Chapter Nine, Strategies for Wealth Accumulation

Beside them, Wei Chi and Cheng Chu Mo could only grin foolishly, as if they had already seen countless coins flying towards them. Fang Yi Ai glanced at the little chubby Fang Mu, who wore the same expression, and finally couldn't help but laugh in silence.

Cheng Chumo looked around at everyone and finally lowered his head to speak: "Jun Ge, my father is particularly in favor of our business, but the investment amount is a bit high"

Modern monosodium glutamate is a chemical seasoning that could not have existed in ancient times, which is why Fang Yiai replaced the raw materials of monosodium glutamate with shrimp shells. This is also the secret weapon for the restaurant that Fang Yiai was preparing to open. After all, while cooking techniques can be imitated, recipes cannot be replicated.

With a faint smile on her face, Qin Huaiyu nodded without hesitation. The remaining individuals expressed their positions one after another. Fang Yiai, unable to decline any further, ultimately settled for a 25% share, while the others distributed the remaining shares according to their respective contributions. They agreed to gather funds and reconvene in three days.

After a sound of air conditioning, Tang Mu, the gluttonous little chubby one, couldn't help but speak first: "Jun Ge, what exactly is that delicious thing that makes one cry? Could you let the brothers taste it first?"

This statement from Fang Yiai made this group of gluttonous individuals salivate with delight

Fang Yiai looked speechless: "Brother De, can you still eat this?"

You do not know, my father also said that having a study would make one become like a pedantic scholar, nagging and fussing, and he even tried to catch me to give me a beating; fortunately, I ran fast

Fang Yiai understood upon hearing this. Du Ruhui and his father had always been honest, and producing these 5,000 guan must have been their limit. However, thinking of Cheng Yaojin and that group of old foxes, he felt quite speechless; each of them seemed eager to take advantage of the younger generation. After pondering for a while, Fang Yiai spoke up: "We are a total of eight families, with seven families contributing one share each. I will allocate half a share from my portion to make up for Du He’s shortfall. The extra share will be used to start a new business. I plan to establish a woodworking shop specifically to sell the new furniture I create. As for the shares, I will take a larger portion of 30%, and each of you brothers can take 10%. How does that sound?"

Cheng Chumo quickly shook his head like a rattle drum. Fang Yiai looked confused and asked, "Then what is the matter with your expressions?"

Li Ke nodded upon hearing this: "I wonder, Jun Ge, what plans you have in mind. Please share them so that we can discuss together."

After passing through the dark wall, what appeared before everyone was a room illuminated by dozens of candles. The first thing that caught the eye was a rectangular table. Fang Yiai pointed to the table filled with dishes and performed the etiquette of Western nobility, saying: I invite you all to taste.

Fang Yiai observed the way everyone was eating without the slightest concern, and from time to time, he would go up to make introductions

Seeing the joyful expressions of everyone, Fang Yiai could not help but feel delighted: "Brothers, since we are in business together, we must establish some regulations."

Everyone was overjoyed upon hearing this. They had just completed a profitable business deal, and in the blink of an eye, another opportunity arose. Everyone was aware of the popularity of the Eight Immortals table in the homes of officials; it would be embarrassing to meet guests without at least two pieces of furniture. The reason everyone received a set from Fang Yiai was due to their close relationship with the Fang family.

"Good, this name is good; the two characters 'brother' commemorate our brotherhood," Li Ke said, shaking his head and nodding.

Brothers, how does the meal I prepared taste

However, Fang Yiai unexpectedly heard a sigh of relief, but he did not pay attention to it. This was an era where a few coins could buy a dou of rice, and ten thousand guan was enough for several households to live a lifetime. Immediately, Fang Yiai realized Cheng Chumo's embarrassment; this amount of money was excessive, and perhaps even the remaining few families combined could not gather enough to make up ten thousand guan.

The person beside hurriedly interjected, "My father says what's the use of a study room, the people of the Weichi family do not need to read books"

Fang Yiai was somewhat taken aback upon hearing this, and simply asked, "How much?"

Everyone, upon hearing this, did not show the slightest displeasure, still wearing a cheerful and carefree expression: "Jun, this idea was originally yours; without you, we would have had no opportunity to make a fortune"

"Ten thousand guan." After saying this, Cheng Chumo unexpectedly lowered his head, feeling somewhat embarrassed

Fang Yiao, upon hearing this, was puzzled: "As long as it is delicious, that is sufficient. Since Uncle Cheng has said it is good, he surely will not hinder your business. In any case, we will let them know in the future. By the way, you haven't kept it a secret, have you?"

We also did it

It is a pity that it is like playing the lute to a cow; this group of people could no longer contain themselves, rushing over eagerly to start eating. As soon as they entered the room, they had already caught a whiff of the enticing aroma, and at this moment, they could no longer endure it.

Since there are no objections from all the brothers, how about Brother Jun taking a 30% stake?

Li Ke is quite indifferent; he has already established his own office, and a mere 10,000 guan is still something he can manage to produce

Over there, Li Chongyi and Tu Qinhui also nodded in agreement. Weichi revealed a big white smile, saying, "My father also says that Jun Ge's cooking is delicious, and my family will also contribute 10,000 guan."

