Movie/TV series: Starting with Ode to Joy, I opened my own private kitchen.

Page 100

After entering the private room, the three took their seats. Tan Zongyi's gaze fell on Su Chang, and he said with a grin, "Ah Su, may I call you that?"

Su Chang's smile held a newfound respect: "Of course, Governor Tan." He secretly thought that Tan Zongyi was about to get down to business.

"Don't call me Governor Tan anymore. You and Zongming are friends, so just call me Brother Tan."

“Okay, Brother Tan.” Su Chang did not refuse Tan Zongyi’s kindness.

"Ah Su, I'm a pretty straightforward person, so I'll just say what I have to say," Tan Zongyi said with a serious expression, his eyes firm and revealing a serious attitude.

Su Chang knew that Tan Zongyi was about to get down to business, so he quickly regained his composure, straightened up, and looked intently at Tan Zongyi, replying, "Brother Tan, please go ahead!"

Tan Zongyi frowned slightly, then continued, "It's like this. Jiangsu Province is currently making great efforts to attract investment. Zongming, because he was deeply rooted in Shanghai in the early stages, Shengxuan Group has only made a few medium-sized acquisitions in Jiangsu Province, which is also helping me out. I heard from Zongming that you, Su, are not in a particularly good situation in Shanghai right now. Would you be interested in moving the headquarters to Jiangsu Province? Don't worry, all the preferential policies will be the highest, and I can guarantee you that as long as I'm in Jiangsu Province, I can ensure that no one will dare to target your company." His tone was firm and powerful, revealing his sincerity towards Su Chang.

Chapter 189 Persuasion

Su Chang didn't rush to reply. He gently picked up his teacup, carefully took a sip, and then slowly put the cup down. During this process, his eyes flickered with thoughtful consideration, as if he were weighing the pros and cons. Neither Tan Zongyi nor Tan Zongming interrupted Su Chang's thoughts; they waited quietly for his answer.

Su Chang was deeply conflicted. He knew Tan Zongyi's suggestion had many advantages. With Tan Zongyi's presence, whether for Tan Zongming's sake or to secure more support later on, his company would undoubtedly face fewer troubles. However, the drawbacks were also obvious. This would brand the company with the Tan family's name, and Su Chang didn't want his company to be associated with anyone else, much less get entangled in politics—that was even more terrifying than the business world.

After careful consideration, Su Chang finally made a decision. He looked up at Tan Zongyi with a smile and said, "Brother Tan, to be honest, I am preparing to relocate the headquarters. I just instructed my men to conduct research in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Beijing. Since you've brought it up, I'll immediately send someone to Jiangsu Province to investigate as well, and also to see if there are any good projects there. If there are, we'll definitely invest immediately, and the amount won't be small. However, the location of the headquarters still needs to be decided by professionals. What do you think?" His tone was sincere, yet it revealed a sense of decisiveness and determination.

Hearing Su Chang's words, Tan Zongyi smiled kindly. He patted Su Chang on the shoulder and said, "Okay, Su, thanks! No problem, then our Su Province will definitely be ready to take you down." Although Tan Zongyi felt that it was almost impossible for Su Chang to move the headquarters to Su Province, and was somewhat disappointed, getting Su Chang's guarantee of investment was still a good thing, wasn't it?

Next, Tan Zongyi launched into a detailed explanation of Jiangsu Province's development plans and preferential policies, his eyes brimming with anticipation and confidence for the future. Su Chang listened attentively, nodding occasionally in agreement.

After exchanging contact information, Tan Zongyi hurriedly ate a few bites of food and then left first, citing other business.

After Tan Zongyi left, Tan Zongming said to Su Chang with an embarrassed expression, "Su Chang, I'm really sorry. I know I didn't do the right thing today. Please don't take it to heart." A hint of apology appeared on his face, and his eyes flickered with unease.

Su Chang smiled slightly, waved his hand, and said, "Alright, it's nothing serious. It's just an investment. What difference does it make where you invest?" His tone was relaxed, as if he didn't care.

Seeing that Su Chang seemed unconcerned, Tan Zongming breathed a slight sigh of relief, but still said with a serious expression, "Su Chang, you've got quite a business in Shanghai now. Are you really planning to leave? That would be a huge loss for you. How about I step in and mediate for you?" His eyes revealed concern and worry.

Su Chang shook his head and said firmly, "Old Tan, my lumbar spine isn't very good, I can't bend over very well, and once I bend over, it's hard for me to straighten up again." He knew what Tan Zongming meant, which was simply to give up some of the benefits, but his expression remained firm, and his eyes shone with an indomitable light.

