Chapter 118 Chapter 118 Taking Advantage of the Situation
Zhao Guoqiang raised his eyebrows. He retracted his previous thought that Jiang Xi was ambitious. This was simply not ambitious enough to describe it. He just opened a store and wanted to sell products to the whole world. This was simply unrealistic.
But Zhao Guoqiang was the leader after all. Although his initial reaction was that it was unreliable, he still maintained a communicative attitude and asked Jiang Xi, "Your idea of promoting the product worldwide is commendable, but it's extremely difficult and will require the efforts of one, two, or even three generations. Where does this confidence come from?"
Jiang Xi understood what Zhao Guoqiang meant. He was calling her a foolish dream.
However, what Jiang Xi feared least was questioning. Recalling Qi Yu'an's words, her current experience in dealing with things was completely incomparable to that of her leader. Leaders met many people, and the most important thing when talking to leaders was sincerity. The most important thing when trying to convince leaders was also sincerity.
Although he had only had a brief contact with Zhao Guoqiang, Jiang Xi felt that Zhao Guoqiang was a leader who wanted to get things done, otherwise he would not have taken the initiative to admit his mistake just now, but instead chose to fish in troubled waters.
Jiang Xi then revealed his thoughts: "When I went to Shanghai, I visited the Shiquan Hotel. There were many foreign guests there. These foreigners were attracted to China to invest and build factories. The clothes and products they wore and used by these foreign guests always sparked discussion among the onlookers. To everyone, the moon is rounder in foreign countries, and their products are superior to Chinese products, but our products are not bad either. China has a history of 5,000 years and has passed down countless wonderful things. It's just that these good things have not had a good channel to be discovered by the public. I was thinking how great it would be if our products could be sold abroad. Wu Ji Zao Lu is a unique Chinese delicacy. It can serve as a business card to let the world know that China is not as ignorant and backward as they think. The people here may not live as well as they do, but they have the wisdom, courage, and determination to live. This people are extremely tenacious, and their culture is a world treasure."
Jiang Xi's eyes were burning: "I want them to see China and understand China."
Jiang Xi's words shocked Zhao Guoqiang like never before.
Zhao Guoqiang has a relative who studied abroad. This relative was sent abroad by the government. After returning to China, he was listless all day long. When he was asked about it, he said that there are cars everywhere in foreign countries now, and people have red wine, coffee and afternoon tea every day. That kind of life is unimaginable for Chinese people. Their development is far ahead of ours, and China cannot catch up even if it tries hard.
Zhao Guoqiang didn't think so. He was very disgusted with the cowardly behavior of that relative. If you lag behind, you should learn and develop. If you keep stopping because of inferiority complex due to backwardness, you will only be beaten forever.
Zhao Guoqiang exclaimed, "Comrade, you are right. Your idea is also very good. The success of anything starts with an idea. I am not as good as you."
Even if you may not succeed, if you don’t even dare to think about it, then you will definitely not succeed.
Zhao Guoqiang's honesty and humility made Jiang Xi have a better impression of him. Who wouldn't like a leader who can adjust his thinking in time and listen to suggestions?
Jiang Xi also became modest. "Actually, these are just my personal thoughts. I have no business experience, and neither does anyone in my family. I can only learn and comprehend by watching. I still have many shortcomings, and I hope the leaders won't think I'm bragging."
Jiang Xi's modesty also suited Zhao Guoqiang's temperament. It is arrogant to only talk about ideals without talking about actions. Only comrades who can clearly understand the difficulties of reality but have the courage to pursue the ultimate goal can integrate knowledge and action.
"Young people should dare to think and act." Zhao Guoqiang sighed, "The future of China lies in comrades like you who dare to think and act."
Through the conversation with Jiang Xi, Zhao Guoqiang no longer blindly thought that the future described by Jiang Xi was just a fantasy. Although it could not be sold to the whole world, it was still possible to go beyond the county.
