Chapter 125: Starting a Company?

Inside the car.

They were getting closer to Friendship Inn.

Wang Qiang vaguely understood the situation on Qiujiang Road. Sitting in the passenger seat, he was contemplating his next move. He had just received 30,500 yuan from Cheng Weihong as payment for goods. Soon, Old Yao would bring the money over, and then they could make another trip to Shenzhen.

Thinking about this business worth over a hundred thousand yuan, he estimated he could make a handsome profit.

He did some quick calculations. Based on current knowledge of wholesale prices, he figured that he, Old Zhu, and Old Yao could earn around 60,000 to 70,000 yuan together. If this marketing push proved effective and more people came back to purchase goods, they might even be able to establish a trading company.

A company?

The thought of this word inexplicably excited Wang Qiang.

In his past life, he was always just an employee working for others. Could this life finally offer him the chance to be a real boss?

Wang Qiang gained a deeper understanding of the times—they truly were an era where rare goods could be held as treasures. From the merchants' chatter on Qiujiang Road that morning, it was clear their desire for products far exceeded his expectations. How could he tell? For example, how would other merchants typically react upon hearing about a cheap supplier? They might be curious, but most would probably just laugh it off, since they had so many options. Yet, the level of discussion that day was a bit exaggerated—perhaps because some online provocateurs were stirring the pot. But those who went to probe Cheng Weihong for information were likely genuine.

This was an advantage granted by the era!

Of course, the real effect still needed to be seen.

At that moment, the car had already reached the entrance of the alley. The passage was narrow, and they couldn’t drive in.

Liu Guiyi pulled up the handbrake and looked sideways seriously before saying, “I feel like you’re different from others. From now on, if there’s anything at our company, you should also offer your advice.”

Wang Qiang was puzzled. “Your company? You’re not part of the Green Gang or...” He stopped halfway, sensing the phrase was inappropriate.

Liu Guiyi replied coolly, “You mean the Green Gang? That’s history now. We only have the Chamber of Commerce and companies. Honestly, I think the company’s planning is not as sharp as your mind. Last time, the product promotion almost got messed up.”

So, she had completely cleaned up her image. Wang Qiang didn’t ask what products their company dealt with, but he knew a good promotional strategy could really boost sales. Take Brain Platinum, for example—its catchy ad greatly increased its popularity.

Wang Qiang considered this and agreed, “Within my capabilities, I can help.”

“What else do you know?” Liu Guiyi touched up her lipstick while looking into the rearview mirror.

“Nothing much, I just like to think a bit,” Wang Qiang said modestly, not one to boast. Changing the subject, he asked, “What’s your role in the company? You must be in a senior position.”

Liu Guiyi responded indifferently, “I’m not ranked at headquarters, but I’m the general manager of a subsidiary. Actually, I don’t have much say. The business is struggling, and the old man couldn’t stand it, so he sent someone over to take over.”

“Really? You don’t understand management?” Wang Qiang asked.

“It’s not about management—it’s about the company’s products and business. There are no good projects,” Liu Guiyi said calmly.

Remembering how Liu Guiyi had helped him before, Wang Qiang blinked and said, “Alright, if I come across any good business projects, I’ll recommend them to you. What field does your company operate in?”

Before Liu Guiyi could answer, the phone on the car rang.

Wang Qiang wanted to ask if they should avoid answering, but Liu Guiyi had already picked up.

“Ms. Liu, where did you go last night?” The voice belonged to a woman.

Liu Guiyi chuckled softly, “I was meeting a client yesterday. Why? Is there something going on at the company?”

The woman sighed, “You can’t fool me. The old man came by earlier and didn’t see you. He asked me to check. Ms. Liu, don’t tell me you’re dating someone now? Just a heads-up—even if you want to date, you first have to pass the old man and the heir’s approval. They have to think the person is good before they agree. Your status is different, you know?”

Liu Guiyi laughed, “No, not even close.”

“That’s good. I know quite a few rich young masters are chasing after you, but they don’t meet our internal requirements. You’d better come back soon. The old man is waiting,” the woman said, relieved.

Liu Guiyi smiled, “Alright, I’ll be back within half an hour. Tell the old man not to worry.”

The woman said, “Half an hour? Hurry up then.”

“No worries. It’s not the first time he’s waited for me. At most, I’ll get scolded a bit,” Liu Guiyi said casually.

The woman muttered, “The old man wouldn’t really scold you. He’s counting on you to hold the fort. Anyway, just hurry.”

They hung up.

Wang Qiang immediately said, “You go ahead, just put the four-piece set on the ground.”

“Okay.” Liu Guiyi went back to her usual expressionless demeanor.

The two got out, took down the four-piece set, and neatly stacked it by the roadside.

