Chapter 141: Fake Wholesalers Meet Real Experts, Provincial Supply and Marketing Cooperative Sets Divine Terms

Lu Qingshan hurried toward the courtyard, his heart uneasy. The celebration banquet had been going smoothly a moment ago, why did it suddenly turn chaotic?

"Qingshan!" Lin Yue'e walked up, a trace of nervousness on her face, "It's nothing major, just that a few experts have some disputes about our products."

Lu Qingshan exhaled in relief and followed his wife back to the courtyard. He saw several experts gathered around a table, engaged in a heated discussion. On the table were various product samples freshly produced.

"The moisture content of this jerky is indeed well controlled, but..." Director Wang of the Provincial Food Industry Research Institute held a piece of jerky, his brows slightly furrowed.

"But what?" Qian Jin asked anxiously.

"But given this quality, the cost should logically be high; how have you considered your pricing strategy?" Director Wang looked at Lu Qingshan, "If the price is set too low, consumers may doubt the quality."

Lu Qingshan felt a stir in his mind; that was indeed a problem. High‑quality products priced too low can indeed make people suspect something off.

"Director Wang is right," an expert from the Provincial Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital nodded, "Especially for herbal medicine products, a price that's too low makes consumers reluctant to buy."

Zhang Zhidong set down his tea cup, "Qingshan, these experts make sense. A good product should have a good price; you shouldn't undervalue it."

Lu Qingshan thought for a moment, looked toward the merchants waiting at the village entrance for cooperation, "The experts are right; the pricing strategy does indeed need to be reconsidered."

Just then, Chen Zhiguo came over, his complexion somewhat grim, "Qingshan, I did a preliminary check on those merchants; two of the companies have some questionable information."

"What problems?" Lu Qingshan became instantly alert.

"The Hualian Trading Group in Shenyang, although its registered capital is sizable, actually operates at an average level. And the wholesale market in Changchun's General Manager Wang—there's no way to find any relevant business license information," Chen Zhiguo lowered his voice, "I suggest you don't rush to sign a contract."

Lu Qingshan nodded; his past‑life experience told him that such windfall opportunities often come with traps.

"Brother Qingshan, those merchants are still waiting," Zhao Tiezhu walked over, asking earnestly, "Shall we invite them in to sit?"

"Let them wait a moment first," Lu Qingshan glanced at the experts and leaders in the courtyard, an idea forming, "Experts, could you do us a favor?"

"What favor?" Director Wang asked curiously.

"Help us screen them, see whether the merchants seeking cooperation are reliable," Lu Qingshan said sincerely, "Your experience is extensive, and your judgment is sharp."

The experts exchanged glances, Director Wang smiled, "We can help with that; we also want to see how the market reacts to your products."

Thus, Lu Qingshan invited the merchants into the courtyard.

"Ladies and gentlemen, sorry to keep you waiting," Lu Qingshan ushered everyone to sit, "These are experts from the province; we can discuss cooperation together."

"Factory Director Lu, can we speak privately?" Li Hua of Hualian in Shenyang, seeing so many experts and leaders, looked a bit uneasy.

"Is there anything that can't be discussed in front of everyone?" Director Wang asked with a smile, "We also want to understand the market situation."

Li Hua forced a smile, "Of course. Our Hualian Group has over 200 chain stores across the three northeastern provinces, annual sales exceeding a hundred million, and strong strength."

"Over a hundred million?" a specialist from the Provincial Department of Commerce interjected, "I know a bit about Hualian Group; their sales last year don't seem that high, do they?"

Li Hua's complexion changed, "Expert, you may not have a complete picture..."

"I review the reports of major trading groups every year; Hualian Group's actual turnover last year was under 30 million," the expert said calmly.

The atmosphere instantly turned awkward.

"Factory Director Lu, your product is indeed good, we are willing to purchase it at a high price," General Manager Wang from Changchun said, seeing the unfavorable turn.

"How high?" Qian Jin asked directly.

"Twenty percent above market price!" General Manager Wang pounded his chest in assurance.

"General Manager Wang, what do you think our product's market price should be?" Yao Bai'nian suddenly spoke up.

General Manager Wang was momentarily stunned, "This... about 15 yuan per kilogram, roughly?"