Hearing Su Chang's words, Tan Zongming shook his head helplessly and advised again, "Su Chang, the domestic market is not a world of capital. You have to learn to compromise on many things." His tone was tinged with helplessness and advice.

Su Chang smiled and said, "Actually, I don't care. I have enough assets now to live comfortably for many lifetimes. Even if I can't continue working, I can just lie down and relax." His smile revealed a kind of open-mindedness and carefree attitude.

Seeing Su Chang's unyielding attitude, Tan Zongming understood that Su Chang's attitude was already very firm, so he stopped trying to persuade her and instead offered her advice: "Alright, I won't try to persuade you anymore. But if you choose this path, I suggest you invest more in labor-intensive industries. That way, if someone wants to lay a hand on you, they'll have to think twice about the consequences of so many employees losing their jobs." A hint of shrewdness and wisdom shone in his eyes.

Su Chang listened to Tan Zongming's suggestion and nodded thoughtfully, secretly making plans in his heart.

Su Chang's eyes lit up as he suddenly thought of several trillion-dollar industries, all labor-intensive, like Meituan Waimai and BBQ Taxi from his previous life. He secretly pondered that Old Tan was reliable and trustworthy, and he could share this huge pie with him. Moreover, if these two businesses succeeded, certain people certainly wouldn't dare to easily target him. Thinking this, Su Chang's lips curled into a smug smile.

"Old Tan, I have two good business opportunities here. I wonder if you'd be interested in investing in one?" Su Chang said mysteriously, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

Upon hearing this, Tan Zongming immediately became interested. He sat up straight, leaned forward slightly, and stared intently at Su Chang, asking eagerly, "Oh? Then tell me about it."

Su Chang didn't keep him in suspense and explained in detail to Tan Zongming the business models of Meituan and BB Taxi that she had seen in her previous life. The more Tan Zongming listened, the more excited he became. His eyes grew brighter and brighter, and the smile on his lips widened. As a business tycoon in Shanghai, his business acumen far surpassed that of ordinary people.

"Wow, Su Chang, your two businesses are doing really well! I feel like they have even greater potential than Shengxuan's," Tan Zongming said excitedly, his voice trembling slightly.

Su Chang felt a little smug when he heard Tan Zongming's words, but he still tried his best to remain calm.

Tan Zongming then added, "However, the two of us can't handle such a big cake. How much of it are you planning to share?"

Su Chang frowned after hearing this, thought for a moment, and then asked, "How much do you think is appropriate?"

Tan Zongming already had an idea in mind, and he directly offered his suggestion: "If you trust me, the two of us can have a total of 51%, I can take 20%, you take 31%, and we'll release the remaining 49%. What do you think?"

Su Chang frowned even more deeply. He was somewhat reluctant, after all, he hated nothing more than sharing the pie. But he also knew that Tan Zongming was right; such a large business was indeed difficult for the two of them to manage alone.

"I'll go back and think about it. I'll also have the team prepare a detailed plan, and then we can discuss it further," Su Chang said.

“Sure, of course no problem.” Tan Zongming wasn’t angry that Su Chang didn’t agree. He knew that such a big deal couldn’t be closed in one or two rounds.

·· ··Requesting flowers··· ········

The two then changed the subject, eating and chatting until after 8 p.m. before leaving the club.

Su Chang got home around 10 p.m. He gently pushed open the door, afraid of disturbing the people inside.

As soon as he entered, he saw Yang Tao and Li Meng sitting in the living room watching TV. Their eyes kept glancing towards the door, as if they were expecting something. Ma Li and Guan Xiaodi stood quietly in the corner, like guardian angels. When they saw Su Chang return, they quickly turned their heads away, but still did not leave the living room.

"Ah Su, you're back!" Upon seeing Su Chang, Li Meng jumped up from the sofa like a joyful little bird and ran towards Su Chang. Her face was beaming with a happy smile, and her eyes sparkled with excitement.

Yang Tao glanced at him briefly before quickly turning her head away, as if deliberately pretending not to see him. A slight upturn at the corners of her lips revealed a hint of her barely perceptible temper.

Su Chang smiled and hugged Li Meng tightly, gently kissing her forehead and saying tenderly, "Yes, Mengmeng, I'm back. Did you miss me?"

.... .. ....

"Peach and I both miss you a lot," Li Meng whispered shyly, nestled in Su Chang's arms. A blush rose on her cheeks, like a ripe apple.

"Mengmeng, you can think whatever you want, but don't drag me into it. I don't want him." Yang Tao turned around and said with a deliberately stern face. However, her eyes revealed a hint of concern that was hard to hide.

