All the heavens begin with the love in the courtyard.

However, Gao Shengnan had been researching electric fans for many years, and her technical expertise was far beyond what they could match. Gao Shengnan originally wanted to join the Jinzhou Second Machinery Factory, but Lei Dongbao was worried about her health, or perhaps he was worried that Song Yunping would discover her abnormal health condition, so he did not agree to her idea.

However, Gao Shengnan's technical skills were still inherited, and Gao Shengnan also came to work part-time for more than half a month. Fortunately, her belly is not big yet, so she managed to get by.

Soon, the electric fan project of Jinzhou No. 2 Machinery Factory was reborn once again, and a new brand was born, named Peak Electric Fan!

Yes, Lei Dongbao's goal was to bring Jinzhou Second Machinery Factory back to its peak, hence the name Peak Brand.

The electric fan is just the first project. In the future, Jinzhou Second Machinery Factory will gradually transform into an electrical appliance factory, a large state-owned factory. The road ahead will be much wider than that of the collective enterprise in Xiaolei Village. However, there will certainly be many challenges in the future. Lei Dongbao doesn't care. Anything is possible in the future!

Just as Lei Dongbao was extremely busy, an unexpected person came to his office.

A thin man, carrying two bags and with a big smile on his face, walked into Lei Dongbao's office. Lei Dongbao looked up and saw Yang Xun's smiling face.

The security guard just told Lei Dongbao that a young man named Yang Xun wanted to see him. Lei Dongbao was stunned for a while before he remembered the name and that he had known him before. Lei Dongbao then asked the security guard to let him in.

Yang Xun was dressed much better than he had a few years ago, in a simple white shirt and jeans, looking quite clean and neat. However, when he saw Lei Dongbao, he still had that humble, bowing and scraping demeanor, which left a deep impression on Lei Dongbao.

Yang Xun placed two bags on Lei Dongbao's desk and said.

"Brother Lei, I just came back from Northeast China. I brought some local specialties for you and Sister Yunping. These are local mushrooms, and these are vermicelli. They're all dried goods and don't cost much!"

Lei Dongbao smiled, glanced at the local specialties on the table, then got up and poured him a cup of tea, which Yang Xun quickly bent down to take.

Yang Xun held his water glass, looking around the office, a fleeting hint of envy in his eyes.

Lei Dongbao also casually glanced at Yang Xun. Looking at Yang Xun's expression, Lei Dongbao couldn't help but sigh that a few short years could indeed change a person's personality.

Although Yang Xun's smile was humble in the past, he was truly humble back then because he lived a humble life.

The humility on Yang Xun's face now was feigned. Lei Dongbao was very good at judging people, but this was clearly one of Yang Xun's skills. By pretending to be humble, he could evoke sympathy from others. Yang Xun had obviously mastered this skill to a high degree.

Lei Dongbao didn't take it seriously. Every adult wears a mask, and Yang Xun's humility was just that—a mask.

Lei Dongbao then asked with a smile.

How have things been in Northeast China these past few years?

Yang Xun took a sip of tea and said with a hint of helplessness.

"Brother Lei, to be honest, things aren't going too well in the Northeast right now. I feel like the economy there is stagnant. I was there for several years and nothing changed. But when I came back this time, I found that things have changed a lot in the past few years. There are many more people doing business here than before, so I've decided to stay and develop my business here!"

Lei Dongbao was quite surprised and nodded.

Yang Xun seized the opportunity and quickly continued.

"Brother Lei, I visited your Xiaolei Village a few days ago. The changes are truly astounding! A six-lane road connects directly to the county town, and there are rows of villas and factories. It's truly magnificent! Brother Lei, you're amazing!"

Lei Dongbao smiled helplessly, listening to Yang Xun's flattery. They were all acquaintances, and Yang Xun wouldn't come to him for no reason. He must have something to ask for. Lei Dongbao didn't ask and waited for Yang Xun to speak up.