In order to reassure Zhao Guoqiang, Jiang Xi continued, “I plan to open a branch in Shanghai and then slowly expand to other provinces.”
Zhao Guoqiang originally thought that Jiang Xi was just talking, but he didn't expect him to take action so quickly: "Do you already have this plan?"
Jiang Xi: "I'm already looking for the address."
Zhao Guoqiang was surprised again. It turned out that what Jiang Xi said just now was true. This comrade's current goal was to promote Wu Ji Zao Lu throughout the country and even to the world.
Zhao Guoqiang recalled what Jiang Xi had said just now. He wanted to let the whole world know about Wu Ji Zao Lu in Changfeng County. Zhao Guoqiang couldn't help but feel overwhelmed. What kind of picture would that be? If Jiang Xi could realize this ideal during his term of office, then Zhao Guoqiang simply couldn't imagine it.
Zhao Guoqiang opened the map of Changfeng County and looked at the land that Jiang Xi wanted to contract. After thinking for a moment, he said, "I can let you contract this land, but the prerequisite is that you have to contract the entire land."
Jiang Xi recalled the piece of land he had seen, which was about 30 acres in size, a fairly large piece of land.
Jiang Xi asked cautiously, "How much would it cost per year if I contracted all of it?"
Zhao Guoqiang said, "Five thousand yuan a year, I can let you contract for fifty years."
Five thousand yuan is a considerable sum of money, but Jiang Xi was tempted. He believed that it was best to do something in one go.
A large area has its advantages. When the fermented food is promoted nationwide, a lot of chicken will be needed, so the chicken farm will definitely have to expand. Moreover, even if the chicken is not used to make fermented food, it can be used to make other cooked foods, and there will be a market for it even if it is sold raw.
Although he was tempted, Jiang Xi didn't have much money on hand, and the plan proposed by Zhao Guoqiang far exceeded Jiang Xi's budget: "Can it be less?"
Zhao Guoqiang had never met anyone who dared to bargain with him. He said, "I gave you this figure because you have a plan. If it were someone else, it might be 6,000 yuan a year. And I've extended the years of your contract. This is the bottom line and it won't change."
Zhao Guoqiang acted like he was going to miss this opportunity, so Jiang Xi decided to take over. "Thank you, sir. I'm willing to take on the responsibility. I'd just like to ask you to give me a few more days. I don't have enough funds on hand, so I need to raise some money."
Jiang Xi spoke sincerely, and Zhao Guoqiang understood and revealed one thing to Jiang Xi: "You are not the only one who likes that piece of land now."
Jiang Xi was shocked by this information, and then he said, "Thank you for your support, boss. Please give me a day. I will bring the money and sign a contract with you tomorrow at the latest."
Zhao Guoqiang glanced at Jiang Xi deeply and said, "Young comrade, you are also very decisive."
Time waits for no one, and there are other people who want to contract that piece of land. Although he doesn't know who the other party is, but if Zhao Guoqiang takes the initiative to remind him, it means that the other party also has the ability and funds to take over that piece of land.
After leaving the county government, Jiang Xi had completed half of the contract for the chicken farm. She counted the funds she could use. Although she now had 5,000 yuan in her hands, she couldn't take it all out.
Because her money is spread across different businesses, she will later open a store in Shanghai, and she will also have to contract land to build a factory, which will cost another amount of money.
Jiang Xi found Zhao Daqiang and explained the situation: "The leadership agreed that we can contract the land, but the annual contract fee is 5,000."
Liu Daqiang was stunned. "Five thousand yuan is so much?" Jiang Xi said, "Of course it's a lot if I pay it all at once, but I'll talk to the county government about paying it in installments later."
Whether it is in installments or in one lump sum, the amount is too much. Liu Daqiang has no confidence at all. The contract fee alone is 5,000 yuan a year. How many chickens should he raise and how much money should he make to make a profit? Liu Daqiang didn't know what to do for a while.
