Movie: Get Alpha Dog at the start

Chapter 1460 Going to Hong Kong

On the morning of the sixth day of the Lunar New Year, Beijing was still enveloped in the afterglow of the holiday. Fragments of red paper from firecrackers lingered in the alleyways, and the faint aroma of stewed meat from the previous night wafted through the air. Most families were still enjoying the rare holiday laziness, and children were still immersed in the joy of not having to go to school. However, in Qin Hao's courtyard in Jiudaowan Hutong, a scene of preparation and readiness was already underway.

Qin Hao and Zhao Yajing had both changed into comfortable but well-made travel clothes, with their suitcases neatly packed beside them. Li Yuxiang, wearing a scarf, stood at the door, holding her son's hand, her eyes red-rimmed, her face full of reluctance and worry.

"The New Year isn't even over yet, why are you leaving already?" Li Yuxiang's voice choked with emotion. As she straightened Qin Hao's collar, she complained, "I think doing business is harder for you than working in a factory! At least you get a year-end holiday, but you haven't had a single day of rest during the whole New Year..."

Standing to the side, Xie Zhiqiang, carrying a box of pastries, laughed and said, "Auntie, what are you saying! If doing business isn't harder than working, where would you earn so much money? Look at Lao Qin and Sister Ya Jing, their outfits, and the TV and washing machine they bought for you... all of that was earned through hard work!"

During the Spring Festival, Xie Zhiqiang heard that Qin Hao and Zhao Yajing had made a fortune in Guangzhou, even buying a TV and a washing machine. He was incredibly envious. After returning to the city, he was assigned to a small factory. The work was monotonous and the salary was meager. Seeing his childhood friend doing so well, how could he sit still? On the second day of the Lunar New Year, he brought a box of pastries that he had painstakingly saved up to buy and went to Qin Hao's house to pay his respects. He implied that he wanted to go to Guangzhou with Qin Hao to "make a name for himself" and "learn some skills."

Qin Hao considered that his main focus would be on expanding the Hong Kong market, and that the eight stores in Guangzhou really needed a trustworthy person to help oversee the daily operations and accounts.

Although Xie Zhiqiang has some issues with his relationships, he's a loyal and trustworthy person, good at handling interpersonal relationships, quick-witted, and adept at managing his social skills. As long as the rules are set and his "womanizing" tendencies are curbed, he'd be a good candidate. Therefore, after discussing it with Zhao Yajing, Qin Hao agreed to let him go to Guangzhou to familiarize himself with the situation.

"Go away! You talk too much!" Zhao Yajing slapped Xie Zhiqiang's arm, then walked over and affectionately took Li Yuxiang's arm, softly comforting her, "Auntie, don't worry! I'm in Guangzhou, I'll definitely keep a close eye on him, he won't suffer any losses! Besides, we won't be doing any heavy work this time, just arranging things over there. Once everything's settled, maybe we can invite you to stay with us for a while, to see how warm spring is in the south!"

Li Yuxiang felt a little better after being coaxed by Zhao Yajing. Holding her hand, she kept nagging her, "Yajing, over there... keep an eye on him. Don't let him work too hard. Business is never-ending, but his health is important... Eat on time, don't forget just because you're busy... Also, you two should look after each other. When you're out and about, harmony brings wealth..."

Zhao Yajing was overjoyed and nodded repeatedly. When Li Yuxiang wasn't looking, she glanced at Qin Hao triumphantly, her eyes clearly saying: See? Your mother trusts me the most now!

Qin Hao pretended not to see and said to his mother, "Mom, we have to go, or we'll miss our flight. Take good care of yourself at home, and call me if anything happens. Don't be stingy with money, spend it if you need to. We'll bring you over there once we've settled in."

"Sigh, I know, be careful on the road..." Li Yuxiang held back her tears and saw the two of them off at the entrance of the alley. Only after the taxi carried the three of them away and merged into the sparse traffic of the early morning did she turn around and slowly walk back to the quiet courtyard, feeling empty inside.

……

Guangzhou Baiyun Airport.

The air in the south was warm and humid, a stark contrast to the dry, cold winters of Beijing. As soon as Qin Hao and his two companions got off the plane, they felt their thick clothes were no longer enough. Without lingering, they hailed a taxi outside the airport and headed straight for Beijing Road.

Burger King's eight stores reopened on the fourth day of the Lunar New Year. During the Spring Festival, although many locals visited relatives and friends, tourists from other places and many young people who stayed in Guangzhou for the holiday were still the main consumers.

