Siheyuan: I just want to live

After lunch, the sun shone through the window into the living room of the Li family, forming patches of mottled light and shadow. After Chen Feng stayed at the Li family for a while, he stood up and said goodbye to Old Man Li.

He smiled and shook hands with Old Man Li, thanked him for his warm hospitality and said he would visit again next time he had the chance.

After returning to the courtyard, Chen Feng asked the children to play in the yard first, and then he walked into the living room.

He picked up the thermos and skillfully made three cups of steaming hot tea. The aroma of tea immediately filled the entire living room.

Chen Feng picked up two of the cups of tea, walked to Jin Ling and Lou Xiao'e, and handed the tea to them with a smile.

Jin Ling and Lou Xiao'e took the teacups, felt the temperature in the cups, gently blew away the hot air on the surface, and then took small sips to taste it.

Chen Feng looked at how they were enjoying themselves, and he also picked up a cup of tea, sitting at the table and sipping it slowly.

The tea slid down the throat, bringing a faint fragrance and warmth.

After a while, Lou Xiao'e put down the teacup in her hand, her eyes fell on Chen Feng, as if she was thinking about something.

Finally, she asked, "Chen Feng, why didn't you agree to Uncle Li's request when we were at Li's house just now? It doesn't cost much to invest in a restaurant. Even if I lose money in the end, I can afford it."

When Lou Xiao'e spoke, her beautiful eyes revealed an indifferent expression, as if she was indifferent to everything.

Chen Feng stared at the woman in front of him who exuded the aura of a wealthy person. The corners of his mouth slightly raised, revealing a faint smile.

He asked softly, "Why, are you really planning to invest in opening a restaurant?"

Lou Xiao'e's eyes met Chen Feng's. When she saw his smiling face, a ripple arose in her heart and a slight blush appeared on her cheeks.

She lowered her head shyly and answered in a soft voice, "Actually, every time I come back, it's for the purpose of investigating investment and doing business, but every time I just talk about it, using this as a cover. I don't take any real action. I feel a little embarrassed if this continues."

She paused and continued, "Uncle Li just happened to bring this up today, and I thought since I'm going to do it, it shouldn't cost much to open a restaurant, so I'll just invest."

After hearing Lou Xiao'e's words, the smile on Chen Feng's lips did not disappear, but in his heart he already knew what Lou Xiao'e was thinking.

Although everyone present knew the real purpose of Lou Xiao'e's return, using investment inspection as an excuse was not a long-term solution.

After thinking for a while, Chen Feng said calmly: "As far as the current overall situation is concerned, it is not difficult to open a store, but the key lies in how to run it. This involves many factors, which requires us to think carefully and plan carefully."

When Lou Xiao'e heard Chen Feng say this, she did not say much. She just sat there quietly, sipping tea silently, as if waiting for Chen Feng to further elaborate on his point of view.

However, Jin Ling was very confused by Chen Feng's words. She really couldn't figure out what it would take to open a restaurant.

In her opinion, as long as there is enough capital, a good chef is found, a suitable house is rented, and some employees are recruited, the restaurant can be opened smoothly.

So Jin Ling couldn't help but interrupt and said, "Husband, I don't quite understand what you mean. Isn't it that simple to open a restaurant? Xiao'e is not short of money, so these things shouldn't be a problem for her, right?"

Chen Feng's heart did not waver when he heard Jin Ling's words, because he knew Jin Ling's thoughts very well. After all, Jin Ling had never been involved in the business world, so naturally she knew nothing about opening a store.

Moreover, she seems to be unaware of the future path of social development.

Chen Feng raised the corners of his mouth slightly, revealing a faint smile, and then explained softly to Jin Ling.

"Wife, if Xiao'e just wants to open an ordinary restaurant and do some small business, then there is nothing wrong with what you said."

He paused for a moment, then continued, "However, from what I know about Xiao'e, she would definitely not be content with just opening a boring little restaurant to kill time, right?"

As he spoke, Chen Feng's gaze slowly turned to Lou Xiao'e, as if asking for her opinion.

Upon hearing this, Jin Ling also turned her gaze to Lou Xiao'e, as if waiting for her response.

Lou Xiao'e felt the gazes of the two people, smiled slightly, and then spoke slowly.

"Actually, I was just planning to invest some money to open a restaurant. But after hearing what you said, Chen Feng, do you have a more brilliant idea?"

"Tell me about it. I want to hear if what you say is feasible."

As Lou Xiao'e spoke, she looked at Chen Feng, urging him to speak out his thoughts.

At the same time, Jin Ling turned her head and shifted her gaze from Lou Xiao'e to Chen Feng.

