Chapter Sixty-Seven: All Is Ready [Part Two]

The news that the Triangle Gate commercial district would be relocated to the South Gate spread even faster than Zhang Ye had anticipated.

Once the word got out, a whirlwind swept through Lihua County. Every street and alley, every household conversation, was filled with commentary on the matter. No matter how people discussed it, once the news was confirmed by the authorities, the prices for shopfronts on South Gate Street soared—wildly. The storefronts at the clothing market at the entrance to the South Gate commercial district witnessed an unprecedented peak in rental activity. In just one day, all the remaining, less desirable spaces were snatched up.

While countless latecomers regretted missing their chance to rent a shop, some shrewd individuals quickly discovered through discreet channels that many who had secured storefronts had no intention of actually running clothing businesses.

Thus, those who had long set their sights on the South Gate clothing market and genuinely wished to enter the industry began frantically seeking information. As time passed, the price of storefronts climbed rapidly—far beyond the early days.

A few opportunists, swayed by the dizzying price increases, immediately sublet their newly rented shops, making a tidy profit in just a few days. Yet, those who lacked resolve now bitterly regretted their hesitation. The price surge did not abate with time; instead, it grew even more frenzied.

Both the temporary holders and the relevant departments were pleased with the rising prices. People soon discovered that shops which originally rented for four or five thousand were now climbing steadily, doubling to eight thousand before stabilizing. The sublet fee for an empty shop was two thousand; with some renovations, it could reach five thousand.

The changes at the clothing market these days were tumultuous and mysterious. As pioneers in renting these shops, the Zhang Ye family—Liu Meiju and Zhang Haiguan—could not help but marvel at their luck.

Had they hesitated in making their decision, even spending twice as much might not have secured them a satisfactory storefront. In the past few days, they had already turned away several waves of people hoping to sublet their shop. After all, when choosing, they had aimed for spacious, well-located premises. Many coveted their spot; if they sublet now, they could easily make seven or eight thousand.

But they were not the sort to focus only on short-term gains. The soaring prices meant good news for them as well. Besides, their clothing stock was already purchased, waiting to be delivered just days before the shop opened—how could they possibly sublet now?

Naturally, Zhang Ye’s influence within the family grew significantly as a result.

“Ye, the shop prices are so high now—should we start subletting too?” One day, Zhao Haidong, together with Liu Wentao, seized the opportunity while Zhang’s parents were out to visit him, faces alight with excitement.

These days felt almost dreamlike to them.

When Zhang Ye had first suggested it, they had little hope. Yet the turn of events far exceeded their expectations. Less than a week since renting, their returns were astonishing. Had they known, they would have invested all their money. Those seeking shops were utterly frantic.

After word got out that Liu Wentao owned ten shops, countless people pulled strings to reach his relatives, openly and discreetly seeking information, hoping to sublet. The family phone, which rarely rang once in two weeks, was now ringing off the hook.

This was why he and Zhao Haidong showed up at Zhang Ye’s house, wondering if they should sublet and pocket a quick profit.

“Have they made a move yet?” Zhang Ye asked, frowning.

“Not quite, but there are signs. Someone called today, vaguely hinting at their intentions.” When they first acquired the shops, others—including Li Yulong’s group—were involved. Liu Wentao knew exactly whom Zhang Ye was referring to.

“All right, spread the word—you can proceed. Negotiate as you see fit; if you can sublet for ten thousand, go ahead.” Zhang Ye and his group had spent fifty thousand for ten shops; a week later, his minimum goal was to double their money.

“Got it!” Liu Wentao nodded eagerly, and he and Zhao Haidong rushed back to release the news.

…

Since returning from Guangyang City, Zhang Ye had been swept up in a flurry of activity.

The new computer house was opening; as an emerging industry, everything had to start from scratch. Liu Wentao and Wu Dongjun could offer some advice, but the actual setup fell to Zhang Ye. He had to handle not only the interior layout, but also the desks, chairs, regulations, and even the network connections. What seemed simple at first proved much more challenging in practice.

In terms of networking and computer setup, Zhang Ye’s knowledge was limited. Fortunately, Lihua County was not an isolated rural area; it had its share of capable people. Zhang Ye invited a teacher from the school to help, finally resolving the issue.

Of course, Liu Wentao was the one who handled things publicly.

Zhang Ye was growing increasingly adept at using him as a shield.

But just as things were heating up, when it came to obtaining a business license, trouble arose. The computer house was a novel business—rare even in big cities, let alone Lihua County. The authorities were unsure how to handle licensing for such an industry.

While they were struggling, Wu Dongjun stepped in. With his smooth manners, he treated the officials from the Bureau of Industry and Commerce to a few meals and drinks, and finally got the license issued.

Zhang Ye knew that for such businesses, it was crucial to know a few people in high places—especially at the Public Security Bureau. He was not exactly popular there. Director Ye’s status was too lofty to get involved. So, after some thought, Zhang Ye took gifts and spent a day visiting Gu Changming’s home, finally befriending his son Gu Huansheng, who promised to look out for him. With that, Zhang Ye felt all was in order.

Next came his own family’s clothing shop. Though the shop’s current layout was decent, after seeing the dazzling styles of shops in future years, Zhang Ye found the existing décor unimpressive.

The interior design of the family’s shop was almost entirely Zhang Ye’s doing. With his growing influence at home, Zhang Haiguan glanced over his plans and, seeing no issue, left it to him.

Thus, these days, Zhang Ye was busy purchasing everything the family needed, while Liu Meiju had little to do.