Rebirth: She is Ready for a Counterattack!-Chapter 239 - 238: Countermeasures (Fourth Update)
Gu Xiaoqing was already very busy on this side.
The investigation into the kitchen espionage was nearing its end. Gu Ruhai was initially confident, and now it was time to directly fire those involved.
This left the kitchen severely understaffed, with only the two brothers from the Zhang Family in charge of the secret recipe for the base ingredients.
These two were honest and sincere. Even when offered a large sum, they didn’t betray the Gu Family.
So Gu Xiaoqing made the decision to have Gu Ruhai and Li Xuemei directly give them a 100-yuan raise. It was well-earned and showed everyone in the store the result of loyalty.
This was also a form of indirect temptation.
Most importantly, Gu Xiaoqing started to personally teach the two how to make the newest base ingredients and the ratio of spices.
This required time, precision, and the right base; it couldn’t be accomplished in a single day.
Moreover, Gu Xiaoqing had Gu Ruhai contact a printing company to produce flyers according to her design, specifically promoting the latest Haidilao from Gu Family Spicy Hot Pot.
The colorful illustrations were the result of Gu Xiaoqing experimenting with photographing various dishes and pot bases until achieving the perfect images.
The effect was far more impactful than a simple advertisement.
Thus, three days later, the Gu Family launched their counterattack against the neighboring Gu Family Spicy Old Hot Pot run by Gu Rushan.
After the widespread advertising, many old customers of Gu Family Spicy Hot Pot received the latest flyer. Many visited out of curiosity for the new Haidilao. 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞
After all, in this second-tier inland city, even though it’s a provincial capital, people had few choices in terms of food and clothing. Any new thing would attract them to come and try.
So suddenly, Gu Family Spicy Hot Pot was bustling once again.
Those who tasted it praised it endlessly.
Unlike the spicy and fragrant Sichuan flavors before, this new Haidilao offered an entirely new taste, especially appealing to older customers who couldn’t handle too much spice.
This method, which could be used both as a hot pot base and a ready-to-drink soup, was unprecedented.
Moreover, there were newly developed shrimp patties, meat patties, and dipping sauces. These flavors were entirely new.
Everyone who tried them loved them, especially fond of the delicious and refreshing free appetizers served before the meal, which many came specifically for.
Suddenly, Gu Family Spicy Hot Pot’s reputation grew larger than ever before.
It clearly pushed the neighboring Gu Family Spicy Old Hot Pot’s business into a corner.
Gu Rushan sat in the hall, looking at the sparse and empty space, feeling utterly frustrated.
And seeing the two previously equally matched shops, now clearly edged out by the opposite side was demoralizing.
Even the waiters were sluggish and dispirited. Without customers, how could they be motivated?
Gu Rushan’s heart was burning with anger.
Gu Xiaoqing was turning out to be his nemesis.
The business was originally doing well. For three months, it had taken quite a lot of Gu Family Spicy Hot Pot’s business away, thanks to their thorough preparation.
They had obtained Gu Family’s secret recipe, so even with the same flavors, many people believed this Gu Family and that Gu Family were one and the same.
Some even thought this Gu Family Old Hot Pot was the authentic main shop of Gu Family Spicy Hot Pot, attracting curious visitors.
But now, with Haidilao in play, they were left with just a few customers.
The frustrating part was that many people came in asking for Haidilao, and upon hearing it wasn’t available, immediately turned around and left without considering anything else.
Over the noon hours, about ten waves of customers like this had come and left.
They came specifically for Haidilao.
Jiang Xiulan came out from behind the bar, sat beside Gu Rushan, and whispered, "Things can’t go on like this. It’s already halfway through the month, and if it continues this way, we might have to close down."
Jiang Xiulan wasn’t worried about closing down. After all, they hadn’t invested their own money in this shop. At most, they were just using the name; the registered business owner was Gu Rushan. They just signed documents, having contributed nothing financially.
Closing down wasn’t a concern for Gu Rushan and Xiulan.
What they worried about was the 5% dividend they could collect each month, adding up to three to four thousand yuan.
This income was something they never imagined having.
Initially, they joined to see Gu Ruhai fall and were tempted by the money, agreeing to help against Gu Family Spicy Hot Pot.
In just three months, they had earned over ten thousand yuan, and now it was about to close, which was too bad.
So Jiang Xiulan was here suggesting this.
Gu Rushan pondered with a cold face and said, "I’ll make a call and have them find a way to get the Haidilao base recipe as well."
Gu Rushan had gotten comfortable with city life, recently becoming a boss, and had transformed dramatically, both in demeanor and style.
In a sleek suit and polished hair, he really looked the part of a boss.
Gu Rushan dialed a number, the phone of a collaborator, who handled such matters.
"Hello, what’s up?"
The other side’s voice was impatient, possibly dissatisfied with Gu Rushan’s incompetence.
Gu Rushan heard the voice and immediately lowered his tone by eight degrees.
"Brother Han, Gu Family Spicy Hot Pot across the street came up with a new strategy. They launched something called Haidilao, and we can’t keep up. Almost no one’s coming."
Although they weren’t face to face, Gu Rushan was still kowtowing like a servant on the phone.
"Haidilao?"
"Yes, now they’re incredibly popular, pushing us to the point where we have no customers."
Gu Rushan wasn’t exaggerating; it truly was the situation.
"Got it. I’ll find someone to get the Haidilao secret recipe over here. Make sure the staff is ready, and once the recipe is here, immediately launch it with a 20% discount. We have to crush Gu Family Spicy Hot Pot."
The other side impatiently hung up.
Gu Rushan spat towards the receiver’s beeping tone. If the other side weren’t the ones financing it, why should he act so subserviently?
After all, he was now a boss himself.
The business license clearly listed his name as Gu Rushan. If they didn’t respect him, he could sell the shop directly. (To be continued. If you like this work, please go to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read at m.qidian.com.)
