Going home for the Chinese New Year with a year-end bonus of 100 million

Yang Fan raised an eyebrow: "You actually made a special trip to find out?"

"Of course!" Zhou Yao bent down and hit the ball again.

"I've been thinking lately that if I opened a billiards hall, I'd definitely do a better job than this one."

"You want to open a billiards hall?" Yang Fan was somewhat surprised.

"Yeah, right!" Zhou Yao stomped her foot in frustration after missing her shot, then gave Yang Fan her spot.

"Look, there are so many students in the university town, but only a few entertainment venues—internet cafes, KTVs, and bubble tea shops."

"How many billiard halls are there? And they're all old and run-down."

Yang Fan listened to her while keeping an eye on the ball.

"If I'm going to drive, I'll drive a big one," Zhou Yao said, becoming more and more excited.

"There will be at least twenty tables, divided into a regular area and a VIP area. The VIP area will be nicely decorated and more expensive, suitable for couples or small groups."

"We also need to set up a water bar to sell drinks and snacks."

"Let's add a rest area and put a few game consoles there."

"Most importantly—" her eyes lit up.

"We need to hold regular competitions! Monthly tournaments, quarterly tournaments, and an annual grand final, with prize money to attract top players. Wouldn't that bring in more people?"

Yang Fan made the shot; the cue ball was well positioned, and the next ball will be at a very straight angle.

He didn't rush to hit her, but straightened up and looked at Zhou Yao: "You've thought of everything quite thoroughly."

"Of course!" Zhou Yao proudly raised her chin.

"I haven't been idle these past few months; I've explored the entire area around the university town. The billiard hall business is really lucrative."

Yang Fan smiled and bent down to continue playing.

One pole, two poles, three poles...

"Bang!"

Black 8 in the bag.

"Big brother, you won!" Although Zhou Yao lost, she wasn't discouraged at all; on the contrary, she was even more excited.

"So, what do you think of what I just said? Is it okay?"

Yang Fan put the golf clubs back on the rack and walked to the rest area to sit down.

"You want me to vote?"

Zhou Yao followed him over and sat opposite him, her eyes filled with expectation:

"Big brother, you have the best eye."

"If you say yes, I'll do it. If you say no, I won't even think about it."

"Tell me your budget first," Yang Fan asked.

Zhou Yao was clearly prepared, counting on her fingers:

"Renting a space of about 300 square meters would cost around 20,000 yuan per month."

"For renovations, a mid-range option, it'll cost 150,000. For equipment, twenty billiard tables—good ones cost over 20,000 each, cheaper ones over 10,000. I'll compromise and say 400,000."

"Add in the bar equipment, air conditioning, tables and chairs, and other miscellaneous items, and the initial investment will be at least 800,000 yuan."

She paused, then looked at Yang Fan: "I can raise 200,000 myself, and my brother said he can lend me 100,000. I still need 500,000."

Yang Fan didn't say anything, but picked up the bottled water on the table and took a sip.

Zhou Yao was a little anxious: "Big brother, I know 500,000 is not a small amount. But I've really thought about it carefully, and I'm sure this business can succeed!"

"Look, there are fifty or sixty thousand students in the university town. Even if only one percent of them come to play, there are still five or six hundred people every day."

"A table costs thirty to fifty yuan per hour, and it rotates five times a day. You do the math..."

"That's not how you do it," Yang Fan interrupted her.

"You're calculating an ideal scenario. In actual operation, there will be many problems you can't anticipate."

Zhou Yao retorted, unconvinced: "What problem? Tell me, I can solve it!"

Yang Fan looked at her serious expression and suddenly smiled.

"What are you laughing at?" Zhou Yao pouted. "Big brother, I'm serious!"

"I know you're serious," Yang Fan said.

"But opening a billiards hall isn't just about passion. You need to consider location, competition, management, marketing... Have you thought about all of these?"

"I've thought about it!" Zhou Yao said immediately.

"I've found a good location. It's in the building next to the e-sports hotel. The entire second floor is available for rent. It's 350 square meters and the monthly rent is 22,000 yuan."

"As for competition, there are three billiard halls around here. Two are small and run-down, and the other is okay, but its location is out of the way."

"Management is something I can learn! Marketing is even simpler. I know so many students—e-sports clubs, street dance clubs, music clubs… I can get them to help with promotions and organize some opening events, and the place will definitely be packed!"

She spoke with great enthusiasm, her eyes sparkling.

Looking at her, Yang Fan suddenly recalled the first time he met Zhou Yao—she was energetic, bold, and decisive.

This girl definitely has a talent for business.

"Big brother..." Zhou Yao's tone softened when she saw that he didn't speak.

"Please help me out. I promise I'll work hard and never let you down."

Yang Fan remained silent for a few seconds.

"I can invest 500,000," he finally said.

"Really?!" Zhou Yao almost jumped up from her chair.

"But there are conditions." Yang Fan looked at her.

"First, you need to create a detailed business plan, clearly outlining all budgets, risks, and contingency plans."

"no problem!"

"Secondly, I want to own 60% of the shares."

"It's not free money; consider this 500,000 as my investment, and you don't need to pay it back. But I have veto power over decisions regarding the billiard hall."

Zhou Yao hesitated for a moment, then nodded: "Okay!"

"Third, and most importantly—" Yang Fan's tone turned serious, "You can't neglect your studies. Attend classes when you're supposed to, and take exams when you're supposed to. The billiard hall can be managed by hired staff; you just need to keep an eye on the overall direction."

Zhou Yao's eyes reddened: "Big brother... thank you."

"Don't thank me yet." Yang Fan smiled. "I'll only pay you after you've completed the plan and I think it's feasible."

"I'll do it tomorrow!" Zhou Yao wiped her eyes. "No, I'll do it when I get home tonight!"

Yang Fan checked the time; it was already past nine o'clock.

"Let's go, I'll take you home."

The two walked out of the billiard hall.

The girl with pigtails at the bar peeked out and shouted, "Handsome guys and beautiful girls, come again next time!"

Zhou Yao turned around and waved to her: "Next time you come, maybe I'll be your boss!"

The little girl looked completely bewildered.

In the car, Zhou Yao was still excitedly talking about her plans.

Yang Fan listened quietly, occasionally asking a few questions.

When she arrived at Zhou Yao's building, she had already explained the general outline of her plan.

"Big brother, I really can do it," Zhou Yao said earnestly before getting out of the car. "Trust me this once."

Yang Fan looked at her and nodded.

"Okay, I believe you."