Chapter 655 – Private Dining Restaurant
After returning home, Lu Xia shared the details of the situation with Jiang Junmo. Jiang Junmo remained silent for a moment and then asked, “When did you plan to open a private dining restaurant? Why didn’t I know about it?”
Lu Xia felt a bit embarrassed and scratched her nose. “Well… it was a sudden inspiration. I’ve got those two courtyards I bought earlier, the smaller one doesn’t need to be mentioned, but the larger one has a great view inside. I just felt it would be a waste to leave it as it is. I thought, why not turn it into a private dining restaurant, serving high-end customers on a less busy schedule, utilizing the rooms efficiently, and not wasting space. Doesn’t it sound great?”
Jiang Junmo smiled and shook his head. “What you’re saying makes sense, but have you considered that if you open another restaurant, you’ll be even busier? You keep talking about wanting to make money while lying down, but you can’t seem to sit still, always coming up with new ideas!”
Lu Xia chuckled in response, “I don’t plan to do it myself. I already have a chef, so I just need to find a manager. Then I can let someone else run it, and I can continue making money while lying down.”
Jiang Junmo laughed, “Are you sure he’ll agree to work as a chef?”
Lu Xia replied confidently, “Why wouldn’t he? He’s already decided to work at the factory for Yu Wan. He even moved her to tears with his decision. Although he might initially disagree, once he sees Yu Wan’s attitude and that she’s the priority, he’ll be convinced.”
Jiang Junmo didn’t say much in response, only asking, “Have you thought about who will manage the private dining restaurant?”
Lu Xia paused for a moment and said, “Um… well, I just made the decision recently, so I haven’t found anyone yet. But I can’t choose just anyone, especially since we’ll be serving high-end customers. I need someone capable. Do you have any recommendations?”
Jiang Junmo shook his head, “I don’t, but I can inquire for you.”
Lu Xia nodded and said, “Sure, please check it out. I’m not in a hurry anyway. We still need to do the interior decoration, so there’s no rush.”
…
The next day, Lu Xia contacted Yan Hai to discuss the renovation of the courtyard.
Yan Hai’s renovation company had grown significantly, but for Lu Xia’s project, he personally came to oversee it as they had a long-standing relationship and she was an old client.
This renovation was relatively complex. It required not only refurbishing the house but also making structural changes to create private dining rooms. Of course, she emphasized the importance of preserving the original structure and historical character.
Luckily, while the project was extensive, Yan Hai’s company had expanded, and they had more employees on hand. They promised to complete the work within a month.
Lu Xia felt reassured and entrusted the courtyard to him.
Around this time, she received a response from Chang Yi. He agreed to work as a chef at the private dining restaurant. However, he had a small request – he wanted her to meet his grandfather.
Lu Xia didn’t hesitate and agreed without a second thought.
After work, she and Yu Wan went to Chang’s house.
Chang Yi’s grandfather was in his sixties, and perhaps due to his experience in the countryside, he appeared older than his actual age. Nevertheless, he seemed to be in good health.
Upon their arrival, Grandfather Chang brewed a pot of tea for them. He then chatted with them in a friendly manner. Their personalities were quite different; Grandfather Chang was talkative and asked about Lu Xia’s work and her company, complimented her, and eventually turned the conversation to the private dining restaurant.
*
Chapter 656 – Grandfather Chang
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“I’ve heard from Xiao Yi that your private dining restaurant is aimed at the wealthy?” Grandfather Chang asked.
Lu Xia nodded, “Yes, Grandfather Chang, that’s what I’m thinking. There are plenty of ordinary and upscale restaurants outside, but they tend to be Western-style or part of hotels. What I want to do is traditional Chinese upscale private dining, to attract the wealthy.”
Grandfather Chang became interested. “That won’t be easy. The wealthy are quite demanding. You’ll need to excel in all aspects for them to approve.”
Lu Xia smiled, “That’s why I’ve found the Chang family with their culinary skills. I believe your expertise will conquer the wealthy’s palates.”
Grandfather Chang smiled in response and didn’t say much. Instead, he asked her about her current progress.
Lu Xia then shared the restaurant’s address and the ongoing renovation.
Upon hearing that she had chosen a three-section courtyard with a garden as the location for the private dining restaurant, Grandfather Chang finally understood her determination.
After listening to her arrangements, he said, “Girl, you’ve planned it well. However, while my Xiao Yi’s culinary skills are good, handling everything on his own might be a bit much. What do you think about this old man helping out?”
Lu Xia was surprised by his offer. “Grandfather Chang, are you planning to go there yourself?”
Chang Yi, who was beside them, quickly spoke up, “Grandpa, you’re not in the best of health. It’s better to rest at home. I’ll handle it, and if you think there’s something I haven’t learned well, you can teach me. I promise to learn properly and not disgrace you.”
Grandfather Chang gave him a stern look, “Learning to be a chef isn’t something you can easily pick up. Besides, where am I unwell? Even if I go, I won’t be doing laborious work. I’ll handle the more complicated dishes, and you can take care of the simpler ones. It won’t be too exhausting!”
Despite his grandfather’s reassurances, Chang Yi still hesitated. He didn’t want his elderly grandfather to go out and work, especially given his age.
But Grandfather Chang insisted, “Besides, didn’t you hear what Miss Lu said? She’s going to share the profits with you. That means you’re also an owner, in a way. Our family’s restaurant, of course, I must be there.”
He finished his statement and looked earnestly at Lu Xia.
Lu Xia chuckled and said, “You’re right. I do plan to share the profits with you. After all, the most crucial part of a restaurant is the chef. The ability to attract customers depends on the chef’s skills. Frankly, if Chang Yi was going alone, I intended to give him a 20% share. If you’re going, I’ll give you 30%, and the restaurant manager will get 10%. I’ll take 60%.”
Grandfather Chang responded, “No need to give me so much. We’ll take 20%. It’s your restaurant, and we haven’t invested a single penny. I can’t accept taking so much!”
Lu Xia chuckled and said, “Just take it. Consider it my way of enticing the descendants of a prestigious chef to work in my restaurant.”
Grandfather Chang smiled and said, “You, young lady, don’t worry. Once I’m in the kitchen, I’ll make sure people want to come back after their first visit.”
Lu Xia was satisfied with his answer and said, “Then it’s settled!”
…
As they left, Yu Wan was still a bit puzzled. What happened? Wasn’t it agreed that Chang Yi would go work there? Why did his grandfather decide to join as well?
Lu Xia noticed her confusion and reassured her, “Don’t worry. With Chang Yi in the kitchen and Grandfather Chang overseeing, he won’t be overworked.”
Yu Wan nodded and said gratefully, “Thank you, Lu Xia.”
Lu Xia shook her head with a smile. “I should be thanking you for finding me such a great chef!”
Although Lu Xia expressed her thanks, Yu Wan knew she owed Lu Xia a favor, but with their relationship, being too polite felt unnecessary.
She simply said, “If we succeed, we’ll definitely give you a generous red envelope as a token of our gratitude!”
Lu Xia replied, “I’ll be waiting!”
With that, they exchanged glances and both smiled, understanding each other without needing to say more.
