Lin Wanrong and Xiao Qingxuan have a close relationship, though not overly enthusiastic, it can be described as a profound friendship. He has never hidden the matter of running the restaurant from her.
Xiao Qingxuan sighed and said, "Easy to seek priceless treasures, rare to find a heartfelt lover. Miss Dong cares deeply for you, please don't disappoint her."
Lin Wanrong laughed heartily, "Do I look like that kind of person?"
Xiao Qingxuan chuckled, "I've seen you provoke quite a few ladies. Qin Xian'er seems to have some affection for you. Let's see how you handle it in the future."
Lin Wanrong shook his head helplessly, "Being handsome is also troublesome."
Observing his pretense, Xiao Qingxuan couldn't help but cover her lips and laugh. Whenever she spoke a few words with him, it seemed like all worries disappeared.
In the next two days, Lin Wanrong was like a spinning top, constantly in motion. Following the classic lines, he was busy as a bee.
He chose an old house from the Xiao family as the perfume workshop. This house was an ancestral property, spacious, and conveniently close to the current residence of the Xiao family.
After discussing with Chang Bo, they started the construction according to the mechanical drawings.
The craftsmanship for making the perfume was not an issue, but the challenge was how to scale up production. According to Lin Wanrong's plan, the essence of the fragrance was to be extracted separately using the pressing method, a bit wasteful but simple. Purifying and filtering the semi-processed liquid posed no problem.
However, injecting the essence, alcohol, and pure water in the correct proportions and deciding on the pipeline were significant challenges. In this era without stainless steel, ordinary iron would rust. There was no high-temperature glass either. The construction of the pipeline became a real headache.
Finally, based on experience, Chang Bo suggested using mature bamboo. Emptying the central nodes of the bamboo and connecting them worked as a pipeline. After experimentation, this idea proved feasible, solving a major problem.
Being busy for several days, Lin Wanrong had no time to meet Tai Xian'er. Strangely, even Qin Xian'er, who seemed to know this, didn't come to find him for several days, leaving Lin Wanrong puzzled.
After all the hustle, the day of the restaurant's opening arrived. The day before, Lin Wanrong specifically went to meet Qiao Qiao and Dong Qingshan. Knowing that everything for the opening was ready, he felt relieved. Fortunately, he faced no trouble coming in and out of the Xiao family; both sides were not delayed.
Early in the morning on that day, Lin Wanrong found an excuse and hurried from the Xiao family to the restaurant.
From a distance, the restaurant was decorated with red and green, bright lights, and a grand atmosphere. Above the main building hung a golden board with four golden characters: "Food for Immortals," and below were four smaller characters, "Jiangsu Luomin."
This board was inscribed by Jiangsu Governor Luomin personally, a gift from Lu Yuan to his big brother. With these four golden characters as a signboard, "Food for Immortals" naturally exuded an air of elegance. Lu Yuan's move could indeed be considered a grand gift.
But it was said that Luomin, the governor of Jiangsu, rarely wrote inscriptions for people. This time, he made an exception, which made Lin Wanrong feel unexpectedly surprised. Luomin had never met him, and even if it was to give Lu Yuan face, it shouldn't be so generous. Lin Wanrong always felt that things were not that simple. Nevertheless, it was a good thing, and he didn't want to think too much about it.
In front of the restaurant, a large stage was set up and covered with red cloth. Quite a few people had already gathered, but no one knew what it was for.
From the fifth floor of "Food for Immortals," four large red satin banners were hung high, each tied with large red embroidered balls, looking festive.
In front of the main entrance, more than ten waiters hired by Old Dong, eight males and eight females, stood according to Lin Wanrong's requirements. The female waiters wore red short jackets and lampwick pants, while the males were dressed in green short outfits. The eight males and eight females stood neatly on both sides of the main entrance, appearing imposing.
