1994: Vegetable farmers strike back

Chapter 456 Bidding for Broccoli

Ota Market, Tokyo.

Naoto Murata arrived at the Seika Co., Ltd. store and casually asked, "Where's the president?"

"I'm here." Higashiyama En looked up from the corner. "Murata, has the order contract for the imported broccoli been signed?"

Naohito Murata shook his head.

Dongshan Yan asked solemnly, "What happened?"

"It's probably still a matter of price," Naohito Murata reported.

The broccoli at the bustling vegetable market in Shanghai will be ready for harvest in about two weeks.

Last year, Qingguo Co., Ltd. suffered a loss to Taihang Co., Ltd., and Taihang subsequently made a fortune from broccoli, which has been a grudge of Dongshan Yan ever since.

Therefore, Dongshan Yan demanded that the project be won this year.

"Why would there be a problem with the price? What did you quote?"

"The price quoted by the president is $2315 per ton, CIF price."

"no problem!"

Dongshan Yan was puzzled. This year's market was weaker than last year's, and the price quoted for green fruit was very reasonable.

There's no reason why it can't be done.

Unless someone is taller than them.

"Is it Taihang Co., Ltd. from Fukuoka again?"

“It should be. They tasted success last year,” said Naohito Murata. “Moreover, with shiitake mushrooms flooding the market and Taihang being severely impacted, they are paying even more attention to the broccoli business than last year.”

"This could be Taihang's lifeline."

Dongshan Yan also knows about the recent situation of shiitake mushrooms. Due to the large increase in shiitake mushroom production in China, importing shiitake mushrooms is no longer profitable.

"It seems that Taihang's offer is very high."

After a pause, Dongshan Yan sensed something was amiss. "Is the Fanrong Vegetable Market still waiting for a higher price?"

Naohito Murata nodded and said, "Yes, this year, in addition to us, other companies have also benefited from the prosperity."

There are approximately 300 companies in Japan that are involved in the vegetable import business.

Broccoli has always been a popular vegetable, and it used to be mainly imported from the United States, but the situation has changed now.

Dongshan Yan pondered for a moment and said, "Murata, let's go directly to Shanghai. A face-to-face meeting will show more sincerity. We must secure this deal this year, no matter the cost."

"Hello, President."

After losing to Taihang last year, the two have been keeping a close eye on market trends.

Fresh broccoli, which hit the market more than half a month early, is in high demand. Not only does it avoid seasonal import tariffs, but it also faces very few competitors in the market. Once it reaches the shelves of supermarkets and department stores, it can even sell for several times its original price.

However, the window of opportunity is extremely short.

If you miss it, you'll have to wait a year.

Dongshan Yan didn't want to wait any longer.

...

In Fukuoka, Yoshikawa Masaru, from the marketing department of Taihang Co., Ltd., entered Saito Yo's office with two cups of coffee in his hand.

He handed one of the coffees to Saito Yo, saying, "This is for you."

Saito Yo smiled and said, "Thank you. Is there anything I can help you with?"

Yoshikawa Masaru said, "Please make sure you secure the contract to import broccoli from China!"

I will do my best!

Even without Yoshikawa's reminder, Saito Yo also valued this batch of broccoli, as the window of opportunity was short but the profits were extremely high.

This year, in particular, production has increased by 3 to 4 times.

Just thinking about it made Saito Yoh feel like he could see money beckoning to him.

Yoshikawa Masaru remained standing there and said, "Minister Saito, I think you should go to China for a face-to-face meeting; that would show more sincerity."

Saito Yoh shrugged and said, "You know the mess the investment department left in China. If I go to China now, it'll be like walking into a trap."

"You went to Shanghai, not the same place, so no one knows your identity."

“I wouldn’t dare take that risk.” Saito Yo returned the unfinished coffee. “Give it to someone who wants to go to China.”

Yoshikawa Masaru said seriously, "This broccoli order is very important to Taihang. The shareholders need performance."

"I said I would do my best, but I won't be going to China anytime soon. If you want to embellish your reports, then you can go by yourself!"

"The responsibility for poor procurement ultimately lies with you; I'm just trying to kindly remind you!"

"Are you reminding me to get arrested?"

"I already said we're not in the same place."

"What's the difference?"

"I will report to the president."

"what ever!"

The two argued for a while without reaching a conclusion. Saito Yoh angrily slammed his fist on the table, and Yoshikawa Sei finally left.

Saito Yo sat down and looked at the fax sent from Shanghai, feeling annoyed.

But the things that needed to be done still had to be done. He thought for a moment, then quickly wrote down the price. The next day, he submitted a purchase price that was much higher than before to the Prosperity Vegetable Market.

...

Fang Shaohua compiled the broccoli quotations from various companies onto a single page and handed it to Ao Dehai.

Ao Dehai glanced at it and put it down.

“Taihang’s bid is still the highest, much higher than the others. I didn’t believe you when you said there was a problem with Taihang before, but now it seems there really is a big problem.”

