Chapter 416: 409 High-End Business War: Opening Day Causes a Massive Traffic Jam!

Oriental Daily News publishing house, editorial department.

At this moment, a group of editors were already buzzing with excitement.

"Tomorrow's headline, booked in advance!"

"Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu vs. Mr. Li, the nth showdown!"

Time to grab some popcorn!

Who would have thought that Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu and Mr. Li were both so cunning; they hadn't leaked a single word about these massive 100 million or 200 million discounts before.

And it just happened to explode today.

It was also such a coincidence that they collided!

What is this?

A collision of fate!

A fated duel!

Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu and Mr. Li are destined to decide the winner!

This sense of destiny completely ignited the gossiping hearts of all the onlookers.

At this moment,

The editor-in-chief's inspiration was gushing forth.

He paced back and forth with his hands behind his back!

"Draft the headline for tomorrow's paper!"

"For the front-page photo, use a color shot: Mr. Li on the left, Mr. Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan on the right."

Split the layout!

Then add a 'Battle of Kings, Peak Showdown' caption.

One blue, one red.

(As shown in the image)

"Headline: Think about these:"

"Is it 'Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan-Li Peak Showdown: Is Ginger Spicier When Old, or Does the New Generation Suppress the Old?', or 'Mr. Li Is Old, Can He Still Eat?', or perhaps 'Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu's Final Strike: Will Mr. Li Successfully Extend His Life, or Will the Empire Collapse?', or '...'"

The editor-in-chief was truly talented, coming up with several options all at once.

The headlines were sensational!

When the others heard them, they all praised the editor-in-chief's wit!

"Let's do it!"

This scene was playing out in all the major newspapers; they could all smell the gunpowder.

This time, it was definitely the final battle between Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu and Mr. Li!

If Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu wins, Mr. Li falls!

If Mr. Li wins, the retail empire will be split in half!

Popcorn! Popcorn!

However,

After analyzing the spending strategies of Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu and Mr. Li, the editors of the major newspapers unanimously agreed—Mr. Li had lost another round!

Look at Mr. Li's strategy: of the 100 million HKD, it's estimated that half is just fluff!

(Mr. Li vomits blood: Why don't any of you believe me!)

Look at Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu's strategy: no tricks, just throwing 200 million in cash directly!

The difference in quality is immediately apparent!

……

……

Cheung Kong Group building.

Watsons company, conference room, an extra-large oval conference table sat in the center of the room.

The atmosphere was so heavy it felt as if the air had solidified.

Mr. Li sat at the head of the table, his brows furrowed into a "chuan" shape.

The many executives of Watsons were all cursing inwardly; what was Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu doing, making them look so passive!

"Don't just sit there in silence, everyone! What should we at Watsons do?!"

Mr. Li slammed the table hard and said loudly.

"Marketing department, speak first..."

The head of the marketing department bit the bullet, cleared his throat, and spoke first: "Boss, I don't think we should blindly follow the trend. The discount plan we formulated has been in preparation for so long and is already very complete. Changing it suddenly now would easily mess up the entire plan."

The finance head chimed in: "That's right, Boss. We've already put a lot of effort into this 100 million discount plan. If we change it rashly now, with only three days left, will we even have enough time?"

The business department nodded: "Exactly, Boss. Changing tactics right before the battle is a major taboo."

In reality, these people weren't against cash red packets; it was just that they had already embezzled a portion of the 20 million operating funds and split it among themselves privately.

If they were to do cash red packets, wouldn't they have to spit out what they had taken?

Furthermore, they had already negotiated cooperation with those product manufacturers, and the manufacturers would give them certain kickbacks.

If they switched to cash red packets, how would they get their kickbacks?

That would be another huge loss.

In short, Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu was doing cash red packets because it was a new company and corruption wasn't severe yet. Unlike us at Watsons... ahem... excuse me.

Listening to these words, Mr. Li's initially urgent mindset slowly calmed down.

"What you say makes sense, but Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu's 200 million cash red packet campaign has already attracted the eyes of the citizens. If we don't change, I estimate that not many people will come to our ParknShop on opening day."

The head of the human resources department: "Boss, even if we want to change, there isn't enough time. Re-preparing for cash red packets, contacting banks, preparing the packets, and arranging the distribution process—these things can't be done in three or four days."

The head of the operations department: "Besides, the original process is already set. If we change it now, I'm afraid the staff below will be in chaos."

In truth, he was also standing on the same side as the other executives, not wanting Mr. Li to change the plan for fear of affecting their own interests.

Mr. Li leaned back in his chair, watching these executives try to dissuade him.

He realized that these people must have taken kickbacks.

And they didn't want to give up their benefits.

Naturally, he was incredibly angry; at a time of life and death for Watsons, they were all acting like rats.

He really wanted to fire them all.

However, he held back; these people couldn't be fired right now, or the supermarket opening wouldn't be able to proceed.

Another problem was that firing executives was a major taboo for a listed company, which could easily cause a scandal and crash Watsons' stock.

Better to plan slowly.

