Chapter 1781: Taking the Train

The next day, Ye Yaodong brought up the freight business at the general meeting, but after further discussion, the Freight Department was revised.

After all, in his view, if they truly established a Freight Department, they would still need to seek orders and jobs from outside; if handled within the factory, it would be inappropriate and inconvenient for people coming and going to take orders.

They needed to set up a separate Freight Office to facilitate outsiders entering and exiting to discuss orders and dispatch vehicles.

It was somewhat similar to Lin Ji's operations, except Lin Ji handled water transport, while he now intended to develop land logistics.

However, he did not plan to run long-distance routes, only intending to handle deliveries to surrounding cities; but Zhoushan is an archipelago, where land development and markets are limited and cannot compare to sea transport. By the end of the discussion, they directly placed the Freight Office location in Shanghai.

The factory would likewise establish a Freight Department, moving freight matters out separately; after all, the factory already had several delivery vehicles and needed to add more, so a separate department was necessary for clearer division of labor.

Ye Yaodong pondered for a moment and felt this was acceptable; placing the Freight Department office in Shanghai was even better, as it was a first-tier major city currently in a period of rapid development.

This was equivalent to spinning off an independent entity while expanding into a new industry, allowing for more efficient use of capital.

He still had a plot of wasteland in Pudong that had not yet been utilized; it was perfect for establishing the Freight Department. No elaborate construction was needed; as long as the space was large enough to park more vehicles, with a few buildings erected and the site enclosed, it would suffice.

After establishing the Freight Department in Shanghai, they could also seek cooperation with Lin Ji; if any goods arriving by water at Shanghai needed transport, they could directly ask him to arrange it, perfectly utilizing resources.

Furthermore, the connections and factories he knew in Zhoushan, if they needed to ship goods to Shanghai, would definitely require land transport after the water route; by building good relationships, he truly had no fear of lacking work.

Once the Freight Department was truly set up, it could operate immediately.

At the same time, if he were interested in local freight transport, he could also cooperate with the two brothers, Ajiang and Ye Chenghe, where he would invest and take a share of the profits.

However, after talking with the two brothers, he dropped the idea; the two brothers were worried about pressure and thought they should start small and casual on their own first.

If they truly cooperated, Ye Yaodong would certainly only provide the money; the two of them would not dare to shoulder such a huge responsibility at once, thinking they should try it themselves first, and once familiar, if they truly wanted to expand, they would come find Third Uncle then.

Ye Yaodong also respected their choice; the local market was not large, and after the meeting, whether he did it or not was somewhat irrelevant.

He also discussed with them that once the loan was approved, they would go to Shanghai to order vehicles, and he would go along to prepare the Shanghai Freight Office in advance.

Vehicle production also takes time; while waiting, they could set up the office, so that once the vehicles arrived, they could be put into use immediately.

Simply getting ten vehicles would cost him only a few hundred thousand; the land cost nothing, and the site only required a small amount of money to set up. It could only be considered a small investment, but the future return rate was considerable, and it could be developed as a precursor to logistics.

He earned a lot of money every year now, but it was mainly focused on the fishing boats and processing factory one-stop chain; now he needed to expand into other businesses.

Lin Lin Xiuqing took the children back to Shanghai the next day; all three still needed to attend school, and she only learned the final decision over the phone.

Ye Yaodong briefly mentioned to her that he also planned to go to Shanghai soon, as construction on the site needed to start in advance; fortunately, there were people stationed in Shanghai, and they were now all under Aqing's management.

"The application for the Canton Fair has been submitted, and English-speaking talent has been recruited. The rest is up to fate. I also have some free time; I'll find an opportunity to talk with Lin Ji, and then go to Shanghai to consolidate the land."

"Should we hire experienced drivers directly then? It would be faster, and they would have more experience; sending people to learn ourselves takes too long to cultivate."

"Experienced drivers are cultivated by various units; unless they start their own business, it is not easy for them to be laid off. Anyway, there are still several months; sending people to take the exam ourselves won't take much time. After passing, they can practice on our factory's vehicles first. The Shanghai side won't be put into use that quickly, so we have time."

"Alright, how is the preparation for the Canton Fair going? It's almost April, and it hasn't been approved yet? With only one month left, can preparations be completed in time?"

"It should be soon; mainly, applying for import and export rights takes time, and customs filing, various filings, applying to join the Ocean Chamber of Commerce, and a bunch of other things all require procedures. Anyway, preparations are mostly done; the personnel going to Guangzhou have already been selected, just waiting for the approval result."

The approval for self-operated import and export rights is merely the entry ticket for the exhibition.

After obtaining the approval, the factory still needs to apply to the Provincial and Municipal Foreign Economic and Trade Commission (Foreign Economic and Trade Commission), submitting materials on enterprise scale, production capacity, product quality, and foreign exchange earning potential. After strict review, approval with a red-headed document is obtained.

