"Silence means agreement? Okay, next time you go out, you have to call me!" Leng Yiqing pointed at Su Yunmo playfully.
“Okay, let’s go out now. I have something to take care of!” Su Yunmo said decisively.
Over the past few months, she had fully felt Su Yunmo's kindness towards her. Therefore, she felt no pressure whatsoever here. This time, she was even more free of the worries and pressure she had felt before, easily following by his side, knowing that he was there for her.
At this moment, Leng Yiqing was only wearing a simple, plain white long brocade robe. The robe was embroidered with ingenious and vigorous branches in dark brown silk thread, and with blooming plum blossoms in peach pink silk thread, extending from the hem of the skirt all the way to her waist.
Urged to leave by Su Yunmo, she didn't even have time to change her clothes. She could only casually pull out a wide, dark purple belt from Su Yunmo's room and tighten it around her slender waist, just to show off her graceful figure. This actually gave her an elegant yet luxurious feel. She wore a light purple open gauze dress over it, and with every move she made, the gauze seemed to ripple and flow.
She did all this simply because she was afraid that when she was with Su Yunmo, others would think that the woman Su Yunmo took out was too ugly.
"Why are you wearing my clothes?" Su Yunmo was completely baffled. He could never figure out what was going on in this woman's mind.
"I like it!" Leng Yiqing answered simply, but then asked him, "Do you like walking? Why not ride a horse or sit in a sedan chair?" A tiny sliver of hope lingered in Leng Yiqing's heart, wishing that Su Yunmo would spend more time with her. She knew the possibility was extremely small, knew that Su Yunmo's willingness to take her in and treat her well was already a rare privilege. Yet, she stubbornly clung to this hope.
Leng Yiqing knew very well that she liked Su Yunmo; she had fallen for him from the very first time she saw him!
“Not far!” Su Yunmo replied simply.
He awkwardly glanced around, feeling like people were looking at him strangely. After all, this was the first time he'd taken a woman out, or rather, gone shopping, with him. And the petite woman beside him was clinging to him like a little bird. Although he felt pleased, he was still a bit uncomfortable. So he became much quieter.
A familiar building came into view, and Su Yunmo was heading straight for it. Leng Yiqing was even more smug now. This was the very restaurant she had wanted to work for three months ago, and going there with Su Yunmo this time would definitely earn her a lot of face.
Unlike last time, it wasn't lunchtime yet, and the restaurant was deserted, with only the occasional customer drinking tea. The manager sat listlessly at the table, flipping through the account books, shaking his head vigorously. Could there be something wrong with the business?
But when he saw Su Yunmo walk in, his eyes immediately shone with an unusual light, and he immediately went up to him respectfully: "Prince Yun! Please sit down! I've been worrying about this matter!"
"What exactly happened?" Su Yunmo questioned. This shop has been open for at least two years and has many regular customers, so why have the profits been so poor in recent months?
"I don't know anything! Seeing them stealing our business, I've been feeding and giving away freebies to keep some regulars. Now, two of my employees have said they get paid more over there and have gone there. Also, we often have petty thieves here, and I can't stop them no matter what I do! I suspect it might be something they're up to!" The shopkeeper blurted out everything.
Su Yunmo frowned, feeling quite displeased. These days, someone was actually trying to steal his business from his territory! They must be from out of town and unaware of the restaurant's background!
Chapter Twenty-Two: Heroes Have a Place to Show Their Skills
"Wow! Stealing business!" Leng Yiqing said with a hint of smugness, something that often happens in the business world. Although she didn't understand business very well, for someone with modern, progressive ideas, competing with these ancient people for business was a piece of cake.
The innkeeper looked over curiously, then was startled by Leng Yiqing. Although three months had passed, he vividly remembered this one woman who had ever managed to freeload while speaking so eloquently. He was on guard and didn't want to let this woman dine and dash again.
But what's going on this time? It seems like she has a very close relationship with Prince Yun. Could it be that he really misjudged her?
Seeing his skeptical look, Leng Yiqing said decisively, "Don't doubt it! I am the woman you mistook for a liar three months ago."
"Hmm?" Su Yunmo smiled as he looked at the two people in front of him. Was this a case of enemies meeting on a narrow road? Although he didn't have time to think too much at the moment, he was still very curious to see how this woman would repay the shopkeeper.
