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墨書 Inktalez
The Dye House Owner was unwilling to accept, and Ye Xiaohan was equally unwilling to back down.
"Shopkeeper, we are partners, and both sides are equal," Ye Xiaohan said. "I will not be polite about what I deserve, and what I should pay is only natural. You cannot show me special treatment out of pity; since this is business, it should naturally be based on strength."
She said this with a smile, but the insistence in her tone was evident, clear for anyone to hear.
"This..." The Dye House Owner hesitated. There was some truth to her words; he could understand. However, seeing a woman work so hard made him admire her even more, and he didn't want to take advantage of her.
Noticing his hesitation, Ye Xiaohan brought up their previous agreement: "Last time we agreed on a fifty-fifty split, but the contract we settled on only has the Dye House's income divided that way."
She had even approached the Dye House Owner once to propose that the profits from the restaurant be split as well and included in the total income. But the Dye House Owner had flatly refused, wanting the restaurant to be solely owned by Ye Xiaohan and not counted in their partnership agreement.
Ye Xiaohan thought that since the restaurant's business wouldn't be very good at first and wouldn't earn much money, she didn't press the issue further.
However, having let it slide once was enough; if it happened again, it would become unacceptable.
"I took advantage last time, and I can't keep benefiting this time," Ye Xiaohan suggested. "How about this: since Xia Qing is interested in what I do, let her follow me as an apprentice. I will teach her everything I can. This payment will serve as her monthly salary."
At this point, the Dye House Owner realized that Ye Xiaohan would not change her mind. Moreover, her proposal was quite tempting; having Xia Qing learn from Ye Xiaohan meant he would be investing in something worthwhile.
"Boss Ye has considered this thoroughly; we will proceed as you suggest. My unworthy daughter will be entrusted to you, Boss Ye. If she misbehaves, feel free to discipline her."
The Dye House Owner finally relented, and Xia Qing's apprenticeship was settled. When Xia Qing learned she could work as an apprentice at the restaurant, she was overjoyed and became even more diligent.
After several intense preparations, the restaurant was ready for opening. Looking at the spotless environment and neatly arranged tables and chairs, everyone felt a sense of accomplishment.
"Sister-in-law, everything is ready. Can we choose a date to open the restaurant?" After so much hard work, 6 Yang could hardly wait for the moment of unveiling their efforts.
Ye Xiaohan tapped his head lightly. "Not yet. You can't rush things; have you forgotten that saying?"
"Really not yet?" Xia Qing asked, puzzled. "But the restaurant is all set up, isn't it?"
Ye Xiaohan countered, "What do you think? When would be the best time?"
Li Yang spoke up first. "Sister-in-law thinks it's a good time, so it must be the best!"
"Just flattering!" Xia Qing shot him a disdainful glance before turning back to analyze seriously. "A good opening time can attract a lot of attention. If people notice us, then business will thrive."
She glanced at Ye Xiaohan and, seeing that he wasn't displeased but rather encouraging her, she gained some confidence. "So generally, openings are chosen based on auspicious times. We also need fireworks from Dye House and to hire a lion dance team for performances."
Li Yang looked confused. "So we need to pick a good day too? I'll go home and check the almanac to see which day is best."
"That's just one part," Ye Xiaohan said after they finished speaking. "Choosing a good day is for good luck. But there's one more crucial condition that is key to the opening."
Li Yang and Xia Qing blinked with curiosity, staring at Ye Xiaohan. "What is it?"
Ye Xiaohan raised his index finger. "For a restaurant, as long as the location is good and the food is fresh and delicious, it will gradually build up its popularity. However, if we want to start off with booming business right away, that might be a bit difficult."
"So," Ye Xiaohan winked at them, "we need to compensate for the initial time of attracting customers so that they don't just find out about us through word of mouth."
Li Yang frowned. "That makes sense, but how can we let customers know about us before the restaurant opens?"
"Exactly," Xia Qing added, looking troubled. "If customers haven't tasted our food, how would they know we're any good?"
Ye Xiaohan smiled at them and turned around to grab a stack of papers from behind the counter, placing them on the countertop while making an inviting gesture.
Xia Qing and 6 Yang exchanged puzzled glances before walking over to the counter.
"What is this?" 6 Yang asked, picking up the top flyer. It depicted a simple tavern; although basic, it was clear that it represented their establishment.
The flyer prominently displayed the date and promotional package in large letters, making it straightforward and easy to understand.
Xia Qing also picked up a flyer, finding the same content. She flipped through the stack and saw that they were all identical.
Ye Xiaohan pointed at the pile of papers and explained, "This is called a flyer. What we need to do now is distribute these flyers to different people so they know we are opening soon and invite them to visit us."
This was the simplest form of advertising. In an age without modern media, it was also the most effective method.
"I understand now! These are announcements to inform everyone. The difference is that instead of just one posted on a wall, we are handing them out directly, which will let more people know!"
6 Yang exclaimed joyfully, holding the flyer. "Sister-in-law, how did you think of this? You're so clever!"
Ye Xiaohan rolled her eyes internally; she couldn't expect them to realize that this was a common method found everywhere in modern streets.
"Now this task is assigned to both of you. Go into the city and promote our tavern to passersby. But don’t overdo it; focus on selecting those who look like they might become customers."
Ye Xiaohan felt uneasy and reiterated her instructions before letting them go.
As soon as they stepped outside, the two of them took off like wild horses released from their restraints, disappearing in an instant.
"This way, sister! Our tavern is about to open! All customers dining with us will receive a ten percent discount and various delicious pastries!"
Xia Qing smiled sweetly as she called out to a passing woman, who looked confused as she accepted the flyer Xia Qing handed her.
"Hey, isn't this the place that couldn't sell before? Why are they turning it into a restaurant?" The lady looked at the address on the flyer, surprised as she raised her head to ask.
6 Yang leaned in and explained, "Yes, sister, you guessed it right. It's that place. Our Boss bought it and is transforming it into a restaurant!"
"Oh my, how can they open a restaurant in such a stinky place? You can't even stay for a cup of tea without feeling nauseous. Who would want to eat there? Don't joke around with me."
The lady stuffed the flyer into Xia Qing's hands and was about to leave.
Xia Qing quickly stopped her and exaggeratedly said, "Oh, sister, you don't know? The smell is because there's a Dye House behind it, but it's already been cleaned up. It's not smelly anymore!"
"How is that possible?" The lady replied skeptically. "I just passed by there two months ago. Oh my goodness, I almost fainted from the stench! If it weren't for times when I absolutely had to go that way, no one would want to pass by there!"
6 Yang chimed in, "Sister, you're out of touch! Just over a month ago, the Dye House started its cleanup. It's not smelly at all now; everyone is shopping there again."
"Really?" The lady said doubtfully as she examined the flyer again. "You two kids better not be lying!"
Xia Qing smiled and said, "Whether it's true or not, sister, you can go see for yourself! If you get tired from shopping, come rest at our restaurant. We have free tea; no charge at all!"
The lady was convinced. After all, she was going out anyway; if there was free tea involved, it wouldn't hurt to take a look. Besides, she was a bit worried—what if everyone else knew about it and she was the only one left in the dark? That would be embarrassing!
6 Yang and Xia Qing exchanged glances as they watched the lady leave with the flyer. They smiled at each other. "First battle won!"
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