Opening the Hot Pot Demonstration Store
When Yuan Jie heard this, he said, "That's exactly what I was thinking. Just look at Zhang Mu's family—helping Lily Evans with the spice business. In less than a year, that couple has made money hand over fist! Not long ago, Zhang Mu bought a huge estate in the capital. I went to check it out, and it costs well over a hundred thousand taels! If you want to make real money, you have to follow Lily's lead."
Mrs. Chen nodded vigorously. "Exactly! Our silver shop is a family legacy—we can't let it go. But honestly, the silver shop only brings us modest wealth. Back in our hometown Zhuzhou, we're big fish in a small pond, but here in the capital, it's nothing special. We have Lily as such a great resource, so why stubbornly cling to our old business? Selling overseas—silk, porcelain, all the big profits go to my side of the family, and our little household barely gets a taste. Now Lily has a new project that can make real money. It's not too late for us to join her."
The couple were truly on the same wavelength, and they exchanged a knowing smile.
When Mr. and Mrs. Yuan Jie returned, Lily Evans took one look at their faces and knew they definitely wanted in on the hot pot business.
Mrs. Chen didn’t beat around the bush. She came right out and said, "Lily, could our family get in on this hot pot business? We’re not greedy—we don’t want anything fancy. We just want to turn the silver shop across from Eight Treasures Bistro into a hot pot restaurant. As for our franchise eligibility, we’ll follow the official rules—no special treatment just because we’re family. Is that okay with you?"
Lily Evans grinned and replied, "Auntie, why so formal? When your family does business, I’m totally at ease. This hot pot venture sounds easy, but it’s actually pretty tough. For starters, I don’t even have a Hot Pot Demonstration Store yet—who’s going to believe my hot pot is any good if it’s all talk and no proof? You opening the very first shop is perfect! Once business picks up, other merchants will see how profitable it is and naturally want to follow suit. We’ll use your shop as the demonstration store to promote it. To be honest, I’m pregnant now and can’t handle everything myself. I was planning to wait until after the baby’s born to open a demonstration store, but since your family wants to do it, you’re actually helping me out a lot!"
Uncle Chen’s family was genuinely moved by her words.
It was Lily Evans who opened up their path to wealth, yet she spoke as if they were the ones doing her a big favor. This way, the relatives felt respected and comfortable—now that’s what you call a smart businesswoman!
Since they were all close family, Uncle Chen’s household immediately started discussing the details of the hot pot restaurant with Lily Evans.
Everything from hot pot-specific tables, stoves, and pots—all of it had to be custom-made. And then there were the drinks to go with the hot pot, like freshly mixed juices, sour plum soup, and soy milk. They might seem trivial, but they make a huge difference to the customer’s dining experience. You have to pay attention to every detail.
Lily Evans explained everything clearly, while April, ever the sharp assistant, grabbed a pen and started jotting down notes like a little secretary. Once those notes were organized, they’d become the official franchise opening guide!
When Lily Evans finished listing all the key points, her mouth was dry. April held up her notebook and asked, “Princess Consort, take a look—is there anything you want to add?”
Lily Evans glanced at April’s notes—everything was organized, clear, and neatly categorized. She couldn’t help but feel proud and praised her, “April, you’re amazing! You’re almost catching up to your sister White Dew. You two are truly my right and left hands!”