Rebirth: Fan Debiao rises from the Liaobei land

Less than half a month after Ma Dashuai's shop opened, trouble struck.

The first person to come to the door was a young man in his early twenties who had bought a Nokia 8250, but it wouldn't turn on after only three days. The young man brought the phone to the door, and when Ma Dashuai opened the back cover, he saw that the battery contacts were rusted.

"Boss, did your phone get wet?" the young man said, displeased.

"No way, it's a new machine!" Ma Dashuai retorted stubbornly. "You must be using it incorrectly."

"I used it improperly? I treat my brand new phone like a precious treasure!" the young man snapped. "If you don't replace it for me today, I'll report you to the Industry and Commerce Bureau!"

Ma Dashuai was about to argue when two more people came into the store. One was holding a Motorola V8088 and said the earpiece had no sound, while the other was holding a no-name brand phone and said it wouldn't charge.

The three men blocked the shop, and Ma Dashuai panicked.

Just then, Gangzi from Dexing Communications across the street heard the noise and came over.

"What's going on?" Gangzi asked.

"He sells refurbished phones! He's ripping people off!" the young man said, pointing at Ma Dashuai.

Gangzi picked up the Nokia 8250, examined it, and then opened the back cover for a closer look. He knew what was going on. It was a typical refurbished phone; the outer casing was new, but the motherboard and battery inside were used.

"Uncle Ma, you have to help them resolve this," Gangzi said.

"Solve what? I didn't sell counterfeit goods!" Ma Dashuai shouted, sticking out his neck.

Gangzi pulled Ma Dashuai aside and lowered his voice: "Uncle Ma, you know perfectly well where you got this machine. If this really goes to the Industry and Commerce Bureau, they'll find out everything, and it won't be as simple as just replacing the goods."

General Ma's face paled, but he gritted his teeth and said, "Fine, I'll change it!"

He replaced the machines for the three men, but they were still refurbished. The three men left, cursing and swearing.

Two days later, the people from the Industry and Commerce Bureau really came.

The team leader was Section Chief Wang, the same one who investigated Dexing Communications last time. He flashed his badge as he entered: "Ma Dashuai, right? Someone reported you for selling counterfeit and substandard mobile phones; we're here to investigate."

Ma Dashuai's legs went weak: "Section Chief Wang, I...I'm running a legitimate shop..."

"Whether it's legitimate or not, we'll only know after we check." Section Chief Wang waved his hand, and two clerks began rummaging through the counter.

This investigation uncovered seven or eight problematic machines. Some had mismatched serial numbers, some had forged network access licenses, and others were counterfeit machines assembled directly from second-hand motherboards.

"These machines are all temporarily seized." Section Chief Wang issued the ticket. "Your shop is temporarily closed for investigation. The fine is five thousand yuan, payable within a specified period."

Ma Dashuai was dumbfounded: "Five thousand? Section Chief Wang, my shop just opened, and I haven't made any money yet..."

"What were you thinking all this time?" Section Chief Wang said sternly. "What were you thinking when you were selling counterfeit goods?"

The business administration officials loaded the problematic machines onto a truck and drove them away, then sealed the store entrance.

Ma Dashuai slumped down at the shop entrance, clutching his head.

Across the street from Dexing Communications, Xiao Juan was peering out the window watching the commotion when Fan Debiao glared at her: "What are you looking at? Get back to work."

That evening, Yu Fen and Ma Xiao Cui went to Fan De Biao's house.

Yu Fen's eyes were red: "Biao Zi, your brother-in-law's shop... has been shut down by the Industry and Commerce Bureau."

Fan Debiao was making tea and nodded: "I've heard about it."

"And a fine of five thousand..." Yu Fen's voice trembled. "Biao Zi, please help your brother-in-law. Where does he get the money to pay the fine?"

Fan Debiao didn't say anything, but poured a glass of water for the two of them.

Ma Xiaocui whispered, "Uncle, my dad knows he was wrong, please help him."

Fan Debiao lit a cigarette and took a couple of puffs: "Where's my sister-in-law?"

"I'm drinking alone at home, I don't dare to come see you," Yufen said.

"Okay, I'll go check on him."

Fan Debiao followed Yu Fen to their house. Ma Dashuai was sitting inside drinking a small bottle of liquor, which was almost empty.

"Biaozi is here..." Ma Dashuai looked up, then looked down again.

