Can following the rules be called rebirth?

Chapter 222, Section 220: The Counselor Who Never Came Back

Just as the girls in the dormitory were gossiping, Zhou Mingyuan had just come out of the bathroom.

The difference between men and women often lies precisely in this.

His roommates were also concerned about his progress with his several ambiguous relationships, but no one kept asking him about it.

Zhou Mingyuan's roommates were already used to him staying out all night; it had become a habit.

"By the way, Lao Zhou, is your 'Relief Coffee' in Beiyuan going to open a branch?"

Cai Zhipeng turned his head and looked at Zhou Mingyuan curiously.

The man was shirtless and drying his hair; his muscular physique was clearly defined and enviable.

"Yes, but it's not decided yet; we're discussing it recently."

Zhou Mingyuan smiled and nodded, a smirk playing on his lips: "Old Cai, you're so well-informed?"

"It's not that I'm particularly good at it, it's just that my wife Zhao Xue asks me to order a drink on the app every few days. I'm almost a premium member now."

"Sure, you're good."

Zhou Mingyuan couldn't help but feel a little surprised.

Only you know the truth about your own affairs. How long has the membership system at Relief Coffee been around?

Some people have already reached high-level memberships, which means they are definitely true die-hard fans.

In fact, after launching its app and entering the market, the Relief Coffee quickly attracted a large number of consumers thanks to its unique internet marketing strategy.

For example, group buying, sharing photos of customers' purchases, price slashing, and various discount coupons have attracted a large number of customers around Nanhu.

About a week later, Relief Coffee quickly launched its membership system.

As we all know, membership systems play a crucial role in the consumer retail industry.

It can not only increase consumers' repurchase rate, but also bring more value-added services to brands.

The same applies to the Relief Coffee shop.

The discounted items available to members of different membership levels vary, as do the discount rates.

“I haven’t been able to buy coffee lately, and she’s gotten angry with me several times.”

Speaking of this, Cai Zhipeng sighed deeply, his voice tinged with helplessness.

“I went to the store to ask, and they said it’s because the number of users has reached the capacity limit of the Beiyuan store. There are too many orders every day, and they are really too busy to handle them.”

"But she was still not very happy."

Cai Zhipeng shrugged.

"So, Lao Zhou, when will your new store open? That way I can buy coffee, right?"

The VIP user sounded very anxious.

"We were supposed to finalize it soon, but Weiwei and I had some disagreements, so we haven't been able to move forward."

Zhou Mingyuan stood in front of the mirror, picked up the hairdryer with one hand, unlocked the screen with the other, and glanced at the new messages on his phone.

One message was from Zhong Yujun: "My roommate kept me chatting, so I'll talk to you later. Goodnight!"

The other messages were group chat messages that kept ringing.

[Isn't this a bit too ambitious?]

[Expansion is one thing, but there are so many things to consider when choosing a business district. I haven't done any detailed research on these matters!]

For example, in terms of operating costs, the rent, renovation, and labor costs for stores in commercial districts are much higher than those around schools.

[Originally, replicating our development path would allow us to open 2-3 stores, but that's much harder in commercial districts.]

This day was not only a happy day for Zhou Mingyuan and Zhong Yujun's classmate reunion.

It was also the day that Jiangcheng University of Finance and Economics deposited 60 yuan of startup funds into Gu Caiwei's bank account.

So, after receiving the fresh startup funding, the Fruit Princess WeChat group was immersed in the joy of success.

Not long afterward, the key decision-makers began planning for the future.

Gu Caiwei's idea was very simple.

She hopes to replicate the "Relief from Worries" model exactly as it is, expand steadily and gradually, and let more users enjoy the "Relief from Worries" coffee.

Therefore, her thinking leans more towards cultivating her expertise within the school.

In another residential area of ​​Jiangcheng University of Finance and Economics, such as Xiyuan, a second store can be opened directly to consolidate the university's core business and take advantage of the existing brand influence and supply chain.

Alternatively, while opening a second store on campus, try opening off-campus stores around Nanhu University Town to test the replicability of the model.

But Zhou Mingyuan is completely different.

Radicalism, radicalism is his motto.

He tried to persuade Gu Caiwei and the neutral Xiao Lizhi to invest most of their funds in Jiangcheng's core business district.

Instead of opening a campus store, it would be better to use this money to open a flagship store in a prime commercial area, targeting a wider range of people.

Gaining the approval of young white-collar workers and freelancers is essential to further enhance brand prestige and profitability.

