Courtyard House: A Prosperous and Joyful Life

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Looking at the scene before him, Lü Guangrong was completely dumbfounded. This didn't look like a business negotiation; it was more like a celebrity fan meeting.

Wang Jun remained calm, fully aware that these foreigners loved listening to talk about ideals and sentiments, so he decided to cater to their tastes. It seemed his persuasive rhetoric had worked quite well.

Now that the atmosphere has been set, the real deal is revealed – money.

Wang Jun casually picked up a pen, scribbled a string of numbers on a piece of paper, and calmly handed it to the foreign businessman opposite him.

Although Lü Guangrong and You Fengxia didn't understand English, they could still recognize Arabic numerals. When they leaned over to take a look, their eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. Wang Jun's prices were outrageously high—a women's coat was priced at $250, a sweatshirt at $150, and even a skirt at $100.

Lu Guangrong was terrified, his palms sweating profusely. A women's coat, at most costing thirty-odd yuan, was being asked for 250 US dollars by Wang Jun. At the black market exchange rate of eight dollars to one dollar, that's two thousand yuan!

Costs thirty, sells for two thousand? This isn't slaughtering a pig, it's slaughtering a dragon!

With such an outrageous price, would these foreigners accept it? Lu Guangrong was extremely anxious. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and if he messed it up, he would really regret it.

At this moment, the thirteen foreign businessmen took the price list and were slightly taken aback. However, they did not show the resistance that Lü Guangrong had worried about.

In the United States, an average blue-collar worker earns around $235 a week, or over $1,000 a month. A coat costs $250, which is equivalent to eight or nine days' wages for a worker. While this price isn't cheap for the cost of living in the US, it's well within an acceptable range and even considered good value.

After a few whispered discussions, the group quickly reached an agreement and nodded in unison.

Seeing the foreigner nod, Lü Guangrong suppressed his excitement and leaned closer to ask, "Boss, is it settled? How much of an order did we get?"

"It's done." Wang Jun put down his pen, his tone relaxed. "A total of thirteen orders, more than 6 pieces, and a total amount of about 900 million US dollars."

"How many?!"

Lu Guangrong felt a buzzing in his head and almost fainted on the spot. Nine million US dollars! The country is currently short of foreign exchange, and it's incredibly difficult for domestic companies to export anything. Just selling anything is a victory, let alone a multi-million dollar order like this. If word got out, wouldn't his competitors be green with envy?

"Boss, you're amazing!" Lu Guangrong was completely in awe of Wang Jun. "You closed a 900 million yuan deal so easily; your methods are incredible!"

Yu Fengxia, who was standing to the side, was also completely captivated. She looked at Wang Jun with starry eyes, becoming a little fangirl.

With the deal finalized, Wang Jun suddenly remembered his cannery. He was worried about finding a market for his hundreds of tons of canned soybeans in tomato sauce. Since the client was there, why not give it a try?

Thinking of this, Wang Jun instructed You Fengxia, "Fengxia, go to the cannery and bring back a case of canned goods. After the contract is signed, let our foreign friends have a taste."

These foreigners are all backed by big department stores. If they happen to take a liking to the canned goods, it's another free sale for them.

……

Half an hour later, the conference room was filled with a delicious aroma.

These foreigners have completely fallen for the deliciousness of the canned soybeans in tomato sauce.

"Oh my god! This tastes amazing!"

"These soybeans taste amazing! I could eat three cans a day!"

"Unbelievable! Soybeans can be made to taste this good?"

"Another can! Me too!"

A group of foreigners were eating with great relish, one can after another, unable to stop.

The scene left Lü Guangrong and You Fengxia completely bewildered. They simply couldn't understand why these foreigners were so eager for canned food, like they were starving ghosts reincarnated.

Wang Jun, however, wore a smile. This was normal. Canned food wasn't popular in China back then, but it was a necessity abroad. Americans could go through 15 cans a week, and the US was even more extreme, with the average person consuming 180 pounds a year—that's half a pound a day, practically a staple food.