With this approval, the enterprise can register with customs, obtain an import and export enterprise code, and use this to apply for exhibition booths from the Canton Fair organizer (China Foreign Trade Center).

There are quite a few procedures here; mainly, this is their first time, the policy was just promulgated, and most processes are unfamiliar.

In previous years, applications had to be submitted two or three months in advance; this year, they encountered policy reform, so it is still under review.

"Then we have time in that case. Anyway, the people who understand English and foreign trade have already been hired. As for details, we will wait for the approval and consult on preparations then."

"Mm, I'll call you again in a few days before going to Shanghai."

"Okay."

Ye Yaodong had to not only keep an eye on the Canton Fair matters but also on the fishing moratorium in June.

This year, it is still unknown what the regulations will be, whether they have changed again, or if they will follow last year's.

Since there is no notice now, it certainly won't move the moratorium to May; it is highly likely the moratorium will be in June and July again, resuming in August.

Anyway, most of the crew on the large ships, taking advantage of the Spring Festival holiday or the rest days from last year's typhoon, have successively obtained their crew certificates.

He also instructed that once the Canton Fair matters are concluded, they should continue to handle high-seas fishing procedures, making preparations on two fronts to minimize the impact on him regardless of whether fishing is banned.

The entire first half of the year was very complicated for him; from after the New Year until April, he was extremely busy, and participating in the Canton Fair was a "top priority."

After the Canton Fair in May, the factory might face another peak period of busyness.

This year is considered a key year in China's economic history and the beginning of "Made in China" going global.

It has been just one year since the 1992 speech by the Great Leader on his southern tour; the spring breeze of reform and opening up has blown across the country with unprecedented force.

Just from what he knew, there were no fewer than 20 production units locally granted self-operated import and export rights, but this was merely the entry ticket for the exhibition.

Most were blocked during the subsequent application process; very few were approved.

Many small factories did not meet the requirements for enterprise scale and production capacity; their processing factory had expanded repeatedly and gained two years of domestic sales and exhibition experience before it was approved.

After receiving the result, the entire factory was overjoyed and worked feverishly to prepare within the remaining time.

For example, they needed to establish sales teams, with each team equipped with at least one person who understood English and foreign trade pricing.

The company's business cards also had to be reprinted, must include both Chinese and English, and the sales staff participating in the exhibition must upgrade their status, wearing titles like Manager or Supervisor...

They also had to "run to departments to get money," sending specialists to communicate with relevant departments and strive to secure better standard exhibition booths.

Then, they had to finalize the railway transport routes in advance, calculate the time to handle consignment, and transport samples and exhibition equipment to Guangzhou.

There was not a single idle person in the entire factory; everyone walked with the wind at their heels, as the time was truly too tight.

Other units that frequently exhibited had prepared two months ago, while they now had less than 20 days left.

Although they had done some preparatory work in the early stages, it was only a general outline, mainly focusing on layout and products.

Other aspects required urgent training, such as finalizing the exhibition working group, confirming the list of exhibition products, the factory needing to work overtime to produce the best samples, and printing promotional materials.

Finally, all prepared exhibition equipment and materials would be packed, railway freight handled, and the exhibits sent to Guangzhou.

Everyone knew that this exhibition was crucial to the factory; everyone repeatedly checked and rechecked to ensure no step went wrong.

Ye Yaodong also watched from start to finish, as this exhibition was also vital to the factory's future development.

Even Father Ye, this great idler, became nervous; the closer the date approached, the more nervous he became, and the atmosphere in the factory grew increasingly solemn.

"Dong-zi, my heart is racing. Is everything ready? Should I go with you?"

"No need. Stay at the factory and keep an eye on things. A-Qing and I will go."

"What about those children..."

"Ye Ye Huimei will help, and there are other bodyguards."

"Have all the goods that need to be taken and shipped been moved? Nothing left behind, right?"

"No. We've checked them four or five times."

"We leave tomorrow. How many days will the journey take? It's such a long way. I don't know if we'll make any money."

"You don't understand, so don't worry about it. Just stay at the factory and help oversee production."

The Canton Fair lasts about half a month from start to finish, but it is "held in phases with exhibits arranged by product category." It is usually divided into two or three sessions, each showcasing completely different product categories, with exhibitors and buyers arriving at different times according to their product types.

They need to depart five days in advance, first taking a train from Magic City.

Ye Yaodong secured sleeper berths through connections, since the train journey would take roughly forty hours.

Leaving Magic City in the evening on the first day, they would not arrive in Guangzhou until the early morning or late morning of the third day.

If there were many stops, it would take even longer; delays were a common occurrence.

After all, in this era, all trains were K-series green-painted trains.

