Chapter 26

“If I use my name, can it be done? If so, I’m willing to help,” Qian Youlai said earnestly.

“No, I’ve thought about that. You’re just 18, not yet of legal age,” Song Haowen shook his head.

“What about using my name? Does it work for a woman?” Wang Li said in a low voice.

“A woman is certainly fine; there’s no gender restriction for the legal representative. But you can’t either.,” Song Haowen rejected.

“Thank you for your kind intentions. I don’t know many people in Beijing, and they need to be reliable and willing to help. Can you help me check among your friends and relatives to see if anyone is willing to assist? It’s just a matter of lending their name; I won’t mistreat them. I’ll sign a contract with them, and in case anything happens, I’ll bear the risks. I’ll also pay them every month,” Wang Li said to Qian Youlai, blushing.

Wang Li made up her mind and continued, “Actually, I’m one year older than Qian Youlai; I’ve just turned eighteen. If my name can be used, I don’t need any additional payment.”

Song Haowen was a bit incredulous. “Are you really eighteen?” Seeing her confident affirmation, he was overjoyed. “Haha, that’s great! Thank you so much; you’ve solved my urgent problem!”

Qian Youlai also became happy. “This afternoon, let’s go to the district industrial and commercial bureau to apply for the license.”

“I agree. I’ll go home immediately to get my household register.” Wang Li was unusually excited, proud to be able to help Song Haowen.

“It’s better to inform your parents first and get their approval,” Song Haowen reminded.

“It’s okay. This is not a bad thing; they’ll definitely understand,” Wang Li replied confidently.

After saying this, Wang Li was about to go home, and Qian Youlai followed her out. “I’ll ride the tricycle to take you; it’ll be faster.” As Wang Li sat down, he began pedaling and muttered to himself, “I always thought you were the same age as me.”

Wang Li giggled, “You never asked how old I am. What’s the matter, you’re bothered because I’m older than you?”

Qian Youlai hastily denied, “I didn’t mean that. It would be even better if you were three years older than me!”

“Oh? Do you have a thing for older women?”

“Yeah, you know what they say—when a woman is three years older, it’s like a golden mountain leaning on a silver one. If I find a wife three years older, I won’t have to worry about food and clothing for a lifetime.”

“Pfft, so you’re looking for someone who need to do all the work for you…”

Half an hour later, Wang Li returned with her household register. She said her parents had no objections and told Song Haowen not to worry.

So, with Qian Youlai pedaling the tricycle, Song Haowen and Wang Li headed straight to the district industrial and commercial bureau.

Thanks to some prior arrangements, the process went very smoothly this time. The business license’s name and scope remained unchanged, but the legal representative was switched from Song Haowen to Wang Li. They would be able to collect the certificate in a week.

On the way back home, Song Haowen realized that with the license, he could now operate his business openly. He was excited about this development. At the same time, he couldn’t help but lament the importance of personal connections in today’s world.

It was nothing like the convenience he experienced in his previous life, where even obtaining a license could be done online without leaving home.

A week later, the signboard for “Beijing Haowen Electronics Business Department” was hung up. With business license number 1001001, Wang Li became the “first individual business owner” in the country.

This caused a huge sensation in China, attracting reporters from major news media outlets.

Wang Li found herself overwhelmed.

The Haowen Electronics Business Department, as the nation’s first storefront for home appliance repair and the sale of used appliances, quickly gained popularity and became a bona fide “internet-famous” store.

However, the surge in business also kept Song Haowen extremely busy, often working late into the night.

Despite the store’s overflowing profits, with nearly a hundred thousand yuan in monthly income, Song Haowen remained clear-headed.

He knew that soon there would be numerous similar stores popping up. As household appliances became more widespread, this business would soon enter a decline.

At present, many golden opportunities remained unnoticed, and Song Haowen didn’t want to miss this rare chance. He was determined to be a trendsetter in this era.

One afternoon after two classes, Song Haowen, as usual, packed up his bag and prepared to work at home.

Walking along the corridor of the stair-step classroom, he approached the seat next to Zhu Hongyu. He greeted her warmly, but to his surprise, she remained seated, unmoved, and didn’t even turn her head to look at him.

Feeling puzzled, Song Haowen thought he had been following class discipline quite well recently, and he shouldn’t have offended Zhu Hongyu. So, he took another look at her and noticed her expressionless face, pale complexion, as if she were unwell. Concerned, he asked, “Class monitor, are you feeling unwell?”

Zhu Hongyu slowly raised her head and replied faintly, “No, I’m fine. You can go. I’ll take a rest and catch up later.”