AWB Chapter 253 New Store Opening
Chapter 253 New Store Opening
As October arrived, the temperature in Shengjing City plummeted, and the cold weather made it the perfect time for hot pot.
Yu Wan had previously conducted several market surveys with Xi Zhu and discovered that there were no restaurants specializing in hot pot in Shengjing City, so they decided to open one.
It's definitely not because she herself craves hot pot!
She's been going out early and late these past few days, busy preparing for the opening of her hot pot restaurant.
She asked Miaohong to order thousands of discount coupons from the bookstore.
They found more than ten beggar children in the city, dressed them in clean clothes, and had them wear blouses printed with "Yu's Hot Pot" to distribute discount coupons in Shengjing.
After distributing discount coupons for three consecutive days, everyone in Shengjing City knew that a new Yu Ji Hot Pot restaurant had opened on East Street.
On the opening day, the store entrance was packed with people.
Bright red lanterns hung high, illuminating the brand-new signboard, and the four characters "Yu Ji Hotpot" seemed to exude a festive atmosphere.
On either side of the shop entrance, there is an exquisite flower basket filled with vibrant fresh flowers. A gentle breeze carries the fragrance of the flowers, which mingles with the aroma of hot pot wafting from inside the shop.
The staff, all dressed in matching dark blue shirts and black aprons, stood at the door, looking energetic and welcoming to the guests.
As each guest approached, the two servants at the door bowed and greeted them warmly, "Welcome, esteemed guest!"
The voice was loud and sincere, and the ordinary people who came into the store couldn't help but smile when they heard the words "distinguished guest".
These are ordinary people; no one would call them "distinguished guests."
Everyone wanted to join in the fun because of this novel experience.
The waiters at the hot pot restaurant were all recruited by Yu Wan from other shops. These people already had rich experience, and after training, they were fully capable of handling all kinds of emergencies.
Despite being entrusted with a critical mission, Wan Yuru remained calm and composed, skillfully directing the shop's staff.
Yu Wan watched from the second floor and couldn't help but sigh inwardly when she saw how quickly Wan Yuru had mastered the skill.
Cousin Yuru looks delicate and frail, but she is very decisive and efficient when it comes to doing things.
The shop that Yu Wan took over was not large. She originally did not intend to do business with high-ranking officials and nobles. She only opened six private rooms and the rest were open tables.
The private rooms on the second floor are also closed to the public today.
Lady Anguo invited some relatives and several prominent families who were on good terms with the Duke and Duchess of Anguo in Yu Wan's name.
There's another room, which Yu Wan kept for her own use.
Seeing that Wan Yuru and the waiters were busy in an orderly manner in the lobby, Yu Wan called Miao Hong and asked her to go to the Yun residence to pick up Madam Shen and the others.
However, just as Xizhu agreed, Yu Wan saw a group of people walk in through the door, and her eyes lit up immediately.
Miao Hong also looked at it and said with a smile, "It seems that the old lady has not forgotten that Madam's hot pot shop is opening today."
To Yu Wan's surprise, Yun Shang was also there.
Yu Wan hurriedly went to greet them: "Mother-in-law, Xi'er, I was just about to ask Miao Hong to pick you up, and you've arrived!"
With a beaming smile, Madam Shen looked at the bustling hot pot restaurant and couldn't help but praise, "Yu Niang, how do you have so many ideas? Last time it was Bo Bo Chicken, and this time it's a hot pot restaurant. What are you planning to do next?"
Yu Wan winked playfully, took Shen's arm, and said, "Mother-in-law, this is a trade secret and cannot be easily revealed. Once the hot pot restaurant is settled, I will think of new ideas and I will definitely not disappoint you."
As Yun Shang watched Yu Wan's lively appearance, a smile unconsciously crept onto his lips.
“It’s not appropriate to talk here. I’ll take you to a private room on the second floor.” Yu Wan led them upstairs.