Although they are all very good friends, Gu Caiwei never compromises when it comes to her career.

Don't we need to take such a big risk?

[Judging from the current number of registered users on the app, opening a few more campus stores at a moderate pace should be enough to absorb the demand.]

It's no wonder she tends to be conservative.

60 may seem like a lot, but opening a decent new store in a prime business district is actually very expensive.

The rent, renovations, equipment, manpower, and even the new supply chain that she mentioned are all issues that need to be considered.

I just want to maximize capital efficiency and minimize risk. Isn't that good?

Gu Caiwei couldn't understand it.

In fact, chain coffee brands have long been gathered in the core business districts of Wuhan, such as Wuguang, Jianghan Road, Chuhe Han Street, and Optics Valley Pedestrian Street.

Coffee giant Starbucks, as well as many independent, trendy coffee shops.

Compared to these shops, Jieyou is still a toddler learning to speak.

If a new store lacks distinctive features and rashly enters the fierce competition of the business district, it is easy to fall into a vicious cycle of low-price promotions.

Although she didn't conduct a detailed background check like before, she was well aware of one thing.

If you open a new store in a prime business district, the needs of your target customer group will differ significantly.

The Beiyuan store mainly serves students, who are price-sensitive and have strong social needs. Therefore, the photo spots and music corners proposed by Zhou Mingyuan during the decoration process became essential details to stand out in the early stages.

However, the customer base in the business district is more complex.

White-collar workers prioritize efficiency and quality, tourists focus on experiences and check-ins, and residents prefer leisure and relaxation—nobody really buys into this approach.

If there are no new, targeted features, or if the space design remains the same old thing, can you retain customers?
This is a problem.

[Look, I just calculated the profit model. Let's leave aside locations that are too far away and focus on the Optics Valley store.]

Gu Caiwei's fingers flew as she calculated the accounts, while messages popped up one after another on her WeChat chat interface.

The rent and renovation costs will definitely double.

I checked the rent online for the Optics Valley store, and it's about 3-5 times that of the Beiyuan store! Plus, there are high property management fees and shared area costs.

[Besides, opening a store in a commercial area requires a presentable appearance, right? High standards for store image mean additional investment in renovations.]

【besides!】

Unbeknownst to her, Gu Caiwei's thoughts became increasingly profound.

[Neither you nor I, nor Xiaolizhi, can possibly go to Optics Valley to check on stores every day, right?]

Therefore, we need to hire store managers. Store managers must be capable and know how to coordinate with multiple departments, such as the mall property management, liaise with the supply chain, and organize marketing activities.

[It would be best not to continue the campus management model of the Beiyuan store, as it seems unable to adapt to the fast pace of the business district.]

After drying his hair, Zhou Mingyuan climbed the ladder, lay back on his small bed, and crossed his legs to reply to messages.

Unlike Gu Caiwei, he didn't launch into a lengthy argument trying to demonstrate the advantages and feasibility of continuing to open shops around the campus.

He persuaded Gu Caiwei with just a few words.

【Weiwei, you're so smart, let me ask you a question~】 【Go ahead and ask!】

The other party responded.

【假如你是投资人，你已经看到了解忧咖啡从0到1的商业价值，接下来是想看它从1到很多个1，还是从1到10，再从10到100？】

【.】

Replicating your own success is easy, but stepping out of your comfort zone takes courage. If you succeed this time, from an investment perspective, I think it will be much easier to secure investment and endorsements.

This demonstrates that our "Relief Coffee" business model remains highly competitive, regardless of the consumer or region.

Gu Caiwei seemed to have been thinking for a long time.

After a long while, he finally sent out an emoji and slowly replied with "That makes sense."

She is a girl who can listen to reason.

Now that she acknowledged that Zhou Mingyuan's plan made more sense, she would try to prepare for everything in the future, following the direction of opening a store in a core business district.

"Oh right, Lao Zhou."

The 501 dormitory was still bustling with activity in the early hours of the morning.

The next day was a relaxing weekend, and no one needed to get up early.

Except for Zhou Mingyuan, who went to bed early, everyone else was playing on their own under the bed.

Cai Zhipeng sat in front of his desktop computer watching the live stream, Xiong Yao was engrossed in the world of the novel, and Yu Feiyang was grinning from ear to ear while looking at his phone.

Suddenly, as if remembering something, Cai Zhipeng turned around abruptly.

"what happened?"

Zhou Mingyuan peeked out from beside the bed.

