Chapter 494: How Crazy Is This? (Requesting Monthly Tickets!)

Too many people; by lunchtime, the registration windows were still packed with noise and bustle.

But every head represented money—small change, indeed—so no one bothered with lunch; everyone was dizzy from consulting and registering applicants.

Li Heng was helping too, stationed at the Future Class booth, tasked with collecting and counting money.

Seeing this, Yu Shuheng went to the Intensive Class registration point to lend a hand.

They worked until past 5 p. ., when the last of the trial-class attendees finally left, leaving the courtyard littered with peach pits, paper scraps, and debris.

Because Li Heng paid well, Zhao Jingye, the security guard who treated the New Future School like home, without being told, brought his wife, father, and mother—each armed with a large broom—to clean up.

Li Heng watched all this, deeply satisfied, and told Li Ran: "From now on, don't forget to include Old Zhao in the holiday bonuses."

Li Ran seemed not to hear him; she was enthusiastically cross-checking enrollment numbers and cash totals with the accountant, Yang Yingwen, and the other teachers.

About half an hour later, the statistics were in—and the figures were dazzling.

Every face beamed with triumphant joy.

The accountant handed Li Heng the ledger and reported: "Boss, today 2, 58 people registered and paid a 100-yuan registration fee each."

"Additionally, 1, 27 people paid their full tuition on-site."

Around 8, 00 people came today; nearly a third registered.

Of those registered, more than half paid on-site.

These numbers exceeded expectations—far exceeded them. Originally, he'd considered 500 enrollees acceptable, 800 highly successful, and 1, 00 the absolute limit!

Now, over 1, 00 had paid—far beyond his psychological ceiling; they'd taken off, completely soared!

And today was only the first official day of registration; there were still three more days to register and pay, followed by classes—and people could still enroll while classes were ongoing.

It was easy to imagine another massive wave of income coming.

A surge of wild joy erupted inside Li Heng!

No wonder New Oriental became such a powerhouse in just a few years; no wonder it amassed such wealth so quickly—this industry's profit potential was truly immense!

This market was huge! Full of potential!

Li Heng suppressed his elation and asked: "What are the proportions for the Intensive Class, Overseas Advanced Class, and Future Class?"

At this, Yu Shuheng, Li Ran, Li Lan, Yang Yingwen, and all the teachers strained to listen.

Fearing leaks, Li Ran ran down the hallway to check the surroundings, then shut and bolted the door.

This scene made everyone chuckle, yet also seemed perfectly reasonable.

Liu Qing, the accountant, worked at a bank; she'd secretly taken this part-time job because the pay was higher. Though experienced, today's massive sum opened her eyes, and she continued:

"551 people paid for the Intensive Class at 400 yuan each, totaling 224, 00 yuan. Another 294 registered with a 100-yuan advance fee, adding 29, 00 yuan."

"Total for the Intensive Class: 249, 00 yuan."

"309 people paid for the Overseas Advanced Class at 880 yuan each, totaling 271, 20 yuan. Another 173 registered with a 100-yuan advance fee, adding 17, 00 yuan."

"Total for the Overseas Advanced Class: 289, 20 yuan."

"667 people in the Future Class paid the full 1, 88-yuan tuition today, totaling 859, 96 yuan. Another 664 registered with a 100-yuan advance fee, adding 66, 00 yuan."

"Total for the Future Class: 925, 96 yuan."

"The three classes collected a total of 1, 64, 16 yuan today."

"Boss, Principal Li, please verify the figures and cash. If correct, kindly sign here."

Even faced with such vast sums, Accountant Liu Qing remained professional.

She was thinking: if things continue like this, the New Future School's prospects are brilliant—should she quit her iron rice bowl and join full-time?

Liu knew she had to decide soon; if the school expanded further, this golden opportunity might vanish, replaced by new finance staff.

Still, she hesitated—one side was her hard-won iron rice bowl, the other a private enterprise with a swelling purse; it was agonizing.

Unlike the accountant's inner turmoil, hearing the staggering 1. 6 million yuan, the entire room fell silent.

Everyone froze.

Staring at the five sacks of cash on the floor, all eyes burned, breaths quickened.

Even university teachers like Zhao Li from Renmin University and He Wen from Beihang University were no better off than the rest.

They'd taught for over a decade, earning barely enough to feed their families—compared to this, their salaries were negligible.

And this was only the first day's takings; with three more registration days ahead, and today's turnout, another million or so was likely.

But that wasn't the most critical point!

What was? The New Future School planned three sessions per year, each lasting three months, with seventy lessons per session.

Calculated that way, one session would bring in over two million; three sessions a year would exceed seven million!

