Chapter 46: A Missed Opportunity

Chapter 46: A Missed Opportunity

Wei Yuan marveled at the blueberries from Liyuan Farm but didn’t forget the main reason for his visit. He quickly opened another bag that the driver had brought in. "Mr. Zhang, besides the new variety of blueberries, our county also has a special type of plum called the Fuyong Plum. It’s been developed through multiple grafting experiments. You should try it."

The bag was filled with deep purple Fuyong Plums, a common fruit in Fujian Province, but these were noticeably larger than usual.

Zhang Lin nodded and took a Fuyong Plum to taste. The flavor was good, and it was enjoyable to eat, though it didn’t surpass many fruits available in the market. The most obvious advantage was its larger size.

He smiled and said, "Mr. Wei, these Fuyong Plums are quite good."

In his mind, he was comparing them to the products from the game. Compared to the Quality 1 fruits in the game, these real-world fruits were nothing special.

However, in the real world, the Fuyong Plums were indeed better than most others, which was why the Youcheng Agriculture Bureau was promoting them along with the blueberries, encouraging farmers to grow them.

"Mr. Zhang, shall we discuss selling the Fuyong Plums and blueberries at Liyuan Farm?" Wei Yuan asked with a smile. The fruits were now ready for the market, and he wanted to finalize the arrangements as soon as possible.

"Sure!" Zhang Lin nodded and led Wei Yuan and his team to a wooden table in the rest area.

Wei Yuan began to explain, "Mr. Zhang, we’ve already talked to the farmers. The wholesale price for both fruits at Liyuan Farm will be 30% cheaper than the market rate."

"Alright, let’s go with what Mr. Wei suggested," Zhang Lin agreed with a smile. The offer was very sincere.

After all, a 30% discount on wholesale prices was significant. Since Liyuan Farm was a tourist attraction, they could charge 30 yuan per pound, compared to 25 yuan in Youcheng.

This meant a profit margin of 10.5 yuan per pound. Selling 1,000 pounds would yield a profit of 10,500 yuan.

It was clear that the farmers’ profit margins were being squeezed, especially with the added cost of shipping for online sales.

However, the logistics and shipping fees could be negotiated, and since the Agriculture Bureau was leading this initiative, they would ensure everything was handled well.

Moreover, Zhang Lin understood that the bureau’s willingness to offer such a deal wasn’t solely for the profit from sales at his farm. The main goal was to build a reputation.

With this wave of attention, once the reputation of Youcheng’s fruits was established, future sales and promotions would be much easier.

"Mr. Zhang, since there are no issues with the pricing, we’ll sign a contract. As for the details, Mengxi will discuss them with you, and she’ll be your main point of contact moving forward," Wei Yuan said, pointing to Lin Mengxi, who had proposed this idea.

Wei Yuan himself was not well-versed in online matters.

Lin Mengxi confidently handed Zhang Lin a proposal document. "Mr. Zhang, this is the plan I’ve drawn up. Please take a look, and I’ll be happy to answer any questions you have."

Zhang Lin took the document and began reading. The plan not only covered the sales of the two fruits at Liyuan Farm but also included strategies for live-streaming and promotional activities.

Government-led agricultural live-streams were different from those of ordinary influencers, as they needed to consider the broader impact.

Therefore, many aspects were handled directly by the government. However, Youcheng’s official account lacked the necessary following, so they had to rely on Liyuan Farm’s account and audience.

In essence, the Agriculture Bureau was borrowing Liyuan Farm’s account and audience to conduct their own initiatives.

The bureau wasn’t doing this just to gain favor; they were after the political achievements.

Lin Mengxi’s plan was well-thought-out, even including strategies to help Liyuan Farm maintain and increase its online presence.

Zhang Lin, being familiar with online marketing, could see the value in her proposals.

No wonder the Agriculture Bureau had entrusted her with this task.

He read through the document carefully and said, "Miss Lin, overall, there are no issues. The only problem is the live-streamer. You might not know, but Fu Yao is just a temporary hire for our advertising videos, and she’s a high school sophomore who has classes to attend."

"A high school sophomore?" Lin Mengxi looked at Zhang Lin with a puzzled expression.

She had noticed that the girl in the videos seemed young, but she hadn’t realized she was still in high school.

That was indeed very young!

Zhang Lin quickly clarified, "Miss Lin, please don’t look at me like that. I can’t handle live-streaming!"

"Oh!" Lin Mengxi was taken aback. That wasn’t what she meant.

She was just curious about the age of the model.

Usually, a man of Zhang Lin’s age would choose a model he found attractive, right?

Wei Yuan was also surprised to learn that the girl was a high school sophomore.

They had initially planned to have her live-stream, given the popularity of the flower fields and the girl herself.

