Chapter 9: Chain Business

The business at Shallow Cloud Inn remained as bustling as ever, with rooms always fully booked, and the lively atmosphere never seemed to fade.

Sitting behind the counter, Su Qianqian watched the flow of guests with a smile, occasionally discussing her "business strategies" with Liu Xinyao and Du Zhe.

"Running a business isn't just about talking; you have to make sure the customers are genuinely satisfied. As long as they're happy, word will spread, and the business will thrive," she said, handling the tasks at the counter while her eyes reflected a hint of thoughtfulness.

Despite the busy scene at the inn, Su Qianqian knew in her heart that the business had reached a bottleneck. The number of rooms available was limited, and consequently, the income was constrained. To keep expanding, she had to find a new breakthrough.

Liu Xinyao, with her sharp intuition, had made several types of embroidered souvenirs for the "Shallow Cloud" brand: pouches, sachets, handkerchiefs—delicate and charming—but they hadn't sparked a significant desire to buy.

"Liu Liu, nostalgia alone won't fill the stomach," Su Qianqian sighed, suddenly slapping her forehead. "How about making some snacks? Convenient and practical, good for both gifting and personal use. That would definitely expand the business."

Thus, Su Qianqian began her search for a skilled cook. However, after several attempts, she was unable to find a suitable candidate.

At the same time, she kept a close eye on the restaurants in the area, especially Yunxia Tower. Every time she passed by, she couldn't help but glance at it.

"The snacks at Yunxia Tower are incredibly skillful. If I could bring that craftsmanship to our inn, it would surely take the business to the next level," she thought, her eyes unconsciously filled with a bit of longing.

One day, as usual, she went to the wonton stall across from Yunxia Tower. But instead of paying attention to the wontons before her, her gaze was fixed on the back kitchen of Yunxia Tower.

She was contemplating how to approach the chefs at Yunxia Tower when suddenly, a carriage stopped in front of the building. Gu Yichen stepped out, wearing a jade-colored robe, his tall figure standing out amid the bustling street.

His gaze swept around before it landed on the figure across the street. Su Qianqian, unaware of being watched, stirred the soup in her bowl, seemingly lost in thought. A faint smile appeared on Gu Yichen's lips, but he didn't approach; instead, he turned and entered Yunxia Tower.

An entire meal passed, and as Gu Yichen was about to say goodbye to his friends, his eyes once again caught sight of Su Qianqian. She was still sitting at the stall, her spoon casually resting at the edge of her bowl, her gaze fixed on the entrance of Yunxia Tower, as if waiting for something.

Gu Yichen smiled subtly to himself, his pace not faltering, yet he suddenly turned and walked toward her, sitting down beside her. When Su Qianqian came back to her senses, she found herself meeting his deep, thoughtful gaze.

"Miss Su," Gu Yichen said in a low, playful tone, "Are you staring at Yunxia Tower, planning to poach their business?"

Su Qianqian was taken aback for a moment but quickly responded with a smile. "Lord Gu, you joke too much. I'm just passing by. How could I ever think of competing with Yunxia Tower?"

Gu Yichen paused, still looking at her with a deep, searching gaze, seemingly unconvinced by her answer. He slowly spoke again, "Miss Su, do you think that just by sitting here staring at Yunxia Tower, you'll be able to learn their secrets?"

Su Qianqian felt a slight embarrassment, her eyes flickering, but she quickly regained her composure. "Yunxia Tower's culinary skills are exceptional. I do want to learn, and I've been trying to find a way to invite their chefs over to help. However, I haven't found the right channel yet."

Gu Yichen didn't respond immediately. Instead, he leaned in slightly closer to her, his voice low and calm. "What if I told you that I can help you find someone even more suitable?"

Su Qianqian was momentarily stunned, looking up at him with a hint of skepticism in her eyes. "Lord Gu, is that really true?"

After a brief pause, she nodded and said, "If that's the case, then I must thank you, Lord Gu."

Though her words were polite, the joy in her eyes couldn't be hidden. Gu Yichen, noticing the gleam in her eyes, felt a strange sense of relief. It was as if by solving this problem for her, he had secured another opportunity to meet her again.

A few days later, Gu Yichen's servant arrived at Shallow Cloud Inn, leading a young woman inside.

"Boss Su, this is Bai Lingzhi, the cook that Master Gu specifically arranged for you," the servant said, bowing slightly. As he finished, the woman stepped forward.

Su Qianqian looked up and saw Bai Lingzhi in a simple lake-blue long gown, her hair styled in a neat cloud knot, held in place by a wooden hairpin. Her expression was calm, her eyes like water, though with a hint of unyielding determination.

The servant continued, "She is the daughter of Master Bai, the former chef at the Duke of An's residence. She grew up surrounded by culinary arts and is highly skilled."

Bai Lingzhi gave a slight bow, her tone respectful. "My father was well taken care of by the Duke of An's residence for many years. After he was dismissed, we moved to a small town to make a living. Though I haven't inherited all his skills, I've learned a little. If Boss Su doesn't mind, I'll do my best."

"How could I mind?" Su Qianqian quickly waved her hand. "Could you show us your skills right here? I'm sure we'd all love to taste your cooking."

Bai Lingzhi smiled gently and agreed. She rolled up her sleeves and entered the kitchen. Moments later, a plate of fragrant Dongpo pork, a bright emerald shrimp dish, and a delicate lotus flower pastry were brought to the table.

Su Qianqian and the others tasted the dishes, and their eyes immediately lit up. Du Zhe exclaimed, "This Dongpo pork melts in your mouth, and the lotus flower pastries are so exquisitely made. Truly a rare sight!"

Liu Xinyao couldn't help but chime in, "Miss Bai's skills are outstanding. If she were willing to stay at Shallow Cloud Inn, it would certainly enhance the place!"

Su Qianqian looked at everyone's satisfied expressions and finally revealed a long-awaited smile. "Miss Bai, your craftsmanship is superb, and your creativity is remarkable. If you're willing to stay at Shallow Cloud Inn, I, Su Qianqian, would consider it an immense fortune. I would give you a wide space to showcase your talents and make your name known far and wide. Would you be willing to join me in this endeavor?"

Bai Lingzhi didn't hesitate, nodding seriously. "I am deeply honored. I will do my best."

From that day on, Shallow Cloud Inn was rejuvenated. The restaurant's reputation spread far and wide, attracting not only the inn's guests but also many local residents.

Su Qianqian finally felt a sense of relief and gratitude toward Gu Yichen. Realizing the favor was too great to leave unpaid, she began to think about what kind of gift would be appropriate for the noble Duke.