After the foreigners had almost finished eating, Wang Jun smiled and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, this is canned soybeans in tomato sauce produced by our Huanyu Canned Food Factory, made with our exclusive secret recipe. What do you all think of the taste?"

The group of foreigners all gave a thumbs up, praising it highly.

"marvelous!"

"This taste is absolutely amazing!"

"I've completely fallen in love with this canned food."

I wish I could have a bite every day.

"Very delicious, very good!"

Hearing these effusive compliments, Wang Jun felt reassured. It seemed the taste of the canned tomato-sauce soybeans had completely won over these picky guys, which made things much easier.

Wang Jun didn't mince words and went straight to the point: "This canned tomato-sauce soybeans, 400 grams per can, costs $2.6. Gentlemen, would you like some?"

You see, in American supermarkets, similar canned goods would only cost a few cents to a dollar at most. Wang Jun's asking price was $2.6, which was significantly overpriced. However, Wang Jun knew in his heart that this was a high-end product made with a top-notch formula, and it was worth the price.

Good wine needs no bush; he was sure these people would buy something so delicious.

Sure enough, although these foreigners kept saying "Expensive," they still habitually tried to bargain. In the end, they managed to get the price down to $2.5 per unit, and then they all said they were ready to sign the contract.

"I want fifty tons!"

"Oh, I want a hundred tons!"

"Give me forty tons!"

"I also want thirty tons to test the waters."

Wang Jun's quoted price was indeed not low, and these people were unsure of their options. They didn't dare to invest too much money at once, and were thinking of importing a few dozen or a hundred tons first to test the waters. If it sold well, they could always come back to Wang Jun later.

Wang Jun saw right through their little scheme. He wasn't worried at all; in fact, he wanted to laugh. These people would definitely be slinking back for more goods soon. And then, the price would have to be reconsidered.

Wang Jun quickly calculated in his mind that the orders from these people totaled 660 tons. Although the quantity wasn't particularly large, the unit price was high.

One ton is approximately 2500 cans. At $2.5 per can, that's $6250. 660 tons would be a whopping $412.5!

Lu Guangrong, standing next to him, held a calculator, his fingers trembling as he pressed a few keys. The moment he got the result, his heart almost stopped.

The garment factory made over $900 million, and with the cannery's $412 million, that brings the total to $1312 million!

"Good heavens..." Lu Guangrong was so excited that he wished he could do a backflip on the spot.

"I never imagined I'd ever earn US dollars in my lifetime, let alone over ten million!"

Lu Guangrong's hands were trembling slightly; he couldn't remain calm at all. These days, even large state-owned enterprises rarely generated thirteen million in foreign exchange revenue annually. But their Huanyu Garment Factory and Huanyu Cannery had done it today!

As soon as the contract was signed, Lü Guangrong didn't waste a moment. He rushed to the broadcasting room, grabbed the megaphone, and broadcast the good news of this foreign exchange earnings. However, out of caution, he did not disclose the specific transaction amount.

It's a long-standing tradition in many state-owned factories to inform the workers of any good news as soon as possible. Wang Jun thought this was a good approach; sharing good news with everyone boosted morale and strengthened team cohesion. Besides, selling products abroad was a source of pride for the country, so there was no need to hide it.

As soon as the loudspeaker blared, the entire factory erupted in cheers.

"My God! Did you hear that? The radio said our Huanyu Garment Factory is going to export clothes and earn foreign exchange!"

"I heard that! I passed by the conference room this morning and saw that it was full of foreigners. I immediately guessed that there must be a big deal going on."

"Our factory is amazing! The clothes we produce not only sell like hotcakes domestically, but now we're selling them overseas and making money off foreigners!"

"Wow! I never expected our factory to be so amazing. When I first joined, I thought this private factory was unreliable and not as stable as a large state-owned factory."

"Who says otherwise? I also thought it was just a small workshop. I never expected them to quietly expand their business overseas. You really can't judge a book by its cover!"

"Oh no, all the clothes in the factory are going to be exported. Does that mean we won't be able to buy them domestically anymore? No way, I have to go buy one as a souvenir after I get paid!"

