Wang Qiqi was just about to leave when the phone rang at home. “Hello… Um, I’m just heading out… Didn’t we agree on two o’clock this afternoon?… You’re the main attraction, after all.” Wang Qiqi’s head was already a little fuzzy; if she hadn't promised someone, she really wouldn't have wanted to go out today. Besides, the selection of candidates had been mostly settled by the three of them yesterday, with Bai Ge’s opinion being the main focus. Her going today was mostly to check things out in person. Wang Qiqi felt her presence wasn't that important, but Comrade Shi Man had reminded her this morning when leaving, asking her to call during lunch to check in. Now that she was about to leave, that person was still overly worried.

Wang Qiqi hung up the phone with a helpless sigh, just as Shi Man walked out dressed in outdoor attire. “Getting ready to go?” Then Shi Man turned a circle in front of Wang Qiqi. “How do I look in this outfit?”

Looking at Shi Man, who was clearly dressed in professional attire, Wang Qiqi asked, “Are you planning to go for an interview today or…?” Wang Qiqi wondered when Shi Man had started dressing so formally. She had always been very casual; even for gatherings with classmates and friends, this seemed excessive.

“Just planning to interview,” Shi Man said, spinning around again. She received countless questioning looks from Wang Qiqi. “Bai Ge told me to accompany you to the interviews today.” Hahaha, without having experienced an interview myself, I’m first experiencing the person being interviewed. Isn't this a huge step forward?

Wang Qiqi hadn't expected Bai Ge to invite Shi Man too. “You’re coming too?” Wang Qiqi thought, maybe the person was nervous and wanted more people for moral support. But the issue was, this person had started a business venture back in university; today was essentially just meeting a client. Was such tension necessary?

“Bai Ge said she’s interviewing intellectuals today, and she mentioned she doesn’t dare speak English at all today.” After hearing Bai Ge’s request yesterday, Shi Man was also quite surprised. “I’ll just go along to observe.”

Since Bai Ge had invited her, Wang Qiqi had no objections. Besides, it was good; having two people communicate with the candidate would allow Bai Ge to observe more closely.

Shi Man initially thought it would be interesting, but the entire interview process was practically like a casual chat, except everyone was speaking English. After chatting all afternoon, Shi Man felt completely drained and just wanted to go back to sleep and recharge. “Interviews aren't easy work,” Shi Man remarked, looking back at the interviewees, feeling as if they were the ones conducting the examination.

After Shi Man voiced her thoughts, Bai Ge nodded with deep understanding. “Some of them have such strong presences; I felt like I was back in a lecture hall receiving questions from a professor.” If Wang Qiqi and the others hadn’t been by her side, Shi Man truly would have felt like slipping away. This left Bai Ge feeling quite defeated. She was genuinely worried about how she would interact with these people professionally later on. “My future days are going to be tough.”

Wang Qiqi didn't see it that way. “They are here for an interview today. If they can't even intimidate you, how will you handle those students?” Wang Qiqi felt teachers should have a bit of gravitas, though they also needed to be approachable. “You’ll be their boss later. As long as your benefits are good, will they still act this way?” Few teachers would want to open their own training centers. Any teacher with some reputation would command a good fee from various institutions. If one starts their own school, they need to invest a lot of effort outside of teaching—like hiring staff, managing enrollment, and handling venue logistics. For them, it’s more profitable to juggle a few venues.

Bai Ge thought about it and felt her courage bolstered. However, she quickly thought of another issue. “Should I start looking for a place and consider putting up the sign now?” She hoped to have everything settled by June so they could start classes during the summer break. Although the timeline was tight, as long as the main hurdles were cleared, she felt everything else would be minor issues.

“Of course, you can start preparing. I estimate a few people you’re satisfied with will agree to join,” Wang Qiqi noted, having paid attention to the candidates' expressions when Bai Ge briefly discussed compensation. Some showed no reaction, but others seemed quite pleased with the proposed salary. “But are you offering such high stakes?” If student numbers were high, the teaching fees would be manageable, but if student numbers were low, you couldn't just withhold teacher salaries, or those people would definitely leave.

“I’m prepared to operate at a loss initially, but once our reputation builds, we won't have to worry,” Bai Ge admitted. She never expected to make a profit right from the start. The market wasn't exactly booming, and several competitors were already established. Since they were late entrants, they had to be prepared to potentially lose money for one or two years, but looking long-term, it was definitely profitable.

