Chapter 24 The New Restaurant’s Business Booms

Jiang Butong came up with a solution for Jiang Yuan. First, he instructed Jiang Yuan to expand the parking lot to more than double its original size and to mark out spaces for both bicycles and cars. The temporary parking fee, which Hou San had set at twenty cents a day for bicycles, was reduced to ten cents a day. For trucks, the rate changed from two yuan a day to twenty cents an hour.

This move delighted regular visitors to the wholesale market, especially the merchants. Previously, they had always been intimidated by Hou San’s influence and could only grumble in private. After all, these were businesspeople who preferred to avoid trouble and believed in paying to avert disaster. If Hou San was provoked, he could bring people every day to block your shop and cause trouble, and there would be nothing you could do.

Jiang Yuan was puzzled as to why Jiang Butong would give up such an opportunity to make money. Jiang Butong suggested that the parking lot could offer monthly passes, priced twenty percent lower than the daily rate, with fees collected monthly.

...

On this day, the renovations for the private kitchen were finally complete. Jiang Butong looked with satisfaction at the brand-new furnishings inside. Jiang Yuan arrived in a hurry, bringing two brothers with him.

“Butong…” Jiang Yuan’s face lit up with joy as he saw Jiang Butong.

“What’s got you so happy?” Jiang Butong asked.

Jiang Yuan gave a mysterious smile and took out his wallet from his pocket.

“Yuan, you’re really moving up—using a wallet now,” Jiang Butong teased.

Jiang Yuan punched Jiang Butong lightly. “That monthly pass idea for the parking lot you suggested? I nailed it.”

Jiang Butong realized that was the reason for Jiang Yuan’s excitement and asked, “How did it go?”

Jiang Yuan pulled out a thick wad of cash from his wallet. “It’s only been a few days and I’ve already collected over a thousand yuan.”

“Not bad. From now on, you’re in charge of building the reputation of the wholesale market’s parking lot. The income will only grow,” Jiang Butong said.

“I never imagined there was so much to be made here. It’s like money for nothing!” Jiang Yuan exclaimed, thrilled. He had never realized there were so many tricks to it.

“But this is just the beginning. Don’t squander the money you’ve collected. You’ll need to grease some palms,” Jiang Butong reminded him.

“Who do I need to pay?” Jiang Yuan asked.

“First, you need to build a good relationship with the real owner behind the wholesale market. You’ll also need to maintain connections with the authorities. All these things require money.”

“How much do I give them?” Jiang Yuan asked.

“For every department head behind the scenes, at least thirty percent. At most, you keep thirty percent for yourself,” Jiang Butong warned.

“That much?” Jiang Yuan felt reluctant to part with the hard-earned money so quickly.

“Those departments may not have big officials, but they wield considerable power. If you handle things well, you can operate for the long term. If not, they’ll kick you out after a month.”

“If they push me too far, I’ll fight them!” Jiang Yuan declared, feeling that anyone who threatened his earnings was an enemy.

“Don’t be so rash. Making money is about the long haul. If you don’t believe me, ask Brother Chen,” Jiang Butong said as Chen Sheng came over, having just finished his tasks.

Chen Sheng was surprised to see both Jiang Yuan and Jiang Butong. He knew they had been busy with the wholesale market lately.

“What brings you all here today? Is everything alright over there?” Chen Sheng handed Jiang Yuan a cigarette, knowing Jiang Butong didn’t smoke.

Jiang Yuan took the cigarette and explained the situation at the wholesale market to Chen Sheng.

After thinking for a moment, Chen Sheng said, “Just do as Butong says. You won’t go wrong.”

Seeing Chen Sheng agree, Jiang Yuan could only trust their advice.

“I’ll go visit those people tomorrow,” Jiang Yuan said, realizing that everything depended on relationships and unwritten rules.

“The restaurant opens tomorrow. It’s come so quickly…” Chen Sheng still felt it was a bit unreal.

“Oh right, Brother Chen, starting tomorrow you’ll be the head chef at the private kitchen. How’s your search for a chef at your old restaurant?” Jiang Butong asked, suddenly remembering.

“No worries. I found a chef. He’ll stay at the old place, and I’ll be here at the new one,” Chen Sheng replied confidently, always handling matters with maturity and steadiness.

