And he also invested in one of my restaurants by allowing me to use a building. As you thought, that's why I said Zhang Kang is impressive."

Ma Long laughed: "No problem, no problem. Now that you've opened up for agency and collaboration, we have a way forward."

Ling Zhenfei said, "How do you want to collaborate? Tell me."

Ma Long smiled and said, "You should know what my family does. We have properties in every major city, called International Plaza. I can offer you a place to open a restaurant in the International Plaza, and I'll also invest."

Ling Zhenfei was stunned. He knew about the International Plaza project. Each International Plaza is a landmark in its city, housing the most upscale and luxurious items.

Ling Zhenfei said, "That sounds pretty good, but I'm not sure if it's really suitable for our restaurant."

Ma Long laughed: "There's nothing unsuitable. If you don't mind, I can offer a few suggestions."

"Go ahead."

Ma Long said, "I think our philosophies are quite similar. We both prefer quality over quantity. The moment I stepped into your restaurant, I knew I was in the right place.

Though many people come here just to eat and might not notice what kind of wood your furniture is made of, what material the lights are, what brand the carpet is, or the craftsmanship of the spiral staircase, I noticed.

Your place's renovation costs millions, and it's indeed very luxurious. If we continue with this level of decor, the renovation costs alone will be substantial."

"What are you getting at?" Ling Zhenfei asked curiously.

Ma Long said, "Considering the high cost per square foot at International Plaza, paired with high-end decor and delicious food, if managed well, it can definitely become an international-level restaurant."

"That's exactly my goal," said Ling Zhenfei, feeling that their visions aligned.

Ma Long continued, "So, I plan to initially open stores in first-tier cities' International Plaza to establish our reputation."

Ling Zhenfei nodded: "Sure, that sounds good, but like you said, the renovation costs alone will be quite high."

Ma Long laughed: "That's why I want to invest. I'll provide the premises and renovations, and you supply the skills and vegetables. We'll also need celebrity endorsements."

"Celebrity endorsements?" Ling Zhenfei was surprised by Ma Long's suggestion.

Ma Long said, "Isn't the reason for your restaurant's current popularity due to Chu Bingqing and Li Yuetong? I still need them for endorsement."

Ling Zhenfei agreed that Ma Long had an extraordinary vision and sharp analysis. No wonder he's a leader in the investment field; not everyone has such insights.

"Sure, that's no problem," said Ling Zhenfei, feeling that getting Chu Bingqing and Li Yuetong to endorse shouldn't be an issue.

Ma Long laughed: "If you find this feasible, we can inspect it on-site and discuss the details later. How does that sound?"

Ling Zhenfei nodded: "Sure, this is a big deal. I need to discuss it with my partner."

"Your partner should be Chen Qian, right?" Ma Long asked.

Ling Zhenfei nodded: "You know even Chen Qian?"

Ma Long nodded back: "He's a dangerous madman. When he's serious, no one can stop him. I guess he played a big role in developing Xishan Manor."

Ling Zhenfei nodded: "Yes, he's in charge of the manor's planning."

Ma Long shook his head: "His talent is wasted there. But having a madman plan the manor must be quite intense."

Ling Zhenfei thought of the underwater restaurant Chen Qian had planned, admitting it was indeed a bit insane. His nickname was justified.

"His crazy creation should debut next spring, and it's sure to shock many people."

Ma Long seemed somewhat familiar with Chen Qian and asked, "So what's Chen Qian doing now?"

Ling Zhenfei thought for a moment and said, "He's probably causing trouble for Fengming Group."

"Fengming Group, haha. Good luck to them. I don't think that group stands a chance. Messing with Chen Qian is sheer madness. Should we warn Qin Lan?"

Ling Zhenfei laughed: "Given how badly Qin Lan harmed our restaurant, she does deserve some retribution, or she might think we're pushovers."

Ma Long seemed very impressive, likely due to different life experiences. His words and actions were always compelling and genuine.

His father was a well-known tycoon nationwide. It's surprising that he has such manners, definitely among the best of the wealthy second generation.

"Alright, let's finalize our early-stage plans and discuss the specifics gradually," Ma Long said to Ling Zhenfei.

Ling Zhenfei nodded: "Okay, but I still need to discuss this with Chen Qian since he's my partner."

"Call me when you're ready, and we'll talk more," Ma Long said.

After exchanging contacts, Ma Long turned and left. Ling Zhenfei noticed Ma Long had a few young women with him, indicating that rich men like Ma Long are never short of female company.

If a company wants to expand quickly and robustly, slow development is impractical. Even expanding to one new city per month means more than three hundred cities nationwide.

To fully develop them all would take over thirty years, so partnering with established enterprises is crucial.

Whether Xishan Manor or Xi Shan Restaurant, as long as they operate well, they'll be highly competitive.

In fact, Ling Zhenfei has a trump card: Xishan Manor's vegetables. Using Xishan Manor's vegetables means being closely tied to Xishan Manor.

If anyone's supply of Xishan Manor's vegetables is cut off, they're essentially doomed.

Of course, Ling Zhenfei wouldn't normally do such a thing, as Xishan Manor also aims for mutual survival.

In the evening, Luo Juan called Ling Zhenfei. Over half of the visiting bosses at Xishan Manor had chosen to immediately sign contracts.

This was great news for Ling Zhenfei. After capturing Binyang and the Provincial City, expanding to surrounding cities would be much easier.

With so many new restaurants, he wondered if Xishan Manor's production capacity could keep up.

Ling Zhenfei called Li Ermeng, and the call was answered quickly.

"Hello, Boss Ling. Any instructions?"

Ling Zhenfei asked: "Brother Er Meng, I wanted to ask, how long does it take us to build a new vegetable greenhouse now?"

Li Ermeng said: "The main focus of our current infrastructure is the vegetable greenhouses. With full efforts, we can build five simultaneously, each taking a few days.

In about ten days, we'll have five new greenhouses ready for use."

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