Old Dong and his son had changed into new clothes and stood in front of the restaurant. Qiao Qiao, wearing a light red thin jacket, stood behind her father and brother, smiling charmingly. Due to identity issues, Lin Wanrong, dressed as a servant in a blue outfit with a small hat, couldn't openly appear. The restaurant was opened in the name of Old Dong.
Seeing Lin Wanrong arriving, Qiao Qiao hurriedly greeted him, "Big brother, you're here?"
Lin Wanrong smiled and took out the rose perfume from his pocket, "Qiao Qiao, you look beautiful today. This perfume is a gift from me."
In recent days, Lin Wanrong had already told Qiao Qiao about the development of the perfume. Hearing her big brother's praise, Qiao Qiao blushed, held the perfume tightly in her hand, and said, "Big brother, thank you."
Seeing Lin Wanrong still dressed as a servant, Qiao Qiao couldn't bear it and pulled him upstairs. The fifth floor, with wealth and talent, had not been arranged yet. Qiao Qiao pulled Lin Wanrong upstairs, took out a set of new clothes from the counter, and handed them to Lin Wanrong, saying, "Big brother, this is made for you by me. Try it on and see if it fits?"
Lin Wanrong nodded, and as Qiao Qiao was about to leave, he hurriedly grabbed her hand, "Qiao Qiao, where are you going?"
Qiao Qiao blushed and said, "Big brother, you change your clothes here. I'll wait for you downstairs."
Lin Wanrong laughed, "You can stay here and watch me change. It's good to help me with the adjustments." Qiao Qiao glanced at him, bit her lip, lowered her head, and gently nodded.
At this time, the weather had turned cold. Lin Wanrong was still wearing close-fitting clothes inside. Although Qiao Qiao was a bit shy, it wasn't too inappropriate. With all her heart focused on Lin Wanrong, she helped him put on the new clothes, carefully smoothing them out and checking repeatedly before saying, "Big brother, it's done."
Lin Wanrong, who was already quite good-looking, looked even more handsome in the new clothes. Qiao Qiao, who felt proud to be praised by her big brother, blushed, held Lin Wanrong's hand, and said, "Big brother, you are the owner today. How can you dress so casually?"
Lin Wanrong smiled, "I'm not going to show my face. Why bother wearing good clothes?"
But Qiao Qiao didn't listen to him and directly pulled him downstairs. On the big day of the restaurant's opening, Lin Wanrong, because of identity reasons, couldn't show his face openly, and the restaurant was officially opened in Old Dong's name.
Dong Qiaoqiao saw that big brother was distracted and
gently pinched him, saying, "Big brother, the guests are almost here. Why are you still in a daze? Go to the stage and say a few words. I heard that you can't hide your face today."
Lin Wanrong was taken aback and looked at her in confusion. "Why can't I hide my face today?"
Qiao Qiao blinked, "Big brother, everyone in the city knows that you're the owner of this restaurant. You can't hide it anymore."
Lin Wanrong was speechless. He had told Qiao Qiao about this matter, but he didn't expect her to be so straightforward.
On the stage, two distinguished guests had already arrived: Chang Bo, wearing a large official gown, and a young Taoist priest. The two of them stood there, facing the bustling crowd below.
Chang Bo, with a solemn expression, raised his hand and shouted, "Friends, thank you for coming to the opening ceremony of the 'Food for Immortals' restaurant. I am the host, Chang Bo, and this is my fellow Taoist, Bai Chongzhen. We welcome you all."
The crowd cheered, and many people craned their necks to see what the fuss was about.
Chang Bo continued, "Today is the opening day of 'Food for Immortals.' This restaurant has exquisite dishes and unique flavors. It's not only a place to satisfy your appetite but also a place to enjoy the artistry of culinary skills."
He paused for a moment, looking at the audience below, and then continued, "The restaurant is managed by the Dong family, with Mr. Dong Qingshan as the owner. Please give him your support. Now, I invite Taoist Bai Chongzhen to say a few words."