Seeing that Lei Dongbao wasn't particularly proud, Yang Xun smiled somewhat sheepishly, remembering Lei Dongbao's current predicament, and then continued speaking.

"Brother Lei, it's like this, I heard that your factory is recruiting sales staff, and I've also looked into your sales rules. It seems to be an agency system. I've been doing sales in Northeast China for several years, and I just came back. I haven't found my way yet, so I was thinking of giving it a try with you, Brother Lei. What do you think?"

Lei Dongbao was taken aback; Yang Xun had come to work as a salesman for him.

Lei Dongbao replied with a smile almost without thinking.

"There's no problem with this!"

Upon hearing Lei Dongbao's agreement, Yang Xun nodded, looked up at Lei Dongbao, and finally said with some difficulty.

"Brother Lei, I also want to ask you for a favor!"

Lei Dongbao nodded and pondered for a moment before speaking.

"you say!"

Yang Xun quickly stepped forward and said somewhat embarrassedly.

"Here's the thing, Brother Lei, I had saved up some money in the Northeast over the past two years, but I had an accident recently and lost it all. I don't have any funds on me right now. I heard that you guys pay for your own purchases here, so I'd like to ask you if I can buy on credit!"

Lei Dongbao was taken aback. He thought for a moment and was about to answer when Yang Xun quickly took out a piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to him while saying, "I'm going to answer."

"Brother Lei, I've actually been learning about your factory's products lately. I've prepared a sales plan for your products, could you please take a look and see what you think?"

Lei Dongbao took the paper and looked at it carefully. He was stunned when he saw it. He looked up at Yang Xun again and after a while, he slowly said.

"Yang Xun, the factory definitely cannot extend credit; that's a rule I set myself!"

Upon hearing this, Yang Xun immediately lowered his head, but then Lei Dongbao spoke up.

"However, it's a personal matter, but I can lend you the money!"

Yang Xun's previously downcast mood instantly lifted, and he immediately looked at Lei Dongbao with a delighted expression.

Lei Dongbao put away the paper and said with a smile.

"Yang Xun, you are a talented person. I believe you will achieve great things in the future. I hope you will not let me down!"

Yang Xun nodded and bowed repeatedly, speaking with flattery.

"Brother Lei, don't worry, I promise I won't let you down. I've actually done some research on your products. Your factory's designs are a bit outdated, but the quality is fine. Most importantly, your prices are very favorable this time. I think what you said before was very good: small profits but quick turnover!"

Lei Dongbao nodded, glanced at Yang Xun, and said.

"Let's have lunch together. I'll have your sister-in-law go get the money, and we can come to the factory this afternoon to complete the formalities!"

Yang Xun nodded in agreement immediately!

Lei Dongbao agreed to lend Yang Xun the money because Yang Xun was indeed a talented young man; he had just written a sales plan for Lei Dongbao on a piece of paper.

This opportunity is similar to a sales method used in later generations, which involves renting a piece of land in a rural market for only one week, with a banner hanging on it that reads:

"Huge clearance sale at a loss! Only for five days!"

Chapter 51: Wanting to eat meat but unwilling to give up feed, desiring beauty!

Lei Dongbao was stunned for several seconds after seeing Yang Xun's sales plan before he came to his senses. This method was indeed good!

The current inventory of Jinzhou Second Machinery Factory consists of everyday items. Although the styles are a bit outdated, they would look perfectly natural if sold in rural markets or similar places!

The low prices and the five-day limited-time offer successfully attracted potential local customers. Although the purchasing power of rural markets is not high, the five-day promotion squeezes every last drop out of one market before moving on to the next – what a brilliant idea!

At noon, Lei Dongbao and Yang Xun had a meal at home. During the meal, Lei Dongbao learned about Yang Xun's experiences over the years and that he had brought back a girlfriend from Northeast China.

Looking at Yang Xun's small stature, Lei Dongbao couldn't help but sigh that the young man had a bright future!

