Chapter 111 Secret Weapon
The recruitment lasted two days in total.
There were still a lot of people signing up the next day, but fewer than the first day.
Perhaps people already knew the scope of their recruitment this time. Those who lived far away or felt that they had no chance did not come again.
But even so, Shi Xiaoai and her team received more than two hundred valid registration forms.
The so-called valid registration form excludes those candidates who cannot even fill out the form or who are unsuitable for various reasons.
From these people, Shi Xiaoai selected a total of fifty candidate employees and notified them to come for training in three days. After the training, a second selection will be conducted, and only those who are qualified can take up their posts.
There is a one-month probation period after taking up the post, and only those who pass the probation will be officially recruited as employees of the snack shop.
No one had expected such a strict assessment system, including the fifty people who passed the preliminary selection, who hesitated when they heard these requirements.
After all, at least two months have passed here and there. If they pass the assessment after two months, it would be fine. If they fail, wouldn’t their two months have been wasted?
Those who passed the test were struggling at this time, while those who failed couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief, and even cast sympathetic glances towards those who passed.
They thought that if the tea stall was so strict in recruiting people, then if they didn't pass, then they didn't pass. There was no regret, and at least they didn't have to worry about it.
In two months, you can earn a lot of money doing odd jobs anywhere! It's better than coming up empty-handed in the future.
At this moment, Shi Xiaoai announced the benefits that the tea stall could provide to potential employees:
The training period is about one month, and the specific length depends on the construction status of Courtyard No. 1. In short, those who pass the initial test before the courtyard is completed must focus on training.
There is no salary during the training period, but the tea stall will provide lunch for all trainees; during this period, trainees will also be provided with internship opportunities, and interns will be provided with daily wages according to the participation time.
Daily wages are settled on the same day.
After taking up the post, the salary will be paid as normal during the probation period, and a performance bonus will be set up. The performance bonus is linked to sales, and the more you work, the more you earn.
In addition, the snack shop will provide free meals for employees on duty, and employees are required to eat before going to work.
When Xiao Ai asked Wang Xiaofeng to read out these terms one by one, it immediately caused a sensation on the scene.
The fifty people who were selected were so happy that they went crazy!
They couldn't believe their ears at all and felt like they were dreaming.
Those who were not selected were so envious that their eyes were about to turn red!
This treatment is really great!
It’s so good that no one has ever heard of it!
Not to mention that he was just a temporary worker in a small restaurant affiliated with an office, even a large state-owned factory or a formal hotel would never provide such treatment to its subordinate employees!
Everyone became excited and gathered around to ask for specific details.
Xiao Ai was prepared for this situation this time. She flexibly avoided the crowd's blockade, left Wang Xiaofeng to deal with it, and left first.
Today, Wang Xiaofeng's aura looked very different from yesterday.
With a serious face and a straight back, he no longer had the nervousness and timidity of yesterday, and already looked like a capable supervisor.
The reason why she had such a big change was naturally because she went through Shi Xiaoai's "re-education" after returning home last night.
Shi Xiaoai called her and Cheng Lin together for a talk yesterday.
She first expressed her attitude to the two people, that is, no matter how many employees she recruited, in her heart, they were still the most trustworthy.
So she had to give them more burdens.
Shi Xiaoai explained it very clearly to both of them. She said to Cheng Lin, "Xiaolin, I won't say anything to you. Just do your job well."
Cheng Lin chuckled twice and nodded, "Sister-in-law, I'll listen to you."
After spending some time together, Shi Xiaoai had already treated Cheng Lin and Cheng Kai as her own brothers.
Although Cheng Lin is still young and his future path is not yet determined, Shi Xiaoai doesn't even know how long he can work for her?
But she was willing to give Cheng Lin some trust. As long as he did it for one day, she would provide opportunities and care for the child.
She continued, "We're still short on staff, so I can't break down the specific tasks yet. I can only give you a rough breakdown. From now on, Cheng Lin, you'll be responsible for all the work inside and outside the store. Besides purchasing, you'll also be responsible for sales at temporary stalls like those at the school gate and the bus station."
Cheng Lin is used to doing these jobs now, so he naturally has no objections.
After listening, he simply asked: "Sister-in-law, I can't handle all this work by myself. Do you want to give me some assistants?"
"An assistant will definitely be assigned. Don't worry about the personnel; I'll take care of it. Just keep an eye on it. Of course, you'll be responsible for how the person assigned to you teaches you."
Hearing her say this, Cheng Lin felt relieved and agreed immediately.
After talking to him, Shi Xiaoai looked at Wang Xiaofeng.
She didn't speak immediately, but reached out and patted Xiaofeng on the back.
She slapped Wang Xiaofeng so hard twice that she startled her and her back straightened instantly.
