Can following the rules be called rebirth?

Chapter 260, Page 258: Entrepreneurs Don't Celebrate Christmas (5.2k)

"Optics Valley is really great!"

“Look, looking at other core business districts in Wuhan, Wuguang is high-end but the cost is too out of touch with reality, Jianghan Road has many tourists but it is a bit noisy, and Chuhe Han Street is full of charm but is surrounded by competing products.”

"Optics Valley, as people who have visited it in person all say it's great."

Sunlight streams through the huge glass dome, and even on a weekday, Optics Valley is bustling with people and full of atmosphere.

Christmas is just around the corner.

Well-dressed young professionals hurried by, carrying all sorts of coffee cups; groups of students laughed and chatted as they moved between shops, carrying Christmas gifts full of ritual; and many tourists dragged suitcases, looking up at the signs with expectant expressions on their faces.

On the giant electronic screen in Optics Valley Square, dazzling Christmas advertisements were playing on a loop. The melody of Jingle Bells was cleverly arranged by the sound system, intertwining with the bustling crowd to create a joyful prelude to the holiday.

Around noon, Zhou Mingyuan and Gu Caiwei strolled through Optics Valley World City, chatting and laughing.

Christmas Eve is just a few days away.

As far as the eye can see, a giant Christmas tree, several meters high, has already stood in the atrium. The frame has just been completed, and workers are carefully hanging various decorations on it.

Sparkling colorful balls, golden bells, string of star lights, and layers upon layers of silver ribbons.

Although it won't be officially lit up during the day, its scale and grandeur already foreshadow its dazzling brilliance at night.

"You know what, the whole area around our store has a really nice, ceremonial feel to it."

Standing near the Spanish-style street in Phase II of World City, Zhou Mingyuan said with a smile.

"Yes~"

Gu Caiwei nodded.

Taking a walk is simply the best cure for a bad mood.

Although the location of the new store had been finalized online with Zhou Mingyuan long ago, and this was not the first time they had conducted an in-person inspection.

You can take a short walk around the area and chat with him about all sorts of things, and your mood will feel like it's been recharged, instantly returning you to over 90% of your energy.

"You really put a lot of thought into today's ceremony."

The other party suddenly added a sentence.

"Really?"

"You're all dressed up so nicely, going out with you feels like a holiday."

"Hahaha~ Thank you so much."

Good medicine tastes bitter but is good for the disease; sweet words are good for getting things done.

In just a few words, Gu Caiwei was amused and her body was shaking with laughter.

But then again, the little princess is indeed beautiful today.

From her outfits to her makeup, she made the most of her natural beauty.

Her pretty face was like the finest oriental porcelain, her fair skin so delicate it seemed to glow in the sunlight.

La Prairie's Caviar Foundation has a makeup feel so minimal that it's practically impossible to wear; only the most extravagant beauties can pull it off.

The blush is almost invisible; only at a specific angle of light can a glimpse of a rosy hue be seen above the cheekbone, as if the skin is naturally radiating healthy color.

Of course, the focus of Gu Caiwei's dressing up was entirely on her naturally captivating eyes.

The eyeshadow is deep and the eyeliner is extremely fine. The combination of inner and outer layers makes the bright eyes more charming, yet it looks incredibly natural, with no trace of deliberate drawing.

Her eyelashes were clearly defined, sparkling with every flutter, glistening with moisture.

The entire eye makeup is neither heavy nor overdone, yet it perfectly captures the allure and affection of peach blossom eyes, giving the eyes a hazy, deep look when looking at someone.

In short, it looks good.

After a few compliments, Gu Caiwei smiled broadly, and two small dimples instantly appeared at the corners of her lips. Her unapproachable beauty was suddenly infused with a touch of naivety and sweetness, creating a striking contrast that was incredibly charming.

"Okay, let's get down to business!"

“Yesterday I came to discuss the rent and cut it by another 8%, but they wouldn’t budge no matter what I said.”

"However, the property management fee was reduced slightly, which includes the cost of Christmas and New Year's decorations."

As she said this, Gu Caiwei raised her head, her large, almond-shaped eyes reflecting the sun.

"This is already the best spot!"

"Whether it's the spending power of potential customers, the distribution of competing products, or this natural festive energy, it's definitely something the Beiyuan store can't compare to."

"Let's see if it can surprise us."

The girl clenched her little fist, cheering herself on in the air.

"So, you've decided on this place?"

Zhou Mingyuan turned his head to the side, a slight smile playing on his lips.