Upon hearing the broadcast, the female workers in the garment factory were energized, walking with a confident stride and heads held high. Working in such a prestigious factory was a source of pride and made them feel incredibly proud!

The gatekeeper's office.

Several veterans listened to the broadcast, standing ramrod straight, like soldiers at attention, their eyes radiating pride.

They were all given priority in recruitment and already had a good impression of the garment factory. Now that they heard the factory's products were being sold overseas, their appreciation for it only grew stronger. In their hearts, this factory was their home, and they wanted to protect it!

"Straighten up, everyone!" The veteran squad leader looked around and said in a deep voice, "Stand up straight while on patrol! Our factory's products are exported overseas, not some shady little workshop. We need to show some spirit and let outsiders see the style of Huanyu Garment Factory!"

In the afternoon, news that Huanyu Garment Factory and Huanyu Cannery were earning foreign exchange through exports spread like wildfire, instantly igniting public opinion.

"Big news! Big news! The global garment factory is earning foreign exchange through exports!"

"Oh my god, is this real?"

"Of course it's true! My niece works in a garment factory, and she says it's absolutely true. She saw dozens of blue-eyed, blond foreigners coming and going in the factory to discuss business!"

"Tsk tsk tsk, I never expected that even the clothes we make could be exported. Aren't foreigners supposed to wear stylish and fashionable clothes? Why would they come all the way here to buy them?"

"Isn't it obvious? Our clothes from Huanyu Garment Factory are definitely prettier and more fashionable than those from abroad, which is why foreigners are scrambling to buy them."

"Just how good are the clothes from this clothing factory? Even foreigners are attracted to them. I really want to buy one and try it on."

"Haha, Aunt Liu, you should probably give up. I heard that the cheapest clothes at Huanyu Garment Factory cost nearly 200 yuan, and the most expensive coat is priced at 599 yuan! If you want to buy one, you'll probably have to prepare a year's salary."

"My goodness! A coat for 599 yuan? Is this coat made of gold thread or something?"

"Don't make a fuss, this is called fashion, this is called high-end clothing! I heard that foreigners are only interested in this kind of high-end stuff. They don't even give a second glance to the gowns that we usually sew ourselves."

Zhou Chunming, a senior reporter at the television station, had just returned from covering a local news story. Before he even entered the office, he heard a group of middle-aged women from his neighborhood gathered together, gossiping excitedly. His professional instincts kicked in immediately, and his ears perked up instantly.

Earning foreign exchange through exports? That's the hottest topic right now, absolutely big news!

However, whether this news is true or false still needs to be verified. Zhou Chunming quickly moved closer, squeezed into the group of middle-aged women, and asked with a smile, "Aunties and ladies, is what you just said true?"

Upon seeing that it was a TV reporter, the older women and aunties started talking non-stop, chattering away:

"How could this be fake? The entire Huanyu Garment Factory broadcast it over the loudspeaker! All the girls in the factory heard it!"

"It's definitely true! Chunming, this is huge news! You should go to the factory and interview the factory manager right away; you'll be a sensation on TV!"

"Yes, yes, I saw a huge group of foreigners coming out of the factory with my own eyes. It was quite a sight!"

After listening for a while, Zhou Chunming had a general idea of ​​what was going on; it was probably true. Suppressing his excitement, he rushed back to the TV station and headed straight for his boss's office.

"Boss, I just received news that Huanyu Garment Factory and Huanyu Canned Food Factory in Beijing have made foreign exchange earnings from exports! I would like to apply for an interview."

Upon hearing this, the boss immediately jumped up from his chair. Exporting clothing to generate foreign exchange? This was unprecedented, absolutely major news!

"An interview! We absolutely must do an interview! Garment exports generating foreign exchange—that's big news. You need to dig deep into it. If everything's alright, it should be on tonight's evening news!"

"good!"

Zhou Chunming immediately packed up his equipment and rushed to Huanyu Garment Factory with the cameraman.