Shi Xiaoai finally nodded in satisfaction and said, "Yes, that's it. Show your authority! How can you be so hunched over like a boss?"
Wang Xiaofeng, who was feeling uneasy after being patted by her, slumped down again after hearing this. She waved her hands at her and begged for mercy: "Sister, please forgive me. I can't do this. I can't be a supervisor. I can only work."
When Xiao Ai heard this, her face immediately became stern.
She stared into Wang Xiaofeng's eyes and asked, "Tell me what's wrong with you?"
Wang Xiaofeng had never been stared at like this by Shi Xiaoai before, and she began to feel uneasy.
She swallowed, then tentatively asked, "Sister, can I be in charge of the kitchen from now on? I promise to do a good job and not let anyone cause trouble for us because of food problems."
Shi Xiaoai glanced at her and said in a cold tone, "Don't even think about it. I'm going to outsource the kitchen and find a professional team of chefs to do it.
You either take charge of the front office, or I'll find someone else and you can do the odd jobs. Washing dishes, cleaning, and all that can be left to you. I remember you're pretty good at washing teacups."
Wang Xiaofeng's face turned red all of a sudden.
She bit her lip, as if she wanted to say something but couldn't.
Soon, tears began to well up in her eyes.
Seeing her like this, Cheng Lin couldn't bear it anymore. He secretly tugged at the corner of Shi Xiaoai's clothes and shouted, "Sister-in-law!"
Shi Xiaoai ignored him and looked at Wang Xiaofeng calmly: "Which one do you choose?"
Wang Xiaofeng's tears suddenly fell. She began to wipe them with her hands, but the more she wiped, the more tears came. Finally, she couldn't help sobbing softly.
Seeing her like this, Shi Xiaoai really had a terrible headache.
She winked at Cheng Lin, and Cheng Lin immediately ran out to get a towel.
Seeing that no one was in the room, Shi Xiaoai poked Wang Xiaofeng on the forehead and asked, "What are you thinking? Tell me the truth!"
Wang Xiaofeng sobbed for a long time before finally calming down and stammering, "That's right, I just feel like I can't control them."
"I can't control them?" Shi Xiaoai frowned: "Who are they?"
Only then did Wang Xiaofeng tell her about her concerns.
Her concerns were actually related to the jurisdictional restrictions for this recruitment.
This recruitment required people from the office's jurisdiction. Even if those recruited later were not from the office's jurisdiction, they lived very close to my home.
This is not a problem for Shi Xiaoai, but it is a big problem for Wang Xiaofeng.
Because she knew many of the people who came to register, and even if she didn't know some of them, she had had intersections with them for various reasons.
Either they are classmates or childhood friends of her brothers and sisters, or they used to go to the same school or even stayed in the same educated youth camp as her, and are her seniors and predecessors.
And because Shi Xiaoai's upper limit for recruitment this time is 35 years old, she also intends to give priority to providing jobs to those who are older and can't find jobs, so most of the people who passed the initial test are much older than the three of them.
Some of them are even more than ten years older than Wang Xiaofeng.
These people were the ones she chased after and called brothers and sisters when she was a child. Some of them bullied her when she was a child, or held her in their arms and played with her like a little doll.
During the interviews these two days, Wang Xiaofeng felt a little embarrassed when she saw those people.
She felt dizzy at the thought of working with them in the future, let alone managing them as a leader.
She didn't even dare to think about it.
After listening to her story, Shi Xiaoai was speechless for a while, and then she couldn't help but have a headache.
Although she felt that Wang Xiaofeng's thoughts were unnecessary, Shi Xiaoai could also understand her anxiety and embarrassment.
Shi Xiaoai knew that neither criticism nor education would be of much use at this time. The reason why this girl had such thoughts was indeed caused by the environment, but the bigger reason was her lack of self-confidence.
She thought for a moment and asked, "Xiao Feng, besides age and experience, do you think you are inferior to others in any other way?"
Wang Xiaofeng answered firmly: "No!"
Shi Xiaoai nodded approvingly. "I think so too. I remember you once told me that when you went to the countryside, you were awarded the March 8th Red Flag Bearer Award. Only three people in the entire township have received this honor. You also said that when it comes to farm work, you're no worse than anyone else, including those who were born and raised in the village."
When Wang Xiaofeng heard that she remembered even what she said casually so clearly, her eyes lit up.
She smiled shyly and said, "Sister, do you still remember? That was all in the past."
Shi Xiaoai retorted, "How could this ever pass? These are your assets, your glory. They fully demonstrate your strength. Anyway, I was deeply shocked after hearing this and I admire you so much."
"And, Xiaofeng, we've been working together for a long time. You've been helping out since the tea stall opened. Without your help, I wouldn't have been able to sustain it, let alone make it a success. Your abilities are proven."
