Chapter Sixty-One: Recruiting Jiang Xue

Early in the morning, Zhang Xiue spent longer than usual washing up, especially when it came to brushing her teeth.

“Are you sure you want me to be the one to talk to her?” Tang Long looked at Zhang Xiue with a half-smile, half-skeptical expression.

Zhang Xiue didn’t joke with him; she nodded seriously and said, “That’s right. I think it’s more appropriate for you to go than for me.”

“Not jealous?” Tang Long asked in a low voice.

Zhang Xiue shot him a charmingly annoyed glance and ignored his teasing. After a moment’s hesitation, she added, “You can act fully on behalf of ‘Fish Head Village Development Company.’ I trust your abilities!”

Tang Long found it amusing. When it came to talking with Jiang Xue, he actually thought Zhang Xiue would be more suitable. But since she insisted he go, he didn’t refuse. After all, they could only represent their own intentions; whether the other party was willing or not was another matter.

After breakfast, everyone was packing their things. Lunch would not be provided, so they’d have to arrange that themselves.

“Do you have a moment? I’d like to talk with you on behalf of Fish Head Village,” Tang Long found Jiang Xue and said.

Jiang Xue was taken aback and, smiling, blinked as she asked, “Is it that serious?”

“Do I look like someone who’s always serious?” Tang Long replied with a grin.

A blush crept over Jiang Xue’s face. She muttered softly, “I had insomnia in the second half of last night, went for a walk, and ended up seeing something I probably shouldn’t have.”

Tang Long paused, then chuckled. He’d been wondering who the midnight wanderer was last night; he hadn’t expected her to confess so openly.

He’d heard a noise the night before, but hadn’t seen anyone.

Jiang Xue, cheeks flushed, walked toward the riverbank and asked curiously, “When did you and Sister Xiue get together?”

She seemed preoccupied, an open book to anyone with eyes.

“Not too long ago,” Tang Long replied, then skillfully changed the subject. “What I want to talk with you about is business—not personal matters between me and Zhang Xiue.”

“Business?” Jiang Xue looked at Tang Long in puzzlement. “What business?”

Tang Long explained, “Here’s the thing: we’d like to ask if you’re interested in starting a business.”

“Starting a business?” Jiang Xue was stunned. She blinked at him and asked, “You’re not thinking of supporting me to start a business, are you?”

Entrepreneurship among college students was already a common topic at university. If you did well, you could even receive considerable ‘startup funds’ from the school for support.

“That’s exactly what we’re thinking!” Tang Long nodded with a smile.

Jiang Xue tilted her head, her eyes shining as she asked, “You’re not wanting me to open a travel company, are you?”

“Smart!” Tang Long laughed. He wasn’t surprised Jiang Xue guessed it—she was the kind of person who would, and it would be odd if she didn’t.

Jiang Xue hesitated, then said, “Can you tell me more specifically what you have in mind?”

Tang Long smiled. “As you know, Fish Head Village’s tourism industry is still in its infancy. Everything has to be built from scratch. It’s both the best and the hardest time.”

He paused, then continued, “Last night, Zhang Xiue and I discussed it. We think your suggested price of ‘588’ is feasible. It’s not too high, not too low, but the biggest chunk is the ‘Ghost King Cave’ ticket.

As for ‘Ghost King Cave,’ some will want to go, some won’t be interested, and after seeing it once or twice, people might lose interest.

If we remove ‘Ghost King Cave’ from the package, a three-day, two-night trip to Fish Head Village can drop to 288. On weekends or normal days, you can bring groups. Do you think this price would appeal to college students?”

“Does that include food, lodging, and activities?” Jiang Xue asked.

Tang Long nodded, smiling. “Yes, all included. For a group of thirty, our offer to you is 198 per person. For ‘Ghost King Cave’ tickets, you get a 30% rebate.

If you bring more than thirty but under two hundred, the price is 188 per person. Our public price for group tours is 588 per person, and ‘Ghost King Cave’ tickets are 290 each—not including transportation.”

In terms of profit, the prices Tang Long offered on behalf of the village were quite generous.

“For walk-in guests, if they don’t go to the cave, it’s an extra hundred per person; we’ll receive and host them anytime. Next, we’ll set up reception centers in Taoyuan County and Donghe Town,” Tang Long added.

Jiang Xue smiled and asked, “So what would I need to do?”

“Set up a company, do publicity in your campus and other city universities, or anywhere you have resources. We both benefit,” Tang Long said frankly.

They had approached Jiang Xue because she had helped Fish Head Village before, and now the village was just starting out and needed outside help. It didn’t have to be much—just enough to bring in more visitors.

With Jiang Xue’s organizational skills, as long as she was interested, she’d have no trouble with this. The only worry was that she might not care for such ‘meager profits.’

“Would I have to bring a group to Fish Head Village every month?” Jiang Xue asked, considering.

Tang Long shook his head and smiled. “Don’t worry, there’s no mandatory quota. We’re only asking you as a friend if you’re interested. If not, there’s no pressure.”

“I’m very interested!” Jiang Xue squinted as she smiled. “I think Taoyuan County is just the right distance from the city—not too far, not too close. The scenery here is beautiful, great for photography, with mountains and water, and perfect for couples.”

She paused, then added, “I’d suggest you set aside an area to plant flowers—maybe a lavender field or a rose garden. That would definitely attract more photography enthusiasts.”

“That’s a great idea. We’ll discuss it when we get back,” Tang Long said, nodding as he made a mental note. If the investment wasn’t too high, it was worth considering.

“If you’re interested, Secretary Xiue and I have already discussed this. Since you’re still a student and might be short on funds to start a business, we can offer, on behalf of Fish Head Village, an interest-free loan to support you,” Tang Long said.

Jiang Xue was surprised. “You can provide an interest-free loan?”

Tang Long grinned and nodded. “Yes, but the village is quite poor, so the loan won’t be very large.”

Jiang Xue blinked curiously. “How much is the most you could offer?”

“At most, a hundred thousand,” Tang Long replied.

Jiang Xue burst out laughing, her voice light and clear. Tang Long rubbed his nose, not quite sure what she found so amusing.

“Can I be the exclusive agent for all the city universities? If I can, I’ll take it on—and I won’t need your loan. But I think you should raise your price a bit. 288 isn’t quite right—make it 388 per person for three days and two nights, excluding transportation, but make sure you keep improving the details like breakfast and so on…”