Chapter 676: A Well-Planned Move
Chapter 676: A Well-Planned Move
The next morning, Tian Caifua got up early and hopped into Jiang Xia’s car to head to Zhen Shang to look for a shop to open a convenience store.
She trusted Jiang Xia.
If Jiang Xia said that opening a convenience store with a public telephone could make money, it would definitely make money.
Tian Caifua shared her plan with Jiang Xia.
She noticed that Jiang Xia was very good at managing people. Even when Jiang Xia wasn’t around, He Xinguan and the others completed their tasks as if Jiang Xia were supervising them, without a hint of laziness.
"Last night, I talked it over with your brother. We decided to open a convenience store in Zhen Shang and have my parents help run it. We’ll split the profits equally."
Jiang Xia didn’t comment.
"Xia, how do you usually manage your employees?"
Jiang Xia replied, "My management style might not suit you. After all, you’re not hiring outsiders but your own parents. You can’t manage them the same way I do."
Tian Caifua and Zhou Chengxin were starting the business together, and Jiang Xia would give some advice. However, when it came to Tian Caifua partnering with her in-laws, Jiang Xia, who wasn’t familiar with them, didn’t know what to say.
"I thought about it this way: I’ll talk to my parents to ensure they don’t end up like Li Xiuxian’s parents. We’re willing to split the profits equally with them to support my family. But if they can’t meet their half of the deal, or if they secretly take money or goods from the store, I won’t hire them again once I find out."
"Xia, do you think this is a good plan?"
Jiang Xia said, "If you agree on it and stick to it, it should work. It’s best to discuss this with your brother."
Tian Caifua added, "Your brother has no objections, but he’s worried it might strain my relationship with my family. After all, opening a store in Zhen Shang involves renting a shop and buying inventory. Cigarettes and alcohol are expensive to stock, and without them, it’s harder to make a profit. Plus, installing a telephone will cost a few thousand yuan, which is a significant amount for us. If there’s a conflict and the store doesn’t work out, we’ll lose that money."
Zhou Chengxin had no objections because he had already invested all his money in buying a large fishing boat, building an extension to their house, and buying furniture. He didn’t have as much money as Tian Caifua.
Tian Caifua had earned some money from selling clothes with Jiang Xia and had been saving on her own. She planned to use her savings to start the store and only needed additional funds if necessary. Zhou Chengxin, who had less money, couldn’t really object.
Moreover, while Tian Caifua’s parents were a bit biased towards their son, they were good to Tian Caifua and the Four Brothers, and they were honest people.
Jiang Xia said, "A few thousand yuan is indeed a lot, and opening a store won’t bring that money back quickly. So, good management is crucial."
Tian Caifua sighed, "I wish I had a wealthy family like yours to support me!"
Jiang Xia’s family never caused her trouble; they only gave her money and face!
If it weren’t for the dowry money from Zhao Cheng Lei that her parents hadn’t taken, and the additional savings they gave her, she and Zhou Chengxin wouldn’t have been able to afford the trawler so quickly, leading to their success.
Jiang Xia smiled, "It’s no big deal that your family isn’t wealthy. You and your brother can work hard to earn more money and make the Four Brothers wealthy heirs."
Tian Caifua was delighted, especially by the part about her sons becoming wealthy heirs.
She laughed, "You’re right. That’s why I’m working so hard! Your brother says I’m greedy, but he doesn’t understand. We have four sons! If we don’t have money or land to build houses, I’m afraid they’ll end up like my brother, unable to find wives!"
Jiang Xia just smiled. The land in Zhou Zhou’s name couldn’t be taken away by anyone!
"My younger brother is now fishing with He Xin. Since he’s earning a lot, people are introducing him to potential matches. My brother recently started dating someone, and the girl wants to build a house before they get married. My parents asked me for money to build a house. But we’re already buying a large boat, building an extension, and saving for the final payment on the boat. Where would I get the money to lend them?"
"Besides, it’s hard to support them for the long term! I thought it would be better to open a convenience store and have my parents help run it. This way, they can earn money, and so can we. Once we make some money, we can pay more of the boat’s final payment."
"Right", Jiang Xia nodded.
"Ah, having a wealthy family like yours, I don’t know how hard it is for us poor families."
