C108 – I Can’t Sell It to You
“Mr. Li, you’ve sampled this dish, correct? After so many years, Mr. Li remarked, this is the first time I’ve encountered stir-fried vegetables of such exquisite taste. Even I find myself craving more. So regarding this dish…” Chef Wu’s implication was evident. He hoped Lee Donghua would endeavor to resolve the matter concerning the dishes.
Lee Donghua turned to Zhang Xiaoloong, his demeanor softening. “Xiaoloong, you heard it as well. Master Wu holds your dishes in high regard. You’ve been unjustly treated earlier. Uncle Lee will offer you an apology. With the primary issue resolved, do you think we can proceed with this dish?”
“No!” Zhang Xiaoloong remained silent, but Chen Yaru adamantly refused.
“Yaru, refrain from such childish behavior,” Chen Zhaomin chided his daughter, perceiving her actions as an attempt to throw a tantrum.
Chen Yaru shook her head. “I’m speaking the truth. Xiaoloong was persuaded to leave twice before. Later, I introduced him to Jinshi’s Elder Sister Yan. Sister Yan offered ten times the price, with a minimum guarantee of 50 RMB per jin for the vegetables.”
“Jinshi?” Lee Donghua nodded. “Perhaps the finest in a Qingyang City hotel. But if Jinshi can offer ten times the price, I can match it, even up to 80 RMB per kilogram,” he proposed.
The jest from before seemed to be materializing now. This dish was indeed potentially priced at 100 RMB per kilogram.
“That’s still not feasible. Sister Yan had already agreed to purchase all the dishes at this rate if Xiaoloong were to supply them elsewhere. Breaching the agreement would entail compensation,” Chen Yaru reiterated, shaking her head.
Lee Donghua comprehended upon hearing this. Ultimately, Chang Jun had caused this debacle. Otherwise, the exclusive vegetable would likely have gone to his Yunjiang Hotel.
Yunjiang Hotel wasn’t Lee Donghua’s primary venture. Although it held significance in Qingyang City, it paled in comparison to top-tier establishments like Jinshi.
Yet, with Zhang Xiaoloong’s involvement, surpassing Jinshi and becoming the city’s top hotel wasn’t an unattainable goal.
“If it’s merely a matter of compensation, it’s not an issue.” Lee Donghua looked at Zhang Xiaoloong. “If Xiaoloong agrees, how much compensation do you require? I’ll cover it. What do you say?”
Zhang Xiaoloong hadn’t anticipated Lee Donghua’s persistence, but after deliberation, he sided with Chen Yaru. “I’m sorry, Uncle Lee. I’m afraid I’ll have to disappoint you this time. As you mentioned, if it’s solely compensation, it’s manageable. But the crux is, I’ve already made a commitment to Sister Yan. Reneging on it would undermine my credibility entirely.”
“Indeed. I expected you to view it that way, and rightly so. No matter how exceptional the merchandise, without integrity in business dealings, its quality becomes irrelevant. What a shame!” Lee Donghua sighed. He had foreseen this outcome. “But Yaru, you’re well aware that this dish can’t be provided to me. Did you purposely tempt Uncle Lee?”
“Hee hee…” Chen Yaru grinned mischievously. “Nothing escapes Uncle Lee’s notice. Here’s the thing. This vegetable was exclusively supplied to Sister Yan of Jinshi, a super-premium product. Xiaoloong still has nine acres of vegetable fields. They’ve just sown new vegetables, of superior quality compared to market produce. I wonder if Uncle Lee’s interested?”
“Impressive!” Lee Donghua couldn’t help but commend Chen Zhaomin. “Elder Chen, your daughter is truly remarkable. She’s caused quite a stir. She’s lured away my supplier and even had the lobby manager dismissed. I’m thoroughly captivated. And now she’s asking if I’m interested. How could I refuse?”
Chen Yaru proudly winked at Zhang Xiaoloong and added, “Uncle Lee can’t deny it. After all, this isn’t top-grade merchandise. If you’re not interested, I’ll seek another collaborator. Anyway, Xiaoloong has granted me full authority to sell these vegetables.”
“Alright, Uncle Lee doesn’t want to miss another opportunity. Tell me, what price are you asking?” Lee Donghua expressed his delight.
Zhang Xiaoloong was taken aback. “Uncle Lee, shouldn’t you check the prices of the dishes first?”
“No need. Uncle Lee trusts you.” He glanced towards Chen Yaru. “With a clever girlfriend like you, I might miss out. She could find another buyer before me. Uncle Lee would be left in tears.”
“Since Uncle Lee is interested, we’ll prioritize him.” Zhang Xiaoloong held a favorable opinion of him despite previous conflicts with his subordinate’s company. Recognizing the magnitude of their business, it was impractical for him to micromanage. As for the price, it would be determined after selling these few acres of vegetables. It’s a safer approach.”
“Hey,” Yaru expressed discontent. She pouted, protesting to Zhang Xiaoloong, “We agreed that I’d be the agent for selling the vegetables. How can we change the price like this?”
Observing Zhang Xiaoloong’s awkward expression, Lee Donghua chuckled. “That’s enough, Yaru. You don’t need to play the villain for him. Since the price isn’t comparable, let’s halve it based on Jinshi’s rate. Five times the price with a minimum of 25 dollars. Does that sound reasonable?”
“That won’t do.” Zhang Xiaoloong was the first to object. “Jinshi’s price is for buyout, and Elder Sister Yan is correct. Such prices are suitable for exclusive, high-quality vegetables, not for mass-market distribution. If I set such a high price, firstly, the vegetables don’t justify it in terms of quality, and secondly, most consumers can’t afford it. It would defeat the purpose of growing these vegetables.”
This time, Chen Yaru didn’t oppose; she concurred with his viewpoint. “Yes, Uncle Lee. We need a price that encourages bulk sales, not deterrence.”
“In that case, let’s double the price.” Lee Donghua pondered. “Minimum price of 10 RMB per catty. These are high-quality vegetables and shouldn’t be sold like ordinary ones. With Qingyang City’s purchasing power, even if you double it, we’ll still buy them all, considering your 9 acres of land.”
Nowadays, people paid keen attention to food and health. With Zhang Xiaoloong’s green vegetables boasting excellent taste, they were bound to attract many consumers.
Many wouldn’t consider it expensive; they’d welcome it. If it wasn’t pricey, he wouldn’t buy it.
Of course, the crux was that selling premium quality food for ten dollars without added value wouldn’t fool anyone.
“How many dishes does Uncle Lee need?” Zhang Xiaoloong inquired.
“As many as you have.” This time, Lee Donghua resolved not to leave any openings for competitors.
Zhang Xiaoloong was surprised again. Could it be that the other party was intentionally offering money because of the Four Appearances Divine Orchid?
“Don’t worry about that.” Chen Yaru reassured. “Uncle Lee not only owns this hotel but also Donghua’s supermarket throughout Qingyang City. These vegetables might not be enough for the supermarket to handle.”
“Let’s set that aside for now. I heard you want to repair the road. Do you need my assistance?” Lee Donghua inquired.
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