What if the school expanded further?

What if, as Boss Li claimed, they opened branches in every major city across the country? How much income would that generate?

It was unimaginable!

Thinking of this, all the teachers grew restless. They tore their eyes away from the piles of cash and fixed them on Li Heng, wondering: Would he keep his word? Would the holiday bonuses and future textbook royalties be real?

At this moment, all eleven teachers wavered. Even Zhao Li wanted to quit immediately and join the New Future School.

But soon, Zhao Li realized quitting now was too risky—she needed to observe Li Heng's character further.

Li Heng knew none of their thoughts; he took the ledger and began meticulously verifying the accounts and counting the cash.

When money was involved, he never cut corners—he insisted on absolute clarity.

After another twenty minutes, Li Heng finished counting and swiftly signed the ledger, then told Yu Shuheng: "Teacher, please accompany me to the bank later."

The bank had closed; carrying this much cash home made him uneasy.

In this era, security was poor—even in the imperial capital, break-ins at night were common; walking down a lonely alley could mean encountering thugs. Ten thousand yuan could drive someone to desperation; a hundred thousand could make them risk their lives.

And now it was over 1. 6 million!

Ho! If thieves found out, they'd probably come in a gang tonight—maybe even try to kill for it.

This much cash on hand was a ticking bomb; though everyone was envious, no one dared take it.

Even fearless Li Ran refused outright to store it overnight at her place.

Yu Shuheng understood his mind; she nodded and went to the adjacent office to call the bank using her connections, requesting staff to work overtime.

After loading the five sacks of cash into the Mercedes, Li Heng turned to everyone: "Accountant Liu, come with me to the bank. Principal Li, take the teachers to dinner first. After eating, don't leave yet—we'll hold an emergency meeting tonight."

After a long day, everyone was hungry; once tasks were done, they left the school and followed Li Ran to a nearby restaurant.

Li Heng and Yu Shuheng exchanged a glance, then slipped into the Mercedes. Accountant Liu automatically sat in the back.

Soon, the Mercedes arrived at the Bank of China; a group waited outside—even the branch manager had heard the news and was waiting personally.

The manager, surnamed Bi, a middle-aged man, rushed forward as they stepped out: "Miss Yu, hello."

Yu Shuheng smiled and nodded.

Manager Bi turned to Li Heng, his eyes lighting up; he hastily wiped his hand on his clothes and extended it: "Are you Teacher Li Heng?"

Hey—he called Yu Shuheng "you."

But used "you" respectfully for him—clearly, the impact of his pure music album was no joke.

Li Heng smiled warmly, shook his hand, and replied: "Sorry to bother you so late."

Having shaken hands with a great musician, Manager Bi beamed brighter than a flower: "Not at all! Serving Teacher Li is our honor. It's hot outside—please come in."

Then, realizing he'd neglected Yu Shuheng, he quickly added: "Miss Yu, everything's arranged—please follow me."

Yu Shuheng didn't mind; after all, the young man was now an idol—she understood his admirers' excitement. Besides, he was the man she intended to marry; seeing others fawn over him pleased her deeply.

In the VIP room, Manager Bi served tea, then personally led four staff members to assist Li Heng.

When the five sacks of cash were dumped out with a clatter, Manager Bi and his team froze. No wonder the higher-ups had called, demanding personal attention—this guest was truly important! In all his years, he'd never seen a private individual deposit so much.

When they learned all the money belonged to Li Heng, a beautiful female staff member secretly studied him several times, her heart stirring with a quiet urge to slip her business card into his pocket.

Musician, wealthy, and stunningly attractive—this was the ultimate life winner. In that instant, she didn't want to work—she wanted to lie back and let him earn for her.

The woman's frequent staring made Yu Shuheng uneasy; she glanced sideways, then dismissed it.

To ordinary people, this woman's looks were unattainable—but to Li Heng, she was nothing. His circle of beauties could crush her effortlessly; they weren't even from the same world.

The woman's beauty wasn't accidental. Manager Bi, following orders from above, had deliberately selected his four most attractive and capable staff members.

He thought simply: if hosting a VIP, the appearance mustn't be shabby—it was a matter of face. What if the VIP took a fancy? He might even climb the social ladder through this.

But the moment he saw Yu Shuheng, he gave up—his scheming collapsed, and he settled for doing his job properly.

Opening the account and depositing the money went smoothly. Once done, Li Heng discussed business with Manager Bi: he hoped the bank would send staff and security to assist during future enrollment periods.

For example, counting cash.

For example, escorting cash back to the bank.

When he was away from Jingcheng, this would save Li Ran and others considerable trouble.

