Chapter 103
I came to my senses and extended my hand. "Hello, Ms. Carter. I'm John, Edward's friend."
"Alright, then I'll call you John," Lauren replied.
After all, she was Edward's sister-in-law. Since we were all acquaintances, there was no need for too much formality.
I introduced Lucy to her, "Ms. Carter, this is my partner, Lucy!"
"Hello, Lucy!"
"Hello, Ms. Carter!"
After the introduction, we went up to the third floor. After she inspected the site, she asked about our requirements.
We had already hashed out our needs over a meal earlier, so we laid them out on the table. Business was business, and personal matters were another story.
Lauren took out a small notebook from her jacket pocket and earnestly noted down our requirements.
Ten minutes later, Lauren spoke up, "This site is not small, and with the requirement to complete it in a month, the labor costs will definitely be a bit higher. Adding the materials, it will probably amount to around nine hundred grand."
What?
Nine hundred grand, that was really expensive.
Lucy looked at me as if to say, "Your friend seems unreliable."
I thought to myself, 'Nine hundred thousand is indeed expensive, but since we were already here, even for Edward's sake, I had to let her take on this project.'
However, negotiations were still necessary. "Ms. Carter, is there no room for further discount?"
Lauren smiled. "There is some room, but we might have to compromise on the materials a bit. If it's just the main area, around seven hundred grand should suffice. The most important part is the small room, where high-quality materials must be used."
She continued, "I've worked on projects for beauty salons and dance studios before. If you're aiming for a high-end route, then using good materials is necessary because wealthy ladies or quality-conscious elites are very picky."
"It's like using regular carpet versus luxurious Persian carpet. Although they both serve the same purpose underfoot, there's a significant difference in quality. Lighting fixtures, sofas, tea machines, carpets, and so on should be of good quality, while the exterior can be more economical. If you're unsure, I can list out a materials inventory for you later," Lauren added.
"No, no, I trust you," I hurriedly said.
I already understood that our initial budget was around eight hundred grand, and now she was quoting nine hundred grand, a difference of just one hundred grand.
And some of the issues she raised were things we hadn't considered before.
"When it comes to professional matters, leave it to the professionals. I have no worries," I said.
Lucy's expression also softened.
"Alright, if there are no issues, let's sign the contract." Lauren was straightforward and spared no words.
I nodded and looked at Lucy. "What do you think?"
Even though I was the one footing the bill, Lucy was my partner, and in the future, she would be the manager, so I wanted her approval.
It was a matter of respect, and I didn't want her to feel uncomfortable over trivial matters.
Sure enough, she smiled and said, "It's up to you."
"Alright, Ms. Carter, let's sign the contract," I said.
Lauren nodded and took out the contract she had on hand.
Having a background in marketing, I made sure to carefully review the contract before signing my name and stamping it with my seal of approval.
The project had a one-month deadline, with a penalty of one percent of the project amount for each day delayed!
The project payment would be split into three installments. I added her as a friend and transferred thirty grand to her in person.
This afternoon, the construction team would be able to start work.
"Pleasure doing business with you!"
"Pleasure doing business with you!"
Lauren was straightforward in character, both in speech and action, which was why I directly transferred the money to her.
After she left, Lucy asked, "What should we do during this time?"
"Hiring, training, and supervising will be your responsibilities."
"What about you?"
"Of course, I'll be negotiating partnerships." I chuckled. "I'm good at this."
Sevan University, Sevan Normal University, Sevan Art Academy, Sevan Medical College, Sevan Vocational School... Counting on my fingers, there were about six or seven schools.
Not all of them needed to be finalized, but if we could secure half of them, it would be a big win!
"Do you want me to accompany you?" Lucy asked and smiled. "Girls have an advantage in this area."
I shook my head. "No need. I don't plan on exposing you anymore. Focus on what you love doing; it's simpler and safer for you."
"Are you treating me like a pet?" Lucy said teasingly.
"Who said that? I'm doing this to protect you. Don't misjudge my intentions."
I thought, 'Of course not. I didn't put in all this effort just to have you go out and steal the spotlight, did I? What if some wealthy individual takes an interest? What would happen to my business then?'
"Thank you, John."
She smiled, the afternoon sunlight shining on her face, making her look as beautiful as a white magnolia.
"It's okay. Helping you is helping myself."
I said earnestly, "Let's do this: hiring people also requires a temporary office space. Rent a short-term office here so that when they arrive, they have a place to settle."
With that, I transferred another hundred grand to her!
"A hundred thousand, isn't that too much?"
She was quite surprised.
"Half for expenses, the other half is an advance on your future dividends."
"But..."
"No buts."
I held her hand and said, "Since you've come out from that place, I have to take care of your life. I can't just let you out here without any support."
Her eyes welled up again. I couldn't stand seeing women cry, so I quickly wiped away the tears from her eyes. "Alright, stop crying; things will get better slowly."
She hugged me directly, as if she wanted to release all the pressure and grievances in her heart.
I held her, gently patting her back.
A few minutes later, she stopped crying. "John, there's something I haven't told you yet."
"What is it?"
"Many people have come to me during this time, but they all wanted to use money to make me submit. There were many times when I almost gave in. The reason I went to the Royal Entertainment Club was because I felt hopeless in life, so I resigned myself to decadence and despair," Lucy said.
She added, "I'm really grateful that you came when I was on the brink. If you hadn't pulled me out of the abyss at my most desperate moment, I would have surely become a shameless woman."
"Only you have treated me sincerely," she whispered, tears flowing softly, her delicate body trembling slightly, but at that moment, I happened to have sexual urges!
She was a woman, a remarkable woman, and also the goddess of my college days.
At this moment, she was in my arms, pouring out her tears, and instead of feeling pity, I felt a stirring in my heart.
I suppressed the strange feeling in my heart and said, "It seems that fate destined us to meet."
"Yeah." She nodded. "I've also had my doubts before, but I decided that even if you set up a small studio with ten grand, I would still be willing to come."
A drowning man would not hesitate to reach out for a straw.
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