Chapter 142 : Frustrated
Nixie fell silent, deeply contemplating Felix's words. Felix shook his head, observing the transformation in her.
Once a mischievous girl, she had matured into a young woman, yet her innocence remained intact.
Her thoughts were still pure, untouched by the complexities of the world.
Felix understood all too well the darker side of human emotions.
The terrifying truth about humanity lies within their hearts; they possess an uncanny ability to destroy.
This destructive nature is why so many other races harbor disdain for humans.
At their core, humans often succumb to greed, the original sin that births chaos and desire.
Shaking off these heavy thoughts, Felix gently tapped Nixie's shoulder, pulling her back from her reverie.
"How is your work progressing?" he asked with a warm smile.
Nixie's face brightened instantly. "Everything is going smoothly, no major hiccups!"
"That's good to hear," Felix replied as he leaned back against the couch. "Could you report your current progress?"
"Of course!" Nixie beamed as she stood up and retrieved a stack of papers from her desk. "All the restaurants we've planned are finished building! The staff is in place, and we'll be opening them in just a few days."
She paused before adding, "Regarding the winemakers you asked me to hire, I've secured a hundred of them for you to meet in five days."
Felix smiled lightly while internally sighing with relief: "It's wonderful being a hands-off shopkeeper."
Back on Earth, he had juggled every aspect of his businesses alone, signing documents, attending meetings, it was exhausting!
Despite having subordinates who handled various tasks, his trust issues meant he managed only the most critical elements himself.
But here? With Nixie managing operations seamlessly, all he needed to do was provide direction and await results.
Continuing her report, Nixie said confidently, "At our current hiring rate for chefs, we can open new restaurant branches every two weeks."
Felix rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Great! You'll need to hire some people specifically tasked with scouting ideal locations for our restaurants and establish a department dedicated to that."
"Understood," Nixie nodded earnestly.
He continued outlining his vision: "Afterward, compile a list detailing all acquired locations along with chef qualifications and which level of restaurant we should establish at each site."
"Got it," she replied seriously as she noted everything down in her small notebook.
Looking up at him with excitement mixed with trepidation, Nixie ventured hesitantly: "Big bro… I have an idea!"
"Oh? Please share," Felix encouraged softly.
Taking a deep breath, she proposed enthusiastically: "What if we create a training center for staff? We could train managers and waitstaff so we won't always need to hire new employees from scratch every time we open a restaurant! We could teach eager learners everything they need to know about our operations."
Felix raised an eyebrow, falling silent as he considered Nixie's innovative idea.
"Instead of the constant hassle of hiring and training staff every time we open a restaurant," he mused, "why not establish a school?
They could just educate students on everything they need to know about restaurant operations and management. This way, they'd be ready to step in whenever we launch a new venture, saving us significant time and resources."
Turning to Nixie, whose face was a mix of nervousness and anticipation, Felix nodded approvingly. "Your idea is brilliant! Draft a plan and share it with me once you're finished."
Nixie's eyes sparkled with excitement as she quickly replied, "Understood, big bro!"
Curious about another project, Felix asked, "How is the farm initiative coming along?"
"It's progressing well! I've already purchased a hundred acres of land in Arkfield District and have already hired some workers," Nixie responded confidently.
"Good job; I'm proud of you," Felix said with a smile just as the door swung open. Clair and Quill entered the office.
Felix and Nixie exchanged curious glances. "So how did it go?" Felix asked Quill with an encouraging smile.
"It went well," Clair confirmed, her own smile brightening the room.
Quill plopped down on the couch with a sigh. "But I have to say, this girl is really ruthless and stubborn!"
"Oh? What happened?" Nixie inquired, concern etching her features.
"Forget about it," Quill waved dismissively, his chubby hands gesturing dramatically.
"Clair, what was the final conclusion?" Felix asked eagerly.
Clair's expression shifted to seriousness as she reported, "After extensive discussions with Mr. Quill, Origin Technology will hold 70% of the bicycle business shares while Mr. Quill retains 30%. According to the contract he signed, he'll provide materials for production along with all sales channels; our responsibility will be manufacturing."