When Chen Feng heard what Lou Xiao'e said, he didn't bother to talk anymore and spoke directly.

"If you just want to invest some money, then it's easy. Just find a busy place, rent a storefront, hire a chef with a high salary, and find a few waiters."

"But if this happens, there will be many problems later."

Jin Ling, who had never run a business before, was full of curiosity and anticipation about opening a restaurant.

When she heard Chen Feng say this, she couldn't help but feel puzzled and blurted out: "Isn't it just opening a restaurant? What could be the problem?"

Chen Feng looked at Jin Ling's innocent appearance, sighed inwardly, and then answered without hesitation: "Of course there will be problems!"

He then explained: "For example, waiters and chefs may be poached by other competitors. After all, everyone wants good employees."

"For example, if the landlord sees that your restaurant is doing well, he might become greedy and want to open his own restaurant and kick you out."

Jin Ling was stunned by Chen Feng's words. She had never expected that opening a restaurant would involve so many potential problems.

She slowly turned her head and looked at Lou Xiao'e blankly, as if seeking confirmation.

Seeing this, Lou Xiao'e smiled slightly, then nodded to Jin Ling calmly and said, "Chen Feng is right. These situations are indeed possible."

"Besides, I've seen even more disgusting things in Hong Kong Island than what Chen Feng said!"

Hearing Lou Xiao'e's words, Jin Ling felt as if a thunder had exploded in her mind, and her whole world collapsed in that instant.

Jin Ling has always firmly believed that the most basic principle in life and work is integrity.

She believes that only by being honest and trustworthy can a person win the trust and respect of others and gain a foothold in society.

However, Lou Xiao'e's words were like a sharp sword, ruthlessly piercing this belief in her heart.

She couldn't understand why anyone would violate such an important principle as integrity.

In Jin Ling's opinion, integrity is like an unshakable mountain and the cornerstone of people's code of conduct.

But now, this mountain collapsed before her eyes, making her feel extremely shocked and lost.

Chen Feng completely ignored Jin Ling, who was looking shocked. His eyes were always on Lou Xiao'e. He said to her in a firm tone, "Therefore, we must do our best to avoid these troubles."

Lou Xiao'e listened to Chen Feng's words quietly, a helpless smile appeared on her face, and she responded after a soft sigh.

"Hey! These problems are inevitable as long as you open a store and do business. There is no way to avoid them completely!"

However, Chen Feng was not discouraged by Lou Xiao'e's words, and he continued.

“Although we can’t completely avoid all troubles, we can at least find ways to avoid some of them!”

Lou Xiao'e's heart moved when she heard this. She immediately realized that Chen Feng seemed to have some ideas, so she couldn't wait to ask: "Which part?"

As soon as Lou Xiao'e finished speaking, Chen Feng gave the answer without hesitation: "Of course it's the land and house part!"

Hearing Chen Feng's answer, Lou Xiao'e murmured, "House and land?"

"Yes! It's the house and the land!"

Chen Feng paused for a moment, then explained: "As for personnel, we really don't have much control. After all, everyone has their own ambitions and choices, and we can't restrict the personal freedom of others."

At this point, Chen Feng's tone became more certain, "So, the only place we can start is the real estate of houses and stores."

"As long as the house and land are ours, even if the chef is poached by someone else, we won't suffer too much loss all at once!"

"At least we still have a store, and we can use it to do other business."

At this point, Chen Feng paused again, and then continued, "Xiao'e, you should know that real estate is a highly profitable industry in Hong Kong Island!"

“Although the current housing prices in Taipei City cannot be compared with those in Hong Kong Island, the value of houses in Taipei City will definitely increase!”

Lou Xiao'e also believed what Chen Feng said, and she also saw the growth of the population of Sijiu City.

Not to mention anything else, just take Nanluoguxiang as an example. Before she left, many families had four or five people in one or two rooms.

Now when he comes back, he sees that the good families still have only one or two houses, but they already have seven or eight people.

Moreover, many families’ children have grown up and are about to get married, but they don’t have a new house.

Although she knew this, Lou Xiao'e still hesitated and said, "It's a bit difficult to buy a house in the current environment, right?"

Hearing Lou Xiaoe's words, Chen Feng said softly, "Let's try it first!"

"I'll go ask Uncle Li tomorrow, and you can also go ask the investment promotion office. If we can buy it, we'll buy it. If we can't, we'll think of other ways!"

Seeing Chen Feng say this, Lou Xiaoe nodded and said, "Okay! I'll do as you say!"

Jin Ling, who was standing by, was a little confused when she heard Chen Feng and the others talking about opening a restaurant and then buying a house and land.

She opened her mouth and wanted to say something, but when the words came to her lips, she swallowed them back.