In addition, many restaurants were closed during the Spring Festival, so business was actually better than usual. Qin Hao and Zhao Yajing arranged shifts and rest days in advance to ensure that each restaurant was looked after.

They rushed back, not because they were worried about their employees, but mainly because they were concerned that the large turnover and large amount of cash accumulated in the past few days would attract envy.

They went from shop to shop, checking accounts, counting cash, and verifying material consumption. Xie Zhiqiang followed behind, his eyes dazzled, especially when he saw the thick stacks of banknotes in the cash registers. His eyes widened, and he gained a more concrete understanding of the word "get rich."

Fortunately, after checking all the stores, the accounts were basically clear, and the revenue and the supplies consumed matched up.

Qin Hao breathed a sigh of relief and was quite satisfied. He immediately announced that all employees who worked during the Spring Festival and those who returned to work early on the fourth day of the Lunar New Year would receive a "start-of-work bonus" of one hundred yuan each!

One hundred yuan! In early 1981, that was almost half a month's wages for an ordinary worker! For these young women, who were mostly unemployed local youths or migrant workers in the city, it was a considerable windfall.

Immediately, excited cheers erupted from several stores.

"Long live the boss!"

"Thank you, Boss Qin! Thank you, Sister Ya Jing!"

"The boss is making a fortune! We'll all benefit from it!"

The employees, especially the young and lively girls, surrounded Qin Hao and Zhao Yajing, chattering and thanking them, their faces radiating youthful energy.

Watching the several pretty young girls surrounding Qin Hao, their eyes shining and smiles sweet, Zhao Yajing felt a strange pang of jealousy. After Qin Hao finished distributing red envelopes and talking to his employees, she stepped forward and subtly sent the girls who wanted to talk to him a little more away to do their work. Then she sidled up to Qin Hao, her tone slightly sour:

"Boss Qin is really generous, giving each of them a hundred, which is almost a week's wages. Your way of winning people over is quite impressive."

Qin Hao sensed the jealousy in her words and gave her a helpless glare: "It's the Lunar New Year, and people give up their rest to come to work early and generate profits for the store. Shouldn't they be rewarded? This is called boosting morale. Think bigger, okay? Stop thinking about such trivial things all day long."

Zhao Yajing felt a little embarrassed by his words, but she still wouldn't back down. She pouted and said, "Fine, fine, since you're the major shareholder, you call the shots. As a minor shareholder, I'm just here to do the work, not to give out money."

Qin Hao was too lazy to argue with her, so he turned around and went to explain the precautions to the store managers for the next period of time.

For the next week, Qin Hao and Zhao Yajing barely spent any time in the store, instead running around delivering gifts and making concessions. They couldn't afford to offend any department even remotely related to running a business, including the industry and commerce bureau, tax bureau, fire department, electricity bureau, and local street office. Although Burger King had all the necessary permits and paid taxes legally, in the business environment of the early 80s, maintaining good relationships and communication was crucial. Otherwise, any hiccup at any stage could be very troublesome.

Furthermore, maintaining the supply channels for the various raw materials needed to keep those eight stores running also required continuous management and maintenance. Chicken, flour, cooking oil, packaging paper, even gas cylinders... each item needed a stable source and a relatively reasonable price. Most of these channels were painstakingly established by Zhao Yajing in the early stages, relying on personal relationships and mutual benefits. The period around the Lunar New Year was a crucial time for maintaining these relationships.

After a busy period, both of them lost weight, but they had taken care of most of the necessary arrangements, which paved the way for a smooth operation in the coming year.

Meanwhile, their travel documents to Hong Kong were finally processed. These days, the scrutiny of mainland residents traveling to Hong Kong for private purposes is still very strict. Fortunately, Qin Hao and Zhao Yajing had the pretext of "business visit" and "visiting relatives and friends," and perhaps they pulled some strings, so they managed to get it done smoothly.

Before leaving, Qin Hao called Xie Zhiqiang to the Burger King headquarters office for a final explanation.

"Thank you for your help. Ya Jing and I will be going to Hong Kong for a while, maybe one or two months, or even half a year, depending on how well we develop the market there." Qin Hao said seriously, "During this time, I'll be entrusting you with overseeing the daily operations of these eight stores in Guangzhou."

Upon hearing this, Xie Zhiqiang immediately straightened his back and patted his chest to assure everyone: "Old Qin, Sister Ya Jing, you can rest assured! With me keeping an eye on things, I guarantee there won't be any problems! The accounts will be crystal clear, and not a single penny will be missing!"

