He was in for a treat again!
Boss Pei is so good to me. Sigh, I really cannot repay him! Qiao Liang sighed emotively.
The two got off the car at the entrance of Ming Yun Private Kitchen. Seeing Teacher Qiao’s eyes sparkle at the thought of eating delicacies, Pei Qian couldn’t help but chuckle internally.
I have been messing about with Teacher Qiao for so long. Sigh, I am such an evil person.
However, taking a look at the surroundings of Ming Yun Private Kitchen, Pei Qian soon lost his mood. Ever since Ming Yun Private Kitchen had grown popular, Pei Qian had not visited
yet.
All in all, it was a long story.
Pei Qian had purchased a semi-commercial villa. It was completely separate from other residential villas. It had its own space and cars had their own private entrance as well. Originally, this had been the reason why these villas had been hard to sell.
However, this semi-commercial villa area near Ming Yun Private Kitchen was now filled with luxury cars. These were cars that were rarely seen in Jingzhou.
Furthermore, cabs also kept on arriving.
Ming Yun Private Kitchen’s clients were not just big bosses now; some ordinary salarymen also came by. The latter came all the way here on a Sunday to have a good meal and to enjoy the good food and service.
While there weren’t that many people, it was very different from before.
The last time Teacher Qiao had come, Ming Yun Private Kitchen didn’t have any other customers. It looked rather deserted and only had some waiters running about.
This time, besides the luxury cars parked outside, the villa had many more guests.
Only four or five tables were in the main hall. At this time, all of them were filled. Customers were conversing softly while taking their time to enjoy the meal. No one took out their cell phones and the whole atmosphere of the place was harmonious and natural.
Of course, as Ming Yun Private Kitchen’s seating capacity was limited, even though all the seats were filled; the main hall still felt rather spacious. It was completely different from those popular, packed-to-the-brim restaurants with people queuing outside.
Pei Qian was rather pained by what he was seeing.
From his perspective, these customers were troublemakers one and all. They weren’t here to throw money at him; they were here to steal money from him!
Behind Pei Qian, Qiao Liang sighed internally. The last time he had come and saw how deserted the place was, Qiao Liang had thought that this was Boss Pei’s private set-up and was for his personal entertainment and indulgence.
From the looks of it now, that was evidently not the case. So many customers were around, and this place was now so popular; this restaurant was raking in money, right?
Although the food here was really good, how on earth did Boss Pei manage to make this place a hit within a mere two weeks?
Qiao Liang could only sigh emotively. It seemed as if not only was Boss Pei good at creating games, but he was also a real business genius. Regardless of which industry it was, he could make it work!
Chapter 257 - You are Ming Yun Villas’ Friend Forever!
After the meal… As per usual, Pei Qian arranged for the driver to send Teacher Qiao off as he remained in his private room. He was prepared to have a chat with Lin Canrong.
This chat was a little heavier for Boss Pei to have.
Now that Ming Yun Private Kitchen had become famous, it was too late for him to do anything. Pei Qian could only try his best to instruct Lin Canrong so that the situation wouldn’t get any worse.
After the dishes on the dining table were cleared, Lin Canrong sat across Pei Qian, beaming with joy.
All this while, Lin Canrong had been extremely busy.
Ever since Ming Yun Private Kitchen became a hit, all lunch and dinner reservations were full for the next two weeks.
He had been bored to death initially; now, he was working to death.
He had to preorder ingredients daily according to the reservations and make the necessary cutlery and settings changes based on each group of customers. He also had to make sure that the waiters knew what they were doing while dealing with last-minute scenarios.
Fortunately, Ming Yun Private Kitchen had many chefs and wait staff with the latter all well-trained. Hence, he had still managed to make things work.
Although he was so busy, Lin Canrong was extremely happy. He felt that he could finally showcase his true worth.
