(Second update, seeking subscriptions and monthly tickets)
Originally, Ye Chen wanted to spend a bit more money.
But after buying the watch, Xia Yingluo wouldn't let Ye Chen spend another cent no matter what.
Left with no choice, Ye Chen had to give up.
Ye Chen received another 400,000 in cashback.
Seeing there was truly no chance to fleece the system anymore, Ye Chen had to take Xia Yingluo to start on the serious business: scouting locations for the new store.
Ye Chen quickly decided on the location for the new store.
Actually, Ye Chen had already thought of this location before.
In his past life, Ye Chen had always worked in Hangzhou, so he knew this place all too well.
If nothing else, Ye Chen knew better than anyone which Shopping Mall would develop better.
Although the location was good, it was also very expensive.
After all, this was the central Commercial Street of the provincial capital; even in 2008, every inch of land was worth its weight in gold.
The rent for the store, plus the subsequent renovations, cost Ye Chen one million.
Ye Chen also received over three million in cashback, and the money in his private stash kept growing.
Now, Ye Chen didn't have to worry about the additional investment for Shared Bikes.
For the renovations, Ye Chen still used the same company that renovated the Jiangzhou store.
After all, they understood Ye Chen's requirements better.
Since Ye Chen was willing to spend and the renovation company worked hard, the construction period was finally set at one month... Han Jiaqi stood blankly in the hotel lobby, feeling a bit flustered.
Why did the boss call her to Hangzhou, and why was the meeting at a hotel?
Scenes from TV dramas about bosses using hidden rules on employees even flashed through Han Jiaqi's mind.
Of course, Ye Chen hadn't called Han Jiaqi over to use hidden rules on her, but because he wanted her to be the manager of the Hangzhou branch.
After all, Ye Chen, Xia Yingluo, and Li Sitong were all going to Kyoto; they needed someone capable of handling things on their own in the provincial capital.
Although Song Yuyu was also a good candidate, she was still too green compared to Han Jiaqi.
Han Jiaqi was not only experienced but also more steady in her work.
Therefore, Ye Chen discussed it with Xia Yingluo and decided to make Han Jiaqi the person in charge of the provincial store.
"Boss, I've arrived."
"Okay, I'll come out to get you."
Soon, Ye Chen arrived in the hotel lobby.
"Let's go, we'll head to the room."
Han Jiaqi didn't move and said blankly, "Boss, are we going to talk about business?"
Ye Chen nodded: "Yeah, it's just to talk about business."
Han Jiaqi said seriously, "Boss, I won't sell my dignity for a promotion!"
Ye Chen: "???"
He finally understood why this girl had panic in her eyes when he saw her.
Ye Chen was very frustrated.
Is my image really that bad?
Am I that kind of person?
Ye Chen smiled awkwardly: "Don't worry, Yingluo is here too."
Hearing that Xia Yingluo was there, Han Jiaqi finally breathed a sigh of relief and followed Ye Chen into the elevator.
Arriving at the room, Ye Chen sat in front of a chair, with Xia Yingluo sitting beside him.
Han Jiaqi was still a bit stiff, standing in front of the two.
After all, previously, Ye Chen and Han Jiaqi had interacted as students.
But today, being in a five-star hotel made Han Jiaqi suddenly realize that Ye Chen was no longer just a student, but her boss.
"Sister Jiaqi, why are you being so polite today? This isn't my style," Ye Chen said with a smile.
Ye Chen didn't like the feeling of being high and mighty, and he didn't want his employees to feel a sense of distance from him.
Although he was the boss, he preferred to get along with his subordinates like friends.
After all, when Ye Chen worked in his past life, he really disliked those leaders who constantly put on airs.
"I... it's just... I feel a bit..."
Han Jiaqi didn't know how to explain it either.
"What, do you feel like because I booked a room in a five-star hotel, I'm some rich guy, a big boss now?"
Han Jiaqi nodded awkwardly.
Ye Chen laughed: "If you like, I can book a room for you in this hotel too. Since you don't have a place to work from yet, how about staying here?"
Han Jiaqi's eyes lit up upon hearing this.
She had never stayed in a five-star hotel before and really wanted to try.
However, she caught sight of the transparent bathroom and the large bathtub inside.
Looking at Xia Yingluo on the side, Han Jiaqi shuddered.
No, the boss must have a scheme.
"Boss, no need. I've already made arrangements; I'll stay at my aunt's house for the next few days," Han Jiaqi said hurriedly.
"And..."
Ye Chen looked at Han Jiaqi and asked, "And what?"
Han Jiaqi gritted her teeth and said, "I can't disturb the world of you two, right?"
As she spoke, her gaze even swept over that large bathtub.
Her face wore an expression that said 'I'm very sensible and considerate of my boss'.
Ye Chen and Xia Yingluo were confused at first, but when they saw Han Jiaqi's gaze fixed on that heart-shaped bathtub...
Xia Yingluo's pretty face instantly turned red.
"Sister Jiaqi, you might have misunderstood..."
"Don't worry, Boss. I definitely won't tell anyone. I know nothing happened between you two."
Xia Yingluo wanted to explain, but she was directly interrupted by Han Jiaqi.
Ye Chen was also a bit embarrassed: "Ahem, Jiaqi, actually, Yingluo and I have a very pure relationship..."
Han Jiaqi: "Mm-hmm, Boss, you two are the purest."
Ye Chen looked at the strange expression on Han Jiaqi's face.
It clearly said: 'I know everything, I won't say anything, don't worry.'
It wasn't surprising that Han Jiaqi was thinking things.
A big bed and a sexy bathtub!
You're telling me it's pure? Do you take me for a fool?
Han Jiaqi didn't believe it at all.
She still admired him in her heart; as expected of President Ye, he really knew how to have fun.
This bathtub could easily fit two or three beauties with room to spare.
As expected of President Ye who stays in five-star hotels, he really knows how to have fun... Ye Chen felt very wronged.
In the two days they had been in Hangzhou, he really hadn't done anything.
Well, regarding sleeping at night, they did share a bed, but the final step hadn't been completed yet.
Although the two of them held each other at night, Xia Yingluo still guarded the final line of defense very tightly.
Despite Ye Chen's sweet talk and temptations, he still returned empty-handed.
As for that bathtub, Ye Chen indeed had a few fantasies at first.
But whenever Xia Yingluo showered, she would kick him out; he hadn't succeeded at all.
Looking at the shy Xia Yingluo beside him, Ye Chen constantly reminded himself.
The nurturing process is not yet successful; I must continue to work hard.
Although a small step had been successfully taken.
The road ahead was still long and difficult... Seeing that Han Jiaqi was unwilling to stay, Ye Chen didn't force it.
After the three of them moved past this topic, the barrier between them completely disappeared.
"Sister Jiaqi, Yingluo, Si Tong, and I discussed it and decided to carry out some reforms on the Hot Pot Restaurant."
Hearing that they were going to talk about serious business, Han Jiaqi's expression also became serious.
"Boss, how do you plan to reform it?"
Since it might involve her own interests, Han Jiaqi's attitude became more formal.