Qin Hao nodded, but his tone remained serious: "Regarding daily operations, such as employee management, product production, and customer service, you shouldn't interfere. Those are the responsibilities of the store managers and supervisors; they've been trained and know how to do it. Your main task is to keep a close eye on two things: First, daily accounts. Cash must be cleared and deposited into the bank promptly. For large deposits, it's best to go with someone. Second, material procurement and inventory must be checked regularly to prevent waste and misappropriation. We'll leave you a contact number when we arrive in Hong Kong; write it down. Call us once a week to report on the overall situation. If you encounter any emergencies or things you can't handle, such as someone causing trouble or government departments making unreasonable demands during inspections, call us immediately, understand?"

Xie Zhiqiang took out a small notebook and carefully wrote down the key points Qin Hao had mentioned, nodding repeatedly: "Understood! Understood! Keep an eye on the accounts and manage the materials, but don't interfere in the day-to-day operations. Call me if there's an emergency!"

Zhao Yajing added, "There's one more crucial thing—" She stared at Xie Zhiqiang, her eyes carrying a warning: "Old Xie, don't mess with people close to you. Those young girls in the shop are the backbone we've painstakingly trained. Don't you dare lay a finger on them! Do you hear me? If I find out you've done something reckless, see how I deal with you!"

A hint of embarrassment and guilt flashed across Xie Zhiqiang's face. He subconsciously pinched his nose and forced a smile, saying, "Look at what you're saying, Ya Jing. What do you mean by 'hoho'? Do you think I'm that kind of person? I promise, I'll always prioritize work!"

Zhao Yajing snorted coldly and rolled her eyes: "Whether you're that kind of person or not, you know it in your heart. Who was it that dragged the village secretary's daughter into the haystack the night before they went back to the city?"

Xie Zhiqiang's face immediately turned red, and he looked at Qin Hao: "Old Qin! No... why did you tell her about this too?"

Qin Hao spread his hands innocently and said, "I didn't say that. It must be Yang Shumo's big mouth. If you want to blame someone, blame that silly Mao."

"Hey! That idiot Mao!" Xie Zhiqiang stomped his feet in anger. "His mouth is like a tattered cotton-padded jacket, leaking air everywhere!"

Ignoring him, Zhao Yajing continued her threats: "Just remember this! Keep your belts on! If we find out you're messing around in Guangzhou, affecting the stability of the shop, or getting into any romantic entanglements, you'd better pack your bags and go back to Beijing as soon as possible, and don't cause us any more trouble here!"

Seeing Zhao Yajing's stern tone, Xie Zhiqiang knew she was serious, so he could only look at Qin Hao with a pained expression, seeking support: "Old Qin, you be the judge..."

Qin Hao patted him on the shoulder, his tone calm but firm: "Old Zhuan, I think Ya Jing is right. We're doing serious business now, not messing around. The girls in the shop are all quite young, many of them are here for the job and the pay. Don't ruin their future and reputation. Focus on the important things during this time. When we come back, the business will be even bigger, and we won't have to worry about finding suitable partners."

Seeing that the two bosses were in agreement, Xie Zhiqiang knew he had no chance and could only dejectedly promise, "Fine, fine, what can you do when you're the bosses? I promise that while you're away, I, Xie Zhiqiang, will absolutely not flirt with any of the girls in the shop! Is that alright? I swear on my integrity!"

Zhao Yajing's expression softened slightly: "That's more like it. Remember what you said, and do what you say."

"I mean what I say!" Xie Zhiqiang raised his hand and swore.

……

After giving Xie Zhiqiang his instructions, Qin Hao and Zhao Yajing embarked on their journey to Hong Kong. Instead of flying, they took the "Guangzhou-Kowloon Through Train," which had only recently resumed operation.

This train service, which runs directly from Guangzhou Station to Hung Hom Station in Hong Kong, only resumed operation in 1979. Before that, mainland residents traveling to Hong Kong had to first take a train or bus to Shenzhen, queue at the Lo Wu border crossing for complicated immigration procedures, and then transfer to a Hong Kong train—a time-consuming and inconvenient process. The resumption of the Guangzhou-Kowloon Through Train greatly simplified the process; passengers could complete border checks on the train and travel directly from Guangzhou to Hung Hom in about three hours, making travel much more convenient.

Sitting in the clean and comfortable carriage, watching the southern scenery rush past the window—from the bustling city of Guangzhou to the gradually appearing farmland, ponds, and hills—Zhao Yajing seemed somewhat excited. For her, Hong Kong was still a mysterious and alluring "glamorous world." Qin Hao, on the other hand, was relatively calm; he leaned back in his seat, closing his eyes to rest.