Bai Chongzhen, a young Taoist priest with a calm demeanor, stepped forward and said, "Friends, I'm Bai Chongzhen. I happened to taste the dishes of 'Food for Immortals' during its trial operation, and I was deeply impressed. The food here is not only delicious but also seems to have a unique charm, making it different from ordinary cuisine."
He glanced at the audience, his eyes lingering on Lin Wanrong, who was standing among the crowd. "I also learned that the owner of 'Food for Immortals,' Mr. Dong Qingshan, has made great efforts to bring this restaurant to life. Let us witness the rise of this culinary establishment and wish it prosperity."
The crowd applauded, and Bai Chongzhen stepped back.
Chang Bo took the opportunity to say, "Now, we will have a special performance by a young lady. Please welcome Miss Qin Xian'er to the stage!"
As soon as Chang Bo's voice fell, the crowd erupted in cheers. Qin Xian'er, dressed in a light blue dress, walked up to the stage gracefully. The atmosphere became even more lively.
Qin Xian'er smiled and greeted the crowd, her voice soft and pleasant, "Thank you, everyone, for coming to the opening ceremony of 'Food for Immortals.' I am Qin Xian'er, and today, I will perform a dance for you. I hope you enjoy it."
With a wave of her hand, the background music started, and Qin Xian'er began her dance. Her movements were graceful, like a fluttering butterfly. The audience was captivated by her performance, and applause continued throughout.
During the dance, Qin Xian'er occasionally cast a glance at Lin Wanrong among the audience. Her eyes were filled with a complex emotion that was difficult to decipher.
The dance ended, and the crowd burst into enthusiastic applause. Qin Xian'er bowed gracefully, and Chang Bo stepped forward again, "Thank you, Miss Qin Xian'er, for the wonderful performance. Now, let us officially announce the opening of 'Food for Immortals.'"
With a grand gesture, Chang Bo uncovered a red cloth covering a plaque on the stage. The golden characters "Food for Immortals" and "Jiangsu Luomin" were revealed.
The crowd cheered once again, and Old Dong stepped forward, holding a cup of wine. He raised it high and shouted, "Friends, thank you for coming! Let us toast to the opening of 'Food for Immortals.' May it thrive and become the most famous restaurant in the city!"
The guests raised their cups, and the atmosphere was lively. Chang Bo, Bai Chongzhen, and other guests joined in the toasting ceremony.
At this moment, Lin Wanrong stood quietly in the crowd, watching the scene unfold. He couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. The restaurant was officially open, and everything seemed to be going smoothly.
As the toasting continued, Lin Wanrong felt a light tap on his shoulder. He turned around and saw a familiar figure—Qin Xian'er.
She smiled gently and said, "Congratulations, Brother Lin. 'Food for Immortals' is now open. I wish you great success."
Lin Wanrong smiled back and nodded, "Thank you, Miss Qin. Your dance was truly enchanting."
Qin Xian'er's eyes flickered with a hint of complexity, but she quickly regained her composure. "It's just a small contribution. I hope 'Food for Immortals' becomes a renowned establishment in the city."
Lin Wanrong raised his cup and said, "I appreciate your good wishes. Let's toast to that."
They clinked their cups, and Qin Xian'er took a step back. Lin Wanrong couldn't help but feel that there was something more in her eyes, but before he could ponder further, he was surrounded by other well-wishers.
The opening ceremony continued with joyous celebrations, delicious food, and lively performances. The atmosphere was festive, and guests from all walks of life enjoyed the hospitality of "Food for Immortals."
As the night deepened, the restaurant continued to bustle with activity. Lin Wanrong, although satisfied with the success of the opening, couldn't shake off the feeling that something was amiss.
Meanwhile, in the shadows, a figure observed the scene from a distance, their gaze fixed on Lin Wanrong. The opening of "Food for Immortals" had attracted attention, and events were set in motion that would soon unfold.