Chapter 102: Managing the Guesthouse

“Could this restaurant really become the main industry of Blue City in such a short time?” Zhu Xiaoye asked with a puzzled expression.

Its authenticity was yet to be verified.

“It will, and not just the restaurant; perhaps it will undergo some transformation,” he said mysteriously.

The deeper meaning behind his words aroused suspicion.

What exactly would it be transformed into?

Old Master Zhou specifically instructed his subordinates to send people to observe any changes in those restaurants.

But after several days of observation, there was no sign of the restaurants reopening.

Instead, demolition was underway.

This left the old master quite confused.

“Are you sure what you said was true?”

“Yes, only one restaurant remains intact; the other two have been completely torn down.”

That was strange.

A perfectly good business, with chefs and servants still inside, why such drastic action?

What puzzled them even more was what came next.

Han Qing directly presented a completed cooperation proposal for Chen Tianwei to approve.

“What do you mean by this guesthouse? Blue City already has plenty of inns. Such changes might not be very useful.”

“No, this can truly change the current situation.”

“What about the copper mine usage rights? What does that mean?”

A few simple lines, yet he could not understand them.

“The copper mine is public property. We can use it as a symbol of Blue City to attract more tourists passing through. Wouldn’t that create greater revenue?”

Strange indeed!

“I need to report this,” Chen Tianwei said, somewhat confused but finding some logic in it.

The imperial court’s stance on copper mine usage rights was still unclear.

Previously, it was directly reclaimed, but no orders had been issued yet this time.

There was still room for maneuver.

Blue City had many scenic spots, including four or five lake resorts.

These could attract visitors from outside, especially high-ranking officials from various regions.

Unexpectedly, the imperial court approved this cooperation plan.

Now, there were no obstacles.

Everything was under their control.

After about a month of renovation, the restaurant was completely transformed into a uniquely charming guesthouse.

It offered not only delicious cuisine but also lodging.

It even provided experiences of mining at the copper mine.

Once these projects launched, they immediately attracted countless onlookers.

But Han Qing didn’t just want locals to know; he aimed to publicize the beauty of the area far and wide.

“Brother Han, you rushed me here—is it that the restaurant business isn’t working out?” Zhu Xiaoye teased.

He had been away in Luojing for a while and hadn’t been in touch.

“Not at all. How’s the guesthouse?”

“It’s refreshing, something I’ve never seen before. It’s truly remarkable.”

Zhu Xiaoye nodded.

“Promote this place, especially in Luojing where there are many nobles and officials,” Han Qing said calmly.

“No problem, but the person chosen shouldn’t be me—it should be Young Master Wen Xuan.”

Oh?

What did he mean by that?

“You’ve probably guessed. Ouyang Wen Xuan’s background—his mother, though a fallen royal for many years, still commands some respect from high officials in Luojing. If he steps forward, then...”

It went without saying.

This person was uninvolved in controversies and could ensure some fairness.

“I also heard his mother will be heading to Beijun City this month,” he added.

Almost forgot such a figure existed.

“Ouyang Wen Xuan’s status makes it easier for others to know about Blue City’s guesthouse.”

He immediately wrote a letter, sincerely inviting Ouyang Wen Xuan to Blue City to experience it.

He expected hesitation.

But to his surprise, the reply was an outright acceptance.

“When my mother sees it, she will surely be delighted. What benefit do you seek by doing this?” Young Master Wen Xuan asked calmly.

“To promote the advantages of this place and let more people know about it.”

Nothing difficult about that.

Ouyang Wen Xuan agreed right away.

Sure enough, a week later, Blue City’s guesthouse was instantly filled with guests.

It attracted many nobles and dignitaries.

Many came out of curiosity.

But after experiencing the place’s wonders, they were quite amazed.

Merchants who had once gloated were left dumbfounded.

They never imagined that a restaurant bought for three thousand silver could recoup its investment.

And even make a profit.

Incredible.

“Mr. Wang, I’m not joking—the copper mine experience hall is truly something special.”

“You went? Isn’t it just manual labor?”

“No, it’s a strangely satisfying feeling, especially the instant you dig up real copper ore...”

Several merchants said in unison.

What initially seemed unreliable was actually well executed.

It all came down to understanding customers’ psychology, making them willing to spend.

Who wouldn’t want that?

Some rejoiced, others despaired.

The guesthouse’s success severely reduced the clientele of local inns.

Especially at Tongfu Inn.

Previously affected by a murder case, their guests had dwindled for a time.

Once the case was solved and their innocence proven, no one expected the so-called guesthouse to impact them again.

The innkeeper of Tongfu Inn harbored resentment.

If things continued this way, their guests would decline further.

Not just their inn, but several others too.

Last time, the Zhou family had failed to buy the restaurants and settled for acquiring several inns instead.

By coincidence, they ran into this problem.

Now what?

“Father, that guesthouse is truly overwhelming. Our ordinary inns have no customers. We wanted to lower prices, but their prices are even lower than ours,” young Master Zhou Er said angrily.

This was difficult to handle.

“Impossible. They offer so many experiences. Even if their prices are low, how could they still make a profit?”

“It’s not just low prices; they use a group package strategy. The more people who book and stay, the lower the price.”

Ah?

The old master was confused.

“Are you sure they do that? Then how do they profit?”

“From the miners’ fees. Those who want to experience mining have to pay.”

Why?

Some are willing to pay to do labor.

That was a business opportunity.

“If this continues, the inns will eventually close. We can’t keep subsidizing them forever.”

Young Master Zhou was considering giving up on the inns.

But the old master firmly disagreed.

They could not give up at the first setback.

Who would entrust the Zhou family’s enterprises to him afterward?

“If they can run a copper mine experience, can’t you start one too?”

“Father, Lord Chen has always been biased against us. Such a proposal would definitely be rejected.”

True.

They couldn’t just copy someone else’s strategy.

What then?

The old master sighed deeply.