Chapter 98: Relying on Oneself
Chapter 98: Relying on Oneself
The reason Lu Jiajin suggested producing 20,000 pairs of winter shoes was twofold. Firstly, Lu Jiaxin had designed a very attractive style, and secondly, he wanted Lu Hongjun to help sell them.
Fearing Lu Jiaxin's disagreement, he said, "Xinxin, your Third Uncle has a wide network of connections. As long as our shoes turn out as beautiful, warm, and waterproof as you say, he can quickly help you sell them."
Lu Jiaxin scoffed, "Do you think he'll help me sell shoes?"
Lu Jiajin replied confidently, "Rest assured, he definitely will. The shoes from Harbor City may have nice styles, but they're not warm enough. I believe our shoes will be snapped up as soon as they're on the department store shelves."
Lu Jiaxin thought he was being overly optimistic. "What if they find out the shoes came from me? It will definitely affect his work, and he might even be forced to retire early. I don't think he'll take the risk to help me. He'll probably just leave me to fend for myself."
Department stores had their own procurement processes and only dealt with other companies, not private individuals.
Lu Jiajin acknowledged this as a problem and said after some thought, "Xinxin, I'll call Third Uncle now and discuss this matter with him to come up with a proper solution."
Lu Jiaxin waved her hand. "Don't worry about selling the shoes. As long as they meet my standards, they'll sell. If you go to him, he'll take advantage of the situation even if he agrees to help."
Ignoring her advice, Lu Jiajin called Lu Hongjun when she was reading in the room.
Lu Hongjun demanded that Lu Jiajin bring Lu Jiaxin back. "What's all this fuss about? If business were that easy, everyone would become entrepreneurs."
Lu Jiajin tried to persuade him. "Third Uncle, how about this? After signing the contract with the factory, I'll send you a few sample pairs. If you think they're no good, we can discuss it further."
The uncle and nephew talked for a long time, and Lu Jiajin winced at the phone bill.
Upon returning to the rented room, Lu Jiajin said to Lu Jiaxin, "Third Uncle suggested that I register a company. He also said that if the shoes we make are as good as you say, he'll help sell them."
Lu Jiaxin remained silent.
Lu Jiajin explained, "The department store's sales have been declining over the past two years, and Third Uncle is under a lot of pressure. If our leather shoes sell well in the mall, the sales will increase, and his pressure will be relieved."
Lu Jiaxin had seen through Lu Hongjun's character and asked with a light laugh, "He wouldn't be that easy to persuade. Come on, what did he ask for in return?"
Lu Jiajin felt a little uneasy from her laugh and unconsciously lowered his voice. "Xinxin, I'll be going back to work soon, and you'll be preparing for college. Third Uncle said the company can't be registered under either of our names."
Lu Jiaxin didn't care whose name the company was under; it would just be an empty shell anyway. If she had the connections, she would have preferred to partner with someone from Harbor City, as that would make it a foreign-invested enterprise, eligible for many preferential policies.
Although such policies were criticized in later years, it was undeniable that they attracted a large number of investors from Harbor City and abroad, promoting Pengcheng's rapid development.
Lu Jiaxin asked, "Did he say whose name the company should be registered under?"
"Third Uncle said he would handle this matter, so we don't have to worry about it..."
Lu Jiaxin asked calmly, "Aside from that, what other requests did he make?"
"Third Uncle said to leave the matters here to me and to seek help from Uncle Guo if we encounter any difficulties."
"What about me?"
"You have poor health, so it's best to return to Si Jiucheng and recuperate."
Lu Jiaxin snorted derisively. "A clever move to cut off the problem at its source."
Lu Jiajin spoke up for Lu Hongjun. "Jiaxin, Third Uncle is concerned about your health. Look, you've fallen ill twice since coming here."
He didn't see any issue with Lu Hongjun's arrangement, as it ultimately stemmed from his care for his sister.
Lu Jiaxin scoffed, "If I really go back, there will be two outcomes. First, he ruins this deal, and I lose a lot of money. Second, the shoes are produced, and I find a way to sell them. However, the money goes to him. Not only will I not make a profit, but even the money I made from selling the ancient paintings will end up with him."
Based on her understanding of Lu Hongjun, the second possibility seemed more likely. He would only continue acting like her father if she begged him for money.
Lu Jiajin thought she was overthinking things. "Xinxin, you're his only child. All his property will eventually be yours. How could he possibly take your money?"
Hearing this, Lu Jiaxin regretted asking him for help, but the thought quickly vanished. Her health was too poor for her to manage without Lu Jiajin's assistance.
Lu Jiaxin said, "In the past, he always said that I was the most important person in his life and that he would fight anyone who dared to harm me. But look at him now. When Ding Jing almost got me killed, he just said a few casual words without any real concern."
"Fifth Brother, Ding Jing has bewitched him so thoroughly that he doesn't even care about his own daughter's life or death. I don't believe a word he says about leaving his property to me."
"He can do whatever he wants with his property, but he won't get a single cent of my money. If he dares to touch my money, I'll publicly announce our estrangement in the newspaper and then sue him in court."
When she had threatened to sever ties with Lu Hongjun before, those around her thought she was just angry and that it would blow over once she calmed down. However, if she were to make a public announcement, it would be a clear statement of their severed relationship. Although the law might not recognize such a statement, how would Lu Hongjun's superiors, colleagues, and employees perceive it?
Lu Jiajin hadn't considered any of this. He believed that as Lu Jiaxin was the only child, everything would undoubtedly be hers in the future. But hearing Lu Jiaxin's words and thinking about Lu Hongjun's behavior in recent years, he wasn't so sure anymore. After all, with such blatant favoritism, anything could happen.
After some thought, Lu Jiajin said, "Xinxin, we still need to set up a company. If you don't trust Third Uncle, we can register it under my name. That useless job is as good as gone anyway. If all else fails, I can set up a stall with Xue Mao."
Xue Mao had been selling pancakes at a stall for over ten days. His pancakes were delicious and popular with elementary school students, parents, and nearby residents. When Lu Jiajin asked about his earnings, Xue Mao told him he made over ten yuan a day and three to four hundred yuan a month, much more than his previous job.
Lu Jiaxin shook her head. "We don't necessarily have to register a company; we can find a sponsor. Brother, there's no rush. Your eyes are bloodshot. Go and rest. We can talk more after you've had some rest."
Indeed, Lu Jiajin was exhausted and didn't put up a front. He returned to his room to sleep.
Once Lu Jiajin had left, Xue Mao knocked on the door and entered. In a voice as soft as a mosquito's, he said, "Sister, the painting is hidden in your bookshelf."
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