Mr. Li suppressed his anger.

Mr. Li said: "How about this, add another 200 million HKD in cash red packets!"

Originally, he wanted to add 100 million in red packets, but he gritted his teeth and decided to just throw out 200 million HKD, for a total of 300 million—100 million more than Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu!

This was Watsons' final battle.

If they lost, the entire Watsons would lose the supermarket sector.

The loss then would be far more than just these 200 million!

When the crowd heard this,

What?

Again?

I feel so embarrassed.

"Boss, adding another 200 million in cash red packets, I think that's doable."

"Even if time is tight, it doesn't matter if we work a little harder!"

"Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu is doing 200 million, we must also do 200 million, and beat him by 100 million!"

"Support!"

The crowd voiced their support.

Mr. Li nodded: "Then that's settled!"

"However, you were right just now; you are all busy with the previous 100 million project, so this 200 million cash red packet project should be handled by a separate temporary project team."

The executives: "????"

Don't!

Leave it to us!

We can handle it!

The executive who had just said "time is tight" wished he could slap himself in the face at this moment.

Why did you have to open your big mouth!

However, there was a conscientious executive among them: "Boss, for the red packet rules, should we follow Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu's side? Over 50 HKD, random draw? If they only bought 50 HKD worth of goods and then drew 100 HKD from us, wouldn't we lose even more?"

Mr. Li's gaze was firm: "We're at this point now, we can't be stingy anymore. If they draw, let them draw!"

Mr. Li said to the head of the marketing department: "Contact TVB immediately. I want to announce this news to all of Hong Kong at 12 noon. Also, contact those newspapers; I want the front-page spot tomorrow to broadcast this news!"

The head of the marketing department: "Yes!!"

……

……

At 12:00 noon, the TVB news broadcast began right on time.

"Dear viewers and friends, we are now interrupting our program to bring you a major piece of good news!"

The host's voice was high-pitched and powerful, filled with excitement.

Good news?

Citizens watching the TVB news all turned their attention to the screen.

"Just moments ago, we received confirmed news that the Watsons company, under the Cheung Kong Group, in order to give back to the general public, will be launching an unprecedented cash giveaway event on top of the previous 100 million, coinciding with the opening of their Kangjia Supermarket!"

The screen cut away,

revealing the grand interior space of the Kangjia Supermarket. Although it could not compare to the 150,000 square feet of the Haigang factory, it still appeared extremely massive. The design also mimicked the five-star supermarkets in the Central and Western District—high-end, bright, and exquisite.

And it was equally filled with festive joy!

"To bring more benefits to everyone, Mr. Li has decided to add another 200 million HKD, to be distributed to consumers in the form of cash red envelopes!"

"During the opening period of Kangjia Supermarket, as long as you come to shop and spend over 50 HKD, you will have a chance to draw a cash red envelope!"

"Double the great deals, Kangjia Supermarket celebrates the Spring Festival with you!"

"Kangjia Supermarket has truly shown its utmost sincerity this time; for us ordinary citizens, this is undoubtedly a shopping feast!"

"Officially opening on January 28th, we cordially invite citizens to come to Kangjia Supermarket!"

Following the TVB news broadcast, people all over the streets and alleys of Hong Kong gasped in shock.

Whether it was in the tea restaurants on the street corners or the offices in the commercial buildings, people were shocked and discussing the 200 million added by Mr. Li.

"Hiss, hiss, hiss~~ Adding 200 million!"

"Mr. Li is desperate!"

"Of course he's desperate; if this supermarket gets taken down, his retail empire will be gone."

!. Reading

"That's truly ruthless!"

"For us, this is perfect—we can fleece both sides, let's fleece them dry first!"

"Right, although I support Mr. Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan, I can't pass up this kind of deal. After I've fleeced all of Mr. Li's red envelopes, I'll go support Mr. Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan."

Currently, Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu's approval rating in Yau Tsim Mong is 35%.

Additionally, the supermarket might also radiate toward the Kowloon City area, where the approval rating is 50%.

In other words, a large portion is neutral, and most of the remainder supports Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu.

"That's right, let's go finish collecting Mr. Li's red envelopes first, then go support Mr. Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan!"

"I'll just buy 50 HKD worth of stuff, that's enough... hehehe~~~"

If they were residents of Causeway Bay, they would surely be familiar with this scene—once you've collected the eggs and tissues, you've got backbone!

The news of Mr. Li adding 200 million not only sparked heated discussion among citizens but also stirred up massive waves in the financial market.

When the stock market opened in the afternoon,

investors all focused their attention on the stocks of the Watsons company.

During the morning session, Watsons' stock was in a slump, down 11%.

However, when the news of Kangjia Supermarket's heavy counterattack arrived, the situation recovered.

In the trading hall, many retail investors were discussing it animatedly.

"Watsons is really going for a desperate counterattack!"

A veteran investor shouted excitedly,

"I thought we were done for this time, but I didn't expect this move. It seems this stock can still be saved!"

