Qin Chuan's question was abrupt, catching Zheng Chengdao, Bai Xiaoguang, and Yao Dong off guard.
Moments later, as the three recovered, they exchanged glances, and a spark of uncontrolled surprise and excitement flickered in each of their eyes.
Qin Chuan's question resonated perfectly with their current state of mind.
Why had they remained silent for so long, only to eventually open up about their past experiences to Qin Chuan?
For those new to society, this question might be baffling. But for those who truly understood the game, the answer was clear: they wanted to join him.
Ever since they saw that Qin Chuan, in addition to his flagship store, was also involved in a real estate project requiring even larger investments and more manpower, Zheng Chengdao, Bai Xiaoguang, and Yao Dong had harbored thoughts of pledging their allegiance.
Especially considering Qin Chuan's youth, and the fact that this was their shared hometown. Having struggled in the outside world for several years, the three of them knew firsthand how difficult survival could be.
All these factors had already tipped the scales in Qin Chuan's favor.
Now, with Qin Chuan suddenly posing a question that perfectly aligned with their desires, it was like finding a pillow just when they felt sleepy.
"Boss, we are willing!"
"Thank you, Boss, for taking us in!"
"Boss is so righteous!"
Zheng Chengdao, Bai Xiaoguang, and Yao Dong exclaimed excitedly, thanking Qin Chuan profusely and bowing deeply.
"Haha!!"
"From now on, we're all family, no need to be so formal!"
Qin Chuan was equally delighted. These three capable individuals had always been on his mind, and now that they were under his wing, a long-held wish was fulfilled.
His initial team had grown stronger!
This provided a more solid foundation for future plans and development.
Lately, he had been contemplating what other businesses he could venture into to prevent his bank account from continuously shrinking.
To outsiders, Qin Chuan seemed to be thriving. Not only was his flagship store booming, but the real estate project was also progressing steadily.
Yet, only Qin Chuan knew that his success was merely on the surface. Although the flagship store was doing well, he only held a ten percent stake, meaning his annual earnings were not substantial.
As for the construction site, it was like a ravenous mythical beast, impossible to satisfy.
In just over half a month since construction began, over three hundred thousand yuan had been invested.
Qin Chuan's total capital was only two million yuan. To complete the entire real estate project according to his vision, there was still a considerable shortfall.
Therefore, Qin Chuan's most pressing task was to find another avenue to make money while he still had principal capital. Otherwise, if the two million yuan were depleted before the buildings were completed, it would be disastrous!
But what other business should he pursue?
Qin Chuan found himself in a dilemma. Even with his foreknowledge as a reincarnated individual, aware of the economic trends of the next twenty-plus years, he felt lost when suddenly needing to make a quick profit to supplement the ravenous appetite of the real estate venture.
The year 1998 presented immense opportunities in both real estate and the internet, that much was undeniable. However, both required significant upfront investment of both time and money. The latter, in particular, was even more demanding than real estate.
Neither was a quick-money business, yet Qin Chuan desperately needed to earn quickly to ensure a smooth cash flow.
Qin Chuan spent the entire day lost in thought, contemplating what other ventures could yield fast returns.
Unbeknownst to him, night had fallen, signaling the end of the day.
At the flagship store, Qin Chuan and Li Ya quietly awaited the financial report on the day's sales. When Xiao Li, the accountant, finally announced the final figures, everyone's face lit up with radiant smiles.
Today's sales performance totaled one hundred and five thousand, six hundred and seventy-two yuan!
With an additional thousand members joining, and including the first day's sales, the total revenue had reached an astonishing over two hundred and seventy thousand yuan.
In an eighteenth-tier small county town, this was an absolutely phenomenal achievement, equivalent to the annual revenue of an average establishment.
In just two days, not only had the initial investment for Butterfly Apparel Factory been recouped, but a substantial profit had also been made. Li Ya exuded an undeniable excitement, her whole being seeming to glow.
The other staff members were also pleased. A thriving business meant good things for them too, with bonuses and other benefits assured. It was a collective success where everyone shared in the prosperity.
Observing the radiant smiles on everyone's faces in the store, Qin Chuan remained calm, judiciously administering a dose of realism to everyone.
The exceptional sales performance of the past two days was primarily due to the fact that such a high-end establishment had never before appeared in Yongnan County. People were drawn to novelty and excitement. Driven by the herd mentality, many had made impulsive purchases.
However, such colossal sales figures would not last indefinitely. Once the initial excitement subsided and promotional activities ceased, business for any store would naturally return to normal.
At that point, sales would likely plummet dramatically, potentially dropping to only a few hundred yuan per day, or even less. Everyone needed to be prepared for this, as this was the reality of normal business.
Once business stabilized, the apparel factory's focus should shift to dedicated research and development, creating more trendy clothing, rather than resting on its laurels.
Simultaneously, the sales team needed to be expanded, exploring opportunities to promote their apparel to other county towns, cities, or even larger provincial cities.
Qin Chuan's words cast a quiet spell over the entire store, with every employee wearing an expression of attentive learning, and even Li Ya was no exception.
The astonishing sales results of the past two days had made Li Ya feel somewhat overconfident, subconsciously harboring the illusion that making money was that easy.
With Qin Chuan's gentle reminder, she gradually returned to a more grounded mindset, agreeing wholeheartedly with his assessment.
Yongnan County was indeed too small, with a total population of less than two hundred thousand. The market would eventually reach saturation. For Butterfly Apparel Factory to continue generating remarkable profits, it could not remain confined to a single county.
Instead, it needed to broaden its horizons and quickly explore markets in other counties.
A little past ten o'clock at night, after dinner, Qin Chuan drove, with Li Ya in the passenger seat and Zheng Chengdao, Bai Xiaoguang, and Yao Dong squeezed into the back.
As long as the Guo family's retaliation had not yet materialized, the three would need to remain vigilant at all times.
The Santana pulled up below the small two-story building where Li Ya resided. Zheng Chengdao and the other two alighted and headed towards a row of houses across the street.
This was their current living quarters, chosen for convenience. Should any trouble arise, they could hear a shout from across the road.
Qin Chuan then entered the small building with Li Ya.
Ever since their relationship had progressed beyond a certain point, Qin Chuan had openly moved in. As he had no other place in the county town, he considered this his temporary home.
Every night, not only did he have a fragrant woman to hold, but their relationship also deepened. Why wouldn't he embrace this?
Moreover, Li Ya was incredibly gentle, truly embodying the ideal wife.
She not only helped him peel fruits but also prepared his bath water. Sometimes, when Qin Chuan was tired, Li Ya would even offer him a massage.
The sound of trickling water emanated from the bathroom, indicating Li Ya was showering.
Meanwhile, Qin Chuan sat on the sofa, a cigarette between his fingers, wisps of smoke curling upwards. He was still contemplating what other small business he could undertake to earn some money.
This money needed to be not only quick to acquire but also stable, without any troublesome issues like outstanding debts that couldn't be collected.