"The Rou Jia Mo bag costs five copper coins, so the takeout box will be ten copper coins." Mai Ge said calmly. The system's dissatisfaction? That wasn't within the scope of the transaction.
"Twenty copper coins!" The system was silent for a moment, then argued, "A serving of Yang Zhou Fried Rice yields a net profit of 300 copper coins. Even after deducting the 20 copper coins cost of the takeout box, there's still a net profit of 280 copper coins. And this system uses the abilities of a top tier appearance designer to design the takeout box, and the abilities of a top tier painter to design and outline the trademark. All materials are made of non-toxic, biodegradable, and reusable materials…"
"Five copper coins." Mai Ge casually offered his new quote, then calmly added, "System, do you believe that I can make him carry the plates away without any complaints? And he'll even wash the plates and bring them back to me tomorrow? Remember, this is a buyer's market. I think a profit of 300 copper coins is a bit too little."
"Ten copper coins, deal!" The system's crisp voice rang out, tinged with frustration and helplessness. "Takeout boxes are being made, the first batch will be available in five minutes."
"Very good." Mai Ge was satisfied with the system's efficiency, then turned to Jergi with a smile and said, "Okay, but there will be an additional 20 copper coins for packaging if it's for takeout."
"20 copper coins? Okay, please pack one for me, I don't need one for myself." Jergi nodded after only a moment's thought.
Although other restaurants generally don't charge extra for takeout, since a serving of Yang Zhou Fried Rice already costs 600 copper coins, adding 20 copper coins for takeout isn't hard to accept. If the Yang Zhou Fried Rice is indeed as good as a Rou Jia Mo, and can get his wife to eat more, doubling the price wouldn't be a problem.
"Please wait a moment." Mai Ge nodded, turned and went into the kitchen, ignoring the almost roaring voice of the system in his head. He was actually better at making money than he thought, he was just lazy in his previous life.
Jergi and the others continued eating their second Rou Jia Mo, enjoying the delicious taste and the feeling of exercising their fat.
The sight of that slightly eye-catching, wavy, chubby body drew the attention of the new diners to the restaurant. However, the joyful and contented expressions on their faces seemed amplified by the chubby cheeks, making them like a living advertisement. This piqued everyone's curiosity about what kind of delicious food could make them eat so happily. Although they thought the price of 300 copper coins per serving was a bit expensive, but they couldn't resist ordering one. This immediately attracted many new customers who were visiting the restaurant for the first time.
Five minutes later, the system notified that the takeout boxes were ready.
Mai Ge, who was making Yang Zhou Fried Rice, turned around and saw another slightly larger metal box next to the metal box containing the Rou Jia Mo bags. Inside, a neat stack of brown wooden boxes was arranged.
Mai Ge turned off the stove, walked over and picked up a box to take a look. The box was about the same thickness as cardboard, but quite sturdy. It also had a transparent plastic box inside, which looked very clean and tidy. There was no need to worry about the soup leaking out.
The lid of the box was printed with the three large gold characters 'Restaurant Mai Mi', below which was a simple sketch of Amy's cute back. In the lower right corner was a line of smaller print with the restaurant's address. It looked very elegant and simple, if the box wasn't so thin, it could easily be used as a regular rice bowl.
"Not bad, it suits the restaurant's style very well." Mai Ge nodded in satisfaction.
The product is from the system, so the workmanship and quality are excellent. However, 10 copper coins seems a bit excessive.
Of course, he didn't feel guilty at all. The system agreed so readily, obviously, there was money to be made.
Moreover, the box didn't have the words "Yang Zhou Fried Rice" printed on it, so he could use it to pack anything customers needed to take away in the future.
Mai Ge scooped the fried rice from the wok into a box, and the brightly colored fried rice still looked as appealing as ever.
"One Rou Jia Mo and one takeout Yang Zhou Fried Rice, please take them this way, side up." Mai Ge placed a Rou Jia Mo and a takeout Yang Zhou Fried Rice in front of Jergi.
"Okay, thank you." Jergi's eyes lit up as he looked at the exquisite wooden box in front of him. Usually, restaurants would give takeout in a crudely made earthenware pot or something, but this wooden box looked like it had been carefully crafted by a craftsman. If you didn't know better, you would think it was a gift box.
Such an exquisite box, and it only costs 20 copper coins? The owner probably even subsidized it himself! Jergi, who had initially thought it was a bit pricey, now felt like he had gotten a great deal.
Moreover, seeing such beautifully packaged food might cheer his wife up, and he's already itching to bring it back for her to try.
"Yang Zhou Fried Rice and Rou Jia Mo are best eaten hot, and La Zhi Rou Jia Mo isn't suitable for pregnant women." Mai Ge reminded Jergi, who was holding a Rou Jia Mo and cautiously preparing to pick up the Yang Zhou Fried Rice.
"Okay, Boss Mai, I'll pay for this Yang Zhou Fried Rice and Rou Jia Mo first. They'll settle the bill for the other two Rou Jia Mo later." Jergi nodded, taking out the dragon coin to hand to Mai Ge.
"Boss Mai, put it on my tab." Harrison said from the side.
"Nine gold coins in total." Amy said, carrying the Ugly Duckling, holding a gold coin in her small hand.
"Little Boss, you're such a good helper! I have a little brother at home who's about your age. I'll bring him to play with you next time." Jergi said, placing the dragon coin in Amy's hand, putting away the gold coin, and smiling at her.
"I like little sisters, but unfortunately you don't have any." Amy said, taking the dragon coin and shaking her head.
"…" Jergi's smile froze instantly. He suddenly felt a pang of hurt and was speechless.
"Hahaha..." The group of friends burst into laughter.
Mai Ge couldn't help but chuckle as well. Amy did indeed prefer playing with younger sisters and older sisters, but her answer was a little too blunt.
"May be this time it will work. Goodbye, Boss Mai, Little Boss." Jergi composed himself, regaining his confidence, and said to Harrison and the others, "I'm going to deliver food to your sister in law now. I'll treat you all next time."
"Go ahead, but I think starting tomorrow, you'll have to line up everyday to buy food for sister in law." Harrison waved his hand and said with a smile.
"I agree with that." The fat man in cyan shirt nodded in agreement.
"Don't you think it would be great if we could eat all kinds of delicious food without leaving home?" The fat man in red shirt sighed as he watched Jergi carefully carry the fried rice out the door.
"Your family can't afford a chef like Boss Mai." The fat man in green shirt teased.
"No, what I mean is, if the boss could find someone to deliver the food to our homes, I'd be happy to pay extra." the fat man in red shirt said, shaking his head.
"Isn't this just takeout?!" Mai Ge, who was about to turn around and go to the kitchen, stopped in his tracks with a strange expression.