Food Intelligence King

Chapter 183 Negotiating Cooperation
Chen Zhou and his uncle had a brief discussion about the preservation of pears.

Judging from what my uncle said:
If cold storage is needed, it's readily available at his place; it's just a matter of a word from Chen Zhou.

If his nephew thinks the distance is too far, he can come and help find a place and help manage the cold storage; it's just a matter of Chen Zhou saying a word.

In Yang Dayong's mind, his eldest nephew was a man who was dedicated to his career.

My uncle was happy to work with me.

After listening, Chen Zhou asked, "So, at the temperature of late October and early November, pears can still be stored for a short period without any problems?"

Chen Zhou's uncle reassured him, "The temperature at night is now in the single digits, almost like a cold storage room. It should be fine to leave it for a week or two."

However, if we were to actually use cold storage to preserve the pears, we would have to lower the temperature in stages, starting at 10 degrees Celsius and decreasing it by 1 degree Celsius every seven days, as pears are not frost-resistant.

Chen Zhou had no intention of holding onto inventory for that long.

The longer the time frame, the more uncontrollable the changes become; short-term, quick entry and exit is the optimal solution for utilizing intelligence.

In terms of price, Chen Zhou didn't intend to hoard rare goods for profit; he just wanted to be content with what he had and avoid wasting his time.

My uncle continued to demonstrate his professionalism by complaining about the cold storage.

"These guys can leave it in a cold storage for two years."

Two years is a bit of an exaggeration.

Chen Zhou had no intention of going in that direction.

Judging from my uncle's words, it seems that he does not approve of this behavior either.

The uncle and nephew still maintained the same values.

Finally, my uncle asked, half-jokingly:
“Nephew, we’ve been chatting for a while now. We’re talking about the big pear or the snow pear, right? Not the chestnuts I grow, are we?”

Chen Zhou was amused by his cousin.

"It's a large pear."

My uncle's tone relaxed slightly, "That's good then, I was just afraid I misheard."

Chen Zhou then asked him, "Does my dad also use homophones?"

My uncle's voice became cheerful, as if he was holding back a laugh: "You, your Chen family, all have a bit of a knack for language."

Chen Zhou thought about it and realized that Old Chen was probably only serious in front of him.

In front of his granddaughter, as well as acquaintances, relatives, and friends, he is still a very interesting old man.

Next time, I can tease Old Chen.

But then Chen Zhou thought about it again and realized that he didn't need to try. The father-son relationship was fine as it was.

However, regarding the snow pear business opportunity mentioned by Chen Zhou, Uncle doesn't plan to go it alone:

He couldn't sell his chestnuts well, so he really didn't dare to set up another stall.

Chen Zhou understood his uncle's meaning, "Then let's sit together again when I go back to my hometown in a while."

"Okay!" Uncle agreed with a smile. "Nephew, if you need any help, just give me a call."

He even wanted to treat Chen Zhou to a meal to express his gratitude for helping him sell chestnuts last time.

We'll discuss who will treat us when we meet again.

In conclusion, Chen Zhou has figured out how to store snow pears.

At the current temperature, in a well-ventilated and dry place, it should be fine to leave it for a few days.

If you really need cold storage, you can find a professional and trustworthy person to help you.

The next step was simple market research, and then going to the local wholesale market to select Zhaozhou snow pears.

The time arrangement is also quite reasonable.

The shop is undergoing wall demolition and renovation. Yesterday, Chen Zhou was talking to Tian Tian's father and they said that even if it's done quickly, it might still take a day or two.

After all, we can't leave a hole in the wall; we have to repair it.

Chen Zhou decided to expand the kitchen's current size as well. Since it would only take a day or two anyway, he might as well make it look decent.

He could also take advantage of the time the store was closed for renovations to study the issue of snow pears.

I made up my mind.

Chen Zhou glanced at Aunt Zheng and Xiao Hou, who were busy but organized in the kitchen.

Skilled craftsmen are very reliable and trustworthy in their work.

Chen Zhou thought he would go to the nearby vegetable market first thing this morning.

I left the task of making steamed buns to my aunt and uncle.

Subsequently, Chen Zhou found Zhao Yilin.

He earnestly instructed:

"Junior sister, stay in the shop for a while, I'm going to the market. Call me if anything happens."

"Ok!"

When it came to the work-related issues that Chen Zhou had instructed her on, the junior sister unusually maintained a restraint from her usual rambling.

She seemed quite reassuring. Chen Zhou gave her an approving look.

But it only took that one glance.

The junior sister couldn't resist any longer. While carrying the plate, she said:
"Senior, are you going to buy pears? Didn't you say you were going to make pear soup for us the other day? I happen to have a box of snow pears at home that we can't finish. How about I bring them over to work tomorrow? The weather's been a bit cold lately, and I've been thinking of buying a little electric scooter. I've saved up some money these past few months."

"Hiss." Chen Zhou thought to himself: I should have told my aunt.

However, Chen Zhou was still very pleased to hear that his junior sister had grown into an independent and self-reliant young woman and was saving up to buy a car.

But amidst all that babbling, Chen Zhou inevitably overlooked some things.

All I remember is her saying that there was a box of pears at home.

Chen Zhou casually asked, "How much did you pay for these snow pears? Were they the regular kind, or the premium gift box kind?"

"It should be a pretty good snow pear," the junior sister said hesitantly, "but I didn't pay for it."