For some reason, Wang Qiang suddenly felt that this seemingly formidable “Red Flag Fifth Master” usually wore a mask in life. For example, during the call, her tone was very gentle, but when she spoke to him, it was neither cold nor distant—perhaps that was her true self. After all, Wang Qiang had no vested interests with her and didn’t need to wear a mask around her.

After picking up the four-piece set, Wang Qiang waved, “See you next time, Sister Liu.”

Liu Guiyi replied, “Yeah, next time you owe me a coffee.”

Wang Qiang said, “No problem, I can afford a cup of coffee. Take care.”

Liu Guiyi nodded slightly, said nothing more, and got back into the car. Suddenly, she rolled down the window again and asked, “When will you be free?”

Wang Qiang thought for a moment, “At least three or four days from now.”

Watching the car drive away, Wang Qiang couldn’t help but shake his head with a smile. Although he found Liu Guiyi’s ruthless style a bit intimidating, he was comfortable around her. She wasn’t pretentious, just a little reserved. For a company general manager to accompany him to sleep in a shabby inn in Haitong was something he appreciated.

Enough thinking.

Wang Qiang made a call at a small roadside shop, asking Old Zhu to come out and help carry the four-piece set.

After a few minutes, Old Yao and Old Zhu appeared together.

...

After moving the four-piece set,

they returned to Friendship Inn.

All three were drenched in sweat, and the landlady brought them tea and water.

Old Yao leaned against the counter, took a sip of tea, and smiled, “Little Wang, your idea worked. This morning, the people I paid to make calls told me that many are asking about us.”

“Why don’t we start a company?” Old Zhu suggested, his face glowing with excitement. “Once we have a company, we’ll be impressive.”

The landlady rolled her eyes. “So you want to start a company just to look impressive? Don’t you want to think about making more money?”

Wang Qiang said nothing. The three men’s enthusiasm for starting a company grew.

Somehow, as they talked, their discussion circled back to promoting and packaging themselves.

Placing his cup on the counter, Old Yao said, “Little Wang, I told everyone that Cheng Weihong has linked up with a big supplier, and it worked well. So, what’s our next move? When do we show ourselves?”

“Yes,” Old Zhu and his wife also pressed the question, all three looking at Wang Qiang, waiting for his direction.

Hearing their words, Wang Qiang thought for a moment. “Let me think.”

“Take your time; we won’t rush you,” Old Yao said, pulling out a small black pouch from behind the counter. “I brought the money. When will you go for the goods?”

“This afternoon,” Wang Qiang answered casually.

Old Zhu hurriedly said, “Before you go, set the tone for us.” He was always impatient.

But his words made sense—who knew how long Wang Qiang would be away? It would be better to use that time to refine their plan.

In truth, Wang Qiang wasn’t just thinking about when to show their face; he was pondering the company. Indeed, after this deal, they would have enough money to start a company. But should he appear in his own name or the company’s name?

He hesitated.

Seeing Wang Qiang silent for a while, Old Yao and Old Zhu looked at each other, thinking he had no idea yet, so they stopped pressing.

But just as they thought that, Wang Qiang spoke carefully.

He decided, “Brother Yao, have someone find out who this big supplier is. Have them spread the word using my story. Then, after a day, have them mention my name. That way, when I deliver goods to Cheng Weihong next time, I believe someone will notice and might come looking for me.”

He thought it over and chose to appear in his own name since the company was still unsettled.

Old Yao readily agreed, showing no objection even to Wang Qiang using his own name. “Alright, I’ll follow your lead.”

Old Zhu eagerly asked, “What about the company? What do you think?”

“Fine. You guys check for some cheap office spaces and ask about company registration procedures. We’ll talk more after I return with the goods. Okay?” Wang Qiang said.

Old Zhu confirmed, “We’re really starting a company?”

Wang Qiang laughed wryly, “Weren’t you the one always saying we should start a company? I think it’s a good idea. So let’s do it.”

Old Zhu couldn’t hide his joy, “Then we’ll have face when we go out—the bosses of a company.”

Well, it seemed Old Zhu couldn’t get past the importance of appearances. But Wang Qiang agreed that starting a company had advantages. With a company, others instinctively saw you as capable and would no longer distrust people like Cheng Weihong. Plus, having a base made it easier for clients to find them.

They definitely needed to start a company, even if just in name.

Wang Qiang had made up his mind. After returning from Shenzhen, his father would likely arrive from Xixi to oversee the company, allowing Wang Qiang to focus on the four-piece set business.

Hearing the decision to start a company, Old Yao beamed and immediately called Wang Qiang into a small room. He took some cash from the pouch—40,000 yuan—and said, “Here’s forty thousand. Hurry up and get the goods. We’ll discuss the company after you come back.”

“Okay,” Wang Qiang accepted the money.

The funds were finally gathered. Let’s go to Shenzhen, and when we return, we’ll start the company!