Chapter 59 Something's not right. I have reason to suspect...
Fu Yun watched the deputy commander of the Imperial Guards leave, feeling both amused and helpless: "Fine, since someone else has already done it for us, we don't need to issue it. Let's pack up and go home to rest!"
After saying that, he didn't even look at Su Mang's expression and leisurely stepped into the shop.
Su Mang had been handling all the shop-related matters, and Fu Yun had never actually been inside to see the shop before. Today was the first time she had entered the shop, and she was surprised to find that the shop was much larger than she had imagined. The shop was very well arranged, and it was almost identical to the floor plan she had drawn for the second phase of her business.
When we negotiated with the dealer, we made it clear that we do not have enough funds available at the moment, so we will not prepare for dine-in service for the time being, and will only operate on a retail model, allowing customers to take away their drinks.
When Su Mang was writing the business plan, she knew that the initial stage of the business was to rent shops according to the first-stage retail model. So why would she rent shops according to the second-stage model?
Could it be that the broker persuaded him to change his plans at the last minute when signing the lease agreement?
It's also possible that after visiting the site, she felt that the originally agreed-upon shop was too small, and after some consideration, she decided that it wasn't appropriate to use it as a shop, so she chose a larger shop instead.
She didn't mention it to him, probably because she hadn't thought of a way to explain it, or perhaps she just went along with it and let him think that this was already the smallest shop.
However, the shop has already been rented, so there's obviously no need to ask Su Mang this kind of question now.
When the management rights were handed over to her and Lu Zhisheng, it was out of trust. She wanted to rent a larger shop, so we let her have her way!
Trust those you employ, and don't employ those you don't trust. Since you've entrusted the shop to her, you should still give her the right to choose.
When Su Mang rented the shop, he probably contributed a lot of his own belongings in private, otherwise the rent he paid would definitely not have been enough.
Since she meant well, there's even less need to bring it up.
Of course, since she's so generous to me, I can't let her suffer a loss. I'll give her a bigger share of the profits next time.
With that in mind, Fu Yun decided to let bygones be bygones regarding the little incident involving renting the shop.
Fu Yun glanced back at Su Mang and saw that she was avoiding eye contact, clearly looking guilty.
Noticing Fu Jun's gaze, Su Mang quickly walked to the counter, turned her back to Fu Jun, and deliberately pretended to be tidying up.
Fu Yun chuckled and shook her head, then began to examine the shop's layout.
The first thing you see when you enter is the counter. Behind the counter is a row of display shelves, on which are placed some wooden carved decorative items, as well as a lot of whole pots of milk tea, cola and soda made from gourd wine pots. This kind of packaging is relatively expensive and is generally for wealthy families with good financial means to purchase.
For ordinary people, they can simply sell their products in sealed lotus leaf cups.
This is also the business model that Fu Yun planned to implement in the second phase. Now that the plan has been implemented ahead of schedule, the speed at which profits will be generated will be faster.
With drinks that are suitable for men, women, young and old, and can be purchased by ordinary people or wealthy families, it's impossible for them not to become bestsellers.
Moreover, sweetness is more popular with women, making it perfect for running a dessert shop in a matriarchal society.
A row of bar stools is placed in front of the counter, where customers can sit and choose their drinks. There is also some space behind the bar stools for customers to wait in line.
The common area against the wall on the side of the counter is simply furnished with three or four small square tables and wooden chairs.
You can either take it away or dine in. You can imagine that customers who want to sit down and rest for a while will find it quite pleasant to drink milk tea and relax at the same time.
Once the shop officially opens, some desserts or pastries can be added for customers to enjoy with their tea, much like a modern afternoon tea.
The layout diagram he gave Su Mang and Lu Zhisheng at the time was that the second stage was similar to a modern coffee shop, except that the decoration style was different, exuding a classical and elegant charm.
To our delight, the arrangement according to the diagram looks quite good. The combination of traditional charm and French minimalist style makes it look simple and elegant without losing its noble elegance, which is very pleasing to the eye. If I had to describe it specifically, I would call it an open-air tea bar!
[Mr. Fu, when do you plan to officially open for business?]
Xiao Ba clearly sensed that the host was in a good mood and couldn't help but ask curiously.
Fu Yun: "Let's wait until after Lu Zhisheng's father's funeral!"
When is his father's funeral?
Fu Yun: "His mother has set the date for tomorrow. Could you check the almanac for me and tell me which day after tomorrow would be suitable for opening the business?"
August 26th is an auspicious day for opening.
Fu Yun: "Today is August 24th, and the day after tomorrow is an auspicious day?"
That's right, strike while the iron is hot! The Mid-Autumn Festival was over ten days ago, and winter is just ten days away. It's time to prepare your first milk tea of the winter!
Fu Yun couldn't help but chuckle: "Oh! You even know about the milk tea meme?"
Of course, internet memes are no problem for me.
"Young master, would you like to make some changes to the shop's layout?"