"Have you guys noticed? We haven't seen our counselor in ages."

Cai Zhipeng scratched his head vigorously, his tone seven parts uncertain and three parts curious.

"I heard that Class 2 has held several class meetings recently, but why hasn't our class had any?"

"It seems to be true!"

Yu Feiyang raised his head and echoed.

"You didn't even tell everyone about the class meeting. What if we missed something good?"

Xiong Yao slapped his thigh, looking anxious.

"Brother Zhou, do you know what's going on?"

The three roommates' eyes immediately focused on Zhou Mingyuan.

There was nothing he could do; after all, he was the class monitor of Class 1 in the law school.
Despite his low attendance rate and infrequent classes, he actually maintains the closest contact with his counselor.

When Jieyou Media was still just a small storefront, it invited counselor Shen Yunrong as its mentor to participate in guidance and communication in its daily work.

Others may not know what happened to the counselor, but Zhou Mingyuan certainly does.

"Her."

Zhou Mingyuan hesitated for a few seconds before uttering three words.

"asked for leave."

"asked for leave?"

Everyone stared at each other, their curiosity piqued.

Is the counselor sick? Should we buy a flower basket and go visit her?

Xiong Yao crossed his arms, looking like he had a high EQ.

"what?"

Yu Feiyang chuckled and tugged at his roommate's sleeve: "You, Da Xiong, actually said that?"

"It's normal."

Cai Zhipeng chuckled on the side, "There are just some places available for impoverished students in November, and Da Xiong's place has just been submitted."

"His insistence on holding a class meeting was of course also because of this matter."

"Everyone else isn't in a hurry, but he is!"

Compared to Cai Zhipeng, who came from a well-off family, Xiong Yao's family could only barely make ends meet.

This small but significant financial aid for impoverished students is extremely important to him.

"They probably won't be able to come back anytime soon."

Zhou Mingyuan rested his chin on his hand, looked at the chat interface in his hand, and drawled out his words.

Someone should be able to take over my job in a while.

The above is a private message sent by Shen Yunrong.

"They're not coming back?"

Xiong Yao's eyes widened.

As a freshman, he didn't immediately understand the meaning of those four words.

"But don't be afraid, Big Bear. You'll definitely get a spot for a student from a poor family. No matter who takes over Teacher Shen's job, what's yours will definitely be yours."

Zhou Mingyuan didn't even look up, continuing to speak while typing on the keyboard.

Is he really not coming back?

I've been chatting with my older sister more and more frequently lately. I originally thought it was just a passing impulse, but I never expected that Shen Yunrong would actually make up her mind.

Having finally reached the level of a university cadre, are you just going to give up like that?
He felt a little surprised.

I've made up my mind; I want to change my lifestyle.

Shen Yunrong has indeed changed.

After having a late-night drink and sharing their innermost thoughts with Zhou Mingyuan, the two quickly became close friends who could talk about anything.

In Shen Yunrong's eyes, although Zhou Mingyuan's departure without saying goodbye was somewhat unsettling, no matter what, this young man was definitely a trustworthy member of the opposite sex.

She doesn't take advantage of others in their time of need, nor does she act inappropriately. Yet, she possesses high emotional intelligence and is skilled at communication, often managing to make herself happy.

After a night of heavy drinking, she gave herself a long vacation.

Put aside all work and social identities, sever all connections and tasks, and focus solely on leaving Jiangcheng, using sightseeing to forget the past.

Strangely enough, the school seems to have reached some kind of tacit understanding.

After being absent for so many days, the college leaders did not contact her, and all the usual trivial matters of the Youth League Committee disappeared.

The connection with society suddenly disappeared.

They've all disappeared.

During this period, the only person she could contact was Zhou Mingyuan.

Fortunately, Zhou Mingyuan is an excellent listener and can often catch up with her sharing and emotions effortlessly.

On the windy beach, she finally understood.

At twenty-eight years old, I am often less insightful than Zhou Mingyuan.

She clearly wanted to love, to eat, to transform into a cloud in the sky, and to unleash herself in the golden age that would never return.

But she always obediently followed the rules, using the shackles of propriety to confine herself to her own little world.

She never lived her own life.

What kind of lifestyle should we adopt?

Although they didn't meet again, Zhou Mingyuan could vaguely guess that Shen Yunrong was somewhat different at this moment.

Even her profile picture has taken a liberty, changing from a landscape photo to a type she would never have used before.

【Haha~ I'll tell you when I get back to Jiangcheng.】

(End of this chapter)