Although Chen Jianhai had been reluctant about becoming the association chairman,
A small sense of vanity still swelled in his heart when he saw the black Volkswagen sedan and dedicated driver waiting at the association's entrance.
"Chairman Chen, I'm your driver, Chen Yu."
A spirited young man enthusiastically opened the car door for him.
"We share the same surname!" Chen Jianhai smiled as he got in.
Initially, he'd only asked Su Jie for directions to Nine Seas Hot Pot.
But Su Jie had arranged a dedicated car and driver for his future transportation needs.
Though the car couldn't compare to his hotels' Mercedes, BMWs, Hummers, or Bentleys,
The mere thought of having his own chauffeur lifted his mood, his lips curling into an involuntary smile.
Nine Seas Hot Pot stood beside Zaomen's International Trade Center—a four-story standalone restaurant.
Though not as tall as East Sea Dragon Palace, its prices were steep, easily exceeding 1,000 yuan for a casual meal for two.
Rumors said the owner had spent 300 million on decor alone, with interiors of extravagant luxury.
Though Chen Jianhai had never personally selected construction materials,
A year of system exposure let him recognize quality at a glance.
"What a waste..."
Chen Jianhai sighed inwardly.
Such fine hardwood would've been perfect for a hotel!
Why squander it on a hot pot place?!
Good wood ruined by chili oil fumes—such a pity.
Following the staff to the Peacock private room,
He pushed open the gilded door to find a space designed like a birdcage.
Mood lighting, hardwood finishes, and golden-feathered peacock murals created an ambiance both intimate and upscale.
Oddly, Chen Jianhai felt like he'd come for an illicit rendezvous.
Inside, Xu Yong was already seated, happily perusing the menu.
Seeing Chen Jianhai enter, he handed the menu to the server:
"We'll start with these. Bring them out."
"Right away, sir." The server smiled sweetly and exited.
Chen Jianhai froze.
Had Xu Yong always been this shameless?
Though hosting this meal, he'd ordered without even showing Chen Jianhai the menu!
While inwardly cursing, Chen Jianhai forced enthusiasm:
"Brother Yong! You look younger every time I see you!"
Xu Yong smoothed his graying temples, smirking. "Of course. Wait till you're married with kids."
*Pfft!*
Chen Jianhai rolled his eyes internally. Yeah right!
As they waited for dishes, Xu Yong suddenly asked:
"Boss Chen, I've always wondered—in gangster movies, why do the bosses always meet over hot pot?"
"Any idea?"
Chen Jianhai shrugged. "Probably because it was cheap back then."
Xu Yong: "..."
"Gangster bosses would skimp on meals?!"
"Why not?!"
Chen Jianhai grew serious. "Company funds versus personal money—totally different!"
His hotel's accounts neared 100 million, yet hearing "Payment received: 136 yuan" at Xiaolang's BBQ last night brought more joy.
When money exceeds life's needs, it becomes abstract numbers—nothing exciting.
"You—"
Xu Yong wanted to argue but found the logic sound, left speechless and red-faced.
His attempt at sophistication had backfired spectacularly.
Just as Chen Jianhai prepared to gloat, he remembered his purpose and quickly backtracked:
"Brother Yong, why do gangster bosses eat hot pot together?"
Xu Yong scowled.
"Because they've pissed off so many people, they're afraid of being poisoned."
"Haha, so humorous." Chen Jianhai forced a laugh.
Fortunately, the awkwardness ended as servers streamed in with broth, ingredients, and meats.
Dish after dish made Chen Jianhai's eye twitch.
Had Xu Yong ordered half the menu?!
Without seeing prices, the lavish decor suggested thousands spent already.
Add alcohol, and it might exceed ten thousand.
Noticing Chen Jianhai's pained expression, Xu Yong finally relaxed.
"Boss Chen, private rooms here have minimum spends. I worried this wasn't enough."
Suppressing anguish, Chen Jianhai declared: "Nonsense! Order more if needed!"
After the final wild matsutake mushrooms arrived,
The server closed the door, leaving them in peace.
Pork belly chicken broth bubbled merrily as Chen Jianhai cut to the chase:
"Brother Yong, I need your advice."
Xu Yong smirked. "Figured. What is it?"
Chen Jianhai explained: "A friend's handicraft caught a foreign distributor's eye for bulk orders."
"But I've zero experience with international trade. Any suggestions?"
Xu Yong squinted. "A 'friend'?"
