After Being Forced Into Marriage, I Became Very Successful - Chapter 12

12:

Jiang Yan brought a small batch of crab shell pastries, clearly intended just for Xia’s mother. With Xia Yining not home, Jiang Yan didn’t feel particularly constrained.

She had the servants plate and reheated the food, then led Jiang Yan to the dining room, asking, “Are these crab shell pastries sweet or savory?”

“Auntie, I brought both kinds, but I prefer the savory ones.”

Xia’s mother smiled as the warmed pastries were brought out, their aroma intensified, faintly stirring old memories.

She tasted a few bites slowly, her expression solemn, making Jiang Yan a bit nervous.

“You found the right place. You’ve got good sources.”

Jiang Yan wouldn’t mention Li Zifeng’s plan, only sharing what she could. “I heard about an old shop that makes authentic traditional snacks. I tried it a few times and found the taste great, so I thought it would be nice for the wedding banquet.”

Xia’s mother nodded approvingly, her stance firmer than when Jiang Yan had only described it. Words couldn’t compare to tasting it herself. Even though it was not fresh from the oven, it impressed her. If made on-site at the hotel, it could surely win over picky old Haicheng diners.

“Have you talked to the owner? Is the price negotiable, or are there other conditions we can discuss?”

Seeing Xia’s mother open to the idea, Jiang Yan was pleased but cautious, recalling the owner’s reluctance. “There’s a bit of a hurdle. The owner thinks the wedding’s too high-end for him to handle.”

“It’s just one snack, it won’t affect anything. Plus, being featured at this wedding is like free advertising for his shop. Why not?”

Jiang Yan had said the same, but the owner seemed uninterested in fame.

“I think he has other concerns. We can’t force him, but it feels like a shame.”

She was sincere. Unlike Li Zifeng’s profit-driven motives, Jiang Yan wanted to showcase traditional flavors and spread their appeal.

Xia’s mother pondered, unwilling to let go of this long-craved taste. “The wedding is still a while away, so you should give it another try. As long as it’s achievable, it’s okay to have high expectations.”

As a top-tier elite family, the Xia’s spared no expense. Xia’s mother wanted her daughter’s wedding to be flawless.

Seeing the crab shell pastries easily won over the discerning mother of Xia Yining, Jiang Yan grew more confident in the shop and more determined to prevent its acquisition by the Li family. For the Li’s, who focused on chain restaurants, market share and scalability were the goals.

They didn’t care about heritage or flavor.

Jiang Yan returned to the shop but didn’t rush to order. She strolled the nearby residential area, spotting some familiar faces from the restaurant. They recognized her too, a young, pretty girl visiting for days was hard to miss.

“Not at the shop today?”

“Not hungry yet. I’ll go later. I don’t come here often, so I wanted to check out the area.”

This was a classic Haicheng old district, famous for its shikumen architecture and home to locals who refused to move out.

“You’re an interesting girl. Young people love malls, but you’re here exploring alleys.”

They referred to a nearby upscale mall, a magnet for young women with its luxury brands.

“Each has its own unique characteristics, there’s no contradiction.” Jiang Yan didn’t flatter or criticize one over the other. His calm tone and nonchalant personality endeared him to these older people.

They chatted casually, and Jiang Yan learned more about the shop.

“Old Qian can be stubborn. He hasn’t renovated the storefront in over a decade,” they said, having been neighbors with the shop’s owner, Qian, for decades, their bond is beyond just customers and merchants.

“Nowadays, business isn’t just about taste. It’s about packaging and marketing. We old folks care about flavor, but young people don’t get it. They see an old, dated shop and won’t even step inside.”

Their complaints carried deep regret, not disdain.

Jiang Yan was curious. The shop wasn’t booming, but owning the property outright saved on rent, keeping expenses low.

“Why doesn’t Mr. Qian want to renovate or promote it?”

“He’s just stubborn. He thinks relying on publicity to attract customers is embarrassing for the craftsmen. He insists on the idea that good wine needs no bush. Now even his two children don’t want to take over the business.”

Mr. Qian has a son and a daughter. It’s said that his son works in IT, and his daughter is a livestreamer.

“But his skills are top-notch. One bite, and you’re hooked,” Jiang Yan praised, recognizing the shop’s essence.

After chatting, it was nearing lunchtime, so they headed to the shop together.

Seeing them arrive as a group, Qian was surprised. “Met on the way?”

“Xiao Jiang was exploring the alleys, so we chatted and came for lunch.”

With the neighbors livening things up, Jiang Yan and Qian grew closer.

After everyone left, satisfied and full, Jiang Yan stayed. Qian knew she hadn’t given up persuading him. A sincere young woman coming repeatedly softened his stance, but he sighed quietly.

Jiang Yan ordered a pot of tea after her meal. Though the shop served tea, it was pricier than the snacks, and even regulars rarely splurged, finding it less practical.

Qian personally brewed and brought the tea, sitting beside her. “Xiao Jiang, why are you so set on me making pastries for that wedding?”

“I think it’s a rare chance to showcase Haicheng’s traditional food and maybe help your business.”

The wedding’s high-profile guests could spread word of the crab shell pastries, outshining any ad.

“You see my customers, they’re ordinary folks. I make ordinary food. That kind of promotion is too fancy.”

Sensing his melancholy and combining it with the neighbors’ insights, Jiang Yan tried a new angle. “Old shops deserve to be known so their flavors can live on, right?”

Qian sighed. “For that, someone needs to carry on the craft. Look at my kitchen—it’s just me, my brother, and his wife, we’re all old people. The young ones won’t even come here.”

The craft he once took pride in couldn’t attract his own kids, explaining his conflicted struggle.

“Then try changing. Give tradition and young people a chance.”

Intrigued, Qian looked at her. “How so?”

“Keep the traditional taste but adapt to the times, reach new customers, like my age group.” She pointed at herself, her expression lively.

Qian shook his head with an elder’s fond amusement. “You kids have too many choices. My daughter’s phone apps push new recommendations constantly. My shop doesn’t stand a chance.”

He mentioned someone recently approached him about an acquisition, as had happened to nearby shops. “They said I could keep the shop, just sell the name and rights. The offer was high, but it didn’t feel right.”

Focused on his craft since childhood, Qian didn’t understand capital maneuvers.

“It’s not quite right. Not every shop suits chains or rapid expansion. Some last because they keep their original flavor, not because of capital.”

Qian didn’t expect detailed guidance from Jiang Yan, but sharing his view made him happy. “For that, I’ll make you some scallion pancakes.”

His “few” was an understatement. Jiang Yan ate two, and he packed ten more.

“Take the rest home and enjoy it slowly.”

As Jiang Yan left, Xia Yining called. “Mom said the crab shell pastries you brought were delicious. Can you share the address?”

“Auntie wants more?”

“She didn’t say, but I think she does.”

Glancing at the scallion pancakes, Jiang Yan changed her route. “I’ll come pick you up. Let’s have Auntie try something else today.”