"300 million against 200 million, Watsons has a better chance of winning this round!"

Many retail investors began to favor Watsons.

The trading volume of Watsons stock increased sharply, and buy orders poured in like a tidal wave.

The stock price surged all the way, and by the time the market closed, it had rebounded from -11% to -4%.

Meanwhile, in the office at the Cheung Kong Group building, Mr. Li was also closely monitoring the market's dynamics.

This stock market reflected the citizens' confidence in Kangjia Supermarket.

Watching the stock price climbing on the screen, a look of relief finally appeared on Mr. Li's tense face.

"It seems this move was the right one."

"The citizens' support for the supermarket has increased!"

However, Mr. Li was not blindly confident.

He said to his secretary, "Although the stock price has recovered, we still cannot let our guard down. The Five-Star Supermarket definitely won't sit idly by; they might be planning their next counterattack."

"Furthermore, after we increase our investment this time, the customer traffic on the opening day will definitely increase significantly. Our preparations must be foolproof, otherwise, it will easily lead to chaos and affect the company's reputation."

The secretary nodded: "Understood, boss. I will notify everyone and have each department conduct a final opening rehearsal. Additionally, I will have people closely monitor the movements of the Five-Star Supermarket; as soon as there is any sign of trouble, we must respond immediately."

Mr. Li nodded: "Very good!"

The secretary hesitated for a moment: "Boss, there is one more very troublesome matter..."

Mr. Li frowned: "What is it?"

The secretary: "Parking. When the Five-Star Supermarket in the Central and Western District opened, they used over 500 parking attendants. We had originally reached an agreement with several gangs in Yau Tsim Mong to get parking attendants from them... but..."

Mr. Li: "But what?"

The secretary: "There is a problem. All the gangs in Yau Tsim Mong have to listen to Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu. Will these parking attendants cause trouble? What if, when the time comes..."

Mr. Li: "??!!"

After pondering for 20 minutes, Mr. Li made a final decision:

"Recruit parking attendants as soon as possible, and pay them enough!"

"For the first 10 days of the opening, let our Cheung Kong Group employees do it first!"

Being an employee, what's wrong with suffering a little?

One must have a spirit of dedication!

Five-Star Group.

In Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu's office,

Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu was drinking tea with Tan Tan Tan Tan Tan Tan Tan Meili.

Tan Tan Tan Tan Tan Tan Tan Meili: "Brother Zu, Mr. Li has dumped another 200 million over there; he really has great courage."

Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu took a slow sip of tea: "Indeed, Mr. Li's courage is no small matter; we have become passive now."

Tan Tan Tan Tan Tan Tan Tan Meili: "What should we do? Should we continue to follow?"

Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu: "No need to follow, following is useless. Mr. Li dumped 200 million, with 12 million red envelopes as prizes. Even if we consume 1 million a day, it will take at least 12 days to finish them."

Tan Tan Tan Tan Tan Tan Tan Meili thought about it, and that was true.

From here on, it's no longer a question of how much money is dumped.

It's a competition of service, supply power, and one issue—parking!

Harbour City is fine, with its massive parking system and the large number of parking attendants under Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu.

But what about Mr. Li's Kangjia Supermarket?

The city center of Yau Tsim Mong, the old town area...

Tsk tsk, most of the roads there are two-lane; if the parking attendants aren't up to the task, Mr. Li is doomed.

More importantly, does Mr. Li even have parking attendants?

This is a very professional occupation!

Mr. Li is currently looking for parking attendants from various gangs in Yau Tsim Mong.

Sorry, but which gang in all of Yau Tsim Mong dares to defy my, Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu's, will?

What people think business warfare is: intrigue and deceit, all kinds of high-tech methods to steal trade secrets, as exciting as the plots in 007 movies...

Real business warfare: pouring boiling water on money trees, pulling out network cables, turning off the power breakers...

Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu and Tan Tan Tan Tan Tan Tan Tan Meili looked at each other.

"Hehehe~~~"

"Xixixi~~~"

Soon, Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu returned to being serious: "Now we have a problem at the Five-Star Supermarket: we subsidized 200 million in red envelopes for the Five-Star Supermarket in Harbour City, but the Five-Star Supermarket here in the Central and Western District didn't get a subsidy, which is a bit unfair to our neighbors. Let's just subsidize 100 million there."

Tan Tan Tan Tan Tan Tan Tan Meili: "Ah?"

Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu: "No need to publicize it, just treat it as a surprise for the Five-Star Supermarket in the Central and Western District."

Tan Tan Tan Tan Tan Tan Tan Meili: "Alright, alright!"

Over the next two days,

the promotion of Kangjia Supermarket and Five-Star Supermarket entered a white-hot stage.

Citizens all over Hong Kong were watching the drama.

Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu vs. Mr. Li, the competition between the two supermarkets increasingly became a topic of conversation among the citizens.

Director Director Director Director Director Director Guan Zu vs. Mr. Li,

who will have the last laugh?

Under the gaze of the expectant masses...

January 28th, officially arrived.

(End of chapter)