Jiang Zhou took people to see the location of the shop first.

The location near the small river, just outside the pier, was really good. Everyone who disembarked here could see it at a glance, and there was an inn next to it.

If there were people from other places, they could see the barbecue restaurant when they stayed in the inn next to it. Moreover, there were no other restaurants around. If people didn’t want to eat in the inn, then the barbecue restaurant could be their first choice.

Jiang Zhou was obviously very satisfied with this place.

Although this small shop was not big, it was well-equipped. It was divided into two rooms at the front and back. Although it was smaller inside, it had a large window facing the outside, providing ample sunlight and brightness. There were also rooms upstairs, including a small attic.

What Jiang Zhou disliked the most was a dark and small room. If it were going to be used as a kitchen, it would be better to have it brighter and drier.

The outdoor space was also spacious, ideal for summer dining.

The shop owner originally used this place to sell some mountain products. The business had not been very prosperous. After all, if people really wanted mountain products, they could go to the mountains to pick them on their own. Therefore, the market for this type of mountain products had always been poor, prompting the owner to think of renting the entire store.

The shop owner was very kind. Upon hearing that they wanted to rent for a long time, he didn’t suggest raising the price, even though he already knew Jiang Zhou.

Jiang Zhou could be said to be a model of a self-made man in the whole town. Not everyone knew him, but at least those who did business had heard of him.

.

However, he had some doubts about Jiang Zhou’s plans for renovation: “Is your renovation going to be extensive? It’s not going to be like the teahouse, is it?”

For a small shop like his, if the changes were too drastic, it might only suit Jiang Zhou’s business. What if he wanted to take it back later? Additionally, since the renovation was on his shop, did he need to pay for it separately?

Jiang Zhou smiled: “Don’t worry, the renovation won’t be too extensive. We’ll just add a few tables outside. And for the inside, your original storage room will be converted into a kitchen. We’ll only add two charcoal grills. There’s nothing else needed, so you won’t have to pay extra.”

The shopkeeper felt relieved: “In that case, let’s sign the agreement first.”

Jiang Zhou thought for a moment: “I’ll sign the five-year agreement first, and we can discuss renewal in the future.”

“Okay.”

The two signed the agreement. After reviewing the document and determining the time for the shop owner to vacate, Jiang Zhou looked at the remaining mountain goods and suddenly had an idea.

“What should we do with the remaining mountain products in your shop?”

The shop owner sighed: “There is nothing we can do. Business has been difficult recently. The extra mountain products are dried anyway and can be stored for a long time, so we’ll have to take them back. We’ll consume some ourselves, and whatever is left over can be sold to the medicinal shop.”

This idea suited Jiang Zhou: “Well, let’s discuss it. I’ll purchase all the mushrooms in your shop. What price are you thinking of? How do you want to handle it?”

The shop owner had already resigned himself to not making any profit, but he didn’t anticipate this unexpected windfall, so he naturally agreed.

What Jiang Zhou didn’t expect was that he assumed the store only had a few mushrooms, and he thought they wouldn’t have enough. However, he was surprised when the shop owner brought out more than 150 kilograms in total.

It was a mutually beneficial collaboration.

.

On the way back, Lu Dalang asked Jiang Zhou: “I suddenly thought of something. We have hot pot restaurant together then there is your own small dining restaurant. Who will manage the barbecue restaurant?”

Jiang Zhou blinked: “Do you remember the young shuanger in our Lujiang Restaurant?”

Lu Dalang pondered for a moment: “Is it the one named Xia Dong? What about him? Are you considering having him manage the restaurant?”

Jiang Zhou nodded: “I have carefully observed every employee in the restaurant. While everyone is fairly honest, their levels of dedication and diligence vary. Perhaps Xia Dong, given his background and life pressures, understands the challenges of making a living. Consequently, he may put in more effort than others, embodying a positive attitude.”

Since Wen Yan also spoke highly of him to Jiang Zhou, expressing admiration both openly and privately, Jiang Zhou wanted to extend a helping hand to Xia Dong.

Lu Dalang agreed: “Then let him take charge. It’s not a particularly large shop, so it’s good to have someone to share the workload.”

.

Xia Dong was somewhat surprised when the decision was made like this.

When Jiang Zhou approached him, he was completely taken aback.

He stuttered, “Is this… am I really capable of doing this?”

Jiang Zhou smiled: “If I say you can do it, then you can. Once the renovation is completed over there, you can start. Of course, I’ll provide guidance and support. You can choose the staff, including cooks, and I’ll review them after your selection.”

Xia Dong was stunned by this unexpected opportunity and felt a bit overwhelmed.

“I’ll discuss your salary later. Work hard. Managing the barbecue restaurant is just a small step. You’ll have opportunities in many other areas in the future.”

In the end, Xia Dong could only smile and agree.