For such a service, Manager Bi had no reason to refuse—it was a gift from heaven. He readily agreed and swore on his honor that nothing would go wrong.

After tea, the three left the bank and found a roadside eatery for dinner.

Hungry and pressed for time, they ordered only a few simple dishes.

During the meal, Accountant Liu gathered courage and said: "Boss, I want to join the New Future School full-time."

Li Heng wasn't surprised; he looked up and asked: "You're sure?"

He'd jokingly invited her before; back then, her response had been vague.

Accountant Liu's face was serious: "I'm sure."

"Good. Welcome to the New Future. Let's drink." Li Heng didn't drink alcohol—he raised a soda instead.

Accountant Liu sighed in relief and happily picked up her soda.

After eating, the three headed back to the school.

Yu Shuheng didn't go to the meeting room; she stayed outside chatting with Li Lan.

Li Heng thought for a moment and said to the accountant, "You come in too."

The accountant happily followed them into the conference room. At that moment, Li Ran, Yang Ying, and eleven teachers were all waiting for them.

Taking the seat of honor upon entering, Li Heng first expressed his gratitude for today's pleasant gains, then cut straight to the point: "Since everyone needs to get home, I'll keep it brief—two matters to discuss."

"First, given everyone's active efforts during this period, Xin Weilai has preliminarily moved onto a formal track. I announce that all eleven teachers present are hereby appointed to the Teaching Research Group, receiving a monthly subsidy of 250 yuan and end-of-term salary bonuses, with future textbook royalty subsidies."

As the first cohort, he exercised his authority to include them all in the Teaching Research Group. As for later applicants, they will be admitted strictly by merit, no exceptions.

Hearing this, the faces of the eleven teachers lit up with smiles. From Li Boss's tone, they realized that working just three months would earn them more than several years of teaching at their old schools.

How could they not be thrilled?

Thrilled! Absolutely thrilled!

After the group had digested this, Li Heng continued: "Second, as everyone saw today, enrollment has far exceeded expectations—we're critically short on teachers. So I ask everyone to leverage your connections and help Xin Weilai recruit outstanding teachers."

In other words, we're expanding. But let me be clear: once Xin Weilai grows larger, promotions and raises will prioritize those here today."

Bringing in new people would inevitably create competition; Li Heng feared resistance, so he laid on the honey first.

As for future promotions and raises, under equal conditions, of course the veterans would be prioritized—no question.

But for those later arrivals with exceptional ability, different rules apply.

He was indeed a sentimental man, but to grow a business, sentiment alone wouldn't do—he understood this perfectly well.

Moreover, he intended to foster internal competition. Only then would these teachers have no time to scheme or daydream, no energy left to plot how to outdo one another—let alone consider striking out on their own.

The eleven teachers exchanged glances and nodded in agreement.

The rest of the group spent about an hour discussing textbooks, and only then, exhausted, did they slowly disperse.

Li Heng kept Li Ran and Yang Ying behind, closed the door, and said to the two women: "You've seen the current market—unlimited potential. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We must seize it."

Yang Ying asked, "Do you have a new idea?"

Li Heng nodded: "My idea is this: after finishing this semester, starting next semester, Xin Weilai will ride the wind and expand proactively to meet market demand—we'll open branches in Shanghai and Yangcheng."

Yang Ying was stunned: "So soon? Our current conditions aren't ready to support such a big leap. Even setting aside other issues—how do we solve the management team?"

Li Ran disagreed, speaking with decisive energy: "I support the boss's decision. Opportunity—only when seized does it become opportunity. Xin Weilai isn't some high-tech product that's hard to replicate. If we don't move fast to claim territory, Shanghai and Yangcheng will have imitators within a year."

"We're just starting out, but we must have the resolve to charge ahead. If conditions aren't enough, we create them. You say we lack a management team? We'll hire, we'll train our own. If necessary, I'll fly back and forth between cities myself…"

Over the past half-year, Li Ran had grown weary of her rootless life. Now that such an opportunity had finally come, she was determined to make full use of it.

Of the three managers, two supported expansion—Yang Ying had nothing more to say.

The three immediately huddled together to discuss their future plans in detail, not stopping until past ten at night.

Li Heng checked his watch and said to the two women: "It's late. Let's call it a day. Go home and rest."

Li Ran slept at the school.

Li Heng asked Yang Ying, "Old Rag, should I drop you off at Tsinghua?"

Hearing him call her nickname, Yang Ying rolled her eyes: "No thanks. I'm too tired to move tonight—I'll just bunk with Li Ran."

Li Heng had planned to invite her to his home, but considering he might not have time to bring her back tomorrow, he swallowed the words.

