The Official Ladder: I ascend to the pinnacle of power, wielding the power of life and death.

“Brother Jiang, I’d like to invest in your dad’s supermarket, but I don’t have much money, so I’ll only take 15 percent of the shares. Of course, if your dad minds, then forget it.”

Du Hongyuan said, "Regardless of whether we become partners or not, I will waive the supermarket's rent for five years. This is to repay you; without you, I wouldn't have thought of such a good project. Of course, that's one reason."

"Secondly, once the supermarket is up and running, it will bring in huge traffic, and the rent for the other floors will also rise. So I hope you can get it up and running as soon as possible."

"Okay, then I'm welcome."

Jiang Yiming nodded. After all, if this project was handled properly, it was easy to make money. Not only could he receive rent every year, but the property prices in this area would also rise rapidly over time.

Even if he does nothing, in ten years or so, the building and land in Du Hongyuan's hands can earn several times the profit.

The reason I didn't let my father do it was because he had already decided what he wanted to do, and he wouldn't change his mind.

Being able to do what you love in your lifetime is a kind of happiness in itself.

After dinner, the two agreed to meet again that evening and then went their separate ways.

Jiang Yiming called his father and Jiang Yongchen separately, asking them to come to Yiyang that evening to discuss the supermarket's location.

Around 6 p.m., Du Hongyuan sent a message saying that the contract had been signed and the commercial building would be his starting tomorrow.

Jiang Yiming walked out of the Party School, where his father Jiang Yunzhou and fifth brother Jiang Yongchen were waiting at the door.

Jiang Yongchen drove, with Jiang Yiming and his father sitting in the back, and the three of them headed towards the department store.

Du Hongyuan was already waiting there.

After exchanging brief greetings, the four entered the department store.

The department store was built not long ago, only three years ago, and many of its decorations and facilities are still very new.

"Yiming, you're not thinking of renting this whole floor to open a supermarket, are you?"

Jiang Yunzhou was somewhat surprised; he thought his son had brought him to see the small shop.

Who would have thought it would be an entire floor!

It's about three or four thousand square meters!

“If you’re going to do it, do it big. If you’re worried about not doing it well, you still have your son, me. I’ll give you advice.”

Jiang Yiming wanted to say a few more words of persuasion, but Jiang Yunzhou said boldly, "Okay, as long as you have enough funds, let's do it! Not only will we open this one store, but once it's established, we'll also open branches!"

"Uncle is indeed a man of great courage."

Du Hongyuan exclaimed, "No wonder Brother Jiang is so outstanding. After meeting Uncle Jiang, I finally understand what it means to have a tiger father and no dog son."

"Dad, this is the new owner of the department store, and also my good friend."

Jiang Yiming said, "He's renting this floor to us for free for five years. He also wants to invest in the supermarket, hoping to get 15% of the shares. What do you think?"

"Since you are my friend, I certainly welcome you."

Jiang Yunzhou said, "On the way here, I talked to Yongchen, and he also wants to take a 15% stake. I welcome that, since we're just starting out, and joint investment is beneficial for sharing the risks."

“I learned from other sources that such a large shopping mall would cost around two million yuan from renovation to opening. Fortunately, it was originally a supermarket, so it only needs simple renovation and decoration to be used, which would cost around two hundred thousand yuan. In addition, we are exempt from rent, so the total investment is two million yuan, including the purchase of goods, which can basically be taken care of.”

"Okay, then I'll invest 300,000."

Du Hongyuan said, "Tomorrow I'll take my uncle to handle the relevant procedures and then transfer the money to the public account."

"Then I'll have to trouble you, Brother Du. If there's anything you can't handle, give me a call."

Jiang Yiming said.

"Don't worry, there will definitely be a way to use your skills. After all, to run such a large shopping mall, you need to pass fire safety and sanitation approvals, as well as obtain tobacco licenses and other permits. If you have time, I can manage to get it done slowly, but if you want to get all of this done in a short period of time, you'll need to use your connections."

Du Hongyuan said, "You'd better step forward and find someone; that will speed things up."

“No problem. Our supermarket is under the jurisdiction of Mingyang District, and Long Shaolin is a member of the Standing Committee of Mingyang District. If he puts in a good word, no one will dare to disrespect him.”

Jiang Yiming said to Jiang Yongchen, "Fifth Brother, if you have time these next few days, come along for a while. First, it will broaden your horizons, and second, it will help you get familiar with the situation here. It will be helpful for you in the future."

“Okay, I’ll run with Uncle Yunzhou.”

Jiang Yongchen nodded.

"Tomorrow, have someone hang up a huge banner that says, '100,000 yuan worth of gifts to be given away for free, 30-day countdown.'"

Jiang Yiming said, "Brother Du, you live close by, so arrange for someone to change the schedule every day."

"It's just a simple renovation. We'll be able to open in about a month. We need to create some buzz first."

"Brother Jiang, your move is brilliant. You've already created a buzz before even opening. In a month, I reckon everyone in the city will know about our department store giving away 100,000 yuan worth of gifts for free."

Du Hongyuan gave a thumbs up, expressing his sincere praise.

This is also why he was determined to partner with Jiang Yiming's family.

With Jiang Yiming around, he believed the supermarket would definitely do better and better.

After discussing the matter and having a simple meal, Jiang Yiming found a hotel to settle his father and fifth brother in.

Jiang Yongchen was in another room, while Jiang Yunzhou was having a heart-to-heart talk with his son.

"Dad, how's the deal with the vegetable and fruit base going?"

Jiang Yiming inquired.

These are necessities needed by every household. Without good supply channels, the freshness and price of vegetables and fruits will be affected.

For citizens, the most direct impact of purchasing goods is the price of these fruits and vegetables.

"I've been to Dongchuan County several times and we're currently in negotiations. There has been some progress."

Jiang Yunzhou said, "I plan to finish the procedures here and then continue to Dongchuan County to discuss with the other party."

Jiang Yiming nodded and said, "If you encounter any difficulties, just tell me, and I'll step in."

"You're so busy, I can't let you handle everything."

Jiang Yunzhou said, "Besides, if I can't even handle this kind of thing, how will I be able to handle even more difficult things in the future?"

"Just focus on your own work and do more practical things for the people. That will be the greatest support and comfort you can give your father."

"By the way, your fifth brother is going to invest 600,000 yuan. He said part of it is to pay back the money you owed him, and part of it is his investment."

“He owes me over 100,000 yuan, plus 300,000 yuan of my investment, which only adds up to a little over 400,000 yuan. What does he need so much for?”

Jiang Yiming said, "I'll go talk to him. You should get some rest. Call me if anything happens."

"By the way, Qianqian will finish her exams tomorrow. I'm planning to ask her to come and help you. You're short-handed right now, so she can do some work and also get some experience in handling things."

“Okay, we’ll bring your mom over too. We’ve had more people visiting our house these past few days, including some business owners from the industrial park.”

Jiang Yunzhou said, "Your mother insisted on not accepting anything, while others just dropped off their things and left. To avoid trouble, I had your mother stay at your uncle's house. Once your sister finishes her exams, I'll have Xiaojun bring them over. We'll be staying in the city for now."

"Okay, I'll arrange your accommodation."

Jiang Yiming thought about it and felt it was time to buy his first house.