Upon hearing this, Shi Man’s expression shifted slightly. Business is inherently about making money; few start with the expectation of losses. Moreover, this didn't sound like just one or two years of losses. Shi Man felt they didn't have the capital to sustain such a deficit. Although she started her business before Bai Ge, the businesses she ran from the beginning were never loss-making, and afterward, everything went smoothly. For her, while business carried the risk of loss, she had never actually experienced one. Hearing this suddenly made her uneasy.

Wang Qiqi, however, viewed Bai Ge’s mindset positively. She hadn't become arrogant from the grand vision she painted. Instead, this girl was being steady and methodical—a fine trailblazer. And with Bai Ge’s conservative nature, future management should be even smoother. “It’s normal for businesses to incur initial losses. My brother-in-law is still running at a deficit.” Wang Qiqi knew Shi Man might hesitate, but Song Yao should be mentally prepared for initial losses. After all, Gong Peixing’s factory had been open for three months, and they hadn’t even recouped the cost of one machine after paying workers’ wages, let alone accounting for outstanding receivables, some of which hadn't been collected. Fortunately, Gong Peixing came from a state-owned enterprise background and was vigilant about receivables; their current clients generally had good payment credit.

“That involves huge initial investment. If I had to invest that much…” Bai Ge started to say she wouldn't do it, but then paused. Wait, her own investment wasn't small either. “Qiqi, you know the funds I have on hand; I might face liquidity issues.” Bai Ge wanted to play hard to get, hoping Wang Qiqi would offer solutions herself, but she knew Qiqi wouldn’t give an inch and would make her ask directly. Moreover, they were close friends and understood her situation. Bai Ge decided to be straightforward.

Wang Qiqi simply hummed, waiting for Bai Ge to continue. “How about this: Qiqi, you and your sister join in?” Bai Ge watched Wang Qiqi’s expression remain unchanged and sighed inwardly. “Manman, if you have money, you can invest too.” Bai Ge directed this to Shi Man, not wanting to slight her since she was present and had spent considerable time yesterday analyzing the profiles of various teachers.

Wang Qiqi wasn't sure if Shi Man still intended to invest after this revelation, but as for herself, she had no such desire. Regarding this, Wang Qiqi once again politely declined. “I told you I have no interest in this line of work, but you can ask my sister if she wants to invest; that’s up to her.” I stated from the beginning that I wouldn't get involved, and there's no need to change my stance now.

Shi Man was internally conflicted about whether to invest or not. “Let me consider it.” She felt she needed to go back and discuss it with her think tank; she truly couldn't make this decision alone.

Bai Ge knew that what she just said might make Shi Man back away even if she had been interested earlier. But she couldn't only present the rosy side in front of her friends, and besides, would Wang Qiqi allow her to mislead people? “This is something that really needs careful consideration.”

Shi Man looked toward Wang Qiqi and saw her smiling very gently. She knew Qiqi understood her predicament. Shi Man thought she might invite Comrade Song Yao over tonight so the three of them could hash it out together. If Song Yao was willing to invest, Shi Man felt she should be bold; after all, with Song Yao overseeing things, even if they lost money initially, it couldn't continue indefinitely. But the thought of losses made Shi Man deeply conflicted.

Wang Qiqi watched Shi Man’s expressions shift rapidly as if watching a play and chuckled inwardly. This girl was probably worried about how long the losses would last, but if she didn't invest, she might regret missing out on future profits. It was indeed quite a dilemma. “Should we get something to eat? Should we eat here?” Bai Ge had suggested a coffee shop, and although they served Western food, Wang Qiqi, having drunk coffee all afternoon, really didn't want to stay in a place saturated with the scent of coffee.

“Let’s have Chinese food,” Bai Ge said. Compared to Wang Qiqi, she was less accustomed to the environment here, but meeting here gave it a certain status.

“Let’s have hot pot,” Wang Qiqi spotted a busy-looking hot pot restaurant across the street through the glass window. Lots of people meant the food was likely good, and she hadn't had hot pot in a while. She decided to change her palate.

Bai Ge had no preference for the cuisine, but Shi Man looked conflicted upon hearing “hot pot.” “I’ll end up smelling like hot pot,” she pointed out, as she was wearing new clothes today.

Seeing the person looking with disdain at the prospect of hot pot, Wang Qiqi and Bai Ge could only choose a Sichuan restaurant instead. As Wang Qiqi ate the spicy food, she hoped that when she woke up tomorrow, she wouldn't have too many pimples. Sigh, she’d have to brew some cooling herbal tea tonight to counteract the heat; otherwise, it would really affect her image and make her uncomfortable.