The train traveled smoothly, crossing the Shenzhen River and entering Hong Kong's New Territories. The scenery outside the window gradually changed; buildings became denser, billboards began to display traditional Chinese characters and English, and pedestrians' clothing became more fashionable. A fast-paced urban atmosphere, different from that of the mainland, washed over me.

Three hours later, the train arrived at Hung Hom Station on time. Stepping out of the station, the two were immediately enveloped by the bustling city noise. Skyscrapers stood side by side, double-decker buses and taxis flowed endlessly, pedestrians hurried by, and shop signs displayed a dazzling array of items... everything seemed busy and vibrant. The air was filled with the salty, humid smell unique to the harbor, as well as the stench of car exhaust.

According to the address Shi Xiaona wrote in her letter, she lived in the Southern District of Hong Kong Island. To get from Hung Hom in Kowloon to Repulse Bay on Hong Kong Island, one needs to cross the harbor.

Qin Hao and Zhao Yajing hailed a red taxi outside the station and told the driver to go to the "Star Ferry" pier.

The taxi quickly took them to the Star Ferry Pier in Tsim Sha Tsui. They bought tickets and boarded the green and white, nostalgic ferry. The ferry slowly pulled away from the pier, and the magnificent view of Victoria Harbour unfolded before them. The skyline of Central Hong Kong Island across the water, outlined by skyscrapers, looked particularly spectacular in the afternoon sun. The sea breeze, carrying a salty smell, brushed against their faces, and the ferry swayed gently with the waves.

Zhao Yajing leaned on the ship's railing, looking at the scenery on both banks, and couldn't help but exclaim, "It's so beautiful... much more bustling than Guangzhou!"

Qin Hao stood beside her, also admiring the famous scenery. Behind the prosperity, however, lay even fiercer competition and more complex rules.

About ten minutes later, the ferry arrived at the Central pier on Hong Kong Island. The two then transferred to a bus, which traveled along the winding mountain road to Repulse Bay in the Southern District. The bus wound its way up the mountain road, with lush green forests on one side and glimpses of the azure bay and luxurious residences dotting the landscape on the other. Zhao Yajing watched intently.

Finally, at an intersection on Repulse Bay Road, the two got out of the car. Following the address, they walked along a tree-lined private road until they came to a magnificent, ornate iron gate. Behind the gate was a winding driveway leading to a white European-style villa with a spacious garden and swimming pool.

“My God…” Zhao Yajing stood outside the iron gate, gazing at the luxurious villa that still looked dazzling despite being nestled among the green trees. She couldn’t help but gasp, her tone tinged with envy: “This villa… it’s really impressive. Looks like Shi Xiaona’s family in Hong Kong is incredibly wealthy…”

Qin Hao also surveyed the mansion. It must be said, Shi Xiaona's grandfather certainly had strategic vision. Back in 1949, with the situation uncertain, he took his eldest son and half of the family fortune to Hong Kong, leaving his second son (Shi Xiaona's father) on the mainland. This "hedging" move, while causing Shi's father considerable hardship on the mainland, also preserved the family's bloodline and some of its foundation.

Now that the policy has loosened, Mr. and Mrs. Shi were able to come to Hong Kong to reunite with their family. According to information Qin Hao later learned, after arriving in Hong Kong, Mr. Shi gradually gained control of the family group within a few years, thanks to his abilities and shrewdness. It is evident that his experience in struggle and his business acumen far surpassed those of his elder brother, who remained in Hong Kong.

Qin Hao withdrew his gaze and pressed the intercom doorbell next to the iron gate.

Soon, a slightly wary female voice came through the walkie-talkie, speaking in Cantonese: "Where are you going?"

Qin Hao replied in Cantonese: "Hello, we are looking for Ms. Shi Xiaona. We are friends from Beijing."

There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the intercom, as if they were confirming something. Then, the iron gate clicked open automatically. A maid in her forties or fifties, dressed in a dark uniform, strode out from the side door of the villa and came to the iron gate. She looked Qin Hao and Zhao Yajing over, and seeing that they were well-dressed and had an air of sophistication, her expression softened slightly.

The maid hesitated, about to ask something else, when suddenly a clear and cheerful voice came from the direction of the villa's garden:

"Aunt Liu! Who is that?"

Accompanied by the sound, a girl in a white dress with long, flowing hair ran from the garden path. When she saw Qin Hao outside the iron gate, she was clearly taken aback for a moment, then a surprised smile bloomed on her face, and she quickened her pace.

