"Ah!" Zhao Qiang almost dropped the printer he was holding. "You rented it? How much did it cost?!"
Xu Xiaoya laughed and said, "Actually, to be precise, you should say you rented it."
Zhao Qiang said in surprise, "Are you kidding me? I haven't even started dreaming yet."
Xu Xiaoya said, "Who's joking with you? It's 30,000 a year. I've already paid 90,000 in rent and reserved three years. So I still owe you 310,000. I'll pay you back later."
Zhao Qiang first put the printer aside: "Squad leader, what do you mean by this? When did I say I wanted to rent this place?"
Xu Xiaoya looked surprised: "What? Didn't we have a good discussion yesterday? You said you needed to rent a shop. Look how spacious this place is, and the transportation is convenient. You won't have to worry about not having enough space to store a lot of goods. Moreover, it has complete factory equipment for various maintenance. Even if you expand your business in the future, it will save you the effort of construction and investment. I'm doing this all for your own good."
Although Zhao Qiang had the idea of starting his own business, he didn't expect it to happen so quickly, especially with an annual rent of 30,000 yuan for a shop. This went against his initial idea of keeping things simple. In his view, there were many better things to do with the 30,000 yuan he saved. Alas, this was actually a small-farmer mentality; he set his starting point too low and lacked confidence in himself. If he had gone to the city center, he wouldn't have been able to afford this place even for 300,000 yuan a year.
"But you should have discussed it with me first." Although Xu Xiaoya's words made a lot of sense, Zhao Qiang still complained quite a bit. After all, what man doesn't have some pride?
Xu Xiaoya said, "Such a large area, and such good decoration, only 30,000 a year, Zhao Qiang, you got a great deal! If I were to negotiate with you, I might not be able to snag it."
Zhao Qiang pointed at the workers moving goods back and forth and said, "Okay, you're right about renting the house, but what's the meaning of all this?"
Xu Xiaoya said, "The goods we bring in, since we're opening a store, shouldn't we display sample machines? Shouldn't we stock up on consumables and office supplies? Should we just order when someone wants them? That would put us in a passive position in business and make people underestimate our company's strength."
Zhao Qiang was incredibly frustrated. It seemed that Xu Xiaoya was doing everything for his own good and for the long-term benefit of the company, but she had overstepped her authority by handling his responsibilities without saying a word. This made Zhao Qiang, a tough guy, very uncomfortable. He felt that women should be sidelined.
But thinking about it carefully, such a big place with really high-end decor, and only 30,000 a year, and at least eleven or twelve rooms rented out, not even counting places like the restaurant and bathrooms, damn, it's so cheap! This 30,000 is well spent. Qi Lai doesn't seem like a brainless person. Why would he rent out the house at such a low price? Does the face of a pretty woman have that much influence?
Xu Xiaoya added, "I forgot to tell you, these goods cost nearly 300,000 yuan. Anyway, we have plenty of space, so I ordered several more truckloads. This way, they can give us an extra 10% discount. In the end, we used up the 310,000 yuan. With a price advantage, we will be invincible in the competition with other companies."
Zhao Qiang walked dejectedly towards the department office. Xu Xiaoya called after him, "What are you doing? Come and help!" Xu Xiaoya was right; the new company relied on price competition. But even though Zhao Qiang understood this, he still felt he had lost face.
Zhao Qiang didn't even turn his head: "I have a headache, I'm going to lie down for a while."
Zhao Qiang turned on his laptop, and lay on the sofa with Xiao Wei in his arms, chatting face to face. This time, he noticed that Xiao Wei never put her feet on all fours, perhaps she had gotten used to walking upright? Moreover, her forelimbs seemed to be developing into the shape of human arms. Zhao Qiang wondered if she would evolve into a human in a while.
"Xiaowei, our class monitor is awful. She's practically a dictatorial empress. Even though I hired her as an employee, she can't make all the decisions for me. It's like she's the manager and I'm the employee. I need to find a way to send her back to school."
Xiao Wei's cat-like face smiled. "Brother, I think it's great. You've always been used to living at the bottom of society, and you lack the courage to do things. You should have rented a good shop and made a big splash a long time ago. This place is quite nice, spacious and quiet. We'll be doing big business in the future, so there's no need to go to the bustling city center. Our strength is there, and customers will naturally come to us. Besides, we'll be selective in serving them."
Looking back, Zhao Qiang realized that Xu Xiaoya had indeed helped him with something he urgently needed to solve. If he had planned this event himself, he probably wouldn't have been able to get it done in a month. Besides, even though Zhao Qiang had been working for Wang Yidong for a while, he still hadn't figured out all the different kinds of supply channels.
