the immediate crisis has been temporarily resolved.
The successful trial operation of the branch allowed Lin Yue to initially establish a foothold in this chaotic city.
After witnessing Lin Yue settle things with a bowl of soup and a few dozen copper coins, Carwin was deeply impressed by the young businessman's methods and abilities, and his confidence in cooperating with him increased greatly.
Meanwhile, the young man who had been keeping a close eye on the city's developments from deep within the city lord's mansion also heard from his subordinates about the mysterious shop that had suddenly appeared, selling magical salt and delicious fast food.
“Hope Trading Company… Store No. 1… is quite interesting…” He toyed with the silver ring in his hand, a smile of interest curling at the corner of his mouth. “It seems it’s time to go and meet them in person.”
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