Chapter 76: Chapter 76: Grand Opening
Pei Ji’an stayed silent.
Even though he knew Qu Fulan was capable, this situation— with Journey to the West, milk tea, and other unprecedented ideas— seemed to be somewhat overly inventive.
Although she claimed it was all inspired by a dream from the Bodhisattva, not completely her own creations, the results seemed to be quite abundant.
After Qu Fulan finished speaking, she noticed the Heir staring at her thoughtfully, which made her a little unsure, "Does the Heir disagree with the renovation?"
Pei Ji’an responded with a question instead, "What made you think of opening a milk tea shop?"
"It’s a good business opportunity. Be it princes or young ladies from noble families, everyone loves tea. But just drinking plain tea might be a bit monotonous. While making rock sugar water for you the other day, I suddenly thought of scenes from a dream and felt that brewing tea with milk would surely be popular."
Pei Ji’an nodded, "Since you have a plan, go ahead and execute it."
Qu Fulan felt relieved, "Will the Heir come on the opening day?"
Pei Ji’an contemplated for a moment before saying, "I can’t confirm at the moment, but if I have free time, I’ll be there."
It just so happens that he needs to see the master off that day, he might not make it in time for the opening ceremony.
"If the Heir can’t come, could I ask Young Master An to help out by bringing a few people to support?" Qu Fulan tentatively asked.
Even though she was confident, ultimately her business was targeted at wealthy clients. The Zhaoying Building lacked popularity initially, and she needed a few noble supporters for the opening. While it might not make or break the business, having them would certainly be better.
"How many people do you need?" he asked.
This tone suggested that as many as she needed, he could provide?
It makes sense considering Pei Heir wasn’t coming to the Zhaoying Building for the first time, but it didn’t help before since the building couldn’t retain customers on its own.
"Not many, five or six will do."
"Alright."
After the Heir left, Hai Xia, previously too scared to breathe, cautiously came over, looking in the direction of the Heir’s departure, and sighed, "Fulan, the Heir is really kind to you."
Qu Fulan was indifferent and thought it was just because she was useful to him, merely the indulgence and appreciation of a superior for a subordinate.
If she wasn’t capable, she wouldn’t have achieved what she had today.
Qu Fulan was busy every day with the upcoming restaurant opening.
Every new dish she made was tasted by the Pei Family, and almost all praised it, showing her culinary skills were enough to win over the masses.
A few weren’t as impressed; one was Ying Man’er, whom Qu Fulan heard through a maid had said it was just mediocre after tasting.
The other was the Third Branch, who didn’t eat and would reward it to the servants instead.
Now that the Second Miss was better, she was active again, but no matter how active, she couldn’t reach Qu Fulan, as she spent most of her time in Lixiang Courtyard.
As for the Third Young Madam, it’s said she has a strained relationship with the Third Young Master; they argue every few days, souring the atmosphere in the Third Branch, causing much unrest.
The Third Madam would go to the Matriarch to complain, but the Matriarch would act like she hadn’t heard, excusing herself to rest just as she started.
The Third Madam’s request for the Matriarch to step in and discipline her daughter-in-law came to nothing.
Days flew by, and suddenly the opening day arrived.
The Matriarch, having anticipated the sequel to Journey to the West for so long, more eagerly than anyone else, greeted people early to support the Zhaoying Building.
Although everyone had tasted Fulan’s cooking recently, they weren’t aware she had taken over Zhaoying Building, only assuming she was there to help.
The Second Madam was naturally the first to accept, and neither the Third Miss nor Ying Man’er could refuse the Matriarch’s enthusiasm; they were more than happy to join, eager for some excitement outside.
The Third Madam and the Second Young Lady also went, as the Second Young Lady had been wanting to go out after being home for so long.
But the Third Young Madam didn’t go because she returned to her natal home after a fight with the Third Young Master, unaware of this event.
After recovering, the Second Young Lady had seen Qu Fulan once and had already heard she was with her Second Brother, having also changed her name to something lovely, not even avoiding similar sounding names.
The Second Young Lady had spent so many shadowed days in her room that she looked quite worn, while Qu Fulan appeared more radiant than ever.
This made the Second Young Lady uncomfortable, knowing Qu Fulan’s beauty. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have chosen her at first sight to bring back carefully until circumstances intervened. Now, Fulan belonged to her Second Brother, and she couldn’t lay a finger on her.
The Matriarch might have seen their bond and gifted her a maid, but the Second Brother wasn’t of the same mother, rarely at home previously, meaning their sibling bond was naturally weak. Trying to get a maid from his hands was as hard as reaching the sky, much less his only close attendant.
What couldn’t be obtained naturally was hard to witness thriving, sparking a desire to grind it into the dirt, or even scratch that long face out of spite, the Second Young Lady thought wickedly.
No longer the pure and kind person she was before marriage, having witnessed the secrecy and intrigue of the household.
Yet she could only imagine, as her Second Brother wasn’t easily provoked, and for her own well-being, she needed a good relationship with her Second Brother—and by extension, Qu Fulan.
But she couldn’t or wouldn’t, originally regarding Qu Fulan as a mere maid, establishing a rapport was impossible.
If she couldn’t, she might as well listen to her gut and remain displeased.
Today, when the Matriarch proposed visiting the Zhaoying Building, the Second Young Lady knew though it wasn’t a famous estate business, rather a pitifully unnoticed restaurant used for housing, and now with recipes devised by a maid, was unpresentable.
Were it not for the Matriarch, she wouldn’t have set foot in such a place.
If she went today, she wouldn’t hide her distaste; what wasn’t good couldn’t pretend otherwise, and she wouldn’t spare a maid’s feelings.
Perhaps, due to Qu Fulan’s awful cooking, the Zhaoying Building might shutter tomorrow, angering the Second Brother, freeing up the servant for her to reclaim.
The Second Young Lady thought happily.
Meanwhile, Young Master An brought several brothers to show support.
Following Heir Pei’s instructions, Young Master An brought a group of close friends and marched toward Chang’an Street.
As fate would have it, they arrived just at the auspicious moment.
Upon hearing a loud cry of "The auspicious time has arrived," firecrackers interrupted the street’s bustle, seguido by a crackling sound that drew the eyes of passersby.
Not only were pedestrians attracted to the spectacle, but those in other buildings couldn’t help but turn to watch.
After all, everyone loves a good show.
The restaurant’s sign was still draped in red cloth.
In the center of the entrance sat a table with a fan and a wooden block.
Once the lion dance concluded, a storyteller took the stage, picked up the wooden block, and struck it.
At the sharp crack, the audience fell silent.
"Speaking of..."