Chen Zhou already understood what was going on and laughed, "Keep it for yourself. Keep an eye on the shop."

“Okay, I’ll take care of it,” the junior sister replied solemnly.

Of course, she wasn't entirely obedient; she planned to bring the snow pears over in the next couple of days to share with everyone. Chen Zhou went to the market in the morning, partly to inquire about the price of snow pears and to buy some to make soup;
Secondly, we also need to buy some vegetables for lunch.

Upon arriving at Xingfu Vegetable Market, Chen Zhou first went to Old Zhang's place, whom he knew well.

Zhang Jinsheng also opened a branch in another vegetable market. He handed over the early morning delivery work to his nephew, while Zhang himself stayed in his old position.

He was chatting idly with a few fruit and vegetable vendors.

Although this guy had a rough time, his business has been doing very well recently, and he's considered a respected senior figure in the market.

When Old Zhang saw Chen Zhou approaching, he immediately turned his gaze to Brother Chen and greeted him with a smile:
"Oh, isn't this Uncle Chen?"

Chen Zhou nodded to him, "Uncle Zhang, how's business?"

"It's alright," Old Zhang said modestly.

He was a little worried about Chen Zhou's adorable little girl.

“You didn’t bring your daughter when we ate together last time. I had a few drinks on Friday and forgot to ask.”

Chen Zhou pouted, "You should have said so earlier. I deliberately didn't expand the scale of the gathering, because I was afraid you would spend too much money."

"Fine, fine," Old Zhang nodded helplessly, "It's my fault."

Chen Zhou laughed and said, "Next time I'll treat everyone, let's all come together."

"That's a good feeling."

After exchanging a few jokes and doing business together for several months, the two had become very close friends.

Chen Zhou pulled him aside and started talking about the real reason for their visit.

Business opportunities related to snow pears.

Old Zhang had a good idea after hearing this, but unfortunately, he had spent a lot of money renting a shop recently, and his cash flow was tight. He could only come up with 20,000 to 30,000 yuan.

Old Zhang said:

"If there really is a cold wave as you say, then this batch of snow pears can really fetch a good price. A similar thing happened a few years ago, and pears from Zhaozhou were selling for more than ten yuan a kilogram. As long as the quality is good, that's all that matters."

Chen Zhou did not elaborate on the intelligence matter.

Old Zhang didn't ask.

But he trusted Brother Chen and never did anything without a plan.

Moreover, he used to see Chen Zhou almost every day.

I know that Brother Chen's shop has been visited recently and business is booming. I've also heard about Chen Zhou's previous consignment of chestnuts.

So I'm very happy to work with Chen Zhou this time.

“I don’t have much capital, but I have connections with vegetable markets and fruit shops, and I can help distribute the goods. I also have a car and a driver, so I can help with hauling and unloading.”

The Zhang family slaughters pigs and sells meat; their household is thriving.

Chen Zhou had already met two nephews who called him "uncle".

After listening to Lao Zhang's explanation, Chen Zhou decided to cooperate with him this time.

Selling them case by case yourself might earn you more money, but it takes time and effort. It's much safer to resell them directly.

They make money as middlemen.

The two discussed the specific details for a while and decided to go to the wholesale market in the next couple of days to get the goods as soon as possible.

However, they couldn't abandon their current business, as they each had their own established professions.

So, Chen Zhou said goodbye to Lao Zhang and went to buy groceries for the day.

As Chen Zhou passed by a fruit stand, he also inquired about the prices at the vegetable market.

Regular snow pears cost a little over two yuan, less than three yuan, while the premium boxed ones are sold by the box, not by weight.

Premium pears are good because they are large and uniform in size, and have labels indicating their origin, making them suitable as gifts.

While Chen Zhou was making inquiries, a customer carried away two boxes.

A box contains ten, and I estimate it costs around eight yuan per pound.

Of course, Chen Zhou doesn't need to use this premium pear soup.

He still bought some ordinary things to take home.

The Xingfu vegetable market was very close, and Chen Zhou made his way back and forth, arriving at the store around 8:30.

Nothing unexpected happened.

Aunt Zheng in the kitchen was still making steamed buns with Xiao Hou.

Because the wall between them was still there, the two little girls would occasionally walk in and out.

When Zhang Jing saw the boss bring back the groceries, she quickly came over to help carry them.

Chen Zhou laughed and said, "I'll smash this wall down in the next couple of days."

Zhang Jing nodded in strong agreement.

"We have to smash it, Brother Chen."

The two entered the store; Chen Zhou, unusually, came in from outside during the morning rush hour.

Looking at the customers who were hurrying by, some of whom looked somewhat familiar, some were ordering takeout and others were dining in, but their faces all showed anticipation and satisfaction.

Chen Zhou also felt a sense of accomplishment.

This feeling has nothing to do with making money or accumulating points.

He walked toward the kitchen, where another regular customer greeted him.

"Going to buy groceries, Mr. Chen?"

"Hey." Chen Zhou nodded in greeting. "Take care."
-
"I come here for breakfast every morning, and I feel at ease all day."

A regular customer or friend casually mentioned something that revealed some of their inner thoughts.

After hearing this, Chen Zhou suddenly felt a sense of responsibility.

Enabling more people to eat with peace of mind was also Chen Zhou's original intention when he first started learning how to make fresh meat buns.

The so-called "trading pears to make some extra money" is simply a way to shorten the process of capital accumulation.

(End of this chapter)