Perhaps because Fu Yun had been silent for too long, Su Mang felt uneasy and mustered up her courage to ask a question.
Fu Yun waved her hand: "No need to make changes, the arrangement is quite good."
He paused for a moment, then added, "You've had a tough time these past few days."
Su Mang paused for a moment, then fell silent, a hint of struggle and confusion in her eyes.
Fu Jun asked, "What's wrong?"
Su Mang looked guilty: "Young master, you figured it out, didn't you? Why didn't you ask me?"
Fu Jun said dismissively, "It's not a big deal. Since you prefer a larger one, then just choose a bigger one."
Su Mang's eyes widened: "But I made the decision without your permission, aren't you upset with me?"
Fu Yun countered, "You meant well, why should I blame you?"
Su Mang's eyes welled up with tears: "I've been very anxious these past two days, afraid that you would blame me for being nosy and not knowing how to save money, causing you unnecessary trouble."
Fu Jun smiled and said, "It's not a problem at all. It just means that the production of beverages will be a little less for a period of time."
Before Su Mang could respond, he joked, "If we're talking about trouble, you're the one in more trouble, since it's your life savings that's being taken out."
Su Mang lowered her head in embarrassment: "How did you know about this?"
"I know exactly how much silver I gave you." He glanced around the shop. "How could the rent I gave you possibly cover such a large shop?"
He sighed, his tone becoming more serious: "This is just the beginning, and I was able to notice it immediately. But as the amount of money handled increases, I won't be able to detect it in time without checking the accounts. Doing business isn't something you can do overnight, and it's not a gamble like putting your life savings on the line. Your money is the result of your hard work over the years, and it's the only guarantee you have left for yourself. Don't secretly put money on the line like this next time, or I'll really get angry."
Seeing that Fu Yun was speaking so seriously and earnestly, clearly not just admonishing but also warning, Su Mang quickly replied, "I understand, I will never make a decision on my own next time."
Fu Jun nodded. Since she brought it up herself, some things needed to be clarified. After all, win-win cooperation, mutual understanding, and concerted efforts among team members were more important.
Su Mang now understands the importance of this matter, so we can let it go.
"Let's go! Let's go back."
Upon hearing this, Su Mang stepped out from behind the counter: "Young master, please wait here for a moment while I go find a carriage."
Fu Jun nodded in agreement.
Su Mang's residence was too far from the bustling city center; if she didn't rent a carriage, she probably wouldn't get back until eight or nine o'clock at night.
Fu Yun closed the doors and windows, locked the shop door, and stood at the shop entrance waiting for Su Mang.
He wasn't sure if it was just his imagination, but he had a vague feeling that a gaze was fixed on him, as if someone was watching him from the shadows.
Fu Jun's eyes darkened, and he sharply scanned the surroundings. Apart from the people walking back and forth on the street, he did not see any suspicious people in the corner.
Could it be that bandit leader Mu Xin again? Did she disguise herself and blend into the crowd?
Fu Yun stared intently at the flow of people on the street, carefully observing their behavior, looking for any pedestrians who pretended to pause briefly before continuing on their way as if nothing had happened.
After observing for a while, no abnormalities were found.
He is still disguised, and apart from those who know him well, few people should be able to recognize his true identity.
Fu Jun shook his head inwardly, feeling that he was overthinking things and that no one was secretly watching him.
It's probably because he's been in dangerous situations repeatedly that he's become overly sensitive.
Not long after, a carriage appeared at the intersection ahead, with Su Mang and the coachman sitting at the front of the carriage.
The carriage stopped in front of Fu Yun, and Su Mang beckoned Fu Yun to step into the carriage.
Fu Yun stepped into the carriage, and before lowering the curtain, he glanced around again, but still couldn't find anything unusual.
Su Mang noticed Fu Jun's gaze and asked in surprise, "Young master, are you looking for someone?"
Fu Yun shook her head to indicate that she was fine, and then lowered the curtain.
Su Mang was relieved and turned to direct the driver to drive away.
Fu Yun asked Xiao Ba in her mind, "Can you sense that someone is watching me?"
【able. 】
Fu Yun immediately opened the viewing window of the carriage and looked outside.
No one is watching you on the street, but someone is watching our carriage from the second-floor window of the teahouse fifty meters away.
Fu Jun's heart skipped a beat, and she subconsciously looked up, but because her view was obstructed, she could only continue to ask Xiao Ba, "Can you tell who it is?"
[I can't tell his identity, only that he's male and about your age.]
Fu Yun: "Is that bandit leader named Mu Xin disguised again?"
[It's not her. This person looks much taller than her, and about the same height as you used to be. It should be...]
【Huh? That's strange!】
Fu Jun: "What's wrong? What's strange?"
There seems to be something off about this person.
Fu Jun's heart tightened: "What do you mean? Something's not right?"
He doesn't look like a local.
Fu Yun: "Does he look like a foreigner?"
No, I don't see any connection between him and this dynasty. I have reason to suspect that he, like you, might not belong here.
Fu Jun was shocked: "What?"
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