Starting with vegetable greenhouses in 1988

Chapter 222 Gathering
After the recruitment process ended.

Chef Han and Chef Yan made several new dishes, which tasted pretty good, but there were still some areas that needed improvement.

Before officially opening, Li Zhe invited more relatives and friends to try the dishes.

In the afternoon, he and Tan Jingya finalized the employee training content and regulations, and he and Wang Jianjun finalized the procurement list and prices.

When I got back to Suzhou Hutong, it was already past 7 p.m.

He saw a familiar figure standing at his doorstep and greeted him with a smile, "Boss Hong."

"Boss Li, you're finally back." Hong San breathed on his hands and stamped his feet. "If I had been any later, I would have been frozen solid."

"I'm sorry, Mr. Hong. I didn't know you were coming today. Otherwise, I would have definitely come back early to entertain you." Li Zhe smiled, opened the door, and gestured for you to come in. "Please come in."

"Mr. Li, I heard you opened a new restaurant?"

"Your information network is really good." Li Zhe invited the other party into the living room.

"Your restaurant isn't far from Chongwenmen Market; many of the market vendors have seen it. Be sure to let me know when your restaurant opens, and I'll come and support you!"

"Of course." Li Zhe invited Hong San to sit down. "Mr. Hong, what brings you here today?"

Wang Jianjun turned on the coal stove and made a pot of water.

Mr. Hong took out a stack of documents from his briefcase: "Mr. Li, your company name has been approved. The name 'Sijiqing Co., Ltd.' can be used. I have also prepared a registration application form for you. The remaining procedures require your personal presence. This is a list of the documents required for the process."

Li Zhe took the list and looked at it—the company's articles of association, the legal representative's ID, proof of business premises, and other materials.

"Mr. Li, is the company's legal representative yourself or another shareholder?"

Li Zhe replied, "He is my father."

"Then you'll need to bring your father's identification. Another thing is the registered capital; how much are you planning to declare?"

Li Zhe thought for a moment and said, "30."

Hong San quickly calculated, "The registered capital is charged at 1‰. According to regulations, you need to pay a registration fee of 300 yuan."

"Mr. Hong, how long will it take to complete the remaining procedures?"

"If everything goes smoothly, you can get the business license within a month. However, you will need to come with us next time you handle the formalities. Also, the legal representative needs to be present in person when opening a bank account."

“No problem.” Li Zhe took out a pen and wrote down all the requirements in his notebook so he wouldn’t forget. “Thank you, Mr. Hong.”

Boss Hong waved his hand: "Hey, Boss Li, we're already so familiar with each other, why are you being so polite with me?"

The water boiled, and Wang Jianjun brewed a pot of tea. Li Zhe picked up the teapot and poured a cup for Boss Hong: "Boss Hong, a friend recently introduced me to a small business opportunity. I wonder if you'd be interested?"

Mr. Hong adjusted his teacup and asked instinctively, "What kind of business?"

Li Zhe gave a brief introduction to the foreign trade order business.

After listening and thinking for a while, Mr. Hong asked, "Mr. Li, how much capital do I need for this business?"

Li Zhe truthfully replied, "We're doing business together, so it depends on your own situation. The more capital you invest, the more you'll earn."

Mr. Hong didn't believe in free lunches: "Is there anything I can do for you?"

“You’re a local businessman and familiar with the surrounding area. I’d like you to inquire about the prices at canneries around Beijing. We make our money from the price difference, so we definitely need to compare prices from multiple suppliers. The lower the purchase price, the higher the profit.”

Li Zhe had previously partnered with Jin Baiwan, who then inquired about the situation of canneries around Langfang.

The reason for partnering with Boss Hong now is to have him explore the business opportunities of canneries around Beijing. More people mean more opportunities, and based on his understanding of Boss Hong, the initial investment will not be too large, and he won't take up much of the market share.

Mr. Hong still didn't immediately give a response, and asked, "Mr. Li, what is the purchase price for the Soviet Union's canned goods export orders?"

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is still negotiating; they haven’t finalized a specific purchase price yet. Let’s find out the market price for canned goods first. Once they determine the purchase price there, it will be clear whether the deal is worthwhile.” Li Zhe finished speaking and didn’t urge him, but waited quietly.

Hong San had never done foreign trade before, and he was both curious and excited about this business, but also somewhat worried about the risks. After thinking for a long time, he gritted his teeth and said, "Boss Li, I trust you. I'll do this deal! Tomorrow morning, I'll go to the surrounding canneries to inquire about prices and get a thorough understanding of the situation!"

Li Zhe picked up his teacup and clinked it with the other party's: "Mr. Hong, it's a pleasure doing business with you."

Li Zhe's business is growing bigger and bigger, and he will have more and more work in the future, but he doesn't have many people to rely on. So he is consciously cultivating some employees and capable partners.

After seeing Boss Hong off, Li Zhe took out the invitations that Wang Jianjun had bought in advance and began writing the invitations.

The restaurant is now fully furnished, equipped, and staffed. He plans to spend two days training and getting everyone used to the facilities, and then invite friends and family to try the food the day after tomorrow.

February 20th, the fifteenth day of the first lunar month.

Today is the day Li Zhe invited everyone to the restaurant for a food tasting.