"Dammit, it really is a friend!"
Seeing genuine confusion, Xu Yong dropped the sarcasm, dipping beef slices into the pot:
"I don't follow."
"What exactly do you want to do?"
Chen Jianhai sighed. "That's the problem—I don't know what to do. Hence asking you."
Xu Yong pondered. "Then let me ask you."
"How large is this 'bulk order'?"
"Several million? The distributor's financially solid—I checked."
Xu Yong nodded. "Does your friend have a factory?"
"No."
"Someone took his crafts abroad, where the distributor saw them."
Xu Yong's brows furrowed.
Setting down his chopsticks, he studied Chen Jianhai intently, as if piecing together a puzzle.
Alarmed, Chen Jianhai asked: "Is it problematic?"
Xu Yong shook his head slowly.
After a minute's silence, he remarked:
"Boss Chen, I thought this was serious. Turns out you're pleading for Little Pony Island."
Chen Jianhai's heart skipped a beat.
...How did he deduce it so quickly?!
During Huang Baichuan's beer conference, fish baskets had been given to attendees—including Nanjiang's CEO dance class members.
Xu Yong's father-in-law had received one.
Though Chen Jianhai had carefully avoided mentioning the island, Xu Yong had connected the dots.
How do their brains work differently?!
A dilemma arose.
Xu Yong's exile from Nanjiang to Zaomen, while partly due to his domineering business tactics,
Had been triggered by Little Pony Island cutting off Nanjiang Vast Aquatic's fish supply.
The island's rebellion inspired others to switch to Dynasty Fisheries.
Severing profits was akin to killing parents—the island and Xu Yong were sworn enemies.
Not kicking someone when they're down counts as kindness, let alone helping them.
As Xu Yong watched Chen Jianhai,
Who stared fixedly at the bubbling broth, internally torn.
He could insist on the "friend" story and glean advice without revealing the island.
But that would betray Xu Yong's trust.
If discovered later, their friendship might not survive.
With a resigned sigh,
Chen Jianhai cursed:
"Too damn sharp. Yeah, it's the island. Forget it—let's eat!"
He picked up beef slices, deciding to seek alternatives later.
Changing topics, he invited:
"Bring your wife and baby to Lion Castle Hotel sometime."
"It's quiet now—perfect for relaxation. My treat."
Xu Yong hesitated, conflict flashing in his eyes.
Finally, he spoke:
"For simple production, outsourcing suffices now."
Chen Jianhai's chopsticks halted mid-air.
Xu Yong continued:
"Design, craftsmanship, and sales channels are already set."
"The bottleneck is manufacturing—easily solved by contracting a factory."
"I know reliable manufacturers in Nanjiang and Zaomen if needed."
"But..."
He paused.
"Little Pony Island has fishermen, not businessmen. This overwhelms them."
"By entrusting you, they've made you responsible."
"If you want my opinion,"
"Build your own brand—control production and retail."
Chen Jianhai asked eagerly: "What's a consumer brand?"
Xu Yong rolled his eyes. "Read more, dumbass. Two years a boss and still clueless?"
"Brands divide into manufacturing and consumer types."
"Manufacturing means industry recognition—big brands/distributors value your quality, pricing, designs."
"Consumer brands sell directly to customers."
Chen Jianhai wavered. "Can branding succeed?"
"For others, maybe not. For you—no problem."
Xu Yong elaborated:
"You've got resources and capital."
"Brand-building requires planning, marketing, promotion—your strengths."
"Where others struggle, you excel."
"Plus, Nanjiang's brand development incentives offer policy support for factories."
"Secure islander cooperation, stabilize sales channels, ensure R&D quality—it's a golden opportunity."
Chen Jianhai's interest grew.
Profit opportunities were hard to ignore.
Previously, brands chased markets while factories chased brands.
Now brands covet factories, and factories crave branding.
Factories resent selling cheap to brands that markup 200-300%.
Brands, controlling markets, eye factories' profits greedily.
The ultimate solution?
Vertical integration!
But lacking experience, Chen Jianhai hesitated between ambition and apprehension.
Noticing his cowardice, Xu Yong scoffed:
"What's there to fear?!"
"If you're serious about fish baskets and exports,"
"Negotiate with Dynasty Fisheries!"
The words struck like lightning.
"Dynasty's fish target overseas markets. Package premium catches in baskets as gifts—secure one contract, and sales channels stabilize instantly!"