Chapter Sixteen: Opening a Supermarket

In 1997, there wasn't a single large department store in NC County; all that existed were some small shops selling a limited range of products. If someone had the capital to open a large supermarket at this time, they would surely be able to lock in consumers ahead of the curve, build a solid reputation, and making money in the future would be a certainty.

Zhou Xuan recalled that the first large supermarket in the county town was right in front of County No.1 High School. Its grand opening was a lively event, with crowds eagerly making purchases. The supermarket, situated at the school’s entrance, was backed by thousands of students and teachers, and located in the bustling center of the South Gate district—a truly prime location. After opening, it was always teeming with people, business booming day in and day out.

The second supermarket in NC County opened near the central garden, and the third opened beside the agricultural market at the West Gate. All were situated in the golden locations of their respective areas, attracting heavy foot traffic and thriving business.

Of course, what Zhou Xuan was suggesting his uncle open now was not one of those large supermarkets. They lacked both the funds and the experience. Instead, he wanted his uncle to start a small supermarket with a well-rounded selection of goods.

Zhou Xuan analyzed for his uncle and aunt, “If there’s a business most suited for this spot right now, it has to be opening a small supermarket, mainly selling student supplies and daily necessities.”

Reflecting on how things would unfold in the coming years, Zhou Xuan knew that in the early years, the few small shops in front of No.4 High School all did roaring business. Every afternoon after school, students would line up to buy things. After No.1 High School reopened, because the nearby infrastructure was still incomplete, and only makeshift huts stood for several hundred meters around, students had to walk quite a distance to No.4 High School’s gates to shop.

So every day after school, you’d see streams of people flowing from the gates of No.1 High School towards the county, a truly spectacular sight. The little shops at No.4 High School’s gate were even more crowded, business booming beyond belief.

An amusing detail from his own high school days: his uncle had rented a storefront on the street in front of No.1 High School, but only used it as a residence, never considering opening a shop. Every time Zhou Xuan went there for a meal, he’d like to sit on a stool at the door afterwards, watching the waves of students go by, especially since there were so many pretty girls among them—such a delightful view.

His uncle hesitated, “Zhou Xuan, you’re suggesting a small supermarket? The kind selling daily goods?”

“My idea is to rely on the student base of No.4 High School and, in the future, No.1 High School, to open a small department-style supermarket—a bit larger, at least over two hundred square meters. Unlike other supermarkets that focus mainly on household goods, ours would split half and half between general merchandise and student supplies. I am confident that business will never be a problem. Uncle, Aunt, what do you think?” Zhou Xuan looked at them expectantly.

Not waiting for their reply, Zhou Xuan continued, “Besides, the west gate of No.4 High School is only just starting to develop, and most students are still at the old campus. Rents here are definitely still cheap. Even if we rent five adjoining storefronts, the monthly rent won’t exceed a thousand yuan. The largest expense will be stocking goods, but that can be scaled up gradually; we don't have to start out too big.”

His uncle thought for a moment and asked, “There’s still a big risk. First, we’ve never run a supermarket. Second, the supply has to be good quality and low in price to make a profit and build a reputation. Plus, the investment is considerable—at least a year’s rent, renovations, and inventory. We’d need at least a hundred thousand yuan, which we just don’t have.”

“That’s right, at most we could scrape together thirty thousand, and the rest would have to be borrowed. But borrowing seventy thousand from someone now is basically impossible,” his aunt voiced her concern.

Zhou Xuan had already considered this. “Capital isn’t a problem. By next year, I’ll have the money. By then, I can contribute a portion as investment.”

When Zhou Xuan said he’d be able to invest seventy thousand, his uncle could hardly believe it. “Zhou Xuan, that’s seventy thousand yuan, not seventy! Don’t joke—where would you get that money?”

His aunt also cautioned, “Zhou Xuan, don’t go doing anything illegal!”

Zhou Xuan felt their concern and smiled. “Uncle, Aunt, you’ve misunderstood me. I’d never break the law. I’m making money honestly. Here’s the thing: recently, I’ve submitted articles to Science Fiction World and Reader’s Digest. I should be hearing back in the next couple of weeks.”

Upon hearing that Zhou Xuan could make money from writing, they were still a bit skeptical. “We’re glad you can earn money from writing, and your parents will be even happier, but to say you could earn tens of thousands in half a year from royalties alone, that’s hard to believe.”

His aunt added, “Are royalties really that high?”

“If the articles are good, the royalties are naturally high. I’ll have to see how much I get paid the first time, but I’m very confident. Don’t worry, I never fight battles I’m not sure of.”

“That’s easy to say. In that case, let’s wait until you get your royalties. If you can really earn tens of thousands within half a year, then we’ll do the supermarket. If you have the ability to make money and the courage to do big things, we’ll go for it,” his uncle finally decided, wanting to see if Zhou Xuan was really capable of investing such a sum.

“Even if we lose money in the end, we still have Zhou Xuan, don’t we? If he’s so capable at making money, he’ll never let us down. Maybe we’ll have to rely on him even more in the future,” his aunt said, looking at Zhou Xuan more and more fondly, feeling her years of doting on her nephew were more than justified.

Zhou Xuan replied modestly, “Aunt, you’re joking. I guarantee we won’t lose money. If my very first venture loses money, where would I put my face? If we all work hard together, I’m sure things will only get better.”

“I like the sound of that. Come, let’s have a drink,” his uncle said, raising his glass.

Zhou Xuan also picked up his beer and clinked glasses with his uncle and aunt.

“Cheers!”

With that, his aunt finally let go of the idea of buying a house, and they were set on a new path. Zhou Xuan was delighted, and drank two more bottles of beer.

His stomach felt a bit bloated, and he had to use the restroom twice. After sitting a while, Zhou Xuan said goodbye to his uncle and set off back to school.

As he left, he reminded his uncle and aunt to keep an eye out for any mail or money orders in the coming days. If a remittance slip arrived, his uncle should pick up the money from the post office, and Zhou Xuan would come by after the midterms to collect it and buy a few things to take back with him.

He had used his uncle’s address as the return address, and put his uncle’s name as the payee.

He didn’t have an ID card yet, which made it troublesome to collect money. It would be best for his uncle to open a new bank account in Zhou Xuan’s name, so that future royalties could be deposited directly. He would discuss this next time.

It had been nearly a month since his rebirth, and he hadn’t seen his parents, sister, or grandparents. Zhou Xuan missed them deeply.

Walking along the road back, Zhou Xuan finally breathed a sigh of relief. He had begun to change the fate of his uncle’s family. Next, he would help them grow and thrive, and live a lifetime of happiness.