Chapter 800: Yuan Yuan Hongbiao's Appetite Is Truly Large

"Ah!" Zhou Andong spat out a bone. "I did have that idea before, but I don't understand the mining industry. The water is too deep, so I gave up on it."

Yuan Yuan Hongbiao laughed: "Dongzi, if you invest in mining elsewhere without knowing the ropes, you'll definitely be eaten alive. But if you invest in Arong Banner, with me backing you up, there won't be any problems. I guarantee you'll make a lot of money."

Zhou Andong was stunned: "There's a limestone mine in Arong Banner?"

"Looks like you really don't know." Yuan Yuan Hongbiao picked up the beer bottle and clinked it with Zhou Andong's. "We have over sixty types of proven mineral deposits here: copper, iron, lead, zinc, oil shale, agate, perlite, kaolin, zeolite, silica, and so on."

"And the limestone reserves are over 100 million tons, with prospective reserves exceeding 5 billion tons. It's just that due to a lack of capital and backward mining equipment, we can't extract it in large quantities."

"I have two limestone mines in my hands. You don't lack capital; just a little bit from between your fingers would be enough. Let's cooperate. You can leave everything to me; you don't have to worry about anything, and you don't have to worry about being cheated."

Zhou Andong pondered: "I have a development company and a construction company. I'd invest in a limestone mine to build a cement plant and save costs."

"But this is over a thousand kilometers away from Jiangzhou, and some sections of the road are not good. Investing in a limestone mine here to build a cement plant and then shipping it to Jiangzhou would be a loss."

"You can't calculate it that way!" Yuan Yuan Hongbiao took out a cigarette, handed one to Zhou Andong, and lit his own with a lighter. "With the Reform and Opening-up, the whole country is engaged in massive construction, and building materials are in short supply. Even if the cement here can't be shipped to Jiangzhou, the profits can be subsidized to Jiangzhou, right?"

Zhou Andong was stunned, then burst into laughter: "Uncle, you have a point."

"Right!" Yuan Yuan Hongbiao smiled triumphantly. "With these favorable conditions, why not make money?"

Zhou Andong pondered: "I'll consider it."

Yuan Yuan Hongbiao nodded: "Fine, investment is a big deal, considering it is good."

They had a very happy meal. Yuan Yuan Hongbiao drank quite a bit, his tongue slurring when he spoke. He saw Zhou Andong and Jian Qiu out, walking a bit unsteadily.

"Uncle!" Zhou Andong was about to get in the car when he turned back and called out.

"What is it? Speak!" Yuan Yuan Hongbiao had a cigarette in his mouth, waving his hand with great momentum. "As long as I can handle it, I'll definitely handle it for you."

Zhou Andong chuckled: "Nothing much, just asking, how much capital is needed for the limestone mine?"

Yuan Yuan Hongbiao's drunkenness vanished instantly. He said excitedly: "At least 200 million."

Zhou Andong frowned: "200 million?"

Seeing Zhou Andong frown, Yuan Yuan Hongbiao's heart skipped a beat, almost jumping out of his throat.

"I was talking about large-scale development with imported equipment. But I don't think it's necessary; just invest 70 or 80 million first. Later, when market demand increases, we can invest more capital to expand production."

"Alright, I know." Zhou Andong got into the car and opened the window. "Go back; don't stand outside in the midday sun."

"Go on!"

Niu Niu Hongjuan waved, watching the car leave, and returned to the house with a troubled mind.

*This child, I warned you not to invest in Yuan Yuan Hongbiao's mine, why didn't you listen? *

………………

In the car, Zhou Andong laughed: "Yuan Yuan Hongbiao's appetite is truly large. He opened his mouth and asked for 200 million; he's not afraid of choking to death."

Jian Qiu smiled: "He probably thinks you're a fool who's easy to cheat."

Zhou Andong touched his face and asked Wu Chao, who was driving: "Da Chao, do I really look like a fool?"

Wu Chao's mouth twitched, his eyes fixed on the road ahead, acting as if he hadn't heard Zhou Andong.

"Right!" Zhou Andong said: "You haven't eaten yet, right? Find a restaurant by the roadside, and we'll have a drink."

"I've eaten," Wu Chao said. "I bought a few steamed buns."

"Forget it then!" Zhou Andong leaned back against the seat. "Yuan Yuan Hongbiao, an uncle within five generations, actually trying every way to cheat his own nephew. He's quite a character, not bad at all."

Jian Qiu asked: "What do you want to do?"

Zhou Andong smiled: "Since he wants me to invest, I'll invest. My uncle has spoken, so I, as his nephew, have to give him some face."

………………

Hefei, Tang Fuyuan Hotel!

Hearing Lao Meng and Old Sun were holding a celebration party after the press conference, attended by the R&D team and major leaders from the city and the TV station.

"Hearing Lao Meng, Old Sun, congratulations!"

A balding, pot-bellied middle-aged man saw Hearing Lao Meng and Old Sun coming over to toast and raised his glass. "4,000 VCD players, 18,888 yuan each, sold out in two days. It's truly a surprise for us.

We Chinese have developed a world-leading electronic product, and it was born right here in Hefei. You've really brought us honor.

Let me tell you, the city leadership attaches great importance to this. They couldn't make it today because of an important meeting, but they will definitely come to inspect in a couple of days. Think about what you need, and just ask when the time comes. If you don't ask now, you'll miss the boat."

Hearing Lao Meng clinked glasses with the leader: "There are a few machines in the warehouse that were bumped during transport and returned, but they still work. Why don't you leaders take one each when you leave?"

No one said a word, just smiled. Hearing Lao Meng didn't linger at that table and went to the next one with Old Sun after a drink.

The leaders didn't stay long and left one by one. At the door, there were dozens of damaged VCD players on the ground without packaging.

Some had dents, some had chipped paint, and they didn't look very good, but the leaders were very satisfied. Without any pretense, they hugged them and took them away.

After the celebration, Hearing Lao Meng and Old Sun squatted on the roadside in front of the hotel, smoking.

"Everything is arranged; the ads will be on tomorrow," Hearing Lao Meng said, swaying slightly as he squatted, clearly having drunk quite a bit.

Old Sun's eyes were bright, looking quite sober: "It's fortunate you have your connections, otherwise, even if the ads were filmed in advance, the TV advertising slots wouldn't be so easy to arrange."

"Tomorrow, Wan Yan truly sets sail," Hearing Lao Meng said, a bright smile on his face. "But are we really going to lower the price of the discs?"

"Yes!" Old Sun said without hesitation. "Zhou Andong was right. If discs cost dozens or hundreds of yuan, even if the VCD player were free, how many people could afford to consume them?

When the second batch of VCD players hits the market, we'll follow the plan. We'll lower the price to under 5,000 yuan. Those who buy a VCD player will get two discs for free. For future purchases, they can use their shopping receipts to get an 80% discount, so they can buy one for ten or twenty yuan."