Chapter 84 Let's all shoulder this together

Fifteen thousand yuan is no small sum.

Moreover, renting a shop also requires renovation, buying fabric, and sourcing inventory.

Which one doesn't cost money?

The shelves, lighting fixtures, and signs alone cost several thousand dollars, and there are hundreds of fabric samples to choose from.

Purchasing and stocking goods requires a large amount of capital.

These expenses add up to a considerable sum!

She stood still, quickly doing some mental calculations.

Rent is 15,000, renovation costs at least 8,000, fabric purchases start at 20,000, plus staff salaries, utilities, miscellaneous expenses...

A rough estimate suggests that it would cost at least 50,000 to 60,000 to get it up and running.

The money she had saved up in the past totaled less than 40,000 yuan.

I'm afraid even that wouldn't be enough to fill this hole.

“Look,” the manager said, noticing her hesitation, “if you’re short on cash, a stall is actually quite suitable. Try it out first, and you can upgrade later once you’ve made some money. Our mall supports tenants upgrading, and you can even choose your location first.”

“No,” Zhou Shufen looked up at him and shook her head. “I still want to rent a shop. Thank you for your help today. I’ll think of a way to solve the money problem. But my choice will not change.”

Zhou Shufen's attitude did not soften at all.

She insisted on choosing a store location, not just for immediate business considerations.

It's even clearer now that shops in department stores will become increasingly valuable!

Invest more now, and you're more likely to get a bigger return in the future.

She knew what was going on and had already made plans.

She must walk this path steadily, without taking a single step back.

"Okay, then come find me anytime you've thought it through."

The manager nodded.

He hadn't encountered such a opinionated client in a long time.

After saying goodbye to the manager, Zhou Shufen slowly walked out of the department store.

The evening breeze was a bit chilly, causing her to instinctively pull her coat tighter.

As she walked home, she repeatedly calculated in her mind the location, size, rent, and foot traffic of that shop.

Even at dinner, she would use chopsticks to pick up food and bring it to her mouth.

She was in a daze for a moment before she came to her senses, and she was distracted while eating.

When Zhou Haiqing returned from get off work, Zhou Liya also received the news and rushed over from school.

The son, daughter, and daughter-in-law were all gathered in the living room.

Some were sitting on the sofa, others were leaning back in their chairs.

Even the side of the coffee table was left empty.

Zhou Shufen then gathered her family together and spoke solemnly.

"Mom, what's wrong? What happened?"

Zhou Haiqing brushed the dust off his coat as he sat down, casually placing his briefcase beside his feet.

"Yes, you look preoccupied. We're here for you no matter what."

Qin Guifang chimed in from the side.

She sat close to her mother-in-law, one hand resting lightly on the armrest of the sofa.

"You even called me here, so something serious must have happened. Let's face this together as a family!"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Shufen almost burst out laughing and quickly waved her hand.

“Oh dear, what are you thinking! I went to the department store today and saw a shop in a great location, on the first floor corner, with high foot traffic and plenty of sunlight. The only problem is that the rent is three months' rent upfront, plus a month's deposit, and I'm almost short of money. I was thinking, why don't I use the money I originally saved for the house to rent the shop?”

The money she mentioned was her hard-earned savings from running a small business.

Every penny was earned through frugality and saving.

I had already planned it all out and was ready to save up for the down payment.

I'll buy a small two-bedroom apartment in the west of the city and live a peaceful and stable life.

But this opportunity is rare, and she doesn't want to miss it easily, so she can only move here as a temporary measure, and the house issue can only be postponed.

"No problem, Mom! Since you've made your decision, of course we support you!"

Qin Guifang nodded immediately.

"So that's what it is. I have no objection."

Zhou Liya also breathed a sigh of relief, and her shoulders relaxed.

These two children were very sensible and never caused their parents any worry from childhood to adulthood.

Qin Guifang, in particular, is very understanding and considerate of her elders in her words and actions.

They all knew that Zhou Shufen was good at business.

When she used to sell groceries at a stall, she could accurately judge which goods would sell well and when to stock up on which goods.

That's why they trust her choice this time.

"That's good."

Zhou Shufen smiled slightly, and the fine lines at the corners of her eyes smoothed out.

"If I'm still short a little, I'll take out a loan from the bank and borrow 10,000 or 20,000 yuan from relatives. I'm sure I can get this done."

Her eyes shone brightly as she spoke.

This time, however, Qin Guifang shook her head and softly uttered two words.

"no."

Everyone immediately turned to look at her.

The relaxed atmosphere in the living room suddenly became quiet.

"How can I let you take out a loan yourself?"

Qin Guifang looked at her mother-in-law, her tone serious.

"Haiqing and I have some savings, not much, but we can still help out. Besides, we can mortgage our house and get a loan. We're not just for show; how can we let you shoulder this burden alone?"

Zhou Haiqing nodded quickly and agreed, "Yes, my wife is right. This money shouldn't all fall on your shoulders. I'm on her side too, Mom. Let's handle this together. Don't take on everything yourself."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Liya immediately smiled and replied, "Mom, don't be in such a hurry to refuse. I'm the older sister, and I'm capable too. How can I let you shoulder all the responsibilities at home? I've saved up some money, it's not a lot, but if you need it, just take it. Don't be shy. We're family, no need for formalities."

This family is as united as iron.

No one competes or shirks responsibility; everyone puts their efforts in the same direction.

No matter how big the storm, as long as we hold hands, what obstacle can't we overcome?

Looking at the children in front of her, Zhou Shufen felt incredibly warm inside.

In her past life, she worried herself sick over those ungrateful people.

What I got in return was indifference, resentment, and betrayal.

“Don’t worry,” she said softly. “I’m the mother, and I’m the one who has to shoulder the responsibilities of this family. How can I let you all rush to the front in everything? I can still walk, I can still think, and I can still make decisions. I want to handle this myself, at least I’ll try.”

She waved her hand, a gentle smile on her face.

"I called you all here today to discuss things, to hear your thoughts, and to share my plans. I didn't say you had to get involved, nor did I ask you to contribute money or effort. I'm willing to take on this responsibility."

"But we are also part of the family!"

Zhou Haiqing grew anxious, his brows furrowing tightly.

"Mom, please don't always treat us like children. When we were little, you single-handedly supported this family and raised us with great hardship, and we remember that. Now that we've grown up and started our own families, it's our turn to contribute. How can we just stand by and watch you shoulder the burden alone?"

“Yes, Mom,” Zhou Liya chimed in. “You used to be the one who held up this family, shielding us from all the wind and rain. Now that we can do things ourselves and have our own shoulders to lean on, we can’t let you keep rushing forward alone, can we? That’s not right, and it shouldn’t be like this.”

They became more and more agitated as they spoke, their voices filled with anxiety.

Zhou Shufen looked at them with a smile in her eyes.

She nodded slightly, her voice very low.