In the afternoon, Lei Dongbao and Yang Xun went to the factory to complete some formalities, which allowed Yang Xun to also be officially registered and given him a legitimate identity. Although he was only a temporary worker and did not receive a salary, the status of a salesman in a large state-owned factory would save him a lot of trouble.

He then took out the money that Song Yunping had withdrawn that morning and handed it over to the finance office. Finally, Lei Dongbao arranged for Yang Xun to become an agent in a county. Yang Xun bowed and thanked him before leaving.

Lei Dongbao initially thought Yang Xun's appearance was just a minor incident, but he never expected that Yang Xun would bring a pleasant surprise to the Jinzhou Second Machinery Factory.

Lei Dongbao hadn't paid much attention to this matter initially, as he had countless other problems to solve: the factory was short of money, the employees were causing trouble, and he didn't even have the money to buy materials for the Peak Electric Fans.

It's almost the end of April, and we've already deployed over 300 sales staff for more than half a month. Sales have indeed yielded some results, bringing in over 100,000 yuan to the factory every week. However, this amount, after covering the expenses of a large factory with thousands of employees, is barely enough to cover the production cost of a hundred or so electric fans. Even distributing these electric fans in Anhui Province is a problem.

Just as Lei Dongbao was racking his brains, wondering whether he should ask the leaders of Jinzhou to find a way to get a loan of several million yuan as start-up capital, Yang Xun gave him a pleasant surprise.

His model of selling at a loss in rural towns was very successful. In just one week, he had already changed two rural markets and his sales exceeded 30,000 yuan.

Lei Dongbao was overjoyed when he received the news, not because of Yang Xun's sales of 30,000 yuan, but because this model could be replicated on a large scale!

So in early May, countless clearance sale banners were displayed in towns and county markets throughout Anyun Province, causing quite a stir. Some even reported that large-scale speculation and profiteering were taking place in many places.

In the end, Jinzhou used a lot of connections to suppress the matter. Although this model was very common in later generations, it was somewhat irregular in this era. However, those people were sales personnel of state-owned factories, and they were helping Jinzhou No. 2 Machinery Factory sell its inventory. Moreover, they were going to the market in the township, so the impact was not that serious.

Yang Xun's clearance sale strategy successfully resolved the previous difficulties of Jinzhou Second Machinery Factory. In the second week, nearly five million yuan was recovered. At this rate, by the end of May, the entire warehouse inventory will be cleared out, and more than ten million yuan in cash flow will be recovered.

With this money, Jinzhou Second Machinery Factory was completely revitalized. With the money, the electric fan project could be put into full operation, just in time for the peak sales season in June, allowing the sales staff to continue their work.

With money, so many problems could be solved. Lei Dongbao immediately paid three months' wages to everyone in the factory. Although three months' wages were still outstanding, Lei Dongbao assured everyone at the factory-wide meeting that everyone's wages would be paid in full by the end of June at the latest, and that he would strive to get more bonuses for everyone in the future.

Qian is a damn bastard. As soon as the wages are paid and the machines start running, everyone in the factory suddenly becomes much more polite to Lei Dongbao. Those who used to be dissatisfied with Lei Dongbao have now quickly become his loyal supporters.

As soon as news broke that Jinzhou Second Machinery Factory had money, the banks, like sharks smelling fish, rushed to Lei Dongbao's office to demand payment.

Although the Jinzhou Second Machinery Factory now has a leader, the old man basically doesn't manage anything. He also holds a position in Jinzhou. He represents Jinzhou and supports any decision Lei Dongbao makes. Anyway, the Jinzhou Second Machinery Factory is almost dead, so it's handed over to Lei Dongbao to do whatever he wants.

Unexpectedly, after only one month of implementation, it has already caused some trouble. Although more than ten million is not enough to fill this hole, it is still an astronomical figure. There are two different opinions in Jinzhou.

The first option is naturally to support Lei Dongbao in continuing his endeavors, and let him use the funds as he sees fit.