As Yu Wan led Madam Shen, Yun Xi, and Yun Shang into the private room on the second floor, Miao Hong came in and said, "Madam, the Duke of Anguo and his wife have arrived."
As soon as he finished speaking, Duke Anguo and his wife appeared at the door.
Previously, the Duchess of Anguo had arranged to meet Shen and Yunxi. Now that Shen knew the Duchess of Anguo was easy to get along with, she quickly stepped forward with a smile and said, "I wonder if this humble woman would have the honor of eating hot pot with the Duke and Duchess?"
Lady Anguo glanced at Madam Shen.
With Yun Shang obtaining the official position of Vice Minister of Rites, the Yun family's fortunes soared.
However, neither Shen nor Yunxi had the slightest bit of the vulgarity of nouveau riche. They wore simple and elegant brocade clothes, and their hair ornaments were also perfectly chosen.
Because of their refined demeanor and otherworldly air, the two women did not seem to come from farming families at all, but rather like women from a prominent family.
After meeting Madam Shen and Yunxi, the Duchess of Anguo had no reservations about the marriage.
Lady Anguo stepped forward, warmly took Shen's hand, and said, "My dear in-law, you are too kind. We are family now, and there is no need to be so formal."
After saying this, everyone took their seats.
Seeing that the Duchess of Anguo had not made things difficult for Madam Shen at all, Yu Wan felt relieved.
She was genuinely afraid that the plot twist would suddenly cause trouble again.
Yu Wan was about to sit down, intending to sit next to Yun Xi, when she suddenly felt a tightness in her sleeve, as someone grabbed her.
During this meal, Shen Shi was already sitting in the empty seat next to Yun Xi.
Yu Wan turned her head and saw Yun Shang looking at her calmly, as if he wasn't the one who had just tugged at her sleeve.
Yu Wan was slightly taken aback, a strange feeling rising in her heart.
She muttered to herself, "Why did you pull me?"
Yun Shang's lips curled up slightly, a hint of tenderness in her eyes, but she said, "I didn't."
Yu Wan: "..." Childish.
Yu Wan has prepared mutton hot pot today.
The broth is made by simmering lamb bones and whole chicken, resulting in a rich, white, and fragrant soup. Once the hot pot boils, the steaming aroma fills the air and goes straight into your nostrils.
Even though Duke Anguo wasn't particularly fond of food, the aroma was so enticing that his mouth was practically watering.
Seeing this, Yu Wan quickly got up and used a spoon to serve Duke Anguo a bowl of soup: "Father, try it and see how it tastes?"
The first bowl of soup his daughter served was for him. Duke Anguo was secretly pleased and hurriedly took a sip. His expression immediately changed.
Then, with a contorted expression, he swallowed the soup and exclaimed, "Delicious!"
Yu Wan: "..." Drinking so fast, isn't it too hot?
Lady Anguo also saw it and couldn't help but punch Duke Anguo's hand, whispering, "You're so old, how can you still be so reckless?"
Duke Anguo's tongue was numb from the heat, but he was too embarrassed to show it in front of the younger generation, so he could only pretend to be calm.
Yu Wan chuckled inwardly, but thoughtfully handed him a cup of herbal tea, saying, "Dad, this herbal tea is specially made in the shop. It's meant to be drunk with the hot pot; it helps to cool you down."
"Would you like to try it?"
Duke Anguo reached out and took it. This time, he didn't gulp it down. Instead, he carefully took a small sip to make sure it was cold before drinking it all in one go.
This incident greatly reduced the sense of estrangement between the two families.
Ms. Shen wore a gentle smile, but felt only joy in her heart.
Although the Duke and Duchess of Anguo were both noble ladies of high status, they never put on airs in front of them.
She could tell that Duke Anguo had deliberately made this little joke to make them less reserved.
Madam Shen glanced at her son.
Her dim-witted son is truly blessed to have married such a wonderful wife as Yu Niang.