But the thought of losing 400,000 yuan made Zhao Qiang depressed. He hadn't even seen a glimpse of the money yet, and even just getting a taste of it would have been good. Unfortunately, Zhao Qiang was used to a life of poverty and wasn't comfortable with businesses that made money work for him. He believed that investing in manpower and doing business with no initial capital was the safest approach. This mindset needed to change gradually, and he needed someone to catalyze it.
"Brother, don't be upset. Look how good things are now. You don't have to worry about anything, and the company's framework is already in place. You should thank your class monitor."
"Forget it, I won't criticize her this time. I'll just consider it as her actively contributing to the company. I'll give her a bigger bonus at the end of the month." In fact, Zhao Qiang himself understood that Xu Xiaoya came to help him for fun, and also because he had promised her to go to graduate school, and she felt a sense of gratitude. She drives a Passat worth over 100,000 yuan, so why would she be short of money?
Xiao Wei said, "Brother, you should treat Xu Xiaoya better. She is decisive and bold, which can make up for your shortcomings. With her help, your company will definitely thrive. I have faith in her."
Zhao Qiang rubbed his nose. "Sis, let's not talk about that. You need to prepare the three software programs that Hu Qian needs. Also, you need to make sure you're always online managing the high and medium versions. I'm not familiar with this stuff."
Xiao Wei said, "Don't worry, brother. I've already taken care of all that. There are wireless signals everywhere in Donghai City. The wireless network card I modified can receive and crack them anytime, anywhere. You don't need to worry about the website. Use this time to get the company running smoothly, so that we can do repairs openly and legitimately in the future."
The door to the Science and Technology Department creaked open, and Xu Xiaoya walked in. Zhao Qiang immediately closed his laptop screen, then closed his eyes and pretended to be asleep. Xu Xiaoya walked to Zhao Qiang's side, and a pleasant body fragrance wafted into Zhao Qiang's nose.
"Zhao Qiang," Xu Xiaoya called out, but Zhao Qiang didn't respond. Xu Xiaoya sat down next to Zhao Qiang and said, "Are you angry with me? Yes, I admit I didn't get your permission. I was wrong, okay? From now on, I'll ask for your approval before doing anything. If you don't approve, I won't do anything."
Zhao Qiang wasn't so petty. He opened his eyes and said, "You've kept such a big thing from me. As the general manager, I'm in a very passive position!"
Xu Xiaoya said in a low voice, "I just wanted to give you a surprise, but who knew you would make such a big deal out of it and be so surprised."
"A surprise?" Zhao Qiang cried hysterically, "My 400,000 yuan is gone before I even saw it!"
Xu Xiaoya was amused. "Hehe, the company is all yours, so of course the money is still in your hands. Are you afraid I'll steal it?" She patted Zhao Qiang and said, "Get up quickly. The deliverymen have all left, and Uncle Qi has vacated the manager's office. It's a large space there, so we'll use it as our sales office for now. I've ordered a few counters. Let's go set them up, and today will be our official opening. We'll go get the license together tomorrow."
He rented the house with his own money, and bought the goods with his own money, so Zhao Qiang wasn't embarrassed at all. His initial resentment at being kept in the dark by Xu Xiaoya had also dissipated. Next, he naturally wanted to check out his future company. With a good start, Zhao Qiang believed that tomorrow would be even better! What 400,000? He was confident he could increase that amount tenfold!
(Uncles and grandpas who have recommendation votes, please give Xiaoqiang a reward. Thank you!)
Volume 1 [059] Director Guo's Misunderstanding
They were busy until late that night, and the next morning Zhao Qiang and Xu Xiaoya went to the Industry and Commerce Bureau to apply for a business license.
Beep, beep, Xu Xiaoya unlocked the Passat. Zhao Qiang glanced at the black sedan and said with envy, "Not bad. I'll buy one too when I make some money in a few days."
Xu Xiaoya asked, "Do you have a driver's license?"
Zhao Qiang shook his head: "No, I haven't learned it yet. I'll pay in a few days after I finish my work at the company."
Xu Xiaoya waved the keys in her hand. "I'll teach you. I guarantee you'll learn it."
Zhao Qiang refused: "Forget it, I'll just find a coach to learn from. Besides, I don't have that kind of spare money right now."
Zhao Qiang originally didn't want to ride in Xu Xiaoya's car to the Industry and Commerce Bureau. He felt embarrassed to ride in a female classmate's car. However, after Xu Xiaoya scolded him a few times for being old-fashioned and feudal, he gave up the idea and took the initiative to sit in the passenger seat. He thought to himself, "I'm sitting upright and doing nothing wrong. Even though I share a room with the class monitor, nothing has happened. What's there to be afraid of?"
