Farm Tough Girl
Chapter 584 - 584 585 The Serious Master_1

Chapter 584: Chapter 585: The Serious Master_1 Chapter 584: Chapter 585: The Serious Master_1 Muniang however said, “What’s not possible about that? With a bit of improvement, it will do.”

“But is that really okay? That place is for dining, could they really make special improvements for us without disrupting their business?”

“Why has your brain suddenly turned to elm wood? Are we going there to disrupt their business or to attract business? Once our play starts, it will drive the audience to dine. We’ll schedule the performance at mealtime. When the audience arrives, they’ll naturally want to order another table of dishes. By then, Mei Garden’s reputation will spread out, and Dongxing Building’s reputation will follow. Don’t forget, this influence that we’ll generate is also very significant.”

Of course, there was another most important reason that Zhong Yulang didn’t know—she was the Second Boss of Dongxing Building. This matter was not difficult at all for her.

Zhong Yulang, seeing the sense in this, nodded and said, “That makes sense. If we can sign a long-term contract, that would be even better. After all, Dongxing Building is all over the country. Wherever our tour goes, there’s likely to be a Dongxing Building. Then we wouldn’t have to keep looking for a new venue each time, which would be more convenient.”

Muniang curved her lips upward, “Alright, you go back first. I’ll make a trip there personally.”

“By yourself?”

Zhong Yulang didn’t know that Muniang was the Second Boss of Dongxing Building. She always thought about keeping some secrets for herself, and hadn’t planned on telling him, naturally, she didn’t plan to bring him along either.

“I can manage by myself, don’t worry.”

As Muniang entered Dongxing Building, her clothing and bearing were quite extraordinary, so an observant servant hurried to greet her, “Lady, is this your first time here? Let me introduce you to some of our restaurant’s signature dishes.”

Muniang didn’t need to think to know what he was going to introduce. Without beating around the bush, she headed straight for the private room, “Go and ask your shopkeeper to come here, I have business with him.”

The servant hesitated, “Our shopkeeper? That’s not really convenient…”

Muniang handed a translucent jade pendant to him, “Take this to find him.”

The servant took it dubiously, then turned and left.

Muniang sat in the private room for less than the time it took for a cup of tea to brew when she saw the shopkeeper hurried over, his face full of respect, “I’ve seen the Second Boss! Why did the Second Boss come without any notice? I almost neglected my duty.”

When that servant had come with the jade pendant, he was so shocked his jaw nearly dropped. After scolding the servant, he virtually sprinted over here.

As he spoke, he hastily returned the jade pendant to Muniang’s hand.

Muniang waved her hand, “Sit down, I have matters to discuss with you.”

“I dare not, I dare not. I’ll just stand,” the shopkeeper said with an awkward laugh.

Muniang didn’t press him further. After taking a light sip of tea, she started to speak, “My theater troupe is currently preparing for a tour. As it happens, we’ll be in Pingyue City and can’t find a suitable venue. I think Dongxing Building is quite ideal and would like to borrow the lobby for a while.”

The shopkeeper’s face changed, yet he still responded respectfully, “If the lobby is to be used to set up a stage, then the guests in the lobby·····”

“The stage in the lobby won’t take up much space. We can designate a spot in the middle for seating, and the surrounding area can still be arranged with dining tables. It won’t interfere with the guests’ dining. As for the second floor, there’s no need for any changes. Those who wish to dine can use the private rooms, while those wanting to watch the play can have small tables and chairs set up in the corridor. Just providing seating for others will suffice. I also noticed on my way here that your corridors are quite spacious. You can use half for foot traffic and reserve the other half for seating. Prepare some folding screens to separate the seating, and that should be enough.” she elaborated.

The shopkeeper was stunned for a long while, genuinely surprised that Muniang had thought through the layout in such a short time.

Seeing the shopkeeper dazed, Muniang tapped her fingers on the table, “What are you dawdling for? Hurry up and start getting it ready!”

The shopkeeper hastily agreed but voiced his concerns with a hint of worry, “But, Lady, our place is ultimately a restaurant, and guests come to dine. Setting up a stage might not be ideal, and if it affects the business, I cannot take that responsibility.”

Muniang smiled and said, “I also own a share in Dongxing Building, and whether it makes money or not is of great concern to me. Rest assured, I have a clear plan for this. Whether the business improves or declines, just wait and see.”

The shopkeeper initially had some disdain for Muniang, seeing that she was a woman, but watching her self-confidence, he still felt insecure. However, he dared not defy her and quickly agreed to her request.

However, as soon as he turned around, he quickly sent a letter to Wu Haoli, waiting for instructions before proceeding.

Since Pingyue City and Qinghua City were not far apart, a fast horse could cover the distance in a day or two. The shopkeeper, being quite shrewd, prepared the site meticulously for Muniang on the one hand, delaying as much as possible, and on the other hand, he notified Wu Haoli to receive explicit orders before daring to let Qiao Muniang’s troupe start their performance. He did not wish to offend either side.

Wu Haoli’s reply was swift, just one line: “Let her do as she pleases.”

The shopkeeper’s eyes nearly popped out. What did ‘let her do as she pleases’ mean? Would that include selling the restaurant if she wished!?

But with the letter from Wu Haoli in hand, the shopkeeper no longer dared to underestimate Qiao Muniang. Anyone who could make Mr. Wu so indifferent must have significant influence. Naturally, he served her with great respect and had the arrangements Muniang laid out ready within a couple of days.

Muniang wasn’t originally aware of the intermediary actions, but Wu Haoli also sent her a separate letter, which primarily discussed her plans to set up a stage in the restaurant, telling her to handle it as she saw fit, expressing confidence in her ability.

Muniang then realized what Manager Li had been up to these past days and snorted, “This old fox is quite astute. He’s very attentive to my face but quietly runs to Wu Haoli to tattle behind my back.”

“Clearly, Manager Li doesn’t take you seriously as the true master, Lady,” said Qingya. “He may be respectful to your face, but he doesn’t feel the same way at heart. If it makes you unhappy, Lady, you could replace Manager Li. You can’t let the people below look down on you.”

“Well, whether others respect you or not ultimately depends on your own abilities. How can you expect everyone to genuinely like you? That he can be attentive to my face is already a skill. Now that the stage has been set up, there’s no need to fuss over it any longer.”

The news about Dongxing Building setting up a stage spread quickly. Known for its reputation in Pingyue City, such a significant change naturally attracted attention, just as everyone was speculating about the actual situation.

On the day the theater troupe officially began performances, not only was watching the play half-priced, but even the dishes and drinks of Dongxing Building were discounted by half. Even if people just came for a good meal, they were eager to make a trip there.