Manufacturing Factory
After breakfast, Chen Yu drove Chen Jianhai to the high-speed rail station. As he dropped him off, she handed him a small bag containing a bottle of water, a paper-wrapped package, and a few pieces of candy. It could serve as both a storage bag and a disposable trash bag afterward.
The bag was compact and easy to carry around.
Though these provisions were far more modest compared to what a hotel shuttle service might offer, the difference in budget between the two was stark. Chen Jianhai was already quite satisfied with what had been prepared for him.
"President, just give me a call anytime you return to Zaomen! I'll come pick you up!"
As Chen Yu saw Chen Jianhai off at the security checkpoint, her young face was filled with earnestness, as if she was afraid he wouldn't reach out to her.
Chen Jianhai smiled. "Thank you for your hard work. I'll be counting on you from now on."
...
After boarding the high-speed train back to Nanjiang, Chen Jianhai didn't return to the hotel. Instead, he headed straight for the island.
When it came to deciding whether the small fish baskets should be produced through an OEM factory or by building their own brand, the real decision-makers weren't him but the island residents.
Upon hearing Chen Jianhai's proposal, the sleeveless-shirt-wearing elder immediately called a full-island meeting and initiated a vote in the WeChat group to gather everyone's opinions.
At first, when people heard about setting up a factory, creating a brand, and exporting products, they thought it was a joke.
After all, Little Majia Island was a small island in the southern waters of Nanjiang, where generations had made their living by fishing. The idea that the fish baskets found in every household could be exported to earn big money from foreigners seemed too good to be true.
But disbelief aside, they trusted "Huluwa" (Chen Jianhai's nickname).
When the sleeveless-shirt elder mentioned that Chen Jianhai was willing to help them build the factory and handle sales, the islanders unanimously voted in favor.
A decision that would shape the island's development for decades to come was settled in less than half an hour—a speed that even Chen Jianhai found hard to believe.
"Huluwa, go ahead and take charge boldly!"
The sleeveless-shirt elder frowned slightly as he tried to pat Chen Jianhai's shoulder but found himself too short to reach. His face immediately darkened.
Chen Jianhai, startled, quickly crouched down halfway, allowing the elder to pat his head instead.
"There aren't many on the island who understand business. We'll have to trouble you again this time," the elder said, looking at Chen Jianhai with heartfelt appreciation, his cheeks flushed as if he were gazing at his own grandson.
"Whether you want to build a factory or create a brand for the fish baskets, these are things I don't understand."
"But if there's anything you need my help with, just say the word."
The elder patted Chen Jianhai's shoulder again, a mix of awkwardness and concern in his expression.
"In the future, just give me a call if you need anything. You're so busy every day—making these trips back and forth to the island must be exhausting."
Chen Jianhai felt a warmth in his heart. "Don't worry, elder. I'm tough! It's not tiring at all!"
With the islanders united in their decision, Chen Jianhai felt reassured. He returned to the Jasmine Hotel and enjoyed a hearty meal.
He had originally planned to check on the uncles and aunts at the nursing home to see how they were settling in, but he arrived to find them gone. A few days earlier, they had expressed a desire to go out to sea, so Rui Keya had arranged for a fishing boat to take them out, accompanied by the medical staff's "pinky-swear sisters."
It was the off-season for the hotel, and with the nursing home residents away, the place was even quieter.
After his meal, Chen Jianhai sat on the restaurant sofa, enjoying the sea breeze and a rare moment of relaxation.
"System!"
He called out in his mind.
"Ding—"
The familiar, cold voice of the system echoed in his head, followed by a massive blue panel appearing before his eyes.
"System, do you have a factory store?"
Chen Jianhai asked hopefully.
If the system had a factory store where he could purchase what he needed with points, it would save him a lot of trouble!
"Ding—"
"This system is the Ocean Star Luxury Hotel System. It only provides stores related to hotels and does not currently offer factory services."
The system's merciless, icy tone shattered Chen Jianhai's hopes.
Damn it...
Chen Jianhai cursed inwardly.
Though he had expected this outcome, he still couldn't resist clicking through every store in the system, one by one.
Even if there were no factories, maybe there was a hotel that at least looked like one! At the very least, he could use the shell and framework, then equip it with the necessary machinery later.
But after scouring the system's mall from top to bottom, he couldn't find a single plain, low-key hotel design that could pass as a factory.
