Liu Dongqiang signed the contract with extreme speed. After a cursory glance at its contents, he decisively put his signature and thumbprint on it. He had immense faith in Qin Chuan and, more importantly, in himself.
The contract stipulated that the original franchise fee of ten thousand yuan was halved to five thousand. All other fees were waived.
After Liu Dongqiang finished signing, Qin Chuan recounted the encounter with the dean of students during the advertisement shoot at Tsingbei University. Liu Dongqiang and Shang Honglian's eyes immediately lit up. The prospect of securing Tsingbei University represented a substantial opportunity, extending far beyond mere financial gain. The true treasure lay in forging connections. After all, the administrators of Tsingbei University were prominent figures in society, each possessing considerable influence and a vast network of former students in key positions. Establishing ties with them would be an invaluable asset.
Liu Dongqiang, a shrewd businessman, understood this deeply. "Mr. Qin, thank you! Thank you so much for sharing this information!" he exclaimed, rising to clasp Qin Chuan's hands tightly.
"No need to thank me!" Qin Chuan replied with a smile. "As I mentioned, we are partners now. I will invest in your online shopping platform, Jingxi Mall, and become one of its shareholders. We're family, so there's no need for formalities!"
"Oh, and about the props from our advertisement shoot, a total of 105 units, I'll leave them with you. I won't take them back," Qin Chuan continued. "As for the remaining products, once you've got everything arranged and your stores are renovated, give me a call."
Liu Dongqiang nodded rapidly. "No problem! I'll find a suitable location for the store as soon as possible. Mr. Qin, will our stores have a unified image? Will you be sending people to assist with the renovations?"
"Certainly!" Qin Chuan assured him. "However, the renovation costs are not included in the current contract and will require a separate agreement. Don't worry about the expenses; our prices will be very competitive, fair, and transparent."
Liu Dongqiang chuckled. "Mr. Qin, you underestimate me! Am I the kind of person to haggle over renovation fees?"
"It's a matter of principle," Qin Chuan explained. "While the amount might be insignificant to us, clear agreements are crucial in business to avoid future disputes."
Qin Chuan stayed with Liu Dongqiang for about an hour before taking his leave. As he departed, Shang Honglian looked on with visible reluctance, her eyes glistening. Qin Chuan gently patted her head. "Honglian, work hard with Boss Liu and strive to get Jingxi Mall up and running soon. Once it's launched, you, I, and Boss Liu will all be partners! And don't worry, I'll speak to your parents on your behalf."
Shang Honglian nodded resolutely. "Qin Chuan Ge, I will definitely do my best!"
After bidding farewell to Liu Dongqiang and Shang Honglian, Qin Chuan drove to meet Ye Huai'an and Zhong Dongyao. These two scions of wealthy families were not like Liu Dongqiang and Shang Honglian, toiling away in a modest shop of less than a hundred square meters. They were found in a lavishly decorated tea house, savoring delicate pastries while listening to classical music, radiating an aura of leisurely enjoyment. Seeing their carefree existence, Qin Chuan and his companions couldn't help but feel envious. It highlighted the stark difference between those born into privilege and those who were not. Some were born in Rome, while others might never reach it in their lifetime.
After exchanging pleasantries, Qin Chuan inquired about their market research in Zhongguancun. Ye Huai'an and Zhong Dongyao's smiles vanished, replaced by grim expressions. Finally, Ye Huai'an spoke, "The market is indeed promising. We've had professionals conduct an assessment, and if such an electronics building were to be constructed, the prospects are excellent. However, the investment is enormous. From land acquisition to demolition, material costs, and administrative fees, it would easily exceed one hundred million yuan. Neither Yao Ge nor I have that kind of capital."
While they were indeed wealthy heirs, and each could readily access several million yuan, that sum was minuscule compared to a hundred million. Qin Chuan frowned. One hundred million was a substantial figure, especially for constructing an electronics building in Beijing, a city where land was at a premium. Real estate development was an incredibly capital-intensive venture, a seemingly bottomless pit that deterred anyone lacking courage and substantial funds. Ye Meiyun also knitted her brows; the investment was indeed too significant.
"Have you spoken to your families about this?" Qin Chuan finally asked. Both men shook their heads quickly. This was their own initiative; they wanted to build something for themselves and hadn't informed their families.
"And what is your current capital?" Qin Chuan pressed. Zhong Dongyao answered, "I have about a thousand [likely referring to ten million yuan], but that's liquid cash, not including assets. Huai'an has even less, as he's recently invested heavily in second-hand properties and land, leaving him with only two hundred [likely two million yuan] in liquid funds."
Ye Huai'an looked uncharacteristically embarrassed at this mention, but quickly adopted a resolute stance. "If the electronics building project is viable, I can sell all my houses and land!"
Qin Chuan raised his hand to stop him. "I disagree with that course of action! The electronics building is still a real estate venture, not fundamentally different from your current business in second-hand properties and land. Moreover, the electronics building project is still fraught with uncertainty, whereas your existing property holdings represent a sure profit. Such a risky investment is inadvisable!"
Zhong Dongyao's face darkened. "So, you're saying we can't proceed with the electronics building business?"
Qin Chuan pondered for a moment. "It's not that we can't, but we need to adjust our objectives," he said slowly. If anyone else had proposed a million-yuan project with only twelve million yuan in funds, Qin Chuan would have walked away immediately. It was typical of spoiled rich kids to be overambitious but lacking in practical means. However, given their extraordinary backgrounds, Qin Chuan wanted to cultivate a relationship with them and was willing to offer advice.
"What do you mean?" Zhong Dongyao and Ye Huai'an looked intrigued. Ye Meiyun also fixed her gaze on Qin Chuan, her beautiful eyes filled with anticipation. Since meeting him, she had never been disappointed. In matters of great importance, her clever and sharp younger brother always had the best ideas.
"Since a hundred million yuan project is beyond our financial reach, we should act within our means," Qin Chuan began. "A thirty-story electronics building is too ambitious. We can scale it down, perhaps to ten floors or even lower. Instead of an electronics building, we can simply construct an electronics mall. As long as it's larger, newer, and more luxurious than any existing mall in Zhongguancun, it will be profitable."