Upon arriving at the factory gate, security captain Liu Guangtian blocked their path. Zhou Chunming quickly pulled out his work ID and handed it over. Liu Guangtian was immediately alarmed when he saw the words "TV reporter"—this was a recipe for appearing on television!

In this day and age, appearing on television is an honor that ordinary people can't even dream of. Even just watching someone else on television is an extraordinary thing.

Zhou Chunming pressed his advantage, asking, "Comrade Security Guard, I heard that your Huanyu Garment Factory has earned foreign exchange through exports. Are you aware of this?"

Liu Guangtian puffed out his chest, his face beaming with pride: "Of course I know! These foreigners were at our factory today, and they just signed orders worth millions of US dollars! The entire factory is working overtime right now to finish those orders!"

Several million US dollars?!

Zhou Chunming was shocked and somewhat incredulous. These days, earning one million US dollars in export revenue meant you were a major exporter in the city, deserving of high praise. Several million US dollars? That was simply unimaginable!

"Could we go in and interview your factory manager?"

"Our factory director, Mr. Lü, has gone out on business, but Deputy Factory Director You is here." Liu Guangtian was very accommodating and led Zhou Chunming and his group directly into the factory area, heading straight for the office building.

At this time, Lu Guangrong had gone out to run errands at the garment factory, leaving only You Fengxia in charge.

Liu Guangtian led the reporters through the door, and You Fengxia looked up and was stunned. Although she had seen many big scenes and dealt with foreigners that morning, this was the first time she had seen a TV reporter carrying a camera and pointing it at her, and her heart skipped a beat.

Zhou Chunming quickly stepped forward and said warmly, "Hello, Comrade You Fengxia, I'm a reporter from the TV station. I'd like to conduct an interview about your factory's export earnings. Is that alright?"

You Fengxia immediately put on a smile, but inside she was panicking.

She's lived to be this old and has never even seen what a reporter looks like, and now she's being asked to give an interview? The cameraman has already run to the other side, his dark lens shoved right in her face. With that kind of situation, how could she not be scared?

However, You Fengxia suddenly recalled her boss's usual demeanor. Her boss was always incredibly calm and collected, unfazed even by the most dire circumstances. She was his right-hand woman; she couldn't afford to lose face!

Thinking of this, You Fengxia took a deep breath and tried to calm herself down.

"You Fengxia, you must stay calm! The boss might be watching TV too! If you embarrass him, you'll definitely get a dressing down, and then it'll be hard to get a raise!"

The psychological suggestion worked. You Fengxia quickly adjusted her state and didn't seem flustered at all. She even had a professional and sweet smile on her face.

She recalled how her boss would spout all sorts of profound ideas when facing foreigners, leaving them completely bewildered, which immediately boosted her confidence.

She recalled how her boss would spout all sorts of profound ideas when facing foreigners, leaving them completely bewildered, which immediately boosted her confidence.

Yu Fengxia cleared her throat and began to speak eloquently to the camera: "Our Huanyu Garment Factory is the first manufacturer in China specializing in high-end clothing. Every piece of clothing we produce is meticulously designed by master fashion designers, making them stylish, elegant, and beautiful, and deeply loved by women..."

You Fengxia imitated the boss's way of speaking, and the more she spoke, the more enthusiastic she became, talking non-stop for four or five minutes without showing any sign of stopping.

Liu Guangtian, who was standing to the side, secretly admired her. He thought to himself that You Fengxia was really capable. She was not at all nervous in front of the camera and spoke more and more fluently. No wonder she was the boss's person!

Zhou Chunming was really anxious now.

In all his years of reporting, this was the first time he had ever encountered such a talkative girl. She even brought up the feng shui of the garment factory, which was simply outrageous.

Judging from his posture, if he didn't interrupt, this girl could talk for another half hour without even taking a breath.

Zhou Chunming quickly interjected, "Comrade You Fengxia, let's talk about the export situation of Huanyu Garment Factory."

Reminded by a reporter's comment, You Fengxia finally stopped talking and got down to business.