Since the system had upgraded to the Platinum tier, the quality and variety of hotels had also undergone a major upgrade. Every option was now a high-end, exquisitely crafted model—there wasn't a single basic, brick-and-concrete design to be found.
This was a problem!
Chen Jianhai grew frustrated.
If he could use the system to make the purchase, with the help of his "Construction Expert" title, the factory could be built in just two days.
He could then gather the islanders, and within a week, the factory could officially start operations.
But under these circumstances, he'd have to change his approach.
"Building a factory from scratch would take at least three months to half a year. If you factor in bidding, design drawings, and other unpredictable delays, it could drag on for a year."
"By then, the opportunity would be long gone."
Chen Jianhai hesitated for a moment.
No, he had to switch tactics!
The factory had to be built, and money had to be made!
If he couldn't build and operate the factory himself, he would at least register the factory name and brand first. Then, he could explore options like OEM partnerships or renting an empty factory. Step by step, he'd find a way forward.
"...Thankfully, I've got some money saved up. Otherwise, I wouldn't even have enough to build the factory!!!"
Chen Jianhai felt a pang of guilt over his earlier mindset of "Money? I've got plenty."
He must have been either crazy or overly confident back then.
What sane person would ever think they had enough money?!
"Looks like I still need to earn more!"
A determined glint flashed in Chen Jianhai's eyes. Once all these matters were settled, he vowed to secure a few more contracts and make as much money as possible!!!
After making a quick round of inspections at the Jasmine Hotel to ensure everything was running smoothly, Chen Jianhai finally relaxed and pulled out his phone. He began making calls, one by one, following the list of contacts Xu Yong had recommended...
...
Though Nanjiang was a resort city, its proximity to the port made transportation convenient, and its manufacturing industry was remarkably robust. With a comprehensive industrial system, it was one of the province's largest manufacturing bases.
Among these industrial bases, sectors like gaming electronics, swimming gear and toys, and food and beverages were the pillars. The modern industrial system was well-developed, offering an excellent environment for employment and entrepreneurship.
Many businesses wanted to establish factories here.
As a result, Nanjiang's standards for factory approvals were exceptionally high.
However, since the small fish basket production factory was a low-pollution manufacturing business, coupled with Chen Jianhai's social standing in Nanjiang, the "Little Majia Fish Basket" Weaving and Manufacturing Factory was officially registered. The factory site was chosen near the port, making transportation extremely convenient.
Though there was no factory building yet, with Xu Yong's connections, Chen Jianhai managed to rent an empty workshop at a relatively low price.
As for factory workers, that was even simpler.
There were over a dozen islands around Nanjiang, and their residents were a massive labor force.
Aside from the men who went out to fish, the elderly and women on these islands generally didn't participate in fishing. Instead, they handled other household tasks.
After the sleeveless-shirt elder explained the factory's wages, working hours, overtime pay, and daily ferry subsidies, residents from over a dozen islands eagerly signed up to work. The idea of earning a salary by making fish baskets—something they did every day—was incredibly appealing.
Seeing their enthusiasm, Chen Jianhai felt immensely gratified.
With the factory site and workers settled, the next step was management.
Running a factory was no trivial matter—it required a reliable manager.
"Who should I choose?"
Chen Jianhai was stumped.
With the Lion Ridge Grand Hotel currently lacking a leader, he was both the owner and the manager. Adding a factory to his responsibilities would be too much to handle.
The hotel had plenty of talented employees, but they were all trained in hospitality. They were young, inexperienced, and ill-equipped to manage a factory.
Wen Zifan had overseas management experience, but she was already overseeing the entire operation of the Langai Hotel and couldn't possibly take on another role.
Su Jie was a good candidate, but as the secretary-general of the Shellfish Association, he couldn't possibly take on such a position.
After much deliberation, Chen Jianhai's eyes lit up as he thought of someone—
Cui Meng!
During the Nanjiang Beer Festival, Chen Jianhai had interacted with Cui Meng frequently in the five-star hotel tents.
From what he knew, Cui Meng, like Wen Zifan, had studied abroad and had an impressive resume.
Aside from his habit of dressing like an emcee for no reason, he didn't have any major flaws.
If Cui Meng could manage the factory for him, it would save Chen Jianhai a lot of headaches.
...
