Chapter 258: Chapter 245 Passing the Message

Translator: 549690339 |

“For other dishes, their prices could also be clearly marked and displayed on a sign outside the restaurant. As such, those who find the prices acceptable can directly enter our restaurant. Those who think the prices are not to their liking can know and don’t need to enter the premises.

“This way, people won’t be scared away, thinking our food is much more expensive than the cheap wontons and noodles sold on the streets. The clear listing of prices is fair for all, letting everyone know that the business at Ruyi Pavilion is conducted fairly and transparently.

“That’s a good idea!” Chai Zhengzhen applauded at once and nodded eagerly, then bowed towards Zhuang Qingning, “Thank you for the reminder, Manager Zhuang. I’ll have people prepare for this right away.”

“The sign should be as flexible as the in-house ones, like a bamboo board. So, if there is any dish that becomes unprofitable because of a sudden rise in the price of ingredients, or cannot be prepared due to insufficient supply, it can be adjusted promptly. This will save us the inconvenience of altering red stickers frequently.”

Zhuang Qingning added, “That’s all I can think of for now. If I come up with anything else in the future, I will discuss it with you, Manager Chai.” “Alright, alright.” Chai Zhengzhen’s nose was slightly red with excitement, his gratitude towards Zhuang Qingning was stuck at his lips, and he did not know what to say. He merely fiddled with his hands nervously, “Manager Zhuang, I’m extremely grateful. You’ve helped me so much, I really don’t know how to express my gratitude…”

“Since you’re here, Manager zhuang, please don’t go. 1 will have a table of good food prepared, please do us the honor of enjoying a meal.”

“My family received two pieces of satin a few days ago. The design seems suitable for a young lady like Miss Zhuang to make a dress out of. Please wait a moment, Manager Zhuang. I will send someone to fetch it.”

As Chai Zhengzhen said this, he motioned for Ding Jin to run and fetch it. “Manager Chai.” Zhuang Qingning stopped Ding Jin from rushing out and said to Chai Zhengzhen, “Manager Chai, please, there’s no need to be so polite. I won’t lie, I’m actually going to visit the county town later today, so I really won’t have any free time…”

“Also let me be blatantly honest, my aid to Manager Chai is provided for my convenience as well.”

“If Ruyi Pavilion does well, this will, in turn, benefit my tofu shop. Moreover, it can affect the business of Fushun Tower negatively. As long as Fushun Tower’s business suffers, it pleases me.”

“Thus, I have my selfish motives in this. You conscientiously implementing these ideas is also doing me a favor-for that, I should thank you. In this way, we both benefit equally, and we are even.”

Chai Zhengzhen was dumbstruck.

He could guess that Zhuang Qingning was intentionally targeting Fushun

Tower and understood the reasons behind it.

This kind of matter was usually left unsaid with silent understanding. Zhuang Qingning being so straightforward and honest about her intentions was rare.

But it was precisely Zhuang Qingning’s candor that revealed her openness, integrity, and that she had nothing to hide. Moreover, she never denied what

she had done.

She clearly and publicly stated her disdain for Fushun Tower and her aim to target it.

Compared to the two-faced, scheming people, Zhuang Qingning’s genuineness was truly precious.

in his heart, Chai Zhengzhen began to admire Zhuang Qingning, the relatively young shop manager.

“I understand what you mean, Manager Zhuang. Regardless of your intentions, to me, this is a favor I have received. It’s gratitude that should be expressed; a favor that must be returned. I implore you not to refuse,” said Chai Zhengzhen.

Chai Zhengzhen spoke out loud again, “Manager Zhuang, since you have matters to attend to in the county town, today I will not detain you for a meal at Ruyi Pavilion. But when you’re free, please grace us with your presence. As for the satin we mentioned earlier, I will send it to the tofu shop when you leave for the county town, and you can take it home on your return.

“This is my small token of gratitude, please don’t refuse.”

Zhuang Qingning pursed her lips.

She had intended to test the waters with her earlier words. Seeing Chai Zhengzhen’s response now cleared her doubts. She understood that he was a man of integrity, who understood the importance of reciprocating kindness. She chuckled, “Since it’s Manager Chai’s token of appreciation, I will gladly accept.”

“It’s my pleasure, Manager Zhuang. Please, don’t mention it.”

Chai Zhengzhen smiled and continued, “Speaking about the restaurant, there’s something I would like to consult with Manager Zhuang.”

“What is Chef Zhang up to these days?”

Seeing Zhuang Qingning blink in confusion, Chai Zhengzhen quickly explained, “Here’s the thing, this is an old issue, even older than the upheaval at Fushun Tower. The chef at Ruyi Pavilion wanted to retire to the county town, he had informed me in advance to make other arrangements, to hire another cook.” “in the past, I had looked everywhere, but the cooks I found were either not skilled enough or demanded a high wage. Despite searching high and low, to this day, I’ve yet to find a suitable chef.”

“Now this has happened, so I’m thinking, if Chef Zhang isn’t busy and is willing to work at Ruyi Pavilion, it would be great. Even Lian Rong, the waiter, could work at Ruyi Pavilion.”

“I am interested in this proposition, and I wish to discuss it with Chef Zhang. I’ve even prepared gifts for the visit. However, I’ve been hesitant. It’s not that I fear Fushun Tower’s comments, but I worry it might make Chef Zhang overthink and potentially feel upset.”

“Manager Zhuang, being close to Chef Zhang, I wish to ask a favor-to discreetly inquire if Chef Zhang has thought about or is willing to work at Ruyi Pavilion. If he shows even the slightest hint of interest, I will immediately pay a visit with an invitation.”

Upon finishing his statement, Chai Zhengzhen respectfully bowed to Zhuang Qingning.

Regarding this matter…

Zhuang Qingning blinked, “I can pass on the message, but whether Uncle Zhang is interested or not, I’m not sure. We’ll have to see what he thinks.” Though Chef Zhang, or Zhang Yongchang, was quite busy recently due to the tofu feast she proposed, he would probably become idle once it ended.

A man who had been busy most of his life would find sudddenly having nothing to do quite disconcerting. It would be nice if he found suitable employment.

However, this was merely her speculation, and she did not know Zhang Yongchang’s actual thoughts or plans; ultimately it would depend on his wishes.