Finest Servant Chapter 50

Published at 14th of April 2023 06:59:59 AM

Chapter 50 Visiting (Part 1)

Lin Wanrong couldn't help but sigh at the boldness of the girls of this era when it came to romance. This one in particular was a typical case of being promiscuous without any effort. These young girls, though not necessarily beautiful, were like tempting apples that made it hard for him to resist looking but not touching.

Fortunately, he often thought of Dong Qiaoqiao who was working hard to decorate the restaurant outside. Although she hadn't expressed her feelings directly, her true affection for him was already evident. Thinking of her obedient and well-behaved demeanor, Lin Wanrong made a firm decision to suppress his lustful desires.

He had been in the mansion for a few days now, and although everything had been easy and comfortable, he also missed the father and daughter of the Dong family and had long wanted to visit them. However, as a servant, he had to ask for permission from the chief steward to leave the mansion, and the Xiao Mansion had strict control over their servants leaving. In addition, there was some conflict between him and Chief Steward Wang, so it was not easy for him to leave.

One day, Lin Wanrong managed to persuade Uncle Fu, and with the help of his connections, he was able to obtain a half-day holiday. He went directly to Xuanwu Lake to see how the restaurant was being decorated. The renovation plans had all been predetermined by Lin Wanrong himself, and he wanted to run the restaurant according to his own vision.

"Brother Lin," Dong Qiaoqiao's eyes turned red as soon as she saw him and she hurried over to him.

Lin Wanrong had been in the Xiao Mansion for several tens of days, during which time he had not sent any news. Naturally, Dong Qiaoqiao was extremely anxious.

"Qiaoqiao, you've lost weight," Lin Wanrong said, looking at her.

"Brother, you seem to have lost some weight too." Dong Qiaoqiao's nose was sour as she looked at Lin Wanrong's face.

Have I lost weight? Even though I've been drinking chicken soup and bird's nest every day?

"Qiaoqiao, how's the renovation of our restaurant coming along?" Lin Wanrong saw the affectionate gaze of the girl and quickly changed the subject.

"The progress is going smoothly. Everything is proceeding according to your arrangements, Brother Lin," she said, holding Lin Wanrong's hand and observing the scene. "As you envisaged, the first floor is for the public restaurant, the second floor is for private dining rooms, and the third floor is for VIP rooms. But Brother, you haven't said what the fourth and fifth floors are going to be used for?"

Lin Wanrong smiled mysteriously. "The fourth and fifth floors will be called 'Wealth and Talent'."

"Wealth and Talent?" Dong Qiaoqiao frowned. "What does that mean?"

"These fourth and fifth floors must have a sense of mystery and grandeur in their decorations. They must become the most high-end banquet venue in Jinling City. We need some gimmicks, such as 'Golden Banquet' and 'Shark Fin Banquet', the higher the specifications, the better. Of course, the prices should also be higher. We need to raise our reputation so that everyone thinks that dining on the fourth and fifth floors is the most glorious thing."

Dong Qiaoqiao began to understand. This is the advertising effect, right? "So, who can go to the fourth and fifth floors?"

"Wealth and talent, as the name suggests, not only requires wealth but also power. Only those who are both wealthy and powerful can go to the fourth and fifth floors. As for who goes to the fourth floor and who goes to the fifth floor, it naturally depends on who is wealthier and more powerful."

"Then, what does talent mean?" Dong Qiaoqiao asked, wrinkling her delicate nose.

"Talent is even simpler. Don't we have many talented scholars in Jiangnan? I will hang two couplets there. As long as a family's scholars can match the couplets, we will invite them to the fourth and fifth floors for free. The higher the floor they go to for free, the more talented they are considered to be. In this way, our reputation will grow, and all scholars will be proud to dine on the fourth and fifth floors. However, not everyone can go up there, so we must also take care of our business on the lower floors. This is called taking care of both ends and not neglecting either."

"Brother, you must write difficult couplets, don't let everyone go up," Dong Qiaoqiao giggled, covering her small mouth.

"Of course, I have plenty of ink in my belly," Lin Wanrong boasted shamelessly.

"By the way, Qiaoqiao, how are those promotional coupons you prepared for me last time?"

"They are all done according to your instructions. Our seal is stamped on every coupon, so they can only be used if the seal is there. But Brother, does this promotion really have the big effect you said it would?"

"Qiaoqiao, don't underestimate this promotion, it's a very successful marketing tactic. Take the promotional coupons that I had you handle, for example. A bowl of Yangchun noodles costs three copper coins, and a braised egg also costs three copper coins. Together, they cost six copper coins. But if the customer uses our discount coupon and buys both items together, they only need to pay five copper coins. At first glance, it seems like we're making less profit. But actually, it's not the case. Originally, the customer only wanted to buy Yangchun noodles, but now they also have to buy the braised egg. And originally, the customer only wanted to buy the braised egg, but now they also have to buy Yangchun noodles. In other words, they originally only wanted to spend three copper coins, but now they have to spend five copper coins. It appears that our unit price has decreased, but our sales have increased, and we will earn more than before. Each customer thinks they are getting a bargain, but in reality, we are the ones benefiting."

Lin Wanrong explained this typical case of promotion in detail to Dong Qiaoqiao. In the future, she would be the boss here, so it was necessary to understand these principles.

"Qiaoqiao understands, big brother, you really know a lot," Dong Qiaoqiao nodded her head, her eyes shining brightly. She unconsciously grabbed Lin Wanrong's hand and said with deep affection on her face.

"These are the tricks of the trade used by business people in my hometown. I will teach you slowly in the future, and you will gradually understand," Lin Wanrong smiled.

"Okay. Big brother, have you been doing well at the Xiao family these past few days?" Dong Qiaoqiao asked softly.

"Not bad, there's food, drink, and entertainment. I almost forgot to go home," Lin Wanrong joked.

"Really?" Dong Qiaoqiao's face was a bit gloomy. She bit her bright red lips with her white teeth and asked softly, "Have you seen Miss Xiao? Is she very beautiful?"

Lin Wanrong was stunned. He had been at the Xiao family for dozens of days, but he had only seen Madam Xiao once. He had forgotten that there were also two young misses in the Xiao family. He failed.

"If I tell you that I haven't seen this Miss Xiao at all, would you believe me or not?" Lin Wanrong smiled bitterly.

"I believe you," Dong Qiaoqiao looked deeply into his eyes, her cheeks turning slightly red, and a hint of disappointment flickered in her eyes. "Whatever you say, big brother, I believe you. You are the most capable person in the world, and I will always support you."

Seeing Qiaoqiao's sad expression, Lin Wanrong shook his head helplessly and said with a smile, "I'm telling the truth. I've been in the mansion for more than ten days, but I haven't seen Miss Xiao. Besides, even if I did see her, what would I say? I'm just a servant in the Xiao family, and she's a wealthy young lady. Even if I saw her, I wouldn't have anything to say. You, this girl, always let your imagination run wild."

Qiaoqiao's expression immediately brightened, and she looked at Lin Wanrong affectionately. "Big brother, actually, I, I really miss you."

Chapter end