PFC Chapter 521 He Wants to Invest
Chapter 521 He Wants to Invest
The next morning, Li Xiangyang began to contact Ma Laosan.
Back then, there were no convenient things like telephones, so if you wanted to contact someone, you had to make a trip in person. Fortunately, Ma Laosan's timber processing plant was in town, not too far away.
Upon arriving at the processing plant, Li Xiangyang could hear the sound of sawing wood from afar. The factory was bustling with activity, as workers were busy rushing to complete a batch of furniture orders.
"Brother Li!" Upon seeing Li Xiangyang, Ma Laosan immediately put down his work and came to greet him. "What brings you here?"
"Third Brother, there's a business I'd like to discuss with you," Li Xiangyang said, getting straight to the point.
A glint of shrewdness flashed in Ma Laosan's eyes: "Oh? What kind of business?"
Li Xiangyang briefly explained his idea of building an agricultural product processing plant, emphasizing the successful model of deer blood wine.
"You mean, turn ginseng, forest frogs, and other such things into health products?" Old Ma stroked his chin thoughtfully.
“It’s not just health supplements,” Li Xiangyang added, “but also the deep processing of medicinal herbs, such as ginseng slices and frog oil capsules. There’s a huge demand for these kinds of products in the market right now, especially in big cities in the south.”
Old Ma paced back and forth in the factory a few times, his eyes growing brighter: "That's a good idea. But do you have the technology? Where will you get the equipment?"
“I’ve already considered the technology; we can find professional technicians. As for the equipment…” Li Xiangyang paused, “that’ll require Third Brother’s help.”
Old Ma laughed heartily: "Brother Li, you're taking advantage of our relationship?"
“Third Brother has a wide network of connections, which I really can’t compare to,” Li Xiangyang said frankly.
Old Ma thought for a moment, then suddenly asked, "How much money do you plan to invest?"
"The initial investment is estimated to be around 20,000."
"Twenty thousand?" Old Ma narrowed his eyes. "That's not a small amount. Where did you get so much money?"
Li Xiangyang knew this was a crucial moment and he couldn't hide anything: "Ma Qingfu and I will cooperate, each contributing ten thousand."
Upon hearing Ma Qingfu's name, Ma Laosan's expression turned somewhat amused: "Ma Qingfu? That's the fat Ma you were fighting to the death with?"
"Yes, that's him."
"Interesting." A smirk appeared on Ma Laosan's lips. "From enemy to ally, you're quite something, kid."
Seeing that the other party didn't refuse, Li Xiangyang secretly breathed a sigh of relief: "So, what Third Brother means is..."
“I’ll take a share! But I won’t contribute capital; I’ll contribute connections and distribution channels. We can discuss how to split the profits later.” Old Ma immediately made the decision.
This suggestion surprised Li Xiangyang, but upon closer reflection, he realized that Ma Laosan's involvement could indeed greatly increase the project's success rate.
"Third Brother, I need to discuss your suggestion with Ma Qingfu."
“Of course,” Ma Laosan nodded. “But there’s one thing I need to make clear beforehand: I don’t want to deal with that Fatty Ma every day. You guys handle production, and I’ll take care of sales. How does that division of labor sound?”
"This arrangement is quite good." Li Xiangyang thought for a moment, "But what about the technical aspects..."
"I'll figure out the technical aspects," Ma Laosan said confidently. "I know a few technicians who came from pharmaceutical factories; their salaries aren't high, but their skills are excellent."
Having discussed this at this point, Li Xiangyang was basically certain that the cooperation had a chance. After saying goodbye to Ma Laosan, he rushed back to the purchasing station without stopping.
Wang Ergou was checking the goods in the warehouse when he saw Li Xiangyang return. He quickly went up to him and asked, "How did it go? What did Ma Laosan say?"
"He wants to invest."
"Huh?" Wang Ergou was taken aback. "Doesn't this become a three-way cooperation?"
“Yes, but this is even better,” Li Xiangyang explained. “Ma Laosan will be in charge of sales and technology, while we and Fatty Ma will handle funding and raw materials. This division of labor is much clearer.”
Wang Ergou thought about it and agreed: "Will Fatty Ma agree?"
"You'll have to ask him about that."
As they were talking, they heard the sound of a car outside. The two went out to see what was happening and saw Fatty Ma arriving in his Jeep.
"Li Xiangyang!" Fatty Ma shouted as soon as he got out of the car, "I've found the factory!"
"So fast? Where?" Li Xiangyang was somewhat surprised.
"It's over there at the north end of town, the old grain processing station." Fatty Ma rubbed his hands excitedly. "The factory manager is a friend of my cousin. Things aren't going well there now, and they're looking to sublet it."
Wang Ergou, listening from the side, was completely confused: "What factory are you talking about?"
Li Xiangyang briefly recounted the events of the morning to Wang Ergou, including Ma Laosan's desire to invest.
Upon hearing this, Fatty Ma's expression clearly changed: "Third Brother Ma? He wants to get involved?"
"What? You two have a grudge?" Li Xiangyang noticed Ma Pangzi's unease.
“It’s not that we have a grudge,” Fatty Ma scratched his head, “it’s just that this guy…” He paused, “is too shrewd. I’m afraid I’ll get taken advantage of if I cooperate with him.”
Li Xiangyang understood Ma Pangzi's concerns. Ma Laosan was indeed a cunning old fox, but precisely because of that, his involvement greatly increased the chances of the project's success.
“Brother Ma, listen to me.” Li Xiangyang pulled Fatty Ma aside to sit down. “Right now, it’s not about who we’re afraid of, but about how to expand our business.”
"What do you mean?"
“Old Ma has sales channels, which is exactly what we need,” Li Xiangyang explained patiently. “Think about it, what if we make the products but can’t sell them? Do we just let them rot in the warehouse?”
Fatty Ma fell into deep thought.
Li Xiangyang pressed his advantage: "Besides, he's not contributing money, only connections and technology. We'll still be the major shareholders, and the power will remain with us."
"How will the profits be divided?" Fatty Ma asked the crucial question.
“This requires all three parties to sit down and discuss,” Li Xiangyang said. “My idea is that the two of us each take 35%, and Ma Laosan takes 30%.”
Hearing this ratio, Fatty Ma's expression softened somewhat: "That's more like it. However, I need to see him first and see what he's up to."
"Shall we go now?"
Fatty Ma glanced at his watch: "Alright, it's still early anyway."
The three drove the jeep to Ma Laosan's timber factory again.
When Ma Laosan saw Ma Pangzi, a playful smile appeared on his face: "Oh, isn't this Boss Ma? The famous Ma Qingfu."
Fatty Ma wasn't about to back down either: "Old Ma, how have you been?"
The conversation between the two men was tense, and Li Xiangyang quickly tried to smooth things over: "Third Brother, Brother Ma, we're all businessmen. We should all make money together."
“Yes, yes, Brother Li is right,” Ma Laosan was the first to soften his tone. “Boss Ma, I heard you’re thinking of getting into agricultural product processing?”
"Li Xiangyang told me you wanted to invest?" Fatty Ma got straight to the point.
“That’s right. But I have one condition.” Ma Laosan paused for a moment, “I won’t handle production, I’ll only handle sales. You make the products, and I’ll be responsible for selling them.”
"Can you guarantee sales?" Fatty Ma asked skeptically.