1994: Vegetable farmers strike back

Chapter 457 Signing a Big Deal
Shanghai in the 1990s was already very prosperous, with neon lights and historical buildings intertwined, creating a picturesque scene.

After enjoying the night view for a while, Chen Jiazhi and Chen Zhengxu regained their motivation and returned to the hotel.

Chen Zhengxu was busy sorting out what he had seen and heard in the vegetable markets and state-run vegetable stores in Shanghai.

As he was about to close the door, Chen Jiazhi knocked and reminded her, "Remember to call the girl to let her know you're safe."

The door slammed shut.

Chen Jiazhi shrugged and went back to his room. He then called Li Xiu, but no one answered. He then called the distribution center and finally found Li Xiu.

"Jiazhi, have you arrived in Shanghai?"

"We arrived a while ago and are now back at the hotel."

"Okay, you should get some rest. I'm still busy here, so I'll stop chatting now~"

Another beeping dial tone. Chen Jiazhi shook his head and sighed, "Sigh, they've all become workaholics."

He understood. Chen Zhengxu had come to Shanghai, but Li Xiu hadn't, so he was keeping an eye on things at the distribution center, which was a busy time.

Thinking of this, Chen Jiazhi made himself a cup of green tea to refresh himself, and then picked up his pen to briefly review today's research.

State-run vegetable stores in Shanghai are good, but they are not easy to manage.

In comparison, Huacheng is in a better position. Yuewang has been making a strong push recently, and even Southeast Asia might not be able to withstand it. Once exports decrease and goods enter the domestic market in smaller quantities, the situation for state-owned vegetable stores will become even more difficult.
Chen Jiazhi then considered the funds again.

He has a lot of money in his personal account; the dividends from this year and last year combined amount to more than 1700 million yuan.

Kaopu Fresh's finances are also healthy. Although vegetable prices were low in March and April, the volume of vegetables produced was very large.

This provided a good boost to cash flow.

At the same time, the company has never taken out any loans, and even its accounts receivable are relatively small with short payment terms, which is unimaginable for doing vegetable wholesale business in the future.

In the future, many vegetable wholesalers will be in dire straits due to outstanding payments, and there will be countless people taking out bank loans to pay farmers for their vegetables.

That's why business is easy to do now.

If it comes to buying a storefront for a state-run vegetable shop, whether for an individual or a company, Chen Jiazhi feels that funding shouldn't be a major issue.

He also considered whether there was an opportunity to make some money during the Southeast Asian financial crisis, but ultimately gave up on it.

Firstly, he doesn't understand it, and he doesn't know how;

Secondly, neither the individual nor the company is short of money, and the current steady and solid development is very good.

He has the advantage of being reborn. If he does what he is familiar with, understands, and knows well, he is destined to achieve success and fame. There is no need to take unnecessary risks.

After thinking it through, Chen Jiazhi took out the information that Fang Shaohua had given him.

He was generally satisfied with Fang Shaohua's performance. College students were still very scarce in this era, and those who could get into college were at least not intellectually challenged.

Most people can grow if given the opportunity.

Fang Shaohua was just one of the inconspicuous ones.

The quotation information is very detailed, with information on each company, purchase quantity, price, specifications, packaging method, payment cycle, etc., all clearly displayed.

Chen Jiazhi quickly found the anomaly reported by Fang Shaohua and Ao Dehai.

Fukuoka Taiko Co., Ltd.'s latest broccoli price is as high as $3000 per ton, which is equivalent to about 12.45 yuan per kilogram at the current exchange rate.

This is significantly higher than the second-highest bidder, Qingguo Co., Ltd., whose price is $2315 per ton, equivalent to approximately 9.58 yuan per kilogram.

The two prices differ by about 30%.

If Chen Jiazhi hadn't reminded them earlier, Fang Shaohua and Ao Dehai would have already signed a contract with Taihang.

Taihang did indeed discover a problem: a mushroom industrial park in another port city, with an investment of hundreds of millions of yuan, had been abandoned and the company had absconded. Many project payments and various fees were still outstanding, causing considerable trouble.

However, Taihang knew that broccoli was profitable and remained very interested, offering a high price and keeping the payment terms the same.

This made Fang Shaohua and Ao Dehai hesitant to make a decision.

In Chen Jiazhi's view, there was nothing to consider; he should just eliminate Taihang directly. He already had no good feelings towards the Japanese, and now they were doing this kind of thing in China, which would directly reduce their trust level to negative.

However, the Taihang Mountains still have some value.

Their offer is more 'sincere,' and Taihang's sincerity can make other Japanese companies more sincere.

This is the significance of having Chen Jiazhi come forward.

After studying a document, Chen Jiazhi approved of Fang Shaohua's negotiation plan and set his sights on Qingguo Co., Ltd., hoping to use Taihang to get them to raise their offer.

Once the target is achieved, this year's broccoli harvest will not only be plentiful, but will also fetch a much higher price than last year, resulting in substantial income.

