"Wait a moment, I can waive the fee and prove the effect right now." Song Qiao's confident voice came from behind.
Xu Ran was a little surprised. He turned around and asked with a shocked expression, "How can you prove it to me?"
Song Qiao said no more, turned to look at Lin Jing behind him.
The latter immediately understood and took out the stinky tofu that Song Qiao had packed. A pungent smell instantly filled the restaurant.
Ignoring Xu Ran's darkened expression, Song Qiao said, "Mr. Xu, please ask someone to get us a few plates."
Since Xu Ran had already agreed to let them prove it, he couldn't go back on his word. He had his subordinate waiters bring Song Qiao a stack of plates.
Song Qiao nimbly portioned out the stinky tofu and walked towards the waiting customers with the plates.
"Hello, while you're waiting for your meal, our restaurant has specially prepared a complimentary appetizer for you, Fragrant Overflowing Stinky Tofu. We hope you enjoy your meal."
The waiting customers frowned at the smell, but out of consideration for the free food, they didn't chase Song Qiao away.
Song Qiao used the same method to deliver to several other tables, then instructed Lin Jing to use a loudspeaker at the restaurant entrance to announce that all customers who dined in could receive a free portion of stinky tofu.
"Wow, boss, your stinky tofu is too delicious! This appetizer is even better than the main course."
Before long, many customers gave Xu Ran a thumbs-up, praising the taste of the stinky tofu.
"Hey, you guys don't know, this Fragrant Overflowing Stinky Tofu is really popular here lately. Many people have praised it, and it lives up to its reputation today."
"Such delicious food, and Spring Breeze is giving it to us for free. This is truly a conscientious business. We'll definitely come back often."
The customers discussed amongst themselves, and many chose to ask the waiter to add dishes to their tables.
The promotion outside also worked. Many people were drawn by the smell of the stinky tofu and unconsciously walked into the restaurant. The restaurant was soon packed, with queues extending onto the street, drawing exclamations of surprise from countless passersby.
After all, it was the 1990s, and people's spending power was not high. Trendy shops that caused long queues in the future were not common.
Boss Xu was now utterly impressed with Song Qiao. The disdain in his eyes had vanished, replaced by deep admiration and awe.
He quickly changed his indifferent attitude and, with a smile, said to Song Qiao, "I have witnessed Mr. Song's capabilities, and it has truly opened my eyes. As for our collaboration, it's a bit noisy here. How about we go upstairs to my office to discuss it further?"
Song Qiao was delighted inwardly. He agreed without showing any emotion and followed Xu Ran to his office.
"What price are you looking for, Mr. Song?" As soon as they entered the office, Xu Ran offered Song Qiao a cigarette and, after asking him to sit down, asked directly.
Song Qiao took the cigarette offered by Boss Xu and shook his head. "Mr. Xu, you misunderstand. My collaboration is not about selling stinky tofu to you."
"Oh? Then what do you want?"
If these words had been spoken earlier, Xu Ran would have been impatient. But after witnessing Song Qiao's skills, he dared not put on airs anymore. He patiently asked Song Qiao.
"I won't charge Mr. Xu a single cent, nor will you need to provide any labor."
"I just hope that Mr. Xu can allow my employees to set up a stall at your restaurant's entrance, offering free samples to customers who dine at your Spring Breeze Restaurant. Whether they choose to buy it or not will be up to the customers."
Xu Ran was stunned for a moment. He couldn't help but be slightly moved. What kind of confidence in his stinky tofu would lead him to choose such a collaboration method?
He had originally planned to buy stinky tofu from Song Qiao in large quantities at a price below market value, using some as appetizers to drive customer spending, and selling some at a markup in the restaurant.
In this way, he could both boost business and generate profits, killing two birds with one stone.
Song Qiao's proposed collaboration method was also beneficial to him, requiring only a small space at the entrance, which would also serve as excellent publicity for the restaurant.
The only drawback was the inability to profit from selling it at a markup.
However, since the initiative was in Song Qiao's hands, Xu Ran could only agree to Song Qiao's proposed collaboration plan.
But he didn't agree immediately. He continued to ask, "Does Mr. Song's food have any hygiene guarantee?"
As the owner of a large restaurant, Xu Ran was cautious. After all, there was no such thing as a free lunch. If customers got sick from eating his food, it would be a losing proposition.
Song Qiao smiled slightly. "Rest assured, Mr. Xu. We have our own fixed shop in the market not far from here, Fragrant Overflowing Stinky Tofu, and we have a legitimate business license."
"In that case, let's wish our cooperation success!" Xu Ran was instantly relieved and extended his hand to Song Qiao with a smile.
...
The rest of the afternoon, Song Qiao took Lin Jing to another restaurant, Le Jia Restaurant, and conquered the owner with the same method, reaching a cooperation agreement.
"Starting tomorrow, you two will each manage one stall. Increase the price of each skewer of stinky tofu by one yuan. After all, people who go to those places to eat won't care about a yuan or two."
"As for me, I will be stationed at the main store, partly to oversee the operations and partly to supply you with goods."
Back at the tofu shop, Song Qiao methodically arranged tasks for his two employees. He had a premonition that in the next two days, the sales of Fragrant Overflowing Stinky Tofu would break new records.
In just a few days, he would be able to create a business legend.
Li Lili and Lin Jing had been completely convinced by Song Qiao's actions. Their eyes were now filled with adoration for him.
This man always managed to turn the tide in times of crisis for the shop, achieving unimaginable results.
...
A week later, the combined sales of the two stalls of Fragrant Overflowing Stinky Tofu and the main store averaged 3,000 yuan per day.
Song Qiao was also close to saving up 30,000 yuan, which would be enough capital to redeem his house. He just needed to find time to deliver the money to Duan Kun once it was all collected.
During this week, no matter how tired he was, Song Qiao went to visit his wife and daughter every night, telling them that he was not far from redeeming his house.
Xia Xueqing was at school, and without her instigating things, his mother-in-law and wife's attitudes towards him had softened considerably, filling Song Qiao with hope for a happy future.
As for Duan Kun, after Song Qiao redeemed his house with the money, he would naturally find a way to teach him a painful lesson.
After all, regardless of the reason, he should not have kidnapped Xixi. Since he had done it, he had to pay a heavy price for it!