"Our Huanyu Garment Factory signed 13 orders today, selling over 6 pieces of high-end clothing, with a total transaction value of 917 million US dollars. In addition, our Huanyu Canned Food Factory exported 660 tons of canned goods, with a transaction value of 413 million US dollars."

"The two factories together cost a total of 1330 million US dollars."

What?

1330 million US dollars?

Zhou Chunming was stunned by this astronomical figure; his head was buzzing. The amount was simply too large, almost unbelievable.

After a moment of stunned silence, I was overjoyed – big news, absolutely huge news! This absolutely has to be reported!

Zhou Chunming originally planned to leave after the interview, but upon hearing the export value of 1330 million US dollars, he changed his mind. He insisted on taking good photos of the two factories after the interview, not even missing the toilets.

So Zhou Chunming led the cameraman around the factory area, taking pictures everywhere, wishing he could record every single brick.

After filming the factory area, Zhou Chunming remembered something and asked, "Comrade You Fengxia, how much do the workers in your factory earn in a month?"

"A typical worker earns around 150 yuan a month, while a diligent worker can earn 220 yuan," You Fengxia answered readily.

Zhou Chunming and the cameraman were both stunned.

This income is ridiculously high! They all want to switch jobs and work here!

You Fengxia, on the contrary, became curious: "Reporter, your TV station's salaries must be higher than ours, right?"

Zhou Chunming: "Uh..."

He was really embarrassed to answer that question. It was true that the TV station was a good place, but the salary was only eighty or ninety yuan, which was very meager compared to this.

……

In the evening, the news was broadcast.

Yu Fengxia appeared on the television screen, speaking eloquently: "Under the leadership of our boss, our Huanyu Garment Factory and Huanyu Cannery have continuously innovated and worked hard to produce..."

The news caused an uproar, with discussions taking place everywhere.

"The World Garment Factory and the World Cannery made money off the US? A whopping 1330 million US dollars? That's incredible!"

"1330 million US dollars, my God, that'd fill half a room! These two factories are incredible."

"Tsk tsk, these two factories are right on our street, I never imagined they could produce high-end clothing and canned goods for export."

"I remember now, Huanyu Garment Factory is the one that was recruiting a while ago! I didn't expect it to be so well-known."

"The Huanyu Canned Food Factory is also hiring. I heard they're giving priority to veterans; all the male workers in the factory are veterans."

"I regret it as soon as I think about recruitment. I had a chance to get the job, but something came up and I missed it. I'm so regretful."

"That's such a pity. I heard that factory pays exceptionally well; an average worker earns 150 a month, and a diligent worker can make 220, which is more than the experienced workers!"

"220 a month? Really?"

"Of course it's true! My sister works at Huanyu Garment Factory, and she said her salary this month is 190. My sister isn't particularly attractive, and no one used to come to propose marriage to her, but now the doorstep is practically worn down by suitors!"

"Uh... I'm even thinking of proposing marriage to you..."

The women who bought clothes from Huanyu Garment Factory were overjoyed after seeing the news.

"So this shirt is an export item! This sweatshirt cost me 320 yuan, it's a bit pricey, but it was worth it!"

"No wonder it's so fashionable, it's an export product."

"It looks so beautiful on me, but it's an export item. No, this dress is too precious; I can't put it in the washing machine, I have to hand wash it."

"I bought an export-grade coat for 599 yuan, what a steal! I have to take some photos in it!"

……

In the courtyard house.

You Fengxia ran excitedly to find Wang Jun.

She was in an incredibly good mood after appearing on television and getting a lot of exposure. She came over as soon as the news ended.

"Boss, I did a good job today, didn't I?" You Fengxia said with a smug look on her face.

Wang Jun glanced at her: "Not bad."

To be honest, You Fengxia's performance exceeded his expectations. He originally thought that this girl would be so nervous in front of the camera that she would tremble, but she handled the interview very well.

Hearing the praise, You Fengxia beamed and leaned forward, saying, "Boss, I've done such a good job, how about a raise?"

That's right, all she wants is a raise; nothing else matters.

The boss made so much money, and he only gave me an extra 20 yuan?

That's incredibly stingy!