The two stood in the warm winter sun, the light gently brushing across the man's profile at an angle.

It made his nose appear even higher and his jawline more defined, which made Gu Caiwei stare at him in a daze.

"Hey?"

"Why are you dazed?"

The man stretched out his hand and waved it in front of her eyes.

"Oh oh oh!"

Gu Caiwei took a deep breath, nodded emphatically, and her eyes shone brightly.

"Yes, this is it! The second branch of Relief Cafe in Optics Valley World City!"

"Let's go then, sign the contract and transfer the money."

Act vigorously and resolutely.

Ultimately, Zhou Mingyuan and Gu Caiwei are the same in terms of their style of doing things.

Both of them are the type to be straightforward and decisive in their work, speak with conviction, and do their best in everything, rarely procrastinating or shirking their responsibilities.

After finalizing the location for the new store, he and she quickly got everything sorted out.

Sign the contract, transfer the deposit, and confirm the lease.

Zhou Mingyuan took the heavy brass key from the property manager and walked towards the glass door that still had the rental information posted on it.

"Please, Mr. Gu."

The man used a slightly more formal yet affectionate form of address, and smiled as he made a gesture.

"Come check out our new store!"

The key was inserted into the lock, making a crisp click.

The door was pushed open, and a slightly cool breeze rushed in.

Having not welcomed any guests for a long time, the empty room was filled with fine dust particles that danced in the sunlight like countless tiny golden sprites.

The shop was in a near-standard unfinished state, with cement floors, white walls that had been plastered, and only some basic plumbing and electrical work done. It was flat and cold.

The space is almost twice the size of the Beiyuan store, with a well-organized layout. In particular, the huge floor-to-ceiling window offers an unobstructed view of the bustling and vibrant pedestrian street.

Good place.

This is really a great place.

Zhou Mingyuan took off his coat, took out a silver laser rangefinder from his pocket, and began measuring various data with practiced ease.

As the saying goes, practice makes perfect.

Having actually run a coffee shop from scratch, many things won't seem so unfamiliar.

"Weiwei, take note: from the entrance to the back wall, it's 12.7 meters."

He recited the numbers, his long legs striding forward, his expression focused and earnest.

"Coming!"

Gu Caiwei followed suit, taking off her coat and scarf and draping them over a clean cardboard box.

She pulled out a tablet from her bag to use as a notebook, and followed closely beside him, her fair fingertips swiping across the screen.

While recording the numbers he reported, I offered my own ideas.

"Here, the bar counter should be positioned directly opposite the main entrance for the best effect."

Zhou Mingyuan stood in the designated area, gesturing with his arms outstretched.

"The daily sales at the Optics Valley store should increase significantly. The equipment layout must be more efficient than that at the Beiyuan store, and the customer flow needs to be re-optimized."

"Makes sense."

Gu Caiwei nodded, her fingertip zooming in on the picture she had just taken on the screen.

"A dual-head Italian-style refrigerated display case is a must, and the capacity of the refrigerated display case also needs to be increased by 50% and placed on this side."

Did you notice this during our last survey?

"Many of the customers here are white-collar workers, who have a higher demand for both quantity and quality of desserts, so the dessert display area is very important."

"besides."

Gu Caiwei seemed to remember something, paused for a moment, walked to the French windows, and stretched out her arm.

"Do you think we should set aside a special area for live music this time?"

She crossed her arms and stared intently at Zhou Mingyuan's reaction.

"This one"

The sudden probing startled Zhou Mingyuan for a few seconds.

All three founders still clearly remember that when the previous Beiyuan store was being renovated, it was Zhou Mingyuan who overruled all objections and insisted on keeping the design for the on-site area.

The reason is also very simple.

It's so simple it's almost comical.

Because Li Zhi liked it.

But what about this time?

If the Beiyuan store's entrepreneurship was driven by interest, then the Optics Valley store's entrepreneurship was purely driven by profit.

Is it more important for Li Zhi to like something, or for the overall layout of the store to be more important?
What will Zhou Mingyuan choose?
The brown-haired girl opposite him crossed her arms, her eyes full of curiosity.

"I think we should skip the resident singer area."

Zhou Mingyuan reacted very quickly. After only a few seconds of thought, he decisively shook his head and spoke.

"What, are you not considering whether Xiao Lizhi likes it or not this time?"

Gu Caiwei blinked, drawing out her words with a pointed tone.

"You're the major shareholder, so I care more about whether you like it or not."

