The group’s gathering had long since drifted from the original agenda. What started with Li Xiangdong recounting tales of seemingly honest acquaintances secretly deceiving their wives had veered wildly off course, until someone’s stomach loudly registered its protest. “Gosh, what have we done all afternoon?” Bai Ge felt her own stomach rumble in agreement. Glancing at the time, her face shifted dramatically. She had intended to discuss the essential business and then promptly check out the premises that would soon launch their careers. Although she had shown them the location before, it hadn't been fully available then, so their inspection was cursory. Today, however, the space had been cleared out, and naturally, they needed to plan the layout. Yet, they hadn't managed to finalize a single item of that critical business.

Hearing Bai Ge’s exclamation, the other three snapped back to reality. Right, they were supposed to be discussing serious matters, but one casual topic had led them straight into gossip. “Aren’t we supposed to go see the place now? Shall we head over first, then grab dinner and discuss things then?” Song Yao pondered. She hadn't visited her existing shop much these past few days, and tomorrow she absolutely needed to be there to keep Aunt Luo from protesting her neglect of the actual business. Before Gong Peixing returned, Song Yao had excuses for being out managing affairs, but now that he was back, it felt wrong to stay absent.

“There’s a guard at the gate; we can go over right now,” Bai Ge said. She had planned to visit clients tomorrow and couldn't afford delays. But if she didn’t go tomorrow, who knew what else might arise among the four of them? Time was short, and the task heavy; they needed to wrap things up quickly.

Song Yao drove, following Bai Ge’s directions to the school. Regarding this location, Wang Qiqi and Shi Man were less than thrilled. While the space was large enough for future expansion and the rent wasn’t exorbitant, the problem was that the school was too remote. Although accessible by bus and slated for future subway access (currently under construction, though still a distance from the school), finding the place without an insider guide wouldn't be easy. However, if it were situated on a major transport artery, the rent would likely double, at minimum.

“This used to be a school for the deaf and mute. Because the student population dwindled, it merged with another school, and this facility became vacant,” Bai Ge explained the history once more. “What pleases me most is that it includes dormitories. When we start summer classes, that will be a major selling point.”

That was a solid angle. “I think, if possible, we should install air conditioners in a few rooms. Of course, they can cover the utility costs,” Wang Qiqi mused. Since dorms were available, slightly raising the standard of accommodation made sense, provided the students bore the extra expense—the more they used, the more they paid.

Air conditioners? Shi Man and Bai Ge were momentarily stunned. It wasn’t the electricity bill they balked at, but rather, “Installing AC costs money!” Bai Ge approached it from a financial perspective; fitting AC units wasn't a minor outlay. With the current fifty-thousand investment, Bai Ge calculated their funds were already quite tight, necessitating hard bargaining. Yet, Qiqi’s casual remarks had just added further expenses, which Bai Ge found hard to swallow. She hadn't even seen the place in detail yet, but Qiqi already had ideas. Bai Ge worried about what schemes Qiqi might devise after a full tour. As long as they weren't major expenditures, Bai Ge was willing to consider them.

“Exactly. They are here to study, not for recuperation,” Shi Man interjected with envy. When she was in university, they only had a single fan in the dorm. To think they were going to install AC for these students—it seemed overly considerate.

Song Yao didn't entirely agree with Wang Qiqi’s suggestion either. “Qiqi, if the environment is like that, will those children still focus on learning?”

“If they are genuinely eager to learn, they will study diligently regardless of the environment. Besides, do families who can afford overseas study lack money?” Wang Qiqi thought, Can our training institution truly compare to the accommodation standards of a school? “If we make a slight investment and show those children that there are like-minded peers studying here, with decent dorm conditions, how can we lack students? Moreover, we aren’t installing the AC right now. We only mention it during enrollment. Then, we count how many people are willing to pay extra for an AC room, and we buy and install them accordingly.” In reality, this money didn't need to be spent immediately; they had to assess the situation before making a decision.

When Bai Ge heard the funds weren't required instantly, she naturally raised no objection. Furthermore, installing AC based on student demand offered significant flexibility. “Then I’ll arrange for four-person rooms with AC, and eight-person standard rooms.” Not all students planning to study abroad came from incredibly wealthy backgrounds; some would prefer to economize. Even Wang Qiqi and Shi Man, who were quite well-off, were debating the high cost of accommodation in the UK. “I estimate the number of occupants in the four-person rooms won’t be high.”

