In the study, several people were in discussion. Zhao Jiaqi explained in great detail, even down to the matter of a single rivet.
She was afraid that these two macho men would be too embarrassed to ask about anything they didn't understand.
She spoke until her throat was dry. Fortunately, the content was finished, and she could finally take a breath.
Zhao Jiaqi asked, "Second Brother, did you hear clearly everything I said? Is there anything you don't understand? Please, just ask!"
Helian Zhicheng looked at her hard work and detailed explanation and genuinely had no unclear points. He shook his head repeatedly. "No, you explained it very well. I understand everything!"
After a pause, he quickly added, "I understand the details, but should we discuss how to proceed? I don't have much experience in this area. Sister-in-law, you are more experienced. How should we do it?"
Zhao Jiaqi put down her plan and took out another small booklet, placing it in front of him. "Our first step is to build the processing plant, also known as the workshop."
"Seafood is all about freshness. Therefore, the workshop must be built near the port. Ideally, the seafood should enter the processing plant for deep processing within an hour of being caught."
After speaking, Zhao Jiaqi took a sip of water to moisten her throat and continued, "This is one aspect. Secondly, the location must also be not far from the main road to facilitate the smooth transportation of the produced goods. Third, there is the issue of long-term workers. They must be locals, close to home, so it's convenient for them to commute to and from work. Only by meeting these three conditions can we build the workshop."
Ding Beiliao understood. He considered this matter to be not difficult at all. Without hesitation, he nodded in agreement. "No problem, this is easy to handle!"
There were villages near the port, and these two conditions were very easy to meet. As for the main road, that was even less of an issue. Meeting these three conditions was incredibly simple.
Seeing his firm reply, Zhao Jiaqi didn't overthink it and continued, "So, let's discuss the follow-up matters!"
Helian Zhicheng didn't understand that there were follow-up matters. He raised his hand and asked her to continue. "Sister-in-law, please tell us. There's nothing we can't discuss between us. As long as I can do it, I will definitely not make any excuses!"
Hearing this, Zhao Jiaqi understood that he had misunderstood her, but it didn't matter. As long as she explained it clearly later, he would understand.
"Regarding the construction of the workshop, my husband and I have thought this way: even among close relatives, accounts should be kept clear. Therefore, whether it's building the workshop or anything else, we will share the costs together."
When Helian Zhicheng heard this, he felt so ashamed he wanted to disappear into the ground. He quickly protested, "No, no, no. Building the workshop was agreed to be my responsibility. Once we make money, we'll split it fifty-fifty. If you two do this, then I, as the second brother, would be taking advantage of you!"
Since the matter had come this far, Fan Zehao also joined the dissuasion. "Second Brother, business is business. There's no such thing as taking advantage, especially since you are my second brother. You absolutely cannot say such things."
Seeing Ding Beiliao's red face, Fan Zehao explained, "This workshop, my brother and I will invest in it together, and earn money together. This is fair to you and fair to me. If the scale is tilted towards one side, then the other side will surely be unhappy. This is only a matter of time."
Therefore, don't say those words. When doing business, fairness is important, and they also have the final say, which makes their words carry more weight!
"This is taking responsibility for you, for us, and for our business. Therefore, I think the way my wife suggested is excellent!"
Helian Zhicheng saw that the couple was determined. He understood perfectly that his younger brother was worried about his empty treasury, which was why he advocated for joint investment.
He deeply appreciated this kindness.
"Alright, this matter will be decided by you two!"
After receiving his agreement, they discussed the sales of the deep-processed goods. Helian Zhicheng expressed no objections but also made a suggestion.
"It's like this, I see your trade city is doing quite well, and I want to build one too. You are knowledgeable in this area. If I encounter any problems during my construction, I will need to ask you two for your help!"
He had thought about this for two or three days. He was originally hesitant to bring it up, but seeing that the couple had no reservations about these matters, he finally spoke.
To be honest, he was still being very cautious in his heart, afraid that his proposal would be rejected by them.
Fan Zehao chuckled and replied, "These are not problems at all. Second Brother, you can ask me anytime, and I will answer you anytime!"
At this, his heart finally felt at ease. Otherwise, he wouldn't have slept soundly at night.
Seeing them chatting happily, Baili Kai'en, who was sitting on a chair, couldn't sit still and quickly chimed in, "Younger brother, since you're helping Second Brother, you can't treat Eldest Brother differently!"
Fan Zehao looked at him with a chuckle. "What are you saying, Eldest Brother? I would never differentiate between the two of you. Your positions in my heart are the same. There is no favoritism."
Baili Kai'en patted his shoulder, his face beaming with joy. "Then can we talk about my matter? I've been waiting all morning!"
At his reminder, everyone realized it was already noon. Zhao Jiaqi closed the booklet and declared, "Nothing is more important than food!"
His wife's words were like imperial edicts. Fan Zehao echoed, "We need food to have the strength to work. Let's go for a drink!"
Baili Kai'en and Helian Zhicheng: ......
The two brothers had been excitedly discussing future money-making plans, but their enthusiasm was immediately doused by a bucket of cold water. This extinguished their passion on the spot.
The brothers exchanged a look and sighed. Well, they had to fill their stomachs first.
At the dinner table, the dishes were served, but Yu Meng did not return, which made Helian Jinli somewhat puzzled.
He asked Fan Zehao opposite him, "Little Uncle, aren't we waiting for Yu Meng to come back for dinner?"
"Oh, Yu Meng has been delayed by military affairs recently. She's gone to the barracks and won't be back for some time, so there's no need to wait for her to eat."
Military affairs?
No matter how slow Helian Jinli was, he understood that Fan Zehao was afraid the two of them would get together and had sent Yu Meng away in advance.
His mood immediately became dejected. He was eating delicious food, but it tasted like chewing on wax, utterly flavorless.
Helian Zhicheng saw his son's disconsolate look and felt bad, but the other party had already made his intentions very clear. Even if he didn't want to, he had to accept this reality.
Everyone at the table had sharp ears and eyes and naturally understood the situation. However, Kai'en felt much more at ease.
At least Zhao Jiaqi had rejected his proposal, and now Fan Zehao had effectively rejected Helian Jinli. This truly proved what he had just said – there was no favoritism between the two brothers.