The next morning, Dongfeng Restaurant hung a sign at the entrance announcing new dishes at lower prices than those of Yuelai Restaurant across the street.
To spread the news further, they even sent Xiao’er out to shout about it.
"Ladies and gentlemen, our Dongfeng Restaurant also introduced new dishes today. Everyone is welcome to come and try them; they are absolutely delicious and very affordable..."
Xiao’er’s shouting indeed attracted a crowd of onlookers.
The dishes at Dongfeng Restaurant weren’t bad at all; the reason it had been so quiet was solely because of the new dishes introduced by Yuelai Restaurant across the street. These dishes, after all, were brought in from outside the area, and many people were eager to try something new.
Now that Dongfeng Restaurant had introduced the same dishes, it was only natural for customers to come back, especially since the prices were even lower than those at Yuelai Restaurant.
As expected, on the first day itself, Dongfeng Restaurant regained many of its customers. However, the numbers were still less than before, as many people were still watching and waiting. The same dishes at Yuelai Restaurant had already made a name for themselves, and people were unsure about the taste at Dongfeng Restaurant.
This situation resulted in fewer people in front of Yuelai Restaurant; after all, Shanshi County was only so big, with a limited population and a finite number of diners. If they weren’t dining at one place, they were at another.
Xiao’er, looking quite annoyed, ran into the building and exclaimed, "Shopkeeper, they’ve started offering the same dishes as us across the street."
Shopkeeper Wang wasn’t too surprised by what Xiao’er said and instead asked, "Has Chef Wu come in today?"
"Now that you mention it, how come Chef Wu hasn’t arrived yet?" Xiao’er asked in return.
"Alright, go attend to the customers," Shopkeeper Wang waved him off.
Xiao’er then went to attend to the customers. Due to the buzz created by Dongfeng Restaurant across the street, many people in the hall were talking about it.
Some of the regulars even voiced their concerns, "I’m saying, Shopkeeper Wang, how come they are offering the same dishes as you across the street? You don’t have a mole, do you?"
"Thank you for your concern. Rest assured, we at Yuelai Restaurant have no mole," Shopkeeper Wang explained.
The conversation soon shifted to other topics, "Even if the dishes are the same as those at Yuelai Restaurant, I won’t go there. The owner of Dongfeng Restaurant has a taste for male favorites; who knows who might be targeted next."
"Haha, aren’t you being a bit paranoid? With your looks, they won’t target you!"
This comment caused everyone to burst into laughter, "Hahaha."
"Even if he targets someone, it wouldn’t matter. He’s always the one being dominated," someone joked.
This remark provoked another round of hearty laughter, "Hahaha."
"That Mr. Li is indeed quite handsome, with his fair skin and all. He also looks quite feminine and is young too." Find the newest release on novęlfire.net
Suddenly, everyone started discussing Mr. Li Fuyou’s inability to conduct himself properly and his taste for male favorites. This topic would likely be a staple among the people of Shanshi County for a long time to come. Whenever Mr. Li made a move, it would give people something to talk about.
Seeing everyone engaged in lively discussions, Shopkeeper Wang didn’t interrupt. Instead, he returned to the counter and instructed someone to go to the Chu Family in Shibao County to inform them about this development.
Chu Lian soon learned of this news. He wasn’t overly surprised but revealed a knowing smile, "I see. Go back and tell Shopkeeper Wang to continue business as usual and watch for changes."