Jiang Xi was not afraid. "I didn't expect this to turn out like this, so I came to ask for your opinions. I'm definitely going to open a chicken farm. I've also taken a liking to that piece of land, and I'll definitely contract it. If you think the risk is too great, I can do it myself."
Jiang Xi didn't want to force anyone. Five thousand yuan was not a small amount, and the construction of a factory was involved later. This was not money that could be taken out on a whim.
Liu Daqiang shuddered, thinking that they were going to break up, but the five thousand yuan was like a mountain pressing down on him. Liu Daqiang was in a dilemma, but Xiufen, who was always silent, had already made a decision.
They can have the life they have now thanks to Jiang Xi. Now that Jiang Xi needs them, how can they be deserters?
Besides, temporary difficulties are nothing. Xiufen is used to hard times and is not afraid. If things really don't work out, she can just hold on for a few more years. With the efforts of her and Liu Daqiang, the situation will definitely be better than before.
Xiufen glanced at Liu Daqiang and said to Jiang Xi, "We'd like to open a factory with you, but we can't come up with that much money right now."
Xiufen said, "Before, you said we'd adopt a shareholding system, with you taking 30% and us taking 70%. Given the current situation, the shares need to be adjusted. Besides providing our technical expertise and basic chicken farm management experience, everything else will require your attention. So, regarding the share distribution, let's adopt a 20/80 system, with you taking 80% and us taking 20%."
After Xiufen finished speaking, Liu Daqiang nodded vigorously. "That's right, that's it. The two of us can only work hard and won't get that much shares."
Liu Daqiang could see that Jiang Xi had previously thought that they did not have sufficient funds to open a chicken farm, so he took the approach of investing. However, he did not do things well at the beginning. There were too many things involved in a chicken farm. Liu Daqiang knew his own limitations and knew that Jiang Xi had to take the lead in this matter.
Jiang Xi frowned and thought. Originally, she didn't plan to interfere too much in the affairs of the chicken farm, but now it seems that if she doesn't care, the chicken farm can't be opened at all. Now the contract fee is 5,000 yuan a year, and the factory building needs to be built later. Liu Daqiang and Xiufen definitely can't come up with the money, and there is no need for them to take so many risks now.
Jiang Xi said, "Okay, since you trust me, I'll work hard. However, the chicken farm belongs to all of us, and everyone has to play a role. Before the farm opens, you should get more eggs and hatch more chicks, so that we don't run out of chicks when the farm opens."
This was agreed. Jiang Xi had no intention of abandoning them. Liu Daqiang and Xiufen were overjoyed: "We must raise chickens well and make good preparations."
Daqiang and Xiufen reached a consensus, and Jiang Xi went to the county credit union.
Because he was worried that the money was not safe at home, Jiang Xi would check the accounts every day and deposit part of the money into the credit union. The person in charge of the cooperative counter was a round-faced woman, and everyone called her Xiao Sun.
Xiao Sun greeted Jiang Xi with a smile as usual when he saw her: "Comrade Jiang, are you here to deposit money again today?"
Jiang Xi also smiled: "I'm not here to deposit money today, I mainly want to ask something, is your leader here?"
Jiang Xi was a high-quality customer of the credit union. Xiao Sun had always been very kind to Jiang Xi. After hearing what Jiang Xi said, she pointed to the office next door and said, "Our president is in the office. You can just go in."
Jiang Xi knocked on the door, and a female voice came from inside: "Come in."
Jiang Xi pushed open the door and saw a middle-aged woman in her forties. She was the president of the credit union, Song Chunli. Song Chunli was taller than the average female comrade, very smart and capable, with short hair that was tucked behind her ears. She was working on an abacus in front of a stack of accounts.
Song Chunli had some impression of Jiang Xi, and said in a gentle manner, "Comrade, what can I do for you?"
Jiang Xi smiled and explained his purpose: "I came here to ask you about the loan."
