Chapter 283: Chapter 283: Laying the Groundwork for Marketing 1

Translator: 549690339

“To sell this wine at a high price, we naturally have to go to the most expensive dining place in the entire Taizhou prefecture,” said Wei Ruo.

“Okay!” Xiumei whipped the horse, speeding up their return to the city.

After finding a place to park the carriage outside the Zuixian Residence, Wei Ruo took Xiumei into the main entrance of the Zuixian Residence. Xiumei was holding a jar of freshly packed white wine.

The moment the master and servant entered, they were recognized by the waitstaff in the restaurant.

In the eyes of the waitstaff at the Zuixian Residence, this young Master Xu, despite his plain appearance, simple clothes, and short stature, was an esteemed guest of their boss, Mr. Fan, and not to be underestimated.

Thus, no one in the restaurant dared to neglect them, from the shopkeeper to the waitstaff.

“Master Xu, you’re here. What brings you here today? Are you here to dine, have tea, or to meet our boss?” The waiter enthusiastically greeted Wei Ruo with a big smile on his face.

“Is your boss in?” Wei Ruo inquired.

“What a pity, our boss isn’t here at the Zuixian Residence today. The shopkeeper is out as well, and probably won’t be back for an hour or so,” the waiter explained.

“That’s fine. I’ve got a jar of wine here and I’d like your young master to help me sell it at your place,” Wei Ruo stated his purpose.

Hearing this, the waiter hesitated a bit.

If it were anyone else walking into their restaurant with such a request, they would definitely be kicked out. How could they ask the Zuixian Residence to help sell wine? They have plenty of wine in the Zusixian Residence!

But Xu Heyou was no ordinary person, so his request had to be treated differently.

Master Xu, I’m afraid I can’t decide on your request.” After some consideration, the waiter replied to Wei Ruo.

It doesn’t matter. I’ll leave this jar of wine on your counter. When Shopkeeper Shen returns, you can tell him. If he can help me sell it, he sells it. If he can’t, then he can store it for me and I’ll come back for it another day. How does that sound?” Wei Ruo asked.

No problem, absolutely no problem. Rest assured, Master Xu, I’ll handle this matter well for you,” the waiter replied enthusiastically.

Xiumei stepped forward and handed the jar of wine to the waiter.

“Be sure to take good care of it,” Xiumei instructed.

The waiter carefully took the jar of wine, repeatedly assuring, “Rest assured, my hands are steady. I won’t damage Master Xu’s wine!”

The waiter placed Wei Ruo’s wine under the counter in a safe spot to ensure it wouldn’t be damaged before the Shopkeeper returned.

Then he came back and asked Wei Ruo, “Since Master Xu is here, why not dine in one of the private rooms upstairs? Our Shopkeeper instructed us that if Master Xu dines here, it will all be free of charge.”

It was currently lunchtime, and there were quite a few guests dining in the Zuixian Residence.

Wei Ruo glanced around the main hall, then looked up at the second floor. There seemed to be fewer guests in the Zuixian Residence these days than before.

Wei Ruo then turned back to the waiter and replied, “Thank you for your kind offer, but I have other matters to attend to today and won’t stay long. Just remember my instructions.”

“Rest assured, Master Xu! I won’t forget!”

Wei Ruo nodded and then left with Xiumei.

After leaving the Zuixian Residence, Wei Ruo went to Xu’s Delicatessen nearby. Chen Aqing was busy in the shop. Upon seeing Wei Ruo, she excitedly put down her work and came over to greet her.

“Miss…”

Wei Ruo signaled her to be quiet.

She was still dressed as a boy at this moment, and there were many people around. If someone heard her, it would be troublesome.

Chen Aqing quickly corrected herself: “What brings you here today, Young Master?”

“I came to check on things and brought some wine,” Wei Ruo replied.

Xiumei placed a jar of wine on the countertop inside the shop.

Then Wei Ruo explained to Chen Aqing, “Place this wine here. When customers come, pour a cup and place it on the side. If anyone asks, offer them a free tasting.”

The delicatessen sold expensive delicacies, so the customers who frequently visited the shop were mostly well-off.

Therefore, promoting the wine here, like at the Zuixian Residence, was meant to target specific groups with buying power.

“Shouldn’t we charge a silver coin?” Chen Aqing asked with confusion.

This jar is free for now. Say it’s a token of gratitude to our regular customers. But each person can only have one small cup per day for free, no more. Even if they want to buy more, it’s not available,” Wei Ruo replied.

Chen Aqing nodded first, then looked confused, “How to make money if we don’t sell?”

Lately, Chen Aqing had been getting business lessons from Wei Ruo, so her mind was filled with the idea of making money.

“Of course we will make money, but there’s no rush. First, cast the net, then catch the fish.” Wei Ruo explained with a smile.

White wine is not plain rice. Wei Ruo’s plan was to sell fewer bottles at a high price.

In order to sell at a high price, a brand value had to be created. The wine couldn’t be perceived as something readily available, or she wouldn’t be able to raise the price.

She needed to create an intriguing story, add a twist, and best of all, an element of scarcity; to let everyone think it’s a good commodity that’s hard to purchase.

Chen Aqing nodded with a look of partial understanding, “I don’t quite understand what you mean, Master, but whatever you do must be right.” “Yes, just do as I instructed. If someone asks you where this wine came from, tell him that an old man brought it to offset the cost of the duck neck he owed you,” Wei Ruo further instructed.

“Alright, I’ve got it!” Chen Aqing nodded seriously.

After instructing Chen Aqing, Wei Ruo packed some delicacies in the store: half a pound each of pig ears, marinated duck neck, and duck feet.

Once she had finished this, Wei Ruo and Xiumei returned to the Military Prefecture.

It was not a day off today, and Wei Ruo, who should have been attending Mr. Wang’s lecture at Tianqin Garden, returned early.

Only Wei Mingting was at home in the Military Prefecture. He was still recovering from his injury. Although it had improved quite a bit, it would still be some time before he could wield a weapon again.

Wei Mingting was a restless person. Although he couldn’t practice martial arts, he was unwilling to rest all the time. So for the past few days, he had been working from the front yard, which was also the case today.

Wei Ruo, carrying wine and delicacies, went to the front yard, and after notifying the guard, entered Wei Mingting’s study.

In front of the writing desk, Wei Mingting was dressed in casual clothes. He looked a bit less imposing than usual, and a bit more scholarly.

“Ruo Ruo, do you need something from your father?” Asked Wei Mingting curiously, looking at Wei Ruo. She rarely took the initiative to look for him, so Wei Mingting was both surprised and curious.

“I came across a jar of excellent wine today and thought Father might like to try it,” Wei Ruo said.

Hearing that there was good wine, Wei Mingting immediately gained interest.

He got up from his desk and quickly approached Wei Ruo..