“I’ll bring the brothers over for a meal tomorrow,” Jiang Yuan said. His crew already knew about the new restaurant.

“You can eat for free, but…” Chen Sheng grinned, glancing at Jiang Butong.

Jiang Butong nodded with a smile.

“But what?” Jiang Yuan hadn’t noticed Chen Sheng’s subtle look.

“The restaurant is short-staffed these days. Your brothers can eat for free, but they’ll have to help out, act as servers for us,” Chen Sheng said, laughing.

“No problem. Leave it to me,” Jiang Yuan replied, patting his chest.

The next day, the private kitchen opened in grand style. The shop launched promotional offers, but this time the highlight was the set menu prices.

A meal for two was priced at nineteen yuan, including three dishes and a soup.
A meal for three at twenty-nine yuan, four dishes and a soup.
A meal for four at thirty-nine yuan, five dishes and a soup.
And so on, up to ten-person sets.

This marketing strategy was Jiang Butong’s choice, aiming to make a strong first impression and attract customers. Many locals had known since the renovation began that a new restaurant would be opening. Seeing the upscale decor and affordable prices, they were drawn in.

On the opening day, the main hall’s twenty tables and the ten private rooms were nearly full. The entrance bustled with crowds, shoulder to shoulder, creating a lively scene.

Jiang Yuan had brought his brothers for a meal, but seeing how busy the restaurant was, he felt embarrassed to sit down as part-owner. He quickly organized his crew to help serve.

They worked non-stop from noon until eleven at night.

Chen Pan’er had been called over by Jiang Butong that morning and was in charge of the cash register.

As guests gradually left, Jiang Yuan directed his brothers to clean up the tables.

Chen Sheng was busy in the kitchen all day, barely taking a break. Luckily, Jiang Da Zhuang, hearing how busy it was, came over to help.

Jiang Butong walked up to the cash register, where Chen Pan’er was counting money.

“How much did we make today?” Jiang Butong asked.

Chen Pan’er looked up at him, her forehead beaded with fine sweat, and teased, “Guess!”

“Three thousand?”

Chen Pan’er shook her head with a soft hum.

“Was I too high or too low?” Jiang Butong asked.

“Too low!” Chen Pan’er sorted the money and put it in the drawer.

“Four thousand?” Jiang Butong tried again.

“Pretty close. Three thousand nine hundred,” Chen Pan’er replied.

Jiang Butong was relieved—it matched his earlier estimates.

“But looking at the menu prices, our profit may not be high,” Chen Pan’er observed shrewdly.

Jiang Butong smiled, “The profit isn’t low. We chose slightly smaller plates this time, and the portion sizes are even smaller than before.”

Chen Pan’er glanced at him, “But the discounts at the new place are quite generous.”

Jiang Butong asked, “Which do you think is more important—popularity or profit?”

Chen Pan’er tilted her head and thought for a moment, “Profit, of course. Otherwise, why open a restaurant?”

Jiang Butong gave a mysterious smile. “Profit is the final goal, but not the immediate one. Our new restaurant has just opened. What matters most now is building popularity. Once we have enough regulars, the money will follow naturally.”

He remembered clearly that in his previous life, internet companies would burn money to subsidize new users—just to acquire users and boost activity.

First, stake your claim. Later, when the field is full, start harvesting.

Jiang Butong was using the same strategy for the private kitchen: attract customers, make them used to dining here, and once there’s enough, begin to reap the rewards.

Chen Pan’er seemed half-understanding. She was still limited by the mindset of this era, but in time, she would grasp it.

Chen Sheng had asked the same question yesterday, and Jiang Butong had explained it to him, too.

By midnight, the first day of the new restaurant’s opening had come to an end.

Chen Sheng, Jiang Yuan, and Jiang Da Zhuang all gathered around the cash register, eager to know the day’s revenue.

Chen Pan’er counted again, finally confirming the day’s takings had just surpassed four thousand yuan.

The group was overjoyed. Chen Sheng called Jiang Da Zhuang to stir-fry a few dishes to reward everyone.

Outside, the night was deep, but inside the private kitchen, the lights were still bright.