Chapter Sixty-Two: Boss Ma’s Strategic Plan

As Neighbor's Kitchen began to boom, the business of other restaurants on the old street had indeed improved to some extent, though the change was so subtle that it was easy to overlook.

In the middle section of the old street stood a restaurant called Old Ma’s Stir Fry. After seeing off his last customer, Boss Ma sat at the entrance and lit a cigarette.

"Boss, you’ve been frowning all day. What’s on your mind?" The matronly waitress handed him a glass of water. "Business has picked up these past few days, hasn't it?"

"It certainly has, and barring any unforeseen events, it should get even better. Maintaining a daily turnover of a thousand or two shouldn’t be a problem," Boss Ma exhaled a cloud of smoke.

"Then what’s there to worry about?" She chuckled. "Are you afraid Chef Li will go back on his word?"

Boss Ma was taken aback, then smiled wryly and shook his head. "No, he’s not that kind of person. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have..."

"Wouldn’t have what?"

"Never mind," Boss Ma recalled how Li Can had promptly informed them about the matter with Eagle that night. If Li had truly been the sort of fickle, self-serving man, he could easily have used Eagle’s arrest as an opportunity to eliminate everyone else.

"You’ve seen it yourself—the Neighbor's Kitchen has been busier than ever these days. I doubt Chef Li has any spare time."

"Then what exactly are you worried about?" The waitress asked, puzzled.

"I’m just wondering whether there’s any point in continuing this restaurant," Boss Ma rubbed his brow.

"What do you mean? Surely you’re not thinking of shutting it down?" The waitress was startled. Business wasn’t ideal, but thanks to Neighbor's Kitchen, things had warmed up a bit—it was worth holding on a while longer.

"That’s not what I mean," Boss Ma set down his glass. "I’m thinking about changing our business model."

"Don’t beat around the bush. I haven’t much schooling and don’t follow," the waitress said, a little annoyed.

Boss Ma paused, then smiled. "I’ve thought about it carefully. Even if Chef Li helps me improve my cooking, I’m still treading water, with no breakthrough. Look around the old street—there are at least seven or eight places specializing in stir-fry. We’ve all known each other for years and are familiar with each other’s skills. There’s not much difference between us, and nothing to set us apart. So, no matter which restaurant a customer chooses, it’s unlikely they’ll be deeply impressed."

"I don’t get it," the waitress said bluntly.

"Simply put, with Neighbor's Kitchen setting the standard, even if my culinary skills improve, I’ll never be the customers’ first choice. I’m well aware of that," Boss Ma said candidly. "So, if I want to escape Neighbor's Kitchen’s shadow, I need to step outside of it. Whatever Neighbor's Kitchen doesn’t offer, that’s what I should focus on."

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"Wouldn’t that be risky? If you switch to something else, you’ll be abandoning your old customers, and there’s no guarantee you’ll attract new ones," the waitress said worriedly.

"That’s exactly my concern," Boss Ma took a deep drag from his cigarette. "But crisis always comes hand in hand with opportunity. If you’re not bold enough to try, how will you know if it’s a crisis or a chance?"

"So, what’s your plan?" the waitress asked.

Boss Ma grinned. "I’ve analyzed the current trends. The heart of the old street will inevitably revolve around Neighbor's Kitchen in the future. If I want my business to stand out, I have to hitch a ride on this express train."

"Specifically?"

"I spent the afternoon observing Neighbor's Kitchen. Most of the customers queuing up were unfamiliar faces, and each seemed fairly well-off—or at least willing to spend generously for good food. Even so, not everyone gets to taste Chef Li’s cooking, because the queue is just too long."

Boss Ma grew increasingly excited. "So, our positioning should be clear—not to attract first-time visitors to the street, but to actively serve those waiting in line."

"Serve them?" The waitress was skeptical, still not understanding.

"If you were one of those waiting customers, what would you want most?" Boss Ma asked.

"If it were me, I’d just want to eat as soon as possible."

"But say there were lots of people ahead of you, and you weren’t sure you’d get your turn—what then?"

"I’d just try another restaurant. I’m not that crazy about food," the waitress shrugged.

"I..." Boss Ma was speechless. "I mean, if you were a food lover, and had come a long way just for this, what would you do?"

"Then I’d just take my chances. If I get to eat, great; if not, that’s life."

"And in the sweltering heat, waiting in line for ages..."

"Boss, you’re making it sound worse and worse. With all those difficulties, who’d bother queuing? They’d just leave," the waitress scoffed.

"No, Neighbor's Kitchen’s customers haven’t left," Boss Ma drew a deep breath. "On days this hot, those queuing must be restless and overheated. So, I want to create some refreshing, thirst-quenching foods—something that won’t spoil their appetite. That way, we ease their frustration, don’t affect Neighbor's Kitchen’s business, and may earn favor with Boss Su and Chef Li. It’s killing three birds with one stone. If the food tastes good, word of mouth will spread fast—far more effective than advertising."

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"So, what do you plan to sell?" The waitress finally asked the crucial question. All these plans sounded wonderful, but without the right product, it was all just empty talk.

"I haven’t decided yet," Boss Ma admitted openly. "But I can ask Chef Li for some advice."

"You think he’s some kind of superman, good at everything?" The waitress sighed, not too optimistic about the idea.

"You don’t understand. There are plenty of excellent chefs in the world, each with their own specialties, but they all share one thing—they’re adept at analyzing customers’ preferences..."

"Boss," the waitress suddenly interrupted.

"Hmm?" Boss Ma frowned and followed her gaze, seeing a young man with a gentle smile strolling over.

"Hey, Brother Li Can, what brings you here today?"

"Is Boss Ma not pleased to see me?" Li Can replied with a laugh.

"Nonsense, I’m delighted! Come in, take a seat," Boss Ma ushered Li Can into the restaurant, personally pouring tea and water for him.

He’d been wondering when to approach Li Can for a chat, but the latter had come of his own accord—a rare opportunity.

"Boss Ma, no need to stand on ceremony. Actually, I came because I need your help with something," Li Can accepted the cup with both hands, modestly.

"Just say the word. If I can help, I will." Boss Ma signaled the waitress, who sensibly left to wander outside.

"It’s nothing difficult," Li Can leaned forward and spoke in a low voice.

Whatever he said, Boss Ma’s expression gradually morphed into one of shock.

(To be continued...)