Chapter 71

Claire looked at Gilmore and said seriously, "I want to cooperate with you to open this restaurant."

Gilmore considered this for a moment. He understood Claire's desire for collaboration; as a businesswoman, she recognized a business opportunity. He picked up Claire's share agreement and read it.

The agreement stipulated a 50/50 partnership.

"Okay, let's run a restaurant together," Gilmore said, putting down the agreement.

Claire's face lit up. "Then let's discuss the details. What should we name the restaurant?"

"Evermore Diner," Gilmore replied. "Once we become a chain, it will be Evermore Group." The name, given to him and his sister by his parents, held sentimental value.

Claire had no objections. "Our company will be Evermore Group, and the restaurant will be Evermore Diner." She then asked about the menu, cooking methods, and Gilmore's plan to ensure the ingredients' naturalness and health benefits.

Gilmore described the menu: ancient-style roast chicken, wild herb tonic drinks, rice noodles, radish mac and cheese, etc. He emphasized the natural ingredients and healthy preparation methods.

Claire, now feeling hungry, resolved to sample these dishes once Evermore Diner opened in her mall.

Gilmore proposed sourcing ingredients directly from Elmwood, establishing a dedicated logistics system to guarantee their natural and healthy qualities. This, he explained, was crucial for establishing Evermore Diner's brand.

Claire objected, "But Gilmore, a specialized logistics channel and direct purchases from Elmwood will significantly increase our costs."

Gilmore responded, "Initially, costs will be high. However, once we expand throughout Oakhaven and capture market share, the volume of ingredients purchased will offset the logistics costs."

Claire, as a businesswoman, understood immediately. She nodded. "I will build a logistics team from the mall's transportation department to ensure our ingredients remain absolutely natural."

They discussed further operational details, finding no further issues.

Gilmore told Claire, "I'll leave the management of Evermore Diner to you. I won't participate." He felt less capable in business operations than Claire, a businesswoman from a family with significant experience. Gilmore's business opportunity stemmed from his "God's Eye," while Claire possessed established business acumen and vision.

Claire was confident. "Leave it to me. I will promote Evermore Diner throughout Oakhaven, and eventually, Vane Province."

"I believe you can do it," Gilmore said, having no doubt in Claire's vision. His "God's Eye" showed Claire becoming a restaurant industry queen within five years, achieving unprecedented success and establishing a natural, healthy food concept. Even without their partnership, he saw her achieving this success. This was why he chose to collaborate with her. In essence, he'd secured a significant advantage.

They signed the agreement, each retaining a copy.

Afterward, Gilmore invited Claire to lunch. Claire agreed but needed time to finish some work. Gilmore suggested he speak with his parents about the collaboration at the Business Department office. Claire agreed to meet him there later.

At the office, Harlan and Sophia eagerly awaited Gilmore's return.

"Son, how did it go?" Sophia asked.

Gilmore gave his mother the contract. Irene and Gerald, seeing "Share Agreement" on the cover, knew the deal was done.

Harlan, after reading the agreement, exclaimed, "Son, according to this, our shop is rent-free, and Newhaven Commercial Plaza is providing a four-hundred-thousand-dollar initial investment! What's going on?"

Gilmore smiled. "Vice President Carter invested in Evermore Diner. We get the funding and are rent-free. This is only the initial investment; further investment will follow as we grow."

Harlan and Sophia were delighted. Irene and Gerald were stunned to learn of Claire's significant investment and rent waiver. Irene found this incredible, given Claire's business reputation. Shop number 10 was the plaza's prime location, reserved for a high-end restaurant. She couldn't believe Claire would make such an investment in a relatively unknown restaurant. Irene found Gilmore increasingly mysterious and impressive.

Gilmore offered Irene the remaining ten thousand dollars, but she refused, fearing repercussions from Claire. She even returned the earlier ten thousand dollars. Gilmore, understanding her concerns, offered her a meal instead, which she happily accepted. Irene, single, found herself increasingly drawn to Gilmore.

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