When Cui Meng heard that Chen Jianhai was trying to poach him again, he could barely contain his joy.
Coincidentally, Cui Meng's contract with Yuemei Hotel had just expired.
The moment he received Chen Jianhai's offer, he happily packed his bags and rushed into Chen Jianhai's embrace—his decisiveness leaving Yuemei Hotel heartbroken!
With Cui Meng and other key personnel in place, the "Little Majia Fish Basket" Weaving and Manufacturing Factory finally began operations in full swing.
However, since the workshop was temporarily rented and the company hadn't been fully established yet, the factory's opening was a quiet affair. Aside from the relevant industrial and commercial departments, hotel staff, and some islanders, almost no one knew about it.
Soon,
As the first batch of finely crafted fish basket samples were shipped overseas for product testing, Wang Chaoyeye also sent Chen Jianhai a reply.
Currently abroad, Wang Chaoyeye couldn't make an immediate decision about the fish basket collaboration. He would need to return to Nanjiang in a few days before finalizing anything.
Though disappointed by the news, Chen Jianhai also felt somewhat relieved.
His factory had just been established, and everything was still unstable. Rushing into signing contracts without a solid foundation made him uneasy.
For now, all he had to do was wait for the overseas product testing to pass and the standards to be confirmed. Then, he could formally sign supply contracts with foreign distributors and begin official operations.
The autumn sea breeze carried away the summer heat, bringing a refreshing coolness.
Standing at the Fumanyu Port, Chen Jianhai looked at the large plot of land that had been marked out, feeling both excitement and apprehension.
For the first time...
This was the first time he was building a factory entirely without the system's help!
Everything would start from the most basic steps—pile driving, civil engineering, steel structures—just like building a small house.
The thought made him a little giddy!
...
"Boss Chen is truly impressive. Not only has he opened three hotels in a year and a half, but now he's also started a manufacturing factory!"
At the Nanjiang City Cultural Tourism Promotion Center, in the External Cultural Promotion Department,
Yang Ruying sat in her office, still processing the news.
During lunch in the cafeteria, a friend from the industrial and commercial department had casually mentioned it, and she hadn't believed it at first.
But after hearing confirmation from the island chief of Nanjiang's small island, she realized it was true.
"At this rate, maybe we'll see Boss Chen at this year's Nanjiang GDP Contribution Awards Ceremony!"
Yang Ruying suddenly felt a surge of anticipation.
As one of Nanjiang's most significant year-end events, the GDP Contribution Awards Ceremony was the only conference the mayor would personally attend.
The attendees were all entrepreneurs and individuals who had made outstanding contributions to Nanjiang's economic development and quality of life that year—a highly prestigious honor.
Though Chen Jianhai's hotels weren't yet significant enough to qualify,
for some reason, Yang Ruying had a gut feeling that Chen Jianhai would stage a comeback in the remaining months and rise against the odds!
Hang in there, Boss Chen...!
Yang Ruying silently cheered him on in her heart.
...
Coconut Umbrella Hotel Industry Association
"Chen Jianhai is branching out into manufacturing?!"
Wan Rong stared at his assistant in disbelief.
"Yes. The land marked out near the port a few days ago is his factory site," the assistant replied.
Wan Rong was stunned. "He actually bought that plot of land?!"
"Isn't he expanding too quickly?!"
His expression shifted several times, as if he couldn't quite grasp Chen Jianhai's strategy.
While it was normal for businesses to branch out into side ventures after reaching a certain scale, Chen Jianhai had only been in the industry for a year and a half.
"If we don't act fast, we might not be able to keep him in Chunyang Province."
A resolute glint flashed in Wan Rong's eyes.
"Contact the Langai Hotel immediately and ask about Chen Jianhai's schedule—whether he's in Nanjiang or Zaomen."
"If he's in Nanjiang, inform him that the association is holding a meeting tomorrow and that his attendance is mandatory!"
"Understood, boss. I'll reach out right away."
...
"Knock, knock, knock."
A knocking sound echoed.
Wen Zifan entered Chen Jianhai's office and said, "Boss, the association just notified us. They've requested your attendance at tomorrow's meeting."
Chen Jianhai was taken aback.
Had the association suddenly developed a fondness for meetings lately? Why was everyone calling for one?
"Fine, I'll go."
Chen Jianhai sighed helplessly.