Chapter 192 - What To Do if You’re the Villain and the Heroine Likes You

The shops cooperating with He Yunxiao, aside from the expensive Yaohui New Porcelain, the remaining four shops each have relatively affordable single-item prices. These four shops respectively sell steamed food, handmade products, and two sell fabric. When He Yunxiao calculated with these shops, aside from the pricy Yaohui New Porcelain, the rest of the shops offered special price items exclusively for gold and silver coupons. The prices of these special items were subsidized by Daqi Bank, directly halving the market price. It could be described as utterly outrageous. However, He Yunxiao did not act foolishly and directly subsidized them at the market price. Instead, he negotiated a suitable price range so that these half-priced items received subsidies above the cost price, ensuring both parties would profit. One side would profit from the large volume of sales, while the other would gain a bigger customer base and reputation. For platform businesses like Daqi Bank, the user base is more important than the short-term gains and losses. As for Yaohui New Porcelain, He Yunxiao discussed with the shop owner and introduced a "buy two porcelains with one of them at half price" promotion. This offer was applicable with the use of gold and silver coupons. Compared to the other four shops, the profit margin of Yaohui New Porcelain was much higher. Even if they sold two items with one at half price, relying on the high profit from the other item and the surplus margin, the losses of the shop would not be too much. In fact, most of the porcelains would not incur losses, just a slight reduction in profit. Coupled with He Yunxiao's subsidy, the shop would basically not suffer losses. ... After a night of silence, the next morning, He Yunxiao took the maids of the Hou Fu to open the businesses early. First, he opened the shops of Daqi Bank to ensure normal operations. Then, He Yunxiao went to a scholar to have him write a few more advertisements. After that, he went to the carpenter to obtain the signboard for the Daqi Bank, which had been hurriedly made overnight. With the signboard in place, Daqi Bank finally started to look official. It appeared much more formal than having the name written on paper. Taking advantage of the early morning, He Yunxiao, carrying the additional advertisements the scholar wrote, departed from the northern commercial street and sought out several shops with high customer traffic to inquire about placing his advertisements at their storefronts. He did not force those shops that immediately evinced fear, sparing them. As for the shops who agreed to place He Yunxiao's advertisements, he even offered them some silver as an advertising fee. While it was fine to be assertive at other times, especially in a credit business like this, it was necessary to establish a good image. After being busy for a while, He Yunxiao felt somewhat reassured as he witnessed a few scattered customers coming to Daqi Bank for currency exchange, even though the amount was not significant. It was a relief to see people coming to exchange at this early stage. The number of people coming to exchange may not have come close to matching his investment and effort, but at least it was a start in the right direction. After having the second floor of Daqi Bank cleaned again, He Yunxiao finished all his tasks before boarding a carriage to the Deer Horn Academy to pick up Du Meimei. He had already discussed with her the plan for her to sit in at the Daqi Bank. When Du Meimei arrived, she naturally would not entertain customers like the maids of the Hou Fu, as it was not fitting for someone of her status. He Yunxiao planned to have her sit in the visible position in the bank. To this end, he specially prepared and furnished the second floor of the bank with some valuable items which, though not in use, were specifically for Du Meimei's use as an office. He Yunxiao had already thought it through. With the substantial discounts offered by the five cooperating shops today, their business was bound to prosper. Once their businesses improved, their competitors would not be willing to be left behind. It was possible that they would take the initiative to negotiate a partnership with the bank. At that time, he would let Du Meimei handle the negotiations. In the novel, Du Meimei was positioned as the upright female lead, unlike himself, who was positioned as the antagonist facing numerous business difficulties. Indeed, in the earlier stages, it was necessary to negotiate partnerships with each shop for the use of gold and silver coupons. But in the middle to later stages, when there were enough people using gold and silver coupons, forming a trend, there would be no need for further negotiations or for the bank to implement subsidy policies with the shops. At that time, Daqi Bank only needed to maintain a discount of ninety-nine silvers in exchange for a hundred silvers, and that would be sufficient. Upon arriving at the Deer Horn Academy, He Yunxiao made a customary visit to Ziruo's wife, inquired about her progress with the novel, and then went to escort Du Meimei from her quarters and bring her to Daqi Bank. Today, Du Meimei wore a dark blue outfit, the color of which leaned towards the dark side, giving her a certain presence and stability. However, in front of He Yunxiao, it made no difference what she wore. Inside the carriage from the Hou Fu, He Yunxiao transmitted to Du Meimei, "Yinyin, don't speak later. It won't be good if the driver hears you." Du Meimei nodded gently and was immediately held down by He Yunxiao. Of the current female leads, only Du Meimei was being fed by him without crossing any lines. How could He Yunxiao not indulge in this? After all, who could resist the pursuit of pleasure? Are they not hungry if they do not eat? Three meals a day, with soups and water, a balanced mix of meats and vegetables, is needed for a balanced diet. With Sister Jiang seldom seen, Nan Zhu's wife being shy, and Ziruo's wife not even understanding, especially when she was with him, not even their lips had touched. He Yunxiao speculated that Ziruo's wife still considered kissing as the final step. "Yinyin," He Yunxiao said as he rose. Du Meimei lay reclined on the soft seat of the carriage, her dress riding up at the hem, causing some wrinkles in the fabric in the chest area. Her hair was scattered, partly covering the seat and some strands falling onto the carriage floor, curling up. At this moment, her cool face took on a tinge of pink, giving her cherry-red lips beneath her high-bridged nose a more lush, moist look. "Master…" He Yunxiao said, "Yinyin, when you're free, talk to your sister about how to have a baby. Otherwise, she'll be clueless, and I'm afraid she'll be embarrassed when the time comes." Du Meimei nodded lightly. He Yunxiao smiled and said, "Alright, I've finished the off-topic talk. Let's get to work now." ... Ma Dekuai saw his young master bringing another person in the carriage, feeling dejected. The time for the young ladies was increasing, and the time for the horses was diminishing. It would be difficult to ride the carriage again in the future. Especially when the young ladies became mistresses, and then gave birth to young masters and mistresses. At that point, even thinking about riding the carriage would be out of the question. The days were hard. Arriving at Daqi Bank, Ma Dekuai called, "Young Master, we're at the bank." The voice of He Yunxiao came from the carriage. "Sigh… I know…" Ma Dekuai scratched his head. From his young master's tone, it seemed like he had eaten some spicy snacks. What was he doing eating spicy snacks in this scorching heat at noon? After some time, He Yunxiao leisurely emerged from the carriage. Following behind He Yunxiao, Du Meimei alighted from the carriage. She appeared calm, composed, as if nothing had happened in the carriage earlier. He Yunxiao did not show too much intimacy with Du Meimei in front of others. Even when walking side by side, they maintained a one-foot gap, restricting their relationship strictly within the friendly range, leaving no room for gossip. Even all the employees of Daqi Bank could attest to the purity of their relationship. Upon bringing Du Meimei into the store, He Yunxiao informed the maids of the Hou Fu that Du Meimei was their boss. He then led her to tour the second floor. Chapter 193: Du Meimei at Work Tl. Soothsayer.io