Chapter 68: Investing in a Canteen
"Good idea!" Qi Zimo nodded in agreement, "But we have to be careful not to let the teachers in the Imperial College find out, otherwise we will be in trouble."
"That's right. We need to find a hidden place." Jiang Zhiyu looked around and said thoughtfully, "Why not find a place in the open space in the backyard? There are few people there and we won't be easily discovered."
"Then when do we start?" Zou Ting asked curiously.
"Let's get started tomorrow without further ado." Kang Yining answered decisively, "Everyone go back and prepare tonight, and start early tomorrow morning."
Everyone nodded in agreement and went their separate ways to prepare. The next morning, they gathered in the backyard and started making milk tea.
"Hu Jiahong, are you sure you can make milk tea like this?" Liu Mengmeng couldn't help but feel a little skeptical as she watched Hu Jiahong fiddling with a bunch of strange ingredients.
"Don't worry, I promise!" Hu Jiahong said confidently, "This is a formula I have been researching for a long time, there will be no problem."
As he spoke, Hu Jiahong had already put the ingredients into a large pot and started to boil them. Zhang Anjie and Xu Guokun were helping by the side, adding various seasonings to the pot from time to time.
"This smells so good!" Liao Zhen couldn't help but exclaim, "I can't wait to have a taste."
"Yeah, I can't wait either." Liu Mengmeng said with a smile, "Once the milk tea is ready, we must celebrate it properly."
After boiling for about half an hour, Hu Jiahong turned off the fire with satisfaction and poured the milk tea into the prepared bowl. Everyone gathered in a circle, looking at the steaming bowl of milk tea, their eyes full of anticipation.
"Okay, everyone come and try it." Hu Jiahong said excitedly.
Everyone picked up their bowls and carefully tasted a mouthful. Suddenly, a rich aroma of milk and tea filled their mouths, intoxicating them.
"It's so delicious!" Liu Mengmeng said excitedly, "The taste is simply indescribable."
"Yes, it's absolutely delicious." Kang Yining also praised it.
"If this milk tea is sold at the market, it will definitely cause a sensation." Qi Zimo touched his chin, a gleam in his eyes.
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's make a plan quickly!" Xu Guokun patted the table and said in high spirits.
"Well, first we need to determine the price." Zhang Anjie thought for a moment and said, "We need to ensure profits, but not set it too high to avoid scaring away customers."
"You're right. I think the price can be set at ten cents a bowl, which is both reasonable and attractive." Kang Yining suggested.
Everyone nodded in agreement. Liu Mengmeng couldn't help but ask, "Then how do we divide the work?"
"I'll be in charge of making the milk tea," Hu Jiahong said confidently. "Zhang Anjie and Xu Guokun will be responsible for purchasing ingredients, Liao Zhen and Zou Ting will be responsible for publicity and sales, and Qi Zimo and Kang Yining will be responsible for financial management."
"What about me and Xiao Wen?" Liu Mengmeng asked with some confusion.
"You two are responsible for overseeing the entire process and ensuring everything goes smoothly." Kang Yining replied with a smile.
After the division of labor was clear, everyone took action immediately. The next morning, Zhang Anjie and Xu Guokun took money to the market to buy food. Hu Jiahong began to make milk tea busily, while Liao Zhen and Zou Ting took flyers and shuttled around every corner of the Imperial College.
"Dear students, good news! We will open a milk tea stall in the backyard. The taste is delicious and the price is affordable. Stay tuned!" Liao Zhen promoted loudly.
"Really? That's great! I've long wanted to try this legendary milk tea." A student said excitedly.
The publicity was surprisingly effective, and soon a large number of students gathered in the backyard. Hu Jiahong was busy making milk tea, while Liao Zhen and Zou Ting were in charge of selling it.
"A bowl of milk tea, ten cents." Liao Zhen collected the money skillfully and handed the customer a bowl of steaming milk tea.
"This milk tea is so delicious, I want another bowl!" a student said excitedly after tasting it.
As the milk tea was sold, the atmosphere in the Imperial College became more lively. Everyone looked at the silver in their hands, and their hearts were filled with joy.
"It seems that our plan is very successful." Kang Yining said to Qi Zimo with a smile.
"Yes, this is just the beginning. I believe that as long as we keep working hard, we will be able to earn more." Qi Zimo said confidently.
For long-term planning, everyone thought that they should obtain the support of Zhuge Gonglin of the Imperial College and jointly form a partnership with the Imperial College's canteen to acquire shares.
Jiang Zhiyu sat on a worn bamboo chair, a gleam in his eyes, and turned to the crowd and said, "Since we are planning to invest in the canteen, we must have a charter. Why don't we split up? Liu Mengmeng and Xiao Wen will go to find out Zhuge Gonglin's attitude, Zhang Anjie and Zou Ting will be responsible for collecting ingredients, Xu Guokun and Hu Jiahong will go to understand the operation of the canteen, and the rest of us will assist them."
Liu Mengmeng nodded gently, with a hint of determination in her eyes: "Okay, Xiao Wen and I will go to see the chief priest now."
In the courtyard of Zhuge Gonglin, the chief academician of the Imperial College, ancient trees towered into the sky and the greenery was lush. When Liu Mengmeng and Xiao Wen walked into the courtyard, they saw a white-haired old man sitting on the stone steps, sipping tea leisurely.
"Master Jijiu, we have something to discuss with you." Liu Mengmeng bowed and said directly.
Zhuge Gonglin put down his teacup, glanced at the two of them, and said with a smile: "Two students, what do you want to discuss?"
Xiao Wen said, "We would like to ask you to support us in buying shares in the canteen and running it together to improve the food in the Imperial College."
Zhuge Gonglin hesitated for a moment and asked, "What are your plans?"
Liu Mengmeng said: "We plan to enrich the variety of dishes in the cafeteria and introduce some new delicacies while keeping the prices affordable so that every student can taste delicious food."
Zhuge Gonglin's eyes flashed with interest: "Oh? Then how do you plan to operate it?"
Xiao Wen replied: "We plan to invest a portion of the funds in advance to purchase ingredients and hire chefs. After the canteen business improves, we will distribute the profits as dividends. Of course, if you are interested, Master Jijiu, we are willing to let you become the largest shareholder."
"Shareholders? What does that mean?" Zhuge Gonglin asked puzzledly.
Liu Mengmeng smiled and patiently explained, "Master Jijiu, 'shareholders' are people who invest money and participate in the operation. After making a profit, dividends will be distributed according to the amount of investment."
Upon hearing this, Zhuge Gonglin stroked his beard and nodded thoughtfully, "I see. This is a novel idea. However, the Imperial College cafeteria is related to the diet of many students. How can you be sure that you can run it well?"
Xiao Wen said confidently: "Master Jijiu, although we come from different eras, we all have a unique understanding and love for food. We are confident that by introducing novel dishes and strict management, we can give the canteen new vitality."