Zhang Tianxing and Wu Shengnan discussed the matter and conveyed the renovation requirements for the new store, also allowing student Wen Qing to showcase her painting skills.
The key characteristics were cleanliness, brightness, and neatness.
Upon seeing the designs, Wu Shengnan was deeply impressed. Zhang Tianxing, despite his age, possessed a grand vision in his endeavors.
When dining out, there are primarily a few criteria: firstly, cleanliness; secondly, taste; and lastly, affordability.
If a restaurant excels in all these aspects, its business will undoubtedly thrive. Profitability then depends on the owner's greed.
Zhang Tianxing inquired about a potential location near Zhonghai University. Wu Shengnan patted her chest and assured, "No problem, it's all on me."
Zhang Tianxing acknowledged, knowing that location to be at the convergence of three universities, making it an ideal spot for a small eatery or coffee shop.
He still needed to see it for himself to confirm Wu Shengnan's assessment.
The moment Zhang Tianxing mentioned his intention to visit the property near Zhonghai University, Zhu Dayong was the first to object.
"Tianxing, you've gone out several times already. We can't manage without you. It's not that we can't function without you, but it's only natural to take turns going out."
Zhang Tianxing pondered for a moment. Indeed, "Zhang Ji Barbecue" was currently flourishing. He planned to inspect the site and return, hoping to be back before evening.
"There's no issue. I trust you all, and you should trust me. I'll be back to cook dinner. Otherwise, we can take a day off, how about that?"
This was a reluctant arrangement, but there was no alternative.
Zhu Dayong glanced around and quickly covered Zhang Tianxing's mouth, "Shh, don't let Li Fang hear. She's been a bit down lately."
Zhang Tianxing sighed, "There's nothing we can do about her family matters. All I can offer is her full salary. How can I manage her personal affairs?"
"Exactly, which is why we can't close," Zhu Dayong reasoned.
"Alright, I'll be back before evening. That way, it won't affect our dinner service."
Zhu Dayong nodded. It wouldn't be many more days. His tuition was nearly covered. However, Li Fang wanted to earn more, as opportunities like this were rare.
Zhang Tianxing was quite generous and had never treated them poorly. When he received his salary for the past two months, he was astonished.
It was nearly equivalent to his parents' annual income. The thought was indeed tempting.
His parents had also told Zhu Dayong that it was due to Zhang Tianxing's favor as a classmate, so he should work diligently and not fear a little exertion, as it wouldn't kill him and would be worthy of Zhang Tianxing's pay.
Liang Cheng had casually mentioned to Zhang Tianxing, "Aren't the wages for your classmates a bit high? Over a thousand a month is quite a lot these days."
Zhang Tianxing smiled, "We're classmates, and this is only for a couple of months. How much will they earn? Besides, the wool comes from the sheep. We're making much more. Don't underestimate the cost of the new equipment; it easily exceeds ten thousand."
Liang Cheng nodded. The equipment at "Zhang Ji Barbecue" was now top-of-the-line. However, using it solely for crayfish and barbecue felt like using a cannon to swat a fly, a considerable waste.
"Second Uncle, thinking about it this way, I'll be starting school soon, and the shop will have to be handed over to you. Don't be afraid to spend money then. Our reputation is already established. As long as the quality doesn't decline, we'll be the best crayfish shop around."
Zhang Tianxing gave a thumbs-up. He feared that after he left, his second uncle might be hesitant to invest. Business requires boldness; it thrives on repeat customers.
Zhang Tianxing and Wu Shengnan arrived at Zhonghai University and stood before the property for sale.
Upon seeing it, Zhang Tianxing was highly satisfied. The building was already three stories high. "Wow, this is really good."
Then he reconsidered. He was only opening a small eatery. A three-story building was for a large restaurant. It felt a bit excessive.
The owner was Li Cheng, a sturdy man in his late twenties.
He first looked at Wu Shengnan and said, "Shengnan, you see, this is our place. If you agree to date me, I can transfer ownership to you right now."
Zhang Tianxing was stunned. What was this? He was here to buy a house, not witness their romantic entanglement.
Wu Shengnan was taken aback. "Li Cheng, we are just classmates. Don't say such things. Aren't you trying to sell this place? This is my boss; he wants to buy your property."
Li Cheng looked disheartened. "Shengnan, you know my feelings. My family is wealthy. Your family's troubles are trivial. There's no problem that money can't solve, unless you're not wealthy enough."
Wu Shengnan's face flushed with anger, and she shouted, "Li Cheng, I'll say it again. If you continue like this, we won't even be friends."
A classic case of unrequited love. Zhang Tianxing wasn't concerned with their romantic drama; he was only contemplating whether to buy the house.
However, with Wu Shengnan caught in the middle, and it seemed there was a history between her and Li Cheng, perhaps it was best to forgo this property and look at the one next door.
Li Cheng looked at Wu Shengnan. "Fine. One matter is one thing, business is business, and feelings are feelings. I was impulsive just now. Little brother, let's chat."
Zhang Tianxing stated directly, "I intend to buy this property. Give me your price. Wu Shengnan and I are just ordinary acquaintances."
"You don't need to explain. I know. She doesn't like younger guys. This property is six hundred square meters. The asking price is two hundred and forty thousand. The market price is two hundred and fifty thousand; you can check."
Li Cheng was sincere, offering a discount of ten thousand. Zhang Tianxing thought for a moment and agreed. Fortunately, he had made a substantial profit from exporting crayfish; otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to come up with over two hundred thousand.
The earnings from the barbecue stall alone were barely enough for a down payment.
However, Zhang Tianxing agreed to pay ten thousand upfront and the remaining two hundred and thirty thousand upon property transfer.
Wu Shengnan glanced at Zhang Tianxing. A prospective university student could produce over two hundred thousand so readily, which made her, a graduate of two years, feel a bit dejected.
She wasn't lacking either; she worked diligently, but she couldn't come up with the money and was resigned to working as an employee.
However, Wu Shengnan was confident. She saw a very bright future for crayfish. Once she had mastered the skills here, she would open her own shop and become a boss.
Zhang Tianxing perceived Wu Shengnan's thoughts. "Sister Shengnan, you really don't need to envy them. When our 'Zhang Ji' branch opens, you'll be the store manager."
Painting a rosy picture, everyone could do that. Moreover, Zhang Tianxing wanted to groom Wu Shengnan. The most crucial point was that he lacked capable subordinates.
He only had his classmates and relatives. Relatives couldn't be forced if they lacked the ability; otherwise, they'd become enemies. He always adhered to the principle of not biting off more than one could chew.