Beixin'an belongs to Shijingshan District, which houses the two largest villages.
One is Beixin'an, and the other is Ancient Village.
As for the biggest enterprise in Shijingshan District, that naturally would be Shougang, which ranks among the top 500 in the world.
The neighborhood Chen Pingsheng was about to visit was actually one of the earliest welfare housing districts provided by Shougang.
The newly opened fruit supermarket is on the left side as you enter this neighborhood.
It consists of four connected storefronts, totaling 380 square meters, including a very large private cold storage room.
The entire decoration style is similar to a large commercial supermarket, which makes it appear particularly impressive.
Only, the lack of people inside reveals its distress.
The store had significantly fewer fruits, and the employees there had mostly lost their enthusiasm.
This atmosphere clearly indicated that the store was about to close down.
Chen Pingsheng specifically called Zhang Tao to come and have a look; after drifting around in Capital City for four or five years, it was time to make a decision for himself.
Through talking to the staff, he obtained the owner's number.
When he called, it turned out just as he had guessed: the owner was indeed a young entrepreneur.
After graduation, not wanting to work a regular job, his family gave him some money to start a business. After hearing that fruit supermarkets could be profitable, he seriously inspected it for a few days and then just went for it.
Three months down the line, not only were the employees exhausted, he also had lost a few hundred thousand yuan.
His family directly called him back home to work honestly at their company.
So that he could eventually take over the family business.
For them, an incredibly valued opportunity was simply a hobby venture in someone else's hands.
His parents never expected him to make money from this venture.
It was just to let him experience the hardships of starting a business; to put it more bluntly, to understand the challenges his parents faced when they started their business.
When Chen Pingsheng called, the response from the other end was very impatient.
"You want that supermarket? Fine, one million."
Chen Pingsheng: "..."
That was surely an exorbitant demand, especially since they truly had the means, not because of anything else but mainly because the owner's family was wealthy.
Therefore, they weren't urgent about the transfer fee for the supermarket.
One could say, take it or leave it, the worst could happen is I lose a few more months.
Chen Pingsheng was really speechless about such people, but he still needed to negotiate; he truly didn't want to give up such a good opportunity.
"What about meeting in person to discuss this?"
"I'm not free these next few days; let's talk after the fifth."
Snap... the phone hung up, seriously so capricious.
"So, how much is he asking for the transfer fee?"
Zhang Tao was also eager to know and Chen Pingsheng replied, "He's demanding one million outright, I think he really isn't lacking money."
"How can he even ask for one million!"
Zhang Tao commented, as the store at best was worth seven or eight hundred thousand yuan.
"Let's go back first and wait until he's available to speak."
Though they said they would wait, Chen Pingsheng called again the next day.
This time he didn't mention the transfer but discussed cooperation instead, and after a few minutes, they agreed to meet the next day.
If he could not negotiate the price down to around six hundred thousand yuan, he wouldn't even consider it.
When he got home and shared this with his wife, Song Yanxi, her heart sank.
One million yuan transfer fee was definitely far beyond what their small family could afford.
It seemed they would simply have to wait.
However, Chen Pingsheng pulled her down to sit on the small couch before saying, "You don't have to worry, I'm really keen on that store, I'll talk more with that boss when we meet tomorrow...
After a pause, Chen Pingsheng asked again, "Yanxi, what do you think people like him pursue by running a fruit supermarket?"
She really hadn't thought about that question!
If it were them running it, there was no doubt it would be to make money, but looking at the young boss's style, it clearly wasn't for these reasons.
Could it be... Song Yanxi had a guess, "Are you saying he did it to prove himself?"
"Yes." Chen Pingsheng nodded, "There's a high chance it's to show his family that he can succeed without relying on his parents or these relatives and friends. Of course, there's also an element of showing off to his friends."
This kind of thing was rather hard for them to understand, even somewhat amusing.
After all, using family money and resources to start a business, only to end up trying to prove that you could do it without your family's help.
Isn't that just laughable?
But this is precisely the typical issue with most wealthy second-generation entrepreneurs, gloriously called "surpassing the previous generation."
Only time would tell.
As long as the second-generation rich don't start businesses, they're considered excellent successors.
Song Yanxi was puzzled again; she scratched her head and curiously asked, "Husband, maybe the young boss thinks this way, but what does this have to do directly with us wanting to take over his store?"
"There's definitely a connection, a big connection at that."
Chen Pingsheng explained, "Think about it, his fruit supermarket is right at the entrance of the residential complex, with so many people coming and going every day. If not used to sell fruits, setting up a large supermarket would definitely be profitable."
"We know this, and those who run supermarkets definitely know it too, so they would be our biggest competitors."
"If he transfers his fruit store to those running supermarkets, isn't that indirectly telling everyone that his entrepreneurial attempt failed and that his idea to prove himself was just a joke?"
"Tsk... When you put it like that, it really is!"
