Chapter 226: I really want to beat you up right now!

Gao Lao Ban, upon hearing this, immediately exchanged glances with the other two.

Afterwards, they each reached into their pockets and took out three contracts.

Gao Lao Ban said: "We had already agreed before coming that we would only cooperate with you from now on; as for the other Furniture Factories, we will clear all orders and inventory within three days, empty the yard, and use it all to sell your furniture!"

Li Jiaci seemed to have guessed this outcome, calmly took the contract and glanced at it.

After confirming there was no problem, he then said: "Doing this will cost you a fortune!"

"What's this bit of loss?"

"As long as we cooperate happily, we can make it back in no time!"

"You guys agree, right?"

Gao Lao Ban asked the two of them.

The two just nodded, their faces full of eagerness.

Doing this is equivalent to abandoning the unprofitable business and focusing on the profitable one.

Who would care about that little loss?

Li Jiaci, while looking for a pen in the tea table drawer, tentatively asked: "Is it that those Furniture Factories' goods can't be sold only through you, or can't be sold through any channel?"

Lin Lao Ban stubbed out his cigarette and said: "I inquired; all channels are the same, sales are dismal!"

"Yes, the Furniture Factory that had cooperated with me for many years suddenly said it couldn't continue, dumped its inventory at rock-bottom prices, and planned to close shop!"

Dai Lao Ban was warming his hands by the stove and then continued.

After the two finished speaking, they began to shower Li Jiaci with flattery.

Li Jiaci, pleased to hear that, signed the documents quickly.

"Once you free up the yard, I'll have my people increase the shipment volume!"

"Good, good, good! Thank you, Li Lao Ban!"

"Alright, contracts received!"

"Eh, okay!"

A moment later.

The three left satisfied.

Li Jiaci stayed in the office for a while, saw Li Yihu passing by the door, and hurriedly called him in.

"What's up, brother?"

Li Yihu had just finished inspecting the factory, and a chill still clung to him.

He sat by the stove and sniffled.

Seeing this, Li Jiaci handed him a tissue and said: "Tomorrow you don't need to inspect the factory; go check out the nearby Furniture Factories!"

Li Yihu, sniffling, asked: "What for? Scouting enemy movements?"

"Heh, what enemy movements to scout!"

"Their combined monthly sales still don't exceed our daily sales!"

"So I plan to acquire all those struggling Furniture Factories and bring them under my name!"

"This will also lighten Hong Bo's burden!"

"I heard he went to the flour mill today and provoked public anger, almost getting beaten!"

"They were doing fine, yet he had them vacate the factory!"

Li Jiaci said it as a joke, but he truly felt sorry for Hong Bo.

Hearing this, Li Yihu couldn't help but laugh and complained: "Brother, this isn't because you forced me; you're constantly expanding, and whenever the surrounding factory bosses see Hong Bo, they hide. The network they built over a decade or more is gone in just a few months!"

"Indeed, it's my fault; when Hong Bo returns later, I must give him a drink!"

Li Jiaci admitted as such.

Under the night sky.

A group of people gathered in the dormitory to eat mutton hot pot.

The just-awakened Wang Yingna leaned against Li Jiaci, unable to stop yawning.

But it didn't stop her from eating.

Whatever Li Jiaci picked up for her, she would open her mouth and eat.

Hong Bo also returned at that moment, dusty and weary.

As soon as he entered the door, he threw the two contracts onto the floor.

Then he rolled up his sleeves, ready to feast heartily.

"I could smell the mutton as soon as I reached the door; this guy has left me so hungry I haven't even had time to sip water all day!"

Hong Bo took the bowl and chopsticks Zhao Chen passed over, and while speaking, he grabbed two pieces of mutton and hastily stuffed them into his mouth.

The heat made him stick out his tongue.

Li Jiaci picked up the two contracts from the ground and glanced at them.

Hong Bo didn't make the trip for nothing; he helped secure two workshops of several thousand square meters for him.

"Hong Bo, eat more; you've worked the hardest!"

Li Yihu ladled a spoonful of hot pot broth into Hong Bo's bowl.

All one could see was Hong Bo's face full of relief as he smiled and said: "Our Huzi is truly behaving well now!"

"That's for sure!"

"Come, brother, eat some more carrot to replenish nutrition!"

"Enough, enough, I'll serve myself!"

"I'm helping you serve; being polite with my own brothers makes me feel embarrassed to ask you for favors!"

What do you want me to do?

Eat your fill first!

Li Yihu shoved a heaping spoonful of mutton into Hong Bo's mouth, silencing his doubt.

The rest ate with heads down, each lost in their own thoughts.

They knew Li Jiaci's plan before Hong Bo did.

Hong Bo ate the mutton in his bowl, giving them a few suspicious glances, and felt an uneasy premonition.

Just say it straight!

You've killed my appetite!

Li Yihu chuckled, scratched his head, hesitated, and said: "Um, Hong Bro, our newest plan is out—we aim to acquire the nearby furniture factories that can't stay in business, then establish a monopoly, just like the Mu Cai Chang lumber mill, a single dominant firm."

Oh...

Hong Bo nodded and asked, "What does this have to do with me?"

How could it not concern you, bro!

We brothers lack negotiation experience; when we need to deal with those factories, won't you have to step in personally?

It's all on you!

Li Yihu's words had barely left his mouth.

Li Jiaci quietly added: "Hong Bro, for each deal sealed, I'll add five hundred yuan to your pay!"

How much? Five hundred?

Hong Bo put down his bowl, jerked open the zipper of his down jacket, pulled out a cigarette pack from his pants pocket, and placed a cigarette in his hand.

He lit the cigarette and went on: "Even if you gave me five thousand, I wouldn't do it. Today I went to talk acquisition with a factory boss, and he ran me off; if my legs weren't quick, I'd be in trouble right now."

Zhao Chen burst out laughing at those words.

Hong Bro, honestly, you asked for this!

Hong Bo kicked him, irritated, and asked: "Did I screw up at work?"

The flour mill was doing well; you went up and told the owner to sell his factory—who wouldn't be angry?

I saw not a single worker in his factory and assumed it had closed!

That's because the flour mill is closed today!

Damn!

Hong Bo took a puff of his cigarette.

Then he felt heat on the back of his hand.

He turned his head and saw Li Jiaci holding his hand.

Cut it out!

Hong Bo shook his hand a few times but couldn't break free.

Li Jiaci gave an ingratiating smile, patted his shoulder, and said: "Hong Bro, I promise this is the last time; from now on, no matter what I say, I won't expand!"

Ask them if they believe that!

They don't matter; what matters is whether you believe it!

I'd sooner trust the ghosts outside than you!

Hong Bo shook his hand twice more.

Instead, Li Jiaci tightened his grip.

Bro, you're my real brother!

From now on, you're the boss, I'm second-in-command!

If you're unhappy, just beat me!

Hearing that, Hong Bo narrowed his eyes.

I feel like beating you to death right now!