ATG : NCF Chapter 8 : Expansion plans (Patreon)

The small teahouse on the outskirts of the capital served as our meeting place.

Unremarkable from the outside, with peeling paint and worn signage, it was the perfect location for meetings. Its elderly owner was one of Bai Ning Ning's relatives—deaf in one ear, nearly blind, and completely disinterested in his customers' business as long as they paid promptly.

I arrived shortly after dinner, having slipped away from the compound with ease. 

Bai Ning Ning was already seated in the private room at the back, a pot of tea steaming between two cups.

At twenty-one, she had grown from a competent guard into a formidable business administrator. Her simple attire—quality fabric without ostentation—betrayed nothing of her actual wealth or influence.

"Young Master," she greeted with a respectful nod as I entered.

"No need for formalities here," I reminded her, taking a seat. "What news of our expansion plans?"

Her posture relaxed slightly, shifting from subordinate to business partner.

"Everything is prepared. We've secured locations in twelve major cities across Divine Incense Nation and eight in Navy Tide Nation. Local partners have been vetted, supply chains established, and staff recruited."

She pushed a scroll across the table. "The complete financial projections and timeline. We anticipate opening the first locations within three months."

I unrolled the scroll, scanning the meticulously detailed plans. Bai Ning Ning's organizational skills had always been impeccable.

"And the regulatory hurdles?"

A slight smile crossed her face. "Addressed through the usual channels. We've made appropriate contributions to the relevant officials' retirement funds."

"Bribes," I stated plainly.

"Substantial ones," she confirmed without hesitation. "Particularly in Navy Tide Nation, where foreign businesses face heavier scrutiny. The Divine Incense officials were more reasonable."

I nodded, continuing to review the figures. "What about smaller towns in Blue Wind? I notice we're still focusing primarily on population centers."

"Our analysis suggested the return wouldn't justify the investment," she replied. "Many smaller towns lack the customer base to support even a modest establishment."

"Reconsider that approach," I said. "We should expand to strategic, smaller towns as well, particularly those along major trade routes or with regional significance. Offer a limited menu—just our cheapest, most profitable items. The volume may be lower, but the brand presence and market penetration matter."

Bai Ning Ning tilted her head slightly, considering. "You believe the long-term benefit outweighs the short-term costs?"

"I do. These regions are often overlooked by larger enterprises, creating opportunities for us. Additionally, they provide recruitment sources and supply chain points for our larger operations."

"Our advantage lies in our profit margins and the cost of making the food items. We make around seventy percent as profit on each item."

"Even if the sales are lower at the start, as long as the prices are something a commoner can afford daily, we can still make tons of profit solely based on the number of customers."

She made a note on her own scroll. "I'll revise our expansion strategy accordingly. Though I should warn you about another concern that's arisen in our planning for Divine Incense and Navy Tide."

"The cultivators," I guessed.

"Yes." Her expression grew more serious. "Both nations have significantly stronger cultivation bases than Blue Wind. Their young masters are more numerous and, from what our intelligence suggests, more prone to... difficult behavior."

I had anticipated this issue.

While the Blue Wind Empire had its share of arrogant cultivators, it was known throughout the Profound Sky Continent as having the weakest cultivation base of the seven nations.

Divine Incense and Navy Tide, ranked fifth and sixth, respectively, boasted considerably stronger practitioners.

"We need to be cautious," I agreed. "Even as a merchant company, we can't afford to provoke conflicts with cultivation sects or powerful families."

"We've already implemented a strategy," Bai Ning Ning said.

"All our larger establishments include private rooms reserved for cultivators of Spirit Profound Realm or higher. They're offered complimentary service if they choose not to pay."

I raised an eyebrow. "That seems potentially costly."

"Less than you might think," she explained. "Most cultivators actually pay, often generously. It's primarily young masters from prominent families who exploit the courtesy. We view it as an insurance policy against property damage and staff injuries."

Her pragmatism never ceased to impress me. While I provided strategic direction, Bai Ning Ning had developed a remarkable instinct for operational details.

She was like the almighty secretary every CEO wanted.

Life's so much easier with her by my side.

"An excellent approach," I acknowledged. "Continue with that policy. If the complimentary services become excessive in any location, record the sects or families involved, and we'll reassess."

We spent the next hour reviewing specific aspects of the expansion—property acquisitions, staff training, menu adaptations for local tastes, and security measures.

Bai Ning Ning had solutions prepared for every contingency, from seasonal ingredient shortages to potential competitors.

"You've thought of everything," I said as we concluded our meeting.

She shook her head slightly. "I merely implemented your framework. The Golden Pavilion concept was yours entirely."

"A concept is worthless without proper execution," I countered. "You've built this from a single shop to an empire spanning the entire nation. Soon, multiple nations."

Her typically composed expression softened momentarily. "It has been... satisfying work. More than I ever imagined when I served as your guard."

"You were wasted as a guard," I said honestly. "Your talents are far better utilized managing an empire."

"An empire you built as a child," she remarked with the faintest hint of awe in her voice. "Sometimes I wonder what you'll accomplish when you finally begin cultivation."

I smiled but offered no response. Even Bai Ning Ning, who knew more about my capabilities than anyone, had no idea about the system or my plans for the future.

"I should return before I'm missed," I said, rising from my seat. "Proceed with the expansion as planned, including the small-town strategy. Use the contingency fund if necessary to accelerate our entrance into Divine Incense Nation—I want our first locations operational within two months if possible."

"It will be done," she said with a nod, gathering the scrolls.

"And Bai Ning Ning," I added as I prepared to leave, "your work continues to exceed expectations. The success of Golden Pavilion is as much your achievement as mine."

Her eyes widened slightly at the praise before she composed herself and bowed. "Thank you, Young Master."

I slipped out of the teahouse and made my way back through the darkening streets.

The capital was never truly quiet, even at night, but the evening bustle provided perfect cover for a young boy to blend into the background.