The next day, Li Haochen arrived at the entrance of Butterfly Bay. Huang Haibo and his team had also started construction. With three more people, one was his son, another his son-in-law, and his wife also came to help.
Li Haochen looked at Huang Haibo and smiled knowingly, saying nothing. He then took out the red envelopes prepared by Murong Yanran and distributed them to everyone, including Huang Haibo's wife.
Perhaps feeling that taking on the project and bringing in his son and son-in-law to earn some extra money, while also expecting the employer to provide meals, was somewhat improper, Huang Haibo asked his wife to come help with the cooking.
This was for the best, as it meant not bothering Murong Yanran. Li Haochen was naturally pleased. He was not stingy and immediately covered the food expenses for this period, paying 300 yuan daily to Auntie Bo for her to manage.
Initially, Auntie Bo strongly objected, but eventually compromised. However, her face clearly showed her delight.
It had to be said that the efficiency of the two workers was much higher. They had drilled 14 holes by morning, significantly faster than before.
Li Haochen watched as the Butterfly Bay boardwalk progressed rapidly, and on the other side, the two shops managed by Mai Jiaqi were also in full swing.
“Hey, master, this position is a bit off. Adjust it a little.”
“Yes, yes, just like that. And move this refrigerator inside a bit; don't block the exterior cashier counter.”
Mai Jiaqi’s incessant nagging and pickiness left the two installation masters feeling rather annoyed. If she hadn't been a young woman, they would have slapped her by now.
Mai Jiaqi sat on a chair, legs crossed, directing with a commanding air, full of spirit.
She had been incredibly happy these past few days. From acquiring the two shops to their renovation, it had cost less than 200,000 yuan. The million yuan from Mu Shaoyang still left over 800,000, and more importantly, she had captured the attention of Li Yandai, a rich second-generation heir on par with Mu Shaoyang.
From Mu Shaoyang, she learned that Li Yandai’s family had little influence in Binhai, but considerable clout in the province, which allowed them to establish themselves there. Furthermore, their family’s focus on coconut cultivation meant no conflict with the established powers in Binhai, allowing them to develop peacefully.
Others might not know, but the Mu family knew a great deal. The Li family’s annual income in Binhai was undoubtedly substantial, calculated in the tens of billions. Like the Mu family, they almost monopolized the coconut grove plantations in Binhai and several surrounding coastal cities.
Mu Shaoyang had sourced the coconut supply for his two small shops from Li Yandai. Normally, a simple phone call would suffice for such a minor matter. Unexpectedly, Mu Shaoyang invited him to a meal. Of course, the meal was just an excuse; the real objective was to lay the groundwork for stability after his own rise to power.
Li Yandai harbored the same intentions and frequently extended invitations. Mu Shaoyang also brought Mai Jiaqi with him wherever he went, ostensibly as the new store's management staff, to facilitate their interaction and smooth cooperation.
As they interacted more, Mai Jiaqi's proud and mature figure inevitably ‘attracted’ him. While Mu Shaoyang was at the restroom, they exchanged contact information.
That night, they became intimate in the presidential suite of a hotel. Mu Shaoyang’s purpose for opening the coconut shops was also revealed, though it cost him 20,000 yuan and a 1 yuan reduction in the supply price.
Unbeknownst to them, as they exchanged information, Mu Shaoyang had watched the entire exchange from a corner, a sinister smile spreading across his face.
Mai Jiaqi, still basking in the glow of having captivated two wealthy second-generation heirs, was unaware that she had already become a puppet manipulated by the two young masters.
The next morning, because it was Saturday, Chen He and his team arrived early to prepare for opening. Upon arrival, they were startled by the new shops next door, still covered with red banners. Over ten meters of flower baskets were arranged in a long line, and the same was true for the branch store on the other side.
“Boss, guess what kind of shop is opening with such a grand display next door?” Liu Dehui asked curiously as he arrived at the store.
“Why bother with what they’re opening? Hurry up and get ready.”
As the two prepared, Ruan Shanshan and the others also returned to the shop and were equally surprised by the long line of flower baskets.
...
“Haochen, aren’t you going to the entrance of Butterfly Bay today?”
Li Haochen happily ate the breakfast meticulously prepared by Murong Yanran, his mouth full of noodles and porridge. “Not going. I’m spending the weekend with you.”
Murong Yanran propped her chin on her hand and pursed her lips into a mischievous smile, looking incredibly cute. Seeing Li Haochen’s mouth watering, she giggled.
“You didn’t give me a massage yesterday.”
“I’ll make up for it now.” With that, Li Haochen walked behind Murong Yanran and slowly began to massage her shoulders and arms.
“Is it okay?”
“Mm.”
After about ten minutes, Murong Yanran signaled him to stop. Her small face was flushed crimson, which made Li Haochen’s heart flutter. He couldn't help but reach out and pinch her cheek.
“Ah… don’t pinch my face,” Murong Yanran scolded playfully.
After a brief period of playful banter, Li Haochen cleared the bowls and plates and went into the kitchen. Murong Yanran leaned against the kitchen doorframe, saying, “Don’t forget to continue tonight.”
“I’ve set an alarm. I’ll come help you with the massage at 3:30 AM, hahaha!”
Murong Yanran’s face turned red, and then she slyly turned her eyes, saying, “I won’t close the door tonight.”
“Clang~”
Li Haochen froze. The stainless steel plate he held mid-air slipped and fell to the ground. How could he not be excited?
“Pfft, hahaha~” Murong Yanran burst into laughter, quickly retreating into the room.
“Hmph, you dare to tease me, the Emperor? You’re in for it tonight,” Li Haochen muttered, watching Murong Yanran escape, gritting his teeth and mumbling to himself.
“Ring ring ring~”
A series of urgent phone rings almost caused Li Haochen to drop the ceramic bowl in his hand. He looked resentfully at Liang Minfeng’s incoming call. As soon as he connected, he said irritably, “What’s up, fourth brother? Disturbing my sleep so early in the morning.”
“Damn you, hurry back to the shop! A coconut shop has opened next door to compete with us! Hurry up.”
“Dudu dudu~~”
“Ring ring ring~”
As soon as he hung up, he received a call from Xiao Nian. The message was the same: a coconut shop had opened next to the branch store, competing with them.
Li Haochen pondered if it could be such a coincidence. His mind became confused for a moment. After thinking for a while without any clear answers, he called Murong Yanran and they rushed to the pedestrian street.
Upon arrival, they were amazed. Long flower baskets and lion dances added to the lively atmosphere, drawing the attention of all surrounding customers.
“Haochen, did you see that?” Chen He said worriedly, looking at the bustling Coconut Paradise across the street.
“How could we not see it? Such a grand spectacle.”
“What should we do?”
“What else can we do? We open ours, they open theirs. What else can you do? Can you stop them from opening?”
“That’s true.”
“Exactly. So why worry about it? We just need to do our own thing well. Besides…” Li Haochen said confidently, “Can their coconuts compare to ours?”
“Keep your spirits up, it’ll be fine!”