NOVEL NEXT
Chapter 17
He Jiajing was the owner of Heji Restaurant in Baiquan Village.
In addition to running Heji Restaurant in the village market, his family also owned several hundred mu of good farmland, making him the undisputed local landlord in Baiquan Village.
During years of poor harvest, they had to rely on the restaurant's income.
Under Manager Fan's management, the restaurant's business was quite stable, but today he suddenly heard that Manager Fan was giving free food to the poor on the streets!
What's more, it was goose meat!
He Jiajing was so angry he almost choked. He immediately took some servants and rushed to the restaurant.
At the door, he saw over a hundred people lining up for free food. His face turned ashen. He pushed through the crowd and stormed inside.
Seeing him, Manager Fan came over at once: "Master, what brings you here?"
"What brings me here?" He Jiajing suppressed his rage. "If I had come later, would you have given away my entire restaurant?"
"Master, please let me explain..."
"What's there to explain?" He Jiajing wished he could kick him to death. "Take the food back immediately! And you, get out of here now!"
"Master, don't be angry!" Manager Fan said. "Hear me out first. If you still think I'm wrong after, I'll leave without you having to drive me out!"
Since he had said so, He Jiajing decided to wait a little longer, though he was even angrier after listening. Pointing at Li Yao sitting nearby, he said, "Was this all her idea?"
"Yes."
"You fool!" He Jiajing cursed angrily. "You're an experienced manager. How could you listen to a stupid woman? Get out of here!"
Seeing the master so furious, Manager Fan sighed and prepared to leave.
Meanwhile, Li Yao frowned slightly.
It was understandable that He Jiajing disapproved of her methods due to his limited perspective. But to call her stupid was unacceptable.
She stood up abruptly, one hand on her hip and the other pointing at He Jiajing: "What did you just call me? Say it again if you dare, and I'll tear your mouth apart!"
He Jiajing was stunned.
He didn't expect a crude village woman to dare point at him and throw a tantrum, even threatening to tear his mouth apart!
What was the world coming to!
"Throw her out!"
Several waiters came forward, but Li Yao picked up a long bench: "Come on if you're not afraid to die!"
The waiters looked at each other, unsure whether to approach her or not.
He Jiajing was so angry he could hardly breathe.
First the manager causes trouble, now the waiters dare to disobey him too - was this still his restaurant?
"Fine, I'll let you stay since I'm afraid of you. Please leave when you wish!"
"That's better," Li Yao put down the bench. "Speak nicely. Harmony brings prosperity. Why shout and yell?"
He Jiajing: "So what do you want?"
"I don't want anything," said Li Yao. "It was my idea to give Manager Fan free samples. Now you want to drive him away without investigating. Of course I don't agree."
"You gave away my stuff for free, and you think you're right?"
"It's to help you earn double later. Don't you believe me?" Li Yao asked.
How could He Jiajing believe such nonsense?
No free lunch in this world could bring double profits!
Ridiculous wishful thinking!
"Fine," said Li Yao. "If it doesn't work out, I won't take any money for the roast goose - it'll be my gift to you."
Though He Jiajing thought it impossible, he still asked, "What if it does work out?"
"You apologize to Manager Fan and me in front of all the staff."
He Jiajing hesitated briefly, then agreed.
"I'll watch the counter so no one can trick me!"
But before she even sat down, some customers came in: "Bring us the roast goose first. We want to see if it's as delicious as rumored!"
"Coming right up!" The waiter seated them quickly. "Roast goose for these guests!"
More people streamed in as the first group was served. The waiters rushed about taking orders.
"One roast goose, good wine..."
"One roast goose, stir-fried shredded pork..."
"One roast goose..."
In just a few minutes, the restaurant was packed, with no empty rooms upstairs either.
Seeing this, He Jiajing was dumbfounded.
Business had never been this good, not even during peak hours!
And it wasn't even meal time yet!
...
The Heji waiters were overwhelmed.
Before the first group finished their meal, more people lined up outside clamoring to be served. Whether regulars or newcomers, all came to try the famous roast goose.
Manager Fan and the chefs were rushed off their feet, and also worried.
Having decided on the free tasting hastily, the kitchen was not stocked for so many. They had to keep buying ingredients.
But the real problem was not enough roast geese!
Realizing the situation, Manager Fan made a bold decision - halve the portion size! Still not enough?
Halve it again!
The goal was to let each table have at least a little taste.
"So sorry, we didn't prepare enough roast goose today. Please come back tomorrow!"
After the last guests left, Manager Fan wiped his brow and heaved a long sigh of relief.
In his years as Heji manager, this was the first time business had been so explosive they could barely cope. Truly a first.
And ultimately, this was all thanks to Li Yao's roast goose and her free tasting idea.
"Master," Manager Fan presented the day's accounts. "Today's earnings."
"Just tell me."
"A total of 132 taels and 4 coins..."
"How much?"
Though prepared, He Jiajing still shot up in shock.
His restaurant's best day ever earned just over 30 taels - pocket change compared to today!
"Quick! Invite Ms Li... No no, I'll invite her myself!"
He Jiajing rushed downstairs to Li Yao drinking tea in the hall, smiling as he bowed: "Ms Li, please come upstairs."
Without looking up, Li Yao said, "Apologize first."
The waiters were shocked.
She really made the master apologize to her!
Did she not know his status?
He Jiajing was briefly surprised, but reacted quickly.
Apologizing to a village woman before all the staff did seem beneath his standing.
But was Li Yao an ordinary village woman?
No!
She was the God of Fortune incarnate!
What shame was there in apologizing to the God of Fortune?
"I'm terribly sorry Ms Li. I was too rash and rude earlier, I hope you'll be the bigger person and not hold it against me."
He spoke gently, sounding like a contrite student. Manager Fan and the waiters could hardly recognize this master.
Seeing his sincerity, Li Yao nodded.
"Fine," said Li Yao. "You show me a foot of respect, I'll return a yard. From now on in Baiquan Village, my roast goose will only be sold at your restaurant. Any new creations will also be considered for cooperation with you first."
"You're too kind, too kind!"
He Jiajing was overjoyed.
Although Li Yao had a fiery temper, her roast goose was incredible. Selling it exclusively at his restaurant would ensure booming business!
"If there's nothing else, we can settle accounts."
"It's ready."