Just as Tie Nan and I were still basking in the unexpected good news, Bai Lu said to us, "This is just a good sign, don't get too excited. Currently, including Shuanglang, Wase, Caicun, and the seaside inns around Majiuyi and Longkan Wharf, there are about 300 inns with complete permits. So the chances of Huaxiang Yunduo being included in the first batch of inns to reopen are slim… Moreover, the first batch to reopen will definitely be those seaside inns with investments exceeding ten million yuan, because these inns are already very famous. Many high-end tourists come specifically for these top-tier seaside inns. The relevant departments suffered greatly from shutting them down before, so now that they plan to gradually reopen, they will definitely be given priority."

This was already a pleasant surprise for me, so I wasn't too disappointed. I simply asked, "When will the list of the second batch of inns to reopen be finalized?"

"There's no specific announcement yet, but I feel it won't be until at least next spring or summer..."

I replied with some emotion, "That means we have to wait another year, which isn't very optimistic!"

Tie Nan nodded, agreeing with my opinion. After all, if we can't be on the list of the first batch of open seaside inns, everyone will have to stay idle for another year, which I especially can't accept. I really hope to achieve something now and then save myself from this cage.

After a brief silence, Tie Nan asked Bai Lu again, "Who is in charge of this matter? Can you pull some strings?"

"Connections can certainly be used, but who wouldn't have connections to invest tens of millions in opening a guesthouse in Dali? ... Besides, some guesthouse owners went so far as to buy hundreds of thousands of yuan worth of water purification equipment from abroad just to get their guesthouses back to business as soon as possible, and then drank the treated wastewater in front of their superiors. Could you really go to that extent?"

Is it really that exaggerated?

Seeing my disbelief, Tie Nan nodded and replied, "That's true. Back then, the 'government' had just started shutting down the seaside inns. For those inn owners who had invested tens of millions, a day of closure meant a loss of tens of thousands. Tell me, what ruthless things wouldn't a person do when they're desperate?... That was sewage flushed down the toilet!"

At that moment, I really wanted to call Yang Sisi over to listen. Those owners who can invest tens of millions to run a guesthouse are considered wealthy, but they still have to endure such hardships to protect their businesses. So she really shouldn't look at her parents' struggles in their careers with unfair eyes. In fact, they must have suffered a lot of similar hardships in the process of starting and maintaining their businesses, but they chose not to let Yang Sisi see them out of protection.

...

After another moment of silence, I said to Bai Lu, "Is there any way to increase our chances of winning? After all, we are one of the inns with all the necessary permits and licenses, so we meet the requirements. If it really drags on to the second or even the third batch, I feel that it will have a big impact. Not only will the inn keep depreciating, but the rent alone will be unbearable!"

"Let's buy a water purification system first... the higher the water purification standard, the better."

How much investment is needed?

"The price can range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of yuan."

I was a little worried, as this would undoubtedly increase our operating costs. Taking over this inn had already put us in a tight financial situation, and if we had to spend another 100,000 or so yuan on water purification equipment, wouldn't that be adding insult to injury? Moreover, this water purification equipment wasn't necessarily the key to unlocking the door to reopening; it just increased our chances of success.

At this moment, Tie Nan rarely showed a serious expression. He said to Bai Lu, "I won't say anything more. You should also invest a share in the inn... I'm personally willing to give you an extra five percent of the shares."

At that moment, I saw a determined man who had gone all in, and I understood that, compared to the water purification equipment, Bai Lu (a type of herb) was the real key that could unlock the lock.

Bai Lu looked troubled, and after a moment replied, "This is indeed a money-making opportunity, but it's really inconvenient for me to participate because it would have a very bad impact! After all, I also hold a sinecure position in the tourism bureau."

Knowing he couldn't persuade Bai Lu, Tie Nan turned his gaze to Instructor Ma. Instructor Ma seemed somewhat conflicted as well. He lit a cigarette and remained silent for a long time before finally saying to Bai Lu, "I'm also planning to invest some money in this inn. I've always wanted to open a bar, and it would be perfect to do it here..."

After a moment's hesitation, Bai Lu finally replied, "Okay, I'll invest too... But let me make this clear from the start: I consider everyone here a friend, so please don't tell anyone about this investment. It would really have a bad impact on me. Although I hold a minor, insignificant position at the Tourism Bureau, it's still a respectable job that I can explain to my family."

We all nodded. Bai Lu continued, "Actually, even if I didn't invest, I would still try my best to help you get it, but you might think I'm not trying hard enough... Let me tell you the truth, even if I put money into the inn, it might not work out, because there are just too few spots available, and everyone will try every possible way!"

Tie Nan replied, "The main reason we brought you in is because we don't have enough funds. Don't worry too much about resuming business; we'll do our best. Whether it succeeds or not depends on luck."

...

After finishing our meal together, the four of us went to find Zhao Jing again and drafted a very formal transfer contract with her. In the end, Tie Nan invested 200,000 yuan, I invested 250,000 yuan, Coach Ma invested 50,000 yuan, and Bai Lu invested 200,000 yuan. We divided the shares according to our investment ratio, excluding Zhao Jing's 20% share, and I became the largest shareholder of the inn.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!