Business Negotiations

"What brings you here?" Professor Lily Evans looked at Martin Wu's parents, puzzled.

Martin Wu's parents were quite friendly. They put down the local specialties they had brought and said, "Professor Evans, please don't misunderstand. We're not here to stop Martin from studying. It's like this—Martin wrote home saying he saw some business in the capital called 'hot pot.' He said opening a hot pot restaurant would definitely make money, much better than our struggling fur business. Since our daughter is educated and knowledgeable, we came to the capital to check things out ourselves. And since we're here, of course we had to pay Professor Evans a visit."

Professor Evans relaxed when she realized they weren't here to take Martin away. Smiling, she asked, "So your family is interested in joining the hot pot restaurant?"

Mr. Wu Sr. chuckled, "Our daughter spoke highly of that hot pot place, and we're tempted. Once Martin finishes class, we'll have her take us for a look. I heard the owner's son is also a student at the Academy?"

Professor Evans nodded, "That's right, he's a student at the Academy. I've taken my students there once, and Martin was with us. If you're interested in opening a restaurant, you should definitely check it out in person and weigh your options carefully before deciding."

"Professor Evans is right. It's such a big business, we have to investigate thoroughly. Otherwise, if we throw our money in and it sinks, we'll really feel the pain," said Mr. Wu Sr.

After visiting Professor Evans, the Wu family didn't stay long. They headed straight to Arthur Evans's Hot Pot Restaurant.

Business at the Hot Pot Restaurant was booming, with a long line of customers drawn by its reputation.

Mr. and Mrs. Wu had never seen a restaurant so popular. These diners were willing to wait outside in line just for a taste.

"Dad, Mom, look at this! What do you think of the Hot Pot Restaurant's business?" Martin Wu said proudly, clearly pleased with her own judgment.

"Wonderful! The Evans Hot Pot Restaurant is really thriving! Martin Wu, you certainly have an eye for business." Mr. and Mrs. Wu couldn't stop praising Martin Wu's insight.

Martin Wu grinned, "Mom, Dad, I already registered with Arthur Evans last time. You can look around the restaurant, and then go discuss the details with Arthur Evans."

Hearing this, the Wu parents realized their daughter had paved the way for them. Mr. Wu patted Martin Wu’s shoulder happily. "Martin, you’re so capable and clever—you really are my daughter!"

Martin led her parents on a tour of the hot pot restaurant. The Wu elders were fascinated by this new style of dining, looking around with curiosity and sniffing the delicious aroma that made their mouths water. Instantly, they felt that such a tasty place was bound to be popular, so they asked Martin to introduce them to Arthur Evans about opening a franchise.

Arthur Evans happened to be in the restaurant. Looking up, he recognized Martin Wu and her family right away. He smiled, "Miss Wu, it’s you again! You’ve brought your family this time—are you here to talk about a franchise?"

Martin Wu chuckled, "Mr. Evans, these are my parents. They’d like to ask about opening a franchise. Please, discuss the details with them."

Martin left her parents with Arthur Evans to discuss the details, then wandered around the restaurant. Suddenly, she remembered the man who had slapped her chest during her last visit, and her cheeks grew warm. She glanced around, wondering if that odd man was here today.

After a while, Martin didn’t see the man anywhere and felt a bit disappointed. She thought: He really is handsome and tall, but a bit slow-witted. Most likely, he was clumsy and got fired from the Evans Hot Pot Restaurant.