Chapter 38: The Restaurant

Mrs. Lu, who was about to call the workers to call it a day, saw Chen Xin coming in and quickly approached, pointing inside. “Boss, how does it look?”

Seeing Chen Xin carrying a man on her back, she felt quite disapproving, but this boss was different from the previous one, and it wasn’t something she could intervene in. Mrs. Lu could only suppress her feelings.

Chen Xin carefully inspected the place as well. Following Chen Xin’s instructions, various paintings and calligraphy of literati were hung on the walls. Screens separated the tables, adding a sense of privacy and visual appeal.

There were intricately carved wooden vases with fresh flowers, which were quite captivating. The chairs were covered with goose-yellow embroidered covers according to Chen Xin’s custom design, resembling a piece of clothing with a skirt underneath. It was definitely eye-catching.

“Not bad,” she remarked.

Fang Ziyu also showed a liking for it, especially the chairs, which resembled people wearing clothes.

“Boss, would you like to go upstairs?”

Feeling affirmed by Chen Xin, Mrs. Lu felt that her efforts in the past few days had paid off. She smiled so much that the crow’s feet at the corners of her eyes deepened.

“Since we’re here, let’s go up and have a look.”

The second floor consisted of private rooms, some with doors and some with beaded curtains. The wave-style white gauze curtains had goose-yellow fabric tassels at the bottom to block out some of the light when the windows were open.

Each corner had a vintage-style “table lamp” with hollowed-out lanterns containing oil lamps, emitting a dim, faint light suitable for both day and night. Even the tables and chairs were of a novel design, adorned with intricate decorations, creating a nostalgic, elegant, warm, and romantic atmosphere. Stepping inside, one would instinctively relax and close their eyes to enjoy.

Previously, Chen Xin had also seen a wooden sign nailed to the front wall of the staircase, which read ‘No loud noise, dine civilized.’ This was her requirement, and of course, the prices were relatively higher than on the first floor.

“Boss, I’ve placed more than a dozen books in each private room, arranged on a small wooden shelf.”

“But Mrs. Lu doesn’t quite understand the significance of it?”

“You’ll understand after the opening.” Chen Xin teased mysteriously, leaving them curious.

Solving a mystery oneself makes it even more surprising, doesn’t it?

“Have the chefs been hired? We mustn’t let them resign easily and be poached by others.” Walking down the corridor, Chen Xin asked.

Mrs. Lu, who had just called the workers to finish work, confidently replied, “Boss, don’t worry. I will let them know that they’ll be stuck here even if they try to leave.”

Just as the boss said, generous wages, benefits, and persuasive methods. Mrs. Lu had put a lot of effort into figuring it out over the past few days.

Chen Xin nodded, patting her shoulder. “I trust you.”

“On the day of the opening, put up a sign outside the door stating that besides dining, we can also host birthday parties, weddings, celebrations, and other events. You can write it as you see fit.”

The more Mrs. Lu listened, the wider her eyes grew, and she jumped up excitedly. “Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant! Won’t this create more avenues for revenue?! Boss, you’re truly remarkable!” Mrs. Lu looked at Chen Xin with even more admiration and respect.

Fang Ziyu also looked at Chen Xin’s profile with affection and pride. Her excellence was beyond doubt.

Suddenly, Chen Xin felt like something was missing. Looking around, everything was arranged perfectly, just some finishing touches were needed.

After pondering for a while, she said, “Mrs. Lu, did a girl named An Xue come to see you a few days ago?”

She had sensed a new presence in the vicinity when she returned home, which was undoubtedly An Ji.

“Yes, An Xue went to the carpenter to pick up something. She should be back soon. This girl is quite capable.” Mrs. Lu was surprised that someone would come looking and saying they were send by the boss even though she was away for a few days.

It seemed she was a little genius, and she felt helpless at how she couldn’t keep up with the boss’s pace.

Chen Xin nodded. “I won’t show up on the opening day. I’ll say that An Xue is the boss, and if there’s anything that can’t be solved, you can come to Linjia Village to find me.”

“Oh, and tomorrow, ask Xian Xiaoxiao to come to my house to pick up the menu and recipes. They are exclusive, so it must be kept confidential. Of course, I trust all three of you.” Chen Xin’s serious expression emphasized the importance of this matter.

Mrs. Lu wasn’t a newcomer. She understood what Chen Xin meant by the chefs not resigning easily and being poached, and since it was exclusive, Mrs. Lu knew what to do. Although she used to only handle accounts and seemed very honest, it didn’t mean she lacked cunning or tactics; it’s just that she hadn’t had the opportunity to use them before.

“Boss, don’t worry. This Mrs. Lu knows what to do.”

Seeing that there was nothing else, “That’s it, I’ll go back first.”

“Aren’t you eating here, boss?” Mrs. Lu asked, trying to keep her there.

Thinking that there probably weren’t many ingredients at home, and the seeds she planted had just sprouted, “No, just prepare some ingredients for me and put them in the carriage.”

“Okay, I’ll do that right away.” With that, Mrs. Lu quickly left.

“Xin, this place is very beautiful.” Fang Ziyu, seeing that there were no outsiders present, finally said what he had wanted to say for a long time.

Chen Xin, who was walking down the stairs, smiled and asked, “Xiao Yu’er, do you prefer living in Linjia Village or somewhere else? We’ll move wherever you like.”

“Linjia Village.” Although the incident with Lai Pilin was unpleasant, the villagers there were simple and kind, making Fang Ziyu slowly grow fond of living there.

It was very relaxing and comfortable, unlike in the Fang Mansion where he always had to learn this and that without stopping, and he’s Steward in charge holding a spanking paddle waiting for him, even though he already knew how to do it. Thinking of this, Fang Ziyu felt a pang in his heart.

Chen Xin understood. “Mm, then after some time, we’ll rebuild our home and make it even more beautiful. How about that?”

Instantly, Fang Ziyu’s eyes lit up with stars. “Great! Xin is the best!” A resounding smack echoed, and Chen Xin could feel the soft warmth on her face.