After saying goodbye to Bai Ge, Wang Qiqi immediately called Song Yao, asking her to come straight to her place to discuss something urgent. Song Yao was initially reluctant. Gong Peixing hadn't been back for several days, and she was busy visiting clients to maintain relationships, overseeing the factory workers, and occasionally handling matters at the shop. After juggling so many tasks, Song Yao only wanted to sleep when she got home every night. But Wang Qiqi insisted the matter was important, so Song Yao reluctantly climbed out of her warm bed and hurried to Wang Qiqi’s house.

“Actually, we could have gone to Sister’s place,” Shi Man suggested on the phone when she heard Song Yao’s tired voice. She knew how busy Song Yao had been lately, whereas she and Qiqi had been relatively relaxed. There was no need to make Song Yao rush around.

“Han Tao’s mother is there. If the elderly lady hears this news, do you think she’ll agree?” Wang Qiqi knew Luo Hongjuan would object; in her view, doing a business that incurs losses was absolutely out of the question.

Shi Man fell silent. Of course, the elder wouldn’t agree to losses. Moreover, Song Yao’s current ventures were quite extensive, and Luo Hongjuan would certainly urge Song Yao to proceed cautiously. It would be difficult for Song Yao to decide whether to insist on investing or listen to advice and refrain.

Not long after they returned home, Song Yao rushed over. “Sister, did you take a taxi?” Wang Qiqi noticed Song Yao’s exhaustion; she looked like she could barely keep her eyes open. She must have taken a cab; if she had driven herself, Wang Qiqi figured she would need incredible luck.

Song Yao just hummed in response and immediately headed toward Wang Qiqi’s room. “I’m staying here tonight.” She didn't know how long Wang Qiqi would need to talk, but she didn't have the energy to take another taxi ride home; she would deal with it tomorrow.

Seeing Song Yao so worn out, Wang Qiqi quickly summarized the day’s events regarding the interviews with the teachers, including Bai Ge’s views on the training center. “Sister, what are your thoughts?”

In the past, if Song Yao heard that this industry required losing money for a year or even two, she certainly wouldn’t have been pleased. She wasn't without business opportunities; why bother investing in this, especially when the major shareholder wasn't someone she knew intimately or family? However, Gong Peixing’s factory venture had broadened her perspective slightly. “It’s very normal for a business to lose money in the beginning. Qiqi, do you think it will get better later?” One needed a long-term view to judge its potential. If one shies away at the mention of losses only to want to enter when profit appears, the difficulty would be immense.

Wang Qiqi nodded. “Don't worry, Sister. Bai Ge has done her research; she’s even more worried than you are.” While having a weaker foundation often breeds more drive, Bai Ge had her family in the city, and her burdens were significant. For her, this was a do-or-die situation with no fallback plan.

Hearing Wang Qiqi say that, Song Yao simply replied, “Then I’m settled. Tell her I’ve invested. The stock market carries risks, and every endeavor does too.” If it were a guaranteed profit, Song Yao thought, would such a good opportunity even come to me? “For such a small matter, you rushed me over here,” Song Yao grumbled, realizing the fuss was over this issue.

Wang Qiqi looked at Shi Man, knowing her sister viewed this as a non-issue. “Are you really not bothered?” Shi Man was surprised by Song Yao’s immediate agreement without any apparent consideration. She thought Song Yao had answered a little too quickly.

“Bothered by what? Qiqi says this industry is good, so what do I have to worry about?” Song Yao stated her rationale. “If Qiqi vouches for it, it can’t be that bad. Besides, Bai Ge wouldn’t have this idea of initial losses if she had ulterior motives right at the start.” Starting with losses means she’ll be working hard to make money. Once they start earning, she won't make any sudden moves; she’ll focus on expanding the market because if she had any thoughts of betrayal then, she’d be the one losing out. Song Yao, in any case, wouldn't suffer much. Most likely, once the training center grows strong and her position is secure, then she might start having ideas.

Shi Man watched Song Yao, sensing that even though she hadn't fully articulated her reasoning, she had a clear understanding of the situation, which settled Shi Man’s mind somewhat. “Then I’ll contribute funds too. Qiqi, you really aren't investing?” The initiator, who had contributed significantly to the planning of the training center, wasn't joining. “If you’re willing to take shares, Bai Ge won't object either.”

“I’ll join. Then what percentage do we take? How will Bai Ge feel? Bai Ge must take over fifty percent of the shares,” Wang Qiqi understood that she and Song Yao could only truly enter one partnership, and Song Yao was the most suitable fit. “Sister, when you two make money, remember to treat me to a grand meal.”

“Then, Sister, how much are you planning to invest?” Shi Man asked. She had calculated that she wouldn't commit too much money. Although the future looked bright, based on what Wang Qiqi and Song Yao implied, the partnership with Bai Ge might not be permanent. Shi Man understood this; division is natural over time. Since that was the case, she didn't need to invest too heavily.

