Wang Xiaoliang picked up the agreement pushed in front of him and read it word by word. Its terms were clear and straightforward, spelling out the investment shares, profit distribution, and exit mechanism in full.
"Let's not rush to sign." Zhou Qiang also picked up the agreement, but set it on the table after only a glance. He looked at Huang Xueli. "I think our calculations the other day were a little hasty."
Huang Xueli nodded. "Go on."
"Universities have three months of vacation every year. During those three months, nearly all the students leave, and the supermarkets will lose more than half their business." Zhou Qiang held up three fingers. "Our bid is based on an annual payment, but those three months will be pure losses. We should factor that cost in."
He paused, then continued, "Even if we can't get the rent completely waived for those three months, it should at least be half price. Our bid has to reflect that. Otherwise, our profit margins will be severely squeezed."
Wang Xiaoliang thought Zhou Qiang was absolutely right.
He had never considered that at all. He really should have thought of it, but his nerves and excitement had gotten the better of him.
"Exactly! We overlooked the vacations. Good thing we have you." Huang Xueli agreed. "Then what do you think would be an appropriate bid for each store?"
"Five hundred thousand."
Huang Xueli nodded. "I agree."
Both men looked at Wang Xiaoliang.
What else could Wang Xiaoliang say? He nodded firmly.
"Then it's settled."
Huang Xueli made the changes and printed the agreements again. He took three pens from the pen holder, kept one, and handed the other two to Zhou Qiang and Wang Xiaoliang.
"Let's sign."
There were no more words, only the scratching of pen tips