"Old Qin?! It really is you!" The girl ran to the iron gate, looking at Qin Hao with bright eyes through the bars. "I thought I was seeing things when I saw you from afar in the garden! What brings you to Hong Kong? You didn't even call me beforehand so I could pick you up!"

The person who arrived was Fu Heming. She was much fairer and slightly plumper than when she was in Taishantun. Her clothes and style also had the fashionable feel of a Hong Kong girl, making her look youthful and beautiful.

Zhao Yajing didn't recognize Fu Heming. Seeing such a pretty girl smiling so happily at Qin Hao and calling him "Old Qin" so affectionately, her jealousy resurfaced. She quietly leaned close to Qin Hao's ear and whispered sourly, "This is Shi Xiaona? She doesn't look that great... not even that good-looking. Not even as pretty as me."

Qin Hao glanced at her speechlessly and said in a low voice, "Don't talk nonsense. This is Fu Heming, Xiao Na's best friend." After saying that, he ignored Zhao Yajing's little mood and greeted Fu Heming with a smile, "Heming, long time no see! It seems you're adapting well to Hong Kong, you look great. Yajing and I came to Hong Kong on some business and stopped by to see you. Is Xiao Na home?"

Upon hearing that it was Fu Heming, not Shi Xiaona, Zhao Yajing immediately breathed a sigh of relief and put on a warm smile, taking the initiative to greet him: "Hello, I'm Zhao Yajing, also from Jiudaowan Hutong. I'm classmates with Lao Qin, and we're now doing a small business together in Guangzhou. I often hear Lao Qin mention you guys."

Fu Heming then noticed Zhao Yajing next to Qin Hao. Seeing her bright and beautiful appearance, and her capable attire, he felt a slight stirring in his heart as she stood beside Qin Hao. However, he didn't show it on his face and warmly replied, "Hello, Sister Yajing! Welcome, welcome! Xiao Na is just home; she was just reminiscing about her time in the countryside. You've come at the perfect time! Please come in! Xiao Na will be overjoyed to see Lao Qin!"

When the maid, Aunt Liu, saw that her mistress's friend recognized the visitors and seemed to have a good relationship with them, she stopped stopping them, opened the small door, and invited Qin Hao and Zhao Yajing in.

Stepping through the villa's gate, a winding driveway paved with gravel and lined with flowers and grass leads to the main white building. The garden is exquisitely maintained, with neatly trimmed lawns and a small fountain.

"I think you're quite popular with girls. Fu Heming was so happy to see you." Zhao Yajing's jealousy flared up again.

Qin Hao spread his hands and said, half-jokingly and half-seriously, "There's nothing I can do. I'm naturally beautiful and can't help it. I'm popular wherever I go."

"You're getting cocky just because I called you fat!" Zhao Yajing snorted, reaching out to pinch him, but then thought it inappropriate to do so in someone else's house, so she gave up.

Just as the two were bickering in hushed tones, Fu Heming had already opened the heavy wooden door to the living room on the first floor of the villa. Almost at the same moment the door opened, a figure rushed down the stairs from the inside.

"He Ming, who's here? I think I heard..." The voice abruptly stopped.

Shi Xiaona stood at the top of the stairs, wearing a light pink loungewear sweater and a plaid long skirt. Her hair was loosely tied up, and her face had a rosy glow from just waking up, making her look pure and gentle. When she saw Qin Hao standing at the door, looking travel-worn but with a warm smile, her eyes widened instantly. Surprise and disbelief flashed across her face, followed by immense joy.

"Old Qin?! It really is you!" Shi Xiaona almost exclaimed, rushing down the stairs in three steps, nearly tripping. "Why didn't you call me before you came to Hong Kong?! I wasn't prepared at all!"

Her tone was filled with excitement at the long-awaited reunion and a hint of reproach.

As she spoke, she instinctively stepped forward and grabbed Qin Hao's hand, as if to confirm that this wasn't a hallucination. Only then did she notice Zhao Yajing beside Qin Hao and Fu Heming's slightly mischievous gaze. Her face flushed slightly, and she quickly released Qin Hao's hand, smiling apologetically at Zhao Yajing: "I'm sorry, I was too excited to have a friend come from afar. I've been rude. And this is...?"

Qin Hao introduced at the opportune moment: "This is Zhao Yajing, my business partner and also an old neighbor from our alley. She went to Guangzhou when she was very young. We did some small business together in Guangzhou. This time, I came to Hong Kong partly to expand our business, and partly to visit you."

