The front desk receptionist asked curiously, "May I ask what brings you here?"


    Qin Hao responded, "I''d like to speak to the person in charge here about renting a store."


    The receptionist paused, gave him a glance, and said, "Sir, please wait a moment."


    After speaking, she went into the company to notify the leadership.


    Another receptionist looked at him with curiosity in her eyes. He appeared to be only about twenty years old — renting a store?@@@@


    Did he even know how much the stores here cost? Judging by his attire, he didn''t look like someone wealthy at all.


    Soon, the receptionist came out and said to Qin Hao, "Hello, please follow me."


    "Thank you," Qin Hao followed the receptionist into the Xing''an Real Estate Management Company.


    Under the receptionist''s guidance, he arrived at the manager''s office.


    Inside the office were two people, a slightly overweight middle-aged man sitting in the office chair, with a young and beautiful woman standing beside him — presumably his secretary.


    After bringing Qin Hao inside, the receptionist said, "Mr. Manager, the person has been brought in."


    The middle-aged man lifted his head for a glance and frowned slightly, "Is this the guy you mentioned?"


    Seeing the manager''s reaction, the receptionist became somewhat afraid, unsure of how to respond.


    Qin Hao spoke up, "What''s the matter, Mr. Li? Do you think I don''t have the means to rent a store?"


    Li Guangfu felt even more annoyed when he heard that, as there was no hint of flattery in Qin Hao''s tone.


    Nowadays, those who come here to rent stores would speak to him humbly and fawningly.


    Li Guangfu said with a cold voice, "All the stores here have already been rented out. You should look elsewhere."


    Qin Hao understood his meaning upon hearing those words. Li Guangfu simply did not respect him.


    And since there was no shortage of people wanting to rent the stores here, he could afford to be choosy and not lease to Qin Hao.


    Some people even had to secretly treat him to meals and offer him benefits to get a chance to rent here.


    Qin Hao''s expression also cooled, "Is this how you do business, Mr. Li?"


    Li Guangfu retorted, "I don''t need a brat to teach me how to do my business. You''re no longer needed. Just hurry her away," the latter part directed at the front desk receptionist.


    Upon hearing Li Guangfu''s words, the receptionist''s face changed immediately, "Mr. Li, I... I..."


    As they walked, Qin Hao said, "You know I came here looking to rent a store for business. I''m still studying, so I don''t have a lot of time.


    I really do need an assistant, and I think you''re quite good. I''d like for you to try."


    Nie Si considered his words for a moment.


    Qin Hao continued, "What''s your monthly salary here?"


    "Three thousand five hundred, food and accommodations not included."


    Qin Hao commented, "That''s quite low. Is it enough to get by in Jianghai City?"


    Nie Si looked a bit embarrassed, "I barely make ends meet sharing a rental with a classmate."


    Qin Hao proposed, "I''ll offer you five thousand per month. Why don''t you try working with me for now, what do you say?"


    Nie Si hesitated for a moment, then nodded. Without a job and without a salary, surviving in Jianghai City was indeed tough.


    Qin Hao smiled, "Then from now on, you''re my assistant. Let''s continue to look for a store together."


    "Right, I still don''t know your name, boss. My name''s Nie Si."


    "I''m Qin Hao. As for the employment contract, give me your contact information and I''ll have someone from the legal department reach out to you tonight."


    Nie Si asked curiously, "Mr. Qin, you have your own company, so why are you out here yourself?"


    Qin Hao explained, "My company is back in my hometown. I don''t have one in Jianghai City yet. I''m planning to open a branch here."


    Relieved to hear his response, Nie Si thought that having a company meant a secure salary.


    Usually, companies registered with the state departments can be checked online—she''ll check it out when she gets back.


    Qin Hao took Nie Si out of Xing''an Square and across to Xinshang Square.


    He had visited these squares a few days ago, and after several days of consideration, he had settled on this location.


    Unfortunately, he couldn''t secure the spot in Xing''an Square, and thinking of Li Guangfu still irked him.


    The day would come when such a short-sighted person with no vision would regret their actions.


    Upon arriving at Xinshang Square, Qin Hao set his sights on a rather large store, which was several hundred square meters.


    Since he couldn''t secure the store in Xing''an Square, he could only consider this one for now.


    With Nie Si''s assistance, he came to the Xinshang Real Estate Management Company.