Chapter 2687

The big shot said thoughtfully: "Director Zhou, are you planning to set up this internet shopping mall?"

Zhou Andong blinked: "Leader, why would you think I'm going to set up an internet shopping mall?"

The big shot smiled: "This internet shopping mall, you mentioned needing postal delivery, but just now I thought of it—you kid bought the supply and marketing cooperative. And according to what I know, you kid plans to split the supply and marketing cooperative's stores, warehousing, and logistics—then you must have had the idea of setting up an internet shopping mall, right?"

Zhou Andong's heart jolted, then he secretly sighed: The big shot is the big shot—being able to sit in this position today, there's really no such thing as luck.

"Leader, I indeed have this plan." Zhou Andong placed his hand on the table, his index finger tapping the wooden surface lightly and rhythmically: "I think, to get this internet shopping mall off the ground, the most crucial factor is timeliness, and you, old man, surely know the postal service's efficiency, right?"

Saying this, Zhou Andong smiled: "After all, for consumers, when they buy their desired goods, deep down they urgently hope to get them as soon as possible. So, the faster the goods reach consumers, the higher their satisfaction—but how can we deliver goods to consumers at the fastest speed?"

"I understand!"

The big shot's eyes lit up, like a brilliant, dazzling star, flashing with wisdom and the light of perceiving everything. He stared intently at this talented, quick-witted young man before him, the corners of his mouth slightly lifting, revealing a barely noticeable but appreciative smile.

"The supply and marketing cooperative's warehouses nationwide are fully sufficient to support the massive inventory needs of an internet shopping mall. At the same time, its perfected logistics and delivery system will certainly help you achieve delivering goods to consumers at the fastest speed."

Zhou Andong couldn't help but give a thumbs-up, sincerely admiring: "Leader is leader, your analysis is very accurate."

The big shot laughed heartily, looking very happy: "When can you get this internet shopping mall up and running?"

Zhou Andong gave a wry smile: "Leader, domestic computers aren't even widespread—those who have access to computers and can go online can be counted on one hand. If I set up an internet shopping mall, who would I sell goods to?"

"I was a bit hasty." The big shot blinked, then laughed and shook his head: "You think, when will domestic internet development reach the point where it meets the requirements for setting up an internet shopping mall?"

"Who can say for sure? In my personal view, it'll take at least four or five years."

Zhou Andong knew that Amazon would go live next July. But until 1999, Alibaba, Dangdang, and 8848 would come online and operate.

"Four or five years?" The big shot murmured: "If in four or five years computers become widespread, letting you set up this internet shopping mall, the time isn't long."

Zhou Andong looked at the remaining soup in Wang Wanli's bowl, picked it up and drank it, then said offhandedly: "Now, the internet shopping mall can't be done, but we can still do something else."

Upon hearing this, the big shot's spirit instantly lifted: "If the timing for an internet shopping mall isn't right, what else can we do?"

"Huh?" Zhou Andong stared blankly at the big shot: "Leader, what did you say?"

The big shot said discontentedly: "You just said the internet shopping mall can't be done, but you can still do something else."

"Did I say that?" Zhou Andong looked blankly at Liu Xiangchun and Ma Xianli: "Director Liu, Mr. Ma, did I say that?"

Liu Xiangchun and Ma Xianli, having agreed beforehand, nodded simultaneously and said: "Yes, we heard it."

These two guys, even if they didn't hear it, would have to say they did—because the big shot said they heard it, they must have heard it. Besides, he also wanted to know what other brilliant ideas Zhou Andong had. After all, wanting to cling to a big thigh, wanting to mix with the big thigh, you need to know which direction this big thigh will step next.

Zhou Andong rubbed his nose, looking embarrassed: "I've had this idea for a while, but the approval difficulty is a bit high, so I gave it up."

The big shot said sternly: "Go ahead and say it—let me hear it."

"Alright!" Zhou Andong scratched his head: "It's a news website—this involves many sensitive issues, licenses are hard to get, so I just thought about it and then tossed it aside."

"News website!" The big shot's eyes grew brighter: "This one is actually doable."

Zhou Andong looked at the big shot in surprise: "Leader, you're not really going to let me set up a news website, are you?"

"Why not?" The big shot said, puzzled: "You're just worried about the license issue, aren't you? I can solve that for you."

Zhou Andong's face fell, but his heart blossomed with joy. At this time, news license management is indeed very strict—if Zhou Andong wanted to get a license, he'd surely have no problem, but he'd definitely owe a pile of favors. Now, he not only wants this old guy in front of him to hurry up and solve the license issue, but also wants to make this old guy owe him a favor.

"The license is just one issue!" Zhou Andong sighed, a hint of helplessness on his face: "A news website is easy to set up—just find a few relevant professionals, and you can basically build the whole platform.

But news websites differ from traditional newspapers—newspapers can be sold directly to the general public, generating profit, and they also get fiscal subsidies.

News websites are different—this is a new thing; it can't be sold directly to consumers, and fiscal subsidies are impossible. I can't find where the profit point is. Simply put, if I can't find a profit point, I can only pour money in endlessly, burning cash nonstop.

Of course, if you give me enough time, I'll definitely find a profit point—even if I don't make money, I can at least break even. How long that will take, I have no idea myself.

One or two years, or five or six years—I can't say. How much investment is needed during this period? I don't know that either. So, if we're going to set up a news website now, we must prepare for long-term losses."

The big shot fell into deep thought, and Liu Xiangchun and Ma Xianli's brains were also turning nonstop. If Zhou Andong really wants to set up a news website, should they follow along?

The initial investment return would definitely be the highest, but they have no doubt about Zhou Andong's words—they believe he'll definitely find a profit point. But before finding it, how much upfront investment is needed, how long to sustain, how much money to burn—can they bear it?

Besides, with Zhou Andong's wealth, money is no object—he can burn as much as he wants and not run out. But they're different—they're too thin and weak, can't withstand long-term strain, or they'll easily kick the bucket. Still, speaking of which, if they don't invest now and profits come later, they won't be able to get in.

Just as the two were fiercely struggling in their minds, wondering whether to go all out, they heard the big shot speak.

"I can apply for fiscal subsidies for you." The big shot looked at Zhou Andong, his expression very serious: "As for how much money I can apply for, I can't guarantee it for you."

Zhou Andong blinked: "What, there's still this good thing? I just wanted you to get me the license and owe you a favor—I really didn't want a subsidy. But why do I feel like I can't help but laugh?"