Early in the morning, a truck carrying vegetables from Langfang to Beijing arrived with a load of people—Old Li, Wang Xiuying, Jin Baiwan and his wife, Li Weidong and his wife and Da Ya, as well as the Party Secretary Wang Tietou and his family, Li Na, and Zhu Wen. Everyone squeezed into the back of the truck but didn't feel cold.

Upon arrival, Li Zhe first showed everyone around the house, taking them for a walk around No. 7 Suzhou Hutong.

The Wang Tietou family and the Jin Baiwan couple were seeing Li Zhe's two-courtyard house for the first time. They were all filled with envy and speechless with shock.

Since it was still early before lunchtime, at the suggestion of the young man from Malay, we went shopping at Dongsi Market and then had lunch at Shuxiangju Restaurant.

Li Zhe saw everyone off on the bus and then rushed to the Shuxiangju Restaurant without stopping.

He invited many guests today—to be precise, apart from a portion from his hometown, most of his connections in Beijing were invited.

Firstly, I wanted to take this opportunity to entertain everyone, and secondly, I wanted to conduct a "trial operation simulation".

The food tasting process may expose various problems from the restaurant's preparation phase. Identifying and adjusting these issues in advance can reduce troubles after the official opening. Furthermore, the number of people participating in the tasting must be sufficient; otherwise, the pressure will be insufficient, and the desired effect of simulating a trial operation will not be achieved.

The first to arrive were Uncle Li Zhe's family, along with the three of them and Grandma Chen.

Li Zhe originally wanted to invite Wang Ting's family, but then thought better of it—this kind of occasion wasn't formal enough, and he didn't want them to complain.

Li Zhe led his uncle around the restaurant.

A few days ago, Li Zhenguo came back from his hometown by truck and stopped by on his bicycle. At that time, the terrazzo floor hadn't been laid yet, and the tables and chairs weren't set up; it looked messy. "Hey, you've got the restaurant all set up in just a few days! Not bad, not bad at all! Are your dad and the others coming today?"

"They're all here. They went to Dongsi Market and should be back soon."

Li Zhenguo laughed and said, "It's going to be lively today. Your second aunt bought some fruit. In a little while, take it to the kitchen and cut it into a fruit platter to add to everyone's meal."

"Second Aunt, thank you for your concern." He then smiled at Old Madam Chen and the chubby boy, "Grandma, Huijing, there's a menu on the table. Order whatever you want. Don't try to save me money. If there's anything you're not satisfied with or if the hospitality is lacking, don't hesitate to point it out to me."

The chubby boy was a little embarrassed: "Second brother, this meal is free. If we're going to be picky, wouldn't that be inappropriate?"

Li Zhe said, "I've asked you to come here today to give me feedback. If the food isn't good or the waiters aren't attentive enough, just say so. It's better than having outsiders point it out after we open."

"I understand now." The chubby boy waved his hand and called out, "Waiter, a bottle of Beibingyang soda, I want it chilled!"

Grandma Chen patted him on the shoulder: "Why drink something cold on such a cold day! Waiter, get him something at room temperature!"

Soon, the waiter brought out Arctic Ocean soda and a pot of jasmine tea, and proactively poured tea for the four of them.

"Mr. Li, your shop is nicely furnished! The lobby is so bright and spacious!" A group of people walked into the shop, led by Hong San, who was carrying a bulging net bag.

Besides Hong San, there were also friends who ran vegetable businesses, such as Director Han, Aunt Ma, Li Jinxia, ​​and Da Jinya.

"Welcome, welcome!" Li Zhe hurriedly stepped forward to greet them, warmly leading everyone to a private room upstairs, where another round of lively greetings ensued.

Around noon, Li Weidong returned with the people from Daying Village. Because there were quite a few people, they sat down directly in the living room.

This was Wang Xiuying's first time seeing a restaurant. She looked around, her face full of joy: her second son was really capable!
Zhou Yongqiang's family also came—Lin Qiaomei works at the restaurant, and everyone knows each other, so Li Zhe didn't leave out his family either.

Second Sister, Mati, and Lin Weimin's family also came, and Li Zhe invited them to a private room on the second floor.

After that, Director Wei's family was also invited. Li Zhe had discussed with Wang Jianjun before inviting them: since Wang Rongsheng didn't come, as long as everyone didn't sit together, it wouldn't be a big problem.

Li Zhe invited Director Wei and his family directly into a private room. Also present were Bai Xiaoyan and Bai Yunsheng, Wei Min's photographer friend.

Li Zhe was surprised that Wei Min brought friends. Moreover, he vaguely sensed that Director Wei's expression was not good.

The last group of customers to arrive were Sun Tao, Chen Ju, Wang Ting, and others from 365 Vegetable Store—they had to wait until after lunchtime to close the store and come over for lunch.

The restaurant was bustling with activity for a time.

Tan Jingya was extremely busy, yet she was all smiles; the waiters, though unfamiliar with the work, were enthusiastic; in the kitchen, Chef Han's loud voice mingled with the roar of the range hood, creating a bustling and lively atmosphere.

Li Zhe moved among the guests, exchanging pleasantries and arranging seats, but he didn't interfere in anything—what he wanted was this "real-world exercise."

(End of this chapter)