https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-676-Mixed-Blessings-Among-Relatives/12580599/
Chapter 677: Five Blessings Prepares to Enter the Mainland
Chapter 677: Five Blessings Prepares to Enter the Mainland
On Monday morning, a meeting was convened by Lu Jiaxin in the conference room of Five Blessings Jewelry. The topic of discussion was the expansion of the jewelry business into mainland China.
Liang Weibo had no objections. Lu Jiaxin had mentioned this plan a long time ago, and he had also conducted surveys in the mainland. The prospects were indeed promising. Hong Kong and the mainland shared similar cultural roots and preferences. Older ladies, young girls, and new brides all loved their gold jewelry, especially for weddings, birthdays, and other special occasions. Although the economy in the mainland wasn't as prosperous as Hong Kong, the market potential was enormous with a population of over a billion people. Moreover, the boss had good connections in the mainland, which meant that their expansion would not only be smooth but also facilitated with various conveniences.
Vice President Liu Zicheng disagreed with the plan to enter the mainland. His reasoning was simple: the poor people in the mainland couldn't afford gold jewelry, and opening stores there would definitely result in losses.
Hearing his assertive tone, Liang Weibo frowned and asked, "Have you been to Pengcheng?"
Liu Zicheng nodded and said he had been there earlier in the year. He pointed out that most company and factory owners in Pengcheng were originally from Hong Kong. They could easily purchase gold jewelry directly from Hong Kong, so there was no need to go out of their way to buy from the mainland.
Lu Jiaxin didn't bother to explain and said, "The purpose of this meeting is not to seek your opinions but to come up with a plan. Once the plan is approved, we will initiate the project."
Although Five Blessings Jewelry was a publicly-traded company, Lu Jiaxin and Nie Zhan together held 61% of the shares, giving them absolute decision-making power. While she usually didn't involve herself in the day-to-day management, when she made a decision, it was to be executed promptly.
Upon hearing this, Liu Zicheng stood up and said, "Miss Lu, if you insist on having the company enter the mainland, then I resign."
He wasn't trying to threaten Lu Jiaxin, but he genuinely believed that expanding into the mainland was a foolish decision that would undoubtedly result in significant losses. With such a massive investment, if they failed, Five Blessings Jewelry would be in jeopardy.
Lu Jiaxin's eyebrows didn't even flicker as she said, "You can go and process your resignation now."
Liu Zicheng left with a dark expression. No one dared to try and persuade Lu Jiaxin since she was still in the room, fearing that they might lose their own jobs in the process.
Liang Weibo indicated that he would come up with a plan as soon as possible.
Lu Jiaxin only concerned herself with the overall development direction of the company. Now that she had decided on expanding into the mainland, the rest was left to Liang Weibo. Subsequently, she headed to Green Forest to finalize the clothing designs for the autumn and winter seasons.
Green Forest had hired many fashion designers, some of whom were quite renowned. Those with fame were free to create as they wished, while those who were less known and less talented followed Lu Jiaxin's requirements for their designs, and these garments sold very well. As someone who stood on the shoulders of giants and continuously learned, her grasp on fashion trends was precise.
Lu Jiaxin had six companies under her name: Xinxin Real Estate, Wanjia Film and Television, Xinxin Supermarket, Green Forest, Five Blessings Jewelry, and Yongjia Cosmetics.
Out of these six companies, Green Forest demanded the most of Lu Jiaxin's energy and attention. Thankfully, her hard work over the past two years had paid off. Now, Green Forest's products were sold in Europe, America, and various Southeast Asian countries, earning a profit of 800 million yuan last year.
Liang Weibo worked quickly, and by the next afternoon, he had presented the plan to Lu Jiaxin.
After reviewing it, Lu Jiaxin pointed out several areas that needed modification: "First, purchase the storefronts instead of renting. Real estate prices in the mainland are currently low, so buying is a very cost-effective option. Second, establish our own factories and suppliers as soon as possible to form a complete supply chain. Third, recruit jewelry artisans from all over the country, and let them propose their own treatment plans as long as they meet our requirements."
