Chapter 382: The Naye Deng Clan Group, Sending a Favor to the Gu Family

Chapter 382: The Naye Deng Clan Group, Sending a Favor to the Gu Family

After reaching an agreement with the pharmaceutical company, the legal team brought by Deng Shirong finally had a role to play.

His only requirement was to ensure that the pharmaceutical company would continue to fulfill the agreement and not tear it up to reap the benefits once they saw the Wang Laoji herbal tea become popular. That was an absolute no-go.

Deng Shirong was well aware of the peak sales of Wang Laoji herbal tea, so he naturally had to plug this loophole. It was impossible to let the other party tear up the contract for a small price.

In fact, he had also considered creating his own herbal tea brand, but herbal tea had medicinal properties. A new brand could not compare to Wang Laoji, which had a heritage of over 160 years.

Indeed, while Wang Laoji herbal tea was not as widely known as it was during its peak, it had already exceeded a hundred outlets in Guangzhou a century ago, selling hotly on its streets and alleys, and was popular in regions like Guangdong, Guangxi, Shanghai, and Hunan, even overseas.

In 1925, Wang Laoji herbal tea participated in the London Exhibition in the UK, becoming one of the earliest Chinese brands to go global.

Therefore, creating a new herbal tea brand could not match the historical depth of a 160-year-old brand.

Even if he managed to make his new brand popular, if the other party adopted the same marketing strategy, they could easily overtake and crush his new brand.

This brand heritage might seem unimportant, but when both sides engaged in a fierce competition, it became crucial.

In his previous life, Wang Laoji split into two branches, one in mainland China and one in Hong Kong. JDB Group initially only obtained the operating rights for Wang Laoji in Hong Kong.

Using the same formula, JDB Group also tried to create its own brand, naming it "Cooling Tea."

However, it naturally did not sell well.

Later, as everyone knows, JDB Group spent 4.5 million yuan annually to rent the Wang Laoji trademark.

As the group that made Wang Laoji famous, JDB Group was not foolish. The fact that they were willing to spend so much money to rent the Wang Laoji trademark showed that the brand effect of this century-old brand was still significant.

This was also the main reason why Deng Shirong did not want to create his own brand but instead followed the path of JDB Group.

After all, he was just a native rural person. Without the advantages of being reborn, his marketing capabilities truly paled in comparison to JDB Group. Since JDB Group's attempt to create a new brand failed, why should he believe he could succeed?

Why take a risky and uncertain path when there was a guaranteed successful path already laid out?

As for the concern that making Wang Laoji popular would be like making a wedding dress for someone else, that was a matter of perspective. In his previous life, JDB Group's trademark lease was short, and they had just made Wang Laoji a huge success when the other party came to reap the benefits.

But in this life, the trademark lease was extended to thirty years, meaning they could earn peak sales profits for over a decade. This was more than enough.

One should not be too greedy; there was no need to take all the profits for oneself.

If Deng Shirong were such a person, he would not have been able to lead his entire clan to prosperity. Wasn't it more satisfying to do it together?

Of course, in the early 1990s, Deng Shirong did not expect much profit from Wang Laoji herbal tea. This era was not yet the rapid development period for herbal tea. At least not until the late 1990s, when the herbal tea market would see significant growth.

Therefore, Deng Shirong's plan was to start selling in major cities in Guangdong and Guangxi, aiming to break even.

Once the timing was right, he would launch the classic advertising slogan, "If you're worried about heatiness, drink Wang Laoji," and sponsor the most popular TV series or variety show of the year. There would be no doubt about its success.

...

Seeing that each category of the food company could grow into a unicorn on its own, it seemed a bit odd to have so many unicorns under one food company.

Therefore, after returning from Guangzhou, Deng Shirong began to form the Naye Deng Clan Group, incorporating the real estate company, Tenglong Passenger Transport Company, and the food company into it as subsidiaries.

In the future, every time a new unicorn emerged, a new subsidiary would be established, ensuring everything remained organized.

Naturally, the food company's shares would be the primary focus in forming the group company.

After all, the scale of the food company far surpassed that of the passenger transport company.

To incorporate the passenger transport company into the Naye Deng Clan Group, the food company's share ratio would be used to make up for or distribute funds.

For example, Deng Shirong owned 2,000 shares in the food company, which had a total of 14,588 shares, representing 13.71% ownership.

In the Tenglong Passenger Transport Company, he owned 360 shares out of a total of 2,630 shares, representing 13.69% ownership.

