Chapter 52 - Half a Life of Storms and Cold, Half a Life of Toil Without Rest
Chapter 52 Half a Life of Storms and Cold, Half a Life of Toil Without Rest
“I’m proposing a plan for everyone to consider. Well, not so much to consider—more like asking for your help.”
“A cultural tourism project naturally requires food, clothing, shelter, and transportation. See what you can contribute!”
Working together or bringing them in as partners—either way was fine. But Bai Zimo wasn’t going to play the saint.
Lending money? How much is too much?
Helping out? How long does help last before it becomes a burden?
A favor of a peck of rice breeds gratitude, a favor of a bushel breeds resentment. This was the hard-earned wisdom of the ancestors.
If you want to help, contribute something real. And rules must be set when doing business.
When Bai Zimo asked for help, everyone understood—it meant joining in, one way or another.
Xie Tiancheng chuckled.
“Zimo, impressive! One company after another!”
The last one was the “Time Inn” homestay chain. Now it was a canal sightseeing tourism company. Looking at Bai Zimo now—it was like looking at the kind of kid other parents always praise!
Bai Zimo and Xie Wanghe were both bright, but neither had done well in school. Yet Bai Zimo had already made something of himself. While Xie Wanghe was still stuck in daydreams.
“You’re too kind. It’s all thanks to the example set by the older generation. Uncle Xie, I might need to trouble you with something.”
“Go on, say it. Leave it to me.”
“My family’s got a plot of land. It’s just sitting there. See if it’s possible to change its land-use classification.”
Xie Tiancheng nodded.
“I’ll ask around.”
“If it can be changed, great. If not, no worries. Thanks for your trouble!”
That vegetable garden of Bai Zimo’s family used to be where his grandmother grew herbs.
It was a decent-sized plot, but currently designated for agricultural use. It would eventually go to waste. If possible, he wanted to reclassify it as industrial or commercial land.
That way, he could build structures or a small plant—To produce that fish bait formula he got as a system reward.
_____
“Zimo, how exactly are you planning to handle this food-clothing-shelter-transport setup?”
“For food, Uncle Zhou’s Canal Folk Restaurant is perfect for deep collaboration.”
“For clothing, we can develop accessories, trinkets, maybe some Hanfu apparel.”
“For lodging, my Time Inn now has 12 branches.”
“For transportation, I plan to buy a tour boat and have one of the uncles operate it.”
“Also, we’ll need onboard tour guides. Aunt Ling would be a great fit.”
Xie Tiancheng was momentarily stunned. He had thought Bai Zimo was trying to revitalize the cargo boat business. He didn’t expect him to pull the rug out from under it and start something entirely new!
“So… what about my cargo boat business? Should I still be running it?”
“That’s up to you. Either sell and cut losses, or sink slowly with it over the next few years.”
“It’s not just mine. The boat belongs to all of us!”
Xie Tiancheng grew anxious.
He was reminding everyone—Their previous business had been a joint venture.
“Dad, you’re not even collecting freight fees anymore. You can’t keep going like this.”
Xie Tiancheng stubbornly responded, “What do you know? That’s our career!”
“What career? I…”
Xie Wanghe wanted to argue, but his mother tugged his sleeve. In public, she had to save her husband some dignity.
Sigh.
Everyone sighed.
Of course it wasn’t easy to let go.
Xie Tiancheng had his pride.
“Wanghe, don’t rush him. Uncle Xie isn’t wrong either. He’s been in the cargo business for half his life—it’s not a decision to be made lightly.”
Half a life of storms, half a life of cold!
Half a life of toil, never catching a break!
Bai Zimo did, in fact, respect Xie Tiancheng. Back in the day, it was his courage and vision that got everyone together to buy boats and run a shipping business.
_____
Zhou Yanlin thought for a moment and asked, “Have you considered the investment side? It’s going to be a significant amount.”
“I’ll figure out the money part. I’ve got a plan in mind. The main thing is to see what everyone thinks—whether you want to collaborate.”
Bai Zimo glanced around the room and got straight to the point—
“Option one: I take the lead, you invest. We hire professionals for valuation. Contribute according to your means—cooperation for mutual gain.”
“Option two: I run the show, you either work for me or partner up in specific roles. No risk on your end.”
“I’d like everyone to give me an answer in a week.”
After Bai Zimo finished speaking, silence fell over the room. Of course, if there’s money to be made, they’d want in.
But what if there isn’t? They couldn’t take another hit!
For Bai Zimo—A loss was just a loss. He had the system—he had backup. If this tourism company failed, he could just start another.
But for the people in the little Flower Street courtyard, that wasn’t the case. They had already been burned by a failed investment. Now, they lacked the courage to invest again.
But if they didn’t invest and only earned a modest salary, it felt unsatisfying. And if the company ended up limping along, they’d be stuck.
“Alright, let’s eat first. Don’t just sit there. Zimo said you’ve got a week—no rush!”
Old Man Zhou tried to smooth things over.
“And Zimo—you still need to keep up your studies! Otherwise, who’ll steer this company of yours?”
Everyone came back to their senses.
Yes, Bai Zimo was still just a kid.