Zhou Mingyuan walked up to Gu Caiwei in a joking tone and said.

".ah?"

Gu Caiwei blushed, then realized that the other party was joking, and glared at him fiercely.

"Okay, I think so. For consumers around Optics Valley, live music is not cost-effective."

"This place is unlike the Beiyuan store, because there are too many small bars and quiet bars nearby, so people who want to listen to music will basically not choose to come here."

"Although we won't set up a dedicated area, we can retain the concept of leaving an area, and upgrade the form and content."

"For example, we can create a small interactive lecture area to suit the fast-paced, casual social interactions in the business district, and also host some mini knowledge-sharing events."

Zhou Mingyuan abruptly changed the subject, seamlessly returning to the main topic.

"Yeah that makes sense."

Gu Caiwei turned to face him and looked out the window together.

"The interactive photo spots can still be kept; this floor-to-ceiling window looks great for taking pictures."

"And this area outside the window."

The girl pointed to a small, designated area outside the window.

"The property management said we can set up outdoor stalls."

"Although it's winter now, we can set up some stylish outdoor heating lamps, lay out soft cashmere blankets, and create... let me think, how should I put it, a winter garden!"

“Just like the top floor of your Mingli Company, design a small outdoor seating area, which is also perfect for taking photos and checking in.”

"Wow, that's an amazing idea." Zhou Mingyuan's eyes lit up, clearly impressed by the idea.

"What a pity, if we start renovating now, we won't be able to open on Christmas Day."

Gu Caiwei spread her hands.

"If we open for Christmas, I've already planned it all out. We can also launch several limited-edition winter drinks at the same time, and all the cups will be specially designed Christmas-themed illustrated cups!"

"The desserts need to keep up too, a complete makeover."

Their thoughts were completely synchronized, and the girl spoke faster.

"Matcha mousse shaped like a Christmas tree, macarons shaped like little snowmen, and Yule log cake look so delicious! The atmosphere is amazing!"

As she spoke, Gu Caiwei narrowed her eyes, her slender fingers gently tapping her chin, filled with longing.

"I think you just want some dessert, don't you?"

Zhou Mingyuan joked.

"It's all your fault!"

"What's wrong with me?"

"I haven't had dessert for days, but it's all your fault for bringing me such a huge portion last time. It really got me craving it, and you're not to blame me?"

“good good”

The man and woman chatted non-stop in the empty apartment building in Optics Valley.

From the division of core functional areas to the undertaking of the supply chain, and then to the selection of high-end coffee machines.
This wasn't the first time anyone had run a shop, so there was a lively exchange of ideas and sparks of inspiration.

Of course, the two occasionally have disagreements.

For example, regarding color schemes and design, should we follow the scheme of the Beiyuan store, or add more fashionable elements?

It had been an unknown amount of time by the time all the preliminary surveys and conceptual discussions were completed.

"Let's get to work as soon as possible."

Zhou Mingyuan looked at his wrist and then at the girl beside him.

"If we can't make it for Christmas, we can still try to open on New Year's Day."

"In that case, time is a bit tight, and we must race against the clock."

"I contacted the renovation team to come and see the site this afternoon, and we'll have a preliminary plan tonight."

As he spoke, he took out his phone.

"Yeah!"

Gu Caiwei nodded vigorously, reverting to her capable mode.

"I have already compiled the equipment procurement list. We can continue to cooperate with the supply chain of the Beiyuan store, but some equipment needs to be reordered."

"By the way, what about the store manager and key employees? What are your plans?"

Zhou Mingyuan had a sudden whim.

"Didn't I tell you last time to have Li Jing come and pick up the store manager first?"

Gu Caiwei had planned this all along.

"She has been training the new barista at the Beiyuan store for a while now."

"We'll have to give her a raise later."

Zhou Mingyuan reminded her, "Besides her, send out job postings for the other employees as soon as possible, let her take responsibility, and try to build a new team as quickly as possible."

"In the future, we will have more and more chain stores. We should focus on the big picture and let go of the small details. We can't do everything ourselves."

".Well."

Gu Caiwei blinked.

"I have complete confidence in you taking the lead."

"But it's someone else."

The girl hesitated, as if she wanted to say something but then stopped.

"Broaden your perspective."

Zhou Mingyuan looked at her, his eyes full of trust and appreciation.

"You can easily run around between two stores and refuse to delegate authority to others, but what about ten stores?"

"What about a hundred stores?"

"How could there possibly be a hundred stores?"

Gu Caiwei pouted and said in a low voice, looking unconvinced.