Wang Qiqi disagreed. “If it’s not their own money, few people will prioritize saving.” She and Shi Man had worked hard to earn money since university. Everyone knew how difficult earning was. It wasn't that they couldn't afford the cost, but rather, they questioned how long it would take to recoup such an expense.

“Alright, alright, let’s go inside and look. It’s getting late,” Song Yao decided. What was the point of arguing? Getting down to business was paramount. “The topics you’re debating are future concerns, and whether people will even opt for accommodation is still up in the air. However, I do think installing AC in the classrooms would be a good selling point.”

Bai Ge almost wanted to kneel before the two sisters. The younger sister only suggested AC in the dorms, contingent on registration numbers. But the elder sister immediately jumped to installing them in the classrooms—that was a significant expense. “Isn’t that an excessive cost?” If classrooms got AC, the offices would need it too. Bai Ge could already envision the electricity bill making her heart jump out of her chest.

“Our software curriculum is solid; if the hardware is also excellent, what will the students think?” Wang Qiqi felt that instead of planning discounts or promotional tuition fees, it was more practical to improve the actual learning environment.

Shi Man considered this. “If I had to choose between two places with the same tuition, I would naturally pick the more comfortable one.”

The situation was clear: three votes to one. “Bai Ge, I know you think the expenses are high and you worry that recovering the investment will be tough, but think about it—if the environment improves, will students be a problem?” Song Yao was quite willing to spend on hardware improvements. “My shop truly only needed a few sofas, but look at my second floor—I decorated it like a proper café, serving coffee and pastries. People said I was foolish for spending so much money, knowing it wouldn't break even. But look at my current clientele; many just sat for a while, and even if they didn't buy anything immediately, seeing others purchase would create an urge...”

Song Yao spoke from experience. Although she spent a considerable amount, the returns were substantial. She deeply understood the principle of ‘you must spend a little to gain a lot,’ and Bai Ge’s vision seemed somewhat limited.

Since Song Yao had put it that way, could Bai Ge still object? Thinking it over, she realized their points held some merit. “Fine. You have to risk the whip to catch the horse. We’ll spend the money.” Song Yao’s shop was thriving precisely because of its good environment. While they couldn’t replicate Song Yao’s setup, they certainly needed to invest in proper decoration. “Actually, we can try group buying for these items; that could save us quite a bit.” Now that the decision was made, Bai Ge focused on achieving the goal with minimal cost.

After the four of them inspected the school premises, everyone let out a sigh of relief. Although it looked a bit dingy, the overall structure was sound; just painting the walls white would suffice. “Oh, are these desks and chairs included?” Wang Qiqi noticed the classroom furniture left behind in the hasty clear-out. Some looked terrible, but others were still usable.

Bai Ge affirmed, “These are old-style desks and chairs. The relevant department said that since we’re opening a training institution, we could use them. But I think they just found disposing of this stuff troublesome. Leaving them here is unsightly; I plan to get rid of them all and ask furniture dealers if they’ll take them back for recycling.”

Song Yao had initially wanted to suggest keeping some of the better desks, but recalling the primary school desks she’d seen when checking out places for her son, and looking at what was currently set up here, she had to admit they were quite ugly. “Recycle? Do you think they’ll bother?”

“Actually, this wood is quite good; they could easily reuse it.” Bai Ge wasn’t entirely sure herself. “Otherwise, stacking them up is just ugly. It would be good if we could buy the desks and chairs for a slightly lower price.”

“Make sure the quality of the desks and chairs is decent. Let’s hold off on the dorms for now. The classrooms must look good; we can’t just rush the dorm renovation,” Song Yao concluded after discussing classroom and office decoration plans and necessary additions with the others. They realized that funding the dorms immediately would be too difficult given the current budget. Therefore, Song Yao suggested delaying the dorm renovations. After all, they already had a selling point: air-conditioned classrooms.

Bai Ge had no objection. With finite funds, the money absolutely had to go to the most crucial areas. “Agreed. Oh, Yao Yao-jie, do you know any construction teams?”

Song Yao thought for a moment and shook her head. “No. Gong Peixing’s factory was just rented; there was no need for renovation.” If they were back in her hometown, she could ask Song Ziwen, but here in the capital, she wouldn't know anyone. “Besides, this job only requires a simple crew for basic whitewashing.”

