Chapter 254: Chapter 253 Picking a Quarrel (1)
Qu Chaozong focused on eating his food.
Zhang Xin tentatively asked, "When we last spoke on the phone, didn’t you say you were renting a storefront in the West District? Has the contract been signed yet?"
Qu Chaozong took a sip of his drink: "It’s been rented."
Zhang Xin gave him a piece of sweet and sour pork: "Isn’t that great?"
Qu Chaozong rolled his eyes and felt a wave of stomach discomfort: "What’s great about it?" As soon as he started to complain, a flood of grievances rushed out: "That idiot Zhao Wendada insisted on opening a branch, and Shi Yang, I don’t know what’s gotten into him, actually agreed to it. Now, all the company’s funds have been invested, and with the contract signed, we’ve only got a bare storefront. There’s not even enough money for renovations!"
Zhang Xin was silent for a moment and then asked, "Don’t you have other businesses running? Can’t you save up some money and renovate later? What’s there to worry about?"
Qu Chaozong filled his glass and drank it dry: "You don’t understand! The problem is they’ve already signed the contract, and the landlord only gives one week for renovations. Whether it opens for business or not, the money is deducted daily. Do you know how much the rent is for such a large storefront in the provincial capital? It’s just watching money go down the drain! Can you say I’m not worried?"
After downing two bottles of beer, Qu Chaozong couldn’t stop talking, pulling Zhang Xin close: "Do you think the company’s money grows on trees? When Shi Yang and I started out, it was so tough; every penny was saved painstakingly, and I’m heartbroken! Nobody knows the hardship behind it! That idiot Zhao Wendada, he wants achievements, he has ideas, plans, and strategies, but he also needs to be realistic! His eloquence has already used up all the funds!"
"What if something unexpected happens! It would completely ruin us!"
Qu Chaozong sighed and rambled, while Zhang Xin silently kept him company. Watching Qu Chaozong looking so troubled, she suddenly felt a bit uneasy. She couldn’t bear to see him like this and asked, "How much do you need for the renovations?"
Qu Chaozong grumbled angrily: "How much? If it’s not seven figures, don’t even think about getting through this phase. You know? Even now, that bastard Zhao Wendada is still egging Shi Yang to lease another storefront. He speaks as if he can move mountains! Doesn’t he fear biting his tongue?"
Having vented his frustrations, Qu Chaozong felt relieved. As his extreme emotions faded, rationality slowly returned. He sighed: "Actually, I know Zhao Wendada is quite talented. If his ideas can be realized, we could indeed advance our business by several years."
He smiled wryly: "But you don’t understand the cost of living without managing a household. Shi Yang even mortgaged his family house to lease the storefront. He doesn’t want to rely on his family; his situation is particular. Others might not know, but I do! He’s my brother; my frustration is mostly because I can’t help at critical moments, and I feel guilty."
That day, Qu Chaozong shared many words with Zhang Xin, from business struggles to the brotherly bond with Shi Yang. For Zhang Xin, who had grown up seeking thrills with a barren heart, it was the first time listening to someone share their feelings. It was a fresh experience, with Qu Chaozong’s words striking deeply into her heart. As she watched him express himself openly, she was momentarily dazed.
She had never thought there would be a day when someone like her, always looking for excitement and with an empty heart, could feel such ordinary yet warm happiness. Sitting face-to-face with someone dear in a cozy room, eating and chatting without luxurious indulgence or monetary vanity, just the act of sitting together brought a surge of unfamiliar sweetness.
Zhang Xin sat quietly, her arm resting on the table, her gaze gentle beneath her lashes, unmoving, listening to the fireworks erupt in her heart. For the first time, she thought living like this was quite nice.
The lease term officially started for the storefront, and Qu Chaozong’s mouth became sore with sores. Whenever he thought of all the money wasted, his heart ached.
He regularly visited the office to see Shi Yang, firmly adhering to the principle: if I’m suffering, you can’t relax, real brothers stick together through thick and thin. He kept asking, "Do you regret it? I’m just asking, do you regret it?"
Shi Yang leisurely messaged Zhao Meimei: What did your mom make for lunch today? Did you eat well? If you get hungry this afternoon, go to the supermarket and buy some bread, don’t just tough it out, okay?
After successfully sending the message, he looked at Qu Chaozong and calmly said, "Relax, someone will soon come to us with funding."
Qu Chaozong frowned: "How can you be so sure that Liu will come to you willingly with the deposit money?"
Shi Yang smiled confidently, looking especially charming: "If I can’t even have this much confidence, how can I lead you in the future?"
"Ugh!" Qu Chaozong rolled his eyes and slammed the door.
Looking at the closed office door, Shi Yang’s relaxed expression vanished, replaced by worry as he muttered to himself: "Still too young... We’re already on the edge of a cliff; I can’t go forward or back."
Shi Yang took his phone and made a call to the Naughty Castle at home.
Liu Xiue answered the phone shortly after returning home. She signaled a waiter to keep an eye on the patrolling management department and squatted at the cashier, answering the call: "Hey, Yangyang?"
Shi Yang got straight to the point: "Aunt, has anyone been asking about the transfer recently?"
Liu Xiue, speaking with a muffled voice while squatting, replied: "No, why do you ask?"
Shi Yang: "Oh, nothing, I was just asking casually. You and Uncle are doing well?"
Liu Xiue laughed: "We’re doing well, when will you come back?"
Shi Yang: "I’ve just taken over the storefront; I’m planning to hire a couple of painters to do the walls, it’ll take a few days."
Liu Xiue advised: "Make sure to take care of yourself while you’re out there, remember to eat on time and don’t overwork your stomach. Otherwise, you’ll suffer in the future. Got it?"
Shi Yang promised: "I’ll be careful."
Liu Xiue laughed: "Meimei talks about you coming back every day, you have no idea..."
"Aunt Liu, the people from the management department are here!" the lookout waiter reminded.
Liu Xiue hastily said to Shi Yang: "Yangyang, the management folks are here, I’ll talk to you later if there’s anything, alright?"