Reborn in 2000: I just want to love a few people properly.

"This is my greatest sincerity, Uncle Chung." It was the same private room as last time they ate.

Xu Bo spoke to Zhong Weiyong across from him.

There were three people on Zhong Weiyong's side: him, Zhong Qiangguo, and a man who looked like a lawyer.

Xu Bo's side consisted of himself, Gu Lin, Wang Yan, Yu Haoqi, and Du Qinglong.

"Do you think that's possible, Xu Bo? I've invested so much money, and all I get in the end is a share of the profits." Zhong Weiyong lit a cigarette and said softly, "What if all my money is gone? I admit your business is booming right now, but can you guarantee it will stay that way?"

Those in positions of power should fulfill their responsibilities. The matter being discussed now involves real money, so everyone will discuss it in a way that benefits themselves.

"Uncle Zhong, your words hurt me deeply," Xu Bo said with an awkward smile.

"I have plenty of money. As long as I'm willing to open up franchising and loosen the requirements, a lot of money will flow into my pocket. At that time, countless people will want to wave their money and come to me for cooperation."

Xu Bo lit a cigarette as well and said loudly.

"And you're saying I'll lose money? Since we opened, our daily revenue has been over ten thousand, and we also have people coming from far away, from Shanghai and the surrounding areas."

Xu Bo's eyes sharpened as he continued calmly, "So this is my first shop, and I won't mess it up."

After thinking for a moment, Zhong Weiyong turned to look at the Qiantang River outside. The last time he had dinner, he, Xu Bo, and Grandpa Wang sat here gazing at the distant Qiantang River, as if they had everything under control.

I never expected that they would actually start arguing over these things; it's really laughable when I think about it.

With a sigh, Zhong Weiyong turned to the table and said, "I can give you the money, but I have a condition, so please don't refuse."

Xu Bo nodded after thinking for a moment.

"First, I need to have oversight authority. I need to have oversight authority over all subsequent operations of the Hailaolao brand. If there are any improper operations or biased strategies during the process, I need to have a discussion with you about it."

This is equivalent to hanging a large knife over Xu Bo's head; if he makes any move, his neck could be snapped.

"Secondly, I can give you three million yuan to choose a location to open a store. If you can open five new stores within a month of signing the contract, I will invest an additional one million yuan. If you can't do that, you will have to give me half of the Hailaolao brand."

According to the current agreement, Xu Bo's side holds 70% of the shares, and Xu Bo personally holds 53% of those shares. As the founder and a master of operations, Xu Bo is absolutely qualified to hold them.

Three million is a huge sum of money that is hard for a person to accumulate in a lifetime in this era, and it left quite a ripple in the minds of the group.

But after hearing about the share transfer, they immediately understood that it was a performance-based agreement. If Xu Bo failed to meet the requirements, he would still have money to spend in the future, but he would likely have to work for someone else for the rest of his life.

Xu Bo naturally knew this, lit another cigarette, and began to consider his current options.

Three million is tempting, but can Hangzhou support six Hailao restaurants?

Currently, people are only interested in the brand because of its novelty, but once the novelty wears off, Hai Lao Lao will only have its taste as its only advantage.

Moreover, Xu Bo chose direct operation because it allows for better quality control.

According to Xu Bo's sources, many shops are now preparing to emulate Hailaolao's business model.

However, from site selection and decoration to food supply, this whole process absolutely cannot be completed in less than a month.

Therefore, time is money now.

Xu Bo would never turn down money.

In addition, I can use the newly rented storefront to apply for a business loan, and I can ask Guo Jiafei for help then.

While pondering, Xu Bo had already made up his mind. The others who were with him did not dare to urge him. They trusted Xu Bo and would support him no matter what choice he made.

Now Xu Bo should be given a chance to think it over carefully.

"I'll agree to four million."

Xu Bo made an outrageous demand, raising the required amount of money again, causing Gu Lin to gasp in shock.

"Four million? I could never earn that much in my entire life." Gu Lin's skin was already breaking out in goosebumps, but the next second, her heart began to surge with excitement, and her whole body trembled slightly.

"Four million is nothing! I refuse to believe I can't earn four hundred four-million-dollar sums in the future!"

The slight trembling was caused by an adrenaline rush, meaning the current situation was no different from a war.

A war over money.

Zhong Weiyong laughed when he heard this; he hadn't expected this young man to be so bold.

"Xu Bo, when we met on the train, I really didn't expect you to have such courage. Should I call you a gambler? Or a shrewd businessman?"

Standing up, Zhong Weiyong spoke slowly.

"I never expected that the person who slept in the bunk above me on the train would be such a wealthy person," Xu Bo said with a grin as he stood up as well.

Zhong Weiyong's expression did not change when he heard the four million, which was enough to prove his wealth.

"I hope you can do it. Let's stop here for today. I'm hungry, let's get something to eat." Zhong Weiyong pressed the intercom, and the waiter pushed the door open and came in.

"Let's serve the food," Zhong Weiyong said simply.

Zhong Weiyong pulled Xu Bo to the window. Looking at the Qiantang River outside, Xu Bo still felt a little flustered because he hadn't received a definite answer yet.

"Let's get a lawyer over tomorrow to sign the contract." The timeframe we just mentioned was within a month of signing the contract, which was a bit tight, so Xu Bo wanted to delay it a bit.

"It's too late to find a lawyer by tomorrow, and I also have things to do at school."

"I'm fine with either, but if I miss one day, I'll lose 100,000 yuan. You decide for yourself."

Zhong Weiyong sat down, took out a cigarette, and said, "Friends are friends, we're close despite the age gap, but my money didn't come from thin air. You have to do what's appropriate for your position."

Xu Bo sat down as well, took the cigarette, lit it, exhaled a puff of smoke, and said:

"I understand. If I were you, I would probably squeeze them even harder. Actually, I was just bragging. Shops in the market that imitate my business model might be rushing to open before the National Day holiday to grab customers."

"If I'm any slower, things won't be easy for Hai Lao Lao in the future."

Zhong Weiyong chuckled softly and said, "Of course I know. It seems I'm still a pretty good person."

The dishes were served quickly. Xu Bo sat by the window, clinking glasses with Zhong Weiyong. The food was delicious, but neither of them seemed to be in the mood to eat. They were each planning their next move.