Fang Shaohua pondered, "It's not just the price that's problematic. For example, the president of Qingguo Company has already set off in person, but Taihang doesn't seem to have any intention of coming at all. Something just doesn't seem right."

"Yes, your analysis is correct."

Even someone as oblivious to the market as Ao Dehai could sense something was amiss.

When he saw the previous quote, he wanted to sign a contract with Taihang, since the price was significantly higher, and he had also sold his broccoli to Taihang last year.

But Fang Shaohua stopped him.

After a while, clues have indeed been discovered.

Fang Shaohua added, "Boss Chen reminded me last time to be careful about cooperating with Taihang. I guess he also sensed that something was wrong."

"Oh? The boss knows too?"

"Well, without his reminder, I probably wouldn't have suspected that Taihang had any problems."

Ao Dehai was surprised. His boss only came to Fengcheng once every month or two, yet he knew so much about the customers' situation.

Many long-time employees of the market maintain contact with Huacheng Market, so it's only natural that the owner is familiar with the market's situation.

But the market's instincts are too sharp.

This is also what he lacks most. Two years ago, he even went to the market to sell vegetables with his boss. Putting aside his vegetable selling skills, the first thing he couldn't do was relax and adapt to the market environment.

Ao Dehai was well aware of his own shortcomings, so when someone asked him if he had any thoughts about going solo, he answered no without even thinking.

He's good at growing vegetables, but he struggles with selling them. How much can he earn in a year if he only does it on a small scale?
It's far better to work for the boss.

Fang Shaohua waved his hand, only to realize that Ao Dehai had lost in thought, and shook his head helplessly.

He discovered that every time the boss was mentioned, there was a 30% chance that Director Ao would lose focus.

Is he probably thinking about the boss's quotes again?
Ao Dehai only came to his senses when he saw the document waving in front of him.

"Oh, Shaohua, where were we?"

Fang Shaohua said, "I said it might be related to Taihang's investment in shiitake mushrooms in Ningbo. I'll ask someone to inquire about it."

"Yes, we should inquire about it."

A day later, the two learned the outcome: because the matter had caused quite a stir, Taihang had run away.

The industrial park, which was expected to cost hundreds of millions of yuan, has been abandoned.

Fang Shaohua also contacted Saito Ye directly about the matter, and Saito Ye readily admitted it.

They stated that this would not affect the cooperation between the two parties, and that Taihang's capacity to import and distribute broccoli remained intact, while simultaneously raising their offer again. "Director Ao, what's the choice now?"

"There's no other way, let's report it to the boss for a decision."

Ao Dehai went to the vegetable market to inspect the growth of 700 mu of broccoli.

He is well-versed in broccoli cultivation techniques, such as pruning side branches, removing lateral buds, covering flower heads, and applying fertilizer at the right time. He is also familiar with the management personnel and the workers in charge of the work.

The 700 mu of crops are growing better than last year. According to Ao Dehai's estimate, the yield and pass rate will be higher than last year.

Although the boss taught him the skills, he also enjoyed the feeling of progress in both technology and management.

It brings joy, just like a bountiful harvest.

Having mastered the technology, he gained confidence. He was used to working with the land, and he knew that hard work always pays off.

Just like when they first came out of Guizhou a few years ago, they were not used to doing anything and no one wanted them except the land.

So he entered the market and will stay in the market in the future, always remaining in the market.

Ao Dehai walked along the road to the edge of the broccoli field, where several hundred different broccoli plants remained.

Some of them were planted using the method the lab supervisor suggested: not removing the side shoots, harvesting the main bulb first, and then harvesting the side shoots.
Other varieties also exist.

He may not be able to control the market, but he can master more planting techniques.

...

Chen Jiazhi was visiting Shenzhen when he received Fang Shaohua's call.

Now he's interested in state-run vegetable shops in Guangzhou and Shanghai, and naturally he doesn't want to miss out on Shenzhen either.

However, there are few state-owned outlets in Shenzhen, so the chances of winning them over are slim.

If I want to open a store in Shenzhen in the future, I'll have to find another way.

After communicating with Fang Shaohua, Chen Jiazhi also decided to go to Shanghai again, not only to resolve the broccoli export order, but also to visit the state-owned vegetable stores in Shanghai.

After finalizing the itinerary, Chen Jiazhi contacted Chen Zhengxu to go to Shanghai together.

He originally wanted to bring Xue Jun along. If they were to open a shop, selling fruit would be more suitable than selling vegetables, as high-quality fruit has a higher unit price and a larger profit margin.

However, Xue Jun went to Baise to manage the purchasing station and tangerines, so he couldn't go to Shanghai.

The following day, on the plane to Shanghai, Chen Jiazhi was engrossed in reading an economic newspaper.

The newspapers reported on the financial turmoil that was taking place in Thailand.

Starting in February, multinational capital began to short the Thai baht. Although the Thai government quickly stabilized the situation, it still caused financial turmoil.

"It's not easy, but we can finally see the eyebrows."

Seeing this, Chen Jiazhi knew that it was probably not over yet.