Xu Xiaoya skillfully started the car, and it sped onto the road. Zhao Qiang, watching her drive from the side, was momentarily captivated. Feeling a little embarrassed by her gaze, Xu Xiaoya said, "Hey, what are you looking at?"
Zhao Qiang smiled and said, "Squad leader, you are very beautiful."
Xu Xiaoya said smugly, "Of course, it's not easy to get praise from an old-fashioned blockhead like you."
"It's just that you have a bit too quick a temper, more like a man than a girl."
Xu Xiaoya slammed on the brakes, nearly knocking Zhao Qiang into the windshield. Her face was contorted with rage: "Zhao Qiang! Are you saying I'm not ladylike, that I'm a tomboy?"
Zhao Qiang was covered in sweat, a mixture of cold sweat and shock. "Squad leader, you've misunderstood. I just wanted to say that you have a lively and cheerful personality."
Xu Xiaoya started the car again: "That's more like it."
The Donghai City Development Zone Administration for Industry and Commerce arrived quickly. Shunfeng Repair Shop was located within the jurisdiction of the development zone. Zhao Qiang knew nothing about business registration, but fortunately, Xu Xiaoya assured him that she would handle everything, which reassured him.
"Xiaoya's here," a middle-aged man in uniform greeted Xu Xiaoya warmly. Xu Xiaoya smiled sweetly and said, "Uncle Guo, hello. I'm here to help my classmate with some registration. Do you have time to take a look?"
Guo, in full uniform, readily agreed: "No problem. Come in with me, have a cup of tea and wait. I'll have someone help you with the procedures."
Xu Xiaoya handed the documents to Guo Fuzhi, who led the two upstairs. Zhao Qiang glanced at the nameplate on Guo Fuzhi's office—good heavens, the director's office! Who is Xu Xiaoya? How come the director of the Development Zone's Industry and Commerce Bureau takes her so seriously? They've been classmates for three years and he still doesn't know her background. She's really hidden it well. Before, he thought she was an entrepreneur because she had her own car, but now it seems she has connections to the government system as well.
Director Guo made tea for the two of them and then looked through the documents, asking, "Xiaoya, is he your classmate?"
Xu Xiaoya said, "Yes, we're in the same class. We're doing work-study programs, so Uncle Guo, you have to give us your full support."
Director Guo laughed and said, "Definitely, definitely, the company is a joint venture between the two of you?"
Xu Xiaoya said, "No, he invested; I was just helping out."
Director Guo glanced at Zhao Qiang's file: "Shantou Village, Zaolin Town, Dongyang City? Hehe, I'm also from S Province, young Zhao, we're from the same hometown."
Zhao Qiang quickly stood up and bowed again: "Hello, Uncle Guo, thank you for your trouble."
Director Guo waved his hand gently: "No need to worry, this is our job. Xiao Zhao, as far as I know, Zaolin Town is an impoverished town. It must not be easy for you to study at a university in Donghai City."
Zhao Qiang didn't think too deeply about it and answered truthfully, "Yes, I've been working part-time off-campus for the past few years to earn some living expenses."
Director Guo nodded as he flipped through the documents: "Hmm, it's not easy. College students can earn a decent income from part-time jobs these days."
"A decent income?" Zhao Qiang, who had experienced many hardships working away from home for so many years, immediately retorted, "No way, it's barely enough to eat, I can't save any money at all."
Director Guo smiled and shook the documents in his hand: "In that case, your two million in registered capital is not easy to come by."
Zhao Qiang's expression changed. Damn, how come these people have so many hidden agendas? First they were saying that working is not easy, then they brought up the issue of the two million yuan registration fee. It's all Xu Xiaoya's fault. Four hundred thousand yuan in registration capital would have been enough. She had to make it bigger. Now people can see that something is wrong.
Zhao Qiang glared at Xu Xiaoya, but Director Guo interpreted his glare differently. A student from a poor rural town, who had been earning a meager living by working odd jobs, suddenly started a large company with a registered capital of two million. Putting aside whether the two million was real or not, just daring to fill in that amount required guts. Was this guy really capable of doing that? Did he have the confidence to pass the Bureau of Industry and Commerce's review? This guy hadn't said a word since entering the Bureau of Industry and Commerce, following Xu Xiaoya's lead in everything. Heh heh, I didn't expect Xu Liming's daughter to be so clever. She wanted to do business but was afraid of affecting her father's career, so she actually brought in such an unrelated person as the legal representative. Well, she had to give Xu Liming face. The capital verification was naturally approved, and future office supplies and computer purchases would probably all be tilted towards this Shunfeng Technology Company.