Felix nodded thoughtfully. "That sounds reasonable."
He then turned his attention back to Quill. "Regarding sales channels, I suggest opening around a thousand storefronts across Astheria."
"Huh?" Clair, Quill, and Nixie looked at him in surprise.
"Big bro," Quill began skeptically, "I think we can manage more than that."
Felix shook his head firmly. "Do you truly believe we can handle this massive opportunity alone? Many others will want their share too! While your Maywraith Noble Family is powerful, can you withstand pressure from numerous other noble families? No? That's why we need to create some breathing room for collaboration."
"I don't quite follow," Quill admitted while scratching his head.
"What my big brother means is that, since we can't keep this entire cake to ourselves, we need to share a few pieces with others. Otherwise, we risk sparking conflicts, or worse!" Nixie rolled her eyes in exasperation.
"How do you propose we do that?" Quill asked, genuinely curious.
"Listen closely," Felix began, his voice steady and confident. "After careful consideration, I've concluded that to avoid major disputes, we should establish around a thousand storefronts across Astheria, specifically in key locations. This way, when our bicycles go on sale, they'll capture immediate attention."
He paused for effect before continuing. "Those who recognize the potential of our product can come directly to the factory to purchase in bulk and then sell them at their own stores. However, we will set the pricing structure."
Quill's eyes lit up with understanding. "So you're saying our role is to produce the bicycles and allow retailers to buy from us in bulk?"
"Exactly!" Felix replied enthusiastically. "We act as suppliers while they serve as retailers. We offer them lower prices for bulk purchases so they can sell at a profit.
For example, if the factory price of one bicycle is 7 Silver Coins and they buy a thousand units at that rate, they could retail each bicycle for 9 or even 10 Silver Coins.
That means their profit per bicycle would be between 2 and 3 Silver Coins! Just imagine the total profit if they sell all one thousand bicycles!"Felix smiled broadly as he explained.
"The bicycle represents a groundbreaking innovation that has the potential to transform travel for everyday people," Nixie declared, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.
"Just imagine: as soon as we launch this product, nobles will be clamoring to partner with us to reap its benefits. However, we have no intention of sharing our equity with them. This strategy offers them an alternative."
Quill raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "But what if they insist on receiving shares in the bicycle venture?"
Felix waved his hand dismissively, exuding confidence. "You needn't worry about that; I'll handle it."
After a moment's contemplation, Quill nodded in agreement.
Turning to Clair, Felix continued decisively, "It's time to kickstart our bicycle manufacturing process immediately. Additionally, we must establish a logistics department responsible for managing purchasing, transportation, inventory, and warehousing operations. This team will ensure the seamless organization and movement of goods and resources."
Clair nodded seriously in response. "Understood."
Felix then said to Quill,"You also need to prepare the storefronts and gather all necessary materials for production."
"Absolutely! I'm on it!" Quill replied with a broad smile illuminating his chubby face.
Felix shook his head, frustration evident in his voice. "Although we can't share the bicycle equity with them, but at least this gives them a way to benefit somehow."
Quill sighed deeply, mirroring Felix's exasperation. "Big bro, I really don't want to share any of this either. But if we don't, we're digging ourselves into trouble."
He continued, "Sure, my Maywraith Noble Family is one of the strongest in the Kingdom, but even we can't withstand the pressure from those greedy nobles. And let's be honest, the Royal Family will probably get involved too."
Felix felt helpless. All he wanted was to enjoy his success alone, yet reality loomed over him like a dark cloud. If he didn't play it smart, he risked losing everything.
"Damn," he muttered bitterly to himself. "It's so uncomfortable being weak."
If only he had the strength or resources like those nobles, then he wouldn't have to worry.
As these thoughts swirled in his mind, his eyes narrowed slightly; a cold glint flickered within them.
"Looks like it's time for Jarvis to step up," he mused with a hint of excitement. "Didn't that guy mention he hasn't destroyed a clan in ages? Maybe this is just the opportunity for him to flex his muscles!"
A creepy smile crept across Felix's face as possibilities danced in his mind.
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