Chapter 317: Prince Jingzhou, the Kindhearted Man (Part 2)
Chapter 317 -178: Prince Jingzhou, the Kindhearted Man (Part 2)
As long as someone has tasted this fruit and knows its delicious value, it won’t be long before someone is willing to follow suit and plant it.
After eating two slices of watermelon, Han Lei timely steered the conversation to the main topic.
“Prince, you invited me here, is it about the side dishes for wine we talked about yesterday?”
Prince Jingzhou immediately put down the watermelon, took out a handkerchief to wipe his hands, and a look of joy appeared on his face.
“That’s exactly it! I thought about it all night, these side dishes for wine are uniquely delicious. Once they come out, they will definitely become unparalleled in Jingzhou. I wonder if Miss Han can also grant me the agency rights?”
Han Lei did not answer immediately, but instead looked at the gloomy weather outside the pavilion and thought for a moment.
Yesterday, after hearing Wei Dabao say outside the carriage that they would continue their journey in the morning, she assumed he had already left the inn by now and figured she wouldn’t run into him if she left now.
With this in mind, Han Lei pointed to the gloomy weather outside.
“Look, Prince, the weather changes just like that, and doing business is the same; it requires seizing the right opportunity.”
She turned around and looked directly at Prince Jingzhou.
“My idea is to first open a Drunken Immortal Brew House in Jingzhou, allowing the patrons to taste the pairing of fine wine and side dishes. Once the reputation spreads, I will officially hand over the agency rights to you, just like the initial promotion method for the Drunken Immortal Brew – tasting first to know its quality.”
Prince Jingzhou frowned: “Won’t that be cumbersome? I have extensive connections in Jingzhou, wouldn’t direct promotion be faster?”
“You’re unaware, Prince.”
Han Lei took a piece of paper from her sleeve, which had a simple curve drawn on it.
“This is the sales record of the Drunken Immortal Brew in the Capital City. Initially, we also let customers taste a small cup for free, and once they tasted it, the sales and price immediately soared. Do you recall the feeling when you first tasted the Drunken Immortal Brew, Prince?”
“Hmm!” Prince Jingzhou nodded. “I remember it was quite difficult to get even a small pot back then.”
Han Lei pointed to the steep line on the graph, a touch of pride flashing in her eyes.
“The power of word-of-mouth far surpasses forced promotion. Patrons in the Capital City now take pride in being able to drink Drunken Immortal Brew, precisely because of the taste-before-purchase method.”
Prince Jingzhou leaned closer to take a good look, a look of understanding gradually appearing in his eyes. Suddenly, he clapped his hands.
“Brilliant! It’s like fishing; you need to let the fish taste the sweetness of the bait first!”
“Exactly.” Han Lei smiled and nodded.
“I will first open a Drunken Immortal Brew House on Jingzhou’s busiest street, and give away exquisite side dishes for free. This will surely make those patrons want more after just one taste, and once everyone has tasted, you can begin selling it.”
Prince Jingzhou grew more excited as he listened, pacing back and forth in the pavilion: “The location is very important! East Market has high foot traffic but is mostly frequented by commoners. West Market is more upscale but lacks bustle…”
“How about choosing a location at the junction of East and West Markets?” Han Lei suggested, “It can attract wealthy merchants without losing the common touch.”
“Great idea!” Prince Jingzhou stood still abruptly, his eyes shining with impatient eagerness.
“Miss Han, how about we go take a look now? Since there’s no sun today.”
Han Lei pursed her lips to suppress a smile but was very willing, so she nodded and said, “It’s better to comply than to be polite.”
Dabao silently stepped forward and offered an oiled paper umbrella, “My lady, it seems like it’s going to rain.”
On the streets of Jingzhou City, the hot and stuffy air was filled with people, making the atmosphere even more lively than under a blazing sun.
Han Lei walked beside Prince Jingzhou, followed by Dabao and others, while Prince Jingzhou was accompanied by many maids and attendants. The group made a grand passage through the bustling streets.
“Miss Han, please look.” Prince Jingzhou pointed to a bustling street corner ahead, a touch of pride on his face, “This is the most bustling market area in Jingzhou City, with no less than a thousand merchants coming and going daily.”
Following his direction, Han Lei saw shops lining both sides of the street, with signs fluttering and calls of vendors rising and falling.
She nodded slightly. She also thought this place was good, lying between the East Market and West Market, appearing to have heavy foot traffic. Where there are crowds, information and cash flow follow.
A gleam of shrewdness flashed in Han Lei’s eyes, “Hmm! It truly is a good place. If a Drunken Immortal Brew House were opened here, business wouldn’t be bad.”
Han Lei also thought this place was good, lying between the East Market and West Market, appearing to have heavy foot traffic. Where there are crowds, information and cash flow follow.
Prince Jingzhou laughed heartily at this, his wide sleeves fluttering in the wind.
“Good, then we’ll choose hereabouts. The Drunken Immortal Brew paired with your side dishes will surely make a sensation!”
As they were speaking, a patrol of government officials came forward, and upon seeing Prince Jingzhou, they immediately stopped and saluted neatly, “Greetings, Prince!”