Song Yanxi also got it; after all, her husband explained it very clearly.
"Husband, are you saying that we should exploit this idea of his to acquire the fruit supermarket at a low price?"
"Yes." Chen Pingsheng nodded, "It all depends on how much his face is worth."
The next day, which was the fourth day of the Lunar New Year.
Chen Pingsheng, as agreed, took his wife to a high-end teahouse in Shijingshan.
He was punctual, unlike the second-generation boss.
After waiting for more than half an hour, the young boss sauntered over wearing sunglasses, showing no trace of the despair associated with business failure on his face.
As soon as he sat down, he said, "Give me ten minutes, hurry up and speak, I'm in a rush to attend a class reunion."
Chen Pingsheng didn't waste words and got straight to the point, "Boss, we're taking over your store to sell fruits, too. If you transfer the store to us, not to mention other benefits, your classmates and your family won't know about your entrepreneurial failure."
"What do you mean?" The young boss was slightly puzzled.
Chen Pingsheng explained, "We will quietly take over that store without changing the sign or decor. Moreover, we will claim to the public that you are still the boss there, and we are just workers you've hired. Once the store becomes successful, I believe you will have more face in front of your family and classmates."
Damn, he really hit the nail on the head.
If it weren't for his family pushing him, he really would prefer to lose tens of thousands each month rather than transfer ownership.
Face was more important than anything.
When he opened that store, he had boasted about it everywhere. As a somewhat famous rich second-generation, quitting the business mere three months in would turn him into a laughingstock everywhere.
Besides, his family wasn't relying on him alone.
"Name your price."
"Three hundred thousand."
"Three hundred thousand?"
Li Zehao frowned slightly; he knew shouting a million was absurd, yet there were plenty willing to take over for seven to eight hundred thousand.
This guy offering three hundred thousand, was he thinking he didn't understand the business?
Chen Pingsheng sincerely said, "Don't misunderstand, boss; I just think your face is worth gold and shouldn't suffer for such small money. Also, the main reason is that I only have three hundred thousand, I really can't offer more."
"Deal."
Almost without hesitation, Li Zehao agreed to his proposal, moved by his words.
Who was Li Zehao, after all? Among the rich second-generations, he was a notable figure.
His face, that could be worth millions.
Now, recovering face by losing only a few hundred thousand was definitely the most successful investment.
His thought process was truly unlike ordinary people's. If Chen Pingsheng failed,
there would be only one rule: sell to the highest bidder.
There were no other options.
Back home, Song Yanxi was incredibly excited.
Her man had actually managed to secure that big fruit supermarket for just three hundred thousand yuan.
If this were yesterday, she wouldn't believe it even if she were beaten to death.
Simply because, if that shop were to be put on the market for seven hundred thousand yuan, it would have been snatched up the day after the notice was posted.
Do you know what this means? It means their family hadn't even started business yet and they had already made a profit of four hundred thousand.
How could she not be thrilled?
"Husband, you're really amazing."
Song Yanxi suddenly felt that he had a natural talent for business, which had been completely suppressed by his family before, simply because he never had the courage to take that first step.
Now that he'd boldly stepped out, his first move had brought her a massive surprise.
Actually, Chen Pingsheng hadn't thought about it that way at all.
Mainly because he had roamed around for so many years and had sold durians on the streets; he had seen all kinds of people.
And naturally, he understood the human heart.
"Wife, don't get too excited just yet. We've only managed to take over the shop, and that doesn't guarantee business success. But there's something I want to discuss with you."
"What's up?"
"About the shop."
Chen Pingsheng said, "I'm thinking of inviting Zhang Tao and others to join us. You know, over the years selling fruit, we've always been helping each other out. Of course, that's secondary. The key point is that running a fruit store involves a lot more complexity and difficulty than operating a regular small supermarket. Everyone who would be joining us knows the fruit business inside out, and with their participation, our store can only get better."
"That's no problem at all. The key is how much of a share you plan to sell to them, and at what price."
"Let's sell 49%," Chen Pingsheng said. "Our family still needs to hold the majority of the shares. As for the price, I'm planning to base it on a total valuation of seven hundred thousand yuan. However, we still need to disclose beforehand that we acquired the shop for three hundred thousand."
Song Yanxi was completely stunned—offering 49% of the shares based on a total valuation of seven hundred thousand yuan.
What did this mean?
It meant that before they even started operating the store, they could recoup the three hundred thousand they had invested.
And even make an extra thirty or forty thousand. Wasn't this essentially acquiring such a big store without spending a dime?
"There's room to negotiate on this. Sell it quickly!"
After his wife agreed, Chen Pingsheng then sent a message in the moving group; these people didn't go back for the New Year and stayed in Capital City to make money.
Chen Pingsheng: "Everyone, come to my house for dinner tonight. There's an important matter to discuss."
General: "What's the matter?"