Li Meng stepped out of Su Chang's arms, pouted mischievously, and teased, "Sister Taozi, I wonder who came to the villa and asked if Su Chang was back yet, and then less than five minutes later asked why Su Chang wasn't back yet." After saying that, she playfully pushed Su Chang.

Yang Tao's face flushed instantly, but she still stubbornly retorted, "I didn't! Who knows who you're talking about? You must be mistaken." A hint of panic flickered in her eyes, and her hands unconsciously fiddled with the hem of her clothes.

Su Chang certainly wouldn't neglect Yang Tao. He walked over to her and gently pulled her into his arms. Yang Tao struggled symbolically for a moment, then lightly punched Su Chang's chest with her small fist, pretending to scold him, "Su Chang, you silly man, you went out and ran off as soon as you got back. Where have you been gallivanting off to this time?"

Su Chang looked at Yang Tao in his arms, his eyes full of affection. He smiled and explained softly, "A friend from Shanghai came to see me about something. We had a meal at the club and then came back."

"Have you resolved things in Shanghai?" Yang Tao asked immediately, her brows furrowing slightly, revealing a hint of worry.

After all, when the incident happened in Shanghai last time, they were all told not to return to Rose Garden and were even accompanied by bodyguards. They were very worried about Su Chang.

Su Chang felt a surge of emotion; he knew Yang Tao and Li Meng genuinely cared about him. Not wanting them to worry, he feigned nonchalance and said, "Don't worry, you don't even know who your boyfriend is, I've taken care of everything."

"That's good. So when are we going to Shanghai to meet the other sisters?" Li Meng chimed in, joining the conversation.

Chapter 190 Zhao Baorong Arrives

Su Chang was immediately stumped. After all, there were many people in Shanghai who were dissatisfied with him. Who knew if someone would go crazy and attack him? He could only explain, "I have some things to do at school. During the math Olympiad, I met a teacher from Jiangzhou Elite Middle School. He arranged to visit our school and learn from us. The principal agreed, and I am responsible for receiving him. I will also take students to visit him in return. So I can't go back to Shanghai for the time being."

"Oh, okay then. Let's go to Shanghai after you're done with your work," Li Meng said understandingly when she heard that Su Chang had important business to attend to.

Yang Tao noticed something in Su Chang's eyes, but she didn't say anything at the moment. Instead, she said, "Let's go back to the room and take a shower. It's getting late, so let's get some rest."

“Okay,” Li Meng nodded in agreement.

Su Chang certainly wouldn't object; after all, it had been a while since he'd had any virginity, and he needed to release some pent-up energy.

So the three of them went upstairs together. Guan Xiaodi and Ma Li followed the two upstairs and stood guard outside the door. After a short while, they heard noises coming from inside, and both women blushed.

The next morning, Su Chang opened the door and came out. Suddenly, he saw two people still standing at the door, both of them looking at him strangely. Su Chang looked at them and said, "Guan Xiaodi, Ma Li, you two didn't stay up all night, did you?"

Guan Xiaodi said matter-of-factly, "Of course, it's our duty. We need to protect our subjects 24 hours a day. Instructor Liu Sha will send someone to relieve us later."

Su Chang shook his head helplessly. It wasn't that he disliked the two women, but it just felt strange to have them eavesdropping on him all night.

"Well, you can just keep watch downstairs when I'm here," Su Chang could only remind him.

"No······"

"Okay, boss, we've got it. We'll be more careful next time." Guan Xiaodi was about to retort when Ma Li interrupted her and spoke first.

Su Chang nodded in satisfaction. Then he looked at Guan Xiaodi and thought that since Gao Wen and Qiao Jingjing had already been chosen as spokespeople, why not add Guan Xiaodi as well? Wouldn't that be triple the fun?

When Guan Xiaodi noticed Su Chang staring at her, she took a step back and said to Su Chang, "Boss, why are you staring at me? Let me tell you, I will not accept any unspoken rules."

Su Chang rolled her eyes and stepped forward to tap Guan Xiaodi on the head. Because the movement was too fast, Guan Xiaodi didn't even have time to dodge. She said irritably, "What the hell are you talking about? What are you thinking about all day long?"

Guan Xiaodi had just realized from Su Chang's actions that Su Chang's fighting skills were definitely better than hers. Hearing Su Chang's words, her face turned red, and she realized that she had misunderstood Su Chang. So she whispered, "Then why are you staring at me, boss?"

Su Chang stroked his chin and said, "I'm thinking about whether you should help me endorse a new game under my company."

“Endorsement? I’m not going.” Upon hearing that she was to be a spokesperson for some game, Guan Xiaodi shook her head vigorously, decisively rejecting Su Chang’s invitation.

