Li Haochen had already decided that no matter how many branches were opened, this share ratio would not change, but things wouldn't go as he wished.
The moment he mentioned it, he was met with strong opposition from the three, who adamantly refused.
"There's no need to say more, we won't accept it."
"That's right, Haochen. We already feel this one is too much. We won't accept shares in any more branches."
"Exactly. If you insist on giving it to us, don't blame me for not giving you face. I'll refuse this one too and don't consider us brothers anymore," Liu Dehui said, feigning anger and acting tough.
Seeing their firm stance, Li Haochen knew it was useless to say anything more and had to let them have their way. It wasn't worth hurting their brotherhood by persisting.
The success of Ye Qinxiang was beyond their expectations. They had only intended to give it a try, as the money was earned through hardship anyway, and losing it wouldn't matter. Who would have thought it would be so popular?
For the three of them, the commission from just this single store was already beyond imagination. In the mere three days since its opening, they had sold over three thousand young coconuts. Calculating this, each of them was earning nearly 2,000 a day on average.
This was just for one day, and the income was comparable to that of chief physicians in top-tier hospitals in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.
Taking more would be excessive, which was why the three were resolute in their refusal.
The coconut store no longer needed to hand out flyers outside, so the work was quite relaxed. Since it wasn't the weekend, not many people were out shopping at noon. Thus, Li Haochen left the store and headed straight to the administrative center to busy himself with matters for the new branch.
Opening a branch wasn't as simple as saying it; it required applying for a change of registration with the relevant authorities, submitting application forms and corresponding documents, and finally undergoing review by the registration authority. The conventional process would take at least half a month.
Li Haochen arrived at the administrative center. The hall was not crowded. It made sense, as not everyone opened stores to become bosses.
Li Haochen saw Xie Baolian busy working. He didn't go over to disturb her and joined the queue at another counter. In fact, he was trying to avoid her a bit because she was too enthusiastic. Without any relation, why would she help him?
"Is it really like what the fourth brother said, that she has some special fetish?" Li Haochen shivered, shaking his head, not daring to think about it.
"Haochen..."
Xie Baolian, having just completed her business, saw Li Haochen queuing at the adjacent counter and was somewhat happy. She waved at him.
Li Haochen gave a wry smile, helpless. Since he had been seen, he couldn't pretend nothing happened. He forced a smile and said, "Sister Lian, long time no see."
There were only three people in Li Haochen's queue, and he was the last. No one else seemed to mind when Xie Baolian called him over to her counter.
"We just saw each other a few days ago, it's hardly been a long time. What brings you here today?"
Li Haochen didn't dare to look directly at Xie Baolian, feeling uneasy, his palms sweating. "Sister Lian, I'm here to apply for a change of registration."
"Change of registration? Opening a branch?" Xie Baolian was also taken aback. He had just opened a store a few days ago, and now he was opening another branch?
"Haochen, you want to open a branch right after opening your first store. You're taking too big a step. Why not slow down and consider it after the store stabilizes?"
Xie Baolian's sincere words touched Li Haochen greatly. "Sister Lian, don't worry. I'm not someone who has too much money and is foolish. I've made this decision after careful consideration."
Xie Baolian looked at Li Haochen and said no more. She had said her piece, and whether he listened was not up to her. She lowered her head and diligently processed his application.
The process was actually quite simple, just filling out an application form. It usually took one to three days to receive notification, but with Xie Baolian's help, it was completed in just over an hour. He submitted the application form and relevant documents on the spot, waiting for the approval.
This review would take seven to fourteen days. Even with acquaintances, it was impossible to get it done on the spot; they had to put on a show, so about two to three days would suffice.
Both times, it was thanks to Xie Baolian's help that the procedures were completed so smoothly and quickly. Although he didn't know why she was helping him, she had genuinely been a great help, and Li Haochen kept it in mind.
He checked his phone; it was already 5:30 PM. "Sister Lian, thank you so much for your help these past two times. Are you free? I'd like to treat you to a meal!"
Xie Baolian, who was packing up, was stunned. Without much thought, she agreed, a smile on her face.
They drove to the restaurant in Xie Baolian's car, a black Hongqi H9. The interior and space were very good, and it was quite comfortable to sit in. Li Haochen, at 1.8 meters tall, didn't feel cramped in the back seat; there was plenty of room.
Although comfortable, he felt a bit nervous once he sat down. Female drivers always gave him a sense of unease.
"Pfft... Don't worry, I'm not a road hazard."
"Mm..."
After a while, the atmosphere became much more relaxed.
As they chatted, the car drove onto a country road. Although it wasn't dark yet, it was quite quiet.
Li Haochen looked at the sparsely populated road and couldn't help but feel a bit nervous. A few minutes later, the car arrived at a simple open-air parking lot, where several vehicles were already parked. This put Li Haochen at ease.
"She's a delicate woman, why should I, a strong man, be afraid? At most..."
"What are you muttering about? Let's go!"
Passing through a ceremonial archway, they saw a wooden plaque with three large golden characters, "Shu Xian Ju," hanging above the entrance, exuding an imposing aura.
The exterior contrasted sharply with the interior, which was elegantly decorated with an antique feel.
Xie Baolian had already booked a private room. It wasn't large, but it was sufficient for three or four people. The windows were covered with bamboo blinds, and there was a small stream outside. If there were a few more peach trees, it would truly be a paradise.
"How is it here?" Xie Baolian asked while preparing tea.
"It's beautiful. The environment is serene, nestled by the mountains and water, with a real sense of paradise. It really lifts my spirits."
Li Haochen, unsure of what else to talk about, accepted the teacup and looked out at the small stream, taking a sip by himself.
"Do you think I'm being overly enthusiastic?"
The sudden question startled Li Haochen. Perhaps his thoughts had been read, his face turned a little red, and he appeared somewhat flustered.
Xie Baolian's expression became a little sad. She carefully took out a slightly yellowed photograph from her wallet and handed it to Li Haochen.
In the photo, a little boy was smiling innocently and happily. He looked about ten years old and, upon closer inspection, bore some resemblance to Li Haochen.
"My son, Liangliang. He died in an accident ten years ago..."
Li Haochen trembled, now understanding why she was so concerned about him, whom she had only met twice.
He pulled out a tissue and handed it to her. "Sister Lian, please... try not to be too sad!"
Many say that time is a great healer, but some wounds can never be truly healed; they are merely hidden deep within the heart.
Wiping away her tears, she pretended to be calm. "From now on... will you call me Aunt Lian?"
"Aunt... Lian!"
"Mmm..."
Xie Baolian revealed a long-lost smile.