Chapter 78: Again with Jiang Zhou? Stop it, you’ll get screwed!

The issue with the employees had been resolved.

The next pressing matter was office space.

With more and more people joining Ganfanren, management needed to be more organized. Jiang Zhou was now planning to expand the office space.

Coincidentally, there was a row of small brick buildings behind the current office, which Jiang Zhou had had his eye on for a while.

If he could get those buildings, it would be perfect.

So after lunch, Jiang Zhou casually wandered over to the entrepreneurship center.

When there’s a problem, find Yan Weimin.

Even if there wasn’t a problem, make one up and still find Yan Weimin.

After all, he was the advisor for Ganfanren project.

But just as he knocked and entered, Jiang Zhou realized that Director Yan was already meeting someone.

It was a woman, probably around forty, with layered wavy hair.

She wore a black dress and lace gloves.

She had her back to the door, so her face wasn’t clear.

A woman?

Could it be that old Yan found love again?

Maybe I should come back later.

Just as Jiang Zhou was about to slip away, Yan Weimin called out immediately, “Jiang Zhou, what brings you here at this time?”

“Oh, Director, I’ve got something I’d like to discuss with you.”

Yan Weimin glanced at the woman and said, “Please wait a moment, I need to deal with a student issue first.”

The woman nodded, “Go ahead, Director Yan. We can talk after.”

“What is it you need, Jiang Zhou? Just say it.”

Jiang Zhou didn’t beat around the bush. “I recently hired a new batch of staff, over thirty people. I’m planning to expand into other universities.”

Yan Weimin’s eyes lit up. “That’s great. Anything the school can help with?”

“My current office space is too small. I’d like to apply for another spot from the school.”

“Which one? I’ll help you inquire.”

“The row of small brick buildings in the northwest corner of the school. It’s close to my current office and would be pretty convenient.”

At that, Yan Weimin paused. Even the woman in black turned her head and looked at him in surprise.

Jiang Zhou was puzzled by their reaction.

“Hasn’t that place been vacant this whole time? No one’s using it.”

“Come here, sit down.”

Yan Weimin gestured him over. “Let me introduce you. This is Ms. Zheng Hongxia from Anhui Catering.”

The woman gave a curt nod. Her expression didn’t seem too friendly — maybe just Jiang Zhou’s imagination — but he thought her smile carried a hint of mockery.

“And this here is Jiang Zhou, a student from our university who is currently running a startup.”

Jiang Zhou offered a faint smile and sat on the couch.

His first impression of Zheng Hongxia was dislike.

Her eyes had a condescending sharpness, as if she looked down on everyone.

Since she wasn’t polite, Jiang Zhou felt he didn’t need to be either.

“What a coincidence that you two bumped into each other,” said Yan Weimin.

He turned to Jiang Zhou. “The location you want, Ms. Zheng here also wants to rent it.”

Now it all made sense.

No wonder Zheng Hongxia’s attitude was cold. She was here to take the space he wanted.

In fact, it seemed they had already reached a preliminary agreement before he walked in and interrupted them.

“In that case, I’ll leave you to it, Director. I won’t interfere.”

But Yan Weimin quickly called him back, “Wait, I’m not done talking yet.”

At that, Jiang Zhou’s lips curled slightly.

If he was being called back, there was still hope.

After all, he was Director Yan’s star student.

Surely Yan Weimin wouldn’t call him back just to give the space to someone else, right?

Still, Jiang Zhou kept a humble front.

“Director, honestly, it’s no big deal if I don’t get it. I wouldn’t want to trouble you.”

Yan Weimin shot him a look. “You don’t trouble me? Do you remember how you nearly got me disciplined over that Fang Youcai incident?”

Jiang Zhou pulled a guilty face. “Exactly why I don’t want to cause you more trouble. I know you’re busy and I feel bad.”

“Nice to see you actually care,” Yan Weimin snorted.

Just then, Zheng Hongxia cut in, “Shouldn’t university students focus on studying instead of doing business? Can’t you pick another spot?”

Jiang Zhou looked at her calmly. “I’ve thought about it. That spot is still the best.”

“Well, I’m sorry, but I’ve already set my eyes on it.”

“No worries. I didn’t say I’d give it to you.”

Zheng Hongxia almost laughed.

A college student, applying for free office space?

While I had brought over 100,000 yuan to rent it?

Obviously, my offer carried more weight.

Who wouldn’t pick money over charity?

But what she didn’t know was that Yan Weimin had other priorities.

The university’s startup conference was around the corner.

Ganfanren was the only decent project they had to show.

His hopes for a promotion before retirement depended on it.

Even a small promotion would drastically increase his pension.

And most importantly, Jiang Zhou’s temperament.

He looked innocent enough now, all “Director, you’ve worked so hard” and “Sorry to bother you.”

But if Yan Weimin really gave the space to someone else? He’d raise hell.

Just like with the Fang Youcai incident, he could make a mess no one in school could handle.

“You both want the place, but there’s only one. I’m in a real bind.”

At that, Zheng Hongxia confidently slapped a stack of cash onto the table.

“Director Yan, I’ve brought the rent.”

Jiang Zhou coughed. “Director, I’ve prepared for bankruptcy too.”

“Bankruptcy? No way. You have to attend the startup conference!”

“But without an office, I might as well starve. Life’s hard.”

Yan Weimin muttered internally, Just as I thought.

If he hadn’t stopped Jiang Zhou just now, the guy would’ve gone straight back and shut down his startup on the spot.

Yan Weimin had worked at the university for so many years. This was the most troublesome student he’d ever encountered.

“Well, since neither of you is backing down, I’ll have to decide myself,” as he spoke, Yan Weimin reached for the stack of cash.

Zheng Hongxia smiled, confident again.

See? No one turns down money.

Who refuses to make a deal when there’s real cash on the table?

But what happened next stunned her.

Yan Weimin placed the stack in front of Jiang Zhou.

“Take a look, Jiang Zhou. This is what a month’s rent for that building costs.”

Jiang Zhou clicked his tongue. “Damn, that’s steep. You guys really are ruthless.”

Yan Weimin glared. “Watch your mouth!”

“Uh… I mean, it’s a fair price.”

“So now you see how much support the school is giving you. Don’t let us down.”

Jiang Zhou’s eyes lit up. “Don’t worry, Director. I’ll aim for five million at the startup conference!”

Yan Weimin nodded in satisfaction. “Now that’s the attitude of a rising entrepreneur.”

“So the building is mine?”

“Go clean it up yourself. If you need anything, submit a request.”

It was only now that Zheng Hongxia realized Yan Weimin hadn’t picked up her money to accept the deal.

He picked it up to show Jiang Zhou the value of the building, so he’d understand the magnitude of the school’s support.

Essentially: This amazing space is all yours, so don’t disappoint us.

“Director, how can you do this? I brought real money!” Yan Weimin sighed.

“Sorry, Ms. Zheng. School property will always go to students first.”

Zheng Hongxia was furious. “You people are crazy! Turning down money?”

“This is a school. Not everything is about money!”

She stood up, gave Jiang Zhou a fierce glare, stuffed her cash back into her bag, and stormed out.