Zhao Qiang was a little frustrated when it came to the company name. Two college students couldn't come up with a good name. Xu Xiaoya suggested Qiangqiang Technology Company or Xiaoqiang Technology Company, but Zhao Qiang strongly objected. Several other names he suggested were also rejected by Xu Xiaoya. In the end, Zhao Qiang simply used the name Shunfeng Repair Factory and changed it to Shunfeng Technology Company. Fortunately, this time Xu Xiaoya didn't veto it.
That afternoon, Zhao Qiang received the business license issued by the Industry and Commerce Bureau. Xu Xiaoya said with no small amount of pride, "How about that? I'm efficient, aren't I?"
Zhao Qiang asked earnestly, "Class monitor, what do your parents do?"
Xu Xiaoya said, "Why are you asking these questions? Are you trying to win me over and corrupt me?"
Zhao Qiang said, "You're thinking about it, but I'm just curious why the procedures went so smoothly."
Xu Xiaoya said, "Isn't it good that things go smoothly? I've never seen anyone like you who thinks trouble is too minor."
Zhao Qiang raised his hands in surrender: "Fine, just pretend I didn't ask anything."
Xu Xiaoya then let Zhao Qiang off the hook. She said, "Mr. Zhao, I've helped you so much. How about we take some time to visit Professor Gu at his home? He's an elder and a teacher, so we should take the initiative to show our respect."
Zhao Qiang said, "The school hasn't notified me yet, is it alright for me to go to Professor Gu's house now?"
Xu Xiaoya said calmly, "The department head already told me to inform you verbally, but I forgot to tell you."
Zhao Qiang was speechless for a moment before finally saying, "It's your decision."
Although they had obtained the license, Shunfeng Technology was not actually open for business. Xu Xiaoya said they wanted to choose an auspicious day to hold a grand opening ceremony, preferably with two leaders to cut the ribbon. Zhao Qiang strongly opposed this and finally agreed to set off two strings of firecrackers on October 18th, and to invite his three roommates, Wang Yidong, Ma Xiaohua, Liu Yiyi, and some clients to have a meal.
Before opening, Zhao Qiang could only sit at home waiting for business to come to him. He spent most of his time going to Wang Yidong's company to optimize customers' computers, which at least provided some income. After Zhao Qiang proposed to go solo, Wang Yidong hired another technician and also stayed at the company every day. Fortunately, he managed to keep the company afloat. As for Xu Xiaoya, who had previously worked at Home Inns Computer Company, Wang Yidong had no hope of getting her back.
Volume 1 [060] A Useful Piece of Information
That morning, Zhao Qiang ran into Luo Xiaowei as soon as he stepped out the door. "Junior Sister Luo? Are you passing by here?"
Luo Xiaowei got out of the car with a smile, and even peeked into the courtyard of Shunfeng Technology Company. Not seeing Xu Xiaoya's Passat, she asked, "Zhao Qiang, is Xu Xiaoya not here?"
Zhao Qiang said, "Oh, you're looking for her? She's home."
Luo Xiaowei breathed a sigh of relief: "No, I'm looking for you."
Zhao Qiang asked curiously, "Looking for me? Is something wrong with your cousin?"
The optimization software has been handed over to Hu Qian, and Xiao Wei has also modified the online antivirus and optimization software. We're just waiting for Hu Qian to set up the server and then upload it, and then we can sit back and wait to collect the money.
"It's not that my cousin is busy, it's just that you repair computers here, right?"
Zhao Qiang said, "Yes, it hasn't opened yet. I usually don't stay here these days."
Luo Xiaowei said, "My computer is booting up really slowly right now, could you go and take a look?"
Zhao Qiang readily agreed, "Okay, I'll optimize it for you for free."
Luo Xiaowei laughed and said, "That wouldn't be good. I'll give you the money you owe."
Zhao Qiang opened the door of Luo Xiaowei's Ford car and said, "Don't think of me as so mercenary. Let's go, and come back soon."
Before they even reached Luo Xiaowei's house, Zhao Qiang received a call from Wang Yidong on the way: "Hey, Xiao Zhao, I have three computers waiting to be optimized, and five more will be delivered soon. They're all for customers who need them. Can you come over right away?"
Zhao Qiang was in a dilemma. Just as he was hesitating, Luo Xiaowei took the initiative to say, "Take care of your business first. I'm not in a hurry. I'll take you wherever you want to go."
Considering that Luo Xiaowei was his classmate and also his business partner Hu Qian's cousin, Zhao Qiang said without hesitation, "Okay, then I'll trouble you to take me to Home Inn Computer Company."
With a car, they arrived in just a few minutes. Luo Xiaowei refused to get out: "I'll wait for you in the car. No rush, you go about your business."