Thus, using the food company's shares as the primary basis, he would need to make up the 0.02% share difference.

The same applied to other clan members. Many clan members had significant differences in their share ratios between the two companies, so they would need to make up the difference.

Because the shares being supplemented were original shares, they were of no significant value to the current clan members, so this matter was quickly settled.

When planning to establish the Naye Deng Clan Group, Deng Shirong began to consider an important issue: in which city would it be best to register the group?

If he only considered the group's development, the best choice would naturally be Shenzhen.

Shenzhen, as a special economic zone, was not just a gimmick but offered substantial policy support. Registering the Naye Deng Clan Group in Shenzhen would allow it to enjoy tax benefits and various policy supports. Additionally, Shenzhen was one of the four major cities in China's future, making it a very cost-effective choice to establish the group's headquarters here.

However, as a native of Guangxi, Deng Shirong was willing to support his hometown, this choice would bring significant inconvenience to the group's development, he did not regret it.

After all, Guangdong and Guangxi were originally one region, but in the future, Guangxi's GDP would rank near the bottom nationwide, while Guangdong's GDP would lead for over thirty years, with a significant gap between them.

Of course, Guangdong's total GDP was impressive, but the wealth disparity was also significant, largely driven by the two major cities, Guangzhou and Shenzhen. In contrast, Jiangsu's GDP, although it had been the second-highest for many years and never surpassed Guangdong, had extremely balanced urban development, and its per capita GDP (provincial) consistently ranked first.

If the Naye Deng Clan Group developed according to Deng Shirong's plan, it would undoubtedly grow into a super conglomerate. Once it was headquartered in Guangxi, the tax contributions alone would significantly boost Guangxi's economic development.

Moreover, the benefits of such a powerful group settling in Guangxi would extend beyond just tax revenue, bringing many other hidden advantages.

As long as the leaders could seize the opportunity, even if they couldn't completely transform Guangxi, at the very least, its GDP ranking would improve from the bottom to a more respectable middle position.

In that case, Deng Shirong's rebirth would truly be a service to his hometown and its people.

After thinking it through, Deng Shirong decided to register the Naye Deng Clan Group in Nanning and build the group's headquarters there.

After making this decision, Deng Shirong planned to use this opportunity to do a favor.

In this era of aggressive investment attraction, even without foreign capital, bringing in a group company with a registered capital of several billion yuan would undoubtedly bring significant benefits to the officials responsible for investment attraction.

As for how to operate this, Deng Shirong didn't know, but there were people who did.

His future mother-in-law's younger brother was the Party Secretary of Nanning's New District, and his second son's senior classmate, Song Yu, was the Deputy District Chief of the New District. If things were handled well, it was not impossible to help both of them advance to higher positions.

With this in mind, Deng Shirong decided to make another trip to Wuhan, as it was time to send the dowry to the Gu family and also to do this favor.

To send the dowry, he needed to inform the Gu family in advance and also communicate with his second son.

So, Deng Shirong found the right time and called his second son.

His second son answered the call, and after exchanging greetings, Deng Shirong said directly, "Yunheng, it's less than three months until your wedding with Weiwei. I plan to send the dowry over in the next few days."

Deng Yunheng replied, "Dad, I don't know much about this, so you can make the decision."

Deng Shirong said, "I'm just letting you know. Besides sending the dowry, I also plan to do a favor for your future mother-in-law."

Deng Yunheng asked, "What kind of favor?"

Deng Shirong explained, "I have already consolidated the clan's enterprises and plan to establish a group company with the headquarters in Nanning, with a registered capital of several billion yuan. Although I don't understand politics, I know that if a leader can attract such a group company to Nanning, it would be a very impressive achievement. Weiwei's uncle is the Party Secretary of the New District. If things are handled well, it might help him advance to a higher position!"

Deng Yunheng first praised him, then changed the subject, saying, "Dad, if the group company's headquarters is in Nanning, the tax benefits and policy supports it would enjoy might not be as good as those in the special economic zones."

Deng Shirong said, "I know that, but Guangxi is our hometown, and contributing to its development is something I am willing to do."

Deng Yunheng sighed, "If the hometown develops in the future, the people there will thank you, Dad."

Deng Shirong laughed, "Enough with the flattery. How's your work going?"

Deng Yunheng replied, "It's going well, but it's very busy."

Deng Shirong said, "That's good. If you're not busy, then there's something to worry about. Your senior classmate, Song Yu, also works in the New District. Your brother-in-law's promotion to Deputy County Chief was partly due to her father's efforts. This time, if there's an opportunity, we'll also help your senior classmate with the 'investment attraction' as a way to return the favor."

