Chapter 3 – Buying Losses, One Store at a Time
Early morning light spilled over the West District, illuminating the half-abandoned commercial zone. Rows of dusty windows reflected the sunlight like forgotten dreams — perfect for someone looking to fail in style.
Chen Rui stood with a property agent in front of a run-down storefront. The awning was torn, and vines crept along the bricks. The inside reeked of mold and neglect.
"Mr. Chen, you're sure you want to buy this place?" The agent blinked. "Not rent? We can lease it for half the price."
Chen Rui tapped the window frame with amusement. "No. I want to buy it."
"But it's in the worst part of the block! And it'll need major repairs—"
"That's why it's perfect." Chen Rui smiled. "Draw up the paperwork. I'll pay in full."
[System Notification]
You've made a highly irrational business decision.
Purchased a poorly located commercial property
Cost: 180,000 yuan
Estimated renovation: 60,000 yuan
Market Value: 150,000 yuan
Projected Loss: 90,000 yuan
Destiny Points +20
[Retail Disaster Plan Phase 1: 1/3 Stores Purchased]
Later that day, Chen Rui returned to the main store and found Li Wei organizing stock.
"We're buying more storefronts," Chen Rui said, tossing a folder onto the counter. "Three more. Full ownership. No leases."
Li Wei stared at the blueprints. "You're buying all of them outright? Isn't that risky?"
"It's called long-term failure planning," Chen Rui replied with a grin. "You wouldn't understand."
Li Wei scratched his head. "Isn't that just called burning money?"
"Exactly."
Flashback: Last Life – 1998
Chen Rui's father had rented a shop in a prime location. When business slowed, the landlord doubled the rent, forcing them to close.
Three months later, that same spot was bought by a chain electronics store. Two years later, the entire district's property values skyrocketed.
Back then, Chen Rui had watched helplessly.
This time, he would own the streets.
Back in the present, Chen Rui made a few more "strategic" choices:
Hired 5 part-time workers at full-time salaries.
Ordered excessive stock of unpopular tape players.
Designed a massive grand opening event with free drinks, coupons, and a loss-generating buy-one-get-one-free deal.
The numbers didn't make sense. Which is why the system loved it.
[System Notification]
Retail Disaster Plan Phase 1 Progress: 2/3 Stores Opened
Total Projected Losses: 220,000 yuan
System Satisfaction: 61%
But not everyone was blind.
That evening, Chen Jianhua sat at the dinner table, frowning. "Rui, are you sure this expansion isn't too fast? We should wait until sales improve."
"Dad, I'm confident," Chen Rui replied calmly. "Even if we lose some money early on, the properties will appreciate. Worst case? We'll own a few buildings."
His father was quiet for a moment. "Buying instead of renting… that's bold."
"I'm done letting landlords play god."
His father smiled faintly, pride slipping through his wrinkles.
Meanwhile…
At a local electronics wholesaler, two suppliers whispered behind the counter.
"Chen Rui? That kid bought three whole storefronts?"
"He even paid above market price."
"Must be an idiot… or planning something."
"Whatever. As long as he's buying."
They laughed.
They wouldn't be laughing later.