Fang Yiai opened a hidden wall, and everyone present felt a surge of excitement, instantly sensing an air of mystery. Fang Yiai was filled with a wave of exhilaration; although it was not his first time here, witnessing the mechanisms designed by ancient people with his own eyes was still thrilling. Most importantly, this place belonged to him.

Li Ke rudely interrupted Fang Yiai's words: "Jun Ge, this doesn't count as brotherly love; there are still so many dishes. Hurry up and come up so the brothers can have a taste."

Fang Yiai looked at the crowd and said, "There are only twenty-four dishes here, while I have hundreds of dishes in total"

"Alright, Jun will take a 30% stake," Cheng Chumo interjected from the side.

Du He was filled with mixed emotions, overwhelmed with gratitude towards Fang Yi'ai. All the brothers contributed ten thousand guan each, but he alone contributed five thousand guan, which made him feel somewhat embarrassed. However, he did not expect that Fang Yi'ai would gift him half a share, and all he felt in his heart was happiness for having such a good brother.

Fang Yiai observed the reactions of the crowd and couldn't help but nod: "Brothers, each person will invest according to the amount of money they contribute, and shares will be allocated based on the investment. In the future, we will only take dividends. For the management of the restaurant, each family can appoint one manager to oversee operations. We will discuss major matters together and make decisions collectively at that time"

Fang Yiai observed the reactions of the crowd and felt a sense of joy in his heart, realizing that he had indeed not misjudged the people. Of course, if anyone showed signs of disagreement, Fang Yiai would not say anything, but he had many more plans for wealth accumulation. He would not invite that person next time, as Fang Yiai was certainly not a pushover.

Fang Yiao waved his hand and signaled: "Brothers, I have been prepared for a long time. After each brother returns home, go directly to my kitchen and take a food box for yourselves."

Everyone appeared to be quite excited. Cheng Chumo was the first to speak: "Jun Ge, I really want your study and secret room. When I get home, I will tell my father that I want to build one too"

Everyone nodded in agreement. Although they were all young scions, it did not mean they were foolish. On the contrary, each of them belonged to the most noble families of the Tang Dynasty, and each possessed their own wisdom. It was just that, as they were all brothers, they presented a facade of being carefree and uncalculating, which merely indicated their mutual recognition of one another.

Half an hour later, the young gentlemen were well-fed and satisfied with their wine.

Li Ke patted his round belly without any hint of embarrassment and confidently said, "If I can't finish it, I can take it home to eat."

Ladies and gentlemen, I have decided that our restaurant will be named Brother's Restaurant, and from now on, all our enterprises will be named after brothers

Du He felt a bit embarrassed and said: "I will contribute 5,000 guan."

After a moment of contemplation, everyone nodded in agreement, recognizing that this was indeed a fair method to ensure that the interests of each household were not compromised. Seeing the smiles on everyone's faces, Fang Yiai spoke again: "Brothers, my example is not substantial, so I am prepared to invest my technology. I can share the formula I have developed with the managers of each household. What do you all think?"

Listening to the incessant hiccups of Wei Chi Lao Da, Fang Yi Ai couldn't help but speculate: If Wei Chi Jing De, this seasoned general on the battlefield, were to hear that his son admired someone with excellent culinary skills, would he not let Wei Chi Bao Lin understand why the flowers are so red

Brothers, do you think we could make a profit if we opened a restaurant using these dishes

Brother Jun, you are truly remarkable. This meal is probably fit for the gods themselves. I have the utmost admiration for capable individuals like you. I am in awe of you

"It must be profitable, so we followed Jun Ge's lead," Wei Chi shouted loudly.

The chubby boy Fang Mu said, "My grandfather also said your dishes are delicious, and I am worth ten thousand guan too"

Upon hearing this, everyone began to stir, especially Cheng Chumo, who was particularly boisterous. He perfectly inherited the excellent lineage of Cheng Yaojin, completely unaware of what it means to feel embarrassed, truly a little rascal.

When Fang Yiai looked up at the crowd, he was surprised to see that everyone had a relaxed expression on their faces. Fang Yiai cast a questioning glance at the crowd.

"Indeed, Jun Ge, let us have a taste first." Wei Chi and Cheng Chu Mo could not help but join in the curiosity.

In fact, Fang Yiai has underestimated the flavor of the dishes he created. Stir-frying did not emerge until the Song Dynasty, and Fang Yiai brought it forth several centuries earlier, which is why it had such a significant impact. Fang Yiai also deliberately sought out various seasonings. Most importantly, he introduced monosodium glutamate, a powerful ingredient. In modern kitchens, monosodium glutamate is an indispensable seasoning; it enhances the freshness of food and stimulates people's appetite

Upon hearing this, everyone burst into laughter. Suddenly, Cheng Chumo's face turned slightly red, and he appeared somewhat shy as he said, "Jun Ge, my father said that the dishes you made are truly delicious"

Fang Yiai was indifferent to the scene before him, as if he had been prepared for it: "I knew you gluttons would say this, so I was already prepared. Please, everyone, do come this way"