Leng Yiqing clung tightly to Su Yunmo, giving him an affectionate smile to show the closeness and special nature of their relationship.
"Well... this..." the shopkeeper stammered, full of doubt.
Su Yunmo smiled without answering, while Leng Yiqing gazed at him tenderly. A tacit understanding filled their hearts; without saying a word, they already knew how to cooperate with each other.
"I can save your restaurant!" Leng Yiqing didn't know the relationship between this restaurant and Su Yunmo, but seeing how concerned Su Yunmo was about it, she figured he must be either a shareholder or the behind-the-scenes boss! So naturally, she would help.
Su Yunmo looked at the young woman with a puzzled expression. She smiled sweetly, exuding a charming and delicate air, completely like a pampered young lady. She didn't seem like someone who knew anything about such things.
“Don’t look at me like that. Give me a day, and I guarantee I can handle it! But first, you have to take me to that place you mentioned!” Leng Yiqing said decisively.
Although Su Yunmo already had other plans, since this little woman had spoken, he decided to let her give it a try! It would also fulfill one of her small wishes and give her something to do.
They hurriedly said goodbye to the restaurant and headed straight for a newly opened "Grand Restaurant" across the street. Heh heh, what a straightforward name, and it sounds impressive too, "Grand Restaurant"! Only the owner could come up with something like that. Leng Yiqing couldn't help but laugh out loud. Su Yunmo shook his head and followed her inside.
They ordered several of the restaurant's specialties, and the taste was indeed quite good and novel, with very reasonable prices. Su Yunmo had found the crux of the problem: half the reason was that the guests were used to the classic dishes and needed a change of pace! Therefore, changing the chef was the most urgent matter for her.
But Leng Yiqing noticed something else amiss, for she saw a peculiar customer in the "grand restaurant"—the very robber who had stolen her bag before. Yet, this man seemed quite familiar with the restaurant's staff. As she tried to discern more, he tossed down a money pouch and turned to leave.
Was it a coincidence? Were they here to return the money? Or to divide the spoils? Leng Yiqing didn't have time to think, so she dragged Su Yunmo to pay the money and leave.
They returned to their restaurant, and Leng Yiqing immediately asked the manager to put up a "Closed" sign. After seeing off all the guests, the three of them sat down.
"That was the person who stole my bag before. I suspect those petty thieves were sent by them to cause trouble." Leng Yiqing stated this with certainty, and only then did the shopkeeper and Su Yunmo truly understand; this was the other half of the problem. But how could they possibly prevent this?
However, Leng Yiqing had a good idea, but she didn't know if the people here would believe or understand this approach. But no matter what, she had to give it a try.
They meticulously analyzed each of the restaurant's problems, listing them out one by one and writing them down. Leng Yiqing presented her ideas, seeking their opinions on each point, and Su Yunmo tacitly agreed. Not because he trusted her, but simply because he also had a solution. Let her try it out first; if it failed, she wouldn't bother with things that weren't supposed to be women's business anymore.
The first step in the plan was to change the restaurant's signboard. Since it was an old shop reopening, the first impression on customers would be the name. Leng Yiqing thought for a long time and finally adopted the name of a popular modern milk tea shop, "Typhoon Shelter." It was more approachable and gave people a sense of belonging, because only home is the best place to escape the storm.
The second part of the plan involved introducing modern dishes and drinks to the traditional cuisine, and completely changing the business model to give customers more choices. However, breakfast was completely cancelled, as it was a tiring but unprofitable business. The focus would then shift to the business after lunch, adding a buffet. Customers could freely choose their own food at the buffet for just one tael of silver, similar to a modern self-service hot pot.
The third step of the plan involves implementing a table numbering system. Each table will have a menu listing all the dishes, drinks, and their prices. After a table orders, the waiter will write down the ordered dishes and prices on a separate menu and place a numbered tag on that table, writing the same number on the menu. This facilitates both food delivery and payment. Previously, they relied entirely on memory and customers' honesty. This new system also prevents disruptive behavior from malicious individuals.
