Chapter 20: 20:Free Samples
21st December….
The name of the cafe was Teabox Cafe.
The board was hung, and banners and leaflets were already spread out.
Outside, in a small stall Celina, and Maria started setting up cups.
It was a time of bitter winter but in the state of Kalinga, being near the sea coast the winter was manageable and there was no snowfall.
Generally, in advertisements, there wasn't any need to donate a free sample but Evan knew that if he needed to capture the market on the first day and create momentum, he needed to start popularising his product.
Once someone takes a sip, that guy won't be satisfied with normal tea anymore.
What he was selling was close to drugs but it was neither addictive nor had any side effects; rather, it had many health benefits that you once tasted, and every other tea would feel tasteless.
However, before selling it, he made sure to dilute the content as much as possible.
Inside the Cafe, Evan took a fork, cut a strawberry cake, and took a bite.
"It's delicious Sam, "Evan let out a soft moan.
He had a soft spot for sweets and this went well with his palate.
"Thanks, buddy!"Sam nodded in acknowledgment.
"Is this how you won Maria's heart? I wonder if she married you only to eat good dishes for free."
"Sometimes I wonder…."
Sam chuckled and then handed over other pastries.
Evan tried out other pastries.
Most of them were good but some texture was debatable so Evan crossed them out. They just need a few things for people to stuff with and snack on.
Once they had a name, Evan was going to expand, turning this into a big enterprise.
Evan then patted Sam asking him to take a rest and went outside.
He made sure to keep the mask to cover his face and wore a hood as he moved out.
He hadn't even stepped out when someone stepped on his foot.
"What the....?"
His voice drowned in his throat as he saw huge crowds pushing and pulling in a tug-war.
"Auntie...Please give me a cup.."
"Damn it! Get out, boy! I need this for my morning routine."
"Old man, you are already on the fourth."
"Everyone, please give this old man some space..."
"Nephew, grab one for me.."
Evan squeezed out through the crowd and after getting to the safe distance stared at the crowd.
People from all age groups were fighting to get this.
He expected it to be crowded after all. The location was quite good.
Being near a University premises and big societies, around it was bound to attract people but wasn't this too much as they opened it at 9 AM and it was 10:15 now.
As Evan stared around, he finally noticed the crux.
People who were taking samples weren't leaving, rather they were lining up again and again.
Just in front of him, he saw an old man taking 5 turns.
They were hell-bent on taking as much as possible.
This wasn't a problem as these people were bound to generate income later but...
At that time, he heard a loud call.
"Evan, what the hell are you doing? Get here...We need help and also call Sam."
Maria's angry roar sounded across the street as she found herself surrounded by a huge group.
"Fuck! We are in trouble..." Evan, then I noticed a problem.
The crowd was blocking a part of the street. It wasn't a problem now as the traffic was less but soon it might block the traffic and then cops might take charge.
"Sam! Quickly come out and help them," Evan roared on the phone and lunged ahead.
"Everyone...Please form a line and maintain proper distance.....Dont be like this..."
Soon, a heated battle ensued then finally stopped when the first batch of stock was finished
Even had prepared three batches of tea of 70 liters but seeing such a rush he immediately canceled his plan and declared that the free sample scheme was over and everyone came back on the 23rd for more.
As everyone left, Maria collapsed and directly sat on the street meanwhile Sam poured her a cup of water.
Celina looked a bit tired but she looked okay.
"I can't believe this…Evan, are you sure you didn't put addictive drugs in it?"
"Shut up!"Evan glared.
This woman's loose mouth someday put him in trouble.
Maria and Celina knew that even mixed a special tea with other tea leaves but they didn't pry it.
They were only worried about whether it was harmful or not to which Evan showed them a test certificate.
It was totally safe.
Just as they were winding up.
As Evan and the team were winding up after the chaotic morning, he spotted a small boy and girl standing nearby. They were dressed in dark, torn clothing, looking weary and hungry.
Evan's heart stirred, realizing that amidst all the hustle and bustle, there were still those in need.
He asked Sam to bring the leftover cake and tea.
Approaching them with a warm smile, Evan offered, "Hey there, would you like some tea and cake? It's in the house."
The boy stepped back and hesitated.
His grip tightened on his sister's hand as if unsure whether to trust Evan's offer. But the girl's eyes sparkled with hope at the prospect of food, nudging her brother gently.
"It's okay," Evan reassured them, crouching down to their level. "I promise there's nothing wrong with it. It's just good food, nothing else."
After a moment of deliberation, the boy relented, nodding slightly due to growing hunger roaring in his stomach.
Evan handed them each a cup of tea and a slice of cake, watching as they tentatively took a sip and a bite.
"It's good, right?" Evan asked, his voice gentle.
The girl nodded enthusiastically, a shy smile spreading across her face as she enjoyed the treat. The boy's expression softened, a hint of gratitude in his eyes as he finally allowed himself to relax.
As they savoured the food, Evan engaged them in light conversation, asking about their day and where they were from. The children opened up slowly, sharing bits of their story with him, their trust in him growing with each passing moment.
Before they left, Evan made sure to pack some extra cake and tea for them to take along. As they waved goodbye, Evan couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and fulfillment.
The bitter memories of his childhood days flash in his eyes.
During his stay in an orphanage, like these kids, he would often stare at others eyeing their food only to be shooed away in disgust. One time a kind man gave him a 10 rupee note which got him into trouble as other kids snatched it.
When he was adopted, he harbored countless dreams, only to be crushed by the abuse of his parents.
"Since I have a system. I will make sure that I will change society for the better. Unlike those money-hungry corporations that become rich, I will make sure that at least no children go to sleep hungry."
"And I swear it…"
Then he returned back and ordered Maria," Every day, donate the leftovers to poor people or at a nearby orphanage. Don't keep them and sell them the next day. As for losses, don't think about that for now."
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