Reborn as a Landlord-Chapter 1394 - 711: Good Wine Fears a Deep Alley (Part 2)
"If we’re talking about business management, Shopkeeper Chen naturally knows more than us. I would like to ask if you have thought of any good ideas?" Lian Manman asked Shopkeeper Chen.
To open a store, efforts must be made in promotion. Last night, Lian Manman went to bed very late because she was thinking about this issue. She already had a vague plan in mind, however, she still wanted to hear what Shopkeeper Chen had to say.
Currently, with only these few family stores, they can still manage everything themselves. But once they expand, many matters must be handled by others, who will need to come up with solutions. Offering these shopkeepers a high monthly salary and bonuses is not just to have them follow orders. Lian Manman’s idea is that their family members will not directly participate in management.
"I have already thought about this matter," Shopkeeper Chen pondered for a moment and then said. The price of roast duck is rather high, which determines its consumer group. To have the roast duck shop flourish, it is essential for the dignitaries and nobles in the Prefecture City to approve of Lian’s roast duck.
"Recognition alone is not enough; they must also pursue it," Lian Manman said with a smile.
This essentially means elevating the status of Lian’s roast duck.
This requires an opportunity, just like in the era of Lian Manman’s previous life, where promoting a new product would entail organizing a grand launch event.
"Shopkeeper Chen, do you know if there’s such an opportunity in the Prefecture City these days?" Lian Manman asked Shopkeeper Chen.
Shopkeeper Chen thought for a moment and regretfully shook his head.
Without ready-made opportunities, they would have to create one themselves.
After visiting the roast duck shop, the group took a carriage back. The person who had gone to deliver an invitation to the Shen Mansion had already returned, and the Shen Mansion had sent someone along, who was waiting.
The person sent by the Shen Mansion was Aunt Luo, who serves Shen Jin.
"...Sixth Master, Ninth Master, and Fifth Miss are all here. Fifth Miss knows you came, and she’s very happy. Fifth Miss even said that there’s no need to follow formalities with invitations; you should simply come directly," Aunt Luo said with a smile to Lian Manman. "Fifth Miss has been eagerly expecting you, and invites you after lunch."
Mr. Loo, Wu Lang, Lian Shouxin, and Xiao Qi were also going to the Shen Mansion in the afternoon to pay respects to Shen Liu and to meet Shen Jiu.
Aunt Luo was quite busy due to Shen Jin’s trip to the capital. Therefore, after some pleasantries with Lian Manman, she took her leave. Lian Manman signaled Xiao Xi to give Aunt Luo a generous reward and to see her out.
After sending off Aunt Luo, the family sat back down to discuss the opening of the roast duck shop.
When it comes to store promotions, organizing something like a launch event isn’t very feasible in this era. However, one aspect to borrow from is the celebrity effect. And in the Provincial City, to do such a promotion and create such an effect, there’s no family more suitable than the Shen Family.
Furthermore, coincidentally, they were on the best terms with the Shen Family.
After years of effort, they have established a solid relationship with Shen Liu, so asking him for such a favor shouldn’t be excessive. Lian Manman expressed their wish to enlist the help of the Shen Family to promote Lian’s roast duck.
Mr. Loo, Wu Lang, Lian Shouxin, and Xiao Qi all nodded in agreement.
"...I was thinking, since we are asking for his help, we shouldn’t ask in vain. We could offer him a portion of the shares in this roast duck shop. Since our roast duck shop is in the Prefecture City, we’ll need the Shen Family’s assistance in many future matters," Lian Manman added.
This idea had been vaguely discussed with Wu Lang when he first started planning the restaurant, but now it was much clearer. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞
To open a large shop in the Prefecture City, having a powerful backing is indispensable. Take Guangju Street, where various shops stand; behind each one is someone significant, isn’t it? This is not a unique phenomenon of any particular place or time, but always a necessary kind of alliance.
In Jinyang County Town, their family is substantial enough to be their own backbone, but the scenario is different in the Prefecture City. If it were just a small shop, it would have been okay, but Lian Manman’s ambitions for Lian’s Roast Duck Shop are evidently much grander.
And in the Prefecture City, they already have a good rapport with the Shen Family, so they naturally would not forego this major patron to seek out lesser benefactors.
The family had no objections; Mr. Loo, well-versed and experienced, knew this was a common practice among the major stores, so he nodded in agreement too. The general direction decided, the family discussed further to iron out the details.
In the afternoon, the Shen Family sent two carriages to fetch Mr. Loo, Wu Lang, Lian Shouxin, Xiao Qi, and Lian Manman to the Shen Mansion.
The Shen Residence is in the center of Shen City, located in the middle square of the large well-shaped grid. This square is divided into two parts from south to north; the northern part, directly facing the northern gate of Shen City, houses the General Military Yamen. The Shen Mansion is separated from the General Military Yamen by a street. When Lian Manman’s carriage passed by the east side of the General Military Yamen and crossed the street in front of the yamen, she surreptitiously lifted a corner of the curtain to glance at the yamen entrance.
The sidelong glance didn’t provide a full view. However, the impression left on Lian Manman was profound. It was an atmosphere of commanding presence and a chilling air of authority.
After passing the General Military Yamen, they finally arrived in front of the Shen Mansion. The Shen Mansion, designated by imperial edict as the Duke’s Mansion, is grand and imposing. On regular days, the main gate of the Shen Mansion is closed, so the carriage turned into a side gate on the east, stopping in front of a white-powdered screen wall, where the group transferred to small sedans and eventually stopped in front of a three-story pavilion.
"This is the Phoenix Tower," Wu Lang whispered to Lian Manman after getting off the sedan chair.
PS: Here’s the first update. There will be a second one shortly. Seeking pink votes. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, you’re welcome to come to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)
