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After quietly listening to Qin Ke's explanation of the design plans, Gu Lanxi asked the key question, "In that case, how do you plan to distribute the profits from the bathhouse?"
She deliberately tossed the question to Qin Ke, probing his intentions.
Qin Ke had naturally thought this through long ago. Although the blueprints and concept were his, the site selection, construction, and operations would all require manpower and resources from the Gu family.
More importantly, the bathhouse would be operating under the Gu family's name. If he tried to run such a business on his own, it likely wouldn't take long before jealous parties swallowed him whole.
Seeing him willingly make concessions, Gu Lanxi couldn't help but give him a second look.
Noticing her surprise, Qin Ke explained proactively, "After the imperial examinations, my wife and I will return to Qinghe Village. In the end, the bathhouse will still need to be managed by your people. I'll just take a ten percent share of the profits."
There was no reason to refuse money that was offered, and Gu Lanxi accepted the arrangement without hesitation. However, she found interest in something Qin Ke had just said and asked curiously, "Do you intend to keep farming forever?"
Most men aspired to build careers and achieve distinction. This man, despite clearly having the ability to pursue greater prospects, seemed content to remain in the countryside farming.
"I haven't thought too far ahead," Qin Ke shrugged. "Wherever my wife goes, I'll go."
He didn't feel in the least embarrassed by his devotion.
A large part of his decision to remain in Qinghe Village and continue farming stemmed from the existence of the system. The system had stated that task assignments were closely tied to his circumstances, and he also needed to earn system points.
On the other hand, he genuinely wanted to improve the harsh living conditions of ancient times. Since food was the foundation of life, farming was naturally his current main objective.
As for the future, he understood all too well that plans rarely survive reality. He would simply take things one step at a time.
Gu Lanxi smiled faintly, the corners of her lips lifting slightly, but she had no intention of revealing her and Jinyang's plans to him. This man was indeed capable, but at present, he was still far from someone they could fully trust. The matters Jinyang was involved in were extremely dangerous—one misstep could lead to irreversible ruin.
He required further observation and testing.
After securing Gu Lanxi's investment, Qin Ke immediately began preparations for construction. Since winter had not yet arrived and the ground had not frozen solid, the earlier work began, the better. The goal was to have the bathhouse operational by winter.
Gu Zhong was fully reassigned to assist him. Every morning at the hour of Mao, Qin Ke drove Lu Youqing to the academy, then spent the rest of the day with Gu Zhong handling bathhouse preparations. Gu Zhong first took him to inspect Gu family shops and properties to see if any suitable courtyards were available.
After an entire morning of searching, Qin Ke selected a Gu family courtyard directly facing the street. It contained four or five smaller courtyards, covered a broad area, and was just the right size. Most importantly, the rear courtyard connected to a river, making water access extremely convenient.
With the location chosen, construction began immediately. Gu Lanxi provided specialized craftsmen for the project—money was available, manpower was abundant—and Qin Ke found the work highly satisfying.
With craftsmen overseeing construction progress, Qin Ke turned his attention to interior furnishings. Chairs, tea tables, and greenery were easy enough—these could all be custom-made locally by carpenters.
Mahjong, however, required special crafting. He needed to draw each tile design by hand before having craftsmen produce them. Fortunately, his mother had loved playing mahjong in his previous life, and having grown up surrounded by it, he was thoroughly familiar with the patterns.
The choice of material, however, required careful consideration. Given current craftsmanship, options were limited to bone, hardwood, or jade.
Since these were intended for the VIP rooms, bone was far too crude and unrefined. In the end, Gu Lanxi waved her hand decisively and instructed him to make one set from hardwood and another from jade, even opening the storeroom and having Gu Zhong bring him an enormous piece of raw jade.
Qin Ke stared at the jade block and twitched the corner of his mouth.
Truly wealthy—his own horizons were clearly too limited.
Secretly giving Gu Lanxi's retreating figure a thumbs-up, he felt that even if he suggested making a set from gold, she could probably produce a chest of gold without batting an eye.
After some thought, Qin Ke also added a children's play area. Built specifically for children, it was especially delicate and refined. He recreated playground equipment he had seen in his previous life—slides, wooden horses, swing sets, and similar attractions.
This allowed not only noble ladies and wives to visit, but also for them to bring their children along. Meanwhile, the public bathhouse for commoners was given a separate entrance, preventing any accidental clashes with distinguished guests.
As construction neared completion, Qin Ke discussed the opening strategy with Gu Lanxi. He suggested distributing complimentary bath passes at Caiyue Pavilion and other Gu family establishments—any customer who spent over a certain amount would receive an entry ticket to the bathhouse, especially long-standing customers with influential backgrounds.
The bathhouse would also offer private bookings, allowing officials and nobles to host guests there.
In addition, Qin Ke introduced promotional tactics from his previous life. Notices were posted throughout the streets ahead of time, and to accommodate those who couldn't read, attendants walked alongside beating copper gongs, loudly advertising the upcoming bathhouse. They emphasized that it offered not only bathing and soaking, but also entertainment, leisure activities, and a variety of food.
The straightforward people of this era had never seen anything like it. They immediately crowded the area several layers deep, bombarding the attendants with questions.
Before it even opened, "Jade Pool Immortal Baths"—yes, that was the bathhouse's name—had already become a sensation throughout the city. Naturally, Qin Ke hadn't chosen such a grand name himself; Gu Lanxi had sent over the plaque, and the name quickly spread everywhere. Ordinary people were filled with curiosity, especially since many had already noticed the large-scale construction and were eager to investigate.
Among the aristocracy, news also spread—particularly among officials and nobles who frequented Caiyue Pavilion. Many received invitations from Jade Pool Immortal Baths.
When they learned that the VIP area had a high threshold—insufficient status or lack of recommendation from regular patrons meant entry was nearly impossible—their curiosity only intensified.
A venue that showcased one's status naturally appealed to their vanity.
With this series of strategies, Qin Ke elevated the bathhouse's prestige dramatically. Even before opening, Gu Lanxi could already foresee how popular Jade Pool Immortal Baths would become.
This affair only deepened her curiosity about Qin Ke. How did his mind consistently produce such novel ideas? His methods and strategies even surpassed those of her most experienced managers.
In truth, Qin Ke had merely transplanted marketing techniques that were commonplace in his previous life. Once everything was properly arranged, he withdrew entirely, handing full control over to Gu Lanxi and focusing all his attention on caring for Lu Youqing.
Because the imperial examinations were fast approaching.
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Currently at chapter 228 for advance chapters
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