Chapter Fifty-Three: The Gourmet Avenue

Afterward, Gao Ye led the Guo brothers to the marketplace. Much like in modern times, although everyone here set up stalls, each had a fixed spot—no one would encroach upon another’s place. This was both a rule and a habit; after all, people in ancient times placed great stock in geomancy, and moving one’s position at will was considered shifting one’s luck. When business was good, no one wished to relocate casually.

There were over fifty stalls, which posed a real challenge: Gao Ye had to find a suitable location, one within the boundaries permitted by the county office. He approached a vendor and inquired, “Brother, may I ask how business is for you here at the market?”

The vendor sighed and replied, “Ah, it’s not worth mentioning. I make a few taels of silver each month, but after taxes and the cost of stocking goods, there’s hardly anything left. Why do you ask, Young Master Gao? Are you thinking of setting up a stall here?” Because of his published books, his own business experience, and especially for having helped Yun’s mother sell clothes, Gao Ye was already a well-known figure in these streets. Nearly everyone who saw him could call him by name.

Gao Ye nodded and pressed on, “Brother, is there any place in this market where you all avoid setting up, or a place that’s available but nobody wants?”

The vendor immediately pointed east and said, “See over there? Turn left at the head of the market and you’ll find an alley—stalls can be set up there, but it’s remote and foot traffic is scarce. It’s so deserted that only a few peddlers of mats and sandals would bother. Young Master Gao, you’re not planning to do business there, are you? Take my advice: don’t. There's no one there.”

Gao Ye smiled his thanks. Then, the three of them hurried to the alley the vendor had mentioned. Indeed, it was almost deserted; not only were there no stalls, but after Gao Ye stood there for a good while, only a single person walked by.

Guo Bingjin couldn’t help but purse his lips and say, “Master, you don’t mean to have everyone set up here, do you? It’s narrow, dirty, and we’ve been standing here for ages and only seen one passerby. If we open stalls here, it’ll be a losing proposition.”

Gao Ye chuckled and pointed to the alley. “Bingjin, let me tell you, this is a rare gem of a spot. It may look deserted now, but trust me—once I have everyone set up here, the crowds will come, and I guarantee it won’t be any less lively than the main market. As the saying goes, there is no road until people walk it—then it becomes a road. By my estimation, we can fit fifty stalls here; I’ll handle the rest elsewhere.”

Though Gao Ye spoke with conviction, the Guo brothers exchanged bewildered glances. All they knew was that Gao Ye wrote books and was a man of talent and ideas. Having never witnessed his business acumen or seen him sell clothes, they were unaware of his prowess in commerce.

But Gao Ye had plans of his own. Though business is said to depend on timing, location, and people, sometimes timing and location can be created by human effort. Gazing at the empty alley, Gao Ye smiled in satisfaction, as if he already saw the bustling crowd.

Next, Gao Ye arrived at what was still his own ice treat shop. Caisheng had been waiting anxiously; when he saw Gao Ye, he hurried out. “Boss, you’re finally here! You didn’t send any word, and now you’re telling me to stop business. The month’s end is near—I don’t know what to do.”

Gao Ye glanced at the signboard with “First Love” inscribed, feeling a surge of emotion. He turned to Caisheng. “I’m here to make arrangements. In the next couple of days, hire two people, take down the sign and clear out everything inside. Leave the shop itself for now, we’ll decide its future later. As for you, get things in order at home. In a few days, I’ll send someone for you. I’ve started a new venture in the village and could use your help.”

At the mention of business, Caisheng’s eyes lit up. He knew Gao Ye’s capabilities. Hearing there was new business, he immediately conjured up visions of lively crowds. “Master, what sort of business is it this time? Are you opening a shop elsewhere?”

Gao Ye smiled. “This time, it’s not entirely my own venture. I’m helping the villagers start a business, but I’ll have a share as well. For now, come to the village and act as the manager. Don’t worry, your wages will be the same.” Caisheng had already agreed to help a few days prior, so he had no doubts. He simply agreed cheerfully to whatever Gao Ye requested.

Everything proceeded in an orderly fashion. In less than ten days, the blacksmith’s shop, working almost nonstop, finished all the equipment Gao Ye had ordered. Even at this point, neither the master smith nor the other blacksmiths had any idea what these tools were for.

It wasn’t until rumors spread throughout the streets of a place called “Gourmet Street” that people became aware of the new venture. This was thanks to Gao Ye, who had advertised it on the first page of every book he published. Knowing it was Gao Ye’s latest business, and with the reputation of “First Love” paving the way, everyone was filled with curiosity. Even before it opened, talk of Gourmet Street was already the talk of the county. Only then did the master smith begin to realize that the equipment must be related to food.

Then, one day, at the end of the market alley, people saw a red canvas banner, boldly proclaiming “Gourmet Street.” Even before entering the alley, a tantalizing aroma wafted through the air—enough to make anyone hungry, even those who had just eaten.

As people stepped into the once-overlooked alley, they were stunned. The place was packed with stalls of all sizes, each serving foods they had never tasted before. Even without sampling, the sight of sizzling skewers of meat was enough to whet anyone’s appetite.

Every stall hung a canvas sign bearing the name of its specialty. The villagers, trained in advance by Gao Ye, shouted out their wares at the top of their lungs. Whenever a customer praised their purchase, the alley quickly filled with the vibrant sounds of a bustling crowd.