Chapter 284: The Benefits of Buying Storefronts

"By the way, Boss, the operations and management department for the 'Man Ke Zhi Jia' flagship stores has been established. Ten flagship stores are almost finished with their renovations, and our Kowloon store is already done. It's near our company. Would you like to take a look?" 

After calming down, Ma Tengdong resumed his work report.

"Oh? It's already finished?" 

"The speed is impressive, but I'm curious about the quality of the renovation."

Xia Yu raised his eyebrows slightly, casting a meaningful glance at Ma Tengdong.

"Boss, don't worry. You said the flagship stores are key to future replication, so my inspection standards were extremely strict. There won't be any issues!" 

Ma Tengdong straightened up with confidence, feeling assured that his efforts wouldn't disappoint Xia Yu.

Ma Tengdong's confident attitude reassured Xia Yu, but he still planned to inspect the site. He intended to visit the toy factory later, so making a stop at the flagship store first seemed like a good idea.

"Let's go. Show me your masterpiece!"

Xia Yu downed his tea in one gulp, stood up, and headed out. Ma Tengdong quickly followed.

After a short drive, they arrived outside a closed shop. Xia Yu stepped out of the car and took a moment to look at the storefront.

The shop's entrance was still covered with large photos, keeping the store's name a secret until the grand opening when the red coverings would be removed. 

However, Xia Yu already knew it would feature the name "Man Ke Zhi Jia" with the label "Kowloon No. 1 Store" in the lower right corner, just as originally planned.

Surveying the surrounding area, the shop was situated at a busy intersection with tall buildings all around—a prime location with high foot traffic. Xia Yu nodded in satisfaction. "Good location choice!"

"Hehe," Ma Tengdong chuckled, showing his bright smile. He personally selected the locations for all ten flagship stores, so Xia Yu's approval meant a lot to him.

"Boss, shall we go inside and have a look?" 

Ma Tengdong took out the key, unlocked the door, and led Xia Yu inside.

The store's interior covered 200 square meters, with various display cases already set up. The walls featured a mix of display shelves and colorful cartoon designs, including the logo of *Man Ke Zhi Jia*, Pikachu and Ho-Oh from *Pokémon*, Goku from *Dragon Ball*, and Luffy from *One Piece*. 

Xia Yu stood in the center, observing everything, occasionally touching the displays. After a thorough inspection, he smiled with satisfaction.

"This is good. The layout is simple and clear, with great decor, creating a comfortable, relaxed, and inviting atmosphere. Are the other nine stores similar?" 

After providing his feedback, Xia Yu asked.

Ma Tengdong, still smiling broadly, nodded. "Yes, they're quite similar. The only real difference is the size; most stores are around 200 square meters."

"That's good."

Xia Yu nodded approvingly.

For a merchandise flagship store, 200 square meters was quite large. Most bookstores typically have much smaller spaces, and Xia Yu's ability to outright purchase ten such stores highlighted his significant financial resources.

Indeed, all ten stores were bought, not rented! 

There were stores in Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, New Territories, Macau, north and south Taiwan, Singapore, and three in Japan—ten flagship stores in total. Xia Yu approved the funds without hesitation when Ma Tengdong requested them.

After all, in this era, real estate was a high-growth industry, an investment that practically guaranteed profit, especially for prime commercial spaces.

Buying stores offered several advantages: first, it reduced operational costs since there wouldn't be any ongoing rent expenses, leading to higher profit margins; second, it simplified management and strengthened the company's core competitiveness; third, it minimized risk—rented stores could always face lease terminations or unforeseen circumstances that could jeopardize business continuity.

For Xia Yu, who wasn't short on money, the downsides of buying property were negligible compared to the many benefits. 

After another quick look around the store and noting the empty shelves, Xia Yu asked, "How's the production of the various merchandise going?"

"Boss, we've already designed a wide range of products, and the toy factory has been in production for a while. The produced merchandise is currently stored in our warehouse, and we have enough to fill all ten stores!" 

Ma Tengdong promptly responded. Merchandise production was a priority he closely monitored, ensuring there wouldn't be a shortage of items to sell or any quality issues that could harm the brand's reputation.

"Lock the doors. Let's head to the toy factory."

Xia Yu then took Ma Tengdong along to the toy factory.

As Xia Yu's car pulled up, Chen Liang, the gatekeeper, perked up and opened the gate, eagerly watching Xia Yu's car approach.

Xia Yu rolled down his window and saw his uncle Chen Liang's honest, cheerful face. He greeted, "Uncle!"

"A'Yu, you're here. When did you get back?"

Chen Liang asked warmly.

Xia Yu stopped the car and stepped out instead of driving further inside. He walked up to Chen Liang and replied with a smile, "I got back the afternoon before yesterday."

"That explains it! I went to your house the day before yesterday, and your mom said you were still in London, England."

Chen Liang nodded in realization.

"Yes, London. I had some business there, so I stayed a little longer."

Xia Yu patiently explained.

"Right, London! You see my memory—I couldn't remember even after your mom told me." 

Chen Liang smacked his forehead, laughing at himself. Xia Yu chuckled kindly without further comment.

The two chatted for a while longer.

"A'Yu, you should go handle your work first; that's important. We can chat more next time."

After a bit, Chen Liang glanced at Ma Tengdong, who was waiting quietly behind Xia Yu. He smiled and suggested Xia Yu get back to his work.

"Alright, Uncle. We'll catch up tonight. I'll have someone pick you, Auntie, and Cousin up."

"Sounds good! Haha!" 

Chen Liang laughed cheerfully and urged Xia Yu to get on with his tasks.

Xia Yu smiled and nodded, then proceeded towards the factory with Ma Tengdong and his team.

As they walked, Xia Yu asked Ma Tengdong, "Tengdong, have my relatives already started working at the factory?"

"Yes, they've been here for almost twenty days now."

Ma Tengdong quickly replied.

"Are they causing you any trouble? Be honest with me; don't hold back." 

Xia Yu turned to Ma Tengdong with a direct question.

"No, they're not causing any problems. In fact, they're working even harder than other employees. Their dedication has even boosted the productivity of the veteran staff." 

Ma Tengdong answered without hesitation. 

Seeing Ma Tengdong's sincere expression, Xia Yu nodded slightly, still with a neutral expression. He continued towards the factory, wanting to see things firsthand.

Though he trusted Ma Tengdong's words, Xia Yu felt more reassured seeing the situation with his own eyes. 

Of course, if things were indeed as Ma Tengdong described, then all would be well.