Era: Rise from the Wilderness

"Now that we've eaten and drunk our fill, our minds are sharp. Let's get back to business and make this a done deal."

After a few casual words, Li Yunjing brought the topic back to the main point.

Upon hearing this, Fu Chao and Ding Dong immediately snapped out of their post-dinner slumber, instinctively sitting up straight. The relaxation on their faces vanished, replaced by focused and serious expressions, their gazes fixed on Li Yunjing's face.

"First and foremost, the most important thing is funding."

Li Yunjing said calmly, "Old Fu, the three thousand yuan you have is our 'ammunition,' it's crucial."

"Find a way to get it out as soon as possible, be careful not to alarm your family, and don't cause any trouble."

"Part of this money will be used to purchase the first batch of small prizes and printing costs, and the other part will be used as an emergency reserve fund."

He looked at Fu Chao, who nodded vigorously, a resolute glint in his eyes: "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. The money will be in place by the day after tomorrow at the latest."

"it is good."

Li Yunjing nodded. "I'll talk to my dad about it tomorrow, try to appeal to his emotions, and make sure we get the car loan sorted out."

"With a vehicle, we are highly mobile, making it easier to transport goods and giving our stalls a more impressive presence."

"The printing of lottery tickets is the core technology and the key to anti-counterfeiting."

Li Yunjing continued, emphasizing, "I'll handle the design drawings myself. Leave this to me, and I guarantee it'll be reliable and that no one else can replicate it in a short time."

"Secondly, the prizes."

Li Yunjing counted on his fingers, "The sample of the grand prize is an attractive 'hook'."

"We definitely can't afford motorcycles or televisions, and it's not worth it."

"Let's think of a way to borrow some in good condition so we can use them for a few days." He

At this point, a sly smile crept onto his lips. "Someone actually had incredible luck and won the grand prize?"

"Of course, we will not let that happen."

"Small prizes include items like Bee & Flower soap, Red Lantern towels, Zhonghua toothpaste, and laundry detergent..."

Li Yunjing had a clear idea: "Use the start-up capital directly to purchase from the county's wholesale market."

Third, location.

Li Yunjing tapped his fingers lightly on the table, making a rhythmic sound. "We can't go to the town. After all, the town is too small, and many people know us. It could easily cause trouble."

"I've decided to go to the county seat!"

His eyes gleamed with calculation. "The May Day Square in the county town is crowded with people: people going to the market, small business owners, long-distance drivers, and nearby residents. It's a melting pot of all sorts of people, lively and bustling. Moreover, in that kind of environment, if we set up a stall and do some 'entertainment activities,' it won't easily attract the attention of the authorities."

"Let's test the waters there first and see how it goes."

Fourth, manpower.

Li Yunjing looked at Fu Chao, "Right now, it's just the three of us at the core."

"But on opening day, the three of us couldn't handle the workload, and the scene couldn't be kept up."

"We need to find two more, or at most three, absolutely trustworthy 'accomplices' to mingle in the crowd."

"They have to be good at acting. They have to lead the way in scratching the lottery. If they win a small prize, they have to cheer and create a lively atmosphere. If they 'win' a big prize, they have to act as if it's real, jumping up excitedly to attract everyone's attention."

"Old Fu, you find this person."

"They must be tight-lipped, quick-witted, bold, and have some acting talent. Absolutely no students, only older young people!"

"Okay, I'll take care of it."

Fu Chao stroked his chin, thinking seriously: "Among my underlings, there is a suitable candidate."

Fifth, and most importantly, rules.

Li Yunjing's expression suddenly turned serious. He leaned forward and glanced at Fu Chao and Ding Dong in turn, with an undeniable warning in his eyes, "Although we do this kind of work, making a living in the gray area, there are some bottom lines we must stick to. This is the way to survive in the long run."

He held up one finger: "First, there will be no coercion; those who are willing will take the bait."

"We will never force or threaten others to scrape if they want to."

"What we're selling is 'hope' and 'luck,' not forced sales."

He raised his second finger: "Secondly, know when to stop and be flexible."

"You can't stay in one place for too long. Do one or two things when it's most popular and profitable, and when you feel things aren't going well or your income is about right, immediately pack up and move on."

"Hit and run, avoid being targeted by local bullies, and avoid having your plans figured out by those with ulterior motives."

He raised his third finger, his tone most solemn: "Third, safety first, risk avoidance."

"In the unlikely event that you encounter a real tough nut to crack and cause trouble, or if you're unlucky enough to run into a joint inspection by the industry and commerce bureau or the public security bureau, don't hesitate at all, and definitely don't try to fight back."

"Closing up immediately, take what you can, and abandon what you can't. People should leave first; preserving capital and ensuring safety is the most important thing."

"Remember, you can earn more money, but if you end up in jail or get maimed, it's all over!"

"As long as the green hills remain, there's no worry about running out of firewood!"

He explained each point clearly and logically, considering not only how to attack and make money, but also how to defend and retreat. His meticulousness and thoroughness of planning far exceeded the scope of an ordinary high school student.

Fu Chaoyue was increasingly alarmed as he listened, and a fine layer of cold sweat even seeped out from his back. It wasn't fear, but rather the shock he felt at Li Yunjing's almost ruthless thoroughness and far-sightedness.

At the same time, he felt increasingly fortunate and certain.

Choosing to cooperate with Li Yunjing was the right move!

This guy is simply a monster!

He's more thoughtful than those seasoned veterans in town who've been around for half their lives!

"Okay! We'll do it your way!"

"I've memorized every single word!"

Fu Chao nodded vigorously, his tone resolute, "I'll go back and figure out a way to get the money out as quickly as possible. Leave the finding of 'accomplices' to me too; I guarantee I'll find you a few reliable and capable ones!"

"Old Li, Brother Chao, don't worry!"

Ding Dong was also stirred by Li Yunjing's words, his voice trembling with excitement: "Give me all the heavy lifting, dirty work, and tiring jobs—running errands, carrying things, keeping watch, and doing odd jobs!"

"I, Ding Dong, have nothing special, except that I'm obedient, hardworking, and have sharp eyes!"

Looking at Fu Chao, who was full of fighting spirit and seemed to have found his direction in life, and Ding Dong, who was naive but loyal and eager to prove himself, Li Yunjing secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

"Alright, business's done, a partial victory!"

Li Yunjing stretched his back and shoulders, which were stiff from sitting for a long time, and smiled again. "Uncle Ma's tomato and egg soup should be ready soon. After we finish this bowl of hot soup to warm our stomachs, we'll head out."

"Everyone go back to their own homes and prepare separately."

He stretched out his hand, palm up, and placed it in the center of the kang table.

Fu Chao and Ding Dong exchanged a glance and placed their hands on top of each other without hesitation.

"Lao Fu, Dongzi,"

Li Yunjing looked into their eyes, his voice low but clear, "From today onwards, from this meal, from this handshake, we are truly in this together!"

"We all prosper together, we all suffer together!"

"Sharing joys and sorrows!"