Chapter 156: Lu Qingshan's Bold Scheme Shocks the Whole Family
"Second brother, you mean selling our products abroad?" Lu Qingjun's eyes bulged like copper bells, and he stammered, "My god, foreigners also eat jerky?"
"Obviously, foreigners aren't deities, so they have to eat meat," Lu Qingshan patted his younger brother's head, "Besides, our jerky is high quality, the orange soda flavor is unique, foreigners will surely like it, and we'll also venture into other businesses in the future."
Lu Xiaoyu let out a pfft laugh beside him, "Fourth brother, your expression is too funny."
"It's not that I've never seen foreigners," Lu Qingjun scratched his head, "Second brother, will we understand what foreigners say? What if they don't like it?"
"If we don't understand, we learn; if they don't like it, we change," Lu Qingshan lifted his tea cup, "What are we afraid of? Even a black bear dares, so why fear a few foreigners?"
With those words, the room's atmosphere instantly relaxed.
Lu Qinghe pushed his glasses, his expression turning much more serious, "Second brother, your idea is indeed bold. But honestly, we know nothing about Hong Kong's situation. Its business rules, laws, regulations, even interpersonal relations differ completely from the mainland."
"Precisely because we don't understand, we must learn," Lu Qingshan turned to the third brother, "Third brother, you served as Bureau Chief in Zhengding, reaching the department level; you should know the principle of feeling the stones while crossing a river. We'll first send someone to Hong Kong to scout and learn the market conditions there."
"But how do we solve the language problem?" Lu Fang set down her tea cup, "In Hong Kong they speak Cantonese, we don't understand a single sentence."
"I know a little Cantonese," Lu Qingshan recalled the scraps he learned while working in Shenzhen in a past life, "If that fails, hire a translator or find a local guide."
Wang Guilan listened, sounding confused, "Qing Shan, the mothers you're talking about don't understand. But since all you brothers agree, Mom also supports. Just be careful not to get scammed."
"Mom, rest assured, your son isn't that stupid," Lu Qingshan grasped his mother's hand, "Besides, this trip to Hong Kong is mainly for learning and scouting."
Lu Hua sat up straight in his chair, "Qing Shan, I don't oppose this idea. Your personal connections should soon be able to shift back to the Capital City, but several issues must be considered clearly. Where will the funds come from? If any unexpected situation arises, how should we handle it?"
"Dad, regarding funds, my three factories are profitable each month. As for emergencies, we will draft detailed contingency plans," Lu Qingshan paused, "The most important thing is to send a suitable person."
Lu Qingshan's gaze swept over his siblings' faces, finally landing on Lu Qingjun, "Fourth brother, what do you think?"
"Me?" Lu Qingjun pointed at his own nose, his voice shifting, "Second brother, you're not kidding, are you? I'm just a big clumsy guy, can I manage?"
"Who called you a big clumsy?" Lu Qingshan stood and walked to his younger brother, "I heard that when you were drying salt at Lu Tai, you kept the foreman turning in circles and secretly ran a small side trade. That shows you have a commercial mind, and you're bold, daring to venture and act."
Flattered by his second brother's praise, Lu Qingjun's face immediately showed a smug grin, "Hehe, of course, I've been clever since childhood."
"Being too clever can cause trouble," elder brother Lu Qingyuan warned, "Qing Shan, Hong Kong's waters are deep; if Fourth brother goes, don't get sold out or end up counting other people's money."
"Big brother, what you said!" Lu Qingjun muttered in displeasure, "Although I'm young, I'm not a three‑year‑old child. Besides, didn't second brother say it's mainly scouting? I'm not going to do business."
"Even scouting requires a keen eye," Lu Fang interjected, "People in Hong Kong are sharp; a single glance can tell you're from elsewhere."
"Then what to do?" Lu Qingjun, a bit discouraged, asked, "How about second brother going himself?"
"I can't leave," Lu Qingshan shook his head, "The village factories depend on people, and my fame is too great; going would draw attention."
Lu Hua suddenly spoke, "Qingjun, your second brother is right. This trip to Hong Kong needs someone unobtrusive like you. The merchants there are shrewd; seeing a famous person makes them wary."
"Dad, your words sound like you're praising me," Lu Qingjun scratched his head, "Being unobtrusive is also an advantage?"
"Of course it's an advantage," Lu Qingshan smiled, "Hong Kong lacks nothing in wealthy people, but lacks sincere business partners. When you go, say you're a small mainland merchant looking for cooperation opportunities."
"Then what should I prepare?" Lu Qingjun, now enthusiastic, said, "I can't go empty‑handed, can I?"
"Bring some of our products for them to taste," Lu Qingshan thought, "Also prepare some materials introducing our factory's scale and product quality."
"Second brother, your thinking is thorough," Lu Xiaoyu looked at his second brother admiringly, "May I also go to Hong Kong? I want to see the outside world."
"Xiaoyu, you're a young lady; what are you doing traveling so far?" second sister Lu Fang quickly objected, "Hong Kong is a mix of dragons and snakes; it's not a place for girls."
"Why can't girls go?" Lu Xiaoyu retorted, annoyed, "I'm not less clever than Fourth brother."
"Exactly, exactly, Xiaoyu is right," Lu Qingjun chimed in, "Second brother, why not go together; we'll have company on the road."
"You two together are still under forty; won't people treat you as kids in Hong Kong?" Lu Qingshan was both amused and exasperated, "Fourth brother, this time you go scout alone first. Xiaoyu, we'll talk when a suitable opportunity arises."
"Alright then," Lu Xiaoyu, though a bit disappointed, nodded obediently.
Lu Hua looked at these energetic children, a satisfied smile on his face, "But Qingjun, this matter truly can't be rushed. You must be fully prepared before going."
"Dad, rest assured, I'll prepare thoroughly," Lu Qingjun pounded his chest in assurance, "I'll first master Cantonese, then study our products inside out, guaranteeing I won't embarrass the Lu Family."
"One more thing," Lu Qingshan reminded, "When you reach Hong Kong, remember one principle: observe more, speak less; learn more, judge less. People there are very shrewd in business; you must first feel out their tactics."
"Understood," Lu Qingjun nodded, "First be a student, then a teacher."
Watching his siblings' enthusiasm and his parents' support, Lu Qingshan felt an unprecedented surge of emotion. This sense of family unity and joint struggle was something his past self had only dreamed of yearning for.
"Then it's settled!" Lu Qingshan stood up, his voice firm, "From today onward, the Lu Family is one whole. Share blessings together, bear hardships together!"
【5】 "Share blessings together, bear hardships together!" Everyone stood together, shouting in unison, their voices echoing through the courtyard's night sky.
"Share the blessings together, share the hardships together!" Everyone stood up together, shouting in unison, their voices echoing in the night sky of the courtyard.
"Haha, the Lu Family is about to get rich!" Lu Qingjun jumped up excitedly, "
"You kid, don't get too happy early," Lu Qingshan laughed, shaking his head, "The road is still long, there will be times when you are needed."
"Busy is busy, still better than drying salt at Lu Tai," Lu Qingjun rolled up his sleeves, "Second brother, just wait to see my performance!"
That night was destined to leave a bold, colorful mark in the Lu Family's history.
From Shanwan Village to Hong Kong, this seemingly impossible route in these times is quietly unfolding within this courtyard.
End of Chapter