Deng Yunheng said, "Dad, you and my future in-laws can discuss it."

After finishing the main topic, the father and son chatted a bit more about family matters before hanging up the phone.

Then, Deng Shirong called his future in-laws.

The call was answered by his future mother-in-law.

After some polite exchanges, Deng Shirong said, "Relatives, I plan to send the dowry over soon and also discuss the specific procedures for Yunheng and Weiwei's wedding. Could you tell me which day would be convenient for me to visit?"

Gu Mother immediately replied, "Relatives, any time is convenient for us if you come over."

Deng Shirong smiled and said, "That won't do. Weiwei's father works for the country and often can't control his schedule, unlike us ordinary people who are more flexible. It would be best to accommodate Weiwei's father's schedule and not interfere with his work."

"Relatives, you are really considerate. I'll call and ask, and then give you a definite answer later."

"Alright."

...

Ten minutes later.

Gu Mother called back and said, "Relatives, I've asked Old Gu, and he said he has no work arrangements this Sunday."

Deng Shirong replied, "Then I'll visit on Sunday."

After discussing the main matters, they chatted a bit more about family matters before hanging up the phone.

...

In no time, it was Sunday.

At a certain residential compound in Wuhan, Gu Mother and her daughter were up early, busy preparing.

Gu Father had also canceled all his social engagements and was at home, ready to receive his future in-laws.

When it was almost ten in the morning, Gu Mother said, "Weiwei, it's about time!"

"I'll go down now."

Gu Caiwei responded, washed her hands, and went downstairs to wait at the entrance of the residential compound. Because of her father's position, Gu Caiwei was a well-known figure in the compound. As she stood at the entrance, people of all ages greeted her politely, and she smiled and responded to each one.

After waiting for about fifteen minutes, a tricycle appeared in Gu Caiwei's line of sight. Sitting in the back of the tricycle was her future father-in-law.

When the tricycle stopped, Gu Caiwei smiled and greeted him, "Uncle Deng."

Deng Shirong, carrying various gifts, got off the tricycle and greeted her, "Weiwei, did you wait long?"

The dowry had been agreed upon as 10,001 yuan, symbolizing being one in ten thousand. This amount would not change. The other gifts were not a concern for either side; the Gu family just wanted them to follow the standard.

Deng Shirong did not plan to make a big fuss over sending the dowry, especially since the Gu family needed to be mindful of the impact on their reputation.

So, this time, besides the 10,001 yuan, he only brought essential items like cigarettes, alcohol, tea, candies, and cookies, as well as some calligraphy, paintings, and embroidery.

Gu Caiwei helped carry the gifts while responding, "No, I just came down a while ago."

The entrance of the residential compound was not a place to chat, so after exchanging greetings, they both carried the gifts back home.

Upon arriving, there were more polite exchanges.

After sitting down for tea, they began to chat.

After a while, Gu Mother and her daughter went into the kitchen to prepare the meal, while Deng Shirong and Gu Father sat down to drink tea and play chess.

They played Chinese chess, which, compared to the more complex Go, is relatively simple to learn. Once you learn the basic rules, you can understand how to play. Whether you can become proficient depends on your talent.

Deng Shirong's Chinese chess skills in his previous life were average, but after being reborn, his mind seemed to function better, and his chess skills improved accordingly.

However, Gu Father was clearly an amateur expert, and Deng Shirong lost several games in a row.

Playing chess is the best way to pass the time. After a few games, Gu Mother called them for lunch.

The meal was, of course, extremely abundant.

During the meal, Deng Shirong looked at Gu Father and Gu Mother and said, "Our clan is planning to integrate our existing companies into a new group company. The registered capital of this group company will be several hundred million yuan. Weiwei's uncle is a leader in the new district of Nanning. I was wondering if setting up the group company in Nanning could help him?"

Upon hearing this, the three members of the Gu family were all taken aback.

They already knew that Deng Shirong had led the establishment of two companies in his clan: a passenger transport company and a food company.

The food company had launched the popular KFC instant noodles, and even opened a branch in Wuhan, indicating how profitable it was.

However, they did not expect that the scale of the companies in Deng Shirong's clan had grown to the point where they were forming a group company.

Moreover, the registered capital of several hundred million yuan was indeed a surprise to the Gu family.

