Chapter 32: Preparing the Ultimate Move

Lu Fan’s expression was sincere, and his words were earnest. This silenced those who had initially intended to reproach him. Everyone began to calculate in their minds: if a delay of one day meant two yuan, two days meant four, three days meant eight, four days meant sixteen, and five days meant thirty-two... If the other party could delay for a week, that would be one hundred and twenty-eight. The longer it was delayed, the more favorable it was for them. As for themselves, they had only invested one yuan, plus the effort of coming here at seven o'clock each day to check in. Even if he did eventually bring the clothes, they wouldn't be at a loss, as they had intended to buy them from the start.

"Little boss, when will you be able to get the clothes here?" someone finally asked the question that everyone most wanted the answer to.

Lu Fan pondered for a moment before replying, "I really can't guarantee that. Feedback from the company indicates that this particular style of clothing is selling extremely well in many places; one could say the demand far exceeds the supply. I will try to arrange for stock to be transferred from other locations. If that proves impossible, I’ll have to have them shipped from the company headquarters. However, since it spans several provinces and the road conditions are poor, I truly cannot make any promises. I estimate that if things go quickly, it will take three to five days; if they go slowly, it could take a week, or even ten days to half a month."

Once these words were out, everyone’s minds began to race. How much would it be in ten days? How much in half a month?

"Haha, now that you’ve explained it, we understand. It’s not easy doing business these days. Don’t you worry too much; we’ll just buy the clothes whenever they arrive."

"Exactly, exactly. Everyone, let's be understanding."

Seeing that everyone was cooperative, Lu Fan took a small notebook from his pocket, waved it, and said, "Because we may be giving out some valuable gifts over the next few days, the company requires a list of names. Please report your names so I can compile them."

"Alright, I'll go first. My name is Liu Jianshe."

"My name is..."

As Lu Fan was recording names, a voice suddenly came from outside. "Little boss, is it too late for us to sign up now?"

Lu Fan looked up to see an old man and an old woman standing there. He had noticed them waiting outside earlier, likely drawn to the crowd. He looked troubled as he said, "The company has stressed the need to watch costs. The compensation given to everyone today is because of the promise I made yesterday. As for signing up now..."

"Young man, I passed by here yesterday and saw you selling clothes. I wanted to buy some, but I didn't have any money on me. By the time I went home to get it, you had already sold out."

Lu Fan gritted his teeth and said, "Since that’s the case, I’ll put your name down. However, you must pay a ten-yuan deposit, which will be deducted once the clothes arrive."

"Ten yuan?" The old man thought for a moment, pulled twenty yuan from his pocket, and said, "Then sign up for two people; put my wife down as well."

"Grandpa, can you really wear that many shirts?"

"I can. I have a large family—my sons and grandsons would finish them off in no time. If I only bought three, it would be hard to distribute them."

"Alright then, I’ll register both you and your wife. But I must be clear: if the clothes don't arrive by tomorrow, the gifts you receive will be cheaper than those of this first group. They will receive four-yuan gifts tomorrow; you will receive two-yuan ones, then four the day after, eight the day after that, and so on."

"Fine, I understand. It’s my own fault for not signing up yesterday."

After finishing the registrations, Lu Fan distributed the two-yuan stainless steel basins he had bought to the eleven people. He also had each of them sign their name next to their entry, to make it look official. Seeing the basins being given out, more people from the surrounding crowd pushed their way in, asking what was happening and wanting to sign up as well. Lu Fan reluctantly collected ten yuan from each of them and registered them.

Before he knew it, he had collected over a hundred yuan more, and a dozen more names had filled his notebook. Once he finished, seeing that people were still asking how to receive items, he announced loudly, "Registration is closed for today. If you want to sign up, come back tomorrow; I will have twenty spots available tomorrow."

After much persuasion, he finally convinced the crowd to disperse and prepared to go home for dinner. But just then, the young man and woman running the stall next to him stopped him.

"Brother, have a smoke."

"Oh, Big Brother Shi Hu, and Sister... Jiang Er, right?"

"Haha, little brother, just call me Er Mei. That’s my name, and I like the sound of it."

Lu Fan, straddling his motorcycle, cupped his hand to shield the flame as Shi Hu lit his cigarette. "I’ve already submitted your request to the company. Even though I haven't received a reply yet, I don't think it'll be a problem. A company is in business to make money, after all."

"Exactly! Hey, this motorcycle isn't cheap, is it? Just bought it?"

"You noticed? Riding a motorcycle makes doing business much more convenient. Don't worry, you two. I believe there will be a clear answer from the company within a week." Lu Fan paused, then asked, "By the way, are you familiar with other large markets and night markets in Jiangcheng?"

"Of course we are. Er Mei and I have been setting up stalls for five years. We’ve been to almost every major market. Not just in Jiangcheng, but in the surrounding counties and towns as well. Though, for the best business, this spot is still the best."

Lu Fan nodded without saying anything more. At this moment, the woman gave Shi Hu a look, and he quickly pulled a pack of Yuxi cigarettes from his jacket and shoved them into Lu Fan's hand.

"Brother, I felt we hit it off the moment I saw you yesterday. In the future, if there's a profitable business, keep your big brother in mind."

"Oh, oh, brother, there's really no need for this... really... haha... well, I won't refuse then. Don't you worry about this matter; I’ll definitely get it done for you."

"That’s settled then! We’ll be waiting for your good news!"

After Lu Fan rode away, Shi Hu muttered, "Er Mei, do you think those two hundred yuan of ours will go down the drain?"

Jiang Er Mei, also puffing on a cigarette, squinted as she watched the motorcycle disappear into the crowd. "I think this kid is plotting something big. Look at how he handled that crowd today; I bet the line of people waiting to pay tomorrow will be twice as long. With that kind of skill, even if our two hundred yuan does go down the drain, it’s not a total loss."

"That's true. Tonight, he didn't sell a single item, yet he collected over a hundred yuan just by talking!"

"Exactly. And people were practically tripping over themselves to give him money. If he had stayed any longer, he probably would have collected even more," Jiang Er Mei said, glancing at her partner. "It’s true what they say—some people are just in a league of their own. Look at his silver tongue; you should learn a thing or two."

"Er Mei, don't be jealous. Someone like that isn't in our reach. Didn't you see the girl he brought yesterday? She looked better than some movie stars."

"What's wrong with me? If I were a few years younger, I would have kicked you to the curb in a heartbeat. Look, someone wants to buy clothes—go collect the money!"

On his way back, Lu Fan thought about how those two would definitely be useful. As long as he could get them to spread his method quickly, finding a brand ambassador for every market would immediately open up sales for the shirts, and they had a vehicle, which would be very helpful. He just needed to carefully consider how to distribute the profits to ensure everyone in the chain was satisfied and motivated.

When he returned to the Bai family home, it was already eight o'clock. Liu Yue'e and Bai Lu were each sitting on a small stool at the door, waiting for him. Seeing this, Lu Fan felt a touch of emotion; even Xia Hongying had never waited for him like that. Moreover, he had been away for two days, yet those two didn't seem to worry about him at all—they hadn't even made a single phone call.

At that moment, Lu Fan was unaware that Xia Hongying and Lu Dawei had spent the last two days in misery, racking their brains to piece together the money for their son's tuition, living expenses, and various other costs.