Although Zhao Yajing was a little bothered by Shi Xiaona's action of holding Qin Hao's hand earlier, she smiled politely and took the initiative to extend her hand: "Hello Xiaona, I am Zhao Yajing. I often hear Lao Qin mention you, saying that you are the most cultured and talented woman in our alley. I apologize for disturbing you with this visit."

Shi Xiaona shook hands with her lightly and said with a smile, "Hello, Sister Yajing, you're too kind. I'm so glad you could come!" She turned to the maid, Aunt Liu, who was still standing to the side and instructed her, "Aunt Liu, could you please cut some fruit for me and brew a pot of good tea? I have an important friend to entertain!"

Aunt Liu responded and left.

Shi Xiaona then looked at Qin Hao again, her eyes still shining: "Come in and sit down! Don't stand at the door!" As she spoke, she reached out to take Qin Hao's hand again, but this time she restrained herself and simply made an inviting gesture, leading the two into the spacious and bright living room.

The living room is decorated in a blend of Chinese and Western styles, with thick carpets, large leather sofas and mahogany furniture, landscape oil paintings on the walls, and huge floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a lush garden with a glimpse of the sea in the distance, creating a luxurious yet elegant atmosphere.

Shi Xiaona invited Qin Hao and Zhao Yajing to sit on the sofa, and then sat down next to Fu Heming. She couldn't wait to ask about the situation in Beijing and Taishantun, as well as Yang Shumao, Xie Zhiqiang, and other acquaintances in the alley.

Qin Hao handed over the Beijing specialties he had brought—some preserved fruits, poria cocos cakes, and pastries—along with the letter that Yang Shumo had asked him to deliver, to Shi Xiaona.

Shi Xiaona took the letter and gift, and sighed: "Da Mao... is he still studying? His parents... still don't agree to him taking the college entrance exam?"

Qin Hao nodded and briefly explained how Yang Shumao secretly studied, missed the registration, and the attitudes of Yang's parents and brother.

Shi Xiaona frowned as she listened, feeling both heartache for Yang Shumao's perseverance and hardship, and anger at his parents' shortsightedness and selfishness: "Tell me, what kind of parents are these? Stopping their son from studying and from making progress! Going to university is such a good thing! After that, he'll be assigned a job, and with knowledge and education, wouldn't that be a hundred times better than working in a pickle factory?"

Qin Hao shook his head inwardly. It wasn't just about preventing him from studying. In the original owner's memories, after Yang Shumao made a fortune in business, his parents and brothers clung to him like leeches, sucking his blood. They even tried to take the house he bought, and they did so with a sense of entitlement, thinking it was "perfectly natural."

Fu Heming also chimed in, defending Yang Shumao. Zhao Yajing, however, had long been familiar with the Yang family's behavior and shook her head repeatedly.

The group chatted, and before they knew it, it was getting dark outside. The maid, Aunt Liu, brought in some cut fruit and hot tea, and then quietly inquired about Shi Xiaona's dinner plans.

Just then, footsteps sounded on the stairs again. A well-dressed, refined middle-aged couple descended from the second floor. The man wore a dark suit and gold-rimmed glasses; his face was lean, and his eyes were intelligent. The woman wore a blue cheongsam with a cardigan over it; she was well-maintained and still possessed a graceful charm. They were Shi Xiaona's parents.

"So that's why Xiaona rushed downstairs this afternoon, skipping her nap. Turns out we have a distinguished guest." Shi Fangren said with a gentle smile, his gaze sweeping over Qin Hao and Zhao Yajing, lingering on Qin Hao for a moment longer, his tone carrying a subtle scrutiny.

Qin Hao bowed slightly, his attitude respectful yet generous: "Hello Uncle Shi, hello Aunt Shi. It's been a year since we last met, and you two look even more radiant than before."

Shi Fangren laughed heartily, walked over, and gestured for them to sit down: "Xiao Qin, you're too kind. Sit down, sit down. I'm so happy that you've come all the way from Beijing to see us. What do you call this? 'Meeting an old friend in a foreign land'! It's one of life's greatest joys! Don't leave tonight, stay for a simple meal, let's have a few drinks and chat!"

Mrs. Shi smiled and nodded, "Yes, Xiao Qin, don't be shy, make yourself at home. Xiao Na doesn't have many friends in Hong Kong, she's so happy that you could come."

Qin Hao didn't refuse excessively and readily agreed, "Then I'll gladly accept your offer. Tonight, I'll risk my life to keep you company and have a few drinks with you, Uncle!"

