Su Xiaotian had only recently remembered something important that she had almost forgotten.
Previously, during a system lottery, she had won a great item: a complete set of meat processing equipment, and it was upgradeable.
This meant that processing preserved meats into vacuum-sealed packaging was now possible.
Furthermore, she hadn't just won the equipment; the set came with twenty recipes.
When she received the reward, due to a conflict within the system and her own busyness at the time, this matter was simply forgotten.
During her trip to Rongcheng this time, she suddenly remembered it, and then communicated with the system in a structured manner.
The system's mood had finally calmed down, and it no longer got angry whenever she brought up the matter.
However, even though the system provided the equipment and recipes, actually making this venture happen was not an easy task.
Opening a factory required an investment far greater than opening a shop, so this matter needed to be carefully considered.
To raise funds, Su Xiaotian felt that she should go to the antique street to search for treasures in the coming days.
"We'll discuss this matter later. Let's first talk about where to open the shop."
Thinking about the卤味 (lǔwèi - preserved meat) processing grand plan that was temporarily impossible, Su Xiaotian decided to bring up the shop issue.
Chi Ge mentioned that their family had a two-story building facing the street. If it were tidied up, it would meet Su Xiaotian's requirements.
"However, although this two-story building faces the street, it's in a remote area. If too much capital is invested, we might lose money."
Chi Ge himself didn't quite understand the ins and outs of running a business.
"Grandpa Chi, where is the shop you mentioned located approximately?" Su Xiaotian asked curiously.
Old Beijingers, as long as their background was not poor, usually had some assets.
Their properties were confiscated back then, but many were returned in the past two years.
For example, Du Tonghe's family had several houses that were returned.
Professor Huo's family also had some of their industries returned.
Su Xiaotian didn't know about the Chi family's situation before, but from what she heard now, they should have some assets.
Chi Ge described the approximate location of his family's two-story building, and Su Xiaotian was delighted when she heard it.
This place was not remote at all; it was within the Third Ring Road. Not to mention a few years later, even now, the nascent signs of development could be seen.
"Grandpa Chi, a shop there already costs over three thousand yuan."
Chi Ge asked in surprise, "Such a high price? When that building was bought, it was only two thousand yuan."
"You've made a huge profit, old sir!" Su Xiaotian said, covering her mouth and smiling.
Everyone burst into laughter.
The next day was Sunday, and they decided to go and see the place in person to see if there were any areas that needed modification or planning.
"Setting up the shop won't happen overnight. We can't stop our business during this period. I wonder what the situation is with Third Uncle," Chi Yiyuan said.
Most of the goods they had were already sold. If Su Lao San was indeed going to run the Rongcheng route, they could contact Mu Mu during this trip and bring back another batch of goods.
As they were talking, Su Lao San entered, bringing a chill with him.
"This ghastly weather is so cold. Places like Rongcheng are so much better," Su Lao San said, hugging the brazier.
Su Xiaotian quickly poured Su Lao San a bowl of hot water.
"Dad, drink some hot water and you'll warm up. Why are you so cold?"
"When I went out this morning, the weather seemed fine, so I wore one less layer. Who knew the weather would change by evening? The cold wind was blowing fiercely, chilling me to the bone," Su Lao San said, taking the water and drinking a few sips before feeling warm.
"Spring warmth, autumn chill. You should wear more in this weather!" Chi Ge said, tucking his hands into his sleeves.
"I know. I won't dare to do this again."
"Third Uncle, what's the situation with the convoy? Has it been decided that you'll run the Rongcheng route?" Su Xiao Si asked eagerly.
Several days had passed, and it was said that the convoy was still discussing it.
"It's been decided. I'll be running this route with Xiao Zhao, and we'll also have someone capable of fighting," Su Lao San said after finishing the hot water in his bowl.
"That's great, Third Uncle. The goods here have all been sold. We're just waiting for you to run this route and bring back some fresh goods for us."
Hearing this good news, Su Xiao Si was almost clapping his hands in joy.
"Lao San, running long-distance freight is dangerous. You must pay attention to your safety."
Chi Ge, being older and more experienced, wasn't as happy as the children but was more worried.
Su Lao San had also considered this issue, but he now understood the principle of seeking wealth in danger.
This time, with the children lending him money, he had also made a small profit.
This small profit was more than his salary for the past few years.
He thought that as his children grew older, the expenses would definitely increase.
Especially since Xiao Wu was going to military school and wouldn't be earning money.
He couldn't have the other children owning houses in Beijing while Xiao Wu had nothing. Thus, he planned to help his eldest son accumulate wealth.
Running long-distance freight was a necessity.
Although the risk was high, the reward was also great, making it worthwhile.
Of course, the most important thing was that Su Lao San still had confidence in his own abilities.
Moreover, the convoy would also have two young men accompanying him. As long as they didn't encounter large-scale organized crime, there wouldn't be any problems.
"It's best that you have a sense of proportion. Lao San, you must remember, no matter when, money is never more important than life," Chi Ge said earnestly again.
Su Lao San nodded in agreement and repeatedly assured them that he would go and return safely.
After chatting for a while longer, Chi Ge and his grandson Chi Yiyuan prepared to go home.
"Grandpa Chi, Brother Yiyuan, it's cold outside. Since we'll be together tomorrow anyway, why don't you stay here tonight?" Su Xiaotian, thinking of the biting cold wind outside, quickly suggested.
The Chi grandfather and grandson didn't stand on ceremony and readily agreed to stay.
As for the siblings Su Xiaomei and Xiao Gang, they also directly expressed their intention to stay and go to see the shop together the next day.
That night, Su Lao San returned to his room and excitedly told his wife Liang Xiu about making a lot of money.
Liang Xiu, unaware of the dangers on the road, was happy to hear it.
"You're right to consider it. Our Xiao Wu is going to military school, and his future life will definitely not be comparable to that of other children. As parents, we should help him as much as we can," Liang Xiu agreed wholeheartedly with Su Lao San.
Xiao Wu was going to military school and would likely join the army in the future, so how could he be compared to other children?
She wondered if the child would regret his choice in the future.
"Xiao Wu is someone who won't turn back once he's made up his mind. Since he's decided to join the army, he will definitely work towards his goal. You don't need to worry about him."
Having lived together for many years, Su Lao San understood Liang Xiu's feelings.
Comforted by her husband, Liang Xiu's worries lessened.
Su Lao San fell asleep with dreams of making a fortune.
Su Xiao Si, however, returned to his room and couldn't sleep. Instead, he busied himself planning for future business ventures.
Their business would definitely be a collaborative effort, so there needed to be a framework.
Who would contribute capital, who would contribute labor, who would hold the majority stake, and who would make the final decisions – these things must be decided in advance, otherwise, conflicts might arise in the future.