The experts in the courtyard all laughed.

"15 yuan?" Director Wang shook his head, "Given this quality, it should sell for at least 25 yuan or more to be reasonable."

"Exactly!" the expert from the Provincial Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital added, "Especially for herbal medicine products, this price is fundamentally unreasonable."

General Manager Wang's face flushed bright red, "I... I misspoke, it should be 25 yuan."

"General Manager Wang, you don't even grasp the basic value of the product; how can you engage in wholesale?" Lin Yue'e suddenly interjected, her voice gentle yet edged with a hint of sharpness.

Lu Qingshan looked at his wife, a warm current rising in his heart. Lin Yue'e's remark was perfectly timed, striking directly at the crux.

At that moment, another merchant stood up, "Factory Director Lu, I work as a food agent and have partnerships with many large malls in the Northeast. If you trust me, I am willing to represent your products."

"Agency?" Zhang Zhidong showed interest, "What would the cooperation look like?"

"It's simple; I handle distribution and sales, with profit sharing," the man said confidently, "I have connections at Wangfujing Department Store."

The specialist from the Provincial Department of Commerce couldn't help but laugh, "Wangfujing Department Store hasn't entered the Northeast market yet, and you already have connections?"

The man was instantly left speechless.

Chen Zhiguo stood up, "Alright, gentlemen, let's wrap up for today. If there is genuine intent to cooperate, please provide the relevant qualification certificates and corporate information; we will consider it seriously."

The merchants, seeing the unfavorable turn, slunk away in disgrace.

"Qingshan, these people are obviously problematic," Director Wang shook his head, "Either they aim to steal your product samples and formulas, or they intend to buy your equipment at a low price."

"Thanks to the experts for helping with the screening," Lu Qingshan said sincerely, "Otherwise we might have been duped."

"But you needn't worry too much," the specialist from the Provincial Department of Commerce comforted, "Given your product quality, genuine major clients will certainly come knocking."

As soon as the words finished, Zhao Yongnian ran over, "Qingshan, more guests have arrived at the village entrance! This time it's leaders from the Provincial Supply and Marketing Cooperative!"

The crowd exchanged glances; could this time be real?

A vehicle bearing a provincial government license plate rolled in slowly, and several plainly dressed yet distinguished individuals stepped out.

"May I ask which one is Comrade Lu Qingshan?" the leading elder asked in a resonant voice.

"I am," Lu Qingshan stepped forward to greet.

"I am Old Wang from the Provincial Supply and Marketing Cooperative, I've long heard of your reputation!" the elder grasped Lu Qingshan's hand, "We heard you have good products here; we came specially to inspect."

This time no verification from Chen Zhiguo was needed; the mere presence of that provincial government vehicle explained everything.

"Director Wang, this is..." Zhang Zhidong also stood up.

"Secretary Zhang!" Old Wang shook hands delightedly, "I didn't expect you to be here as well."

"We are celebrating the opening of three factories in Shanwan Village," Zhang Zhidong said with a smile, "Your timing is perfect."

After tasting several products, Old Wang's eyes lit up, "Excellent! Truly excellent! This quality is rare across the whole province."

"Director Wang, you're flattering me," Lu Qingshan said modestly.

"It's not flattery, it's the truth," Lao Wang said seriously, "Our province's Supply and Marketing Cooperative is looking for high‑quality agricultural product suppliers, and your products fully meet our requirements."

"Specifically, how will we cooperate?" Lin Yue'e asked.

"We can sign a long‑term supply contract, with the price settled at 110 % of the Market Price, and we will pre‑pay 30 % of the payment." Lao Wang's terms made everyone eager.

"This…" Lu Qingshan said, a bit unable to believe.

"Factory Director Lu, I know you just encountered some swindlers," Lao Wang smiled, "but you should trust the reputation of our province's Supply and Marketing Cooperative."

Zhang Zhidong nodded: "You can trust Lao Wang's words; the Supply and Marketing Cooperative is a state‑owned enterprise, its reputation is absolutely fine."

Just as everyone was excited about the good news, the sound of cars came again from the village entrance.

This time more vehicles arrived, as many as seven or eight.

"What are they here for?" Zhao Tiezhu scratched his head.