After reaching a consensus with Zheng Bai Cheng and Lin Xiao Hua, Hao Ming Qiang was naturally happy when he heard that Zheng Bai Cheng would be holding a three-day banquet in their old neighborhood. This was the feeling of returning home in glory.
“This is good, this is good, Ah Cheng, you really understand me. Your old man never had this kind of glory. Haha…”
Zheng Bai Cheng could only chuckle. His foster father was indeed vain and loved to show off. But it was just a small amount of money, so he was happy.
“Old man, I'll arrange for people to handle this.” Zheng Bai Cheng knew how to arrange this. He wouldn't be using his own money, it would be from Tao Da.
With this settled, he first contacted Lü Le, the inspector.
“Le Ge, I’m going to hold a three-day banquet in my old neighborhood and would like to ask you to help maintain order.” He slid an envelope towards the inspector.
Lü Le thought about it. He was a Royal Police officer, but…this envelope was a bit thick. This was different.
“Haha… Zheng Sheng, where would you get such an idea? Maintaining order is what we do. This matter is on us.”
“Then thank you, Le Ge.”
The essence of a banquet lies in its abundance and fullness. Besides, considering the situation in Hong Kong, people might try to take some food home. Therefore, the preparation should not be too expensive and the taste should be heavy.
There were talented people at Tao Da. The current general manager, the former manager, Hou Sheng Chun, said after hearing about this: “Lao Xi, I have an idea.”
Hou Sheng Chun had been promoted from manager to general manager. He was naturally very grateful to Zheng Bai Cheng. His salary had increased, and although Zheng Bai Cheng hadn't received a raise, it was indirectly considered one. Everyone else was also happy.
Zheng Bai Cheng was happy to hear that Hou had an idea. He said: “Hou Zong, tell me your idea.”
Seeing that the boss respected his opinion, he was also happy. He said: “The master chefs in our industrial village canteen are very skilled.”
Hearing this, Zheng Bai Cheng’s eyes lit up, but he had some concerns. He said: “If they leave, what will happen to production?”
“Lao Xi, you can arrange for them to work on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. You can let them take turns and give them a break. Let them rest and feel your care. They can rest for a while. Our production capacity is currently in surplus.” Hou Zong had all the details covered.
“Okay, do it according to your plan. I’ll give them triple pay for those three days.” Zheng Bai Cheng thought for a moment and said: “Ask them to arrange the ingredients. There should be chicken, duck, fish, and meat, as well as some seafood and vegetables.”
“I will let them arrange it.”
After Hou Zong left, he started to think about how Tao Da would move forward.
Knowing that they had a lot of inventory, he wondered how much seasoning Hong Kong, with less than 5 million people, would need. He should sell to Southeast Asia, Taiwan, or even to Europe and America.
Just selling seasonings wouldn't be enough. He should sell the packaging paper overseas too. However, thinking about the paper tycoon in Southeast Asia, he felt this challenge would be difficult.
He could supply them with raw materials, such as pulp. For the food factory, he should naturally sell food. Chen Ji Convenience Store should be able to become a sales…Thinking back to how Li Boss had relied on retail, a cash cow, he also wanted to develop retail into a cash cow.
While he was lost in thought, the phone on his desk rang. Answering it, he found out it was Li Cheng Long.
“Ah Cheng, you’ve been back for a few days. Do you have any work? Our newspaper is starving for content.”
Zheng Bai Cheng felt a bit awkward to hear this guy’s direct request for a manuscript. He said: “I've been busy lately, but don't worry, I'll have something soon.” He thought for a moment, suddenly getting an idea. He continued: “Long Ge, I have an idea. You know I’ve been very busy lately, but I can write the outline. You find a ghostwriter, how about that?”
Li Cheng Long was very happy to hear this. He said: “Okay, okay.” After agreeing, they chatted for a while and hung up. But soon, the phone rang again. Picking it up, he found it was from the City Daily. He used the same tactic and brushed them off.
Soon after hanging up, Liu Chang Sheng from Taiwan called. He said: “Zheng Sheng, congratulations…”
Zheng Bai Cheng had heard so many compliments recently that he had become somewhat immune to them. However, he still listened patiently as Liu finished his praise. They chatted for a while, and finally, Liu Chang Sheng said he wanted to publish those few novels he had written, including the four later fantasy wuxia novels.
Would Zheng Bai Cheng turn down the money? Of course not. He could use it to improve his life and supplement his family's income.
“Sorry, Liu Sheng. The Chinese rights to those novels have been given to Ming Pao Publishing House. As for the other fantasy wuxia novels, I can give you the rights to publish them, but the price…”
“Four books, two million Hong Kong dollars.”
After Zheng Bai Cheng gained fame overseas, they had made a fortune by selling his novels, using his name to sell books, it was truly awesome. Now they were willing to pay two million Hong Kong dollars, afraid of losing out to others.
“Okay.”
These four fantasy wuxia novels were written by Zheng Bai Cheng when he was in North America and sent to the Commercial Press and City Daily. Now, more than a month later, the serialization was nearing completion. The two newspapers were anxious.
Zheng Bai Cheng hadn’t realized his novels were so sought after.
He actually didn't know that wuxia novels, no matter the genre, were traditionally considered lowbrow. It was only after Jin Yong’s emergence that they gained popularity, leading to the current situation.
Especially since he gained fame overseas, all the readers got to know him. They saw his traditional wuxia novels in the newspaper, knowing he was the pioneer of fantasy wuxia novels, naturally piquing their interest.
As for the six series of novels he wrote, some people loved them, while others preferred simpler ones. They didn't understand "Butterfly Wings" and others, so they didn't like them.
Wuxia novels, even fantasy wuxia novels, were easy to understand and exciting. That was the reason for the high price offered.
While they were chatting, Hou Zong had already brought over the order list, including the procurement list.