Chapter 660: Chapter 659 Celebrating the Opening on Lantern Festival

The marketing campaign for the reopening of Suishan Restaurant was indeed very successful. A wide distribution of flyers let everyone know that this restaurant, formerly Suixin Restaurant, had changed owners and was reopening, complete with many promotional activities and quite a few innovative dishes.

Taking advantage of the time before the reopening had arrived, Wufu took a walk around the restaurant. The newly redecorated Suishan Restaurant wasn’t overly luxurious; rather, it was very down-to-earth. The simple but elegant decor wasn’t ostentatious, the walls had all been repainted, and more seasonal flowers and plants were added to the private rooms.

It was actually the restaurant’s courtyard that had undergone a redesign, adopting some of the literati’s elegant simplicity. Several small pavilions were fitted out with dining tables and hung with bamboo curtains for scenic dining, but this courtyard set a minimum spending requirement for entry.

“Miss, Lord Wen has arrived, and the auspicious time is fast approaching,” Purple Jade hurriedly reported.

Wufu then turned her gaze back, returning to the main hall, and sure enough, she saw Congrui standing in the main hall with his hands behind his back, looking at a plaque hanging above the manager’s desk that read “Guests Flow In Like Clouds.”

By his side was a boy dressed as a manservant, holding a gift covered in red silk.

“I wish you a thriving business,” Congrui said with a slight smile, gesturing for the boy to present the gift.

Wufu had Purple Jade take it, and upon unfolding the red silk, they saw a Yellow Jade Pixiu on the tray. She joked, “Such an expensive gift, I’m afraid keeping it in the main hall might attract thieves.”

“Who would dare to steal from Suishan Restaurant? This is a restaurant that benefits the people,” Congrui said with a meaningful smile.

Wufu laughed and personally placed the Pixiu behind the manager’s counter, where several bottles of fine wines, each labeled with their name, were also displayed.

“I’ve already drafted the generous terms of the agreement, would you like to take a look?” Wufu asked Manager Zhong to bring out the agreement they were prepared to sign.

Congrui took it, glanced over it, and said, “In fact, you needn’t have drawn up this agreement, lest it become a talking point for others in the future.”

Wufu replied, “It’s still better to have it in writing; it helps us not forget the original intention behind the restaurant, nor does it tarnish its name. Although you, Lord Wen, are disinterested in fame and gain, future magistrates may not be… Therefore, having the agreement is the safest option.”

Congrui understood her point and returned the document with a smile, “The people of Huayang will be grateful to you.”

Wufu cunningly said, “I can’t accept their gratitude just yet, since this percentage of the profits will only be shared on the premise that the restaurant is profitable.”

“Having a good heart is already more than what many businesses offer, how can you not prosper?” Congrui said with a smile.

“Then I’ll take your auspicious words to heart!” Wufu replied.

As they were talking, Liu Jin came to report, “Miss, Lord, the auspicious moment has arrived.”

“Is the Lion Dance Team ready?” Wufu asked.

“Miss, everything is prepared.”

Wufu then glanced at Congrui, “I will come and invite you in a moment, sir.”

Congrui waved his hand in dismissal.

Following Liu Jin out, Wufu began by setting off a string of firecrackers symbolizing ‘Wealth Coming In,’ and then, to the sound of gongs and drums, the Lion Dance Team started their performance outside the door, where a table with incense had already been set up for offering sacrifices to the Lucky God.

Since it was the Lantern Festival, there were already many people on the streets; and as this spot was located on the central axis, it was an especially prosperous area. The commotion caused by the Lion Dance, combined with the earlier advertising, drew a large crowd to watch the spectacle.

The Lion Dance Team was very lively. They took off the red festive band from the lion’s head and skillfully pulled down the red silk covering the restaurant’s signboard, revealing its grand name — Suishan Restaurant.

Follow your heart to do good.

Some people applauded and shouted praises for the good show.

After the lion dance stepped down, Manager Zhong stepped forward, gave a few customary remarks, and then invited Congrui to speak.