Chapter 35
"Actually Miss Su this is my father's only inheritance left to me so I'm reluctant to sell it"
Su Ying dropped her cup and looked directly at him before replying
"Boss Shi Xing I'm not asking you to abandon your father's inheritance"
Shi Xing's eyes lit up as he leaned closely to the table to ask
"Then what do you mean miss Su?"
"The restaurant is in good condition but there are no customers not to talk of workers which means that the food is not appealing to customers. I have decided to introduce new recipes and food to the stores after buying it but you still remain the manager while I run it behind the scene"
Nodding in understanding he waited for her to continue. Su Ying waited for him to digest her words before continuing.
"You have been in this field for years and naturally have more experience in being shrewd so instead of looking for a new manager I would prefer to leave it to you and in that way you still manage your father's inheritance and get money".
Shi Xing was truly convinced thinking it was a good deal. He could still be in his father's restaurant and fulfill his wish of seeing it blossoms and still being paid.
"How much do you plan to sell it Boss Xing?"
A shrewd look crossed his eyes as he contemplated on a price. Finally deciding he said
"I will sell it to you for 100 silver taels"
Su Ying looked sharply at him and replied
"Boss Xing you're forgetting that this restaurant of yours is run down and deserted. I bring the dishes and recipes and also plan to renovate the restaurant and you're giving me such a high price?"
Boss Xing realized that she was angry and quickly apologized. He then considered her answer before replying
"Then how much do you want to buy it?"
"40 taels"
"60 taels"
"50 taels no more or I won't buy it"
"Deal"
The negotiation was sealed at fifty taels. Boss Xing handed her the property document and she paid him the fify taels making her the new owner. Boss Xing then asked her
"Boss, how much for my salary?"
"15 taels a month"
Boss Xing was overjoyed because a resturant only paid no less than five taels for such job. It seemed his new boss was confident that they would sell well. Su Ying decided to draft a contract with them stating the condition to avoid nuisance.
"No one is allowed to say my identity without my permission. You're not allowed to share recipes with anyone without my consent. Before anyone is hired I have to be aware"
There were other conditions but she read that only those she felt was important for now.
"If you agree with this conditions then press you thumbprint"
Boss Xing was surprised that his new boss was also literate and his admiration for her grew. There was no problem with the contract so he pressed his thumb and they took a copy each before sealing the deal.
"I will be here to deliver some food tomorrow so make sure the chef is here and others that work her to let them know the rules"
"Yes boss"
"Alright that's all. Take this ten silver taels and renovate this shop according to this blueprint and I will tell you what to do next"
She had requested for a paper and drawn a blue print of how she wanted the restaurant to be. The second floor was simpler with six private rooms and each room had a partition separating them making the customers privacy secured. She wanted to renovate the whole restaurant which would cost a lot because of how large the restaurant was but she didn't mind. She strived to create a peaceful, homely and comfortable vibe and ambiance with a touch of elegance and nobility which was tough considering the lack of material in this era but she wanted to do it.
The private rooms would be painted Vermillion derived from plants and painted with bamboos and chrysanthemum making the room seem otherworldly while the main hall in white making the whole place seem bright. The entrance would be painted white with paintings of plum blossom making it seem like one was in the midst of flowers as soon as you stepped in. She then drew an oil painting draft which would serve as menue which picture of dishes drawn on it and pasted on the wall for the customers to choose from there. Although it was not as good as conventional photography, the colours were bright and could still make the customers drool.
She planned to let the carpenters craft skilled and intricate carvings of well wishes on the chairs and tables to boost the aesthetic taste and adorn beautiful calligraphy on the walls to make it look pleasing. She would also add chess and mahogany drawings on the wall to show that you could play chess while you ate. She wanted to add wine but decided not now until she made her own wine before doing so. The blueprint was completed she then handed it over to Shu Xing and stretched her body. Its been long she drawn and her drawing was a bit rusty but to Shu Xing it was excellent.
"Boss you can also draw?"
"Just some minor things"
Shu Xing looked at her with sparkling eyes and felt genuine respect for this young boss. He was sure that after this renovation their restaurant would boom and his father's wish would be fulfilled. He was so excited that he started crying.
"Thank you boss. You don't know what this means to me"
"It's alright. Start renovating and let me know if there is any issues"
She consoled him and then decided it was time to leave before the ox cart left. She had exchanged for bean when she was selling the fairy tofu as she planned to make bean sprout to sell and also grow it. Making her way to the county entrance she met only Old man Shao waiting she the brought out the fairy tofu and gave it to him. He looked at her in surprise so she explained.
"Thank you for intervening when Auntie Sang was scolding me. I don't like owning anyone favors so I want to repay you with this fairy tofu"
Old man looked at her and seeing her sincerity accepted it and asked.
"Is this what you sell here?"
"Yes. It's a dish that can be eaten as desert or food"
Su Ying explained to him how it could be eaten and he nodded in agreement.
"Alright. I will tell my wife to make it so we can taste it".
They waited for five minutes before the woman started showing up with their basket and entering the cart. Auntie Sang Luo was the last to arrive so she apologized and sat down before the started leaving. She glanced at Su Ying's basket but only saw common vegetables so she lost interest and scoffed.
"Only some common vegetables behaving like it's some treasure".
This time Su Ying didn't bother responding and just looked forward. Sang Luo felt like she punched cotton and could only grumble with no one paying attention to her. After three hours they arrived at the village entrance and everyone got off and dispersed to the homes. Su Ying soon arrived at their house then removed the wok from their space and put it into the basket and went inside.
Sorry everyone for posting late. Thanks for the support ❤️ ❤️