Chapter 137 - Laying Out Their Business Options (2)

"This one is just between the intersection street. We can open a shop or maybe a hostel? Like a dining place and with accommodation but not as big as a hotel," Sofia stated. On the screen of her phone was a building with three floors that was recently up for sale. The owner of the property was selling the entire building and land.

The four members nodded as if they understood her words. Sofia could only secretly pray that these teens had at least a small idea of what she was talking about.

"I know that place, Sof. That's a restaurant but the owner was being harassed by some gangs. So, they decided to terminate their business in that area and sell the property instead," Clark informed her.

"G-gangs?" Sofia was slightly taken aback. She had not calculated the possibility of gangs for she never had a problem with it in her past life. The environment that she had was completely safe and secure. 

Sofia looked to the magazine and check for specific commentaries about the location. It was indeed what Clark had said. There were riots and gang fights in the location of the property. District 7 was nothing similar to District 2 when it comes to having good protection!

"Yes," Clark nodded. Then his eyes shifted to Stephen. "The people also said that you are a member of this gang."

Stephen scowled deeply, "No, I have no affiliations with fraternity or gangs. I don't know who had spread these rumors but I'm not involved in them."

"Well, about these groups, do you know how many members are involved in the gang riots? Maybe we can lure them to become our potential customers?" Sofia asked.

Joey shook his head after hearing Sofia's question. "Oh, that's too dangerous! The police are already tired of those troublemakers that they could not care less anymore. So, they encourage the business owner of the area to just find another place for their business," 

With their current situation, it was true that they had no authority against any gangs that would make in trouble for them. But, Sofia had already countless ideas to deal with the gangsters.

"What if we hire those gangs to work for us? It's evident that they had nothing better to do, then, let's give them something that they would be busy for?" Sofia stated.

"Those were older than us. Mostly out of college guys who had problems with their families," Joey described anxiously.

"I see. Well, why don't we have a trip over there tonight? Let's see the situation of these gang fights," Sofia eagerly suggested.

"Haha, sure! That would be a good trip. My father's bodyguards are outside. I could put them in use," Stephen joked.

"Ohh, that's exciting! I'll inform my father first and ask his permission," Clark muttered before he took his phone and started typing. 

"Okay, so, let's not dwell on that business. There are still a lot of options for us to pursue," Sofia continued. One by one, she scrolled the photos in her gallery and showed them to them. 

Just like the first location, she diligently explained to her group the description of the place and the advantage if they choose to open a business on it. 

She started showing them a stall and describing the possibilities of opening a small eatery, then a small pet shop. After a while, she engaged the group to a bigger possibility.

"I also noticed that our district has only one bank and no gasoline station. Also, not much of real estate properties here," Sofia mentioned. 

She really made a thorough survey of their district and analyze all the possible ventures as their starting point. No corner nor alley was skipped by her eyes. 

A business may look like a complicated commitment in the long run but it actually starts with observing what is lacking within the area that she planned to build her business. It was turning her observation into a vision. Like gazing at a badly damaged house and imagining it to be a luxury hotel.

"Ohh, I think that there is no need to have a gas station in the district because there is already one located just on the boundary of districts 7 & 8. So, we only get gas there," Clark answered. Wait, you are not thinking of opening one, right?" he quickly added.

"That's part of our option. There are so many cars coming into our street every day. Having a gasoline station is also a good market in this place," Sofia answered.

"But, what if no one will come to us and they will continue to buy their gas at the district boundary?" Clark asked.

"People love convenience. If the service if near and easy to access, they would choose it," Sofia said.

"That's true! How about the bank, Sof? It's also part of our option? Wow! I have never thought of it," Joey scratched the back of his neck while asking Sofia.

"Yes, it's an option but not right now. We have to learn the ways in banking, especially with the different currency systems and paperwork. And we need to pull investors to use our bank. Right now, I'm am just showing you guys the options that we have so we can pick something that is in our best interest," Sofia asserted.

"If it's you, Sof, what would you open? I never thought of this kind of thing and now you have widened my horizon!" Joey expressed.

"The location with gang fights is interesting. And people right now, in general, are interested in traveling. So, we can start by converting the place to a hostel. But, if things won't come easy, we can open a gaming shop in another location. The gas station is also good, we can look for the available franchise---" Sofia was suddenly interrupted by a bell that hinted to her that it was already time for her to attend night classes.

"Oh, it's your class, Sof!" Clark also announced.

"Yes, let's resume this discussion another time. For now, ask your father about our plans tonight, Clark. You too and you. It's important to inform them. "  she said while gazing at Joey and Claire. 

"I'll go home and change my outfit first," Joey said.

"Go ahead, let's meet later. I'll see you guys when my classes end," Sofia said and stood from her seat. She waved her hand at them before she left their table.