There was no other way. Yvonne Foster had no choice but to invite Master Sullivan back to take charge of the kitchen. Master Sullivan had originally been the head chef at Zuixianju, and in the past, he was known for his excellent cooking. Like Yvonne Foster, he was also a veteran of two generations. However, he had already been retired for several years. He had intended to enjoy his twilight years in peace, but seeing Zuixianju in trouble and wanting to repay past kindness, he stepped forward to help. Unexpectedly, his help ended up making things worse. Because his sense of taste had declined, the dishes he made were all quite heavy in flavor, making them hard for most people to eat.

From then on, business at Zuixianju plummeted, and almost all the regular customers disappeared. The worst part was that Yvonne Foster, in order to save Master Sullivan's face, kept the matter a secret. Later, he hired a few new chefs, but their skills were mediocre, and business still didn't improve. Those chefs left after only a few months, and even the staff dwindled until only Liam Foster remained.

In the past six months, Zuixianju had been losing money every single day it opened. Over the years, most of the savings had been depleted, and Mrs. Harris's mind was no longer on the business. So, she wanted to sell Zuixianju. Today, she called Yvonne Foster and Master Sullivan to her residence to discuss selling the restaurant. To call it a discussion was just a formality—everyone knew that selling was the only option left.

This story is really full of twists and turns—it could be made into a TV drama. Kevin Thompson sighed and asked with concern, "So, have you found a buyer yet?"

At this, Yvonne Foster's face filled with worry again. He shook his head and said, "Zuixianju isn't exactly big, but it's not small either. There really aren't many people who could afford to buy it. If someone hasn't run a restaurant before, they usually wouldn't be willing to spend so much money to buy Zuixianju."

"Then look for someone in the business! There are so many restaurants in Bianjing—surely at least one would be willing to buy this place?"

Kevin Thompson was quite puzzled by this. Not to mention anything else, just the prime location of Zuixianju alone—in his time, people would be fighting to buy it before you even opened your mouth.

Yvonne Foster shook his head and sighed, "You don't know. Although the restaurant business in Bianjing is flourishing these days, with more than seventy restaurants of all sizes, Zuixianju is quite close to Feicui Xuan, which is the rising star in the industry and now at its peak. So, most restaurants don't dare take the risk. In my opinion, the only ones who could buy Zuixianju and aren't afraid of Feicui Xuan are Fanlou in the east city and Yanglou in the north city. But Fanlou is already the most prosperous restaurant in Bianjing, with branches all over the city, so the chances of them buying Zuixianju are slim. As for Yanglou, the owner is very conservative. I talked to them about it, but they don't seem interested."

"So, that means only Feicui Xuan is left?" Kevin Thompson asked with a frown. That was definitely not good news for Zuixianju.

Yvonne Foster sighed and nodded.

"In that case, even if Steward Walker wants it, he would definitely try to push the price down as low as possible, right?" Kevin Thompson asked. At times like this, if you run into a ruthless boss, they’ll squeeze you for all you’re worth. After all, you’re the one in a hurry, not them—the longer you drag it out, the more you lose.

Yvonne Foster was slightly taken aback, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, then he smiled and said, "I didn't expect you to be not only a great cook, but also so savvy in business!"

Kevin Thompson just smiled without saying anything. Tricks like this were so common in his time that even someone buying steamed buns would know them.

Yvonne Foster nodded and said, "Actually, as early as last month, Madam asked me to sound out Steward Walker. Who would have thought, Steward Walker said the most he could offer was four thousand strings of cash, but by my calculations, Zuixianju is worth at least eight thousand."

That price is really too low. Kevin Thompson gave a wry smile and asked, "So what does Madam plan to do now?"

"Madam's idea is to wait another month. If no one else is willing to buy, then we'll have no choice but to sell to Steward Walker." Yvonne Foster sighed.

Kevin Thompson knew that, nine times out of ten, Zuixianju would end up in Steward Walker's hands.

Chapter 0009: Shaobing! Shaobing!

"Sir, are you here for a meal or to stay at the inn?"

"Uh—I'm here looking for a job?"

"Looking for a job?"

"Oh, I mean I'm here to find some work."

"Uh... I already have enough staff here. You'd better try somewhere else."

...

"Sir, please have a seat—what can I get for you?"

"I'm here looking for work."

"Perfect, I happen to need a bartender."

"Really? That's great. May I ask about the pay and benefits?"

"Room and board included."

...

"That's it?"

"Of course. What more do you want?"

...

At the docks.

"Big brother, do you need any more workers here?"

"If I need them, I do. But are you sure you can handle it with that skinny frame of yours?"

"Of course, I'm very strong."

"Alright then, take this and go line up in the back."

"Hehe, alright."

"Hurry up, hurry up! You lazy good-for-nothing, haven't you eaten?"

Slap slap slap! Bang bang bang!

"Ouch, ouch—!"