AUBTN -Chapter 189 The Mysterious Person

“Our current model is still too slow. The capital’s market is already nearing saturation. If we truly want to grow bigger and stronger, we have to expand our business beyond the capital!”

Su Hewan was checking the accounts. Hearing this, she looked up and smiled at her. “Oh? Our chief manager has some new brilliant ideas again?”

“Of course!” Yu Qing lifted her chin proudly.

Then she threw out a term that sounded completely novel to everyone present—

“We’re going to do ‘franchise chains’!”

She cleared her throat and began explaining this groundbreaking business model in detail.

From unified branding and store design, to standardized supply chains and operational training, all the way to allowing franchisees to simply provide capital and location—

They could then enjoy the brand influence and mature operating system brought by Huaxiangrong.

A complete set of modern business theory was clearly laid out by her, translated into terms people of this era could understand.

Su Hewan immediately grasped the immense potential behind this model.

“Qingqing, you really do have a head for business!”

She praised her sincerely.

As soon as the plan was proposed, it was unanimously approved by all the core members of the chamber of commerce.

But right after that came the most realistic problem—money.

Whether it was building warehouses, establishing logistics, or the early-stage training and quality control, every step required a huge amount of startup capital.

This was far beyond what their current profits could support.

That night, when the four returned to Yu Garden, Lu Yan and Shen Jue tacitly kept quiet about what had happened in the palace.

Only Yu Qing excitedly talked about this grand plan.

“As for money, don’t worry about it,” Lu Yan said almost without hesitation.

“I’ll provide it.”

Shen Jue was even more direct. Leaning lazily against his chair, his peach blossom eyes slightly raised, he said, “The Eastern Depot may lack many things, but confiscated gold and silver? We have plenty. Name your price, and I’ll have the accounts office deliver it.”

Faced with the undisguised generosity of the two powerful men, Su Hewan and Yu Qing exchanged a glance and, at the same time, shook their heads.

“We appreciate the thought,” Yu Qing said with a grin, though her tone was unusually firm.

“You’re already initial shareholders. But this is our own business. If you put in more money now, wouldn’t that dilute our shares? Then would this chamber of commerce still belong to us?”

Su Hewan added gently but clearly, “We want to stand firm through our own abilities. This isn’t just about making money—it’s about proving that women are not meant to rely on others.”

Their words left both men momentarily stunned.

Looking at the two women before them, there was no greed for money in their eyes—only passion for their work and a firm belief in their own worth. That independence and pride shone like pearls in the night, dazzling and radiant.

Shen Jue gazed at Su Hewan, something in his heart softening under that light. A faint smile curved his lips as he no longer insisted.

“Alright. I’ll be waiting to see what earth-shaking achievements my Wanwan can accomplish.”

Lu Yan also looked deeply at Yu Qing, admiration and affection nearly overflowing from his eyes.

“I support you. Whatever you do, I’ll support you.”

“So, what’s your plan?” Shen Jue asked with a smile.

“I have my own clever solution!” Yu Qing replied with a mysterious grin, tossing out yet another shocking idea.

“Since there are so many wealthy people in the capital, let’s host a grand business summit! Invite all those rich and idle noble ladies and wealthy merchants. We’ll showcase our products on-site, present our franchise plan, let them see the business opportunities with their own eyes—and then… get them to invest!”

This idea was bold, innovative, and even a little unconventional.

But after a brief moment of surprise, Su Hewan, Shen Jue, and Lu Yan all saw the same thing in each other’s eyes—

Approval.

Rather than going door to door persuading people one by one, it was better to set up a stage and let everyone come and see for themselves.

This was indeed the most efficient approach—and the best way to showcase their confidence and strength.

Once they decided, they acted immediately.

Over the next dozen days, the entire Women’s Chamber of Commerce operated with unprecedented efficiency.

Invitation letters personally written by Su Hewan were delivered to the inner courtyards of the major noble households in the capital.

Meanwhile, Yu Qing led a team to transform the flagship store of Huaxiangrong into a negotiation venue that combined elegance with luxury.

The other women in the chamber were responsible for product displays and rehearsing the presentation process.

As expected, this move attracted quite a number of merchants and influential figures!

On this day, the sky was clear and bright.

In front of Huaxiangrong’s main store, carriages crowded the streets as noble ladies and wealthy merchants arrived one after another.

The negotiation conference officially began.

Standing on the stage, Yu Qing clearly laid out the grand blueprint of the franchise chain model before everyone.

The audience gradually shifted from initial curiosity and cautious observation…
to being drawn in…
and then to lively discussion.

They had never heard of such a novel business model before, yet the future Yu Qing described made them vividly see streams of silver flowing toward them.

Meanwhile, below the stage, Su Hewan moved gracefully through the crowd like an elegant butterfly, gently and patiently answering all kinds of questions from the guests.

The atmosphere of the conference reached its peak.

Many attendees showed strong interest and began approaching the chamber members to discuss cooperation.

At that moment, a voice rang out—gentle yet clear.

“Miss Su’s plan is truly refreshing. I wonder… would you allow me to make the first investment?”

Everyone turned toward the voice.

They saw a woman wearing a butterfly-shaped floral hairpin, slowly rising with the support of her maid.

She appeared to be around forty years old, well-maintained, with a gentle face and an air of dignified elegance. Between her brows lingered the calm authority of someone long accustomed to a position of power.

“It’s Madam Lin!” someone in the crowd exclaimed softly.

This Madam Lin was said to be the widow of a wealthy magnate from Jiangnan, who had only recently moved to the capital.

She was known for her lavish spending and held quite a reputation among the noble ladies.

A flicker of emotion passed through Su Hewan’s heart as she stepped forward and gave a graceful bow.

“Thank you, Madam Lin, for your appreciation.”

Madam Lin smiled as she helped her up, but her gaze lingered on Su Hewan’s face, carefully studying her. There was an indescribable hint of scrutiny in her eyes.

“Good child… just like your father, possessing remarkable integrity,” Madam Lin said softly.

Su Hewan’s heart tightened.

Not only did Madam Lin immediately promise a staggering sum of investment that shocked everyone present, she also held Su Hewan’s hand and asked many questions about her father, Su Wenyuan.

From his preferences… to the details of how he had taught her to read and write—her questions were incredibly thorough.

Relying on the original owner’s vague yet deeply ingrained memories, Su Hewan answered each one flawlessly.

As Madam Lin listened, her eyes gradually reddened.

After the conference ended, Madam Lin used the pretext of discussing investment details to privately invite Su Hewan to an elegant room.

After dismissing everyone else, only the two of them remained inside.