1994: Starting with unpaid leave

As soon as Dong Jianguo finished speaking, the surrounding crowd erupted in cheers!

After all, for them, not only did they get to watch a lively show, but they also got to buy cheap eggs. It was like someone else paying them to watch a two-person comedy show – a great bargain.

But none of the workers at the knitting factory who were watching cheered.

The penalty notice had only been posted for a few days when many workers learned of Dong Jianguo and Erzhuzi's situation.

Several workers were suspended from their jobs without pay simply because they went to play mahjong with others when they had no work to do. It was practically the same as cutting off their livelihood.

In fact, many people were whispering behind his back, feeling that the punishment imposed by the factory this time was too inhumane.

They didn't disrupt production, and they didn't break the law. At most, they'll get a public reprimand. Is it really necessary to ruin their livelihood?!

When they heard Dong Jianguo announce that he was going to sell the remaining eggs in his tricycle at a low price, everyone felt bad and wanted to help him out.

So when it came time for the workers at the textile factory to pay, no one had the heart to take advantage of Dong Jianguo.

Those who buy more receive an extra three or five cents, while those who buy less receive an extra one or two cents.

Looking at the extra small bills handed to him, Erzhuzi's eyes reddened slightly, and he dared not take them.

"Hey, what are you doing! Brother Jianguo said it's two yuan a pound, don't give him too much!"

But the hand offering the money was reluctant, forcing it into his hand while saying:

"Take it, don't tear it, it's not easy for anyone!"

"Yes, I don't have much, but I can't take advantage of you like this!"

"Stop dawdling, Jianguo. Keep the money. Remember to come find me for drinks when you two are feeling better!"

……

A loud voice and a sincere face warmed my heart and brought tears to my eyes as I listened and watched.

Even Dong Jianguo after his rebirth was no exception.

He was hoping to sell all the eggs quickly so he could leave as soon as possible.

I never expected that these former colleagues, whom I wasn't even that familiar with, would be so loyal. They not only helped me get rid of the market administrator, but they also wouldn't let me suffer any losses...

A tricycle full of eggs quickly turned into a bag full of change.

Dong Jianguo knew he had offended the market administrator this time, and staying too long might cause some trouble.

So after clearing out the stock, he greeted the workers at the nearby factory, then called Erzhuzi and they left on a tricycle.

The tricycle continued until it reached Bu Kui South Street. Only then did Dong Jianguo ask Erzhuzi to stop the vehicle on the side of the road and lead him into a clay pot restaurant for breakfast.

The two were still excited and hadn't realized it yet, but as soon as they sat down and relaxed, they suddenly felt incredibly hungry.

This morning, the sales target was exceeded, and the boss, Dong Jianguo, was generous, ordering two servings of sauerkraut and pork hot pot for the two of them, as well as six large meat buns.

The steaming hot buns were right there in the steamer, and the owner brought them over very quickly.

As for the clay pot, it needs to be cooked fresh, which takes longer.

So the two ate while they waited.

After taking two bites, Dong Jianguo couldn't help but speak:

"Erzhuzi, that's not how you do business."

"You'll encounter all sorts of people in business. If someone starts fighting after just a few words, the business won't last long."

"Take just now, for example. If I hadn't stopped you, you'd probably either have lost and gotten a good beating, or you'd have been taken away by the police station after winning..."

Erzhuzi retorted, "Brother Jianguo, didn't you just say you 'wouldn't mind taking a few with you'?! I feel like you're much more ruthless than me, so why are you complaining about me now?!"

Dong Jianguo slammed his fist on the table in annoyance: "Damn it, I was just bluffing at them, it was just a joke, who would take it seriously? Besides, if you hadn't made things so tense, would I have ended up like this with those two administrators!"

"My original plan was to pull them aside, give them three or four yuan, and that would be enough."

"After today's commotion, I'm afraid we won't be able to sell these eggs here anymore."

Erzhuzi was stunned: "What?! It can't be that bad, can it?!"

"Why not?! These market administrators usually use their limited authority to skim off some money. Today, we made them lose face in public, so they definitely won't give us a friendly look next time we meet."

Erzhuzi thought for a moment, then gritted his teeth and said, "It's alright, Brother Jianguo. I caused this mess, so I'll just take the blame. If I ever have eggs again, I'll just sell them myself on my tricycle!"

"How long will it take to sell this?" Dong Jianguo wasn't interested in Erzhuzi's idea.

While street vending may be more profitable, it is too inefficient.

I can deliver over a thousand kilograms of eggs every two days with one truckload. After the formalities are completed, I might deliver even more!

If you sell them like that, the eggs will rot at home.

He shook his head:

"That's easy to solve. After you finish eating, go to Longsha Park; there's a big morning market there."

"Find out beforehand how much they charge for setting up stalls over there, which fees are mandatory, and which are more flexible. Don't just ask one stall owner; ask several to get the full picture."

"After we're done, I'll run around to the restaurants over there and see if they want to place any orders. That's the plan for today. There's no rush to go to the morning market tomorrow. Just come to my house and wait to unload the goods."

"good!"

Knowing he had gotten himself into trouble, Erzhuzi felt a little embarrassed and nodded sheepishly, already secretly plotting how to make amends later...

……

After breakfast, Dong Jianguo went to the department store alone again.

When I came out, I had a backpack on my back, which was stuffed with eight packs of soft-pack Hongtashan cigarettes.

The cost price of the 1200 jin of eggs was 1920, and the sales revenue was more than 2600.

Even after deducting the "tip" for the driver, Erzhuzi's labor costs, the loss of broken eggs, and the cost of setting up the stall, the profit is still more than 600 yuan.

Dong Jianguo was naturally very satisfied with this profit.

However, having business experience, he also knew that the first time is often very important for both parties in a first-time collaboration.

So, aside from the reserved funds, Dong Jianguo gritted his teeth and turned all the profits from the first batch of goods into the Hongtashan cigarettes in his backpack.

A pack of Hongtashan soft-pack cigarettes costs 107.5 yuan, which isn't enough even if all the profits are invested.

After inquiring about the price, Dong Jianguo did not hesitate to pay the difference out of his own pocket.

"Whether it works or not depends on this trip..."

Dong Jianguo muttered to himself, adjusted the straps of his backpack, and strode towards the bus station...

……