“Hiring a full decoration company seems wasteful,” Bai Ge remarked. Seeing that the school’s overall condition was decent, she had initially considered hiring a proper company for a nicer finish, but Wang Qiqi and the others had vetoed that idea. It was still a school, so major changes weren't necessary. Since they weren't adopting large-class teaching models, the current classroom size was perfect. Given the lack of major structural changes, hiring a basic crew would suffice.

“Leave this task to me. I’ll go ask around.” Song Yao had intended to pass the chore to Bai Ge, but then she remembered Bai Ge was quite busy with essential tasks like securing permits. Even though they had secured teachers, they couldn't keep them waiting indefinitely. “Even though I don’t know you, your brother-in-law might know a few people.” Song Yao recalled that her husband had managed the decoration of their commercial space in the capital; he might know a reliable small crew.

With someone willing to take on the task, the others readily agreed. “This way, we can save on renovation costs.” Bai Ge realized that expenses in one area were offset by savings in another, keeping the overall budget close to plan. “Overall, we are still within budget.” Bai Ge had worried they would run out of money and that the other three would have to contribute more, which put immense pressure on her—that was one reason she had opposed the initial spending spree. Now that the issue was resolved, Bai Ge still couldn't relax, as unexpected construction problems could still impact the budget.

Wang Qiqi thought the current arrangement was optimal. “The place is rented, so we aren't spending a fortune on decoration. We only signed a two-year lease. If we have the means to buy the building later, then we can renovate extensively. Decorating lavishly now is just improving the landlord’s property. When the contract ends, they might jack up the price, and if we can’t accept it, they’ll kick us out, and all our investment will be lost.”

“You think so? This location is quite remote; surely there’s high demand,” Bai Ge countered. She knew they got a bargain finding this place, but the landlord required them to rent the entire facility and operate within agreed parameters. Bai Ge couldn’t imagine any better tenants. If it were truly easy to rent out, it would have been taken long ago, letting her grab this chance.

“If the school does well, interested parties will certainly notice. Someone might make a move, offer a higher price than ours, and then tell us to leave. Do you think they’d continue renting to us?” Song Yao hadn't considered things that far ahead before. Now, realizing it wasn't their property and the lease was only for two years, there could be complications upon renewal, and she shuddered to think who would be crying then. “If this place could be sold, we should acquire it.” The space was large, so even if it were eventually demolished, they wouldn't lose too much, though that was impossible now without the capital.

Selling? Wang Qiqi strongly agreed with securing ownership of the location. Bai Ge forced a wry smile. “To acquire this place, money is the first issue, but more importantly, it involves multiple government departments. Renting only requires dealing with one department.” She was grateful for the administrative complexity; otherwise, someone would have noticed the large space already. “Someone has noticed the size and is considering taking it over, wanting to know what they plan to do with it.”

“If someone is already thinking strategically about this, we need to secure it...” Shi Man asked anxiously. If no one had considered the property’s potential, the school might have secured another lease renewal. But now, she had a sinking feeling they might not even last two years. If the owner used some subtle influence to take control of the property, they would be the ones losing out. “I still think owning our own place is best.” Although the initial investment would be large, it would be a fixed asset. Given the current situation in the capital, buying property was a guaranteed way to not lose money. Even if they moved later, the monthly rental income they could generate would be staggering.

Bai Ge hadn’t brought up the topic before, but she had certainly considered it. “If we were to start classes on our own property, we’d probably need at least a thousand square meters, which would increase expenditures significantly. But long-term renting isn't sustainable; rent rises every year. Who knows what it will be like in a few years?” At this point, Bai Ge regretted not having the resolve to sell one of their properties to purchase the commercial space her parents currently used for their business. If they had bought it, they wouldn't have to defer to the landlord’s whims, watching the rent climb annually. Moving meant losing the reputation built over these two years and losing established clientele. Staying meant that eventually, all their hard-earned money would go to the landlord. Bai Ge’s parents had inquired about the surrounding area before, and the conclusion was that the rental rates were all comparable.

“I agree.” Buying property was a good thing; Shi Man certainly wouldn't oppose it.

“I second that,” Song Yao added. She never objected to expanding the training institution, and owning their own premises was proof of their stability. “Let’s work hard to build up the training institution,” Song Yao declared determinedly.

“Yeah, let’s go!” The other three cheered with aspiration, though it would have been better without the untimely stomach growl from one member.

