Meng Zhao naturally understood that it was not good to interfere too much, but he still hesitated. "But I went to take a look, and the shop assistants in his shop didn't look very energetic. If this continues, customers will not like it, which will eventually be bad for the business."

Xiao Youzhi scoffed, "Heh, what does this have to do with you? If he fails at the shop, you can simply support someone else in the surrounding area. That way, you can collect more franchise fees. If you're worried about reputation, don't worry. Most people never leave the county in their entire lives. The success or failure of one shop won't affect your overall strategy."

Seeing Meng Zhao's stunned expression, Xiao Youzhi gave another example, "Those two maids beside you, did you have their clothes custom-made for them?"

Meng Zhao nodded. "How did you know?" The weather was getting colder so quickly, and Huang Cui and Yin Chun were both tall, so it was hard to buy ready-made clothes. She had two outfits custom-made.

Xiao Youzhi raised his chin. "It's from the same batch of new goods produced in the same place as the fabric of your dress."

"You know this?" Meng Zhao was somewhat surprised; even she hadn't noticed.

Ever since the two of them started talking, Meng Zhao had picked up her pen and ink, intending to write things down. Seeing how surprised she was, Xiao Youzhi sighed, reached for a pen on the pen holder, and tapped Meng Zhao on the head. "The most profitable business for the Xiao family is the fabric business!"

After saying that, he said with a slightly serious tone, “You hire them to work, and you also make clothes for them. They guard the outer room, and you even make them light the charcoal brazier. These are all unnecessary expenses. You should know that the more comfortable the environment, the easier it is for people to become lax. The more relaxed the rules, the easier it is for people to become lazy. If you want to expand your business, you must never do this.”

Meng Zhao listened thoughtfully, and couldn't help but ask curiously, "What would you do if you were in that situation?"

"Ordinary cotton clothes will suffice. They'll feel cold but not actually freeze to death. They'll have the expectation that taking a step back would be an abyss, while taking a step forward might bring a reward. This will motivate them to work even harder for you."

Meng Zhao did not refute Xiao Youzhi's statement, but continued to ask, "Did you come by yourself?"

Xiao Youzhi shook his head. "Chen Xiaowu is here too." He then raised his chin. "He's guarding outside right now. If you want to expand your business, start learning from me now. Don't worry about anything else. Just sit inside and have tea with me."