Although the impact on domestic vegetable exports is relatively small now, it will come sooner or later.

Upon arriving in Shanghai, Fang Shaohua picked them up by car.

"Boss, Mr. Xu, the president of Japan's Seika Company, Higashiyama En, is also arriving today. Shall we meet him today or another day?"

"Tomorrow," Chen Jiazhi said. "Let's go to town today. Shaohua, do you know where there are state-run vegetable shops in town?"

“I know there are two in Hongqiao.”

"Go and have a look."

State-run vegetable stores in Shanghai look much more respectable, with wider and more impressive storefronts.

Chen Jiazhi went in to ask about the prices, and then went to the vegetable market to compare them. The prices at the state-run vegetable store were 10% to 20% more expensive.

Moreover, the foot traffic in the retail market is significantly greater than that in state-run vegetable stores.

People who are willing to buy vegetables at state-run vegetable stores are also noticeably more well-dressed, and their economic conditions are obviously better.

Having learned all this, and combined it with what Liao Ming, the director of the vegetable office, had told him about the operation of the municipal vegetable company, Chen Jiazhi had a clear understanding of the situation.

State-run vegetable stores in Shanghai are also losing money.

After visiting a few more stores, it was discovered that some had been contracted out to private operators, but the ownership of the stores was still held by the municipal vegetable company.

Chen Jiazhi didn't know if he could buy a store through Kaopu Fresh, but he was willing to give it a try.

With Chen Guanye's connections, Huacheng at least has a chance.

After visiting the store, it was already evening. Chen Jiazhi said, "Come on, Zhengxu, let me show you the glitz and glamour of Shanghai."

This was Chen Zhengxu's first time in Shanghai, and he was immediately stunned, stammering, "This...this won't do...I'm not going."

Chen Jiazhi glanced at him sideways, "Not even going to the Oriental Pearl Tower?"

"Oh~" Chen Zhengxu muttered, "When I heard you mention 'a life of extravagance and debauchery,' I thought you were thinking of going to... you know~"

"What is 'that'? Explain yourself clearly. Don't slander me out of thin air. Or are you playing hard to get, and actually want to go?"

Chen Jiazhi stared at him, his gaze piercing. "Didn't I hit the nail on the head? You've been single for over twenty years and haven't even held a girl's hand. Yes, you just want to go."

"That's not what I thought."

Chen Zhengxu was on the verge of tears, wondering who was slandering him out of thin air.

Chen Jiazhi pressed further: "I don't believe it. You've been single for so long, haven't you ever thought about women? Now that you're rich, you're not married and you don't have a girlfriend. Can you really resist?"

Chen Zhengxu blurted out, "Who said I don't have a girlfriend?"

"Who is he? Where is he from? How old is he? When did you meet him? Why didn't you bring him back to meet us?"

Chen Jiazhi's gossipy nature was aroused, but such a blunt question also made Chen Zhengxu realize that he had been tricked.

We've known each other for almost a year now.

Chen Jiazhi was utterly incredulous. "You've kept this a secret for far too long."

Chen Zhengxu scratched his head, looking unusually shy, and said, "We only got together in the last six months."

"How good is it?"

"Anyway, I can resist the temptation now, and I'm considering bringing it home this year."

"I understand now." Chen Jiazhi patted him on the shoulder. "Good lad, you've accomplished something big without making a sound. I'll call your dad later."

"do not."

"?"

“I told him myself.”

"Is it different?"

“It’s different; you’ll embellish it.”

"I'm doing this for your own good." Chen Jiazhi crossed his arms, touched his chin with his fingers, and pondered, "The sooner we tell Brother Shun, the sooner we can start preparing for the wedding and thinking of names for the baby..."

Chen Zhengxu suddenly felt that the process was speeding up; if they continued talking, they would probably start thinking about which school the child should attend.

He had to speak up and remind him, "Mr. Chen, I'm here to expand our delivery business."

"It's after get off work hours now, call me Uncle."

I am older than you.

"I'll call your dad right now."

"No, Uncle, Little Uncle, can't I call him that?"

"That's right, how can you think about work all day long? Let's find a place to eat first, and then talk to me in detail about your relationship. I'm a little curious, aren't you usually very busy? Where do you find the time to date?"

Chen Zhengxu never expected that the usually serious boss Chen would have such a gossipy side.

He wasn't just curious!

He wanted to drag out all eighteen generations of the person's ancestors and ask them questions.

After satisfying his curiosity, Chen Jiazhi was quite pleased with himself, saying, "I knew he was a tea master a long time ago."

"People in Guangdong like to drink tea. When meeting clients, we always need to have something to talk about, so I went to a tea house to learn how to drink tea. It's also a work requirement."

"Yeah, it's for work, so you ended up getting mixed up with people."

Chen Jiazhi quipped that it was rare for him to talk to Zhengxu about things outside of work, especially matters of the heart, and he suddenly found it quite interesting.

Even if it's interesting from one side, it's still interesting.

(End of this chapter)