Su Chang looked at Guan Xiaodi with a puzzled expression and said, "Why? Being a spokesperson can bring in a lot of money, and you can also work with celebrities. You might even become a celebrity yourself in the future."

Guan Xiaodi said with a serious face, "I'm not going to be a star. I'm going to be a woman of Tianwei. How could I do things that require me to show my face in public?"

Su Chang felt that Guan Xiaodi was a bit of a chuunibyou (a Japanese term for someone with delusions of grandeur), just like the declaration in anime, "I'm going to be the Pirate King!"

However, seeing Guan Xiaodi's serious expression, Su Chang didn't dare to bring up the matter of having her endorse the product again, and shook his head as he walked downstairs.

Two weeks later, at the entrance of Chunfeng Middle School, a banner fluttered gently in the spring breeze, with the words "Warmly welcome Jiangzhou Elite Middle School to visit our school for exchange!" The principal led several teachers to stand at the entrance, their faces adorned with enthusiastic smiles, while the photographer busily adjusted his equipment.

Pan Shuai stood to the side, talking quietly with the photographer, his eyes revealing a hint of nervousness and anticipation.

Does anyone know what this Jiangzhou Elite High School is all about?

"I don't know, maybe it's a very famous school down there."

"Can it be as good as our school?"

Students passing by cast curious glances at the scene, whispering among themselves, wondering what was so special about this Jiangzhou Elite Middle School and why it was being greeted with such great fanfare.

A short while later, a minibus slowly drove up and came to a steady stop in front of the principal and his group. Pan Shuai immediately signaled the cameraman to start filming, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

The car door opened, and Su Chang stepped out first, his steps firm and confident, a smile spreading across his face. Zhao Baorong followed closely behind, his expression serious and focused, his eyes revealing the importance he placed on this exchange.

Afterwards, two teachers led Qian Sanyi and several other students off the bus one after another. Their faces were full of curiosity as they looked around at Chunfeng Middle School.

As soon as Su Chang got out of the car, he quickly walked to Zhao Baorong's side, gently patted his shoulder, and then led him to the principal.

"Teacher Zhao, this is our school's principal, Principal Li Dexian," Su Chang introduced with a smile.

"Principal Li, this is Mr. Zhao Baorong from Elite Middle School, and he is also the teacher leading the team this time."

Zhao Baorong quickly stepped forward, bowed slightly, and said respectfully, "Principal Li, hello! I apologize for disturbing you this time!" His voice was tinged with humility.

Principal Li quickly extended his hand and shook hands firmly with Zhao Baorong, saying with a smile, "Teacher Zhao, not at all. It's an honor for us to have you come all this way to visit our school." His eyes were full of sincerity.

Afterwards, Principal Li introduced the teachers behind him to Zhao Baorong one by one. They exchanged pleasantries again, their smiles revealing their anticipation for the exchange.

Next, Su Chang led everyone into the school. Principal Li held a simple welcome meeting for the students of Elite Middle School in the conference room. His speech was enthusiastic, full of encouragement and expectations for the students. The students listened quietly, but seemed uninterested in the speech. Principal Li noticed this, but still insisted on finishing his speech...

After the welcome reception, Su Chang led everyone on a tour of the school. As they walked, he explained each corner of the school in detail, a warm smile always on his face. Zhao Baorong followed behind, occasionally asking questions, which Su Chang patiently answered one by one.

After walking almost a full circle around the school, Zhao Baorong finally couldn't contain himself and said, "Teacher Su, the main reason we came here is to experience your and your school's teaching methods. When can you arrange something?" His eyes revealed expectation and sincerity, while he unconsciously rubbed his hands together, showing a hint of nervousness.

Su Chang thought for a moment and replied, "How about this, I'm the teacher of Class 3, so let's go directly to Class 3 for a day of experience, is that alright with you?" His tone was firm and confident, and he had a friendly smile on his face, as if he was full of confidence in this experience.

“Of course, no problem.” Zhao Baorong replied immediately, a joyful smile spreading across his face. He breathed a sigh of relief and nodded vigorously, as if to express his satisfaction with Su Chang’s arrangements.

Su Chang then turned around and instructed Pan Shuai, who was following behind him, "Pan Shuai, could you please organize the students to move some desks and chairs to Class 3? We'll be there in a bit."

"Okay, I'll go right now." Pan Shuai agreed without hesitation, his eyes shining with determination, and quickly ran towards the teaching building.

Su Chang then led Zhao Baorong and the others slowly toward the teaching building. Along the way, he chatted with Zhao Baorong from time to time, asking them about their impressions and expectations of the school, always with a friendly smile on his face.