Deng Wenwen initially wanted to say a few more persuasive words, but seeing Guo Jinnian’s resentful stare at Gu Hongwei, she decided not to continue.
She hoped that Guo Jinnian would gradually appreciate Gu Hongwei after more interaction.
The four arrived at the restaurant and ordered seven dishes and a soup. Gu Hongwei’s face was still hurting, his mouth was cut from the fight. He could not eat spicy food and could only settle for bland food.
Despite that, Tong Yao and Guo Jinnian had great appetites. The two transformed their sorrow and indignation into an eating force and consumed plenty of food.
Over the meal, they all discussed the booth setting and Guo Jinnian thought because of his androgynous looks, the idea of him selling female products at the booth might not be ideal.
Tong Yao said: "I’m pretty good at selling stuff. I’ve sold milk tea at a booth before. I can do the selling, while you help me organize and collect money. Selling all of these items at one location might not be effective, and we don’t have time to run a booth every day. I think we should sell here for a few days first, then try to sell in front of the academy. It’s better to sell everything as quickly as possible."
Gu Hongwei and Guo Jinnian agreed with Tong Yao’s suggestion.
Gu Hongwei also proposed his own idea, "Yaoyao, if you want to make quick money from reselling, why not consider reselling black and white television sets? In Kyoto’s developing urban landscape, there are many wealthy people whose demand for black and white television sets has fallen. But in remote areas, there are many households who don’t even own one, and demand exceeds supply. The same applies to radios, they still sell well in our small towns as long as the price is reasonable. A one-time resale to shops can turn a good profit."
Today, very few people in Kyoto still use radios, and black and white TVs are gradually fading out of the market. However, in other places, these items are only just beginning to become popular.
Tong Yao’s eyes sparkled. Believing Gu Hongwei was on the mark, she turned to Guo Jinnian, "Do you think these items Hongwei mentioned would sell well in your area?"
Guo Jinnian, shocked by Gu Hongwei’s ideas and observations, replied stubbornly: "Indeed, they would sell. However, to start such a business, we need to first create connections. Currently, we don’t have any and if the goods don’t sell, it would be a problem.
Although his words served to undermine Gu Hongwei, they were also rooted in truth.
Investing in television sets and radios carries significant financial risks. If they can’t sell, they would be stuck with them and that would be seriously problematic.
Gu Hongwei and Tong Yao, fell into deep thought, considering where to start.
Seeing this, Guo Jinnian added: "I’m not familiar with Kyoto, and outside of you two, I don’t know anyone here. I’m certain it wouldn’t work. However, if you could handle things here, I could manage back home. Although I don’t know any electric appliance store owners, I know several clothing store owners who could probably help make introductions."
In her small hometown, the entire population was as small as a fart, with not too many people, all of whom conducted their businesses along a single street. Who did not know whom?
As long as she asks the clothing store owners to introduce her around, her personality will quickly help her become familiar with people. But Kyoto is totally different from her small town. With her financial status, the local electric appliance factories would certainly not entertain her.
After being silent for a while, Gu Hongwei said, "I can try to run these errands in Kyoto."
Tsk, Guo Jinnian practically scorned. It’s not that she looked down on Gu Hongwei, but based on his appearance, even thinking about conducting business activities, he’d be lucky if he managed to avoid getting thrown out like a beggar.
Yet Tong Yao considered it feasible, and nodded: "Alright, let’s try once we’ve sold all the current stock."
After thinking for a while, she discussed with Guo Jinnian: "If we succeed in this venture, let’s bring Hongwei in as a shareholder. We can go into business together. At that time, the shares would be proportioned to four for you and three for me and Hongwei. Jinnian, what do you think?"
Although Guo Jinnian didn’t like Gu Hongwei, she trusted Tong Yao and knew that if Tong Yao wanted to bring Gu Hongwei in, there must be a reason. Grudgingly, business is business, and she can’t make it personal. So she just nodded and bluntly said: "I have no objection."
To which, Gu Hongwei replied: "I don’t have any investment at the moment, so you don’t need to include me as a shareholder." He just wanted to help Tong Yao out.
Tong Yao said: "Don’t worry about the money. When we start making a profit, we first deduct the initial cost and then distribute the remaining profit. If we end up with a loss, you can offset your share of the loss using the breeding farm’s account."
Since Tong Yao had said so much, if Gu Hongwei refused again, he would seem ungrateful. He silently nodded in agreement.
Guo Jinnian also had no objection. To expand any business, everyone involved has to make a profit. It was impossible only for one person to profit.
Only if Gu Hongwei had a stake would he contribute with sincerity and diligence as if the business was his own.
Deng Wenwen could only sit and listen to their conversation without being able to participate. Although she knew nothing about business, her pulse quickened as she listened. Reselling televisions would not entail selling just a few units, as the profit from those would barely cover the shipping costs.
She couldn’t believe it. The three of them casually agreed to a business involving at least tens of thousands.
It’s incredible.
After dinner, Tong Yao and Guo Jinnian, accompanied Gu Hongwei to the barber shop for a haircut. Since he had no place to stay, Tong Yao simply invited Gu Hongwei to her home.
Gu Hongwei initially declined. He felt it was inconvenient to stay with two women. But ultimately decided it would be a lot easier to stay in touch with them by living with them. In the end, he stayed at Tong Yao’s home, sleeping on the living room couch.
In the evening, Tong Yao made a couple of simple dishes. Over dinner, they again discussed the reselling business and each expressed their own opinions. They finally decided to engage in reselling radios first to test the market. This would require less investment, and also allow them to explore the potential market.
Life is still tough in many small towns and radios are more in demand there than television sets. It’s not because people don’t like TVs, but because their living conditions do not meet the requirements for owning a television.
In some areas, even in the late nineties, they were still watching black and white televisions.
Later, they moved on to discuss Tong Yao’s house. Tong Yao mentioned the upcoming demolition here, "Once the house in the suburb is renovated, I’ll set aside a room for each of you. You can stay there whenever you come to Kyoto, it would be much more convenient."
"Absolutely!" Guo Jinnian agreed cheerfully.
Gu Hongwei also nodded in agreement. His solemn expression combined with his bruised and swollen appearance made a comical sight. Tong Yao and Guo Jinnian looked at each other and burst out laughing.
Their laughter made Gu Hongwei feel a bit embarrassed. Remembering the incident when he accidentally touched Guo Jinnian inappropriately made his face turned red.
It wasn’t his fault that he didn’t recognize Guo Jinnian as a woman. After all, she was dressed like a man and did look like one in the chest area. Without a careful examination, the incident was bound to happen.
After a burst of laughter, the house phone suddenly rang. Tong Yao, assuming it was Si Chen, excitedly ran over to answer the call, only to have her expression change abruptly.