Chapter 51 - Bai Zimo — Let’s Go Big
Chapter 51 Bai Zimo — Let’s Go Big
“Travel agency? Running a cruise ship?”
“Exactly! We’re done with freight. Passenger transport isn’t competitive either. We’re not fast—so let’s go even slower.”
Not only is the Beijing-Shanghai expressway open now. There are also more highways near the canal.
In terms of time…
The canal can’t compare with highways.
In terms of capacity…
They can’t compete there either.
Li Yan asked doubtfully, “Going slower will actually bring in business?”
“Reverse thinking! Life is speeding up, so there will definitely be people who want to slow down—even if it’s just for one trip.”
“Hua, can we pull this off?”
“Mom, I’m with Zimo on this.”
Bai Zimo smiled.
“At the very least, it won’t be harder than now, right? Letting go of anxiety makes it easier to move forward.”
The Olympic year is almost here!
Domestic tourism is about to boom, and the tertiary industry will no longer be just a side gig. Plus, at this time, whether it’s for permits or land acquisition, it’s relatively easy.
Even if Bai Zimo doesn’t make money right away, the long-term potential is solid.
“What should I do?”
“You’re a veteran of canal navigation. You know all the cultural and scenic spots along the canal better than anyone.”
“I can’t do it. And what about Boss Xie?!”
“You—are too blindly loyal!”
Li Yan was fuming. Their own family couldn’t make ends meet, yet he was still worried about someone else.
Boss Xie’s family is struggling too, but their foundation is stronger than theirs.
“It’s not that I don’t want to. I just can’t. I’m uneducated and bad at talking. I can drive a boat, but tourism? Not my thing.”
Hua turned his head away.
Truly exhausted.
_____
I got Zimo to give you a way out, and now you’re backing down?
How am I supposed to face Zimo after this?
“Dad, what are you afraid of? You weren’t scared when lending money, even knowing you might not get it back! But you’re afraid of messing up a job?”
Come on.
What if Bai Zimo ends up as your son-in-law?
What are you even afraid of?
If you don’t seize the opportunity, you’ll only fall further behind.
“Don’t talk about the money-lending stuff anymore! I know what I’m doing!”
Bai Zimo waved his hand.
“Hua, don’t get worked up! Uncle Xia, if you’re going to lend money, don’t touch Aunt Yan’s hard-earned cash. Even if it’s your own money, only use your surplus. Don’t go broke trying to show off.”
“Zimo’s absolutely right. We’ll do it that way from now on.”
“…Ah, but a couple’s money isn’t really separate!”
“If you want to try starting a business, do it yourself. Don’t give money away for someone else to experiment with! You have to keep the opportunity in your own hands.”
“Yes, yes, you’re right.”
“Cooperation has to be voluntary. If you want Boss Xie involved, then let’s go big.”
“Huh?”
“Besides Wanghe’s family, let’s bring in Haikuo’s, Xingchi’s—get them all involved. Siyi’s family already has a stake, anyway.”
Huajie Courtyard.
The weekend.
The families gathered again in the courtyard!
This time, even the kids sat at the table. Siyi’s grandma and Zimo’s grandma were also there.
_______
“Come, come! It’s been a while since we got together—everyone dig in!”
“Haha, the feast was packed from the Canal Folks restaurant.”
“Nonsense, Zimo’s footing the bill today.”
“No way, many dishes were contributed by all of us!”
“Hua, stop running around.”
“Siyi, come sit. We’ve got two tables!”
“Hey, hey, you three still playing ‘Ace’ (card game)?”
That scene felt like the old days again. Everyone pitched in. Everyone shared the reward. They all knew deep down how they had once come together, and how they eventually drifted apart.
Life pressure had simply worn them down. Complaints and resentments naturally followed.
Xie Tiancheng, outspoken as ever, said, “I mean it! This thing hasn’t been talked about—feels like something stuck in my throat.”
“You’re such a buzzkill!”
Liang Haihong gave him a slap. But Boss Xie was right—everyone was waiting for today to speak up. In the previous generation, it was Xie Tiancheng, Boss Xie, who held the whole courtyard together. And in this generation—it was Bai Zimo stepping up to lead.
“Good! At last, someone from the younger generation is stepping up.”
Zhou Yipu, the old man Zhou, was relieved. He had deep affection for the canal and knew the situation in the courtyard well. But he was old now—only able to watch and worry. So naturally, Bai Zimo was the one everyone placed their hopes on.
Not only did he have ideas, he had always had a knack for making money since he was young.
“Zimo, tell everyone your plan.”
“Got it!”
“In the near future! I plan to set up a travel company focused on canal-based cultural tourism.”
This time everyone was a little surprised, but not exactly shocked. After all, there was already the Time Inn as a precedent.
They could say Bai Zimo wasn’t great at studying, but they definitely couldn’t say he wasn’t good at coming up with ideas to make money. It was just that starting a company… sounds kind of fancy!