The Evil Mother-in-law: Torment Children, Work Hard, Be Rich!-Chapter 285: Plot Twist

Tong Huaqiong finished inspecting her pesticide seed store, everything looked smooth, just waiting for the opening of Taohua Dessert tomorrow.

Early in the next morning, Tong Huaqiong dressed up and arrived at Taohua Dessert.

The opening of Taohua Dessert in the county town was even more grand and lively than when it opened in Yan Guan Town.

The efforts spent promoting among the students of Wanliu Academy were evident on the opening day.

A large crowd was lining up at the entrance of Taohua Dessert.

Tong Huaqiong knew many people might not be there to buy pastries, but were drawn by the free samples.

"I heard you can taste test in this store, they sure are willing to spend." An old lady holding her grandson said.

The old lady was there for the tasting gimmick.

The concept of in-store tasting not only sparked discussions in Yan Guan Town but also in the county town.

A middle-aged woman said, "Normally, good pastries sell themselves, this shop probably doesn’t taste good, that’s why they came up with this idea. But it doesn’t matter, trying something for free is worth it."

"Auntie, once you try the pastries here, I guarantee your wallet won’t stay closed. The owner of Taohua Dessert has a nephew who is our senior at Wanliu Academy, the owner sent our senior four baskets of pastries, and our senior generously shared with us. Those pastries were so delicious, I tell you auntie, no other pastry shops in Ning City can compare. Not only I think so, but every Wanliu Academy student who tried them thinks so too. After eating, we wanted to buy more, but they hadn’t opened, we begged for a long time, only then the shopkeeper agreed to sell us some before opening."

"Finally, they’re open today, I’m going to buy a bit of everything. There are many pastries, and I’m not exaggerating when I say, other shops don’t have them."

Tong Huaqiong heard someone was eagerly promoting her pastries and thought it was a shill hired by He Chao.

Then she turned around to see a delicate-looking young man actively promoting Taohua Dessert to the surrounding people.

The aunt being persuaded pursed her lips and said, "Pastries, anything new with them, I don’t believe Taohua Dessert has anything other shops don’t. This Taohua Dessert didn’t come from the Capital, it’s from Yan Guan Town in Pingchuan County, what good pastries could come from the countryside, if it weren’t for the free tasting, I wouldn’t bother queuing."

The delicate youth was in a hurry and said, "Auntie, seeing is believing, once you go inside after opening, you will know."

"This is your hired shill, performing well, deserves a raise." Tong Huaqiong whispered to He Chao.

He Chao smiled and said, "Owner, this is a student from Wanliu Academy, he’s from a prestigious family, how could I possibly hire him?"

Tong Huaqiong laughed, it seems her promotion continued till the opening day.

Those four baskets of pastries were worth giving!

But this also indicated her pastries have been welcomed by the children of aristocratic families.

"Owner, look, not only this student, but there are quite a few behind him too." He Chao pointed out.

Today, Wanliu Academy was on break, so these students flocked to Taohua Dessert for some fun.

"Owner, look at all these people, let’s start the business, you can do the ribbon-cutting." Hong Xiaoxi brought a red tray with a red pair of scissors on it.

Tong Huaqiong thought if she had thick-skinnedly invited Magistrate Yao for the ribbon-cutting, it would’ve been great.

Considering her contribution to eradicating the spike rot disease, Magistrate Yao probably wouldn’t refuse.

Now she had to do it herself!

At this moment, a commotion erupted in the crowd, and Tong Huaqiong turned to see Lu Zhaoyang.

Her eyes lit up, by the heavens, could it be her golden finger function is fully activated, and Magistrate Yao came without an invitation. 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

When Tong Huaqiong stretched her neck, where was Magistrate Yao, Lu Zhaoyang was accompanied by an old man.

The old man was unassuming, and Tong Huaqiong assumed he was the Lu family’s steward accompanying the young master to join the fun.

What a plot twist.

"Oh my, grandpa, my grandpa is here." Lu Zhaozhao, standing beside Gu Taohua, rushed to Tong Huaqiong with excitement and said, "My grandpa came to attend the opening of Taohua Dessert, we didn’t tell you beforehand to surprise you."

Turns out, that unassuming old man was Mr. Lu.

Indeed, failing to recognize Mount Tai when seeing it.

Realizing this, Tong Huaqiong dashed forward and grasped Mr. Lu’s hand.

At this moment, Tong Huaqiong had already cast aside the regret of not having Magistrate Yao for the ribbon-cutting.

How did she not think of inviting Mr. Lu for the ribbon-cutting earlier?

Mr. Lu is an Imperial Merchant, a dominant figure in the county town, his presence signifies approval for Taohua Dessert as an outsider, favoring its establishment in the county’s business circle.

Perhaps with one snip from Mr. Lu, no merchants in the county would dare trouble Taohua Dessert.

He Chao was just as excited.

His own owner is amazing, able to bring Mr. Lu here.

Why was there no notice ahead of time?

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Lu," Tong Huaqiong shook Mr. Lu’s hand up and down.

Tong Huaqiong was too excited and used the handshake etiquette from her past life.

Mr. Lu’s mustache twitched, wanting to withdraw his hand.

He didn’t expect Tong Huaqiong to be so nonchalant, holding his hand in public and not letting go.

Mr. Lu instantly had a newfound respect for Tong Huaqiong; he liked people who aren’t bound by formalities, you need quick thinking when doing business.

"Master Tong, I should have visited you at home, but I’ve been busy. Now that your store is opening in the county town, naturally, I’m here to show support." Mr. Lu said.

"We’ve been waiting for you to come." Tong Huaqiong replied, withdrawing her hand.

He Chao smilingly invited the two of them to the storefront, while Hong Xiaoxi brought the tray.

"Please." Tong Huaqiong handed the scissors to Mr. Lu.

Mr. Lu wasn’t courteous, deftly snipping the red ribbon without hesitation.

Originally, firecrackers were planned for added festive cheer, but considering the safety issues, He Chao opted against them, instead hiring people in advance to play the suona horn.

"Dear folks, Taohua Dessert is now open. Thank you for your support, and we hope to grow stronger with you all." Tong Huaqiong waved, the suona stopped, and she gave an opening speech.

Soon, Master Song and Chen Sufen led the bakery to get busy, with trays of pastries brought into the shop, their aroma filled the entire street.

Students from Wanliu Academy were drooling and rushed into the shop, grabbing pastries that suited their tastes.

Some affluent households sent maids and servants to queue up.

More people just came for the free samples.

Soon the shop was flooded with customers, and clerks in uniform smiling brightly, enthusiastically inviting customers.

Taohua Dessert didn’t neglect the customers queuing outside, as tea and sunflower seeds were already prepared.

There were even clerks handing out cut pastries for everyone to sample while introducing pastry names.

"This is Taro Puff."

"This one you asked about is Meat Floss Cake."

"This is Palmier."

As expected by Tong Huaqiong, the formula she developed easily captured the discerning tastes of the county townsfolk.

People tasted and commented on the pastries.

"These pastries are indeed tastier than other shops."

"Other shops offer nothing new, but Taohua Dessert has some tricks of its own."

"Young man, can I try the Meat Floss Cake again?"

"I must buy two pounds of Palmier later."

Tong Huaqiong specifically noted the aunt who battled with the students, after sampling, she bought two pounds of Palmier.

This was a pastry that other shops didn’t have.

...

Due to the high demand, several hot-selling products were temporarily limited in sales.

There was no choice, the bakery couldn’t keep up!