Chapter 39: Let Go of My Man

Cao Xi crouched at the table, constantly sketching. The layout of the hotpot restaurant was being drawn in great detail. The design was similar to a modern hotpot restaurant, with a waiting area, ingredient station, drinking area, and so on.

After Cao Xi explained the zoning plan to Qi Qige and got his feedback, after much effort from both sides, the final plan was decided.

During this time, Qi Qige also took a trip to the dentist, bought a few clever and well-behaved maids, and while Cao Xi was drawing the uniforms, she took some time to give the maids and servants a brief training session.

Due to the busy schedule, the opening was delayed by two months. The neighboring shopkeepers were puzzled. What kind of business were they running? The layout of the restaurant had already exceeded their comprehension. They were eager to see the business open soon, hoping to understand what was going on.

The restaurant’s sign was changed to “Runxiangyuan Hotpot,” and the characters were written by Qi Qige himself. His brushwork was elegant, showcasing a master’s skill. Although Cao Xi privately asked Qin Zhao to write it, she couldn’t help but admire Qi Qige’s beautiful handwriting.

When the restaurant opened, Cao Xi made a promotional poster featuring a vivid depiction of a hotpot, very lifelike. She also made flyers and had the servants wear custom uniforms to hand them out on the streets.

Anyone who entered the restaurant with a flyer would get a 50% discount on their bill, no matter the amount. This unique promotional method quickly attracted many curious customers.

The opening ceremony was grand, with a lion dance team invited by Qi Qige to add to the festivities.

The unique menu and the pre-opening publicity attracted many customers. The restaurant was packed with people, and the servants, all wearing matching uniforms, hurried between tables, taking orders and helping customers.

Qi Qige and Qin Zhao entertained their friends and relatives on the second floor. Qi Qige’s friends were a powerful group, almost occupying all the private rooms, many of them wealthy, not short of money.

Qin Zhao invited Director Xu and Li Chenqi, along with other influential connections, and recommended dishes that were reasonably priced with a good balance of meat and vegetables.

By the time Li Feng and the others arrived, all the private rooms were full.

“This place is too fancy,” Xiao Rui asked timidly. “Should we go in?”

Li Feng answered, “Let’s go in.” The restaurant was impressive, with an elegant design and a layout unlike any other.

When Cao Xi saw Li Feng and the others enter, she immediately greeted them. “Brother Li, how come you’re only here now? Were you planning to come later today?”

They had arrived a bit late, and all the private rooms and main hall seating were taken. The only spot left was by the kitchen door, so they added an extra table nearby. Fortunately, no unfamiliar faces were in sight.

Cao Xi took charge and ordered a “Yuan Yang Hotpot” for them, adding plates of lamb and vegetables, and told them to let her know if they wanted more. Since the place was so busy, she didn’t pay as much attention to detail as she normally would.

After trying the lamb, Li Feng was impressed by the freshness and flavor, confirming that this business was promising and suitable for long-term development. Although they were short on funds, he felt the restaurant had great potential.

Everyone ate to their fill, and before leaving, Li Feng tried to give Cao Xi a tip, but she refused. “We invited you to try the food, not to pay us tip money.”

They were old friends, and Cao Xi didn’t want to make things awkward by accepting the gift.

……………………………………………

The promotional efforts paid off. In just a short time, Runxiangyuan Hotpot had gained widespread recognition. People in the streets and alleys were discussing it, and some even came to the restaurant just to smell the food from the outside.

After a busy day, the restaurant finally closed late at night.

Cao Xi rubbed her neck, saying, “Let’s set a closing time so it’s not so tiring.”

Qi Qige slumped in his chair, exhausted, his arms too tired to lift.

Qin Zhao was busy checking the accounts, and when he finished, he passed the ledger to Cao Xi.

“We earned eight hundred and thirty-two taels today,” Qin Zhao reported, handing over the ledger.

“Is this after expenses?” Cao Xi asked as she took the ledger, but before she could finish looking, Qi Qige snatched it away. He flipped through a few pages, slammed it down on the table, and laughed loudly, his earlier exhaustion gone.

Cao Xi turned to Qin Zhao and asked, “Has the labor cost and room fee been deducted?”

“I will take care of it” Qin Zhao said smiling.

“Even with the operating costs, it’s a good start,” Qi Qige said enthusiastically, his earlier fatigue gone.

“This could only get better!”

