Siheyuan: Tathagata's Palm suppresses the entire courtyard!

He sat on a stool in the kitchen, running numbers through his head, feeling it was becoming increasingly difficult to keep the business going.

"Mingjie, how about we reduce some high-cost dishes first? Or adjust the menu and try to use some cheaper ingredients." Xiao Li suggested tentatively.

Xu Mingjie shook his head, his tone revealing a bit of helplessness: "I have also considered this issue, but our customers are already accustomed to these signature dishes. If we change them hastily, it may lead to more customers leaving. In that case, our situation will only get worse."

Zhang Yu sighed, "We can't keep going like this, can we? Our costs are increasing every day, but our revenue is decreasing. If we keep going like this, I'm afraid the restaurant won't last long."

Xu Mingjie felt bitter in his heart. He knew that Zhang Yu was right. The operating costs of a restaurant, including rent, food costs, employee wages, etc., are all considerable expenses. Especially in this situation of declining business, these expenses are like a heavy mountain, pressing him to the point of being unable to breathe.

"We have to find a way to reduce expenses. Try to calm yourself down. He knew that he could no longer wait passively and had to take some practical measures to deal with this crisis.

Back in the office, Xu Mingjie sat at the table, flipping through the account book, calculating the monthly expenses one by one, including rent, water and electricity bills, raw material purchases, employee wages, and daily expenses. These figures gave him a headache. Each item was like an inescapable burden, pressing on his shoulders.

"These expenses are too high." Xu Mingjie was anxious, thinking about how to cut these expenses. However, each item seemed to be difficult to change. Cutting down on employees? This means layoffs, but he knew that the employees depended on this job, so how could he let them lose their source of income? Reducing the cost of ingredients? This would directly affect the quality of the dishes and customer satisfaction.

Just as he was thinking hard, He Yuzhu came in. Seeing the tiredness on Xu Mingjie's face, he asked with concern: "Mingjie, you seem to be worried recently. Are you troubled by the expenses?" His eyes were full of helplessness and sorrow: "Brother He, I really don't know what to do. The expenses are getting bigger and bigger, but the business is getting worse and worse. I'm afraid that if it goes on like this, the restaurant will really not be able to hold on."

He Yuzhu walked up to him, with a hint of comfort in his tone: "Mingjie, every businessman will encounter such difficulties. The important thing is to face it calmly and find a suitable solution."

Xu Mingjie sighed softly: "I know, but now every expense seems to be cutting my flesh, and I really can't find a way to cut costs. He said: "Maybe we can start with some details and make adjustments step by step. For example, under the premise of ensuring quality, we can find cheaper suppliers, or negotiate with suppliers for better prices. In addition, we can also try some new dishes, which can not only reduce costs but also attract new customers. I think what He Yuzhu said makes sense. He realized that he might have been too obsessed with maintaining the original menu and supply chain in the past, and ignored the market changes and adjustments in customer demand. Now, maybe it's time to make some necessary changes. I think we can try to adjust the menu and introduce some new dishes to attract more customers. At the same time, I will re-examine our supply chain to see if I can find a more cost-effective channel. "Xu Mingjie said, and some fighting spirit rekindled in his eyes.

He Yuzhu smiled and nodded: "Remember, the catering industry is constantly changing, and we must adjust ourselves at any time to remain invincible in the market."

With the support and advice of He Yuzhu, Xu Mingjie calmed down a little. He decided to negotiate with suppliers in person starting today to find more options and reduce costs while ensuring the quality of the dishes. At the same time, he also plans to work with Zhang Yu and other chefs to study and launch several new special dishes that can attract customers while controlling costs. Xu Mingjie was so busy that he had almost no time to rest. He negotiated with multiple suppliers, compared prices over and over again, and finally found some new suppliers with good quality and reasonable prices. At the same time, he and the kitchen team repeatedly tested new dishes to ensure that these dishes have unique flavors and can be made at a lower cost.

However, even though he had put in so much effort, the chill in his heart still could not be completely dissipated. He knew that the restaurant business still faced considerable challenges, and if he was not careful, he might fall into a more dangerous situation. Whenever he thought of this, he always felt depressed, as if a huge rock was hanging over his head and could fall at any time.

One night, Xu Mingjie stayed alone in the hotel, checking the account books and supply status for the day. The cold wind outside the window was howling, bringing a chill, but he didn't notice it, still concentrating on calculating every expense. His fingers ran across the account book, with fatigue and anxiety in his eyes.

"How long can I hold on?" Xu Mingjie asked himself in his heart, feeling a deep sense of powerlessness. He knew that he had to hold on, but facing such a heavy burden, he couldn't help but feel tired. Suddenly, his cell phone rang. Xu Mingjie picked it up and saw that it was an unfamiliar number. He frowned, but still answered the call.

"Hello, who is this?" There was a hint of vigilance in Xu Mingjie's voice.

The other party was silent for a moment, and then a low voice came: “Mr. Xu, I know you have been in some trouble recently. If you need help, we can talk.”

Xu Mingjie was startled. This strange phone call and the words from the other party made him feel inexplicably nervous. He didn't know who the other party was, let alone how they knew about his current situation.

"Who are you? Why do you know my situation?" Xu Mingjie tried to remain calm, but his tone was inevitably a little wary.

The other party smiled, his voice still low: "You don't need to know who I am. As long as you are willing, we can help you solve your current predicament. As long as you agree to our conditions."

Xu Mingjie's heartbeat quickened, and he realized that he might be facing a new danger. There might be more conspiracies and traps hidden behind this call.

"I don't need your help." Xu Mingjie said decisively and hung up the phone.

He put down his phone, and the chill in his heart became more obvious. He knew that he was now at the center of the storm, and if he was not careful, he might fall into an irreparable situation. He would never compromise easily. He had to protect his restaurant and his years of hard work.