The Wealthy Eldest Sister Rules Supreme - Chapter 532
Chapter 532: Chapter 519: No One Complains About Having Too Much Money
“About this…”
Chu Jinnian bowed his head in deep thought for a moment before raising his head to reply. “I don’t have any trustworthy businessmen I can introduce to you, Miss Zhuang.”
“No harm done. It’s only a question for you, Master Chu. It would be best if you had any contacts to recommend, if not, it’s still alright.” Zhuang Qingning replied with a smile, there was no change in the brightness of her smile.
As she said, she just wanted to give it a try. It would be best if she got results, but it would be quite normal if there were none.
After all, Chu Jinnian comes from such an elite social circle, and the people he interacts with are likely high-ranking nobles. To them, the status of a businessman is very low, and they do not see them with high regard.
Zhuang Qingning had already prepared herself mentally for this, so she put this idea to rest.
Every beginning is difficult, and doing something relies on fate. Just take it slow, there is no rush at the moment.
Seeing Zhuang Qingning’s smile not fading in the slightest, the smile on Chu Jinnian’s face intensified, “Although I don’t have suitable people to recommend to Miss Zhuang, I’m quite interested in your soap business.”
“Without hiding anything from Miss Zhuang, I too have some properties and shops in Beijing and also possess several capable managers who can run businesses. If Miss Zhuang doesn’t mind, would you like to start this business together with me?”
“Doing business with Master Chu?” Zhuang Qingning’s eyes widened in surprise – she was taken aback, she hadn’t expected Chu Jinnian to propose this.
“What? You mentioned before on Cuiwei Mountain that you wouldn’t mind doing business with me if given the opportunity. Have you forgotten now or have you changed your mind? ” Chu Jinnian joked.
“That’s not the case…”
“I’m just a little surprised. I didn’t expect Master Chu to be interested in business.” Zhuang Qingning said, somewhat embarrassed.
She had always thought that people like Chu Jinnian, born with a silver spoon in their mouths, if not exactly dismissive of business, would definitely not be interested in it. Their previous conversation was just casual talk.
Unexpectedly, Chu Jinnian was indeed interested in it.
“In this world, no one thinks they have too much money,” Chu Jinnian laughed, “and while many people might seem to be living glamorous lives full of wealth and honor, only they themselves know what their lives are truly like.”
“Moreover, relying on the Emperor’s rewards is like waiting for the sky to drop food into your mouth – sometimes there is, sometimes there isn’t. Naturally, what you can hold in your hand is the most practical thing.”
His words rang true. Many members of the royal family and nobility, if they don’t have their private properties, are merely shells. They might appear to be living grand lives, but in reality, they are barely getting by. If their private businesses can thrive, it often provides a safety net.
After all, no one complains about having too much money, especially when it’s earned honestly.
Zhuang Qingning understands this, she nodded immediately, “Master Chu’s words are very true, then since Master Chu is interested in this soap business, it can be discussed.”
“Regarding the soap business, I have two ideas. It depends on which one Master Chu prefers.”
“Please go on, Miss Zhuang.” Chu Jinnian raised his hand.
“The first idea is for me to establish a soap workshop. I would sell soap to Master Chu at a fixed price. As for how much you are going to sell it for and how much profit you make in a year, I will not interfere. I will only receive my rightful share. However, if we operate the business in this way, you must guarantee to purchase a certain quantity of soap from me each year to ensure that there is no surplus in the workshop.”
“The second method is to set up a soap workshop together. I will provide the formula, and Master Chu will provide the capital. Competent people will be in charge of managing the workshop. The selling of the soap in Beijing and other places will be handled by Master Chu. Any problems that arise can be jointly negotiated by the two of us for a brainstorm, aiming to make the business larger and stronger. The final profit will be split 70-30, with Master Chu receiving 70 percent, and I will receive 30 percent.”
Zhuang Qingning said.
“I remember…” Chu Jinnian paused for a moment, “Miss Zhuang, you have already opened several workshops, haven’t you?”
“If you open another workshop, it will surely be even busier.”
“Indeed, it would be a bit busier,” Zhuang Qingning nodded and replied truthfully, “But this is only in the initial stage of the workshop. Once the workshop is well-settled, everything will be much smoother.”
“Master Chu, you don’t need to worry about the quantity and quality of soap due to the number of workshops. I will manage the workshop well and ensure that I supply you with the soap both in quality and quantity.”
Chu Jinnian lowered his eyelids.
“In that case, let’s go with the second method as Miss Zhuang suggested. We have a very competent housekeeper at home in Beijing who would be a perfect fit to manage the workshop. This way, Miss Zhuang will not have to worry about the minor issues of the workshop and can focus on more important matters.”
“Just as Master Chu said, let’s operate in the second way. But I wonder where Master Chu plans to set up the workshop?”
Zhuang Qingning said, “If Master Chu plans to move it to Beijing, because I have many other businesses, I’m afraid I would need to trouble Master Chu to send a few smart and quick-learning craftsmen to come and learn how to make soap from me.”
“Not only now, but this soap can also be made into fragrant soap, petal soap, medicated soap etc in the future. Each time a new type of soap is to be made, someone will need to come and study the process in detail.”
“The early stages require people to come here to learn the production methods. If I’m free in the future, I can go to the workshop to teach. However, in this manner, the variables become bigger.”
“In that case, instead of setting up the workshop in Beijing, let’s just set it up in the county town,” Chu Jinnian said slowly, “Firstly, it’s closer for Manager Zhuang, and you can visit the workshop anytime to check on things and correct anything that isn’t ideal.”
“Secondly, as Manager Zhuang said, the making of many different types of soap needs careful study. This location would make it convenient for the craftsmen to learn and for Manager Zhuang to guide them.”
“Thirdly, without hiding anything from Manager Zhuang, as a government official, I, like everyone else, have my own different private businesses. Everyone avoids talking about it, and never bring it up openly. Therefore, setting it up here, away from Beijing, is very appropriate.”
“On this matter, I am like anyone else, I don’t want to reveal too much. Thus for this business venture, it will be known publicly as your business, Miss Zhuang, and I will not have a direct connection. I hope you can agree to this.”
In doing business, the real aim is to make solid silver, not for the so-called reputation. As for who the business is publicly under, this does not really affect Zhuang Qingning.
She nodded her agreement, “None of this is a problem.”
“Since it is so, let’s consider our soap business agreed upon.”
