Chapter 3

The bubble tea shop Jack franchised opened in just a month.

He deliberately chose a location near an elementary school. Every day at dismissal time, students would rush into the shop to buy bubble tea.

Because of the promotional slogans plastered all over the store, parents paid without hesitation.

With low prices and claims of using only pure tea and milk, the shop's turnover reached $500,000 in just a month of operation, with Jack guaranteed to pocket at least $100,000.

At the celebration dinner, Jack proudly announced to the whole family that his business venture was a success, and he planned to become the city's largest bubble tea franchisee in the future.

My mother-in-law excitedly said, "I've always said that Jack was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He was destined to be a big boss!"

My father-in-law chimed in, "That's right, Jack was never meant to be someone's employee!"

Jack smiled smugly, then looked at me with disdain, "It's a pity some people don't think so!"

"People can't earn money beyond their comprehension. She's destined to be a poor wage earner, without any vision. All she knows is to cling to her measly earnings!"

The relatives present all knew who he was referring to and looked at me scornfully, their eyes full of contempt as they sized me up from head to toe.

Although I had long known they didn't like me, I couldn't help feeling hurt.

"Now that it's open, you need to manage it well. If..." I hadn't finished speaking when I was interrupted.

"There are no 'ifs'! I can see you're just jealous that I can make money!" Jack glared at me fiercely, "Your mouth never has anything good to say!"

Being scolded in front of so many relatives, my heart turned cold.

Tom stepped in to smooth things over. He took out his phone to show Jack, "Brother, this is my bank statement for one month."

"See? I didn't lie to you! Opening a bubble tea shop is quick money!"

Jack's eyes widened, "How is your monthly turnover four times mine?"

Tom smiled smugly, "I've opened three more bubble tea shops, and they're all doing just as well. Of course I'm earning more!"

"Let me give you some advice as your brother, the earlier you get in, the more you earn. Once others rent out all the good locations, you'll only have regrets!"

Jack furrowed his brow, deep in thought for a while.

Then his eyes grew increasingly feverish, "You're right, the earlier in, the more we earn. I'm going to open another shop!"

"That's more like it." Tom smiled as he poured him a drink.

Jack hadn't even recouped his initial investment, and the high-interest loan wasn't paid off, yet he was already thinking about a second shop. I felt uneasy.

"This is too risky. If business isn't good, with compound interest, the debt will keep growing. It's better to pay off the loan first."

"When you've saved up enough capital for a second shop, then open one. There's no rush!"

As soon as I finished speaking, my mother-in-law splashed her red wine all over me.

She angrily said, "When men are discussing important matters, you have no right to butt in!"

"Didn't you hear what Tom said? It's guaranteed profit!"

Jack looked at my disheveled state, his eyes devoid of any warmth.

"I've already decided, and it's not up to you to object!"

"I'm the head of this family. You rely on me to support you, so you have no right to criticize me."

"Get out now. You're not welcome in this family!"

I looked at him in disbelief. I had merely advised him to consider carefully, yet he trampled on my dignity in front of everyone.

My heart ached to the point of suffocation. I resolved never to ask him another word about the bubble tea shop.

Over the next few days, I watched coldly as he sweet-talked relatives into giving him more money and franchised a second shop.