Chapter 52 The Metamorphosis of the Old Supermarket

"That's for sure. I heard old Li's shop has seen a lot more business lately, all thanks to the orders brought in by your platform," another boss chimed in.

"It seems this platform really has something going for it."

The bosses murmured among themselves, growing quite tempted.

Seeing this, Lin Qianfan pressed his advantage, "Bosses, if you join our platform now, not only will you enjoy zero-commission benefits, but you'll also get free promotional resources. Opportunities like this are rare, so you'd better seize the moment!"

"I'll join!" one boss declared on the spot.

"Count me in too!"

"And me!"

In an instant, the bosses all expressed their willingness to cooperate.

"Boss Lin, hearing you put it this way, it certainly sounds feasible, but I have some concerns."

From within the crowd, a middle-aged man stepped forward. He was dressed neatly, yet his brows were tightly furrowed, and he looked burdened with worries.

Lin Qianfan noticed his expression and asked directly, "And you are?"

"I'm the owner of the large supermarket nearby, surname is Liu."

"Boss Liu, do you have some reservations?" Lin Qianfan asked calmly, unhurriedly.

"Our supermarket is different from these small restaurants. Your delivery platform is indeed good, but after all, it's geared toward student consumption, whereas our supermarket..."

He paused, seemingly weighing his words before continuing, "Business hasn't been good lately, and not many students drop by. Joining your platform, I'm afraid it won't be of much use."

Hearing this, the surrounding bosses chimed in with agreement. "Indeed, a large supermarket is quite different from our little shops. Boss Liu's concerns are valid."

Lin Qianfan nodded, signaling everyone to remain calm. After a moment of silence, he turned to look at Boss Liu.

"I actually noticed the situation you mentioned quite some time ago. The location of your supermarket isn't bad at all."

Boss Liu sighed. "The location is fine, but nowadays, who goes out of their way to visit a supermarket just to buy things?"

"Students find it troublesome, and local residents prefer quick convenience, rather making do with the small grocery store right downstairs."

Lin Qianfan's tone was resolute. "Traditional retail formats like supermarkets have long since fallen out of step with modern consumer habits."

"What you need is a transformation, and our delivery platform can help you complete just that."

Boss Liu was taken aback. "Transform into what?"

Lin Qianfan looked at the surrounding bosses and stepped slightly closer. "Boss Liu, have you ever considered converting a section of your supermarket into a shared space?"

"For example, a leisure area, a light-meal zone, or even hosting small regular events to attract young people to come and spend time?"

Boss Liu frowned. "Wouldn't remodeling be far too expensive?"

Lin Qianfan shook his head. "There's no need for drastic changes. You only need to clear out a small area and set up a few sofa seats."

"Moreover, you can introduce some simple beverage and snack equipment, and the cost won't be high at all."

"On top of that, you can partner with our delivery platform to put your supermarket's goods online, delivering them directly into the hands of students so they don't have to make the trip themselves."

The surrounding bosses nodded one after another, finding the idea entirely practical.

Boss Liu pondered for a moment, his resolve wavering. "Hearing you put it like this, it actually does make some sense..."

Lin Qianfan pressed the advantage. "Boss Liu, rather than sitting here waiting for things to fail, why not give it a try?"

"To be blunt about your current situation, you're already riding a tiger and finding it hard to get off. Instead of watching your business grow steadily worse, you might as well take a gamble."

Boss Liu furrowed his brows deeply. After quite a while, he let out a sigh. "Fine. We'll treat the dead horse like a live one and do it your way."

"Rest assured, I'll follow this partnership through every step of the way and help you see the remodeling plan fully implemented."

Lin Qianfan patted him on the shoulder. "When the time comes, just sit back and watch the results."

A few days later, Lin Qianfan personally visited Boss Liu's supermarket for an inspection and worked out a detailed remodeling plan.

"In this area, remove a row of shelves, put down two sofas, and place a few small round tables."

"Add a light-meal counter right here to sell portable drinks and snacks."

"And this open space can be used for lucky draws or gaming competitions."

Boss Liu followed him around the entire time, watching as Lin Qianfan mapped out every single detail, and his confidence gradually returned.

Boss Liu sighed with emotion, "If I had known to ask for your help earlier, I wouldn't have spent all this time worrying ourselves sick."

Lin Qianfan smiled. "You flatter me. We're partners, and helping each other out is only right."

Shortly after, the supermarket's renovation project got underway rapidly.

At the same time, other restaurants and supermarkets officially launched on the delivery platform.

"Brother Fan, the menus for the restaurants have all been organized. Now we just need to push them live for promotion," Yong Pan handed over a checklist.

"Good, leave the promotion to me." Lin Qianfan opened the official account backend and published a promotional post.

As soon as the post went live, the students' response was enthusiastic.

"I finally don't have to run to the supermarket anymore; I can just place an order and have it delivered straight to the dorm. This is so convenient!"

"There are full-reduction discounts too? This is such a great deal!"

One noon, just after Lin Qianfan returned from the milk tea shop, his phone rang.

"Student Lin, this is Principal Meng." The voice on the other end carried a hint of authority.

"Principal Meng, were you looking for me?"

"Yes, I heard that the delivery platform you've been running lately is doing quite well, is that correct?"

"It's doing all right."

"Well, I have an idea, and I'm not sure if it's feasible."

"Go ahead, please."

The principal paused for a moment before saying, "There are quite a few impoverished students in the school whose living conditions are rather difficult."

"Their schedules are flexible, so they could study and work at the same time. That way, they could earn some living expenses without delaying their studies."

"No problem at all," Lin Qianfan agreed readily. "I'll make the arrangements as soon as possible."

Soon enough, he posted recruitment notices on the platform, and many financially struggling students arrived upon hearing the news.

"Boss Lin, my family's financial situation isn't good. I'd like to find a part-time job to help cover my tuition. Is that alright?"

"Of course."

"Brother Lin, I'm fast on my feet. Can you give me more orders?"

"No problem." Lin Qianfan registered these students and arranged dedicated training sessions for them.

"Everyone, remember that delivering food isn't just physical labor; it requires a sense of responsibility and a service mindset. Our goal is to satisfy every single customer."

The students nodded one after another, listening attentively.

However, word of this matter soon reached the ears of their head teacher, Teacher Wu.

"Lin Qianfan, come here for a moment."

After class one day, Teacher Wu summoned Lin Qianfan to the office.

Upon arrival, Teacher Wu's expression was less than pleasant.

"Teacher, did you want to see me?"

"Have you been running some kind of delivery platform outside recently, and even hiring a bunch of students as delivery drivers?"

"Yes," Lin Qianfan replied calmly.

"Do you have any idea that this kind of behavior will affect the students' studies? Why are you leading them into this kind of unmotivated nonsense?" Teacher Wu stood up, looking rather angry.

Lin Qianfan had anticipated this and answered with unruffled poise, "Teacher, this was the principal's idea—to share the school's burdens and help resolve difficulties for the students."

"The principal?" Teacher Wu paused, clearly not expecting the principal to be involved in this affair.