Jiang Che didn't waste any time after securing the shop.
"We need to get the essentials."
Jiang Che said as they left the landlord behind.
Zhang Wei, still skeptical but unwilling to back out, nodded reluctantly.
"So, where are we going first?"
"To get everything we need to make Brown Sugar Bubble Tea."
Jiang Che replied confidently.
"Brown Sugar Bubble Tea? What's that?"
Zhang Wei asked, confused. He thought they were starting a milk tea business, so what was Brown Sugar Bubble Tea?
"You'll know when I make it!"
Jiang Che said, leading the way.
The two made their way to a nearby market district. Jiang Che knew exactly what to look for, thanks to his prior experience as a barista.
He carefully selected bulk packs of tapioca pearls, high-quality brown sugar, premium tea leaves, and powdered milk.
The vendor looked at the students curiously but didn't ask too many questions, especially when Jiang Che negotiated the price like a seasoned pro.
"Isn't this too much?"
Zhang Wei asked as he watched Jiang Che load their purchases onto a delivery cart.
"We're buying in bulk," Jiang Che explained.
"It saves money in the long run, and we'll need it for the first few weeks. Trust me, this is an investment."
Next, they headed to a second-hand shop, where Jiang Che purchased a used induction stove, a small refrigerator, a tea strainer, mixing bowls, a few pots, and takeaway cups with lids.
Zhang Wei couldn't help but comment.
"You're really spending a lot today."
Jiang Che nodded, unbothered.
"Good quality milk tea starts with good ingredients and equipment. But don't worry, I've kept track of every Yuan."
By the end of the day, they had all the basics they needed.
The total expenses, including ingredients and equipment, came to approximately 2,000 Yuan.
"Alright, this should be enough to get us started," Jiang Che said, inspecting their haul.
As the day wore on, Jiang Che and Zhang Wei hauled their purchases back to the shop.
Though the work was tiring, Jiang Che's excitement fueled him.
Zhang Wei, however, was still feeling the sting of his rapidly shrinking savings.
The sun dipped below the horizon, and the streets began to glow with warm streetlights.
The once-bustling market district quieted down as shops closed one by one.
Jiang Che glanced at the time and realized how late it had gotten.
"We should head home," he said, stacking the last of their supplies inside the shop.
Zhang Wei let out a sigh of relief.
"Finally. My arms feel like they're going to fall off from carrying all this stuff."
"You'll thank me later."
Jiang Che said with a grin.
"Tomorrow is when the real work begins."
The two locked up the shop and parted ways, agreeing to meet early the next morning.
When Jiang Che arrived home, the cozy smell of dinner still lingered in the air.
He quietly slipped off his shoes, hoping to make it to his room unnoticed, but his mother's voice stopped him in his tracks.
"Jiang Che, you're home late. Where have you been all this time?"
She asked, peeking out from the kitchen.
Jiang Che quickly composed himself, putting on his best innocent expression.
"I was at the library, Mom. Studying for the College Entrance Exams."
His mother squinted at him suspiciously.
"The library? Really?"
"Well, I need to study for the College Entrance Exam, right?"
Jiang Che said, scratching the back of his head.
"I lost track of time because I was so into the book."
His mother smiled, her suspicion fading.
"Good to see you taking it seriously. Come eat something before bed."
"Thanks, Mom, but I already ate with Zhang Wei."
Jiang Che said quickly, hoping to avoid more questions.
"Alright, but don't stay up too late. You need your rest if you're going to study properly tomorrow."
She said as she returned to the kitchen.
Jiang Che nodded and slipped into his room, exhaling in relief.
He didn't like lying to his mother, but he knew she wouldn't understand his plans just yet.
Anyway, he needed to rest early, as he was going to start his business tomorrow morning.
The next morning, Jiang Che woke up to the soft gray light of dawn filtering through his window.
He quietly got out of bed, careful not to make a sound that might wake his parents. After quickly washing up and grabbing his bag, Jiang Che slipped out of the house.
The streets were still dimly lit, and the air was crisp and cool. The faint sounds of birds chirping mixed with the distant hum of the city slowly coming to life.
As he approached the school area, he noticed the streets were already bustling in their own way.
Despite the early hour, groups of people were out doing their morning exercises—some jogging, others practicing tai chi in the park.
Not far from the school, Jiang Che spotted the familiar row of morning food stalls that he remembered fondly.
These stalls were popular among locals and students alike, offering hot bowls of noodles, steamed buns, and savory pancakes.
He walked over to one of his favorite stalls, run by Aunt Chen and Uncle Chen, an older couple known for their warm smiles and hearty food.
"Morning, Jiang Che! You're out pretty early today."
Aunt Chen said, glancing at him while Uncle Chen flipped a crispy pancake on the hot griddle.
Jiang Che smiled.
"Yeah, I've got a lot to prepare for."
Uncle Chen chuckled knowingly.
"Ah, must be getting ready for the College Entrance Exam, huh? Waking up early to get a head start—that's good!"
Jiang Che nodded, choosing not to correct the assumption.
"Something like that. One Jianbing, please."
As Aunt Chen began wrapping up the freshly cooked pancake, she added with a kind smile.
"It's nice to see young people so hardworking. Keep it up, and you'll do great."
When she handed him the Jianbing, Uncle Chen stepped in and added a crispy fried dough stick with a wink to the package.
"Here, take this too. Extra fuel for your brain!"
Jiang Che was touched by the gesture and bowed slightly.
"Thank you, Uncle Chen!"
"Don't mention it!" Uncle Chen said, waving him off.
"You young folks need plenty of energy to keep up with your studies!"
Jiang Che took a bite of the warm, crispy treat, savoring it's crunch as he finished off the Jianbing.
Jiang Che thanked the couple and walked away, savoring the flavors as he made his way to the shop he had rented.
The streets were becoming more active now, with the first commuters and early birds starting their days.
When walking toward his shop, he suddenly saw a familiar figure.
It was Xiao Yuxia!
She was jogging in the morning, dressed in athletic shorts that showed off her long legs.
The fitted top highlighted her well-defined figure, and with each stride, her movements were graceful yet energetic.
The gentle rhythm of her pace added a certain charm, catching the attention of those nearby.
"Xiao Yuxia!"
Jiang Che waved and called out to Xiao Yuxia.
Xiao Yuxia was very surprised to see Jiang Che, who didn't usually wake up early or go jogging.
He didn't seem to be jogging himself, as he was wearing a school uniform, but he shouldn't be going to school—because the school was in the other direction.
( Unless… )
Xiao Yuxia felt like she understood why Jiang Che had come so early in the morning.
"Jiang Che, I know how you feel. But like I already said, I wouldn't date anyone until I graduate high school. I hope you can understand that."
Xiao Yuxia believed that Jiang Che must have woken up early and come here because he wanted to see her.
Jiang Che blinked in confusion at Xiao Yuxia's response.
He had only waved at her out of politeness, but her words made it seem like he was on some kind of mission.
"What…?"
Jiang Che couldn't help but blurt out, his confusion growing.
Xiao Yuxia raised an eyebrow, a small smile playing on her lips.
"Aren't you here to see me?"
( This girl must have something wrong with her brain. )
Jiang Che thought, but remembering that it was only recently that his confession had failed, he understood that Xiao Yuxia had misunderstood this coincidental meeting.
"Jiang Che, you wouldn't need to do this and waste your time. I think it's important for us to focus on our studies."