Chapter Sixty-One: The Restaurant's Predicament

“In conclusion, the taste of these two dishes is just passable, at least they didn’t offend my palate.”
Zhao Dezhu racked his brains trying to find faults with the dishes, but in the end, he couldn’t find a single one, so he had to force himself to give such a summary.

“The taste is just average? If it’s so average, why did you eat every last bite?”

“Everyone listen to me—if he can’t find anything to criticize, these dishes must be delicious.”

“This sharp-tongued fool isn’t himself today… What a letdown…”

“Right, it’s really strange to see him not being his usual snarky self…”

“I heard the restaurant’s dishes aren’t always available—anyone want to team up and try it? Tag me!”

“Count me in.”

“Bring me too, I love spicy food.”

…

The comments flying across the screen weren’t exactly friendly—at least, not to the average person.

But Zhao Dezhu knew full well why people tuned in to his livestream: they just wanted an outlet for the stress built up in life, and he provided it with his exaggerated persona and venomous style.

Of course, even the strongest heart isn’t immune to being affected.

He was no exception.

Realizing today’s stream wasn’t going anywhere, Zhao Dezhu quickly ended the broadcast. After gathering his things, he made a point to find Su Rui and Li Can alone and apologized.

Watching the “bald beauty” walk away, Su Rui was a little surprised. It seemed the real Zhao Dezhu wasn’t as obnoxious as everyone believed.

…

For a famous food critic to withhold his usual barbs was, in itself, an acknowledgment of Next Door Kitchen’s quality.

With Zhao Dezhu’s departure, the restaurant’s popularity soared to new heights. Even residents from other neighborhoods came rushing in, and at one point the scene nearly spiraled out of control.

It’s worth noting that now, none of the patrons dared complain about the prices—a clear sign of their wholehearted approval.

By the time service ended at three in the afternoon, many had suddenly grasped a simple truth:

Whether you have money or not, being able to taste these dishes isn’t the same thing. Like the last group to leave—money in their pockets but not even a chance to order—they had to sigh and settle for a bite at a random nearby eatery.

From this day on, everyone agreed: to eat at Next Door Kitchen, you must remember three things!

First, bring enough money.

Second, move quickly.

Third, order whatever you can, or you might miss your chance forever.

And so, under these circumstances, Li Can’s name gradually began to spread.

…

When Li Can emerged from the kitchen, he found Su Rui behind the cash register, happily counting money. The only difference was, she was counting with Cat Tough for company!

For every bill she counted, Cat Tough in his cardboard box would twitch a little paw—whether it was coincidence or not, who could say.

“How do you walk without making a sound? You startled me,” Su Rui grumbled in embarrassment.

“You’re just too absorbed,” Li Can replied disdainfully.

“What’s there to be absorbed by?”

“So, what’s the revenue?”

“Fifty-four thousand, two hundred and eighty.” Su Rui had barely finished speaking before realizing she’d been tricked, and she could only laugh in exasperation. “Fine, I admit it—I like counting money.”

Li Can chuckled, picked up his teacup, took a sip, and as usual, licked the rim clean.

Su Rui clicked her tongue, thinking, you’re no better—obsessive oddball!

“By the way, Su Rui, the restaurant has reached its limit,” Li Can said.

“I know.” Su Rui gave a bitter smile, understanding what he meant.

Inside, the restaurant had six tables. Four more could fit outside, but any more would mean taking over the sidewalk, which was out of the question.

In other words, ten sets of tables and chairs was the absolute maximum!

Ten tables…

Su Rui muttered to herself.

Before Li Can arrived, the six tables inside were never full. Since he came, the ten tables were never empty!

A few words, but the meaning was completely different.

“If we want to break through this limit, we need to expand the restaurant’s area. The problem is, there’s nowhere suitable for rent nearby.”

“There isn’t nearby, but there are other places.” Li Can tapped his fingers on the table.

“Where?” Su Rui asked.

Li Can smiled and walked to the door, pointing down the street. “Blazing Kitchen.”

“Blazing Kitchen?” The more Su Rui thought about it, the more confused she became. “But Blazing Kitchen only has two vacant storefronts nearby, and they’re not even together. Wouldn’t we just be giving them more business?”

“No, I mean Blazing Kitchen itself,” Li Can said firmly.

“What do you mean?” Su Rui’s eyes widened, sensing something unusual in his intentions.

Li Can sat back down. “I’ve thought it through. On this street, Blazing Kitchen has the best location. It’s already made up of two storefronts with a wide entrance.”

“You want Blazing Kitchen?” Su Rui’s voice grew shrill with shock.

“Correction—I want the location, not the restaurant itself.”

“Same difference.” Su Rui quickly pulled down the rolling door to shut out passersby, then spoke in a mix of worry and excitement, “But will Old Shen really be willing to give up such a prime spot?”

Li Can laughed. “Don’t worry about the rest, just tell me this—do you want it or not?”

“Of course I do!” Su Rui began counting on her fingers. “But if we move there, someone clever will snap up the two vacant spots on either side to piggyback on our traffic. So if we really move, we need to take all four storefronts at once. Along with the second floor, that should be more than enough space!”

“But the thing is, taking over four storefronts at once will be tight on funds…” Li Can hesitated. It was a rare opportunity, but he didn’t have extra savings.

The turnover these past few days had been impressive, but acquiring four units at once was no small sum—and that didn’t even include other costs.

Things like renovations, kitchen equipment, tableware, furniture, staff, and so on…

Su Rui pressed her lips together in thought. After half a minute, she fixed her gaze on Li Can. “Are you confident you can get it?”

She meant, of course, securing Blazing Kitchen’s location.

“I’m confident,” Li Can said with certainty.

“Alright. Since you have faith, I’ll go all in with you.” Su Rui slapped the table. “I’ll call the agent right away and put my new apartment up for sale!”

“Your new apartment?” This time, it was Li Can’s turn to be surprised.

“Yeah.” Su Rui gave a bitter smile. “I was saving it for when I got married…”

At those words, Li Can stared at the floor, unsure what to say.

This woman actually comes with her own dowry…

“Don’t worry, this is my own decision,” Su Rui said cheerfully, giving his shoulder a hearty slap. “If I end up homeless, I’ll just move in with you.”

Li Can knew she was joking. “Don’t worry, Su Rui. Soon, you’ll be a wealthy woman known far and wide.”

“I’ll hold you to that,” Su Rui said, taking a deep breath. “So what’s your plan? Old Shen has been in business on this street for decades. Will he really give up his spot?”

“Of course he won’t,” Li Can replied with a mysterious smile. “But he won’t have a choice.”

(To be continued…)