Without a sleeper ticket, one would need an iron bottom.

As everyone set off, carrying large and small bags, the original tension was now mixed with added unease; most had never traveled so far from home.

"Boss, will this trip go smoothly..."

"Will we return safely..."

Ye Yaodong looked speechlessly at the young salesmen. "What nonsense are you talking? We are going to expand business, make big money, and take the factory to the next level. We are not sending you to the battlefield."

"It feels almost like going to the battlefield."

"Rest assured. Am I not going with you? If I can take you there, I can certainly bring you back. At that time, if you work hard and secure more orders, those with outstanding sales performance will be granted purchase eligibility for the staff residential compound, allowing you to buy houses at a discount."

Everyone's eyes lit up.

For people today, housing is still a scarce resource. Moreover, being able to buy a house at a discount is the most attractive benefit.

"Really! That's great!"

"Can new employees also have purchase eligibility?"

Ye Yaodong affirmed it to give them confidence. "Of course. Our factory operates entirely on contribution. Salesmen are judged entirely on results. Rest assured, working with me, you won't lose out."

"The factory is in an upward phase. I have even built such a huge platform as the Canton Fair for you. Help me make money, and you will make money too. This year's commissions will definitely make your hands go soft."

"If you don't believe me, ask the senior salesmen. During the two-year Magic City Trade Fair, their commissions also made their hands go soft."

"This is still domestic trade. The Canton Fair's external market is much larger and can generate foreign exchange. Previously, it was monopolized by state-owned units. This year, it is opened to production enterprises for the first time. How could it be worse than domestic sales?"

"No need to worry. This trip, we guarantee a full return. Let's work hard this year to triple our sales volume! By then, you will all have houses!"

Just before departure, everyone drank another bowl of chicken soup, instantly boosting their morale and filling them with confidence.

Lin Lin Xiuqing had packed her luggage early, calculated the departure time, and arrived three hours in advance at a conspicuous spot outside the Magic City train station to wait for them.

Ye Yaodong arrived only half an hour later than her. Their train was in the evening; better to go early than late.

"How long have you been waiting?"

"Not long. An hour and a half. Let's go eat first. Otherwise, eating on the train later won't be convenient with so many people."

"Let's go. Find a place to eat and talk while we eat. We've been on a boat since morning, then took a vehicle, and we're starving by now. Next, we have to take a train for two days and one night."

Airline tickets were still hard to buy now. Being able to buy a plane ticket was an extremely luxurious and difficult feat. He might manage to get one or two, but what about the others? They would still have to travel by train.

Everyone, carrying large and small bags, found a nearby stall and sat down.

Ye Yaodong asked someone to buy some more food, since there were too many people and they would be on the train for two days.

"You're out. Did the three children say anything?"

"Nothing much. They were all eager to come along. I didn't let them because school is more important. I came out directly at noon while they were at school. Anyway, I've already asked Ye Ye Huimei to help."

"Actually, they could come along..."

Lin Lin Xiuqing rolled her eyes at him. "We can't do that. If they get used to asking for leave, will they still have the mind to study? If they want to run around everywhere every day, they won't need to study anymore."

"Alright."

"You still want your son to take the university entrance exam. High school is such a critical period. How dare you let him ask for leave casually? This isn't for a day or two; it's for a whole week."

"Hmm."

"There will be plenty of opportunities to see the world later. Right now, the children are studying, so academics must come first. Running around outside every day will scatter their minds..."

Ye Yaodong dared not contradict her at all, nodding repeatedly. "Yes, yes, yes. You are right."

Seeing that he admitted his mistake so quickly, Lin Lin Xiuqing stopped nagging and instead looked at the people accompanying them on this trip. There were men and women, youths and middle-aged people. The young ones were mostly girls, and she looked at them with some curiosity.

"There are quite a few new faces this time. Are they all newly hired salesmen?"

"There are also people to help with the exhibit setup. Since this is our first time participating in the Canton Fair and we have no experience, we'd rather bring more people than be unable to cope when the time comes."

"Accommodation is arranged uniformly by the Canton Fair, right?"

"Yes. The Canton Fair coordinates the arrangements. When we arrive, we will check in first and collect number tags."

Usually, they would stay in state-run guesthouses or hotels around the Canton Fair. The conditions were rudimentary, but during this Canton Fair period, finding a room would surely be difficult.

"I heard we have to take a forty-eight-hour train. Fortunately, I used connections to buy hard sleeper tickets. Otherwise, how could anyone endure the hard seats? It's too far. I hope the long trip will yield greater returns."

Just thinking about this made Lin Lin Xiuqing's waist and back ache, and she couldn't help but hold her waist.

"Rest assured."

While they chatted, the ordered noodles and other dishes arrived one after another. Everyone ate quickly, then prepared to enter the station and wait.