When Jiang Xi came to deposit money two days ago, she heard the teller mention that the credit union had a new policy that could provide low-interest loans to those in need. When she was in Zhao Guoqiang's office, Jiang Xi thought of this first. It didn't matter that she didn't have enough funds on hand. She could take out a loan, and through the loan, she could even solve the problem of not having money to build a factory.
Song Chunli was a little surprised. The credit union did launch a loan project, but not to mention the number of people coming to apply for loans, there were very few people even coming to consult. Because in general, ordinary people would always panic when they owed money, and unless there were special circumstances, no one was willing to borrow money, let alone a loan.
Song Chunli said, "We do have a policy in this regard. How much do you want to borrow?"
Jiang Xi calculated that renting land to build a factory, as well as the subsequent miscellaneous expenses, would cost at least tens of thousands of yuan. Since he had already taken out a loan, he might as well borrow more: "I want to borrow 50,000 yuan."
Fifty thousand? Song Chunli was stunned. In an era when even a household with a monthly income of ten thousand yuan was reported in the newspapers, what was the concept of a fifty thousand yuan loan?
This completely goes beyond the general public's cognition. Ten thousand yuan is already a lot for them, and fifty thousand yuan is something they can't pay back in their lifetime even if they lose everything.
Song Chunli frowned. If it was a small loan, she could approve it on the spot, but fifty thousand yuan was too large a sum. Song Chunli had to ask clearly, "Are you sure you want to borrow fifty thousand yuan? Although I can give you a low-interest loan, the interest on fifty thousand yuan is not small. Moreover, our credit union has relevant regulations and needs to examine your repayment ability. In addition, such a large loan requires you to have certain assets as collateral. What assets do you currently have as collateral?"
Jiang Xi replied, "My current assets include a house in the village, a house in Changfeng County, and a shop. Wu Ji Zao Lu was featured in our county newspaper and in Shanghai newspapers. I will also open a shop in Shanghai in the future."
Jiang Xi tried his best to present conditions that would appeal to Song Chunli. "I'm applying for this loan because I plan to open a chicken farm in Changfeng County in the future. Actually, I just left the county government, and I just discussed this with County Magistrate Zhao. He expressed his support for this project and offered me a good contract price, even allowing me to contract for fifty years."
Hearing that County Magistrate Zhao also supported her, Song Chunli's attitude softened, but she still refused to budge. "Your current assets combined are not worth even fifty thousand yuan. We need to discuss this carefully. After all, the credit union has limited liquidity. If we lend you the money and can't get it back, then everyone in the credit union will be held responsible."
Jiang Xi was not discouraged and continued to fight for himself: "Boss, I understand the difficulties of the credit union, but I made this decision after careful consideration. I know better than anyone else why I can get this loan. I have also recruited a group of people. If I don't do things prudently, then these people's jobs will be lost. Therefore, I am very cautious and I am fully confident that I can repay the loan."
Jiang Xi observed Song Chunli's expression and continued, "Please consider this, Leader. I will deposit my workers' wages and savings in the credit union. If any friends around me want to deposit money, I will also persuade them to deposit it in our credit union. After all, our credit union is dedicated to the people, and we feel at ease putting our money here."
Song Chunli was tempted. The subsequent benefits that Jiang Xi mentioned hit her sore spot. Users' savings are the source of income for the credit union. Only with this money can the credit union start other businesses.
Besides, a 50,000 yuan loan is a big deal. If it's done, Changfeng County Credit Union will definitely be ahead of other county credit unions in opening new businesses. Although Song Chunli was tempted, she remained rational: "I'll first understand the situation and then approve it for you if it's possible. You can go back and wait for news in the next two days."
Jiang Xi had said everything she could say. Song Chunli had already started to drive people away, but Jiang Xi did not insist on it any more. It was just that Jiang Xi simply did not have that much time to wait. She had already signed a military order in front of Zhao Guoqiang and would give Zhao Guoqiang news by tomorrow at the latest.
After coming out of the credit union, Jiang Xi suddenly thought of something. She must find a breakthrough in the loan matter. If her voice is not strong enough and not persuasive enough, then she should find someone more persuasive to guarantee her. The answer is self-evident.