After sorting out his thoughts, Chen Jiazhi finally lay down to sleep.

...

The next day, before dawn, Chen Jiazhi got up to wash and get ready, but he still left a step later than Chen Zhengxu.

They had already bought soy milk and fried dough sticks.

Chen Jiazhi took it and said, "Is this what you eat on your first trip to Shanghai? You should at least try some local breakfast specialties."

"It saves trouble," Chen Zhengxu said. "Business trips are for doing business, not for enjoying gourmet food."

Chen Jiazhi walked along, munching on his soy milk and occasionally taking a sip. If Li Xiu were here, she would definitely have thought of buying him an egg.

He couldn't help but guess that Chen Zhengxu was annoyed that peeling eggs took too long.

"Zhengxu, when you travel to other cities in Guangdong for business, do you do the same thing? Haven't you tried the local delicacies?"

"Yes, I have tried it. Sometimes when I'm treating someone to a meal, I can get to eat local delicacies."

"It's boring."

"I've gotten used to it, and it's not so bad. My enjoyment comes from collecting different clients, which is quite interesting."

"..."

Chen Jiazhi couldn't understand it. After leaving the hotel, the car was already waiting.

It was only just getting light, and there were very few pedestrians and vehicles on the road.

Once they arrived at the market, the workers began their work, gathering in groups to chat.

Chen Jiazhi didn't join the crowd; instead, he first took a stroll around the market.

April's climate is perfect for leafy vegetables to grow, making it even more difficult for Ao Dehai to manage them properly.

The only downside is that the area is a bit small.

The majority of the plants were broccoli, one broccoli field after another, a truly magnificent sight.

Chen Jiazhi looked at each plant one by one. The side branches were neatly trimmed, the soil had just been loosened, and traces of topdressing could still be seen.

The flower head was partially covered by the folded leaves on the surface, and could only be seen from the side. But the less you could see, the more you wanted to see it, giving you a feeling of being coyly hiding your face.

Finally, I simply stopped the car, walked into the field, lifted the leaves covering the broccoli, and looked at the plump and firm broccoli heads. Only then did I feel relieved.

Chen Zhengxu praised, "This broccoli is grown so beautifully, no wonder it captivated the Japanese and made them fight over it, offering such outrageous prices."

Chen Jiazhi scoffed, "Can't you even speak properly? This is what you call good value for money."

"Isn't it outrageous that broccoli costs more than ten yuan a kilogram?" Chen Zhengxu raised his voice slightly.

Chen Jiazhi chuckled and said, "Young man, you're still too inexperienced. There's no such thing as the most expensive when it comes to rare goods; there's always something more expensive. You'll understand once you experience the market a few more times."

Chen Zhengxu was skeptical.

At this moment, the group leaders began to speak from the vegetable workers gathered in various locations.

Chen Jiazhi didn't get close, but he could roughly tell that the group leaders were explaining the key points of the work to the vegetable workers.

Some spoke fluently, while others were still slightly awkward, but those who were promoted at least had to perform well, just like Ao Deliang back then. He wasn't good with words, but he was hardworking and could still lead the team well. Compared to Chen Jiazhi wandering around the market, Chen Zhengxu directly sneaked in to listen in.

He was also quite curious about how to manage the market, especially since worker training was part of his recent efforts to improve his skills.

Chen Zhengxu didn't return until the workers had dispersed.

Chen Jiazhi asked, "How does it feel? Is the market more capable, or is the distribution center better?"

Chen Zhengxu pondered for a moment and replied, "It's hard to compare them. The two management styles are very different. If we had to compare them, they would probably be neck and neck."

He paused, then added, "But I feel that diligently practicing internal strength would be very effective."

"It's not that it will happen, it's that it's already having an effect."

At this moment, Chen Jiazhi waved behind Chen Zhengxu, and it was Ao Dehai walking in this direction.

"Boss, Mr. Xu, Shao Hua has already driven to pick up Higashiyama En and Murata Naohito from Qingguo Company. They are expected to arrive at the market in about an hour and a half."

"Okay, leave the market to me."

"Okay, I'll plant the vegetables."

After Qi Yongfeng was transferred, the expansion of Fanrong Vegetable Market into the local market weakened significantly.

Even though Chen Jiazhi set the goal of expanding and penetrating into various cities in the Yangtze River Delta, in the end, it was the Japanese who bore the brunt of it all.

Most of the vegetables in the market are exported, with very few going to the local wholesale market, and sometimes they are even sold to middlemen.

This is also why Ao Dehai wanted to grow more broccoli; selling vegetables is easier, as the Japanese could buy them all at once.

Chen Jiazhi had recently visited the Prosperity Base during an inspection tour. After chatting for a while, he wandered around the market again, interacting with different people.

Chen Zhengxu then pulled Ao Dehai aside to discuss how to 'cultivate internal strength'.

...

Dongshan Yan's English isn't very good; it sounds strange.

Fortunately, Fang Shaohua has met many people and heard all kinds of accents, so he can still suppress his laughter and communicate normally.

