Chapter 70 - Stopping Me from Selling Vegetables
Initially, he assumed things would flow effortlessly without a worry. However, he encountered unexpected hurdles right from the start.
This realization dawned upon Zhang Xiaoloong, understanding that despite his proficiency in vegetable cultivation, transforming it into a sustainable business or career required extensive learning.
It wasn't an exaggeration to liken himself to a primary school student in commerce, yet in reality, he might only be at a kindergarten level.
Fortunately, time was still on his side, allowing him to gradually acquire the necessary knowledge.
Opting for accommodation in a random hotel, he rose at dawn on the second day, transporting his vegetables to the wholesale market.
Fortunately, the vegetables he cultivated boasted excellent quality. Even after a day in storage, they remained fresh and tender, indistinguishable from freshly picked produce. Unlike ordinary vegetables, which typically wilted within a day in storage.
Zhang Xiaoloong bided his time, observing which vendors appeared to be supplying renowned establishments.
In truth, he lacked experience in this domain and felt he was relying on luck. Yet, with no other recourse, he pressed forward.
“Where's your boss? These vegetables are subpar. Presenting them like this, I'll be rebuked by my employer,” a young man in his twenties grimaced, pointing at the produce dispatched by a wholesale company.
Zhang Xiaoloong kept his distance from the altercation, here to sell vegetables like everyone else. Any hint of encroachment on others' business could have dire consequences.
Nonetheless, Zhang Xiaoloong possessed heightened senses compared to ordinary folk. Despite the distance, he discerned the exchange clearly.
Shortly after, what seemed like a middle manager hurried over from another stall, offering a cigarette to the disgruntled youth.
“Brother Xizi, admittedly, the quality of these goods is lacking. Please bear with us; we can discuss pricing once more. You're taking a risk, Brother Xizi, and I can't allow you to incur losses,” the middle manager placated, slipping something into the young man's pocket.
“Boss Kui, this isn't merely about pricing anymore.” Xizi intercepted the middle manager's hand, gesturing towards the goods in the vehicle. “If I return with such substandard produce, I might as well shut down my business…”
“Don't be upset, don't be upset. I've heard about Brother Xizi's capabilities from my cousin. I assure you, this lapse isn't intentional. He's pressed for time; hence the desire to return the shipment promptly. I'll inform my cousin of this matter, and the three of us will celebrate together,” Boss Kui reassured, attempting to mollify him. “You're doing me a favor. With your reputation, any inconvenience caused will be minimal.”
Xizi remained discontent, “Boss Kui, your goods were below par previously. But this time, it's utterly unacceptable. If I return with this, I might not even have a business left. Will you provide me with an even worse batch?”
“Tsk, losing faith in me, huh?” Boss Kui thumped his chest. “I'm not that sort of person. I'm counting on you for this. Please endure a little longer…”
As he spoke, he handed over the item in his hand.
This time, Xizi didn't resist. He simply glanced at the offering and remarked, “Fine, bring me more. I'll figure out something with my employer. Let's see how I can salvage this situation.”
Witnessing the resolution, Boss Kui felt relieved. They exchanged pleasantries before the purchased vehicle departed from the market.
Zhang Xiaoloong swiftly trailed behind them. As the vehicle exited the wholesale market, he hastened to intercept it.
“Are you inviting trouble?” Xizi exclaimed, taken aback. Already irked, he directed his frustration at Zhang Xiaoloong.
“Please, calm down,” Zhang Xiaoloong empathized with the agitation brewing within the man. Clearly, the vegetable vendor had connections. Hence, the buyer needed to show some respect. However, it appeared… “I have a solution to your predicament.”
“Predicament?” Xizi momentarily puzzled, then a flicker of realization crossed his face. “How did you know?”
Rebates from purchases were nearly an open secret. Yet, this individual before him not only recognized his ongoing issue but also seemed to have spied on him. Could he have been monitored clandestinely?
“Don't dwell on how I'm aware,” Zhang Xiaoloong couldn't articulate it clearly even if he tried. He simply plucked a cabbage from the bag and proffered it. “Try this cabbage. Disregard your suspicions. Just taste it raw. Once you've bitten into it, you'll realize I'm sincere.”
Xizi grew even more perplexed. “Did someone tamper with it from higher up?”
Despite his instincts, he accepted the vegetable, bringing it to his nose for a sniff. A fresh aroma greeted him, convincing him of the quality. Thus, he tentatively took a small bite.
“How is it? I wasn't misleading you!” Zhang Xiaoloong couldn't help but grin upon seeing the other's consumption.
He had feared the other might refuse to eat. Once the individual tasted the dish, reluctance for a second serving would be dispelled.
Xizi was utterly flabbergasted. Having worked in the hotel industry for years, often in high-end establishments, he thought he'd sampled all sorts of delicacies. Yet, this dish was truly exceptional!
Mere moments ago, he stewed over Boss Kui's actions. Now, after a bite, that matter faded from his thoughts.
“How many varieties do you have? What's the price?” Xizi's voice quivered, his eyes fixed on the dish in Zhang Xiaoloong's hand.
Setting aside the astounding potential of this dish once prepared, just acquiring all the dishes Zhang Xiaoloong held could likely stave off any queries from the boss. Even if he disclosed buying such dishes, the inferior batch likely wouldn't be questioned upon return.
Chefs prized top-quality ingredients, and Xizi believed any chef tasting this dish would rue not using it in their preparations!
“For today, that's all. But I have a vegetable greenhouse, approximately…” Zhang Xiaoloong estimated, “Supplying 100 catties of vegetables daily shouldn't pose an issue.”
“That quantity won't suffice,” Xizi mused, then comprehension dawned. Such premium vegetables, even in limited quantity, could command a premium price. “What's your proposal regarding pricing?”
Zhang Xiaoloong had been making rounds. He was aware of prices, yet deciding his produce's selling price wasn't straightforward.
Setting it too low would demean the quality. Conversely, if too high, the hotel might balk at purchasing.
“You're knowledgeable in this realm. Why not suggest a price?” Zhang Xiaoloong probed, seeking insight into the other's background.
As long as the figure wasn't exorbitant, he could agree and take the initial step.
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