Chương 120: Chapter 119
Thus, Old Master Ren took Chen Ye and Ren Tingting out of the Ren residence and headed to the Western restaurant.
As for Ah Wei, Old Master Ren, deeming him too unsophisticated, abandoned him without hesitation...
Ten minutes later.
"We've arrived. This is the place."
Old Master Ren got out of the car first and said to Chen Ye, "The owner of this Western restaurant is a good friend of mine. He's been abroad and opened this restaurant upon returning. I heard that his chef was also brought over from abroad!"
After speaking, Old Master Ren watched Chen Ye's expression to see if there would be any reaction.
If Chen Ye showed any sign of fear, it would indicate that he had something to hide!
Chen Ye naturally remained calm and composed.
Upon hearing Old Master Ren's words, Chen Ye knew that this meal wouldn't be as simple as it seemed.
However, Chen Ye didn't feel the slightest bit worried.
At worst, if his cover was blown, what could Old Master Ren do? Bite him?
Did they really think he couldn't wipe out the entire Renjia Town if necessary?
Besides, he could actually speak English.
The three of them entered the restaurant and were promptly greeted by a waiter who escorted them to a table by the window on the second floor.
Being a VIP guest of the restaurant, Old Master Ren was always given good seats.
Then, the waiter handed them the menus.
Old Master Ren chuckled and said, "Mr. Chen, feel free to order whatever you like. Since you're a scholar from abroad, perhaps you could also assess if my friend's chef's skills are authentic."
Chen Ye smiled slightly and opened the menu.
The menu had only a few items, and they were all in English.
But that posed no challenge to Chen Ye.
"I need a steak and a coffee."
Chen Ye directly ordered in English.
The waiter, evidently trained, understood the simple English.
"Very well, sir, it will be served shortly."
Old Master Ren still wore a smile.
Just knowing a few words of English wouldn't be enough to pass his test.
Then, Old Master Ren and Ren Tingting ordered their meals.
They, of course, spoke in Chinese.
Since there weren't many guests at the restaurant for lunch, the food was served quickly.
The three of them ate and chatted.
As they were almost finished, a middle-aged man around the same age as Old Master Ren, accompanied by a white man with deep-set eyes, approached their table.
"Haha, Old Master Ren, what brings you to my place today?"
Seeing them approach, Chen Ye smiled slightly, picked up a napkin, and elegantly wiped his mouth.
He knew the main event was about to begin!!
"Just came by to support your business!" Old Master Ren laughed.
"Many thanks, many thanks!"
The middle-aged man cupped his hands toward Old Master Ren, then looked at Chen Ye, whose demeanor was extraordinary, and asked curiously, "Old Master Ren, is this your son-in-law? He certainly looks impressive!"
Hearing this, Ren Tingting's face turned red with embarrassment, but she didn't say a word of denial!
"Don't speak nonsense. This is my daughter's teacher, here to teach her English. He's a highly educated scholar from abroad!"
Old Master Ren said, glaring at the man disapprovingly.
The restaurant owner's words could tarnish his daughter's reputation!
"Oh, a scholar from abroad? My apologies, my apologies," the middle-aged man said, first complimenting Chen Ye, then asked, "Young friend, where were you abroad?"
Chen Ye responded indifferently, "I spent most of my time in the United States."
The middle-aged man quickly added, "What a coincidence! This chef behind me was hired from the United States. Young friend, why don't you two chat and maybe give me some advice on improving my restaurant?"
Chen Ye then looked at the white man.
With a glint in his eye, Chen Ye initiated the conversation in English, "An American?"
The white man replied, "Yes, from Los Angeles."
"Oh? Los Angeles is a great place, beautiful scenery, especially the Hollywood movies. I love watching them!"
"Really? Me too, buddy! I love movies!" the white man responded with a smile.
Chen Ye continued, "I particularly enjoy Charlie Chaplin's movies. He's a comedy genius!"
Chen Ye knew Charlie Chaplin, the king of comedy in Hollywood.
The white man chimed in, "Yes, that guy is funny. But I prefer those actresses!"
"By the way, I didn't catch your name," Chen Ye asked again.
He deliberately didn't give the white man a chance to question him, as his knowledge of foreign countries wasn't extensive.
"Jason Downey, just call me Jason."
"Nice to meet you, Jason. I'm Ye Chen, but you can call me Chen. I've been living in Chinatown in New York and recently came to China."
"Nice to meet you, Chen. I've heard of Chinatown, lots of Kung Fu masters there, right?"
"Yes!" Chen Ye smiled, then asked, "Jason, what brings you to China?"
Jason shrugged, "I got into a fight with a rich man's son. If I didn't want to end up in jail, I had to leave my hometown."
...
The entire conversation between the two was in English.
Seeing the two of them talking happily, the three people around were wide-eyed, as if they were listening to a foreign language.
Ren Tingting looked at Chen Ye with shining eyes, her face full of admiration.
She wished she could also converse with foreigners like her teacher.
