The elder was quite satisfied with the price Song Qiao offered. After much consideration, he left Song Qiao his phone number and expressed his intention to join the franchise.
In the span of just one afternoon, due to the immense popularity of Xiang Piaopiao, two loyal customers with a keen sense for business had already spotted an opportunity and expressed interest in franchising.
This caught Song Qiao by surprise. He quickly instructed A Wei to have someone follow up with these two potential franchisees for on-site evaluations, and eventually approved their applications.
With the substantial financial backing of Xiang Piaopiao, two franchised stores successfully opened in the city within just one week.
As the taste was identical to the flagship store, it immediately attracted a large number of customers, leading to queues forming outside.
In the afternoon, Song Qiao personally visited the two franchised stores. After ensuring everything was in order, he drove home.
Before even entering the house, he heard a lively commotion from the living room, indicating the presence of quite a few guests.
"Xiao Song, you're back."
His mother-in-law, seeing Song Qiao return, quickly beckoned him inside.
"These are all old relatives of our family. Let me introduce you: this is your second uncle, this is your paternal cousin..."
His mother-in-law was in high spirits and introduced these relatives to him one by one.
Although Song Qiao didn't recognize any of these relatives, he politely greeted each of them.
"Second Uncle, Cousin, Third Aunt, hello."
As he spoke, Song Qiao picked up the teapot and refilled their teacups.
"Xiao Song, you've really made it big these past couple of years. Your Xiang Piaopiao is famous even in the countryside," the second uncle said cautiously, accepting the teacup Song Qiao offered.
"Yes, Xiao Song. Your cousin is absolutely crazy about your stinky tofu. He often buys a big batch to bring home. Who knew this was your business," the paternal cousin chimed in with agreement.
Song Qiao smiled knowingly and modestly waved his hand.
"You elders are too kind. I was just lucky. Otherwise, I would have lost everything long ago."
Song Qiao always understood the importance of humility in business and would never get carried away by praise from relatives.
"Xiao Song, don't be so modest. In my opinion, you're the most successful person in our family now, the hope of our entire clan!"
The third aunt, a particularly influential figure, elevated Song Qiao to the status of family hope with her words.
This made Song Qiao a bit embarrassed, and he could only offer an awkward yet polite smile.
"Xiao Song, we came here today to discuss the matter of franchise stores with you..."
After some pleasantries, the second uncle finally couldn't contain himself and revealed the main purpose of their visit.
"We've seen how well your two franchised stores in the city are doing. They're like money trees. We figured since you're franchising to outsiders anyway, why not let us get involved and make some money too? After all, we're family, and surely more reliable than strangers," the paternal cousin, being straightforward, picked up the conversation after the second uncle spoke.
Song Qiao now understood the reason for their sudden visit. He didn't rush to answer, but instinctively glanced at his mother-in-law.
"Xiao Song, they are all old relatives we've known for years. If you can help them, please do so." His mother-in-law hesitated for a moment before advising Song Qiao.
"Yes, Xiao Song. We'll cover the investment for the franchise stores ourselves. We absolutely won't make things difficult for you..." The third aunt, who was closest to the mother-in-law, also persuaded him quietly.
For a moment, Song Qiao found himself in a dilemma.
He was internally reluctant to cooperate with these relatives, but given they would be interacting in the future, refusing them today might lead to envy and jealousy from some of them towards his wife's family.
"Auntie, there's no problem with franchising. It's just that the franchise fee is quite substantial, and it's not solely my decision to make regarding company matters... I can only offer you some preferential treatment." Song Qiao spoke diplomatically.
"How much would it be approximately?" the second uncle asked anxiously.
"Normally, it's around one hundred thousand, but since you are all my relatives, eight thousand should be enough in the end." Song Qiao considered his costs and replied to his relatives.
Upon hearing this, the second uncle's face fell, and he lowered his head in disappointment. He had been laid off in the past two years, and his family definitely couldn't afford to invest eighty thousand.
The paternal cousin and the third aunt's families, however, had no objections and nodded in agreement.
Seeing this, Song Qiao continued:
"After franchising, the parent company will take a percentage of your store's profits. The price I set for outsiders is twenty percent, but for you, I'll only take ten percent."
At this, the paternal cousin and the third aunt showed satisfied smiles, thinking that Xiao Song was indeed generous, significantly increasing their profit margins.
Before they could express their gratitude, Song Qiao's expression turned serious.
"But I have only one condition: the product quality must meet the contract requirements. Otherwise, I will have to reclaim the store."
This was Song Qiao's prerequisite for cooperation. If there was any slip-up in this regard, even at the risk of offending them, Song Qiao would never easily agree.
"Xiao Song, you can rest assured on this point. We will do our utmost and ensure we do even better than other franchisees." The paternal cousin and the third aunt, upon hearing this condition, both assured Song Qiao that there would be no issues with product quality.
Seeing their assurances, Song Qiao didn't say much more and handed them Lin Jing's phone number, instructing them to liaise directly with Lin Jing for future matters.
The paternal cousin and the third aunt, pleased with how smoothly things had gone, were in high spirits, leaving only the second uncle sitting somewhat forlornly on the sofa.
"Second Uncle, I heard you've been laid off these past two years?" After settling matters with the other two relatives, Song Qiao asked the second uncle.
The second uncle nodded sheepishly, a trace of embarrassment on his face.
"Xiao Song, I really can't afford the eighty thousand. Perhaps we should forget about it for now..."
Song Qiao nodded and suddenly said:
"Second Uncle, are you interested in working at my factory? I'm in need of some trustworthy management personnel. Since you are family, why not come and help me out for now?"
"I can guarantee that while your salary might not be as high as running a franchise, it will definitely be enough to support your family."
In front of the other two relatives, Song Qiao's words gave the second uncle a great deal of face.
"Xiao Song, are you serious about this?" The second uncle, who had been feeling despair, suddenly looked up in disbelief upon hearing this.