Boss Pei had handed him such a good restaurant; he naturally couldn’t let Boss Pei down and had to continue helping the restaurant thrive. He even wanted this restaurant to become the best in Jingzhou City!
Although there were many customers-as there weren’t that many seats in the private kitchen to begin with, all the guests were still manageable.
Speaking of this, Lin Canrong was even more impressed with Boss Pei’s foresight.
Previously when Ming Yun Private Kitchen had been quiet and deserted with few customers, Boss Pei had requested for him to focus on running the restaurant and not caring too much about publicity.
Indeed, within two weeks, the restaurant had become a hit!
Fortunately, Lin Canrong had been very obedient. He had put his heart and soul into the kitchen and on the wait staff, ensuring an extremely high standard dining experience. That was how Ming Yun Private Kitchen’s reputation had maintained at such a high level.
This time, Boss Pei must have more words of wisdom for him.
Pei Qian drank his tea as he said indifferently. “I don’t have much to say, actually. I just want to instruct some matters.
“Regarding ingredients, we definitely cannot use any inferiors. We can’t think that just because customers might not realize it, we cut down on the quality of the ingredients. Every customer must be treated as a food critic.
“The seating arrangement needs to be stringently adhered to; let’s maintain the status quo. “Don’t come up with any policies banning the bringing of alcohol or having a minimum spending for private rooms, extra costs for disinfection, etc.
“I had mentioned all these at the start; I just want to reiterate these points again.
“You also know that all the company’s projects, including Ming Yun Private Kitchen, will be under a reputation-based reward system.”
Pei Qian felt that he had to emphasize all these again.
If Lin Canrong suddenly started having ideas and wanted to add more seats or enacting policies banning the bringing of alcohol, implementing a minimum charge for private rooms, etc.; wouldn’t that result in more profits?
The next settlement was only slightly more than a month away. Ming Yun Private Kitchen was already a burden to Boss Pei; this burden couldn’t get heavier!
If Pei Qian couldn’t make a loss, he would really puke blood.
Lin Canrong hurriedly nodded. “Understood, Boss Pei. You are afraid that I might be too mindful of costs, and that might affect Ming Yun Private Kitchen’s reputation. Rest assured that I will remember everything you have said. Customers’ opinions of us will always be the priority!”
Pei Qian nodded his head. “Alright.”
Although Lin Canrong didn’t know the true meaning behind Pei Qian’s words—since Ming Yun Private Kitchen had deteriorated to this stage, Pei Qian didn’t have any good ideas to remedy the situation. He would be very thankful if things didn’t worsen.
“That’s all. I won’t hold you back. I’ll head to Fish-Catching Internet Cafe and hang about.”
Pei Qian left Ming Yun Private Kitchen and headed outside the villa.
The sky was a little dark. Pei Qian turned and looked at Ming Yun Private Kitchen. For some reason, he felt rather terrible internally.
Really terrible!
Pei Qian sighed quietly as he was prepared to leave Ming Yun Villas and head to a nearby Fish-Catching Internet Cafe to sit and drink some coffee.
Now, only the peace and serenity of the Fish-Catching Internet Cafe could soothe his
wounded soul.
He had just walked two steps when someone shouted, “Boss Pei?”
Pei Qian paused as he turned. It was actually Manager Cui. This was Ming Yun Villas’ sales manager. When Pei Qian had purchased this villa, Manager Cui had personally brought him over to see the villa.
ma
Manager Cui was rather happy to see Pei Qian. “What a coincidence, Boss Pei! We actually managed to meet! I was still thinking when I could pay you a visit to thank you in person!” Pei Qian was confused. “Thank me?”
Manager Cui laughed. “Yes, Boss Pei. Of course, I have to thank you! Take a look. These are Ming Yun Villas’ new publicity slogans.”
Manager Cui tapped his phone a few times as he opened a PDF picture with the new publicity material for Ming Yun Villas.
