Rebirth 1983: Building My Business Empire-Chapter 104 - 98 Relying on Oneself
Chapter 104: Chapter 98 Relying on Oneself
Lu Jiajie suggested producing twenty thousand pairs of winter shoes for two reasons, first, the shoe designs by Lu Jiaxin looked great, and second, he hoped Lu Hongjun could help sell them.
Fearing that Jiaxin would disagree, he said, “Xinxin, Third Uncle has a wide network. As long as our shoes truly look good, keep warm, and are waterproof just like you said, he can quickly help you sell them.”
Lu Jiaxin scoffed, “You think he would help me sell the shoes?”
Lu Jiajie was sure as he said, “Don’t worry, he definitely will. Although the shoes imported from Hong Kong are nice-looking, they are not warm enough. Once our shoes are on the department store shelves, I believe people will scramble for them.”
Lu Jiaxin thought he was overly optimistic, “What if they find out the shoes are bought from me? It will definitely affect his job, and in the worst case, he might have to retire early. I think he won’t risk helping me; he’ll just let me fend for myself.”
The procurement by department stores follows a process and is a business-to-business transaction, which does not accommodate purchases from private individuals.
...
Lu Jiajie realized this was indeed a problem and, after thinking, said, “Xinxin, I’ll call Third Uncle now and talk to him about this, to discuss a proper way to solve this issue.”
Lu Jiaxin waved her hand, “As long as these shoes are up to my standard, I won’t be worried about selling them. If you go to him, even if he is willing to help, he would use it as leverage to control me.”
Ignoring her, Lu Jiajie stepped out to call Lu Hongjun while she read books inside the room.
Upon receiving the call, Lu Hongjun requested Lu Jiajie to bring Lu Jiaxin back, “What’s all this fuss about? If business were so easy, everyone would have dived into it long ago.”
Lu Jiajie spoke with him for a long time, “Third Uncle, how about this: after signing the contract with the factory, I’ll send a few sample pairs to you. If you don’t like the shoes after seeing them, then we can discuss further.”
The uncle and nephew talked for quite some time; Lu Jiajie felt the pinch paying the phone bill.
Returning to the rented house, Lu Jiajie said to Lu Jiaxin, “Third Uncle suggested that I register a company. He also said if the shoes we make are as good as you’ve mentioned, he will help sell them.”
Lu Jiaxin kept silent.
Lu Jiajie explained, “Department store sales have plummeted these past two years; Third Uncle is also under a lot of pressure. If our leather shoes sell well in the department stores and increase the turnover, his pressure will not be as great.”
Lu Jiaxin had long seen through Lu Hongjun, and after a short laugh, she asked, “He can’t be so easy to talk to. Tell me, what did he ask for?”
Lu Jiajie felt a little uneasy from her laughter, his voice involuntarily lowered, “Xinxin, I will go back to work, and you will have to go to college later; Third Uncle said the company cannot be registered under either of our names.”
It didn’t matter to Lu Jiaxin under whose name the company was registered, since it was just a shell. Besides, without a channel, she had even considered collaborating with Hong Kong people, which would classify it as a foreign enterprise, eligible for many preferential policies.
Although these preferential policies were heavily criticized in later years, it was undeniable that they attracted a large number of businessmen from Hong Kong, Bay Island, and abroad to invest, which rapidly developed Peng City.
Lu Jiaxin asked, “Did he say whose name the company would be registered under?”
“Third Uncle said he would take care of it and told us not to worry about it…”
Lu Jiaxin calmly asked, “Besides that, were there any other demands?”
Read 𝓁at𝙚st chapters at ƒrēenovelkiss.com Only.
“Third Uncle said he would leave the local matters to me, and if there are any troubles, I should seek help from uncle,” he replied.
“And what about me?” she inquired.
“You’re not well; it’s better to go back to the Forty-nine City to recuperate,” he responded.
Lu Jiaxin snorted, “That’s quite a move to undermine me.”
Lu Jiajie tried to speak in favor of Lu Hongjun, “Jiaxin, Third Uncle is also concerned about your health. Look, you’ve been here for so short a time yet were sick twice.”
He didn’t think there was anything wrong with Lu Hongjun’s arrangement; after all, it was done out of concern for his sister.
Lu Jiaxin said disdainfully, “If I really go back now, there are two outcomes. The first is that he messes this up, and I lose a lot of money. The second, the shoes are made and find a channel to sell. But either way, the money ends up in his hands. Forget about making a profit; even the money I got from selling antique paintings will end up with him.”
Based on her understanding of Lu Hongjun, the second possibility was more likely. With her palm upward asking for money, Lu Hongjun could continue to play their father’s role.
Lu Jiajie thought she was overthinking, “Xinxin, Third Uncle only has you as his child; all his wealth will eventually be left to you; how could he possibly take your money?”
Upon hearing this, Lu Jiaxin regretted asking him for help, although the thought was fleeting. Her health was too poor to manage without Lu Jiajie’s assistance.
Lu Jiaxin stated, “He always used to say I’m the most important person in his world, that he would fight anyone who dared to harm a single hair on my head. But what about now? Ding Jing almost killed me, and all he did was utter a few half-hearted words.”
“Fifth Brother, Ding Jing has him so enchanted that he doesn’t even care if his own daughter lives or dies, let alone his wealth, which she could easily coax away. He says he’ll leave his wealth to me, such empty talk, not a word of which do I believe.”
“His wealth is his own to give to whomever he wishes. But my money, he shouldn’t even dream of touching it. If he dares to try, I’ll publicly disown him in the newspaper and then sue him in court,” Jiaxin declared.
Previously when she threatened to sever ties with Lu Hongjun, people around her thought she was merely speaking in anger. After all, the bond between father and daughter would likely mend over time. However, if she went as far as to declare it in a newspaper, the implications would be different, signifying their relationship was publicly dissolved. While the law may not recognize such a declaration, how would Lu Hongjun’s superiors and subordinates view him or ridicule him?
Lu Jiajie hadn’t thought so far ahead. He believed that as the only child, everything would eventually belong to her. Yet after hearing what Lu Jiaxin had to say and recalling Lu Hongjun’s actions over the years, even he was no longer sure of the future.
After some thought, Lu Jiajie suggested, “Xinxin, we still need to establish a company. If you don’t trust Third Uncle, we can put it under my name. It doesn’t matter if I lose that lousy job, if worst comes to worst I can go stall out with Xue Mao.”
Xue Mao had been selling pancakes from a stall for the more than ten days while at home. Since his pancakes were delicious, not only did the schoolchildren love to eat them, but many parents and nearby residents also frequented his stall. He had inquired about the earnings; one could make over ten yuan a day, three to four hundred in a month, which was much better than having a job.
Lu Jiaxin shook her head, “It’s not necessary to register a company, we can find an affiliate. Brother, there’s no rush for this. You have bloodshot eyes; go rest in your room. Once you’re well-rested, we can continue discussing.”
Indeed tired, Lu Jiajie didn’t insist and went to sleep in his room.
Seeing Lu Jiajie gone, Xue Mao knocked on the door and entered, then whispered like a mosquito, “Sister, I’ve hidden the painting in your book cabinet.”
