Chapter 645: Chapter 353: Acting at Will
In this world, many things can be solved with money.
So, from Chen Feng’s perspective, his uncle’s relationship issues were not a big deal, especially since the money he put forward wasn’t just given away for free; it was considered an investment.
Solving the issue with a "small amount of money," Chen Feng believed it was certainly worth it to fulfill his filial duties so his mother wouldn’t have to worry about his uncle anymore.
Zhao Guozhong, of course, wouldn’t foolishly oppose his nephew’s arrangement and was instead very appreciative and satisfied.
As the saying goes, he’s not dumb. Although he’s currently entangled in his emotions and infatuated with Mao Xiaoling, he understands that Chen Feng’s arrangement is for his benefit.
If Mao Xiaoling agreed to Chen Feng’s arrangement and terms, she would be tied to this convenience store, making it hard for her to leave Zhao Guozhong in the future.
As long as the store does well in business, Mao Xiaoling could earn a good amount yearly, stabilizing her relationship with Zhao Guozhong.
However, Zhao Guozhong was very infatuated with his girlfriend Mao Xiaoling, and he tried his best to fight for her interests.
"Ah Feng, I agree with and am satisfied with your arrangement. I have no problem taking on the role of store manager without pay, but don’t you think giving her a 30% profit share is a bit low? I think a 40% share could work too."
"Uncle, if you want a restless woman to genuinely settle down with you, you have to offer her some benefits, but you can’t feed her too much all at once. A 40% profit share is too high. If she makes enough money quickly, she might open her own convenience store or small supermarket, then do you think she would kick you to the curb?"
Zhao Guozhong’s eyes widened in realization and quickly said, "You’re right. I think a 30% profit share is too high, 20% would be enough. Don’t underestimate those street convenience stores; it’s normal for them to earn two to three hundred thousand a year, especially those that sell tobacco and alcohol on the side; the profits are really high. And the location of that store on Revitalization Road in Yuelou Town is excellent, with a large flow of people, so if business is good, earning four to five hundred thousand a year is possible. At a 30% profit share, she could take home over ten thousand a year. Then, she might go independent in the second year. At that time, she...she might really break up with me."
After thinking about it, Chen Feng said, "Alright, you negotiate the specific profit share with her; press it down as much as possible. Also, to get her agreement, promise her that the annual profit share won’t be less than eighty thousand. If it’s less, I’ll make up the difference."
"This is good, really good." Zhao Guozhong said happily, "Eighty thousand a year, with two kids to support, she won’t save much at the end of the year, leaving her without the capital to start anew."
"Alright, let’s do it this way. You go talk to her. I’ll also inform my mom so she’s aware. If she agrees, tomorrow morning we’ll go and lease the store together."
"Okay, okay. Ah Feng, you’re truly a good nephew!" Zhao Guozhong said with great emotion, his face radiant, "The proudest thing I’ve ever done was saving you from the river back then. Otherwise, where would I be getting my shot at success now? Really, thank you."
Chen Feng remained unmoved, responding calmly, "The favor you did for me back then, my family and I have already repaid. Now, I can help you mainly because of my mom. However, uncle, let me make it clear: I can help you once or twice, but not for a lifetime. You’re not young anymore; it’s better to keep a low profile in the future.
To keep a woman like Mao Xiaoling, it’s simple yet complicated; you need to give her benefits but not let her be too satisfied all at once. Also, if you’re sincere about spending the rest of your life with her, don’t be servile or constantly calculating; be genuine. In short, you’re old enough to understand these principles yourself; think it over slowly. I hope you can live a good life in the future."
Although his nephew’s words made him a little uncomfortable, he knew his nephew was exceptional, having the qualifications and power, especially since he now relied entirely on this nephew. So, he obediently nodded, "You’re right. I’ll remember that. In the future, I’ll slowly assert myself in front of her because, after all, I’m the store manager. Of course, this will take time. Right now, I’m the one seeking her, not the other way around."
"Good, as long as you understand. Let’s go."
The two stood up and left the office. Then Zhao Guozhong drove off in his second-hand Mazda, while Chen Feng stayed to chat with his brother Chen Rui, who was helping wash cars.
Chen Rui was very curious about whether Chen Feng had successfully persuaded their little uncle, so he quickly asked.
The family thought that Chen Feng was talking to their uncle alone to persuade him to break up with Mao Xiaoling.
But Chen Feng had different plans.
After listening to Chen Feng’s arrangement, Chen Rui couldn’t help but smile wryly and said, "You’re really good to our uncle. After he cared so much for you when you were little, he now gets to benefit from a good deed."
Chen Feng smiled but didn’t offer much explanation.
Returning home, Chen Feng told his mother about it.
After hearing it, Zhao Xiaolan wasn’t as angry as expected. Instead, she looked at Chen Feng with satisfaction and said, "You’ve done your utmost for your uncle by doing this. I hope in the future your uncle can genuinely make it work with this woman, so your deceased grandparents can be at peace."
Seeing that his mom wasn’t distressed over her son’s money, Chen Feng wasn’t surprised. His mom had always been harsh verbally but soft-hearted, and since the little uncle was her own brother, with their parents deceased, as a sister, she had to shoulder some responsibility.
"Mom, don’t worry. Besides some calculations, this woman can’t be said to be bad. If she can genuinely live well with uncle in the future, it’s also good. Honestly, uncle is ten years older than her; if she’s willing to be with him, uncle is the one benefiting."
Chen Feng wasn’t lying; given his uncle’s circumstances and the age difference, there wasn’t much more to ask if she treated him well.
"Hopefully." Zhao Xiaolan, however, wasn’t very confident.
That evening, after several communications between the parties, Zhao Guozhong and Chen Feng reached a formal cooperation agreement with Mao Xiaoling.
The profit share was ultimately set at 25%, with an annual minimum of 100,000 set as well.
During these telephone negotiations, Zhao Guozhong played the role of someone actively fighting for Mao Xiaoling’s interests, which made Mao Xiaoling very satisfied afterward, even slightly gaining favor from her mother, earning him a smile once the deal was made. This left Zhao Guozhong flattered and surprised.
The next morning, Chen Feng arranged for his lawyer, Chen Yaobo, who had helped him set up a will, and brought along Wu Mengting, his nominal girlfriend and assistant, to Yuelou Town.
75-79 Revitalization Road used to be three small storefronts belonging to one landlord, which had been merged into one. Previously, a clothing store operated there and did well, but for unknown reasons, the owner decided to close it, leaving the space vacant.
The location of this store is excellent, benefiting from Yuelou Town’s prosperous economy, with many wealthy people and numerous outsiders, attracting a large flow of people, ensuring that business would undoubtedly thrive.