Pei Qian was stumped as he took the cell phone and had a look. When he had bought this villa, Pei Qian had seen Ming Yun Villas’ publicity material before. These so-called publicity materials were basically pictures of villa districts, the scenery, as well as some slogans.
For example, ‘picturesque and a natural wonderland’, ‘a villa hidden in the mountains and rivers’; ‘a mountain villa, a new trend’; “happily staying in a cash cow, appreciation of value just a matter of time’, etc. All in all, Pei Qian had found these materials to be rather fake and were just artificially praising the villa district; he had not paid much attention.
This new publicity material on Manager Cui’s cell phone was completely different!
‘Ming Yun Villas, pioneering Jingzhou’s new commercial district’; ‘far from the hustle and bustle and yet near to a flourishing region’; ‘a nameless restaurant is just in your backyard’; ‘enjoy domestic delicacies and meet Jingzhou’s celebrities’…
Furthermore, the pictures were also completely different!
Besides the normal pictures of villas and the scenery, many pictures regarding Ming Yun Private Kitchen and the nearby commercial district were included as well!
One was ‘Jingzhou’s new commercial district’.
The picture had all the shops near Ming Yun Villas, such as the internet cafe, bar, board games cafe, coffee shops, etc. It seemed very happening.
Another was ‘a 5/5 mysterious restaurant making waves on the internet; the nameless restaurant is here!’
This picture had Ming Yun Private Kitchen’s Quanmin Reviews profile page as well as some pictures inside of Ming Yun Private Kitchen.
One other picture was ‘being neighbors with Jingzhou’s celebrities’.
This one zoomed in on all the luxury vehicles parked near to Ming Yun Private Kitchen, as well as a few group shots of successful persons.
Pei Qian felt that he was growing a little dizzy.
What was going on?!
As the sky had darkened, Manager Cui completely missed Boss Pei’s rather pale face as the former said excitedly, “Boss Pei, these flyers had been sent out; within a week or two, we should be able to see the effects!
“This time, our boss has decided to go all out. We have purchased publicity slots in newspapers, on TV, the exterior of buildings, magazines, public transports, as well as advertisement signboards in Jingzhou City!”
Pei Qian felt even more light-headed.
What the hell? They had bought advertisement slots everywhere? Wait a minute, I thought that you guys couldn’t sell any villas in this area?
I had done my due diligence before making my purchase previously. Didn’t they say that there wasn’t any investment value in the villas here and that they were not competitively priced?
Why the sudden widespread publicity?
Also, you guys can do all the publicity you want; don’t drag my restaurant into it!
Pei Qian was a little flustered. “You guys are spending so much.”
Manager Cui laughed. “Boss Pei is joking. Whether we would make a loss or not, wouldn’t you know already? To be honest, when you had said you wanted to buy this villa that time, I had not thought much of it. I had just assumed you were going to use this as a vacation home.
“After that, I found out that you’re really a genius!”
Manager Cui raised his thumb energetically.
“Your nameless restaurant had become an instant hit; it is now the most popular high-end restaurant in Jingzhou! I heard that the restaurant is booked two weeks in advance; it is becoming hard to get a dining time slot!
“So many Jingzhou big honchos want to have a meal here; all of them have to make a reservation beforehand!
“However, many bosses feel that it is rather troublesome having to entertain clients so far out here. They feel that their guests have to travel all the way here just for a meal and that that is a little taxing.
“As such, some bosses have come over to look at houses. They want to buy some villas to be used to entertain guests while they could stay here themselves sometimes as well.
“Of course, that isn’t their only reason for purchasing villas. They are also targeting the potential of a rise in the value of property here!
“Recently, there has been word in investment circles in Jingzhou City that this region is going to become the new commercial district of Jingzhou City! Many have already heard the rumors. Some other shops here have all shut; now, they have all been rented or bought!
“This is a very good sign. The entire Jingzhou City is now focused on this region. Our housing prices are naturally increasing as well. Our boss has already decided to inflate the prices of all the villas we still have on hand. We cannot sell them cheaply anymore!