The square in front of the station was full of surging crowds: business travelers in suits carrying briefcases, migrant workers carrying huge snake-skin bags, tour groups wearing travel agency hats, and students in school uniforms...

Even standing outside, they could hear the high-pitched loudspeakers inside broadcasting train information without interruption.

Ye Yaodong watched the train station drawing closer, with the huge characters "Shanghai" emblazoned on it.

"This Demon Capital truly lives up to its name; the train station is so huge, looking far more grand and imposing than the provincial capital back home."

"I heard it was built just a few years ago. I just glanced at the entrance, and it was packed with people. Don't get lost when we leave later; stay close, and keep your luggage strapped to your chests, holding it tight."

"Understood, Boss Lady."

Ye Yaodong said, "Let's go, wait inside first. Stay close; if you get separated by the crowd, match your train number to find each other, but absolutely do not lose your tickets. If you lose them, you'll have to head back home on your own."

"Got it."

Inside the waiting hall, the pillars were tall, yet the lighting remained dim. By now, the sky outside had darkened, and the air was thick with the smells of sweat, instant noodles, and tobacco.

The benches were packed with people; seats were never enough.

Many sat right on their luggage: cardboard boxes tied with rope, colorful woven bags, and old leather suitcases.

Combination locks were the mark of a respectable businessman, while snake-skin bags and woven bags were the standard gear for migrant workers.

What people gripped tightly were not smartphones, but paper tickets, ID cards, and introduction letters issued by their work units; their expressions were mostly numb waiting and the anxiety of imminent departure.

In front of the rightmost window, a long dragon of a queue stretched so far you could see its head but not its tail; the crowd pressed tightly together to prevent anyone from cutting in line.

People stretched their necks, staring intently at the small blackboard above the window, where the remaining ticket quota was written in chalk.

"Tickets to Guangzhou? None left for the next three days!"

Scalpers were also prowling beside the queues, asking, "Anyone want tickets to Guangzhou? Anyone want tickets to Hangzhou..."

Such conversations played out every single day.

For this exhibition, Ye Yaodong had ordered matching double-shoulder backpacks to make it easier for everyone to pack their luggage; carrying one on the chest was much more convenient for each person.

"Keep hold of your tickets and ID cards; absolutely do not lose them. There are plenty of pickpockets inside, so be careful."

Lin Lin Xiuqing also reminded everyone, "Stay close, don't get lost. Move forward first and find where the train number is to wait."

"There are really so many people?"

"I'm already sweating from the squeeze."

"The waiting room back in our hometown is only the size of two classrooms; there are really so many people here."

Ye Yaodong wasn't too worried about the others, only telling them to look out for each other, while he held his wife tightly.

"Stay close, don't get lost."

Lin Lin Xiuqing smiled as she walked, "Even if I get lost, I can find you. You watch the train number; you're taller, and I can't see a thing even on tiptoes, so just following you is enough."

"Mm."

They moved forward with the flow of people, stopping only when they saw the corresponding train number written above the ticket check entrance.

"Found it, this is it. Find an open spot to gather and count heads, to see if everyone has stayed close." Ye Yaodong shouted, raising his hand toward those behind him.

Surrounding them were all sorts of shouts, children's cries, and scolding voices rising and falling, creating a chaotic, noisy mess.

There were absolutely no seats left; open spaces were piled high with luggage, so they could only squeeze past to find a slightly emptier spot to stand.

He was already sweating from the squeeze. "Damn, this is really not easy, so many people."

"Let's count heads first to see if everyone has arrived."

Lin Lin Xiuqing wasn't very familiar with the people who came, but she recognized the matching bags; she only needed to count the backpacks.

She felt relieved only after seeing that everyone had caught up.

"The train won't arrive for another hour and a half. If you need to use the restroom, tell the group; it's best to go in pairs or more, otherwise, if one person is missing, no one will know."

"If there's nothing urgent, don't wander around; there are too many people."

"Understood, got it."

Everyone knew their place; many were traveling far for the first time and were scared, so naturally, they stuck close to the group and dared not wander off.

The couple was also taking a train to such a far place for the first time; actually, they were both a bit uneasy, but since they were the bosses, they naturally had to lead by example and comfort everyone.

Before leaving, Ye Yaodong had warned everyone repeatedly; since he brought people out, he naturally had to take responsibility for them. The more he explained things, the better, so nothing would go wrong.

The ticket check entrance started to stir an hour before departure, and the crowd grew more agitated, with people looking for luggage and searching for children.

There were no automatic gates now; only a few uniformed staff members checked tickets manually.

Before the time arrived, the crowd had already formed a line early to wait for ticket checking, and their group quickly squeezed in at the very front.

They had to rush to the front to board; otherwise, the further back you go, the more crowded it gets. Queuing early meant boarding early.