Unexpectedly, the young ladies of this era are quite bold and daring when it comes to expressing affection. Lin Wanrong couldn't help but sigh. This lad belongs to the typical type that acts recklessly when opportunities present themselves. These young girls, in the bloom of their youth, may not be considered exceptionally beautiful, but each is like a tempting apple, making it difficult for him to just look and not indulge.
Fortunately, he often thought of Dong Qiaoqiao, who worked hard to renovate the restaurant outside. Although their words hadn't been explicitly clear, her genuine feelings for Lin Wanrong were already evident. Imagining the obedient and well-behaved appearance of that girl, Lin Wanrong firmly suppressed the inappropriate desires, albeit with some difficulty.
Having spent several days in the Xiao Mansion, despite his ease and comfort, Lin Wanrong missed the three members of the Dong family who were like his own family. He had been wanting to visit them, but now, being a servant in the mansion, he needed to seek permission from the steward to leave. Additionally, the Xiao Mansion strictly controlled the movements of the servants who went out, and given the tension between him and Steward Wang, it wasn't easy for Lin Wanrong to get approval.
One day, Lin Wanrong managed to persuade Fu Bo, using his connections in the upper echelons, to grant him half a day off. He decided to go and see how the restaurant's renovation was progressing and headed straight to Xuanwu Lake.
Arriving at the restaurant, he saw that the sign of "Mei Wei Xuan" had been taken down, and dozens of craftsmen were meticulously carrying out the renovations. Lin Wanrong had pre-determined the renovation plan, intending to run the restaurant according to his own vision.
"Brother Lin." Dong Qiaoqiao, upon seeing him, her eyes reddened, hurriedly rushed over.
It had been several dozen days since Lin Wanrong entered the Xiao Mansion, and during this time, there had been no news from him. Naturally, Dong Qiaoqiao was extremely anxious.
"Qiaoqiao, you've slimmed down," Lin Wanrong looked at Dong Qiaoqiao and said.
"Brother, you seem to have lost some weight too," Dong Qiaoqiao's nose felt sour as she looked at Lin Wanrong's face.
Am I thin? Drinking chicken soup and bird's nest every day can still make me thin?
"Qiaoqiao, how's the renovation of our restaurant going?" Lin Wanrong, seeing the girl's affectionate expression and tears in her eyes, quickly changed the subject.
"Everything is progressing smoothly, following the arrangements you made in advance," she held Lin Wanrong's hand and observed the scene. "As you envisioned, the first floor will serve as a public dining area, the second floor as private dining rooms, and the third floor for VIPs. But Brother, you haven't mentioned the purpose of the fourth and fifth floors yet."
Lin Wanrong mysteriously smiled, "The fourth and fifth floors are called 'Wealth and Talent.'"
"Wealth and Talent?" Dong Qiaoqiao frowned. "What does that mean?"
"These fourth and fifth floors must have an air of mystery, splendidly decorated to become the most high-end banquet venue in Jinling City. We need to create some hype, like calling it the 'Golden Banquet' or the 'Shark Fin Banquet.' The higher the prestige, the better. Prices should naturally be higher too, making everyone think that dining on the fourth and fifth floors is the most honorable thing."
Dong Qiaoqiao began to understand. This was the advertising effect, "So who can go to the fourth and fifth floors?"
"Wealth and Talent, as the name suggests, not only requires wealth but also status. In other words, one must not only be rich but also powerful. Such people can go to the fourth and fifth floors. As for who goes to the fourth floor and who goes to the fifth floor, it depends on how wealthy and prestigious they are, respectively."
"What about the word 'Talent'?" Dong Qiaoqiao, with a cute frown, asked.
"Talent is even simpler. We have many talented individuals in Jiangnan, right? I will hang two couplets there. As long as the talented individuals from any family can match the corresponding lines, we will invite them to the upper floors for free. The higher the floor they go for free, the greater their talents. This way, our reputation will rise, and all scholars will feel proud to dine on the fourth and fifth floors. But not everyone can go up, so it will also take care of our business downstairs. This is called balancing both ends."
"Brother, you must come up with challenging couplets. Don't let everyone go up for free," Dong Qiaoqiao covered her mouth and chuckled, saying.
"Of course, I have plenty of ink in my stomach," Lin Wanrong boasted shamelessly.
"Oh, by the way, Qiaoqiao, how are those promotional vouchers I asked you to prepare?"
"They have all been prepared according to your instructions. Each voucher is stamped with our seal to be effective. But, Brother, does this promotion really have the significant impact you mentioned?"
"Qiaoqiao, don't underestimate this promotion. It's a very successful marketing strategy. Take the promotional vouchers I had you prepare, for example. A bowl of plain noodles costs three copper coins, and a braised egg also costs three copper coins. Together, they add up to six copper coins. But if you use our discount voucher and buy both, it only costs five copper coins. On the surface, it seems like we are earning less. Actually, that's not the case. Originally, those who wanted to buy plain noodles had to buy a braised egg, and those who only wanted a braised egg now have to buy plain noodles. In other words, those who originally wanted to spend three coins now have to spend five coins. Our unit price seems to have decreased, but the sales volume has increased. We'll earn more than before. Everyone thinks they're getting a bargain, but in reality, we're the ones benefiting."
Lin Wanrong explained this typical case of promotion in detail to Dong Qiaoqiao. As she would be the shopkeeper here in the future, she needed to understand these principles.
"Qiaoqiao understands, Brother, you know so much," Dong Qiaoqiao nodded, her eyes shining brightly. She couldn't help but hold Lin Wanrong's hand, saying with deep affection.
"All these are tricks commonly used by businessmen in my hometown. I'll slowly teach you in the future, and you'll understand them too," Lin Wanrong smiled.
"Yeah. Brother, have you been well in the Xiao Mansion these days?" Qiaoqiao asked softly.
"Not bad, with good food, drinks, and entertainment. I almost forgot to return," Lin Wanrong joked.
"Really?" Dong Qiaoqiao's face became somewhat dim. Biting her bright red lips, she asked gently, "Have you seen Miss Xiao in the mansion? Is she very beautiful?"
Lin Wanrong was stunned for a moment. He had been in the Xiao Mansion for dozens of days, but he had only seen Mrs. Xiao once. He completely forgot that there were two young ladies in the Xiao family. What a failure.
"If I say I haven't seen
this Miss Xiao at all, would you believe me, Qiaoqiao?" Lin Wanrong smiled bitterly.
"I believe," Dong Qiaoqiao looked at him deeply, a blush appearing on her fair cheeks. There was a trace of disappointment in her eyes, "No matter what Brother says, I believe. Brother, you're the most capable person in the world, and I will always support you."
Seeing Qiaoqiao's somewhat hurt expression, Lin Wanrong shook his head helplessly and said with a smile, "I'm serious. In the more than ten days in the mansion, I haven't seen the young lady. Besides, even if I saw her, what could I do? I'm just a servant in the Xiao Mansion, and she's the high and mighty young lady. Not to mention not seeing her, even if I did, I wouldn't be able to exchange many words with her. You, little girl, always think too much."
Qiaoqiao's expression instantly brightened. She looked at Lin Wanrong and said affectionately, "Brother, actually, I... I miss you a lot."