Chen Pingsheng: "I've taken over the newly opened Tengsheng Fruit Supermarket. I want to ask if you guys are interested in investing. We can work on this together."
General: "..."
General: "Wait for me, I'll be there fast."
Village Flower is Mine: "I'm already on my way."
Isn't The Young Woman Fragrant: "Cook more rice, sister-in-law knows I eat a lot."
Please Work Hard For The Rest Of Your Life: "The tricycle is running with the efficiency of a Lamborghini, will be there in no time."
Young Marshal Zhang Tao didn't respond because he had already arrived.
"Old Chen, you sealed the deal there quietly."
"Just got it settled this afternoon, I wanted to discuss the investment with you guys."
Chen Pingsheng asked him to sit down and look at the contract; speaking frankly, as long-time brothers, they must be sincere with one another.
He had spent three hundred thousand for a deal valued at seven hundred thousand in share sales and had to explain this to them in advance clearly.
There was no deception involved; only with such honesty could brotherhood last forever.
"Sheesh... Did you play his mother or fool his father to agree to it for just three hundred thousand?"
Zhang Tao was extremely surprised. When they had inquired earlier, the asking price was one million, with absolutely no room for negotiation.
From what he knew, if the owner had sold it for eight hundred thousand, there would have been plenty of takers.
The only reason it hadn't sold so quickly was that the owner wanted to drive the price down, that's all.
After all, one million was indeed a bit too high.
Eight hundred thousand was very appropriate, and seven hundred thousand was a bit below the actual value, making it a really good deal.
Chen Pingsheng chuckled lightly, "I naturally used a little trick, but with the price of seven hundred thousand, let me know if you can accept it."
"Of course, I can, why couldn't I?"
Zhang Tao replied without hesitation, "If you can make this money, that is your own skill. My brother, I have absolutely no jealousy, only admiration and respect. The store is indeed worth seven to eight hundred thousand, and I won't be at a loss investing at this standard. Just, how much are you planning to let me invest in?"
"20%,"
Chen Pingsheng patted his shoulder, "We grew up together, and we're from the same village. I'm relieved to hear you think this way. I can't guarantee anything else, but I, Old Chen, will do my best to manage this store and make sure that when you go back this year, you can pick any girl you want, and have matchmakers breaking down your door."
"You said it," Zhang Tao laughed heartily, already beginning to fantasize about such a scene.
When the others arrived later, only 29% of the shares were left, but Chen Pingsheng still clarified things with them first.
In the end, each of the four people bought 7%, and no one fought over the remaining 1%.
It was considered as the future massage fee for the brothers' clubhouse.
The contracts hadn't been signed yet, but the money transferred quickly. Mainly because over the years, they all trusted Old Chen.
He was reliable in what he did.
That was very important.
"Ding, the host has received a payment of 336,000, with a net income of thirty-six thousand today. Would you like to activate the random multiplier?"
This Golden Finger was really high-end.
He had spent three hundred thousand to take over the store, and now by selling 48% of the shares, he not only recouped all the money he had spent.
He also made a net profit of over thirty thousand, which also became his net income for the day.
Feeling like his luck was exceptionally good that day, Chen Pingsheng couldn't help but click "Activate" in his mind.
Two Golden Dice appeared once again, the first with an impressively high number... 4.
The second was even higher, actually the maximum of five.
"Congratulations host, you have obtained a nine-fold random increase."
"Ding, your Alipay has received a payment of three hundred and twenty-four thousand, with a balance of three hundred and twenty-four thousand."
Goodness...he had earned back the Audi he bought before the new year.
His family's total savings were back to around seven hundred thousand.
The money was hard to explain, so Chen Pingsheng thought about keeping it on his side for now, and to find an opportunity to give it to his wife later.
Seeing everyone complete the transfer, Song Yanxi was incredibly happy. Her family now had their own fruit supermarket.
Life was getting more and more promising. She would go to the company to resign on the eighth day, working for herself was much better than earning a fixed salary elsewhere.
The next day, Tengsheng Fruit Supermarket was closed for one day.
Mainly because Li Zehao came for the handover, and the person in charge here was one of his distant relatives.
If there was anyone who least wanted the store to be transferred, it definitely had to be this person.
No other reason, he was making a killing while the store was losing money.
Now that the store had been transferred, he still wanted to stay, but that was naturally impossible.
Isn't that what they say about rich second-generation entrepreneurs not lacking money?
The two cash registers were Apple computers, and all the lights in the store were branded.
Even the fruit racks were the best you could buy.
The most outrageous was that delivery truck; since the store had been transferred, the truck naturally came along with it.
A 4.2-meter Isuzu box truck, priced at around one hundred and sixty thousand.
It's likely Li Zehao didn't even remember he had such a truck.
Anyway, when signing the contract, everything related to the fruit supermarket was handed over to him.
As long as he kept his "boss" facade intact, it was fine.
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