Chapter 143: Sheng Hao Came to the Bar
"Why are you talking so much? If you keep spouting nonsense, I'll put today's tab on you!"
Lu Yunque cast a sidelong glance at Li Yuecheng, then turned and walked back into the villa.
Meanwhile, because Yun Zijin worried that Qin Sitong might suddenly change her mind, she drove at the maximum speed limit all the way.
Having told Aunt Wang to expect Qin Sitong at Emerald Lake, by the time Zijin returned, Qin Sitong was already on the 36th floor of Building 1.
"You need to be sure you won't regret this. Once you decide to open the shop, there's no backing out easily."
With Forget-Your-Sorrow Milk Tea planned as the store's signature item, Zijin firmly believed they wouldn't lose money no matter what.
"Yes, I've thought it over. But you're providing the recipe and the storefront. We'll split the profits seventy–thirty, with seventy for you and thirty for me."
Even so, Qin Sitong felt she might be taking advantage of Zijin.
"You don't have to give me such a big share. I'm not handling anything. You'll still be responsible for all the day-to-day store operations."
Zijin truly didn't plan to interfere; she only wanted to help Qin Sitong make a living.
"At most, let's do sixty–forty. You get sixty, I get forty. Otherwise, I'd feel bad going forward with this."
Given that this entire opportunity arose from Zijin's support, even a small commission or share would have thrilled Qin Sitong.
"All right, fine. But remember, I won't be involved. I'll take you to the food street tomorrow to scope out the vacant shops. Pick any free unit you like."
While the entire street was under Zijin's name, she couldn't just terminate others' valid leases. Still, the empty units were all in prime locations, so foot traffic wouldn't be a problem.
"Okay. And in the next few days, I'll go get the business license and any other required documents."
To run a food-and-beverage establishment, a business license alone wasn't enough. Qin Sitong also needed a health certificate and possibly more permits.
"Great. If you run into any roadblocks, just call me," Zijin said. "I won't help with errands, but I can give you guidance or contacts if needed."
"No problem. Then we're all set. Now, about learning to make the Forget-Your-Sorrow Milk Tea?"
Zijin nodded. If Qin Sitong was truly in, she wanted to teach her as soon as possible, to avoid any second thoughts.
That news—Zijin and Qin Sitong planning to open a milk tea shop—soon reached Su Mengyao and Sheng Yang. They both reacted strongly.
They "abducted" Zijin and Qin Sitong straight to the Night Bar for questioning.
"Sister Yun! Why're you suddenly opening a milk tea shop?" Sheng Yang asked.
"The milk tea market's already saturated. Aren't you worried?" Su Mengyao chimed in.
They both fixed expectant gazes on Zijin.
"Relax. We've got a secret weapon. You'll understand when the place opens," Zijin answered, keeping her plans vague.
"S-secret weapon?" Sheng Yang repeated. Milk tea shops typically offered the same handful of flavors.
Zijin simply smiled without elaborating.
Su Mengyao and Sheng Yang then turned to Qin Sitong, hoping she might divulge more.
"I'm with Zijin on this," Qin Sitong said resolutely. "If she's keeping it under wraps, I'm not about to spill anything."
"Fine, so when will you open? We at least want to be there to support you." Sheng Yang shrugged.
"If you'd like. But truly, no need. When we're up and running, I'll bring you some free samples."
Realizing Zijin wasn't budging, Sheng Yang and Su Mengyao had to drop the subject.
Just then, someone knocked hard on the private room door.
"I'll see who it is," Sheng Yang said, rising to open it.
The staff outside looked nervous upon spotting Sheng Yang. "Boss, Mr. Sheng—Mr. Sheng Hao—is here!"
The bartender was drenched in cold sweat. He never expected to see Sheng Hao appear unannounced.
Sheng Yang had never hidden the fact that the bar was his personal project, a venture that his family disapproved of. Now the main objector, Sheng Hao, was at the door.
"What d'you say? Who's here?"
"Um…Sheng Hao is here," the staff stammered.
"I am."
A calm voice echoed behind the staff, who stepped aside to reveal Sheng Hao, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit. He looked entirely out of place amid the bar's neon lights.
Seeing Sheng Hao, Sheng Yang momentarily froze.
"Brother… What…why are you…? If you wanted a drink, I'd have had it delivered, no problem!"
Struggling to remain composed, Sheng Yang prayed this was just some whim and that Sheng Hao hadn't come to shut down his bar.
Inside the box, Su Mengyao and Qin Sitong heard Sheng Yang call out "Brother." They glanced at Zijin. In all of Imperial City, there was only one "brother" Sheng Yang would address so respectfully.
Sheng Hao had arrived.
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