If the store's operating space were doubled, it would require double the inventory to fill the shelves. Yet, as it stands, the current two-story layout of the supermarket already meets all the daily needs of local customers. Expanding further raises the question—what would it sell to justify the additional space?

As Liu Jincheng had aptly put it, he had a university education and broad vision, and he understood the core vulnerability of his business. The issue wasn’t simply about expansion; it was about refining the operation. Instead of adding more space, the focus should be on quality—offering premium goods, top-notch service, and building customer trust and loyalty.

“Uncle,” Ye Tian asked, “with your daily cash flow and fixed assets, can you truly handle the kind of investment these people are proposing? They’ll expect a return, after all. Do you have the capacity to ensure they profit from their investment?”

Liu Jincheng burst into hearty laughter. “Ye Tian, you must not have been listening closely. I’ve made it clear—I don’t need investors or an expanded scale. Just running this two-story store alone can easily earn me tens of millions. Why complicate things?”

Ye Tian was a little disheartened. People satisfied with modest gains were often the hardest to deal with.

For Liu Jincheng, earning tens of millions a year was already astronomical—far surpassing most people in the city. But Ye Tian had grander visions—he wanted to accumulate wealth rapidly and climb to unimaginable heights. Time would prove him right, and others would only tremble at his achievements.

For now, Ye Tian held his tongue about loans, following Liu Jincheng around and carefully doling out compliments.

“You’ve changed, Ye Tian,” Liu Jincheng said with a chuckle. “The last time I saw you, you were glued to your laptop, gaming all day with zero manners. Your aunt even said you were a good kid spoiled rotten by your parents—completely useless. But today, you’ve surprised me.”

The condescension in Liu Jincheng’s tone was unmistakable. His disdain for Ye Tian’s family—who he saw as nothing more than nouveau riche bumpkins—was palpable.

Ye Tian wasn’t offended. In his previous life, he had been exactly as Liu Jincheng described—aimless, wasting his days on video games, content to be a nobody.

“Uncle,” Ye Tian replied with a smile, “I lacked direction before. Now, with a computer store counter to manage, I feel I should work hard while I’m still young.”

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“That’s the right attitude!” Liu Jincheng nodded approvingly. “When I was your age, I worked hard to make money. Your father, though—he’s been driving taxis since he was young and still does. He thinks it’s a cash cow, but hasn’t he realized yet that every family has a car nowadays? Times have changed!”

Ye Tian silently agreed. If his father clung to the dream of getting rich as a taxi driver, it would only lead to disappointment. Ride-hailing apps would soon disrupt the entire industry, making it nearly impossible for traditional drivers to make ends meet.

“Uncle, your foresight is impressive!” Ye Tian gave him a thumbs-up.

Liu Jincheng laughed heartily. Everyone loves a good ego boost.

“Ye Tian, have lunch here today. Our supermarket provides boxed lunches, and during the busy farming season, villagers come by to order meals—dozens at a time. Business is booming.”

At that moment, Liu Jincheng’s wife, Wang Meilian, returned from outside, carrying a designer handbag. Her fashionable outfit, wavy shoulder-length hair, and freshly made-up face were complemented by a brand-new gold iPhone 5 in her hand.

Ye Tian quickly greeted her. Liu Jincheng doted on his wife and indulged her every whim. Ye Tian figured that gaining her favor might open up another avenue for borrowing money.

“Aunt, you’re looking more stunning than ever!”

The room fell silent for a moment. Even Ye Tian was surprised by how naturally the flattery came out of his mouth. In his previous life, he’d been the kind of person whose bluntness could offend anyone.

Wang Meilian laughed, brushing her hair back. “I just got my hair done. It’s so expensive these days—500 yuan for a full service.”

“500 yuan? That’s a steal!” Ye Tian exclaimed. “Aunt, with how well-off Uncle is, 500 yuan is nothing! You should get a top-tier beauty membership. Someone as naturally beautiful as you deserve the best. When you look stunning, it reflects well on Uncle, too. He’s the big boss around here, and if you don’t spend freely, it’ll hurt his reputation!”

Liu Jincheng burst into laughter. The words big boss stroked his ego, making him feel ten times more important.

“This kid knows how to talk! Let’s have a proper lunch. I’ll have the kitchen prepare a feast!” Wang Meilian was also delighted.

Flattery, even if exaggerated, remains the universal truth that everyone enjoys hearing.

During lunch, as they sat down to a modest meal of plain noodles and a few vegetable dishes, Ye Tian noticed something odd.

“Aunt, have you ever checked for conditions like pancreatitis?” he asked cautiously.

Wang Meilian looked at him curiously. “You’re quite observant. Weren’t you studying media at the vocational school?”

Ye Tian smiled politely. “I just noticed you seem uncomfortable when talking about greasy foods. It reminded me of someone I knew with similar symptoms.”

But before the conversation could continue, a phone call interrupted them—an update about accounts receivable—and the topic was dropped.

Ye Tian knew he was slowly working his way into their good graces. He’d already added Wang Meilian on WeChat, determined to take full advantage of this relationship to secure the loan he needed.