Fan Debiao sat down, took a glass, poured himself some wine, and asked, "Brother-in-law, what happened to the shop?"

"The Industry and Commerce Bureau... says I'm selling counterfeit goods," Ma Dashuai said in a muffled voice.

Are you selling counterfeit goods?

General Ma remained silent.

Fan Debiao took a sip of his drink: "Brother-in-law, when you wanted to open a shop, I lent you 20,000 yuan. You said you wanted to sell Nokia and Motorola phones, which wouldn't conflict with my business. And now?"

"I...I just want to make some quick money..." Ma Dashuai muttered.

"Making money? Is that what you call making money?" Fan Debiao slammed down his glass. "You're ripping people off! Selling refurbished phones, selling knock-offs—do you think it's easy for people to save up for a phone? And you're selling them a bunch of junk?"

General Ma blushed deeply, "I...I don't understand either..."

"I don't understand what kind of shop you're running?" Fan Debiao retorted angrily. "Do you think business is so easy? I, Fan Debiao, have achieved what I am today step by step! Do you think I just won over a million in the lottery and can just lie at home counting my money? I spend every day thinking about how to source goods, how to sell them, how to negotiate with manufacturers, and how to deal with customers! And you, you think you can get rich by collecting a pile of junk?"

These words were harsh, and Commander Ma lost face: "Fan Debiao, what do you mean? Are you lecturing me?"

"I'm going to teach you a lesson!" Fan Debiao stood up. "You're my brother-in-law, and I respect you because my sister passed away early. But you can't act like this! This time it's a five thousand yuan fine, but what about next time? What if someone buys your phone and something happens? Can you afford to take the responsibility?"

General Ma also stood up: "I can't take that responsibility! I, General Ma, am not as capable as you! Okay?"

"You still don't understand!" Fan Debiao pointed outside, "Your shop is sealed off right now, and all the neighbors have seen it. Who will dare to do business with you anymore? Your reputation in Kaiyuan is ruined!"

These words struck a nerve with Ma Dashuai, who plopped back down in his chair and covered his face.

Yu Fen wiped away her tears beside her, saying, "Biaozi, please stop talking..."

Fan Debiao took a deep breath, suppressed his anger, took out five thousand yuan from his pocket, and put it on the table: "I'll pay the fine. You don't need to keep the shop open. I'll find someone to dispose of the remaining goods for you; you can recoup as much as you can."

Ma Dashuai stared at the stack of money, his eyes reddening: "Biaozi, I..."

"Stop talking." Fan Debiao waved his hand. "Brother-in-law, let me give you a suggestion. If you still want to do something, and it really doesn't work out, I'll talk to General Manager Wu. If you go back to Victoria, I'll give you a raise. It'll definitely work out. Don't mess around with things."

Commander Ma lowered his head and after a long while said, "I...I'll think about it some more."

After leaving Ma Dashuai's house, Fan Debiao felt a tightness in his chest.

Gangzi was waiting for him downstairs: "Brother Biao, what about Uncle Ma...?"

"It's settled." Fan Debiao lit a cigarette. "Gangzi, tomorrow find two people to take inventory of the remaining goods in your brother-in-law's shop. Return what can be returned, and dispose of what can't be returned."

"clear."

As the two walked back, Gangzi hesitated for a moment and said, "Brother Biao, there's something I'm not sure if I should say."

"explain."

"Although Uncle Ma lost money this time, he's definitely not satisfied," Gangzi said. "I'm worried he'll cause trouble again in the future."

"I know," Fan Debiao exhaled a puff of smoke, "but what can we do? He's my brother-in-law; we can't just watch him fall into a pit and do nothing."

"That's true."

Fan Debiao stopped in front of Dexing Communications. The lights were still on inside, and Xiao Juan was cleaning.

"Gangzi, what do you think is the next step for our business?"

Gangzi was taken aback: "Brother Biao, your business is doing so well now, how do you plan to leave?"

"It's good, but not enough." Fan Debiao looked around the store. "The Kaiyuan market is only so big. No matter how popular TCL and Xiamen are, there will be a time when the market will be saturated. We need to think about the next step."

"Open a branch?"

"We'll definitely open a branch, but not now," Fan Debiao said. "I'm thinking we need to move upstream."

"Upstream?"

"We're going to talk to the manufacturer about deeper cooperation," Fan Debiao said. "For example, setting up a repair center or a training base in Kaiyuan. That way, even if there are any changes to the agency rights in the future, we'll have leverage."

