I opened a breakfast shop while raising my child, and the school beauty begged me not to sell it any

Lin Wanwan recounted the difficulties she faced in opening her shop, one by one.

"Look, our shop isn't very big, just one kitchen, a few stoves, and three or four kitchen helpers. If every dish has to be made fresh from the start, from washing vegetables, cutting and preparing them, to marinating meat, the food will be slow to come out, customers won't be able to wait, and the table turnover rate won't be high. Plus, the rent, labor costs, and other expenses add up and it's simply impossible to keep up with the costs."

"Actually, I think using semi-finished steak is better than making it fresh, because at least you can ensure that the taste of each piece is consistent, and it won't be salty one day and bland the next."

"Moreover, the black pepper sauce inside is also prepared by the factory according to my instructions, so the ratio can be guaranteed. If it's too salty today and too sweet tomorrow, it's not good for the store."

Chen Yuan understood completely upon hearing this, so he nodded slightly.

At this point, Lin Wanwan pointed to the bowl of red wine stewed beef and said.

"But for dishes like red wine braised beef and risotto, we insist on making them fresh every day. We pick the best beef from the market every morning, choose the red wine ourselves, and mix the spices ourselves. We start braising it early in the morning, and when a customer orders it, we take it out, heat it up, and reduce the sauce."

"For dishes that can be prepared in advance or waited for, we insist on making them by hand. For the rest, we have to take shortcuts."

Su Qingxue said, "I didn't expect the proprietress to be such an honest person."

Lin Wanwan looked at Su Qingxue in front of her and laughed, "We're all shop owners, why pretend? Everyone knows each other, right? Besides, you all noticed the difference in taste. If I don't tell the truth, wouldn't I seem really fake?"

Chen Yuan tapped his fingers lightly on the table twice, his tone no longer as serious as when he was tasting the food, but rather more understanding.

"I also run a shop now, and I know it's not easy in it. Rent, labor, utilities, all of these are fixed expenses."

"If a restaurant can focus on making a few signature dishes well and keep customers coming back, I think that's already quite an achievement. If you have to be obsessed with every single one, that's really asking too much of a person."

Lin Wanwan smiled and said, "Boss Chen is so considerate. Those two sentences made me feel really good."

As she spoke, Lin Wanwan asked the waiter next to her to refill their osmanthus oolong tea.

Chen Yuan and Su Qingxue continued to praise the restaurant's dining environment and the waiters' service attitude, making Lin Wanwan's smile never fade.

Seeing that the time was right, Chen Yuan changed the subject and asked about the new dishes at his restaurant.

"Boss Lin, you must know that I opened a new shop, right? We have a signature dish called 'Cloud and Mist with Sauce,' I wonder if you've tried it."

Lin Wanwan shook her head, her tone very frank.

"No, I wanted to try it, but the restaurant has been quite crowded these past few days, and I haven't been able to find the time. Plus, your dish is limited to 30 servings per day, so it will definitely be sold out by the time I get there."

"I did see your promotional video though. It must have been filmed by a professional team, right? It's really well made. Could you introduce me to it? I'd like to film some too."

Chen Yuan then asked Lin Wanwan for her opinion on these promotional videos.

"The local promotion is quite aggressive, the photos are indeed beautiful, and the concept is pretty good; it makes you want to try it out. Hmm... but it's not quite as unforgettable as it looks at first glance."

Seeing that the other party was being so direct, Chen Yuan didn't beat around the bush either and spoke directly.

"Is this alright? If you're free tomorrow, you can come and try it. It's on me. I'm not just treating you to a meal, I'd also like to invite you to come along. Give me your feedback and point out any flaws."

"This...we're in the same industry, is it appropriate for me to go?" Lin Wanwan was taken aback, clearly somewhat surprised.

Su Qingxue smiled slightly: "There's nothing inappropriate about it."

Chen Yuan smiled, his tone sincere and frank.

"Well, you might think I'm being a bit abrupt, but I've seen your place, the environment, the plating, the serving, and other aspects, as well as some other advantages."

"To be honest, I really admire him. After all, I started out making breakfast, and making breakfast is all about being honest and down-to-earth. But running a restaurant is a completely different story."

Chen Yuan counted them one by one on his fingers.

"For example, the atmosphere of the front hall, the presentation of the dishes, and how to make customers feel that this meal not only satisfies their taste buds but also their visual senses. I really lack experience in this area, and there is no place to learn it systematically."

"If it's convenient for you, consider it a casual visit between colleagues. I'd love to hear your advice. I'm all ears."

Lin Wanwan was completely stunned by these words.

From her early twenties, when she first worked in a restaurant, until now, when she owns her own shop, she has witnessed too many instances of her peers testing each other, holding back some secrets, or exchanging a few polite words before parting ways.

This is the first time I've seen someone like Chen Yuan so frank and sincere in explaining what I don't understand and why I need guidance.

She completely let down her guard.

"Alright, since Boss Chen is so honest, it would make me seem particularly unpleasant if I kept making excuses."

"Okay then, I'll finish my work this morning, around 10:30 or 11 at the latest. Is that okay with me? Please make sure to save me a copy."

Chen Yuan nodded in agreement.

At this moment, Lin Wanwan brought it up again.

"When I go there, don't tell the staff that I'm there to find fault. Just treat me like a regular customer. That way, if there really is a problem, they can see it more accurately."

Chen Yuan took the initiative to extend his hand and shake hands with Lin Wanwan.

"Thank you very much for your visit and guidance."

"Haha, I'm almost embarrassed to say that. It's settled then. I won't disturb your meal. I'll go check on things in the kitchen first, and then I'll bring you two more of our restaurant's signature desserts later."

"Then we won't stand on ceremony with you."

Lin Wanwan turned and left as she spoke.

Chen Yuan and Su Qingxue picked up their cups of Osmanthus Oolong tea and gently clinked them together.

After having dessert, the two of them should head home.

The car came to a smooth stop downstairs in Su Qingxue's apartment complex. Chen Yuan turned off the engine and turned to look at her.

"We're here. Get some rest. We need to go to the seafood market tomorrow. Shall I take you up?"

Su Qingxue's hand, which was unbuckling her seatbelt, suddenly paused.

The car was quiet, with only the faint sound of airflow from the air conditioning vents. Su Qingxue turned to the side, her gaze falling on Chen Yuan's face.

His eyes were calm, and there was his usual gentle smile on his lips. His profile was clearly defined under the streetlights.

Her heart suddenly pounded like a rabbit's, and her cheeks flushed slightly.

"What's wrong? What do you mean by looking at me like that?" Chen Yuan asked with a smile.

Just then, before he could react, Su Qingxue quickly leaned over and gently pecked him on his right cheek.

It feels warm and soft to the touch, with a faint scent of lip balm.