The second opinion is that now that we finally have this much money, we should pay salaries first and then repay the bank loan. We can deal with the rest later.

In the end, Jinzhou did not interfere with Lei Dongbao's decisions, allowing him to squander the funds completely.

As for how to use this money, Lei Dongbao only used it to pay off three months' salary, and didn't use the rest to pay off any of his debts. Naturally, he couldn't expect to get any money from the bank either.

He even persuaded the bank to continue lending five million to Jinzhou Second Machinery Factory, and it actually worked. The reason it worked was because his name was Lei Dongbao. The bank leaders in Jinzhou were all acquaintances of Xiao Lei. Just the name Lei Dongbao was enough to secure a loan of five million. Moreover, everyone was full of confidence that Lei Dongbao was coming to develop the electric fan project!

With the money, Lei Dongbao ordered the factory to ramp up production and start manufacturing Peak brand electric fans. The newly designed models and the materials and components were no worse than those of Leiting Electric Factory, and the cost was even lower.

There is only one reason: Jinzhou No. 2 Machinery Factory is a state-owned enterprise, and its material procurement costs are much better than those of township collective enterprises like Xiaoleijia.

If it weren't for the support from Jinling County and the city, Leiting Electric wouldn't have been able to stock up on so much inventory this year. In recent years, the rapid rise of township collective enterprises has seriously affected the operation of state-owned enterprises. Therefore, this year, the higher authorities have issued a document requiring all localities to impose restrictions on township collective enterprises in terms of raw materials.

By restricting the raw materials of township enterprises, we can strangle them, giving state-owned enterprises a much-needed respite and a chance to breathe.

Of course, the final solution ended in failure, but this tactic did indeed destroy many township enterprises.

But now, Jinzhou No. 2 Machinery Factory is a large state-owned factory, wearing a yellow vest, and has no obstacles in its path.

With the money, Lei Dongbao began to act according to his plan. He indeed found that in many aspects, having the identity of a state-owned enterprise made things much easier.

For example, when you go to a shopping mall to discuss the issue of stocking products, once they hear that you are a state-owned enterprise, they will subconsciously not refuse. As for whether you can sell them, that depends on how strong your brand is.

Lei Dongbao negotiated poster advertising deals with ease, especially in Jinzhou. As long as you used the name of Jinzhou Second Machinery Factory, you could put up posters anywhere at intersections and no one would bother you.

However, if it's a township enterprise like Xiao Lei's, and you don't report it and just hang up posters anywhere, sorry, more than three departments will immediately come with their notebooks to impose fines.

This is the advantage that comes with being a state-owned enterprise. In mid-May, Lei Dongbao visited Anyun Provincial Television Station and directly contracted advertising slots for six time periods throughout the day, costing less than 500,000 yuan.

Television commercials actually existed as early as 1979, and even CCTV started advertising in 80. However, Lei Dongbao's Peak electric fan in Anhui Province was the first to advertise, mainly because there were very few advertisements at that time.

In an era when even electric fans were not common, television sets were a luxury, so there were naturally fewer advertisements. After Lei Dongbao took over the Anyun Provincial Television Station, he began to quickly seize advertising space in other newspapers and magazines.

In fact, due to the success of Thunder Fan's newspaper advertisement last year, the price of newspaper advertisements has tripled this year. Even at three times the price last year, there is still a constant stream of people wanting to advertise.

Nobody's a fool. The profitability of advertising is there for all to see, so why wouldn't everyone scramble for it?

This year, newspaper ads were all for electric fans, and Lei Dongbao, not minding the crowd, also took up a spot.

In addition to Anhui Provincial TV Station, Lei Dongbao began to target Shanghai TV Station, Zhejiang Provincial TV Station, Fujian Provincial TV Station, and Guangdong Provincial TV Station. Besides TV stations, he also began to extensively advertise in local newspapers and other media.

Spending money really flies by. The total advertising and marketing budget for four provinces and one municipality was five million, and it was spent almost without batting an eye.