Chapter 24: Chapter 24 Eyes Have Seen Enough Chapter 24: Chapter 24 Eyes Have Seen Enough The seafood hotpot restaurant near Sanyuan Bridge has been a Black Pearl Restaurant for five consecutive years.
When Xiao Meier entered, she looked at the plaque on the wall and the lavish decor inside, timidly tugging on Chen Cheng’s sleeve.
“Xiao Cheng, this place isn’t cheap, right?
Should we go somewhere else?”
Chen Cheng smiled faintly, “I said no regrets.
Since we are here, let’s eat freely!”
“No, but it really is kind of expensive~ Xiao Cheng!”
Chen Cheng grabbed Xiao Meier and pulled her inside.
After sitting down, Chen Cheng began to order.
“Let’s have a signature dried scallop porridge hotpot and a Buddha Jumps Over the Wall.” He said unhurriedly: “Order a pound of prawns, and a seafood platter with treasure crab.
Crispy Wansan fish as well.”
He paused for a moment, “Right, two bowls of orange peel red bean soup.
Meier, you must try it.”
Xiao Meier was sitting at the other end of the table, listening to Chen Cheng ordering while quickly scanning the prices on the menu.
When she saw 168, 358, 698, she felt that spending here was simply burning money.
“Meier, would you like to order anything else?”
Xiao Meier didn’t know how to respond and just shook her head.
“That will be all for now,” Chen Cheng told the waiter.
Please wait a moment.”
After the person left, Xiao Meier leaned in and whispered, “Xiao Cheng, this is too expensive!
Red bean soup for 38 a bowl?!
If you want it, I can cook it for you at home!”
Chen Cheng smiled calmly, “Don’t rush, just try it first.”
Xiao Meier was frustrated with Chen Cheng.
Now there wasn’t even a hint of a plan, yet he was spending so lavishly, over a thousand yuan gone for a meal.
She crossed her arms, fuming, “If you had told me earlier that we were coming here, I wouldn’t have come at all.”
Chen Cheng looked at her majestic trembling, laughing as he said, “Meier, do you know why I brought you here?”
You really have too much money to spend!”
A bowl of noodles costs Xiao Meier 8 yuan, and this meal was almost equivalent to her week’s revenue.
“Are we not supposed to do market research for our restaurant?” Chen Cheng asked with a smile.
“We are supposed to do research, but that doesn’t mean we should be so wasteful!”
Chen Cheng shook his head, then asked, “If Wanbao Hall reopens, who will be our biggest competitor?”
Xiao Meier furrowed her brows, “The Big Willow Tree Sichuan restaurant, Xin Chuanji.”
“That’s right, Xin Chuanji has thirty tables altogether, including twelve private rooms.” Chen Cheng spoke slowly, “I’ve estimated these days, renovating Wanbao Hall, we can only fit eight tables, and one private room.”
Xiao Meier stared intently at Chen Cheng, only to hear him continue:
“In terms of volume, we definitely can’t beat Xin Chuanji.
So how do we make money, if not by differentiating ourselves?”
Isn’t it all Sichuan cuisine?”
Chen Cheng shook his head, “Our strategy is to go small and exquisite, selling service and quality.
Mapo Tofu sold for 28 at Xin Chuanji will have to be 68 here.”
This idea was beyond Xiao Meier’s understanding.
How much is minced beef?
Will people come if you sell it for 68?” she asked, puzzled.
“Yes, this city is filled with wealthy people,” Chen Cheng confidently said, “As long as our dishes are good enough, our service attentive enough, and the ambiance elegant enough, there will definitely be customers who are willing to pay for this high quality.”
Xiao Meier was still half-doubting, “But we have a limited budget, how can we afford such a place?”
Chen Cheng smiled, “That’s exactly why we’re here.
Why has Zhen Zi Wei Seafood Hotpot Restaurant been awarded the Black Pearl Restaurant honor for five consecutive years?
It’s because they’ve found their niche and stuck to it.”
“They’re not just providing a meal, but a lifestyle and a sense of enjoyment.
Although we can’t do it as large scale as they do, we can learn from their philosophy and interpret it in our own way,” he continued.
Xiao Meier began to understand Chen Cheng’s point, “Are you saying that Wanbao Hall needs to aim high and be distinctive?”
Chen Cheng nodded, “For example, the red bean paste you can make could become a special dessert in our restaurant.
However, we will choose Xinhui Mandarin peels and the best red beans.
We need to create enough buzz to ensure the customers feel they are getting more than their money’s worth.”
Xiao Meier had run a noodle shop for twelve years and had never thought that business could be done this way.
“Can this really work?”
“Do you not trust me, or do you not trust yourself?” Chen Cheng asked with a smile.
He watched as Xiao Meier hesitated, “Don’t worry, sister E.
As soon as he finished speaking, the food Chen Cheng had ordered began arriving at the table.
Xiao Meier was amazed by the exotic delicacies on the table.
“Sir, would you like me to peel the shrimp for you?” the waiter asked, wearing gloves and pointing at the prawns.
Chen Cheng nodded, “Yes, please.
“It’s my pleasure to serve you.”
Xiao Meier had never experienced such service nor had she eaten such expensive food.
The moment the crispy shrimp exploded in her mouth, it seemed like she had found the meaning of life.
“Xiao Cheng, this is so springy!”
Chen Cheng laughed as he placed the shrimp meat into Xiao Meier’s bowl, “Sister E, see, this is quality, this is service.
Customers are willing to pay more for this kind of experience.”
As Xiao Meier slowly savored the delicious shrimp, she nodded frequently, “You’re right, I really didn’t realize this before.”
“So, when Wanbao Hall reopens, we need to upgrade everything from ingredients, flavor, environment, to service.”
Chen Cheng continued to explain, “We must select the finest ingredients, the flavor must be authentic yet unique, the environment must be elegant and comfortable, and the service must be attentive and meticulous.
This is how we can stand out in this highly competitive market.”
Xiao Meier felt her doubts gradually clearing up as Chen Cheng explained, “Now I understand, we’re going for a high-end approach.
While the investment might be larger, the returns will be higher too.”
“Right, otherwise, how could I possibly repay the two million to Jin Baogen in just six months?” Chen Cheng said with a laugh.
Xiao Meier took a deep breath, “I get it now!
Xiao Cheng, you really are full of great ideas!”
Chen Cheng scooped some seafood porridge for Xiao Meier, “Sister E, the runny kind you wanted.”
“You’re still teasing me!” Xiao Meier blushed, “If you had told me we were going to such a fancy place, I would have dressed more nicely!”
Chen Cheng looked at her plain colored dress, simple in style, not a designer brand.
But on Xiao Meier, there was a clear and visible beauty.
“No, absolutely not.”
“You’re already beautiful enough as it is.
If you were any more stunning, my eyes would be full and I wouldn’t be able to eat!”
Xiao Meier chuckled, “You always know how to make me happy!”
After we finish, we’ll go shopping for clothes,” Chen Cheng said.
Xiao Meier looked up, “That’s more money to spend?”
“We were originally out to buy clothes, right?
Eating was just along the way,” Chen Cheng replied.