Wang Xiaofeng's face was filled with more shyness. She whispered, "That's not the case. There was also my brother-in-law. He did a lot of things back then."
"But I still can't leave you!"
Shi Xiaoai smiled and continued to ask: "Xiaofeng, do you believe in my judgment?"
Wang Xiaofeng nodded.
"Then trust me again!" Shi Xiaoai patted her shoulder heavily: "I think you can do it. I believe you can definitely pull this off. Can you trust me again?"
…
With Shi Xiaoai's encouragement, and after Aunt Liu and Uncle Wang talked her over when she got home in the evening, even though Wang Xiaofeng still acted a little stiff today, she was finally able to face the problem independently.
Shi Xiaoai confidently handed over all the tasks to her.
It's not that she is careless and not worried at all, it's just that - there is nothing to worry about.
There is still a long time before the snack shop opens, so she can give Xiaofeng and Cheng Lin enough space to grow.
Experience is cultivated, and you will know everything after going through it a few times.
There was another reason why Shi Xiaoai was in a hurry to leave, that was that she had an appointment with Master Liu and Guo An to have dinner together today.
Because it was agreed that this time they would come to taste new products, Shi Xiaoai did not cook many dishes, but instead cut some of the braised meat dishes that she usually sold.
In addition, she has also prepared a "secret weapon", which will be barbecue, the main dish to be promoted after the new store opens.
Shi Xiaoai remembers that barbecue became popular overnight across the country after the skit "Grilled Lamb Skewers" was broadcast on the 1986 Spring Festival Gala.
And now in 1980, this is still a niche food that is not well known to the public.
The charm of barbecue can be felt by anyone who has come into contact with it. Shi Xiaoai thinks it can be used as the first shot for the opening of the new store.
The ingredients that Shi Xiaoai prepared today included pre-skewered pork, fresh mackerel and small octopus bought from Village Chief Lao in advance, and half a small basin of shrimp.
The ban on fishing at sea has been lifted at this time, and the price of sea fish is much cheaper than in winter.
Mabu fish, small octopus, and small shrimps are relatively common ingredients and are very cheap.
Live by the water, make the most of it. When Xiao Ai is at the beach, she naturally makes seafood barbecue her main dish.
"My barbecue grill hasn't been ordered yet. Uncle Liu, Guo An, you two can just try it. I want you to judge whether this kind of food will be popular. You are experts in this area."
Shi Xiaoai placed a small coal stove in the house, placed a makeshift iron plate on it, and started grilling pork skewers in front of the two people.
"Hey, Xiao Ai, you're becoming more and more modest now! I wouldn't dare call myself an expert in front of you. I've never even seen the thing you baked."
Guo An was obviously very interested in the barbecue. Anyway, there was no one else in the room except the three of them, so he simply didn't sit at the table. Instead, he moved a small stool and sat opposite Shi Xiaoai.
Staring at the sizzling skewers of meat, he swallowed hard.
Master Liu felt that his apprentice's stupid behavior was too much to bear. He didn't even bother to pay attention to Guo An. He took a skewer of pork, tore off a piece, and chewed it slowly.
While eating, he commented: "This kind of meat skewers has been around for more than ten years, but I've only seen it in ethnic restaurants. They usually grill lamb and beef skewers there, but they definitely don't serve pork skewers, and I've never seen it before."
Shi Xiaoai nodded after hearing this and said, "Uncle Liu, you sound like a seasoned foodie and know your stuff! I originally wanted to roast lamb too, but isn't lamb hard to buy here? And it's expensive too. I'm afraid most people won't be able to afford it after roasting it."
Master Liu smiled and said, "It depends on how you put it. If someone really loves it, as long as it's well-made and tastes good, they'll be willing to spend the money even if it's a bit more expensive."
He held up a half-eaten skewer of meat in his hand and gave an example, "This is definitely not something we ordinary people can eat often. Just a skewer like this, not to mention lamb, even pork, if you sell it for less than ten cents a skewer, you won't make any profit. But how many pieces of meat can be strung on this skewer? If you really want to eat it all, how can one skewer be enough?"
He shook his head: "This is not something that ordinary people like us can eat often."
After hearing this, Guo An became worried: "Master, do you think Xiao Ai can't do this?"
Master Liu did not answer immediately.
He took another bite of the barbecue, then continued slowly, "I didn't say that. There's always someone who can afford it."
Let's not talk about places far away, just take our Yunfeng Pavilion as an example. The best-selling dishes every day are always the same few specialties. Squirrel fish, pan-fried sea cucumber, which one can ordinary people afford? But they sell out every day!
"So," Master Liu looked at Shi Xiaoai, "If you want to do something, do it that others don't have. Do it well and become the best. Then you can really stand on your own feet."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
