Chang’an Small Restaurant Chapter 86 (Part 2)
Translated by Pure
Chapter 86.2 Lidong Hot Pot Fest
In addition to subtle promotions like entertainment programs, more direct advertising must also be prepared. This includes designing a distinctive hot pot sign, creating emblems inscribed with "Shen Indelible Tavern," and setting up a promotional carriage stall. As for the service staff, hot pot cookers, soup bases, various ingredients, and dipping sauces, Shen Shaoguang didn’t need to worry much—each branch offered the same items. Negotiating with the Market Director and securing a prime location for their venue was Shao Jie's responsibility.
True to his reliable nature, Shao Jie managed to secure a vacant lot right at the intersection of the most bustling area in the East Market.
The large wooden sign proclaiming the 'Lidong Hot Pot Festival' stood prominently, while smaller emblems bearing 'Shen Indelible Tavern' encircled the venue. Several rows of tables, each equipped with hot pot cookers, were meticulously arranged. Not far off, a stove furnace emitted the rich aroma of simmering broth from a large pot. A dozen cooks and waiters, all clad in matching uniforms, stood ready, their anticipation palpable as they awaited the signal to begin.
Such a grand display naturally drew attention. Slowly, curious onlookers became intrigued customers, taking their seats and ordering hot pot broth along with their preferred dishes. Yet, many still lingered outside the circle of emblems, watching the scene unfold with interest.
Xu Four then took the stage, standing at the center of the venue, and delivered the ‘Menu List Rap’ with flair. The rhythmic recitation, an art form timeless in its appeal, resonated with the crowd, earning him a round of hearty applause.
But this was merely the opening act—the real highlight was yet to come: the much-anticipated "skit."
"... I'm quite particular; I don't frequent just any tavern or eatery."
"This one is far from ordinary."
"Oh? How so?"
"Ah, this is Shen Indelible—the very establishment where even the Tanhua Envoy dismounted to buy their floral cakes during the Double Third Festival."
"Well, in that case, it truly isn't just any tavern."
……
"Aiyo, Sir Zhang, why are you holding onto the wall as you walk in? Are you feeling unwell? Shall we postpone our meal?"
"Don't delay... I fear I might not last another day," Zhang Two replied feebly, clutching his stomach.
By this point, both the diners and the onlookers outside couldn't help but burst into laughter.
Xu Four stepped onto the stage, calling out, "It's gotten quite cold lately. Would you fine guests like to warm up with some hot pot?"
A’Dou glanced at Zhang Two, who nodded eagerly. "I’ll take it."
"How about starting with a rich, milky soup base? This broth, simmered with chicken, duck, and pig bones, is as white as fresh milk. Just take a whiff—the aroma has already reached us."
A’Dou looked again at Zhang Two, who continued to nod with enthusiasm. "I’ll take it."
"How about a serving of Fish Brain Tofu? Despite its name, there's no tofu in this dish—it's crafted from fish meat and is even more tender than tofu."
"I’ll take it!"
Zhang Two's acting skills were superb. Even without any actual food as props, he made the scene come alive. He exaggeratedly opened his mouth to accept the imaginary Fish Brain Tofu, then pretended to burn his tongue. He couldn't swallow it because it was too hot, yet he couldn't bear to spit it out either... His vivid portrayal had the entire audience laughing uncontrollably.
Some mischievous diners in the crowd couldn't resist and shouted, "Give me a portion of that Fish Brain Tofu!"
The laughter among the onlookers grew even louder.
Xu Four, both a performer and an actual waiter, took it in stride and promptly served real Fish Brain Tofu to the amused diners, blending performance with service seamlessly.
Xu Four resumed his act, "Would you guests also like some Springy Meat Balls? They're made of pork, incredibly fragrant, chewy, and delightfully springy."
"I’ll take it!"
Zhang Two then mimed filling his bowl with meat balls, his exaggerated actions adding to the humor.
The diners, thoroughly entertained, eagerly followed suit and placed their own orders for Springy Meat Balls.
As the event progressed, a delightful trend emerged: guests began ordering whatever Zhang Two requested. Each time a new dish was mentioned, Zhang Two would eagerly chime in, "I’ll take one as well!"
Fortunately, both Zhang Two and Xu Four had spent several days at Shen Indelible, sampling a variety of hot pot bases and dishes. Their thorough familiarity with the menu allowed them to handle the impromptu performance with ease.
Zhang Two’s exaggerated antics, combined with the lively interaction with real diners, elicited wild cheers from the onlookers. On such a chilly day, the rich aromas emanating from the copper cookers over the fire were irresistible, drawing even more attention and appetite.
Before the first performance concluded, every table was already occupied.
Zhang Two exchanged a meaningful glance with Xu Four and A’Dou, signaling that it was time to bring the show to a close.
With flair, Zhang Two recited the final lines, "To say which store has the most delicious meals, I hold Shen Indelible on top."
A’Dou: "It’s better if you hold onto a wall."
As Zhang Two dramatically exited the stage, clutching his belly and leaning against an imaginary "wall," the crowd erupted in cheers. The audience showered the performance with enthusiastic applause, as if witnessing a grand Hundred Opera.
After a brief rest, Xu Four and Zhang Two resumed their performance with a second show. They began by reciting the names of all their dishes once more before diving into the skit.
Remarkably, some audience members from the first show returned to enjoy the performance again.
Nearby, in a teahouse, Shen Shaoguang and Shao Jie were engaged in animated conversation, both brimming with satisfaction over the day's success. Shao Jie, with a smile, remarked, "I wish we could set up a stall every day. It's so much fun, and we could make a lot of money too."
"It saves us the trouble of purchasing an actual store, doesn’t it?"
"That's right!"
Both unscrupulous businessmen laughed.
The two unscrupulous businessmen shared a laugh, unaware that an even greater surprise was on the horizon—the arrival of the Princess Imperial of Fuhui.
The Princess Imperial was casually wandering through the East Market when she was drawn to the lively commotion and vibrant activity. Curious, she instructed her chamberlains to drive the carriage towards the area. Upon closer inspection, she recognized the emblem and immediately identified it as Miss Shen’s work.
"Procure two pots for me," the Princess Imperial instructed her chamberlains.
Xu Four was momentarily flustered by the unexpected request. Fortunately, Steward Xu Kai, who had frequently hosted the Princess Imperial at the branch he managed, was familiar with her demeanor and had witnessed her interactions with Miss Shen. Mustering up his courage, Xu Kai addressed the chamberlain with a polite smile. "Please convey to your esteemed master that our establishment sells only the ingredients for the hot pot, not the pots themselves."
The chamberlain, quick on his feet, responded with a knowing smile, "Do you think our esteemed master doesn’t wish to disembark and enjoy the meal personally?"
The diners and onlookers burst into laughter.
Even the Princess Imperial of Fuhui, still seated in her carriage, chuckled heartily, taking no offense at the playful remark.
One could only imagine how widely the tale of the Princess Imperial purchasing hot pot on the street would circulate. Shao Jie glanced at Shen Shaoguang, who maintained an innocent expression. This unexpected endorsement was clearly not orchestrated by her in advance!
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T/N: All the footnotes and foods were condensed in the previous part of the chapter haha, who would have thought (*ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈)ꕤ*.ﾟ
