Siheyuan's Journey Through the Ages

Chapter 169 A Quite Realistic World

In the bustling city, in room 712 of the Peninsula Hotel, the atmosphere was tense and heated. A blond man loudly advised Doug Williams: "Doug, are you sure you want to spend so much money on the franchise? Do you care so much about exclusive agency? I advise you to think about it again. Regardless of whether it is worth it or not, consider our competitors. We don't actually need to spend so much money. We just need to spend a little more than them."

At this time, the sunlight shines through the window onto the carpet, forming patches of light. Doug Williams stands in front of the window, looking at the city view outside, and says firmly: "No, Henry, trust my judgment, this business can make us a lot of money. Haven't you seen their products? And their prices, and the plans they have prepared. We must get the exclusive agency rights, otherwise, we won't make a penny."

Henry frowned, his face full of confusion, and objected loudly: "But, Doug, it's crazy to spend $10 to get the agency rights in the eastern United States. I believe our competitors will not offer such a price, $5 will be enough. Damn yellow monkey, actually used such a dirty method as secret bidding, it is really too malicious."

Doug Williams turned around, his eyes revealing determination and confidence: "No, not $10, I want to add another $5. Didn't you see the look in Jack's eyes? I bet this guy is determined to make a move."

Henry's eyes widened, his face full of surprise: "You are simply crazy, when did the US dollar become so worthless? Are these plastic products so profitable?"

"Henry, you have to understand, do you know how well Japanese cars are selling in the U.S. this year? What does this mean? It means Americans are starting to be frugal. You idiot, that's just how the world works. Don't look down on these things, a single product doesn't make much money, but large quantities will ensure we're well-paid, and most importantly, we have no competitors, so we have a chance." Doug Williams interrupted Henry's complaints without any politeness.

At the same time, in room 904 of the Peninsula Hotel, two businessmen from South Africa were discussing in a low voice.

One of the men suggested, "Mark, let's bid together. We can get the agency rights for South Africa at this price."

The other man replied, "No problem, Jack, just as you say. I'll leave it to you. I'm going to go out and get some fresh air."

The man left the room, went up one floor, and knocked on another door. "Hey, Vincent, I got Mark's price, we can..."

Various scenes were constantly played out in the rooms of the Peninsula Hotel, and a tense atmosphere permeated every corner. Not only that, similar scenes were also playing out in the trading companies in the major office buildings in Hong Kong. People were racking their brains to obtain the agency rights and calculating every possible competitor.

At this time, before Ma Qing and his friends finished their meal, a staff member of Jufeng Company brought good news. Ma Qing gave an order to the staff member who came to ask for instructions: "Then ask the office to make another 100 standard bids immediately. If it is still not enough, forget it. For the agency rights of 30 regions, 300 bids are enough, and there is no need for more."

Li Yuanqing, Zheng Yumian, and Qi Zongyuan all had different reactions when they heard the news. Li Yuanqing suddenly felt like he was doing well again, and his eyes were shining with excitement, as if he had seen the dawn of success.

Zheng Yumian was annoyed by his previous judgment. He frowned slightly and reflected on his shortcomings. It seemed that he still needed to practice. Qi Zongyuan had a sense of superiority and was complacent about his ability to foresee opportunities. He raised his chin slightly and showed a smug smile on his face.

Ma Qing drank the last sip of wine in his glass and said to Li Yuanqing: "Mr. Li, since the bidding situation is so hot, you must arrange the bidding opening well and don't make a fool of yourself." Li Yuanqing straightened his body and said seriously: "Mr. Ma, don't worry, I will treat this matter as a top priority and there will be no trouble. I have almost finished my meal, I'd better go back to the site to keep an eye on it."

After Li Yuanqing left, Zheng Yumian congratulated Ma Qing repeatedly and expressed his desire to participate in the company again. "Mr. Zheng, I'm afraid that's not possible. I've already explained the reason. I can only apologize." Ma Qing couldn't just play with his family in the industry. He just wanted to let his friends do more and improve his social connections in this society. "In addition, I plan to launch two new toys this year. You should run our toy factory well." After rejecting Zheng Yumian, Ma Qing gave him another sweet date.

Qi Zongyuan heard that Yaguang Zhisu had developed new toys this year, and hurriedly said, "Mr. Ma, please let Jiulong be the trade agent for Yaguang Zhisu's new toys. As the saying goes, it is better to do something familiar than to do something new. Over the past year, we, Jiulong, have put in a lot of effort to be the agent of your products. Even if we don't get credit, we have worked hard."

"Don't worry, Mr. Qi. We at Yaguang are not the kind of company that will abandon its employees after they have done their work. Toys actually require a lot of creativity and technology. We have no intention of entering the trade field, but the conditions will definitely change. We will discuss the details after this bidding meeting is over."

In just one year, Ma Qing went from having to go door-to-door to build relationships in order to become the agent of Kowloon Commerce to now being able to negotiate terms with Kowloon Commerce on an equal footing. Times have changed, and it's just a matter of money.

"Of course, of course. Ma Qing's bidding is the top priority now. I understand that." Qi Zongyuan replied embarrassedly, but in his heart he was cursing Ma Qing's bidding not to be too successful, otherwise, this kid would definitely ask for an exorbitant amount of money.

Before six o'clock in the evening, Jufeng Company received more than 340 bids, of which more than 40 were made by the traders themselves. Ma Qing also expressed his approval that they set the rules themselves and they have the final right of interpretation.

At 8 o'clock in the evening, Jufeng Company's bid opening meeting was held on time in the banquet hall. Ma Qing was listening to Li Yuanqing's excited words on the stage.

"Congratulations to Teslas Trading Company of the United States for obtaining the franchise right in the eastern United States. The franchise fee is US$105000..."

"Congratulations to Kai Taylor Company of America for obtaining the franchise right in the western United States. The franchise fee is US$89000..."

Li Yuanqing read out the names of companies that had obtained franchise rights one by one from the list. Doug Williams in the audience clenched his fists excitedly, but Henry next to him didn't take it seriously, thinking that his friend had been taken advantage of this time.

Until Jack from the Wilson family rushed over: "Doug, you despicable guy, did you plant a spy next to me? Why is your offer only $1000 higher than mine, you shameless guy."

Doug Williams said proudly, "Idiot, what spy? I just studied you thoroughly, you poor worm." Jack from the Wilson family turned away angrily. Henry came over and said, "Doug, you really didn't arrange any spies. You are so accurate in your calculations."

"Henry, please don't be so naive. I don't believe a word Jack said. He said his offer was only $1000 lower than mine. Do you really think it was $1000?"

Doug Williams looked at his friend seriously and said, "I'll give you a piece of advice, my friend. In this world, only the results are real. Don't take what anyone says or writes to heart."

(End of this chapter)