“Boss Pei, when the time comes, your villa’s value would rise as well easily. Rising to ten million from six million would definitely not be a problem!”
Pei Qian’s legs grew weak; he almost collapsed.
Rising to ten million? He was going to be in deep trouble!
Pei Qian almost wanted to puke blood. Who said that this was going to be Jingzhou’s new commercial district? Who?
Where were all these so-called shops? Weren’t those shops what I used to fool Boss Li?
Wait a minute, Boss Li…
Pei Qian suddenly thought of a problem. Li Shi was the boss of Fu Hui Investments; he was rather influential in Jingzhou’s investment circles.
A while ago, he had been crazily investing and opening up shops near Ming Yun Villas. Ming Yun Private Kitchen’s stellar success must have been noticed by Boss Li as well!
That meant that Boss Li must have thought that Boss Pei was the backer behind Ming Yun Private Kitchen, that this restaurant was a key piece of the puzzle that would make Ming Yun Villas a hit!
According to Boss Li’s character, he definitely wanted to seize the opportunity and continue investing here.
Pei Qian felt very uncomfortable.
He had thought that Ming Yun Private Kitchen’s success was the worst news he could get. Now, that didn’t seem to be the case.
If this area became popular, that would affect the neighboring shops and Fish-Catching Internet Cafe.
Furthermore, this villa’s valuation would rise as well!
Was this what the saying ‘trouble never came alone’ meant…?
Pei Qian quietly returned the cell phone to Manager Cui. He was silent and in a daze. Manager Cui did not know that Boss Pei was still dealing with the shock of what he had heard. Manager Cui thought that all was within Boss Pei’s expectations, and that was why Boss Pei was so indifferent.
“Boss Pei, our boss has said that he will definitely pay you a visit to thank you personally. You have helped us so much this time; we definitely have to repay the favor. “For our publicity, we will definitely promote Ming Yun Villas and your nameless restaurant to increase the visibility of your restaurant even more.
“Besides this, your villa’s property management fees and cleanings fees will be permanently waived. Your utility bill will be halved perpetually.
“We will also give you a few parking slots for free.
“Also, we will hire a professional gar
dening team to take care of the garden in your villa’s backyard. Someone will maintain the place regularly.
“Naturally, all these are peanuts to you. However, this is our form of appreciation.
“All in all, you will now be the most honored landlord in Ming Yun Villas; you are Ming Yun Villas’ friend forever!”
Chapter 258 - Could it be My Fault?
Chapter 258 Could it be My Fault?
After saying goodbye to Manager Cui, Pei Qian left Ming Yun Villas, feeling confused. He walked in the direction of Fish-Catching Internet Cafe.
After suffering blow after blow, he felt lost. Now, all he wanted to do was sit in Fish-Catching Internet Cafe and have a cocktail. He wanted the quiet and peaceful environment in the internet cafe to calm him down.
As he walked, he began to sense that something was amiss.
It was already night. Why were there still so many people on the path?
Ming Yun Villas had very low traffic. Even on Sundays, there were normally very few people on the roads.
Yet, there seemed to be many people today!
People were walking in pairs and trios, and most of them looked like students, although a few looked like working adults. There also seemed to be more cars parked along the side of the road!
When he looked at the shops on either side, Pei Qian began to feel like he had been cut off from the world for a long time.
When did these shops open here?!
A while ago, only Fish-Catching Internet Cafe existed along the entire pathway. The other shops were either cold and deserted or closed down altogether.
Pei Qian even intended to set up an Upwind Courier station here; there were so many suitable locations that he was at a loss.
Among all the available options, he could pick the biggest one in the best location. That was because nobody wanted these shops at that time. Every shop was empty and available. Yet, now, even shops in the less ideal spots had been taken!
What’s more, there were all kinds of shops here!
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