However, the most important part of the plan was theft prevention. Leng Yiqing's suggestion was something they had never heard of before. Leng Yiqing requested that a row of three-tiered cabinets be built next to the counter, divided into thirty small cabinets, each individually lockable. Customers could store their own belongings, and the keys would be kept by the customers themselves. However, guards from the Prince's Mansion would be stationed next to the cabinets to prevent petty thieves from picking the locks, and also to deter any uninvited guests.
Although this method still has many problems, Su Yunmo felt it was worth a try.
The restaurant temporarily posted a notice saying "Closed for seven days," and all preparations were being carried out quietly. Leng Yiqing was confident and just waiting to make Su Yunmo look at her with new eyes.
---Aside---
My heart has lost 20,000 words of my drafts for nothing. I'll give it some favorites to console myself!
Chapter Twenty-Three: Stealing Business!
In addition to planning the renovation and marketing of "Typhoon Shelter", Leng Yiqing also transferred some pretty, clever and literate maids from the Prince's Mansion and gave them emergency training to transform them into relatively professional waitresses to work at the new store.
With Leng Yiqing's eager anticipation, "Typhoon Shelter" finally opened. What Leng Yiqing did to prepare for the opening was to spend the entire day before persuading Su Yunmo to offer free food and drinks on opening day. All this was to attract customers and let everyone experience the unique atmosphere of the place.
Here, the most traditional and effective way to promote the business is for Leng Yiqing and her staff to set off firecrackers and gongs at the entrance on opening day, solemnly promising: "The first thirty customers to enter the store today will eat and drink for free! And those who come after will only be charged half price!"
Hearing that there would be free food and drinks, everyone rushed over, trying to squeeze into the top 30, and the entrance was blocked by layers of people.
"Considering the large number of people, please line up!" Leng Yiqing, along with some of the palace guards, frantically tried to maintain order. Leng Yiqing was filled with regret; how could she have forgotten about this situation? What if those thieves tried to take advantage of the chaos again? Wouldn't she be at a huge disadvantage?
Fortunately, these people were rather obedient, and the guards all lined up obediently in three rows. They curiously examined the decor, which was so different from other places. The tables were still the familiar ones, but the chairs were of many different kinds; some looked soft, while others hung from a large beam.
The walls of the stairwell were plastered with the incomprehensible words "Second Floor Buffet Restaurant." Many curious guests went up to the second floor, some even willing to try the unusual chairs. Upstairs and downstairs, the place was packed with curious people.
The staff enthusiastically explained the unique features and specialties of the restaurant, leaving the guests speechless and eager to try them. Fortunately, the kitchen was prepared, and the dishes were served quickly. The owner was secretly chuckling to himself with delight.
This method saved him a lot of time and energy from haggling with customers over bills. As soon as the customers ordered, the price could be calculated quickly. Upstairs, there was no need to calculate the bill at all. They just had to pay and receive a card from him before they could go up to eat.
Unique dishes, even Western-style steak, pasta, and chicken rice, appeared on the tables, along with milk tea, fruit tea, and herbal tea. The customers were thoroughly enjoying their food. Looking at the endless stream of customers, Leng Yiqing finally breathed a sigh of relief. Regardless of what they were there for, she had certainly gained popularity today.
Su Yunmo was troubled. Was it worth it? The losses today were considerable! It was all because of this wild girl who came up with this idea. It seemed all the business he had done at his other shops today was for nothing; he'd probably lose it all on this one shop. He should have known better than to let her make the decision; it was all his fault for spoiling her too much.
"Let me tell you, Su Yunmo, you'll see the rewards tomorrow. Don't worry! I won't let you do a losing business." Leng Yiqing was full of confidence, as if she had calculated that the next day would be just as packed with guests as today.
"Hmph!" Su Yunmo snorted with dissatisfaction. "If it's still deserted tomorrow... Leng Yiqing, let me tell you, you'd better stay in the Prince's mansion obediently, or I'll send you back to the Crown Prince's mansion."
Leng Yiqing was naturally extremely dissatisfied with Su Yunmo's attitude, but what could she say? She could only prove herself with facts. She remained confident.
However, something happened today that made Leng Yiqing the center of attention. After finishing work early in the afternoon, the shopkeeper smiled and said to Su Yunmo, "Your Highness, Miss Yiqing's idea is indeed very good. So many people came and went today, but no one came to me saying that their purse was lost. They all said that this locker is very good."