"Good! That was great!" Shi Fangren was clearly satisfied with Qin Hao's response and sat down on the main single sofa.

Afterwards, Shi Fangren began to chat with Qin Hao. He first inquired about the recent situation in Beijing and the inland areas, especially the latest developments regarding the reform and opening-up policy. Qin Hao did not hide anything, and based on his own observations and thoughts, he shared some views in a measured manner, neither overly radical nor overly conservative, demonstrating both knowledge and a down-to-earth and steady approach.

Shi Fangren listened attentively, nodding frequently and occasionally interjecting to ask for details. The two chatted back and forth, finding themselves quite congenial. Shi Xiaona tried to join in several times, but was interrupted each time by her father and Qin Hao's discussion, making her blink anxiously. Seeing her daughter's eagerness and her husband's enthusiastic conversation, Shi's mother gently tugged at Shi Fangren's sleeve and said with a smile, "Alright, Lao Shi, you've left the children hanging. Qin and the others have come from afar; they must have other things to discuss with Xiaona. You two can continue your conversation at the dinner table later."

Shi Fangren then realized, patted his forehead, and laughed, "Look at me, I lost track of time once we started chatting. Alright, I'll go upstairs to take care of some things. Xiao Qin, Miss Ya Jing, you young people chat for a while. We'll have a good drink together tonight!"

"Uncle, please go ahead with your work." Qin Hao stood up to see him off.

After Mr. and Mrs. Shi went upstairs, Shi Xiaona finally found an opportunity to ask Qin Hao about their specific plans for coming to Hong Kong. Qin Hao then explained his idea of ​​trying to open a Burger King branch in Hong Kong, as well as the current bottlenecks and the purpose of their market research trip.

Before they knew it, it was completely dark outside. The villa was brightly lit. The maid, Aunt Liu, came to ask if dinner could be served. Shi Xiaona then led Qin Hao and Zhao Yajing to the dining room.

The restaurant was spacious and luxurious, with a long table covered with a pristine white tablecloth and set with exquisite silver cutlery and crystal wine glasses. Shi Fangren, his mother, and Shi Xiaona's second brother, Shi Xiaojun, were already seated. Shi Xiaojun looked to be in his mid-twenties, wearing a fashionable floral shirt, his hair slicked back, and his face bearing the slightly arrogant expression common among wealthy young men.

Dinner was sumptuous, featuring both exquisite Cantonese dishes and Western-style steak and salad. Shi Fangren indeed opened a nice bottle of red wine and poured it for Qin Hao.

After several rounds of drinks and dishes, the atmosphere was harmonious. Shi Fangren seemed to remember something, put down his wine glass, looked at Qin Hao, and asked casually but with concern, "By the way, Qin, I heard from Xiao Na that you came to Hong Kong this time planning to do some business? Have you decided what exactly to do? Is there anything I can help you with?"

Qin Hao put down his knife and fork, wiped his mouth, and answered seriously, "Uncle Shi, to be honest, the business that Ya Jing and I run in Guangzhou is a kind of Western fast food, similar to... um, you should have heard of 'KFC'? We also make fried chicken and hamburgers, focusing on speed, convenience, and standardization. We've already opened eight stores in Guangzhou, and business is pretty good. However, the Guangzhou market is limited after all, and we want to see if this model has any potential for development in Hong Kong."

Before he could finish speaking, Shi Xiaojun, sitting opposite him, scoffed, his face clearly showing disdain, and interjected, "What works in Guangzhou might not work in Hong Kong. I'm not trying to discourage you, but even if you were just imitating KFC's model, the original KFC would still fail to adapt to Hong Kong! KFC opened a branch in Hong Kong back in '73, and what happened? It didn't last two years before it sheepishly closed down and withdrew from the Hong Kong market! Even the Americans couldn't handle it, do you think you can?"

"Second Brother!" Shi Xiaona glared at Shi Xiaojun with displeasure and complained, "How can you talk like that! Old Qin and the others are just here to investigate, they didn't say they had to do it."

Shi Xiaojun shrugged, spread his hands, and said with a "I'm doing this for your own good" attitude: "I'm just giving you a friendly reminder so they don't waste their hard-earned money and end up losing everything. You can't even imagine how fierce the competition is in Hong Kong's food and beverage industry. There are local tea restaurants, restaurants, dai pai dongs, and all kinds of Western restaurants, Japanese restaurants... there's so much to choose from. How can your hamburger and fried chicken compete with all that food?"

