50s: Starting with a storage ring

Chapter 366 Discovering a Way to Make Quick Money

When he took the goods, he also took the customs declaration documents inside.

Sun Zhiwei saw from the invoice that the price of this batch of imported fertilizer was 900 yuan per ton. At that time, the exchange rate between the domestic currency and the US dollar was 1:2.46, which meant that it was 366 US dollars per ton.

Upon seeing this amount, he realized there was a problem; the price seemed to be much lower than the price of fertilizer on his farm.

To confirm that he hadn't misremembered, he found the farm's annual ledger from the end of last year, in which he found the farm's fertilizer usage and purchase prices for the previous year.

The price column clearly states $725 per ton. That's double the price! How is that possible?
He began to carefully recall historical information; at this point in time, the West had just experienced the pain of its first oil crisis.

Many fertilizer plants in the United States are facing high costs and declining sales, forcing them to relocate a large number of their fertilizer production lines to countries like the United States.

The fertilizers used on Sun Zhiwei's farm are actually imported from small farms.

However, import tariffs and markups by intermediaries must be added to this price, which is why fertilizers used by farmers in the United States are so expensive.

There's something to be done here. If China imports fertilizer from abroad and then sells it in the US, they can make a profit from the middleman's fee.

As long as the price is lowered, even if it's not 725, as long as it exceeds 500 US dollars per ton, we can make money and won't have to worry about not being able to sell it.

Of course, this money won't last long. Once those middlemen realize what's happening, they'll definitely try to use their connections with customs and tax authorities to block them.

But as long as you are well prepared and fast enough, you can at least make a quick buck.

He immediately wrote his thoughts into an analysis report and handed it to Lao Han that same day.

This is something that the country is currently very concerned about: earning foreign exchange.

Soon, telegrams requesting an investigation and verification of the information were delivered to friendly people in various places.

As the information was gathered, the feasibility of Sun Zhiwei's analysis report increased day by day, ultimately leading to a brief entrepot trade in early 79.

After finishing the report, Sun Zhiwei stopped paying attention to it. However, these five containers of fertilizer were imported into China at China's expense, and he had no reason to keep them for his own use.

Domestically, people don't really care about this fertilizer. Compared to the four missiles they got in return for the switch, nobody even mentions the fertilizer issue.

But Sun Zhiwei was unwilling. He wasn't a thief, and he was stealing fertilizer from his hometown for his own use.

This was imported to increase grain production when the family was not well-off, and it cost precious foreign exchange.

It's not like he can't afford it, so why should he take domestic fertilizer for free? Is this looking down on people?
You have to pay.

Not only does he have to pay for these five containers of fertilizer, but he also needs to buy and stockpile large quantities of fertilizer once it arrives from China.

Fertilizer doesn't have an expiration date, so he plans to buy more and store it for later use.

Even landlords don't have surplus grain. Fertilizer in the US is so expensive. Even if Sun Zhiwei has a large and wealthy family, he shouldn't be so wasteful.

Not long after Sun Zhiwei submitted his report, the commendation from the country arrived, and Sun Zhiwei rushed to the liaison office that very evening.

After entering through the side gate today, he noticed a significant increase in the number of staff. Even though it was past 8 p.m., many staff members were still working.

When he arrived at Lao Han's office, he habitually scanned the office with his spatial abilities before opening the door.

But they discovered that there were other people in Lao Han's office today.

He didn't think much of it; since Lao Han hadn't asked anyone to avoid him, then he could see him.

He knocked gently on the door and only went in after receiving permission.

Upon entering, he first reported to Old Han: "Deputy Director Han, I've arrived." Old Han stood up happily upon seeing him: "Diting, you've come at the right time. Let me introduce you."

"This is Ambassador Mu. From now on, he will be your direct superior. My task as acting ambassador is finally complete, and the handover went smoothly today."

Sun Zhiwei looked at Ambassador Mu, an elderly man in his sixties with black-rimmed glasses, a round face, and a constant smile on his lips.

"Hello, Mr. Mu, I am Sun Zhiwei, codename Diting."

"Comrade Zhiwei, I have long admired the name of Diting."

"I am ashamed to say that I accomplished nothing in my youth, and it was only in my forties that I was finally able to make some contributions to the country. It is nothing to boast about."

"You're too modest. When you were young, the timing wasn't right. Now that you have the support of your old leader, it's time for you to show your talents."

"Comrade Sun Zhiwei, our liaison office here has been officially transformed into an embassy this month, so it's time to formally confirm your position."

"Is this a promotion for me? That's not bad." He immediately stood at attention, facing the two of them.

"Comrade Sun Zhiwei has been appointed as the Ambassador to the United Nations, with the rank of Counselor and the benefits of Level 11. Congratulations."

"Zhiwei, congratulations! You've been promoted, you have to treat us to a meal!"

"Thank you, treating is no problem at all. I'll bring some delicious food next time."

Ambassador Mu was a little surprised to see how familiar they were with each other, and Old Han explained in a timely manner:

"Comrade Mu, you don't know yet, do you? Our Comrade Di Ting is a millionaire, legally."

"How so?" Ambassador Mu was very interested in hearing some strange and unusual stories.

Old Han then recounted Sun Zhiwei's experiences one by one. This kind of content would not be written in the report, and there would be no information about the secret front in Sun Zhiwei's official documents.

After hearing Lao Han's explanation, Ambassador Mu was also dumbfounded; such a thing was truly extraordinary.

"Comrade Zhiwei is truly remarkable. We're sure to have a very pleasant collaboration in the future."

"Comrade Mu, what are my official work arrangements going forward?"

"Comrade Sun Zhiwei, because of the importance of your work on the secret front, your appointment is known only to the two of us."

"The embassy doesn't usually give you tasks; we still communicate directly through a secret email address."

"Because I have a lot of things to handle, Lao Han will still be in contact with you regarding the specific tasks."

"From now on, you can continue doing your own thing, just like before. Of course, you'll still receive the benefits you're entitled to. What do you think?"

"I will obey the orders of my superiors and guarantee to complete the mission." Hearing this arrangement, Sun Zhiwei secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

He has so many businesses now, it's not something he can just abandon. This arrangement is the best one, as it benefits both his public and private lives.

Since the beginning of this year, the number of people here has increased significantly, and things have become particularly busy. Just look outside, and you can tell how busy everyone is at this hour.

Having finished explaining his business, Sun Zhiwei decided to take his leave as he couldn't keep the two leaders any longer.

Back home, lying in bed, he thought about how he still held a military rank and wondered if he could be promoted a few more times and get a gold star on his shoulder.

There are still 9 years until the restoration of the military rank system. Given his current rate of development, as long as he makes more contributions, there is a high possibility that he will be able to enter the Great Hall of the People when the ranks are awarded.

(End of this chapter)