Now, they had no choice.

He suggested, "Mr. Zhang, how about having Mengxi step in for the live-streams for the blueberries and Fuyong Plums? She’s quite capable."

“

Miss Lin is indeed capable,” Zhang Lin nodded.

Lin Mengxi’s figure and appearance were indeed excellent, and her work in the government gave her a unique aura that ordinary internet celebrities lacked. As long as there was traffic, she would be a perfect fit for a live-streaming sales host.

“I can do it,” Lin Mengxi replied with her usual poise. “However, I would appreciate it if Mr. Zhang could help us ask Ms. Fu Yao if she can spare some time over the next few days to film some videos. Even a brief appearance in the live stream would be fine. It’s clear from the ads for Liyuan Farm that she’s very popular, and of course, we will provide compensation.”

Wei Yuan also chimed in, “Her class schedule is manageable. We can use her after-school study time. The Agriculture Bureau will issue an official notice to the school to facilitate the process.”

“Alright, I’ll ask her when she gets off school at noon,” Zhang Lin agreed.

This would be beneficial for Fu Yao, as maintaining a good relationship with the Agriculture Bureau would make it easier for her to secure a position back in Youcheng after graduation, should she need it.

Of course, it all depended on whether Fu Yao was willing.

The negotiations went smoothly, and Wei Yuan eventually presented a contract. After reviewing it, Zhang Lin signed it.

Just as everything was settled, Zhang Lin’s phone rang. Seeing another unfamiliar number, he frowned but answered nonetheless. A frantic voice came through immediately, “Mr. Zhang, I apologize for the sudden call. This is Zhao Han, the director of Youcheng Tourism Bureau. We previously invited you to fill out the application for tourism project subsidies. Our team has thoroughly reviewed your application…”

Zhang Lin was clearly taken aback, not expecting another call from the Tourism Bureau.

However, he really didn’t want to get involved with the Tourism Bureau. Who knew what additional obligations it might bring? Besides, with the Agriculture Bureau on board, the Tourism Bureau wasn’t essential.

He quickly replied, “Director Zhao, after careful consideration, I believe Liyuan Farm doesn’t need these subsidies. They should be given to projects that truly require them. Therefore, please cancel the application. Also, we are currently collaborating with the Agriculture Bureau and will be quite busy. Thank you for your concern!”

After mentioning the Agriculture Bureau and expressing his gratitude, he hung up the phone.

By invoking the Agriculture Bureau, he hoped the Tourism Bureau would back off.

On the other end, Wei Yuan perked up at the mention of the Tourism Bureau. He understood that the Tourism Bureau was trying to poach Liyuan Farm, just like they had done with the terraced fields scenic area, which had originally been under the Agriculture Bureau’s jurisdiction.

It was clearly a farming area.

Now they were at it again? Even if he and Zhao Han were friends, he couldn’t tolerate this.

This guy was always poaching his friends.

However, he was pleased to hear Mr. Zhang so firmly reject the Tourism Bureau’s advances. It was fortunate they had acted quickly.

He couldn’t resist taking out his phone, finding Zhao Han’s WeChat, and sending a video of his surroundings with the message, “We’re currently collaborating with Liyuan Farm and will be quite busy.”

After three seconds, he sent another message, “Old Zhao, how did I send this to you? Oh, I must have hit the wrong button!”

On the other side, Zhao Han was dumbfounded by Zhang Lin’s polite but firm rejection. He was left speechless, unable to say a word.

There was no chance to persuade him.

Especially when he heard about the Agriculture Bureau—had Old Wei already hooked up with Liyuan Farm?

Even with his best manners, he wanted to swear. This was a good opportunity, and the other party had already come to the Tourism Bureau first.

At that moment, he received the video and messages from Wei Yuan.

Wrong button? More like showing off.

Old Wei was gloating.

In this situation, he could only send a pouting and speechless emoji.

However, Youcheng had finally seen a viral flower sea, and its popularity had surged. The morning’s 400,000 likes had now reached nearly 600,000, with many of the tourists’ videos also gaining a lot of traction.

So, he couldn’t give up on this.

But Mr. Zhang’s attitude suggested a deep misunderstanding, likely due to Chen Ting’s behavior. Chen Ting had brought this upon himself.

He thought of his cousin, Chen Shengfei, who could have notified him first and probably knew the owner of Liyuan Farm. Perhaps he could ask him for an introduction.

He immediately dialed his cousin. As soon as the call connected, Chen Shengfei’s voice came through, “Zhao Han, the Liyuan Farm info is correct, right? I fed you this golden opportunity as soon as I got it. How are you going to thank me this time?”

“…” Zhao Han was at a loss for words.

It was indeed a golden opportunity, but it had been snatched away.

How frustrating!

…

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end