Upon learning that the big boss of the vegetable market had arrived, Dongshan Yan's face lit up with joy.

"Is Mr. Chen here to discuss a broccoli order?"

"Yes, the final decision on who to sell the broccoli to will be made by the boss." Fang Shaohua revealed more information at the opportune moment, "In addition to Qingguo Company, several other Japanese companies are interested in cooperating with us."

Fang Shaohua slowed his speech slightly, "Qingguo's offer is rather mediocre."

Higashiyama En tilted his head and exchanged a glance with Murata Naohito, both nodding slightly in agreement.

“I came here with sincerity, and I can discuss the price with Mr. Chen in person.”

"Hmm~"

Fang Shaohua seemed uninterested, and the car fell silent for a moment.

Higashiyama En clenched his fists and frowned in thought. When they arrived at the market and the car stopped, he gestured to Murata Naohito to force an envelope into Fang Shaohua's hand.

Fang Shaohua was shocked. Even the Japanese were using this tactic. "What does this mean?"

Dongshan Yan leaned forward slightly, "Please tell me, Manager Fang, what is the highest price you can offer right now? It's just a small gift, nothing special, please accept it."

Fang Shaohua felt the thickness of the envelope; the Japanese had really gone all out!

Although this step wasn't in the plan, Fang Shaohua's eyes darted around and he felt that this was a better opportunity to pass the information to Dongshan Yan without any flaws.

He glanced around with a slightly cunning look, then discreetly slipped the envelope into his coat pocket.

Taihang Corporation quoted $3000 per ton.

"Sigh~"

"really?!"

"For the sake of the money." Fang Shaohua touched his chest, where the envelope was, then got out of the car, giving the two of them one last chance to discuss.

He could sense their surprise; they clearly hadn't expected Taihang to offer such a high price.

Fang Shaohua has some understanding of the Japanese market. If broccoli can be sold in high-end department stores, the price will at least double.

However, if sold to supermarkets and vegetable stores, the sales will be much less competitive.

Therefore, a price of $3000 per ton is absolutely very, very high.

Fang Shaohua couldn't help but swallow hard. After walking a few steps toward the office, he noticed his boss standing next to the broccoli in the market.

Fang Shaohua stopped the car and waited for a moment before Dongshan Yan and Murata Naohito got out.

"President Dongshan, this way please. Our boss is waiting for you in the broccoli field ahead."

"Okay, trouble."

Dongshan Yan observed that the market was very flat and offered a panoramic view, making it a well-organized market.

Gradually, the broccoli became visible. The flower heads were obscured by the leaves, making them difficult to see clearly, but their elusive appearance was even more alluring.

Dongshan Yan felt an itch to uncover the leaves and find out what was inside.

Chen Jiazhi took two steps forward as a gesture, noticing Dong Shanyan's gaze. He immediately understood what it meant; it was probably like a repressed person seeing a beautiful woman on the street, wanting to look but not daring to.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Chen Jiazhi didn't say much more. He went straight to the field, once again lifting the leaves to reveal the plump and firm flower heads.

Dongshan Yan felt better.

Although this broccoli is not yet the right size, its shape is perfect, like a beautiful woman about to grow. It won't be bad even if it grows a little longer.

I checked many of them and they were all the same.

Dongshan Yan walked up to Chen Jiazhi and solemnly quoted a price. Chen Jiazhi frowned, and Dongshan Yan nervously said something in English.

Chen Jiazhi turned to Fang Shaohua and asked, "What did he say?"

Fang Shaohua couldn't help but laugh out loud, but quickly suppressed it. Dong Shanyan's pronunciation was strange, but his sincerity was evident.

He said that Qingguo Co., Ltd. also offered $3000 per ton.

Chen Jiazhi sensed something was wrong. "Hey, I haven't said anything yet, and the target price has already been reached?"
He remained calm, expressed his approval of the price, but said he would consider it further.

Higashiyama En and Murata Naohito bowed deeply in unison.

"President Chen, please consider us. Tokyo is far superior to a small place like Fukuoka."

"Your broccoli is excellent, but it would be great for your product image to sell exclusively in high-end department stores instead of budget stores!"

After hearing Fang Shaohua's account, Chen Jiazhi felt like he had wasted his time learning English.

He could hardly understand a single word of Dong Shanyan's English, but what he said made a lot of sense. However, Chen Jiazhi still did not agree on the spot.

It should at least be left to air out.

After having someone else see Dongshan Yan off, Fang Shaohua explained what had happened in the car, and then took out an envelope from the inside pocket of his coat.

"Boss, Dongshan Yan gave it to me."

"You've kept it to yourself; you've handled things very flexibly."

After a grueling day and night, Higashiyama En and Murata Naohito finally received a call from Fang Shaohua: "Hurry up and come to the market to sign the contract."

"Thank you, Shao Hua."

Fang Shaohua suddenly found the strange accent quite agreeable. "I betrayed the Japanese devils, and they should thank me."

(End of this chapter)