Phoenix Academy
When they arrived at Savory House, Aman led Lily Evans and Lucky to the private room in the backyard. Mr. Baker entered, beaming with joy, and greeted them, "Second Boss!"
Seeing Mr. Baker so cheerful, Lily knew her special dishes must be selling well.
"Madam Lily, you must have noticed when you came in—Savory House is packed again today!" Mr. Baker sat down and couldn't stop talking, his excitement bubbling over. "As soon as we launched your four signature dishes, they became an instant hit. At first, some customers were curious about the names but hesitant to order. But once they tried them, they kept coming back for more! We've got a steady stream of regulars now! Many said that our Spicy Rabbit Head is so fiery it brings tears to their eyes, but it's so delicious they can't stop! They eat while crying, still praising it and promising to return next time."
"Good business is always welcome. There will be new dishes next month too." Lily smiled, calm and in control as always.
Seeing Lily so composed, Mr. Baker's opinion of her rose even higher. In his whole life, he'd only met two women with such poise.
Mr. Baker sighed, "According to our rules, we settle the profit share every month. Next month, when you teach the chefs new dishes, we'll settle this month's bonus. I estimate it'll be at least five hundred taels! Our boss said your signature dishes have boosted all of Savory House's traditional menu, lifting the business as a whole. He asked me to thank you for choosing to partner with us. If you'd picked someone else, Savory House wouldn't stand a chance in Greenfield City!"
Mr. Baker grew sentimental, recalling how Savory House's booming business had left other upscale restaurants in Greenfield City struggling. He figured that in a few months, those competitors might have to close down.
Lily replied with a smile, "I chose Savory House for its strength and reputation."
Mr. Baker nodded, "Savory House has branches nationwide, so our strength is guaranteed. As for reputation, you can trust us—we'd never cheat the Second Boss. Our owner has already asked all our branches to send their head chefs to learn your signature dishes. Once those dishes are sold across the country, your monthly bonus will be far more than five hundred taels!"
Just thinking about it made Mr. Baker envious—a single branch in little Greenfield City could bring in five hundred taels a month. Savory House had over a dozen branches in other cities; the total bonuses were enough to make anyone drool!
Lily listened with a smile, imagining the silver pouring in. Her mood soared at the thought of such a bright future.
After some casual chatting, Lily steered the conversation toward Phoenix Academy.
"Oh? Madam Lily, why are you suddenly interested in Phoenix Academy? Are you planning to send your child there?" Mr. Baker instinctively glanced at Lily's belly, wondering if the Second Boss was expecting and already thinking ahead for her child.
Lily coughed lightly and said, "It's actually a favor for our village chief. His grandson is about to start school, and if Phoenix Academy is good, he won't send the boy to Greenfield Academy."
Mr. Baker curled his lip. He knew all about Greenfield Academy—the wealthy young gentlemen there often dined at Savory House, and he didn't think much of them. "Greenfield Academy really isn't great... Madam Lily, all I know is that our city is definitely opening Phoenix Academy, said to be run by a retired high official from the capital. But I don't know the details. Too bad our boss isn't here today—if you asked him, he'd know for sure."
Savory House's owner? Lily paused, suddenly realizing that even as Second Boss, she'd never met the true owner of Savory House!
Rumor had it that Savory House was a huge enterprise with an impressive background. Lily couldn't help but wonder who the real owner was.