Back To The 80s: President's Doted Wife Chapter 1646 - 1647: Offering Advice

In a bustling marketplace, poverty often leads to obscurity, while wealth in seclusion attracts attention. Cheng Su understood this principle well – every family had its share of less fortunate or troublesome relatives, an unavoidable aspect of life. The key lay in how one managed these relationships and their own perceptions.

Little Yu's current predicament stemmed from a familiar, yet persistent, issue: finances.

The bun shop's success was undeniable, even reaching a point where expansion seemed imminent. Her two sisters-in-law, witnessing the widowed sister-in-law's flourishing business, harbored designs of their own, seeking a share of the profits. Furthermore, they desired Little Yu's coveted bun recipe to establish their own ventures.

Naturally, Little Yu was unwilling. She had painstakingly refined the recipe through her own dedicated efforts, involving countless early mornings and late nights, finally achieving success. Was it reasonable for her efforts to be claimed so casually?

She recalled their earlier interactions – when she had reached out for help, where were they then?

Human nature is inherently selfish. Little Yu, now nearing old age and a widow for many years, with her son grown, felt compelled to plan for her son's future and her daughter's dowry. It was a mother's responsibility, after all.

Therefore, she was resolute in her decision not to part with the recipe.

Frustrated by their inability to persuade Little Yu, the sisters-in-law turned their attention to the elderly parents. The parents, possessing soft hearts and a desire for familial harmony, hoped that if one branch of the family prospered, the others would follow. Moreover, since the daughters-in-law were married into different families, sharing the recipe seemed unlikely to cause significant business conflicts.

However, Little Yu had her own strategic vision, inspired by Cheng Su's earlier advice about expanding the bun shop's reach.

"I'm considering opening another branch," Little Yu explained. "Once we accumulate enough capital, I plan to acquire the equipment you mentioned. We can gradually package and sell our products, developing a line of frozen goods." She continued, "If they want in, what will be left of my efforts once the recipe inevitably gets out?"

Cheng Su pondered for a moment before inquiring, "And what do your parents-in-law think about this plan?"

Little Yu sighed. "What else? They certainly want me to hand over the recipe. But if I refuse, there's little they can do. They wouldn't dare to force the issue; it would be too embarrassing. I've lived with them for so many years, without ever wronging the Old Zheng family. If things truly escalated, they would be the ones facing public shame. Seeing my reluctance, they haven't pressed the matter further. They are somewhat displeased, but doesn't that matter? They didn't offer much assistance back then anyway!"

Cheng Su responded, "The key is that you can hold your ground."

"I can stand firm. I've seen the situation clearly and considered all angles. Dignity is earned through one's own actions. Refusing to share preserves my position without inviting criticism; sharing would be an act of generosity. But you understand, sometimes such kindness is not appreciated by certain individuals!"

Cheng Su nodded, her lips pursed as she contemplated. After a pause, she suggested, "Actually, if you wish to silence their demands, you could consider sharing it with them."

Little Yu was taken aback. Share it?

A smile touched Cheng Su's lips. "However, it wouldn't be a free handout. Think of it as franchising. They can still use the current 'Auspicious Bun Shop' name and recipe, but they must pay you a franchise fee, and the product price will remain consistent..."

She envisioned establishing a franchise chain. Expanding independently would take considerable time to build brand recognition. A franchise model, however, could accelerate brand proliferation. After all, a single bun shop is less influential than multiple branches, and its reputation wouldn't carry the same weight as a recognized franchise.

As Little Yu absorbed Cheng Su's proposal, her eyes gradually lit up, the furrow of irritation on her brow softening. "In your view, what would be a reasonable franchise fee?"

She was never one to cling to tradition; if Cheng Su had suggested it, it must hold merit. Following Cheng Su's strategy, she could indeed generate more income, secure her ongoing control through contracts, and continue to expand her business empire.