Bai Ge and the others turned their attention toward Shi Man, who made the disruptive and mood-killing sound. Shi Man felt quite wronged. “I usually eat a snack at home in the afternoons.” Even without a snack, she’d have treats to fill her stomach, but today, there were no treats, no snacks, plus all the climbing up and down this building, checking every classroom—the sheer amount of exercise warranted hunger.

“Let’s eat, let’s eat,” Song Yao said, looking at the aggrieved Shi Man. She was reminded of the two of them going on their massive supermarket shopping sprees, a thought that sent a chill down her spine. Especially since Shi Man often claimed she needed to lose weight, yet whenever they stocked up on snacks, she never held back, acting as if she weren't the one paying.

“Goodbye, goodbye.” Song Yao drove Bai Ge close to her home and said farewell, then started the car again to take Wang Qiqi back. “Qiqi, I actually wanted to ask if we should install used air conditioners in our school.” Song Yao had considered mentioning it earlier but worried Bai Ge might object, as installing secondhand units in a newly opened venture might make some people uncomfortable.

“Used AC?” Wang Qiqi genuinely didn’t care if the units were new; it wasn't for their personal use, so there was no need to fuss. The crucial point, however, was, “Will they work? What’s their appearance? We can’t have them looking completely dilapidated.”

“I don’t know about the appearance, but they definitely work. A client of mine works for a public institution, and she mentioned they were replacing their units recently. They got quite a good deal, too...” Song Yao figured AC units from a public institution must have been high quality; they wouldn't replace them just because they stopped working.

AC units retired from a public institution? Wang Qiqi and Shi Man exchanged excited glances. “Really? Sis, why didn’t you say so earlier?” If the units were from a factory, Wang Qiqi might have hesitated, but public institutions made it seem quite viable. “It really is better to be a civil servant; they replace their stock every few years.”

“I didn’t mention it before because I was worried Bai Ge would object. I wanted to discuss it with you first. If you think it’s a good idea, then we can bring it up with her.” Song Yao complained frankly, “If those public institutions didn’t replace their equipment, how would the logistics staff make a living? Never mind that; look at the factory where your brother-in-law used to work—they had to distribute so many labor supplies annually; imagine the kickbacks those people received, let alone building a house, think of all the money involved at every level...”

Wang Qiqi saw the agitated Song Yao and the slightly flushed Shi Man and quickly cut her off. If Song Yao continued, Shi Man’s face would turn scarlet. Shi Man’s father had also managed logistics at one point, and the unit he worked for was quite lucrative, implying substantial benefits. “If those people weren’t so greedy, we might not even get a bargain like this.”

Song Yao strongly agreed on that point. “Qiqi, working with Bai Ge on this venture has been surprisingly smooth. Look—from finding teachers to securing the location and now the renovation—we’ve progressed smoothly without any major hurdles. It’s like heaven is helping us.” Song Yao had become a true believer in the Old Master’s words; Qiqi was their god of wealth, and prosperity was almost guaranteed with her help. “Oh, I’m going to burn incense in a few days. Qiqi, are you coming?” Song Yao decided she absolutely had to thank the Old Master for his assistance and pray that Qiqi would live happily, healthily, and without disaster until she was a hundred, so Song Yao could continue to benefit immensely.

Burn incense? Shi Man pouted. “I’m not going.” After a busy day, she planned to stay home tomorrow and rest, perhaps studying stock charts, making sure to earn some money through the market with her boyfriend's guidance before it was too late.

“I’ll go,” Wang Qiqi said. She was quite keen on superstitious activities like burning incense. If it weren't for the Buddha's blessing, she wouldn't believe she had been reborn. And with such lovely weather, it would be a nice outing. The places Song Yao usually chose for incense burning were scenic spots; going there, having a vegetarian meal, and returning home would cover sightseeing, devotion, and good food all in one trip. “Manman, if you’re staying in tomorrow, discuss what my sister just mentioned with Bai Ge. If she agrees, have my sister check with the contact, and then we can go see the units.”

Shi Man wondered why it always fell to her to deliver such news. Did having fewer shares mean she was automatically saddled with the thankless, dirty work? That seemed utterly unfair. "White Dove is about to go to sleep. Can you really bear to deny her that rest?" Wang Qiqi thought of how White Dove's legs had been visibly trembling when she got out of the car.

Shi Man had no choice but to accept the task. "I'll have White Dove contact you regarding the specifics." My job is just relaying messages; I won't touch the decision-making part of this. RS