Shi Fangren raised his hand to stop the siblings' argument, then looked at Qin Hao, his tone calm but cautious: "Qin, Xiao Jun's words may be rough, but they make sense. You may not know, but KFC did enter Hong Kong in 73, and it made quite a splash at the time. Unfortunately, due to various reasons such as taste, price, and positioning, it failed to adapt to the Hong Kong market and eventually withdrew. Hong Kong has a very mature catering industry, and consumers are very discerning. If you want to do similar fast food, the challenge is indeed considerable. Have you... really thought this through?"

When Zhao Yajing heard Shi Fangren say the same thing, her heart started to pound, and a worried look appeared on her face as she looked at Qin Hao.

Qin Hao remained calm, meeting Shi Fangren's gaze with composure and confidence, and said, "Uncle Shi, we did some research on what you're saying before we came. KFC's failure to adapt to Hong Kong had its reasons; for example, they may not have made sufficient adjustments to suit local tastes, and their pricing strategy and advertising methods might have been problematic. But—"

He paused, then said firmly, “Just because foreign companies can’t do something doesn’t mean we Chinese can’t. We have our own advantages. We’ve already successfully operated eight stores in Guangzhou, accumulating a complete set of experience from product development and supply chain management to employee training and store operations. We understand Chinese tastes and preferences better, and our cost control is likely more flexible. Although the Hong Kong market is highly competitive, it also means huge opportunities. The pace of life here is fast, there are many young people, and they are very receptive to new things, which is exactly where the fast food model can flourish. We’re here this time with a learning and experimenting mindset, hoping to find a development path suitable for the Hong Kong market.”

His words were neither humble nor arrogant; he acknowledged the difficulties, expressed his determination and confidence, and pointed out his own strengths, making them very persuasive.

Shi Fangren listened, nodding slightly, a hint of appreciation flashing in his eyes. He pondered for a moment, then asked, "It seems, Xiao Qin, you're determined to give it a try?"

Qin Hao smiled and raised his glass: "Life offers few opportunities to take a gamble. Besides, our Guangzhou store is profitable every day. Even if we fail in Hong Kong, the losses will be manageable, and we can always start over. But if we don't even dare to try, we'll never have a chance. Uncle Shi, you agree, right?"

"Good! That's ambitious!" Shi Fangren smiled and raised his glass. "Young people should have this kind of drive! Uncle admires you! Here's what we're doing: you're opening a fried chicken shop, right? If you need to find suppliers, whether it's chicken, flour, seasonings, packaging materials, or kitchen equipment, the Shi family has been operating in Hong Kong for many years and knows a few people. I can provide you with a reliable list of suppliers and even put in a good word for you to guarantee the best prices."

Qin Hao raised his glass with both hands and said sincerely, "Thank you so much, Uncle Shi! You've really helped us a lot! I'll drink this first as a sign of respect, please feel free to drink as you like!" After saying that, he tilted his head back and drank the red wine in his glass in one gulp.

Shi Fangren laughed and downed his drink, praising, "Great capacity for alcohol! Refreshing!"

The meal was a pleasant one for both the host and guests. After the meal, they chatted for a while longer before Qin Hao and Zhao Yajing got up to say goodbye, explaining that they had already booked a hotel and would not want to disturb them any longer.

Shi Xiaona saw them off at the villa entrance, watched them get into a taxi, and waved goodbye.

When Shi Xiaona returned to the villa and went upstairs to her room, she passed by her parents' bedroom and overheard them talking in hushed tones, seemingly about Qin Hao. She couldn't help but stop and listen intently.

Then his mother's voice came: "Old Shi, you seem to be taking extra care of this young Qin tonight? You even offered to introduce him to suppliers. This isn't like you at all."

Shi Fangren smiled, his voice carrying a hint of shrewdness: "You wouldn't understand, would you? Madam, I have a good eye for people. This young Qin, despite his young age, his speech, knowledge, and courage are all extraordinary. He's managed to run a thriving business in Guangzhou and even thought of expanding into Hong Kong. This boldness and vision surpasses many of his peers, and even some veteran businessmen. I think he's a promising talent in business."

He paused, then continued, "Whether their trip to Hong Kong will be successful or not remains to be seen. Even if they fail to establish themselves in Hong Kong, with their abilities and drive, they'll definitely make a name for themselves in the mainland. Giving them some help now is just a small favor; in the future, if we ever have the opportunity to develop our careers in the mainland, or if we need any assistance there, we might find this connection useful. Why not?"

Mother Shi's voice rang out in sudden realization: "I see... You're so thoughtful." (End of Chapter)