Jiang Xi was preparing to go to the county government again. During her communication with Song Chunli, Jiang Xi suddenly realized that she still had bargaining chips to talk to Zhao Guoqiang. If she got Zhao Guoqiang's support, then the loan from the credit union would be easier to approve.
Zhao Guoqiang was surprised to see Jiang Xi coming back: “Comrade Xiao Jiang, what’s wrong?”
Jiang Xi looked ashamed. "County Magistrate Zhao, I'm sorry to bother you again. I'm determined to contract some land and start a chicken farm, but my business is just getting started and I don't have much working capital. So I wanted to apply for a low-interest loan from the cooperative, but they think the amount is too high and they're still considering it. I know County Magistrate Zhao is very concerned about my land contract, so I wanted to tell him about the situation."
Jiang Xi said, "But please rest assured, County Magistrate Zhao. Since I've already agreed to this, I absolutely won't back down at this critical moment. No matter what difficulties we encounter, my determination to contract the land and run a chicken farm will not change. Of course, my determination to bring Changfeng County's fermented brine to the world will not change either."
Zhao Guoqiang was a smart man. When he heard Jiang Xi's words, he understood immediately that this female comrade was not telling him about the progress, but clearly wanted him to help. However, if Zhao Guoqiang wanted to gain a foothold in the county, he had to have achievements. Jiang Xi was a good seedling. Zhao Guoqiang didn't mind Jiang Xi being a little petty. If he wasn't a little petty, he would be groping in the dark.
Zhao Guoqiang cooperated: “How much money do you want to borrow?”
Jiang Xi said, "I want to borrow 50,000 yuan."
Zhao Guoqiang was also surprised: "Fifty thousand yuan, do you want to borrow so much? How big a chicken farm do you want to open?" Zhao Guoqiang was worried that Jiang Xi would take too big a step and fall into the ditch if he was not careful.
Jiang Xi explained: "Although I won't be running a large chicken farm in the early stages, we will expand gradually in the future. In addition to the chicken farm, I will also open a brine factory. Currently, Wu Ji's brine is made in the kitchen, but as we expand step by step, I will definitely open a brine factory. It will cost a lot of money to open both factories, so I want to do it all at once."
Zhao Guoqiang’s eyes widened: “You actually want to open two factories?”
Jiang Xi said, "If I want to do big business, I need to have everything ready. I don't want to run a small workshop. Wuji Lu is my most important business. If I can open a chicken farm for raw materials, then it's not unreasonable to open a Lu factory just for making Lu."
The matter made sense. If you think about it carefully, opening a brine factory was inevitable. It was just that he had to set up two factories suddenly, and he had to take out a loan of 50,000 yuan. 50,000 yuan, calculated based on Zhao Guoqiang's monthly salary, would take him more than ten years to save even if he didn't eat or drink.
Zhao Guoqiang was rarely speechless. If he were to shoulder so much debt, how could he sleep well?
Jiang Xi observed Zhao Guoqiang's expression and said cautiously, "Running a chicken farm is not something that can be done overnight. In addition to contracting land, I also need to find workers to build the factory building. Later on, I will also need to recruit workers to run the chicken farm. Even if it is just a small-scale recruitment in the early stage, it can also increase job opportunities for the county. Later, when the factory opens, more jobs will be created. In addition, the two factories will also generate more tax revenue for the county. I really hope to get the support of the leaders."
It has to be said that Jiang Xi is very good at persuading people. Whether it is increasing jobs or increasing tax revenue, these two pieces of cake touched Zhao Guoqiang's heart.
Zhao Guoqiang couldn't help but lower his head in thought. Now some educated youth have returned to the city one after another. Zhao Guoqiang even received news that the return of educated youth to the city may become a normal practice in the future. With so many educated youth returning to the city, but so few jobs, Zhao Guoqiang is also having a headache.
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