Chapter 950: Looking Good
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Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Luo Jin’an looked over and nodded. “Indeed, that’s them.”
Su Binglan sighed in relief. “It seems they took my advice and started a dumpling business. It looks like it’s going very well. They even used my family’s name, so the Black Mountain villagers must’ve opened it, right?”
Luo Jin’an said, “Well, you said you’d like to open a restaurant here. Wei Cheng was the one who opened this restaurant to sell the dishes you taught them to make.
“They even developed some original cuisines, so the restaurant is unique compared to the others that carry your family’s name. Wei Cheng had mentioned his plans in a letter he wrote to me.”
Su Binglan smiled. “That’s pretty impressive. It seems they’ve set themselves up pretty well.”
“Why else would they remain close to home?” Luo Jin’an chuckled. “It’s because their restaurants are doing very well. They can’t just move to the capital when things are going okay.
“Wei Cheng also told me that the people here are simple and honest. Since there are many good things in the Black Forest, they plan to settle down here.”
As the couple walked toward the dumpling shop, Wei Song, Wei Yong, and Wei Shi were in disbelief.
“General Jin’an? Madam Binglan!”
The trio thought they were hallucinating but were incredibly excited to see the couple. Wei Song and the others even became emotional, especially when they saw Su Binglan.
Su Binglan said, “Don’t address us that way in public. We’re trying to keep a low profile.”
The others nodded thoughtfully. After all, they had instinctively addressed the couple formally. They knew about what had happened in the Imperial Court and that Luo Jin’an had reclaimed the Wei residence.
Finally, the Wei family could live in the open again. Moreover, everyone knew that the Wei family owned the nearby restaurants and dumpling shops. The citizens were highly supportive of them, too.
If it rained, the customers would even help to move the outside tables and chairs into the shop. Wei Song and the others were happy to tell Su Binglan and Luo Jin’an what they had been up to.
The commoners even remembered the sacrifices the Wei family had made to protect the country and its border. Wei Song and the others grew attached to the border province after living there for a while.
Although they were always busy, many of their acquaintances would greet them warmly. Some would even visit from other places just to eat dumplings and bring the group some local cuisine.
Su Binglan and Luo Jin’an felt warm inside after hearing Wei Song’s words. At least the commoners knew about the Wei family’s sacrifices and were grateful to them.
After entering the dumpling shop, Su Binglan looked at the menu and saw various types of dumpling fillings. The prices were affordable, too. “Wei Song, did you create these dumplings yourself?”
“Yes, I did,” Wei Song said smilingly, “We had nothing better to do, so we considered what fruits and vegetables we could incorporate into our dumplings.
“After that, I found out that we can use pumpkins, duck egg yolk, chicken, and even corn in the dumplings. I think they taste pretty good, considering everyone’s reactions.
Su Binglan smiled. “Indeed, they’re pretty good, but I never considered using such unique ingredients. I’ll order the first set of dumplings for now.”
Since there were many types of dumplings, Su Binglan decided to try a set first.
“All right, I’ll get them ready right away, Madam Binglan.”
Su Binglan and Luo Jin’an thought the dumplings were pretty delicious after trying them. Afterward, they visited one of the other restaurants and saw its signature dish.
The restaurant was ma.s.sive and served various cuisines at affordable prices. Ordinary people could also afford to eat one or two dishes.
The restaurant also organized events from time to time. During the events, people could order a set meal at even cheaper prices.
Su Binglan said smilingly, “It seems you’re very business-minded, Wei Cheng.”
Wei Cheng scratched the back of his head shyly. “Well, I learned all this from you, Madam Binglan. You were the one who taught us a lot and provided countless ideas. I would have never thought of such a thing without you.”
Su Binglan and Luo Jin’an also noticed two empty shops along the street and discussed buying them.
Su Binglan planned to connect the two shops and open a medium-sized supermarket to make it more convenient for people to shop.
Wei Cheng and the rest knew Su Binglan would be interested in doing business in the border province. They were thrilled about it and kept saying they could not wait to try her food.
After all, they had witnessed Su Binglan’s culinary skills and eaten her food. They still remember her dishes to this day.
Luo Jin’an had also arranged for many of his subordinates to move to Black Mountain Village, making it easier and much faster to do things such as open a supermarket.
Soon after, Wei Shan helped to acquire the two shops and put them under Su Binglan’s name. She then asked her husband to call a few people to build and open the supermarket.
“Everyone’s in Black Mountain Village right now,” Luo Jin’an said, “Since it’s getting late, we should go there first. We can discuss opening the supermarket later.”
Su Binglan agreed, and the couple soon returned to Black Mountain Village, only to find out that the house they had stayed in before was still there. Although nothing had changed, the villagers kept the place clean.
Thus, Su Binglan and Luo Jin’an decided to stay for the time being.
After breakfast the following day, Wei Shan received instructions from Luo Jin’an to gather the villagers. Su Binglan then explained the supermarket to everyone.
She even told them about the supply of goods and tasked everyone with caring for the supermarket. She provided every detail to the villagers and provided a clear division of labor.
Half a month later, the group opened a medium-sized supermarket. Although there were still fewer things there, it still had a decent amount of items. Many people were curious as they entered the supermarket to look around.
“Do we carry our own shopping baskets?”
The salesperson patiently explained, “Yeah, the prices are already on the items on the shelves. They’re pretty affordable and won’t go up in price anytime soon. You can take what you need and pay at the counter.”
Those who often visited the market quickly learned how the supermarket worked. They did not even need to bargain because of how affordable everything was.