Tian Caifua wasn’t one to take a loss. She was worried about lending money to her family to build a house, fearing they wouldn’t be able to pay it back. But if she didn’t lend them the money, others might say she was ungrateful and forget her roots.
So, she came up with this plan, but she was also worried about entrusting the store to her parents, fearing they might be untrustworthy and steal from the store.
It was a headache.
Zhao Cheng Lei drove quickly, not wanting Tian Caifua to trouble Jiang Xia with her family issues. "What’s so difficult? If you have so many worries, don’t open the store. If you decide to open it, don’t worry so much. Think of ways to avoid the things you’re worried about!"
"Lei, do you have any suggestions?"
"I don’t have any great ideas, but when you open a store, you have a fixed inventory. Unlike fishing, where the catch is unpredictable, you can keep track of what you sell and what’s left. You can clearly know your profits. Think about it more."
They soon arrived in Zhen Shang, and Zhao Cheng Lei said, "Big Sister, we’re here."
Tian Caifua reluctantly got out of the car.
After dropping Tian Caifua off, Zhao Cheng Lei drove straight to the city.
They had a flight back to the capital in the afternoon.
Zhou Mu went to the city to take care of Zhou Ying, and Zhou Chengsen drove them to the airport.
Jiang Xia and Zhao Cheng Lei, along with their maternal grandparents, visited Zhou Ying at the hospital. Then, they had lunch with Jiang’s parents.
After lunch, they went to the clothing factory and arranged for a taxi to take four employees to the airport. The remaining two employees would ride with them later.
Finally, the couple returned to the hospital to pick up their maternal grandparents and Auntie, and to say goodbye to Zhou Ying, wishing her a quick recovery.
Ruan Tang knew Jiang Xia had a flight back to the capital that afternoon and had also taken a day off to fly back. She planned to ride with Jiang Xia to the airport.
Zhou Mu asked Ruan Tang with a smile, "Dr. Ruan, are you going back to the capital to visit your parents or on a business trip?"
Grandma joked, "Or to go on a blind date?"
Zhou Chengsen looked at Ruan Tang.
Ruan Tang instinctively looked back at Zhou Chengsen, their eyes meeting.
Ruan Tang quickly looked away and said, "Not for a blind date. I’m going to visit my parents and handle some work matters."
Zhou Ying asked, "Sister Ruan, how long will you be in the capital? Come back soon! I’ll miss you."
Ruan Tang had been helping Zhou Ying with her nightly care, and she always stayed with her when Zhou Chengsen left the hospital. Zhou Ying, who already liked her, felt a sense of loss at the thought of her leaving.
Ruan Tang smiled, "Three and a half days. I’ve taken three and a half days off."
Zhou Ying thought, "That means you’ll be back on Friday, right? What time on Friday?"
Ruan Tang nodded, "Yes, my flight is at 4:30 PM on Friday, but I’m not sure if it will be delayed."
Zhou Mu asked, "By the time you get back, it will be around 8 or 9 PM. Will there be any transportation?"
Ruan Tang replied, "Yes, I can take a taxi."
"You’re a young woman. Taking a taxi at night isn’t safe. Why don’t you book an earlier flight?"
"Friday is the only day with an available flight. I have to work on Saturday morning."
Zhou Ying said, "Dad and I can pick you up, Sister Ruan! Dad said I need to come back for a dressing change on Friday. Auntie, can we borrow your car for Dad to pick up Sister Ruan?"
Zhou Chengsen was speechless.
What a well-organized little girl!
Jiang Xia smiled, "Of course! You can stay at our place in the city overnight and head back the next day."
Ruan Tang waved her hand, "No, that’s too much trouble!"
Zhou Ying said, "It’s no trouble at all! I’d also love to see the airport! I’ve never seen a plane."
Zhou Ying looked at Zhou Chengsen, "Dad, it’s not a problem, right?"
Zhou Chengsen nodded, "No, it’s not a problem."
He had been helping take care of Zhou Ying for the past two days, so picking her up was the least he could do. He told himself it wasn’t because he was worried about her taking a taxi late at night.
Zhou Ying said happily, "That’s settled, then."
(End of Chapter)
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