The Happy Farmer Wanderer-Chapter 849 A Big Move

Guan Ying’er smiled and said, "In most places, these fast food companies indeed have a large number of directly-operated stores, but there are also quite a few partnership models like ours. Business-to-business, as compared to individual franchising, is actually much more convenient, and they tend to prefer it."

Li Qing nodded, "That’s true."

He had known before that fast-moving consumer goods and alcoholic beverages had local distributors who worked with the manufacturers to manage stores in the area, but he had never really looked into the fast food business.

"So, President Guan, what’s the purpose of your visit to our village this time?" Li Qing set aside the background details and went straight to the point.

Guan Ying’er glanced at Lü Changxi, placed her clasped hands on the table and said seriously, "Director Lü gave me a call yesterday, asking if I would consider opening a store in the village. I found the idea quite absurd when I heard it."

"Our fast food industry chases business districts and customer traffic. When he mentioned it, my first thought was that this old guy was pulling my leg, deliberately messing with me. Under normal circumstances, opening a store in the village is like building a restroom in the middle of nowhere; it makes no sense."

"But after walking around today and getting to know some of the recent developments in your village, I think it’s worth a gamble. To put it bluntly, I’m betting on the faces of you two presidents. There is a chance of success, but a bigger chance of failure."

Li Qing nodded, "That’s certainly true. The sudden rise in traffic does need to stand the test of time."

"President Li’s statement is very sensible, that’s how I see it too, but I’ve decided to take that gamble," Guan Ying’er smiled and said, "The investment isn’t huge, but if I were to offend you two, my loss would be considerable. Even if it’s just spending a few hundred thousand to help out, I think it’s worth it."

"Guan Ying’er, don’t make it sound so unpleasant," Lü Changxi said with displeasure, "Don’t act as if we owe you a favor. I’m telling you straight up, I don’t owe you anything. Even if nine-tenths of the village’s traffic is lost, just keeping one-tenth makes it worth your while."

"It is indeed a favor you owe me, Lü, don’t be an ass and go back on your word," Guan Ying’er retorted with a frown.

"You see, you see, this person... alright, alright, I owe you a big favor, a really big one," Lü Changxi pursed his lips and murmured to Li Qing, "Changxing Company is now the biggest distributor of Mountain Ghost Liquor. This woman sells it like crazy." 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

Guan Ying’er shot Lü Zong a sidelong glance and shook her head, "I was coming here to help out for free, so don’t act as if I came begging to you. With the profits I make from you, I have to invest most of it right back, and you still have the nerve to talk to me about it."

"Stop it, you, a big boss, are so hard up, you’re truly unique in my circle of friends," Lü Zong said, shaking his head helplessly, "Fine, fine, fine, I owe you a favor, a big favor."

"Not the least bit tactful, where’s the EQ? My President Guan!"

Guan Ying’er glanced at Li Qing and suddenly realized what he meant, and smiled, "You owing me a favor is a given, since you were the one who called me, but this matter isn’t about favors. It’s just about inviting me for a meal, look how troubled you seem to be."

Li Qing had caught the underlying meaning in their words a long time ago.

But he didn’t say much more.

Favors were one thing, it ultimately still benefited him, but he was now wondering, is there really a need to open a fast food store in the village?

His initial idea was to spend money on bringing in a batch of mobile stalls to get the scene heated up and capture the atmosphere.

But setting up a store seemed a bit too grand.

"Isn’t it a bit premature to open a store in the village as President Guan suggested before?" Li Qing asked.

"Not at all," Guan Ying’er immediately said, "Both Lü Zong and I started from scratch and worked our way up. My view on business is that it all depends on whether you’re willing to bend down and get your hands dirty. If you look for a way, turning a desperate situation around isn’t hopeless, especially now when we are actually trying to retain this wave of traffic and even reach new heights. The difficulty is actually quite low."

"This is something we should do. Although it’s a gamble for me, personally, I really want to do it. Opening a store in the village sounds magical. Moreover, I have already obtained the planning proposal formulated by the company: rent a residential house, renovate it simply, and maintain the original style as much as possible to make an authentic village fast food restaurant."

Li Qing nodded slightly, "If President Guan is willing to take the risk, then let’s gamble on it. Initially, I was thinking of spending some money to attract some mobile stalls over to see how it goes. If that doesn’t work out, we could wait until the infrastructure is improved and then boost the popularity."

"There’s no need. If you spend that money, President Li, it’ll be wasted," Guan Ying’er said with a laugh, "The mobile vendors should already be on their way by now, they have their own channels of information, they’re almost the fastest to move wherever there’s a large gathering."

"Fairs are usually in remote places, but many vendors cross provinces to come. Let alone when your village, President Li, is so close."

Lü Changxi nodded and said, "I also advise you not to do it, these people catch on to opportunities faster than anyone."

"Since both of you say so, then I’ll save an investment," Li Qing said with a smile.

He was very open to advice, especially when it came to doing business, as both of the people in front of him could be considered tycoons.

"Qingzi, now that you two have discussed your matter, let’s talk about ours," Lü Zong said, "I’m also planning to open stores, actually two. One is Sanhe Village branch of Lü Family Restaurant, we’ll create a countryside bar, and the other is a direct store for Mountain Ghost Liquor."

"And the method will be the same as President Guan’s, rent a residential house, and we will go for the authentic rural style. I openly plagiarized President Guan’s planning proposal. I think it’s very good, and it has great potential."

Li Qing said with a bitter smile, "Isn’t this getting a bit big?"

"Not at all. Success depends on the efforts of individuals. With the resources of the three of us combined, can’t we handle this?" Lü Zong confidently said, "The investors at Shili Yi aren’t necessarily as powerful as we are. If they can create something lackluster in such a favorable location to the north, why can’t we create a distinct rural tourist spot to the south, at the same distance? Isn’t that reasonable?"

"Lü Zong, your metaphor is making my head spin," Guan Ying’er said, shaking her head, "Aren’t you saying that we might also fail."

"I am saying those good-for-nothing bastards screwed up a perfect location. Qingzi hasn’t even done anything yet and the popularity is already counting by tens of thousands. If we really get going, won’t it explode?" Lü Zong exclaimed, neck outstretched.

"That is true," Guan Ying’er nodded, "President Li has competent people under him. That planning proposal played a crucial role. The subtle yet profound influence it has is highly significant. Its real assertiveness lies in directly hitting the anxious and restless main artery of the city dwellers. Getting out to see around, returning to the countryside, it’s indeed impressive."