Gu Father, being someone in the system, was quite familiar with the policies of various regions. After his initial shock, he responded, "Relatives, if Weiwei's uncle can attract such a significant group company, it would definitely be a great help to him. However, I don't think it's necessary.

Although I am not very familiar with Nanning's investment attraction policies, in terms of tax incentives and various policy supports, it definitely cannot compare to special economic zones like Shenzhen. We shouldn't set up the group company in Nanning just to help Weiwei's uncle, as that would have an impact on the group's development."

Gu Mother also chimed in, "Yes, relatives, I appreciate your intentions, and I thank you on behalf of my brother. However, business is primarily about profit. We shouldn't set up the group company in Nanning just to help my brother advance in his career; the cost would be too high."

Deng Shirong smiled and said, "I understand your concerns, but as the saying goes, 'When poor, one should improve oneself; when successful, one should help others.' Our clan has developed quite well, and within our capabilities, I want to support our fellow Guangxi natives. If we can help Weiwei's uncle in the process, that would be even better."

Gu Mother couldn't help but praise him, "Your generosity is truly unmatched. No wonder you have raised so many outstanding children."

Gu Caiwei also admired her future father-in-law. The saying "When poor, one should improve oneself; when successful, one should help others" is easy to say but hard to practice. Few people truly live up to it.

Gu Father added, "Since you have such ideals and sentiments, I won't say more. This opportunity will indeed greatly benefit Weiwei's uncle. If handled well, a promotion is not out of the question."

Deng Shirong smiled and said, "As long as it helps, I'll follow your guidance on how to proceed."

Gu Father, naturally experienced in such matters, discussed the details with Deng Shirong over lunch.

Gu Mother became even more enthusiastic. This future in-law was truly remarkable, sending such a significant favor even before they were officially related.

Her brother's qualifications were already sufficient; he just needed a standout achievement.

Although her father had retired and his influence had diminished, if her brother could achieve something notable, the connections her father left behind could still play a significant role, making a promotion almost certain.

By the end of the meal, Deng Shirong had a clear understanding of the necessary steps.

Next, Weiwei's uncle would contact him, and they would negotiate to ensure the achievement was recognized.

After discussing the details with Deng Shirong, Gu Mother suddenly remembered something and asked, "Relatives, there is a Deputy District Chief surnamed Song in my brother's district government. I heard he is a Peking University alumnus like Yunheng. Do you know how their relationship is?"

Deng Shirong smiled and said, "Of course, they are both from Bobai and have a good relationship. His father is the County Chief of Bobai County. My eldest son's smooth promotion to his current position was largely due to his father's efforts."

Gu Father interjected, "Then it would be even better to include this Deputy District Chief Song. With the connection of being alumni and fellow natives, it will be easier to handle."

Deng Shirong asked, "Including Deputy District Chief Song won't affect Weiwei's uncle, right?"

Gu Father laughed and said, "No, it won't."

By this time, they had finished eating and moved to the living room to continue drinking tea.

After discussing the favor, they talked about the wedding arrangements for Deng Yunheng and Gu Caiwei.

Deng Shirong said, "According to our local customs, any celebratory event must be held in the morning and cannot exceed noon. Therefore, the wedding banquet should be held before noon, and the bride must be taken to the ancestral hall by then.

So, the day before the wedding, we need to bring Weiwei to a local hotel to stay overnight, so she won't miss the auspicious time the next day."

Gu Mother said, "That's fine. Since Weiwei is getting married, we will follow your local customs."

Deng Shirong said, "With a distance of over a thousand kilometers, the journey will be quite tiring. It might inconvenience Weiwei and the guests who will accompany her."

Gu Mother waved her hand and said, "That's not a problem. We can fly, which will save a lot of travel time."

They went through the entire wedding process, with Deng Shirong and Gu Mother leading the discussion while Gu Father and Gu Caiwei listened.

The Gu family was already very satisfied with Deng Yunheng as a future son-in-law and did not want to make the wedding preparations difficult. Everything was negotiable, and with the significant favor Deng Shirong had already sent, the discussions were even more harmonious.

After the discussion, Gu Father hinted that he was already working on promoting Deng Yunheng to the position of County Chief of Fuqing County after the New Year.

Deng Shirong was naturally very pleased. The sooner his second son advanced, the sooner he could interact with influential figures, which was what he wanted to see.

"Father-in-law, as the saying goes, a son-in-law is half a son. It's only right that you consider his future. I won't thank you for it!"

Deng Shirong laughed heartily and reaffirmed, "Please rest assured, our Deng family will never mistreat Weiwei."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end