"You're supposed to be a finance major? After securing funding, will we still be short of money?"

"Rapid expansion is the only way forward!"

Zhou Mingyuan stretched out his hands and drew a large circle in the air.

"All he does is make empty promises; they're making me hungry."

The girl pouted.

"Let's go, let's eat first."

Zhou Mingyuan laughed.

They randomly picked a Chinese restaurant and chose a booth by the window.

Those who share meals are naturally very familiar with each other's eating habits.

While waiting for their food, the two of them kept busy.

Zhou Mingyuan took out his phone to contact the renovation team leader, while Gu Caiwei edited the job requirements for the new store, her fingers flying across the screen.

The dishes were served quickly, steaming hot and fragrant.

"Here, have some hot soup to warm your stomach first. You're dressed too lightly today."

Zhou Mingyuan naturally turned the stew to Gu Caiwei.

"You look good dressed like this."

Gu Caiwei sipped her soup, stubbornly insisting.

It's no wonder she misjudged the situation.

Unlike the last time I visited, when everything was indoors and warm as spring.

The new store hasn't been renovated yet, so there's no air conditioning. It's like standing outdoors the whole time, and it gets quite cold after a while.

After drinking the hot soup, the girl's body gradually relaxed.

She looked at Zhou Mingyuan, who was coordinating things with his head down, and suddenly remembered a crucial question.

"correct."

She put down the spoon, her beautiful eyes sparkling.

"If you arrange the renovation like this..."

"We'll definitely be stuck in the store all day Christmas."

Do you have any personal plans for tonight?

Her long eyelashes fluttered.

This is not a test.

"No."

Zhou Mingyuan looked up and said with a smile.

He put down his phone, looked into Gu Caiwei's eyes, and his expression became more matter-of-fact.

"What holidays or vacations do entrepreneurs have?"

“Even on Christmas Eve, I had to meet with brand representatives from Hangzhou to discuss contract improvements.”

“A million GMV is a milestone not only for us, but also for them.”

"So the brand immediately decided to come to Jiangcheng to renegotiate the revenue sharing with us."

"Oh my god. I didn't know you were so busy."

Gu Caiwei put down her soup spoon, her bright eyes holding a thousand emotions.

"Don't we have to spend Christmas with the brands anymore?"

"I'm the kind of person who can distinguish between what's important and what's not."

Zhou Mingyuan paused for a moment, a smile playing on his lips.

"No matter what, the brand is an outsider. Even if I have to work during the holidays, I'd rather be with my own people."

Why ask such detailed questions?

Do you have a date on Christmas Day?

"That's okay, I understand."

The man spoke rapidly, his gaze intense, meeting Gu Caiwei's eyes.

"What kind of date is this?!"

Gu Caiwei felt as if her heart had been gently lifted and returned to solid ground, a sense of lightness welling up in her cells.

own people.

Although Zhou Mingyuan often uses these three words, only when facing special treatment can one truly appreciate their weight.

She glared at him, deliberately put on a stern face, and went along with his joke, saying, "If work counts as a date."

"That's possible."

She picked up a translucent shrimp dumpling and added a sentence as if talking to herself.

"I don't have any other special arrangements."

"only"

"It's Christmas, and Little Lychee will definitely be with me."

The last sentence was as light as a feather, but Zhou Mingyuan still heard it clearly.

"This is a good thing."

Without thinking, the man sat up straight and spoke instinctively.

"what?"

"Oh no, I mean it's just right, exactly."

Zhou Mingyuan quickly tried to make amends.

"The first day of renovation is especially important. She is also a shareholder, so we absolutely cannot let her slack off again."

"It's perfect that we're all here to supervise and guide the construction. After the construction team leaves tonight, no matter how late it is or how tired we are, we'll have a big meal together, just to catch the last train of the holiday."

“Isn’t it just right?”

"."

Gu Caiwei remained silent for several seconds, her starry eyes lowered, her right hand holding chopsticks, before finally nodding her chin.

"OK."

"I'll do some research later. I should make reservations in advance for the holiday, otherwise it's easy to not get a table."

"You can arrange these."

Zhou Mingyuan wiped his mouth, a smile curving his lips: "After all, Weiwei, you're the expert."

"What kind of expert am I?"

Gu Caiwei shrugged, raised her wrist, and lifted her long, white hair to accentuate her slender neck.

Are you an expert at organizing team building activities during holidays?

Boring.

She sighed silently to herself.

(End of this chapter)