The day of the Crayfish Festival finally arrived, and Zhang Ji Crayfish was so busy it felt like they could barely cope.
Fortunately, they had an extra pair of hands. Wu Shengnan was skilled, and after a brief training session with Zhang Tianxing, she was already proficient. Her culinary skills weren't as good as Zhang Tianxing's, but she was sufficient for the rush.
The first Crayfish Festival held immense significance for Zhang Tianxing. He believed that after this night, the name of crayfish would be known throughout China.
The lineup of guests for this inaugural Crayfish Festival gala was undeniably powerful. The "Four Heavenly Kings," hottest celebrities of the era, were all present to promote the event.
"Even Heavenly King Liu is here. Zhonghai City has really spared no expense this time."
"Tell me about it. This lineup of performers is almost as grand as the Spring Festival Gala."
"Just thinking about it is exciting. I heard Heavenly King Liu will even be releasing a new song here."
"No way! That would be too amazing. As a fan of Heavenly King Liu, I'm incredibly thrilled."
"I absolutely must find a way to get a few more autographs."
In those days, many people were ardent fans. They thought meeting celebrities was a rare, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, never imagining they'd have a chance for close contact.
Instantly, the Crayfish Plaza was packed, with people crammed shoulder to shoulder.
"These crayfish are delicious. I really want to open a crayfish shop in my hometown."
"I spent a hundred yuan learning how to make crayfish and plan to investigate the market back home."
"Yeah, I learned here too. But I heard the most authentic ones are from Zhang Ji Crayfish; everyone else learned from them."
"Ah, I went to Zhang Ji's, but there were too many people. I couldn't even get a number. It was so crowded I couldn't get in. I heard even the delivery drivers were blocked outside."
"How many people do they serve at once? The place is full, and it's only this early?"
"You have no idea. That restaurant is completely packed, not a single empty seat. Every table is full."
"That's incredible. Zhang Ji Crayfish must be doing fantastically well."
"You're telling me. What's most surprising is that the owner and staff are all soon-to-be university students. They just took their college entrance exams this year and reportedly did quite well."
"Oh, no wonder Zhang Ji Crayfish sounds so familiar. The top scholar of Zhonghai is working here? Their reputation is well-deserved."
Zhonghai City was bustling with excitement all day. Zhang Tianxing, as a guest, was also brought out like a lucky mascot to greet customers.
...
The Crayfish Association was also abuzz with activity, with many people visiting out of curiosity.
However, after discussions between Zhang Tianxing and Zhou Fuqing, the Crayfish Association would temporarily not accept new members.
In Zhang Tianxing's words, the Crayfish Association was the last line of defense; they prioritized quality over quantity.
Besides, joining the association would require corresponding support. At this moment, the priority was their own restaurant's business, followed by the Crayfish Festival.
The success of their restaurant directly impacted the Crayfish Festival. If visitors from afar saw a deserted crayfish restaurant, what impression would they form?
Then, there would be no point in promoting crayfish; they might as well close shop.
Therefore, the more packed their restaurant was, the more potential partners would be attracted.
That would be the time to launch the crayfish chain.
Zhang Tianxing said confidently, these past few days had been immensely profitable.
Although they were swamped with work daily, seeing the revenue each day was exhilarating, a testament to the allure of money.
Earning hundreds a day was equivalent to his parents' monthly salary.
"Sister Shengnan, we need to design a crayfish shop like this. The environment should be clean and refreshing, highlighting the specialty of a crayfish restaurant, along with our logo. People should think of Zhang Ji Crayfish the moment they see our mark."
"No problem! I have a friend who's a top-notch designer. I can get a logo designed." Wu Shengnan said with a smile. New to the crayfish team, she was eager to establish her standing.
These were all soon-to-be university students. Once they started their studies, her importance would become more pronounced. Hence, she was working frantically to prove her worth these days.
"There's no need for that. I can design it myself." Zhang Tianxing said casually.
"What? This young boss is usually so sharp. Why is he so confused at this crucial moment?"
"Boss, that friend of mine is excellent. We can discuss the price, and he'll definitely give me face."
"How good is he?" Zhang Tianxing asked, feeling a bit uneasy. A logo was a serious matter.
Sensing a slight shift in Zhang Tianxing's stance, Wu Shengnan quickly added, "I have a friend who specializes in design. He's very capable and has won the Red Dot Design Award."
Zhang Tianxing nodded. A recommended person who had won awards sounded promising. He'd pay if the design was satisfactory.
Zhang Tianxing smiled, "We can agree in advance: if the design is satisfactory, we'll pay extra. Don't worry about me not having money; just ensure it's worth it."
In this era, how much could a top designer charge, especially for just a logo? In fact, Zhang Tianxing already had a preliminary idea.
Zhang Tianxing called Wen Qing over and directly told her, "Wen Qing, please draw a cute version of a crayfish. Have its large claw holding a red chili pepper. Then, curve this pepper into a circle, and add the words 'Zhang Ji Crayfish'."
"Use bright red colors everywhere, so people think of our crayfish as soon as they see the logo."
Seeing the result, Wu Shengnan couldn't help but worry for her friend. She had recommended a chance to design a logo, and unexpectedly, this soon-to-be university student's skill level was quite high.
The design they had just seen was impressive, simple, clear, and elegant, making it immediately obvious it was related to crayfish.
It seemed the young boss had already designed it himself, but only gave his friend a chance after hearing about the award.
This opportunity seemed challenging. She could only hope her childhood friend would step up and not embarrass her.
Wu Shengnan quickly stepped aside to make a phone call.
"Wu Qiang, I desperately need your help. Please design a logo for a crayfish restaurant. Give it your best shot. Our boss designed one himself, and I think it's quite good."
Wu Qiang chuckled on the other end of the line, "Shengnan, it seems you're eager to impress. You're even willing to have me work for you. My appearance fee is quite high, you know."
"Take a look at our boss's design first. It's a cute crayfish holding a red chili pepper with its claw, and the pepper is curved into a circle, with Chinese characters added. Can you design a better logo than this?"
"I'll try my best, but I can't guarantee anything. Your boss's design is simple and direct, instantly conveying what it is. That has great market potential."