Chapter 74: Chapter 74: A New Official Takes Office
Qu Fulan suddenly took over the restaurant, and most of the people inside the "Zhaoying Building" were skeptical and unconvinced.
Even though Shi Yi conveyed the words of the Princely Heir, the vast majority still held a doubtful attitude.
The few who believed were just Manager Yu’s family; the others, led by Lianhua and her daughter, did not believe.
"How could the Princely Heir let a maid manage the restaurant? I fear it’s not the Heir having her come to help, but Shi Yi misunderstanding the intention?" Huang showed a very doubtful expression.
Shi Yi held his sword with a blank expression, "Whether I misunderstood or not is not for you to worry about; I will relay the message truthfully to the Heir and let him discern who misunderstood."
Huang’s expression changed in panic, and she quickly said, "No need to convey, I was just asking a question, not questioning the Heir’s intentions."
Lianhua, seeing her mother being rebuffed, felt annoyed inside, but she knew that Shi Yi was the guard by the Heir’s side, akin to the eunuch beside the emperor, and should not be easily offended.
"Shi Yi, don’t misunderstand. My mother was simply well-intentioned, worried that you might misunderstand and be blamed by the Heir. Now that you say it’s right, then it’s definitely not wrong."
Though saying this, Lianhua still harbored resentment in her heart over Qu Fulan’s involvement in the restaurant.
However, Qu Fulan didn’t need their cooperation; she hung a sign saying the restaurant was closed for business and shut the doors for renovation.
The Zhaoying Building had three sides that could operate.
Qu Fulan calculated it well, leaving the central area on the first floor for storytelling later on, and from this central position, the guests on all three sides could see.
Then the first and second floors were used for dining.
The third floor had other uses; she was inspired earlier by rock candy water and planned to use it on the third floor in the future.
Except for the larger renovation on the third floor, the other first and second floors had minor changes, still adhering to the ancient style; just the class was improved a bit and decorated to be somewhat different from other places.
Finally, she stood in front of the entrance, looking at the name plaque "Zhaoying Building," her mind in contemplation.
A good restaurant also needs a catchy name.
She wanted to rename "Zhaoying Building."
As for what to rename, at that moment, a poem by Li Bai suddenly flashed through her mind.
But she didn’t know who named the restaurant; if it was some specially meritorious old soldier, then even if it was earthy, it couldn’t be easily changed.
If not, then it’s much easier.
Lianhua had been observing Qu Fulan, seeing her walk around the restaurant, making others move things here and there, even picky about where they lived, saying since there’s renovation going on, it should all match the style.
Lianhua had been unsatisfied for a long time, and now seeing her staring at the name plaque, she knew she wanted to change it, so she couldn’t help but walk over and say, "This plaque was custom-made by the Old Marquis; Miss Fulan probably doesn’t have the authority to change it."
Qu Fulan was enlightened; if that’s the case, she probably couldn’t change it.
What a pity if she could’ve used Li Bai’s poem to name it; the class would be completely different.
But surely the Heir’s father wasn’t so casual when naming the restaurant?
The name "Zhaoying Building" was too earthy, both the character "Zhao" and "Ying" had straightforward guest attracting meanings, very lacking in class, especially compared to "Tingya Building" directly opposite, it was quite a hard flaw.
However, she could only silently complain in her heart.
Lianhua saw that after speaking, Qu Fulan’s expression didn’t change, feeling dissatisfied, she couldn’t help but say again, "I’ve been ill these past two days and couldn’t serve the Heir when he came over; fortunately, the Heir returning to the residence had Fulan sister around, otherwise it wouldn’t be reassuring. Though the Heir is busy with official duties, rarely seen, so Fulan sister must be quite at ease."
This address of "sister" made Qu Fulan get goosebumps. Clearly, Lianhua saw her as an imagined rival, yet she didn’t have the time to entangle with the other side, only saying, "Being the Heir’s maid is indeed worry-free." After speaking, she summoned a worker to remodel some places at the entrance.
Lianhua saw Fulan addressing her question lightly without much response and turned her head to discuss with construction workers, feeling suffocated, she turned and left.
The whole day went by, and Qu Fulan had planned out the various parts of the restaurant without any dissatisfaction, except for the name plaque.
At night, she would try asking the Heir when he came back, and if it could be changed, that would be great.
Perhaps due to thinking too much these days, her mind felt tired, and on the way back on the carriage, she wanted to sleep yet couldn’t.
Ultimately, it’s because her heart held too many things.
The matter of "Zhaoying Building" reopening after renovation she had confidence in success, but there were many things to worry about ensuring no mistakes at any link.
Otherwise, it would all be in vain, wasting all her plans, and she herself would lose value.
Later, it wouldn’t be easy to be around Heir Pei.
Moreover, the people in the restaurant were mostly difficult to manage and cooperate with management; all of this depended on a grand opening success to convince others of her.
A leader who delivers results always finds it easier to manage those below.
People in the restaurant she’s currently interacted with weren’t many, stood out in impression were just Yinhua and Lianhua.
Lianhua didn’t need mentioning, obviously someone with "great ambitions."
And Yinhua?
Honestly, Qu Fulan didn’t like her either, couldn’t say why, perhaps some people just naturally had conflicting vibes.
Yinhua’s weakness and humility made her appear powerless.
The matter of changing the restaurant’s name hadn’t been communicated through Shi Yi, some things were better said in person.
But she did inquire if Shi Yi knew when the Heir might return.
Shi Yi claimed he didn’t know but privately sent someone to ask.
Heir Pei returned late at 7 p.m., first visited the elderly matron, then returned to Lixiang Courtyard.
Qu Fulan heard the sound and came out of the room asking for water to be brought for his bath.
Heir Pei’s tone had a hint of exhaustion, "I heard you have something for me?"
Qu Fulan knew he was tired and needed to bathe and rest early, so she didn’t waste words, helped him undress and said, "I just wanted to ask if the name ’Zhaoying Building’ could be changed? I think if altered, it would have a better effect, but if not, it doesn’t matter much."
Pei Ji’an rubbed his brow, and upon hearing, looked at her, "What do you want to change it to?"
This tone implied it could be changed?
Qu Fulan of course wouldn’t immediately reveal the name, a name without a story told right away would be hard to convince someone.
If the first impression wasn’t good, being rejected would be tricky.
Thus Qu Fulan said.
"I once had a dream, in which there was such a Poetry Immortal named Li Bai. He composed a five-word line poem, and I thought to borrow some of the words from it to name the restaurant."
Saying so, she brewed emotions, preparing to recite the poem with feeling.
Heir Pei said, "You decide."
Qu Fulan: "..." Her passion was stuck in her throat.
At least listen; she had done so much mental preparation, various worries he’d disagree, but it turned out so straightforward?
It felt quite lacking in atmosphere and achievement.