Leaving the school, the Mercedes carried Li Heng, Li Lan, and Yu Shuheng toward Gulou.

On the way, Li Lan was still dazed, not yet recovered. After a long silence, she finally spoke: "Little brother, pinch me."

Li Heng was puzzled, but out of respect for his elder sister, he pinched her hard.

Li Lan frowned: "Are you settling a personal score? Paying back for the beatings from childhood?"

Li Heng just smiled.

Li Lan rubbed her thigh and sighed: "I've worked my fingers to the bone for half a year and saved barely 9, 00 yuan. You move a finger and earn over two million. It's enough to make you want to die of envy."

Li Heng thought for a moment, then tentatively asked, "Second sister, how about you come help me?"

To his surprise, Li Lan refused outright: "What would I do there? Fight for power with Li Ran? We're siblings, sure, but I won't meddle in company affairs—it'll only breed resentment later. I'll stick to my pastry business."

Hearing this, Yu Shuheng, who was driving, glanced at Li Lan with clear admiration. Though her current position made it inappropriate to speak, she privately agreed with Li Lan's decision not to join Xin Weilai.

Worried her brother might feel hurt, Li Lan added: "When the time comes and you've made big money, invest in me to open a chain of shops—I want to enter the food industry."

Li Heng asked curiously, "Why the food industry?"

Li Lan complained: "The food in Beijing is awful. I've searched for ages and found not a single restaurant I like. I've even thought about bringing our Hunan cuisine here."

Li Heng and Teacher Yu exchanged glances and said, "Fine. When you decide, let me know."

Li Lan's eyes darted, then she turned to Teacher Yu: "Shuheng, you join too."

Yu Shuheng was surprised, then understood, and smiled gracefully: "Alright. I'll take only dividend shares—voting rights on major decisions go entirely to Lanlan."

The two women, each speaking their own terms, had unconsciously switched their forms of address. It caught Li Heng completely off guard.

He glanced between Yu Shuheng and his second sister, sensing something was off between them—something they were hiding from him.

Yu Shuheng was returning a favor; Li Lan pulling her in created an opportunity. She voluntarily gave up voting rights, letting Li Lan run things unimpeded while she simply collected dividends.

Back at Gulou, they found Li Jianguo and Tian Rune already asleep. The three didn't disturb the elderly couple, quietly washing and doing laundry themselves.

By the time everything was done, the clock had passed midnight.

Yu Shuheng found Li Heng cooling off in the courtyard, sitting elegantly beside him, softly asking, "It's this late—why aren't you sleeping?"

Li Heng looked up at the star-filled sky. "Can't sleep."

Yu Shuheng asked, "Because of the 1. 6 million?"

Li Heng nodded. "Yes."

That 1. 6 million had truly shaken him!

With an investment under 200, 00, he'd earned 1. 6 million in a short time!

And there were still three days left for enrollment—another million or more was expected.

It was a business with astronomical returns, capable of compounding his wealth for decades.

How insane was that!

In his past life, he'd worked his whole life and saved only a few million. Now, this sum's purchasing power already exceeded his entire former fortune.

This was a great era.

He never imagined simply talking could earn so much—how could his heart stay calm?

Besides, he was a man with ambition—ambition enough to win over every woman in his life, including Teacher Yu beside him.

Yu Shuheng seemed to understand his feelings. After a long pause, she said, "There's something I'm not sure whether I should tell you."

Li Heng gathered his thoughts and turned to her. "Speak."

Yu Shuheng said: "In running a business, you can delegate other management powers—but never hand over personnel control or financial authority. No matter how busy or tired, you must hold them tightly yourself."

Li Heng recalled how she spent two days each week handling business affairs, and often flew to Tokyo and the U. . "Is that how you do it?"

Yu Shuheng said yes.

"I understand. Thank you, Teacher."

Li Heng thanked her, then shared his plan to open branches in Shanghai and Yangcheng, ending with: "What do you think?"

Yu Shuheng said: "Xin Weilai's core assets are the Teaching Research Group and its self-developed tutoring materials. As long as those lead the market, you needn't fear competition."

"But your idea is right—time waits for no one. You must dare to act. Only with determination can you forge Xin Weilai into something strong."

After speaking briefly and clearly, she added sternly: "If you encounter any insurmountable obstacles during this time, come to me."

"Yes, absolutely!" Li Heng replied with great delight.

Half an hour later, Yu Shuheng stretched and stood up. "I'm tired. I'm sleeping. Don't sit out here too long."

"Mm."

Li Heng murmured in agreement, his eyes lingering on her tall figure until she vanished from view.

PS: The final three days are double vote days—please vote!

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(End of Chapter)