Song Yao named a figure. “This is all I have available right now, but the exact amount depends on Bai Ge. Oh, Qiqi, shouldn't Bai Ge have a larger share, perhaps based on her technical expertise, since she’ll be managing the training center so often?” Song Yao thought that to keep Bai Ge motivated, she should be given some incentive. If everything were based purely on capital contribution, Bai Ge would actually be at a slight disadvantage, considering her involvement from market research to future operations—the effort she invested couldn’t be measured in money alone.

Song Yao’s consideration here was astute, but the specifics of the negotiation would be up to the three of them. Wang Qiqi yawned. “Let’s go to sleep. We’ll have Bai Ge come over tomorrow to discuss things.” Since everyone had made their decision, it was time for rest. Wang Qiqi was also exhausted after two busy days, especially after spending the entire day judging people while conversing in English; her brain was starting to fog over.

Bai Ge and the others huddled in the living room to discuss the total investment needed and then their respective contributions. Wang Qiqi stayed out of it, retreating to her room to continue discussing accommodation issues with the young British woman she had recently struck up a connection with. Although she planned to search for housing herself before arriving, having someone provide information would give Wang Qiqi a better sense of things. However, after chatting with her for a while, Wang Qiqi felt her heart couldn't take it. While a room costing only a few tens of pounds per week didn't sound expensive, when converted into Renminbi, Wang Qiqi felt it was exorbitant—even more expensive than renting in Beijing in later years.

When Shi Man entered the room to grab a calculator, she saw Wang Qiqi’s face drawn in dismay. “What’s wrong?” What happened to make her so agitated? Shi Man peeked at the computer screen and noticed she wasn't chatting with Han Tao.

Wang Qiqi pulled Shi Man over to see the chat interface. “We were originally planning for the three of us to rent a place together, but after chatting with her for a bit, I found out that even a single room without a private bathroom costs several dozen pounds a week, although it’s close to the school.”

A room for several dozen pounds a week? Shi Man was also stunned by this news. “That’s so expensive! By the way, the room Han Tao rented wasn’t that costly, was it? And the place Old Feng rented in the US wasn't that expensive either.” Although she knew renting accommodation abroad wouldn't be cheap, this price point was simply too high for her, especially since they were students. Considering accommodation, tuition, and living expenses, it would probably cost hundreds of thousands a year, especially since the UK was quite strict about student employment. “No wonder graduate studies are only one year; any longer, and I couldn’t afford it.”

“Yeah, sigh,” Wang Qiqi could only comfort herself that it was only for one year. “Han Tao and I initially planned to enroll as undergraduate students, which would significantly reduce housing costs, but now it’s not saving anything at all.” Wang Qiqi calculated the expenses, feeling intensely conflicted. But if she didn't study, she’d never get to the US, and staying home to look for a job or travel would surely lead to mockery from those gossips at school once they knew her situation. “Oh, why did you come in?” Wang Qiqi wondered if this major collaboration could have been settled so quickly; the process seemed too fast.

Shi Man finally remembered why she came in. She picked up the calculator, ready to leave. “You actually guessed right. Bai Ge intends to take sixty percent of the shares, and I plan to contribute only ten percent.” The remaining forty percent would be split between the two other parties. Shi Man felt that contributing just ten percent was enough, especially now that she knew the cost of accommodation; Shi Man’s heart rate quickened. She couldn't possibly commit the majority of her funds to the investment.

Wang Qiqi had initially assumed Bai Ge would take fifty-one percent, so she was surprised that she was aiming for sixty. Wang Qiqi was puzzled about where Bai Ge would get that much money. This morning, before Bai Ge arrived, the three of them calculated that this investment would require at least fifty [units of currency, implied RMB]. If Bai Ge wanted sixty percent, she’d need thirty thousand. Even accounting for some technical equity, she’d still need at least twenty-five. Wang Qiqi thought Bai Ge’s financial standing was considerable, to have this much money left after buying a house.

“You’re overthinking again. It’s not a one-time payment; it will be phased,” Shi Man explained why Bai Ge wanted such a large share this time. “Plus, the venue is rented, and I think Shi Man might be able to find a cheaper location.”

"Manman, did you grab the calculator?" Shi Man was about to say something more, but Song Yao was already hurrying her from outside. "I still have to go to the factory this afternoon." Song Yao was supposed to go in the morning, but because Bai Ge had shown up, she had no choice but to wait.

"Coming, coming," Shi Man called out toward the living room. "We’ll talk about this later."

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