Gangzi seemed to understand but not quite: "Brother Biao, why are you thinking so far ahead?"

"He who does not plan for the future will have trouble in the present." Fan Debiao patted him on the shoulder. "Alright, get some rest. We'll be busy tomorrow."

The next day, Fan Debiao went to the Industry and Commerce Bureau to pay the fine.

Section Chief Wang collected the money and issued a receipt, saying, "Boss Fan, you'd better keep a close eye on your brother-in-law from now on. This time it's just a fine, but next time it won't be so simple."

"I understand, thank you, Section Chief Wang." Fan Debiao offered a cigarette. "Section Chief Wang, there's something else I'd like to ask you."

"you say."

"I'd like to set up a mobile phone repair center in Kaiyuan, one that includes training. Do you think the paperwork is easy to handle?"

Section Chief Wang thought for a moment and said, "The repair center needs a special industry license, and the training also needs approval from the labor bureau. But this is a good thing; it can solve employment issues, so we will definitely support it."

"So, where should I begin?"

"Here's what I'll do. I'll write you a note. Go find Old Liu at the Labor Bureau." Section Chief Wang took out paper and pen. "He's the deputy director, he handles these things. Just say I recommended him, he'll definitely help."

"Thank you so much, Section Chief Wang."

After leaving the Industry and Commerce Bureau, Fan Debiao went to the Labor Bureau. Old Liu, after reading Section Chief Wang's note, said enthusiastically, "Boss Fan, your idea is great! With mobile phones so common now, repair is a huge market. We can cooperate on training; it'll be vocational skills training, and we can even apply for subsidies."

"That's great," Fan Debiao said. "Director Liu, how about this? I'll draft a plan first, and we can discuss the specific details later."

"Okay, come find me when you're done."

After leaving the Labor Bureau, Fan Debiao felt more confident.

If this repair center project succeeds, Dexing Communications will no longer be just a mobile phone seller, but a comprehensive store integrating sales, repair, and training. This would be absolutely unprecedented in Kaiyuan.

Back at the store, Gangzi and his men had already cleared out all the stock in Ma Dashuai's store.

"Brother Biao, the inventory is done." Gangzi handed over the list. "We refunded 3,800 yuan that could be refunded, and disposed of the rest for 800 yuan. We broke even on 4,600 yuan in total."

Fan Debiao glanced at the list: "Okay, got it."

"And this money..."

"Let's leave it for now," Fan Debiao said. "We'll give it to him when my brother-in-law has thought it through."

Just then, the phone rang. It was Wu Derong.

"Debiao, are you free tonight? A friend from the provincial capital is visiting. He's a mobile phone wholesaler and would like to get to know you."

"Are you free? What time?"

Six o'clock, the usual place.

After hanging up the phone, Fan Debiao pondered for a moment. Wholesalers in the provincial capital—that might be a viable option.

If we could get the goods directly from the provincial capital, not only mobile phones, but also accessories and repair parts, the repair center would be much more reliable.

"Gangzi, come to Victoria with me tonight."

"Okay."

Six o'clock in the evening, in a private room on the third floor of Victoria.

Wu Derong's friend, surnamed Zheng, was in his forties, wore gold-rimmed glasses, and looked like a shrewd man.

"Mr. Zheng, this is Fan Debiao, the boss of Dexing Communications, whom I mentioned to you," Wu Derong introduced.

General Manager Zheng shook hands with Fan Debiao: "Boss Fan, you're young and promising. You've really brought the mobile phone market in Kaiyuan to life."

"Mr. Zheng, you flatter me. I'm just trying to make a living," Fan Debiao said modestly.

After a few drinks, they started chatting. Mr. Zheng has four stalls on Sanhao Street in Shenyang, mainly doing wholesale, distributing goods to all parts of the province.

"Boss Fan, I heard you're thinking of starting a repair center?" General Manager Zheng asked.

"That's the idea," Fan Debiao said. "With mobile phones becoming more and more common, the repair market is huge."

"Good idea," Mr. Zheng nodded. "However, in the repair business, technical skills are key. You need professional repair technicians and access to spare parts."

"Does Mr. Zheng have connections?"

"I do have connections," Mr. Zheng smiled. "I have a friend in Shenzhen who specializes in mobile phone accessories and repair equipment. If you're really interested, I can introduce you."

"That's wonderful." Fan Debiao raised his glass. "President Zheng, I'd like to toast you."