Chen Chuan had figured out the matter, which was concerned with money after all.
They said the problem that could be solved with money was not a real problem, and this had not made sense to Chen Chuan previously. Now that he was eligible for [Expenditure Cash Return], he agreed with this quote to a large extent.
He searched for a local renovation company online and began to contact it.
Chen Chuan walked away from Father Chen and made a call. He straightforwardly said, "Hi. My family has a hotpot restaurant that requires renovation. Just tell my family that the renovation costs 50,000 yuan, which is just an underestimate. In fact, I'll pay you the actual cost."
She seemed to have grasped the message. "Sir, you don't want to let your family know that you're paying for the renovation, right? I got it. Where's the restaurant? We can meet there and discuss it further."
…
After discussing with the renovation company, Chen Chuan said to his father, "Dad, give me the 50,000 yuan you have. I happened to know a friend who owns a renovation company, and she's offering me a discount because of our friendship. 50,000 yuan is generally sufficient for the renovation. I'll deal with this matter in the next two days. After I'm done, I'll pick Mom up and give her a surprise then."
Father Chen stood up. "You have a friend who owns a renovation company? How did I not know?"
"Yeah, I do. I just discussed it with her on WeChat." Chen Chuan shook his cell phone.
"Oh really? Let me see what both of you have discussed," Father Chen stretched out his hand to grab the cell phone.
Of course, Chen Chuan would not let Father Chen reach his cell phone. He immediately slid it into his pocket and said, "You know my style since young. I won't do things that I'm not confident about. Trust me. Just leave it to me. Otherwise, you can watch the renovation aside if you're worried."
Father Chen thought for a moment and said, "Fine then. I trust you. But I won't give you 50,000 yuan at one time. Ask me when you need the money, and I'll transfer it to you. Also, renovation is a big deal and must be treated seriously. I need to be there!"
Father Chen pulled the door open and headed to the hotpot restaurant with Chen Chuan.
Upon reaching the restaurant, they saw a young woman in a Polo-collared blouse with bishop sleeves. She was wearing a pair of black cropped leggings, which tightly covered her legs. Her legs looked long and slim this way. Along with a pair of high heels, she looked slender and elegant overall.
As soon as Chen Chuan saw her, the phrase 'killer legs' sprang to mind.
In addition, her long hair was fluffy and wavy. With Korean-style makeup, she looked like one of those stylish Korean beauties.
Standing beside her was a girl who seemed a bit awkward. Looking like an intern, the girl was probably her assistant.
"You must be Mr. Chen. I'm Christine Huang Sixian, the design director of Yuanzhu Enterprise. Since an acquaintance of mine introduced you to me, I'll take charge of this project. Don't worry. I'll offer you the best possible quotation and get this place renovated in a way that best suits your preference." A smile spread across the face of the long-legged Korean-like beauty.
Father Chen was astonished. He had doubts about his son's connection with the renovation company. As the other party appeared to possess considerable expertise in her line of work, Father Chen supposed that the design service alone would cost a lot.
Chen Chuan said, "Okay. I appreciate your help, Miss Wong. Let's go in and have a look. I'd like to hear some of your ideas about the renovation."
"Sure. The place isn't big, but its seclusion can provide a memorable experience. Let me try and modify the layout. As for the style of this hotpot restaurant, it can be Chinese, Southeast Asian, Sichuan, Chaozhou, or modern style."
Sixian explained her ideas clearly and logically.
"Chinese style is good," said Father Chen.
"Hi, Uncle Chen. If you've decided on the Chinese style, you can look at some of these previous renovation projects as references. Chinese style does turn out to be great, but you'll need high-quality tables and chairs to match it. Therefore, this style is the priciest. But don't worry, I'll get you the lowest possible quotation since my company's supplying the materials. Our company will even arrange a lucky draw, and if you happen to be the lucky one, you'll get to enjoy further discounts. The discounts are way greater than you can imagine," said Sixian.
The assistant intern took out her iPad and showed Father Chen some pictures.
Chen Chuan and Sixian continued to walk forward. Chen Chuan then said, "Just go with the normal price. I've got the money, but I don't want to let my family know. My family can only afford 50,000 yuan for the renovation, so just set this amount as the quotation. I'll pay you the actual cost, so you won't make a loss on it."
Sixian nodded. "Alright, I know what to do. Mr. Chen has decided on the Chinese style, right? Despite the satisfactory outcome that this style produces, a hardwood table will cost 8,000-plus yuan. The cost of two dining chairs will be 8,000-plus yuan too."
Through the window, Chen Chuan looked at the newly-opened Dragon Gate Hotpot Restaurant across the street. From its facade, it looked like an impressive, upscale restaurant.
Dragon Gate Hotpot was the new business that Father Chen had referred to as the competitor.
"To completely outperform the Dragon Gate Hotpot's standards, go visit its restaurant across the road to spy on it. We need to outperform it in every aspect. Besides redesigning our facade, we need to get floor tiles, wall panels, counters, ornaments, tables, chairs, and even electric cookers that are of the highest quality. Anyway, I want the design to be simple yet artistic from the outside, where people will be astonished by the details in the restaurant once they come inside. Go back and make a proposal. Give me the quotation, and I'll transfer the money to you. The faster the renovation is completed, the better. My mom is still at Granny's house, and we can only get her to return when this is done."
Sixian chuckled. Her smile then faltered as she probably felt that it was unprofessional to behave so. She solemnly said, "Understood, Mr. Chen. I promise that you'll be satisfied with my service. Since you've got the money, I'll get the project started."