Chapter 282
The first day of March carried a lingering winter chill with hints of warmth. The White Family Spicy Hotpot had chosen this auspicious day—the traditional "Dragon Raises Head" festival—for its grand opening.
A brand-new red-and-gold sign hung prominently above the entrance. Luna White and her husband Ryan Wallace stood by the door, both excited and nervous. They had prepared tirelessly for this moment.
"Luna, do you think this will work?" Luna fidgeted with her hands, her eyes darting toward the street. She had deliberately worn a red coat for good luck.
Her younger sister, Luna, patted her hand reassuringly. "Relax, sis. Our secret spice blend is one-of-a-kind. Customers will come back for more."
To attract customers, Luna had come up with an idea—printing flyers. Full-color printing was too expensive, so they settled for black-and-white ones with enticing slogans like "Spicy, fragrant, unforgettable!" Ryan, along with Ethan and Aaron Jackson, had slipped them under doors before dawn.
The restaurant had hired two waitstaff, but with family pitching in, they managed. Ethan handled the spice preparation in the kitchen, while Ryan and the kitchen assistants washed and plated vegetables. Luna took charge of the cash register, while Aaron and the waitstaff attended to the front.
"Firecrackers!" Ethan shouted as he and Aaron lit two strings of firecrackers. The loud pops drew curious onlookers.
Yet, by noon, the restaurant remained empty. Luna twisted the edge of her apron anxiously. "What do we do now?"
Luna was considering calling Andrew Smith for help when a thunderous drumbeat echoed in the distance.
"What's that?" Ryan peered outside.
A procession of drummers in bright red costumes marched toward them, followed by ten sharply dressed young men carrying exquisite flower baskets.
"Mr. Andrew Smith congratulates the White Family Spicy Hotpot on its grand opening!" Their synchronized greeting turned heads.
Luna’s heart warmed. This man always knew how to make things perfect.
Before they could recover, another delivery arrived. "Mr. Robert Thompson wishes the White Family prosperity and success!"
Seizing the moment, Luna announced loudly, "For our opening month, all dishes are 10% off!"
The announcement worked—several hesitant passersby stepped inside. Ryan hurried to greet them while Luna explained the menu. The kitchen soon buzzed with activity.
Just as they breathed a sigh of relief, a truck screeched to a halt outside. A dozen workers unloaded potted plants—money trees, cycads, and even rare orchids, each tied with a red ribbon.
"Who sent these?" Ryan stopped one of the workers.
The man wiped his brow. "A Mr. Yu ordered them as a gift for Dr. White."
Luna froze. Mr. Yu? She didn’t know anyone by that name...