Chapter 546 A Loss-Making Gift
On the eighth day of the lunar new year, Xinglong Restaurant in Yunhe County opened for business.
As firecrackers went off, a lion dance performance began, attracting a large crowd of passersby to watch.
"Xinglong Restaurant? That name sounds familiar, like I've heard it somewhere before."
"Xinglong Restaurant in Hefeng Town!"
"That restaurant has only been open for less than three months, how come it has already opened in Yunhe County!"
"Does this mean that opening a restaurant is very profitable?"
"Not every restaurant makes money. This restaurant here couldn't stay in business, so it had to be sold."
Amid the chatter, a man and a woman appeared at the restaurant entrance.
The man was in his thirties, slightly overweight, with kind eyes and a friendly demeanor; he seemed like an easy person to talk to.
The woman looked to be in her early twenties, with a graceful figure, delicate features, and a touch of sharpness.
Although their clothes weren't high-end, they were still mid-range and very form-fitting, highlighting their style.
Although people didn't recognize the two men, they could roughly guess that they were the two managers of Xinglong Restaurant.
Many people were shocked.
Wasn't this female shopkeeper supposed to be a countrywoman from the mountains? Why does she look like a noble lady from a wealthy family?
Before they could think it through, Manager Zhu at the door had already started speaking.
"I am Zhu Chengye, the owner of Xinglong Restaurant, and this is Wan Qiqi, the owner." Zhu Chengye pointed to Wan Qiqi and continued, "Today is the opening of Xinglong Restaurant in Yunhe County. I hope you will all come and support us, have a seat at the restaurant, and add to the lively atmosphere."
After she finished speaking, Wan Qiqi continued.
"To thank everyone for your patronage, Xinglong Restaurant is offering a 20% discount on all items today, and each table will receive a complimentary dim sum and drink at random. There's also another surprise waiting for you when you pay the bill!"
As Wan Qiqi finished speaking, she became quite playful, a bright smile spreading across her face. Paired with her peach-pink dress, she resembled a blooming peach blossom in the sunlight.
At the same time, another person came out of the restaurant.
He looked to be only twenty years old, yet his clothes were more magnificent than those of his two employers, and the jade hairpin in his hair shone brightly in the sun.
His arrival immediately stole the spotlight from the two owners.
However, he stopped beside Wan Qiqi and said, "I am also the owner of Xinglong Restaurant. You know the Feng family of Hefeng Town, right? I am the eldest son of the Feng family!"
Zhu Chengye frowned slightly upon hearing this.
Wan Qiqi looked at him helplessly.
Sensing Wan Qiqi's unfriendly expression, Feng Gan immediately said, "Today is the opening day, so I must give everyone the best. Therefore, I have decided that each table of guests dining at the restaurant today will receive a free pot of wine. Those who do not drink alcohol can exchange it for beverages and snacks."
At this point, Wan Qiqi tugged at Feng Gan's sleeve and whispered, "Young Master Feng, our wine isn't cheap. If you give it away like this, we'll lose money!"
"Well, it's the opening day, everyone's happy, so we're giving away freebies! What do you all think?" Feng Gan said, interacting with people outside the venue.
"Yes!" the people responded, their faces beaming with excitement.
"But I can't let myself suffer a loss!" Wan Qiqi seemed a little troubled.
"What's this? The opening has satisfied everyone, and business is good. Are we still worried about not making money in the future?" Feng Gan insisted, and shouted, "Hurry up and go in! Don't wait for the other two owners to return. Anyone who goes in now, I guarantee I'll give them a ride. If that's not enough, I'll pay for it myself!"
As soon as the words were spoken, the crowd surged in, and the Xinglong Restaurant hall quickly filled up.
Feng Gan wore a smug expression, turned his head to look at Wan Qiqi, and said, "Isn't my idea good? Don't I have a bit of a talent for doing business?"
Wan Qiqi rolled her eyes and said, "Trying to take shortcuts? Everyone will realize it soon enough."
"Now the place is full of guests, so the credit goes to me." Feng Gan curled his lip, clearly dissatisfied with Wan Qiqi's assessment.
Before Wan Qiqi could refute, Feng Gan saw the approaching young noblemen and immediately went to greet them.
"Brother Meng, Brother Lan, you've finally arrived! I've reserved the best private room on the second floor for you, guaranteed to suit your tastes..."
As they were talking, Feng Gan led the people inside.
Wan Qiqi and Zhu Chengye exchanged a glance, both looking somewhat helpless.
Although Feng Gan seemed unreliable, he was indeed dedicated to attracting business and even brought over many wealthy young men.
These were also things Wan Qiqi had hoped for.
"Brother Zhu, I'll leave the front to you. I'll have Gousheng keep an eye on Feng Gan. If there are any problems, just call me. I'll go help out in the back." Wan Qiqi said as she walked inside with Zhu Chengye.
"Okay, don't overwork yourself," Zhu Chengye instructed. Seeing the familiar figures, he didn't say much and quickly went over to greet the guests.
Wan Qiqi glanced at the situation in the hall and went to the backyard.
The restaurant was so large that the staff were extremely busy.
Delivering the dishes prepared in the kitchen to the second or third floor requires not only strength but also the ability to avoid being bumped into by passing guests.
Unlike the opening of restaurants in the town, Xinglong Restaurant kept a low profile and did not even hire a music troupe to perform.
The waiting guests didn't feel bored, because as soon as they sat down, the waiters brought them snacks and drinks, allowing them to enjoy them at their leisure.
In addition, a group of people were gathered in the open space on one side of the hall.
Later, people craned their necks, peering curiously inside, wanting to know what everyone was watching.
At that moment, a young man dressed in fine clothes walked over, accompanied by two attendants.
The young man didn't speak and stopped outside the crowd.
His attendant patted the onlookers on the shoulder and then produced a sign. The onlookers naturally made way for the young man to enter.
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