Growing up in the provincial city, she often encountered foreigners and frequently faced troubles due to not knowing their language…
Old Master Ren no longer had any doubts about Chen Ye's identity.
Being able to chat fluently with a foreigner should be proof enough.
When Chen Ye and Jason finished their conversation, Old Master Ren burst into laughter:
"Haha, Mr. Chen, it seems you've met a kindred spirit?"
"A kindred spirit indeed!" Chen Ye thought. Outwardly, he maintained a polite smile and said, "I got carried away. Mr. Ren, I hope you don't mind."
At this moment, the restaurant owner suddenly asked:
"Mr. Chen, as a well-traveled overseas Chinese, could you give some advice on how to improve my restaurant? Business has been slow lately."
Chen Ye smiled faintly.
As a modern man, Chen Ye had seen countless restaurants, including some with unique decor styles.
The middle-aged man's attempt to challenge him in this area was futile.
"Let me give you a few suggestions."
Chen Ye stood up and began to offer advice.
"First, the lighting. The lights you've installed are beautiful and probably took some effort. However, they're not very suitable here. The lights only brighten the area directly beneath them, leaving other tables in the dark. I bet the corner tables are rarely occupied. Who wants to eat in a dark environment?"
Hearing this, the restaurant owner's eyes widened, clearly realizing that Chen Ye was right.
Chen Ye continued, "I suggest installing some small lights around the room. It won't cost much electricity."
"Apart from the lighting, the seating arrangement is also an issue. Generally, people come to Western restaurants not just for the food. To put it bluntly, Chinese cuisine is the best in the world. In terms of variety and taste, Western food is far behind. People come to Western restaurants more for the vanity, to show off their status!"
Chen Ye's blunt words made the restaurant owner and Old Master Ren feel embarrassed.
Especially Old Master Ren, who often invited people to eat Western food to show off his status.
Ren Tingting, on the other hand, was mesmerized, staring at Chen Ye with starry eyes, thinking her teacher was both handsome and talented!
"Your restaurant's decor is too similar to an ordinary inn, lacking a unique atmosphere and experience. I suggest turning the window seats into private booths or alcoves."
The restaurant owner quickly asked, "What are private booths or alcoves?"
"You can partition some seats into small private rooms with dividers and curtains at the entrance. Each booth can have a different theme: historical, cultural, urban, natural, mythological, etc. For example, you could create a booth themed around the story of 'The Butterfly Lovers,' with dim lighting and a few flower pots to set the mood. It won't cost much but will attract young couples."
'The Butterfly Lovers' is one of the most famous love stories in China!
Hearing this, the restaurant owner's eyes lit up, looking at Chen Ye with excitement.
Even Old Master Ren was impressed, realizing that Chen Ye's innovative suggestions could transform his business.
He could see how playing with the restaurant's setup could attract customers.
As for Ren Tingting… well, she was already looking at Chen Ye with stars in her eyes.
Chen Ye used his modern knowledge to give a series of suggestions, concluding with, "...In short, make the guests feel upscale and sophisticated. They should leave feeling like they've gained something, with plenty of bragging rights. I bet your restaurant will become famous, attracting even people from the provincial capital!"
...
"Upscale and sophisticated?"
"...High-end, elegant, and classy!"
...
When Chen Ye finished, he took a sip of his coffee.
The restaurant owner closed his eyes, trying to absorb everything he had just heard.
Chen Ye's modern insights had opened a new world for him!!
He had never imagined a restaurant could be so dynamic.
Compared to Chen Ye, his previous knowledge seemed embarrassingly provincial.
After a while, the restaurant owner opened his eyes and looked at Chen Ye with admiration, finally bowing to him!
"Sir, your wisdom is extraordinary. Today's discussion has enlightened me. I have an audacious request: Renjia Town is too
small. I want to open a Western restaurant in the provincial capital and invite you to be the manager, offering you half the restaurant's profits. What do you think?"
Chen Ye was taken aback.
Before he could respond, Old Master Ren angrily interjected, "Old Meng, have you lost your mind? Mr. Chen is my daughter's teacher. How dare you try to poach him right in front of me?"
Old Master Ren was thoroughly impressed with Chen Ye's performance today and was convinced that Chen Ye was a rare talent.
He was very knowledgeable!
The Ren family, despite still being a prominent local family, was in decline in terms of reputation and wealth. Old Master Ren had long been eager to reverse this decline but lacked the means. This was why he enlisted Ninth Uncle to relocate his father's grave, hoping to change the family's fortune through feng shui.
Chen Ye's outstanding performance today made Old Master Ren realize that the Ren family could also enter the restaurant business.
With Chen Ye's advice, the Ren family's restaurant would surely prosper.
"I didn't mean to offend!" The restaurant owner smiled wryly. "I was just so impressed by Mr. Chen's talent that I couldn't help myself. Please forgive me, Old Master Ren."
Old Master Ren's expression softened considerably.
However, Ren Tingting continued to glare at the restaurant owner with her big, fierce eyes… It was adorable!
How dare he try to steal her handsome teacher?
She decided she would never come to this restaurant again.
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