When opening stores in the mainland, it was more prudent to have ample funds to purchase the storefronts outright. Otherwise, if the business did well, the landlord might increase the rent.
Unreasonable rent increases were nothing new, but some landlords were demanding exorbitant sums, threatening to lease the premises to someone else if their demands weren't met. Aside from the cost of renovation, relocating would mean starting the renovation process all over again, which would be costly and time-consuming. Of course, rent gouging was less likely with landlords like theirs, who were backed by Hong Kong capital. Still, buying the shop would be a sound investment, as property values were sure to rise.
Liang Weibo, aware that Lu Jiaxin had a deeper understanding of the mainland market than he did, readily agreed.
The meeting lasted over two hours, and by the time it concluded, Lu Jiaxin was famished. She called Nie Zhan, "Have you had lunch yet?"
"Not yet. Where are you? I'll come and get you."
"It's been a while since I've had French cuisine. Let's indulge in that today. No need to pick me up; go ahead and place the order. I'll be there soon, and we can eat as soon as I arrive."
The French restaurant was closer to Nie Zhan's office.
"Alright, I'll head there now."
Half an hour later, Lu Jiaxin arrived at the French restaurant. As she sat down, she asked curiously, "I don't see Feng Qinglei. Isn't he coming today?"
Having visited the restaurant numerous times and always encountering Feng Qinglei, she couldn't help but inquire about his absence.
Nie Zhan smiled and explained, "His family is pressuring him to get married, so they've been arranging blind dates for him constantly. Fed up, he escaped abroad for a vacation and hasn't returned yet."
Mentioning vacations piqued Lu Jiaxin's interest, but the thought of Five Blessings Jewelry's impending expansion into the mainland quickly dispelled any such notions.
"Qinglei went to Iceland," Nie Zhan continued. "When he returns, I'll ask him about it, and if it's fun, we can plan a trip there."
Lu Jiaxin smiled. "Let's go once I've wrapped up my current projects."
Nie Zhan, aware of her plans, asked, "Why did you choose Si Jiucheng over Yangcheng or Pengcheng for the first store in the mainland?"
Lu Jiaxin smiled in response. "I was born and raised in Si Jiucheng, so it's only natural that I'd choose it as the first location. Trust me; the business will thrive there."
In truth, her decision was influenced by various factors, including the city's unique characteristics and consumer demographics.
Nie Zhan wasn't concerned about potential losses. With the vastness of the mainland market and their early entry, he was confident they would reap substantial profits.
"Jiaxin," Nie Zhan said, "have you considered that your six companies are somewhat scattered, demanding a lot of your time and energy? Perhaps it's time to consolidate them."
Consolidating the six companies under a single group would streamline management and showcase the capabilities of Hong Kong's leading female entrepreneur more effectively.
Lu Jiaxin had contemplated this idea before but had yet to act on it. "Once Wanjia Film and Television goes public, we'll consolidate them into a group. However, Xin Xin Real Estate is my personal asset and won't be part of the group."
Nie Zhan had spoken hastily earlier, and he now smiled as he shifted the topic. "By the way, Tao Yong called me today and invited us to his new home for dinner on Saturday. I accepted the invitation."
When Lu Jiaxin had sold the Di Li Gen De Ge, Tao Yong had purchased a large apartment. The previous year, he had redecorated it, but as the furniture was new, he had left it to air out and hadn't moved in immediately. Now, over half a year had passed, and with Yu Meitong pregnant and feeling cramped in their current space, they had decided to move into the new home.
"Did you invite Sister Shiyong?" Lu Jiaxin asked.
"Definitely," Nie Zhan replied.
Lu Jiaxin immediately called Zong Shiyong to discuss an appropriate gift. She left the housewarming money to Nie Zhan and wanted to select a gift specifically for Yu Metong and her unborn child.
The two women deliberated for half an hour before finalizing the gift.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