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Despite the busy opening day, the next morning, Qin Zhao had already prepared breakfast. The two of them had breakfast together before leaving the house.

“I’ll pick you up at the restaurant,” Qin Zhao said as they headed to the restaurant, which was in the same direction as the academy. They were making good progress.

When Cao Xi arrived at the restaurant, a long line had already formed outside, and the place was packed. The servers were busy running around, delivering orders.

Cao Xi finally understood why Qi Qige had paid a high price to hire Li, the restaurant manager. Li was very experienced and efficient.

Looking around, Cao Xi was impressed by how well the kitchen was managed under Li’s supervision. Every task was orderly and well-coordinated, something that Cao Xi truly admired.

Cao Xi saw the restaurant was running smoothly, and after a quick tour of the back, she asked a maidservant who was washing vegetables, “Where is Qi Qige?”

The maidservant, a little confused, replied, “He’s in the private room, entertaining guests.”

Cao Xi nodded and returned to her work.

Cao Xi handed over the marketing plan to Qi Qige.

Cao Xi said, “I plan to make membership cards. Every customer with a membership card will receive lower prices and better service.”

Qi Qige listened, a bit puzzled. After carefully reading the plan, and considering Cao Xi’s explanation, he started to understand.

“Your approach is unique. It makes every customer feel special and distinct, which will indeed improve efficiency.”

Qi Qige set the plan aside, wiping the playful smile from his face.

Cao Xi said, “If you think it’s good, we can start implementing it.”

Qi Qige responded, “Sure. First, let’s design a draft, and I’ll find someone to make it.”

Cao Xi eagerly got to work on the design. Unaware of how much time had passed, the room was now filled with the sound of scribbling and crumpled paper. One leaned back in the chair, the other hunched over the desk, both looking worn out.

Cao Xi pointed to the characters “Runxiang Garden” and said, “What if we don’t write these three characters on the card?”

Qi Qige sat up straight and held up the paper to take a closer look. He thought for a moment and said seriously, “Simple but elegant, it’s very fitting.”

The two shared a glance and burst out laughing.

After a while, the design was finally complete. Qi Qige stretched and yawned, but didn’t notice the door was quietly closing. He turned in a rush to see Qin Zhao standing in the doorway, as if walking into a trap.

Flustered, Qi Qige immediately turned to face Cao Xi, but then quickly turned back to Qin Zhao.

There was a brief pause before Qi Qige let out a loud cry and rushed to Qin Zhao, throwing himself into his arms. “Qin Zhao, it’s not what you think! I swear, I wouldn’t do anything behind your back!”

Qin Zhao, caught off guard, was embraced by Qi Qige. Furious, he tried to push him away but struggled. He glanced at Cao Xi with a helpless look.

Cao Xi, stunned by Qi Qige’s dramatic performance, stared as the two men remained in an awkward embrace.

Although he wasn’t interested in this act, Qin Zhao couldn’t help but feel embarrassed. He grabbed Qi Qige by the collar and scolded him, “Let go of my man.”

The two men, who had been struggling, suddenly froze. Cao Xi quickly seized the opportunity to pull Qi Qige away.

Qin Zhao, red-faced with embarrassment, huffed and muttered, “What kind of behavior is this, hugging and fooling around?”

Qi Qige grinned even wider and teased, “Oh, so he’s your man?” He looked back and forth between Qin Zhao and Cao Xi, clearly enjoying the scene.

Qin Zhao, flustered, quickly stammered in denial, “It’s not like that!”

Qi Qige, pretending to be shocked, exaggerated, “Did I die and not know about it? I’m just a man of great beauty, after all.”

Cao Xi, seeing Qi Qige continuing his antics, took Qin Zhao’s hand and decisively left the room, leaving the two to continue their performance.

“Why are you here so early?” Cao Xi gently shook Qin Zhao’s hand.

Qin Zhao, his face full of affection, replied, “It’s not too early. We live close by, so I came over to see you.”

He had heard their laughter as soon as he entered the courtyard. Originally, he was going to knock, but then he was greeted by Qi Qige’s dramatic antics.

Qin Zhao shook his head, clearly exhausted by Qi Qige’s antics. Hearing Cao Xi’s teasing remark about “his man,” he couldn’t help but feel even more embarrassed.

If Qi Qige had heard his words, he’d likely be arguing by now, but instead, the scene was so ridiculous that even Qin Zhao had to laugh.