Leng Yiqing became even more smug. Of course, couldn't modern ideas possibly be inferior to those of the ancients? Su Yunmo naturally had nothing to say, which saved him the trouble of seeking help from the government. With no opening to exploit, those thieves should naturally give up!
"See? I told you I could do it!" Leng Yiqing walked up to Su Yunmo and stood in front of him, raising her delicate chin high and smiling triumphantly. Her two adorable dimples looked so sweet that Su Yunmo was mesmerized.
It was as if a pair of small hands were gently plucking a string in his heart, so gently that he didn't even have time to savor the thrill before the small hands quietly moved away.
"Ahem!" Realizing his lapse in composure, Su Yunmo carefully took a step back, turned and walked towards the shop entrance, trying not to look at her. "I'm going back to rest."
Leng Yiqing then realized—his gaze had been different just now. She smiled awkwardly and said, "Okay!"
Suddenly remembering something, he instructed the shopkeeper, "Take a break today and go hang up a sign. We'll officially open for business tomorrow!"
The shopkeeper happily complied with Leng Yiqing's wishes, clearly treating her as half a boss.
She followed Su Yunmo closely again, but this time they weren't so close. There seemed to be something between them, yet they seemed even closer. They remained silent the whole way until the carriage appeared.
"Su Zhengyang?" Su Yunmo was all too familiar with this carriage. It's true what they say, what you fear most is what happens. Because Su Zhengyang happened to stick his head out and see them.
"What a coincidence, Uncle! I was just about to visit your shop. I heard it's newly opened?" Su Zhengyang completely ignored Leng Yiqing, which was unexpected for both of them.
"Hehehe! Zhengyang! You're late, we've already closed. We'll officially open tomorrow. Come tomorrow, your uncle will treat you!" Since Su Zhengyang didn't care, Su Yunmo was even less concerned. He just didn't understand when they'd become so close; why would he come to join the fun at a new store opening?
"In that case, I'll come here for lunch tomorrow!" After saying that, he pulled his head back into the carriage, and the driver turned the carriage around and sped away.
---Aside---
Please add this to your favorites and leave a comment! I'm begging you!
Chapter Twenty-Four: Fire Breaks Out in the Backyard
Back at the Crown Prince's residence, Su Zhengyang was wondering why he had gone to join in the fun when he heard a sweet, coquettish voice from afar: "Zhengyang, you went out without telling me. I couldn't find you and was worried sick for nothing."
Looking at the delicate and charming Jiang Yuelin in front of him, and thinking of the dazed Leng Yiqing on the street, Su Zhengyang was even more glad that she was gone. Only Su Yunmo was willing to take in that unromantic and spoiled woman.
Su Zhengyang explained helplessly, "Lin'er, I'm sorry! I just heard that the Imperial Uncle's restaurant had just opened, so I went to check it out. And Xue'er looked half dead, I..."
"Xue'er, Xue'er... why are you still thinking about that woman? Have you forgotten what happened between her and that man three months ago?" Jiang Yuelin's almond-shaped eyes widened, her teeth itching with hatred. She had finally gotten rid of the Crown Princess and was worried about how to deal with Shen Jiaxue, but unexpectedly, Shen Jiaxue walked right into her trap.
"Don't mention this again!" Thinking back to that day, Su Zhengyang was filled with rage. He had treated her so well, yet she had so promiscuously thrown herself into the arms of another man. Could she really have come from a brothel? Had she really approached him with a purpose? And Jiang Yuelin seemed to have anticipated all of this, dragging him straight there and catching him red-handed. Was it a coincidence? Or was it deliberately orchestrated?
Thinking about all this, Su Zhengyang suddenly realized that among all his wives and concubines, perhaps only Leng Yiqing was the most innocent and relied on him without any ulterior motives. A sense of pride welled up within him, making him feel that he was still a capable man.
Perhaps it was because of these things that he couldn't help but want to see if Leng Yiqing was really with Su Yunmo. However, the moment he saw her, all his enthusiasm was extinguished by her icy expression.
"What are you thinking about? Is it about Xue'er?" Jiang Yuelin's gaze gradually became vacant. She was a little scared, afraid that she didn't know him well enough.