In her car, Gu Wanrong first sent the contact information of the interior design company’s designer to Tong Shenyi, then messaged the real estate agent from whom she’d previously purchased shops.
She wanted to buy a building near the Wealth Building to use as employee housing, providing convenient commuting for her staff.
Finding something suitable would be difficult; if nothing was available, she’d have to consider building. But the priority was to purchase several spacious and comfortable residences for Tong Shenyi and the others.
With this in mind, Gu Wanrong drove home.
The next morning, Tong Shenyi messaged her to say he had returned to China and was heading to City C to take over the Xi Yuan Food Processing Plant.
Friday only had one class in the morning. Gu Wanrong and Tong Shenyi arranged to meet at the Silence Cafe off-campus.
Gu Wanrong entered the cafe and saw a well-dressed man with a calm demeanor sitting at their reserved table.
“Ms. Gu, hello, I’m Tong Shenyi.” Seeing Gu Wanrong approach, Tong Shenyi stood up, extended his hand, and greeted her politely.
“Sorry to keep you waiting. Please sit.” After shaking hands, Gu Wanrong sat down. On the table was a glass of milk, ordered by Tong Shenyi after he’d learned she didn’t drink coffee.
“President Gu, Xi Yuan Lai Food Company has been registered, and the design plans have been sent to me. Please take a look.” Tong Shenyi took a tablet from his briefcase, opened the design plans, and handed it to Gu Wanrong for review.
Gu Wanrong took the tablet, examining it carefully. She was satisfied and returned it.
Tong Shenyi continued his report. “The Xi Yuan Food Processing Plant hasn’t received any orders recently. Unshipped goods have been arranged for delivery, and Liang Zhongwei is overseeing the plant in City C. However, the company’s accounts are empty.”
“No money? Have the outstanding payments been collected? How much is still outstanding? Have the accounts been properly reconciled?” Gu Wanrong wasn’t short of money, but she wouldn’t tolerate fraud or embezzlement.
“After arriving in City C, I contacted He Yuxia, who flew there to reconcile the accounts of the Xi Yuan Food Processing Plant. Buyers have paid after receiving the goods, but it’s not enough to cover the debts,” Tong Shenyi explained, showing Gu Wanrong the financial statements.
Gu Wanrong reviewed the statements. “Send me the company account details for Xi Yuan. Once these debts are settled, we’ll stop Xi Yuan’s previous processing projects. We have our own projects to pursue.”
“Understood.” Tong Shenyi sent Gu Wanrong Xi Yuan’s account details.
Gu Wanrong transferred funds from her personal account to Xi Yuan’s account.
“President Gu, that’s 50 million more than needed,” Tong Shenyi said after seeing the transfer.
“It’s not too much. We’re going to dispose of the old machinery and production lines at a low price and buy new ones. Liang Zhongwei should also be instructed to improve factory hygiene,” Gu Wanrong explained, continuing, “Has He Yuxia returned to City J? Did you cover her travel expenses? Also, give me the company account for Xi Yuan Lai. I’ll transfer 10 million. Salaries and travel expenses need to be paid.”
She then transferred 10 million into the company account.
“Let’s go to Gangde Decoration to discuss the renovation.” Gangde Decoration was the company Gu Wanrong had chosen. After Tong Shenyi completed his report, Gu Wanrong took him to the Wealth Building.
At the Wealth Building, the owner of Gangde Decoration was waiting downstairs. “Ms. Gu, Mr. Tong, hello. I’m the owner of Gangde Decoration. You can call me Lao Su.”
Mr. Su had inquired about Gu Wanrong from the property manager, Wei Zhengyao, knowing she was the owner of the Wealth Building and very wealthy. He greeted her with a slight bow.
The three went upstairs to the Gangde Decoration office.
“Ms. Gu, what are your thoughts on the design plans? We can make any necessary changes immediately,” the designer said, displaying the plans on a large screen as Mr. Su sat beside Gu Wanrong.
“I reviewed the plans before coming, and Mr. Tong and I are both satisfied,” Gu Wanrong confirmed their design, and Tong Shenyi nodded in agreement.
“Since you approve the plan, Ms. Gu, our estimated budget is around 1.5 million,” Mr. Su said. He had designed the plan to be high-end, knowing that Gu Wanrong was not short of funds. But he was still a little nervous, watching her expression. The designer standing beside the screen also clasped his hands tightly, fearing Gu Wanrong’s rejection, as his commission was substantial.
1.5 million was insignificant to Gu Wanrong. Seeing her remain unfazed, Mr. Su continued, “According to the blueprints, the renovation should take two months.”
Gu Wanrong frowned at the two-month timeline. “I need it done as quickly as possible. Two months is too slow.”
Mr. Su’s heart leaped as soon as Gu Wanrong spoke, but thankfully, her only concern was the time. He gave the designer a look.
The designer, catching his boss’s eye, spoke up, “We can increase our workforce to speed things up, but adequate ventilation is necessary after the renovation.”
Gu Wanrong’s frown remained, so the designer added, “Ms. Gu, you can also choose quick-drying, harmless materials, reducing the time required and ensuring safety.”
Gu Wanrong’s expression relaxed. “Then choose quick-drying and harmless materials.”
“Good, Ms. Gu. We’ll add personnel and change materials. Changing the materials will require some modifications to the design, and the budget will increase,” Mr. Su said, sensing that Gu Wanrong was willing to add more personnel and use more expensive materials.
“My budget is unlimited, but I require the fastest possible completion and the use of materials that are harmless to humans,” Gu Wanrong said, unconcerned about the increased budget.
She knew she would be living in City J for the next four years and needed to complete her food business plans as soon as possible, so the renovation had to be fast.
Gu Wanrong looked around Gangde Decoration’s office, comparing it to those of companies where she had briefly worked in her past life.
“Are the soft furnishings also handled by Gangde Decoration?” Gu Wanrong asked Tong Shenyi, who was sitting beside her.
Tong Shenyi nodded.
“In that case,” Gu Wanrong said, understanding.
“All office computers must be top-of-the-line. The chairs must be ergonomically designed, the sofas and seats must be the most comfortable, and the break room and office area should include massage chairs. The equipment in the exercise room must be the safest available.”
She continued, “The furniture, decorations, plants, and planters in the soft furnishings must be the best and most comfortable on the market. Since we’re a food company, cooking utensils and appliances must be safe, and the refrigerators and freezers must have large capacities.”
Mr. Su and the designer listened quietly, swallowing their saliva; the budget was increasing with every requirement.
Gu Wanrong, satisfied she’d mentioned everything, asked Tong Shenyi, “Do you have any additions? Do you have any requirements for your office?”
Tong Shenyi shook his head. “The current setup is fine, President Gu. I have no changes to suggest.”
Satisfied with Tong Shenyi’s approval, Gu Wanrong made her decision.
Mr. Su blinked, took a deep breath, and said, “Ms. Gu, with these new requirements, the budget will exceed two million. What do you think…?”
Gu Wanrong smiled. “Mr. Su, do it as I requested. Money isn’t a problem.”
Gu Wanrong emphasized again that the budget wasn’t an issue, allowing Mr. Su’s previously suspended heart to settle. He excitedly instructed the designer, “Quickly go and get more people to revise the design and estimate the costs. Prepare the contract and bring it to me.”
The designer left the meeting room in a hurry.
The deal was done; not only would the boss earn big, but he would also receive a substantial commission.
Mr. Su happily chatted with Gu Wanrong, eagerly awaiting the designer’s return.
