Chapter 38: The Supreme Boss Has Arrived

"Mr. Li!"

"Mr. Li, good morning!"

...

The next morning, Li Dong brought his parents into the supermarket, and along the way, people greeted them frequently.

Li Chengyuan couldn't stop smiling, especially hearing others call his son "Mr. Li." It made him feel incredibly proud.

In the past, he was the one calling others by their titles. When did it become someone else's turn to address him?

Well, they were calling his son "Mr. Li," but Li Chengyuan still felt a sense of honor.

Cao Fang felt the same way but was also a bit anxious.

She worried about appearing too shabby compared to her son, potentially embarrassing him. At the same time, she was concerned that others might think her son too young to be taken seriously…

Thinking about how the huge supermarket belonged to her son, Cao Fang felt both excited and nervous.

Seeing his parents tense up, Li Dong comforted them, "Mom, Dad, this supermarket is mine. You're the supreme bosses, so there's no need to be nervous!"

"Cough, cough!"

Cao Fang nearly choked on her saliva, giving her son a scolding look. "What supreme boss? You're just talking nonsense!"

But Li Dong's interruption did lighten the mood a bit for both of them.

Reflecting on his words, though he was being cheeky, it was also true.

The supermarket was his son's, so everyone had to listen to him, and he still had to listen to them. There was no reason to be so anxious.

Feeling more relaxed, the couple began to carefully observe the supermarket.

Although it was Monday and not the peak shopping time, there were still a lot of people in the supermarket.

It was Li Chengyuan's first visit, and he felt there were more people here than at the market.

No wonder his son said the supermarket made at least seventy to eighty thousand a day. With so many people, even casual purchases wouldn't go unrewarded.

Cao Fang was thinking more about it. She had been there on the opening day, which was truly a sea of people.

Considering she herself had spent nearly a thousand on that day, she could imagine just how much was sold.

Thinking about the phone she won in the lottery that day, Cao Fang no longer felt it was due to luck but rather her son's excellent work!

...

Li Dong guided his parents through the supermarket, from the third floor back to the ground floor, before asking, "Mom, Dad, how do you find the supermarket's business?"

"Good, so many people!" Li Chengyuan said with a sigh, then added, "If only all these people bought fish from my place."

Li Dong was momentarily taken aback. His father's imagination was quite broad, veering off to fish sales.

However, he wasn't boasting about the success of the business. He turned back to the main topic, saying, "Yesterday, I told you to close the stall. What do you think about opening a supermarket like this one?"

"We?"

"Open a supermarket?"

Both Cao Fang and Li Chengyuan looked at Li Dong in surprise.

Li Chengyuan instinctively reached for a cigarette but realized smoking was prohibited in the supermarket and put it away, asking in confusion, "Dongzi, you want us to open a supermarket too?"

"Hmm, but not like this one. I'm talking about a community convenience store."

Seeing his parents still puzzled, Li Dong explained, "It's similar to the current neighborhood convenience stores, but more formal, like the Yuanfang Supermarket."

Li Dong briefly described the operation model of community convenience stores. Li Chengyuan and Cao Fang nodded, though they were only somewhat understanding.

After a while, Cao Fang asked uncertainly, "Dongzi, can we make money from this? Won't it compete with your business?"

Li Dong laughed. Currently, Dongping had only his supermarket, so it was impossible for anyone to dominate the market.

Moreover, a community convenience store was small and wouldn't affect Yuanfang Supermarket in any way.

He had thought about this decision for a long time. Initially, he just wanted his parents to close the stall and enjoy a more relaxed life.

But his parents had worked hard all their lives, and now in their early forties, it was too early to retire completely. Being idle could be harmful to their health.

Li Dong wanted to prevent the tragedies of his past life from repeating, so he wouldn't let such things happen again.

That's why he thought of the convenience store. Opening one was actually quite easy, especially with the support from Yuanfang Supermarket.

With Li Dong around, his parents wouldn't be overworked. Yuanfang would handle stock and supplies; his parents would just need to collect payments, which would be easy and stress-free.

As for making money, it was a given. Dongping didn't have a decent convenience store yet, so without competition, how could it not be profitable?

After hearing Li Dong's explanation, Li Chengyuan and Cao Fang fell silent. After a while, Li Chengyuan said to Cao Fang, "Since Dongzi says it's profitable, then let's do it!"

"Is the initial investment large?" Cao Fang was tempted but still asked.

"Don't worry about the capital; I'll cover it…"

"No!" Li Chengyuan suddenly interrupted Li Dong, "Keep your money for yourself. Your mom and I can still support ourselves. Now that you're successful, we don't have any worries. We've saved some money over the years, and with my private funds, it should be enough."

Li Dong was about to respond when Cao Fang suddenly pinched Li Chengyuan's waist and shouted, "You have private funds?"

"Li Chengyuan, explain yourself. What are you hiding the money for?"

"Nothing, nothing at all!"

Li Chengyuan regretted his loose tongue, quickly signaling Li Dong for help.

Li Dong struggled to keep his laughter in, soothing Cao Fang, "Mom, there are people watching. Give Dad some face."

"Hmph!"

Seeing people around and not wanting to embarrass her son, Cao Fang finally let go, saying, "I won't argue with you now. We'll settle this when we get home!"

Li Chengyuan, with a pained expression, rubbed his waist without saying a word.

Seeing his father's reaction, Li Dong was happy and turned back to the main topic, "If we rent a storefront, our savings would be enough. But it's better to buy it. Property prices will rise in the next few years, so buying now would be advantageous."

Seeing his father about to speak, Li Dong interrupted, "Dad, I'm your son. Why are you still worrying about these details? I'm making money to ensure you have a good life!"

"Hmph! He just wants to save face. There's nothing wrong with accepting your son's money. You should be grateful!"

Cao Fang dismissed Li Chengyuan's pretensions, stating that having a successful son was something to be proud of.

Li Dong smiled happily. This was the reaction he wanted to see from his mother.

If money were to strain family relationships, Li Dong would rather not earn it.

Li Chengyuan, realizing that rejecting his son's offer would only hurt his feelings, accepted it. After all, a storefront wouldn't cost too much, and they would eventually leave it to their son.

Thinking this way, he felt more at ease. Though he wasn't as capable as his son, having a successful son was a great achievement.

Seeing his father's agreement, Li Dong was overjoyed.

At last, his parents wouldn't have to run a market stall anymore.

He would ask Sun Tao to assist with the convenience store's setup. His parents could manage the store while avoiding overwork.

Soon, Li Chengyuan and Cao Fang, no longer interested in exploring the supermarket, began asking Li Dong about the process of opening a convenience store.