Chapter 2134: High-end Sales

Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

“What is the issue that even Boss Qian can’t solve?” Qiao Mei teased.

Qiao Mei had only managed the factory for a short period of time when it was first set up. After that, it was Qian’e and Li Gui who took care of the factory. Later on, Li Gui fell ill and Qiao Mei went to study in Country M. The entire factory was then left to Qian’e. There were no problems for the past three years and they had been making good profits.

“It’s still those relatives of Zhao Fei’s wife! They’re still selling the goods now! They totally can’t be bothered with us! Previously, they only sold popcorn, but now they even sell braised meat! They’re trying to pick a fight!” Qian’e said.

Qiao Mei had thought that Zhao Fei would advise Ding Xiang not to go up against the factory. She did not expect these people to be so heedless of consequences.

“I’ve made arrangements to import many machines from Country M. They’ll be arriving at the port tomorrow. Ask Chi Ze and the others to go and pick them up,” Qiao Mei said.

“How much money will it cost this time?” Qian’e asked.

“Probably about 600,000 dollars,” Qiao Mei said.

“What! About 600,000 dollars! You’re really my ancestor! Do you know the actual amount of profit the factory makes in a year! You rattle off 600,000 dollars like it’s nothing! Where am I supposed to find this amount of money!” Qian’e said agitatedly.

“I’m not using the factory’s money. The business in Shen City is doing quite well. The money is coming out of the dividends they give me. Just treat it as my additional investment into our factory,” Qiao Mei said calmly.

Qian’e sat on the stool and looked at the account ledgers with a sigh. Back then, she had already punished Ding Xiang and the others once, but it seemed that they did not learn their lesson. Now that the economy had opened up, they took on a new name and continued to sell their products. Furthermore, their popcorn and braised meat were much cheaper than the factory’s.

The losses were not substantial, but they could not let these people continue doing this. Otherwise, as time passed, no one would buy the factory’s popcorn and braised meat anymore.

“By the way, how’s it going with Han Chen?” Qiao Mei asked curiously.

“You’re still in the mood to be nosy about me and Han Chen! The matter at the factory is stressful enough. Where do I have the energy to contact him!” Qian’e said.

“I’ve bought a batch of vacuum machines and machinery to make canned food. We won’t do retail sales anymore. We will change to doing distribution,” Qiao Mei said.

“What do you mean? Why can’t I understand what you’re saying?” Qian’e asked, feeling at a loss.

Qiao Mei had never intended to do retail sales for the long term. She wanted to take the high-end route. Now that the economy was developing quickly, many people needed to take the train to various cities to buy goods. The capital was one of the largest supply points in the country.

These people had to eat and sleep on the train while moving around. The bento boxes sold on the train were very expensive and many businessmen could not bear to spend money on these items. Most people would choose to buy canned food and bread to fill their stomachs.

Within the next few years, all kinds of canned food would definitely become very popular. The process of making canned food was very complicated and one needed to have the right kind of machinery. This was not a business that small peddlers could do behind closed doors.

“So that’s the use of vacuum machines!” Qian’e came to a realization.

“The braised meat can be vacuum-packed, and so can the popcorn. Not only will we supply it to the train operators, but we’ll also supply it to the long-distance bus station. As for the rest of the food, we can supply it to my mother’s restaurant and those government canteens which Eldest Brother had contacted for us. There’s a lot of money to be made in this business,” Qiao Mei said.

Qian’e hugged Qiao Mei happily and said, “Oh my goodness! You’re so smart! I love you to death!”

“No, no, no! If Xia Zhe hears what you’re saying, the two of you will definitely get into a fight!” Qiao Mei said.

“Hmph, I’m not scared of him!” Qian’e said.

Who would have thought that Qian’e, who used to see Qiao Mei as her rival in love, would now become Xia Zhe’s “rival in love”?

“Now that the main issue is resolved, are you ready to talk to me about private matters?” Qiao Mei asked.

Qian’e held back her laughter and said, “He managed to convince his family to agree to our marriage. The two of us have already started preparing for the engagement banquet.”

“That’s great! But  do you want the Qian family members to be present?” Qiao Mei asked hesitantly.

Qian’e immediately said, “There’s no need. I’ve thought about it. I’ll just ask Godmother to go.”

Qian’e addressed both Xu Lan and Li Gui as godmother. For a moment, Qiao Mei could not tell which godmother Qian’e wanted to invite to attend the event.

“I’m talking about your mother. I don’t really want to ask your mother-in-law to go and make it seem like the Xia family is backing me up. I don’t want to cause trouble for the Xia family,” Qian’e said.