Shareholder Gambit and a Wild Ride
"Sis, I know you've never been with a man before, and Chu Fei is your first one, but you can't just throw two million at this! Aren't you worried Dad will chew you out?" Li Bing sounded genuinely hesitant.
"I'll handle my own business. What right does he have to butt in?" Li Xin snorted dismissively, then glanced at Chu Fei. "Besides, what does it matter if Chu Fei was my first? I'm a businesswoman. If there's money to be made, why pass it up?"
"Sis!! What kind of money can this Chu Fei guy even make? You're dropping two million for just 10% shares—how long will it take to break even?"
"That's exactly why you don't get it, and why you're still working for me." Li Xin waved off her sister, then turned to Chu Fei. "What do you say? My company's not massive, but it carries some weight in the industry. If I become a shareholder in your salon, you'll have a steady pipeline of clients right away. Think it over."
"I'll need to run it by the other two shareholders first." Chu Fei knew he wasn't flying solo anymore—he couldn't make calls like this on his own.
"Sure, no rush. I'll wait for your answer. Let's eat for now..."
"Sis! You're serious?" Li Bing still couldn't wrap her head around it.
"Yeah." Li Xin took a few bites, then paused and looked at Chu Fei. "That salon of yours is rented, right?"
"Yep."
"How much a month?"
"Around six thousand something, utilities not included."
"Two floors for just over six grand, and decent size too. Not a bad deal—is it the location?"
"Yeah, it's tucked inside a residential complex, no street frontage, not prime real estate, so the rent's cheap."
Chu Fei scratched his head. "You suggesting I find a better spot? That'd be tricky."
"Not at all. You don't need to scale huge. This spot's fine—quiet enough. Once it's renovated, it'll suit exactly the clientele you're after."
Li Xin paused thoughtfully. "What I'm really saying is, buy the damn place outright. You'd save on rent, but more importantly, dodge a ton of headaches."
"You mean..." Chu Fei blinked in surprise. He was still green when it came to the real world—nowhere near Li Xin's savvy.
"Say you blow up big and some jealous prick wants you gone. They buy out your landlord, and boom—you're out on your ass. All that renovation cash? Poof, wasted."
"Uh..."
"And that's just one trick in the book. Bottom line: if you want smooth sailing later, owning it is your best bet."
"Guess that means I can't turn down your two million after all..." Chu Fei gave a wry smile. She had a point—if rivals came knocking down the line, he'd be screwed without ownership. After a moment's thought, he nodded. "I'll do my best to convince Zhang Jie and Xie Jie to bring you on board."
After dinner, Chu Fei handed the car keys back to Li Bing. Li Xin and her sister had work at the company, so he was ready to head out. But Li Xin eyed the silent Jiang Ning. "How you planning to get her home? I've got spare cars sitting idle—take one for a spin."
"I couldn't possibly."
"No biggie. Bought one on a whim, barely drove it—doesn't fit my vibe. Might as well be yours... This way, it's a Jeep Wrangler."
"You got one of these?"
"Thought it looked badass at the time."
Li Xin chuckled. "Still do, honestly. But a girl like me driving it? Especially with my usual look? Nah. Have fun with it."
"Thing is, I don't even have a license yet."
"Get one. Shenzhen cops are sharp—as long as you don't break rules, no one's pulling you over."
"Mind if I take it for now?"
"Drive away! I'll be waiting on that good news from you soon."
When Chu Fei rolled out the dark green Jeep Wrangler, Jiang Ning waiting outside gawked again. "This one's no cheapie either. She just... gave it to you?"
"Yeah. Street price's around five hundred grand."
Chu Fei was buzzing. He'd always loved cars, and Wranglers topped the list—pure off-road beasts, wild and rugged, totally his style.
But a legit four-wheel-drive rig like this? He'd never imagined owning one. It still felt like a dream.
"You really her first guy? Then how come her sister's so chummy with you? What's the deal?"
"Friends. What else?"