Rebirth: Back to 1991 to Become the Richest Man - Chapter 114
Chapter 114: To Do or Not to Do?
TL: Etude
“Working for me?”
Chen Jianghai was momentarily taken aback, then laughed, “Sort of. Are you worried I won’t pay you a salary?”
“It’s not that.”
Fang Aiguo shook his head, “Brother Hai, I want to continue selling TVs.”
Hearing this, Chen Jianghai immediately understood what he meant. Previously, all the second-hand electronics sales were handled by Fang Aiguo. It was hard work, but he made good money from it. Now, with the shop, it wasn’t as lucrative.
“Are you worried about making less money now?” Chen Jianghai asked.
Fang Aiguo didn’t beat around the bush and nodded, “Brother Hai, how much can I earn from a fixed salary? I think commissions are the way to make money.”
“Ah, so that’s it.”
Chen Jianghai responded, “Aiguo, did I ever say that if you sell electronics here, you won’t get a commission?”
“Really? Brother Hai!”
Fang Aiguo seemed excited. Initially, he hadn’t thought much about this when he started helping out. However, his parents raised a practical question one night: With Chen Jianghai opening his own store, would Fang still receive high commissions?
It was a valid concern. Previously, without a sales outlet, Chen Jianghai relied heavily on Fang Aiguo to sell the assembled second-hand TVs, so high commissions were justified. But now, with his own store, would the situation be the same?
Chen Jianghai smiled, reassuringly patting Fang Aiguo’s arm, “Of course, it’s true. When have I ever deceived you?”
“Brother Hai, don’t worry, I’ll work hard.”
Fang Aiguo immediately promised, his face brightening up. With Chen Jianghai’s assurance, his mood improved significantly, and he no longer looked dispirited.
Such matters should have been clarified by Chen Jianghai given his experience and EQ. However, he had been so busy assembling TVs that he had overlooked this.
Now that it was all cleared up, everything was settled.
…
While Chen Jianghai’s business was thriving, Liang Haoyang’s situation was rather bleak. The electric kettle factory was declining, with various issues becoming prominent, and salaries were close to not being paid.
This left Liang Haoyang restless and sleepless, so much so that he developed sores in his mouth from stress. The factory employed nearly a hundred workers, and if it closed down, they would all be without a job.
Every time he thought about this, Liang Haoyang felt guilty, as if he were a criminal. He believed that the factory’s downfall was largely his fault.
However, he was overthinking it. The obsolescence of electric kettles was due to the progression of time and technology, not his personal failure.
“Manager, are we starting work today?”
The workshop director came over to ask.
Liang Haoyang sighed deeply, his face filled with helplessness.
What good would starting work do?
The warehouse was filled with unsold electric kettles. If they didn’t continue production, they’d still have to pay salaries. Liang Haoyang was caught in a dilemma, unsure of how to respond.
“Are the workers still stable?” Liang Haoyang finally asked after a moment of silence.
The workshop director frowned, “Everyone knows the situation in the factory. They’re willing to work extra hours if it can save the factory.”
“Let the workers start work then. I’ll think of something,” Liang Haoyang decided, moved by their dedication.
The workshop director lingered, then asked, “Manager, is there really no way out?”
“What can we do?” Liang Haoyang shook his head helplessly. “There’s just no market for electric kettles now. The inventory isn’t moving, and we’re out of working capital.”
The director then suggested, “Why don’t we produce something else that’s easier to sell?”
“If it were a year or two earlier, that might have been feasible, but now… it’s too late,” Liang Haoyang sighed halfway through his thought.
A shift in production required capital, which the kettle factory sorely lacked.
Still not giving up, the director suggested, “Manager, I heard some state-owned enterprises have revived through contract systems. Why don’t we try that?”
“That’s not so simple,” Liang Haoyang replied with a wry smile. “The contracting system isn’t mature yet, and who knows if the city will approve?”
“Yeah, even if they do, who would want to take on a factory like ours?” the director lamented.
Hearing this, Liang Haoyang paused, suddenly thinking of Chen Jianghai. During their last conversation, Chen had mentioned a way to save the factory. Initially, Liang thought of Chen as a savior, but the idea of contracting made him hesitant. Not only was he unsure of Chen’s capability, but he also doubted the feasibility of the contract system itself.
After pondering at home for a few days, Liang dismissed Chen’s idea as unreliable. But now, reignited by the director’s words, the flicker of hope resurfaced in his heart. It seemed the only viable option left to save the factory.
To act or not?
Liang Haoyang was torn.
“Go ahead and assign the tasks,” he finally said, needing more time to consider.
The director left, his expression somber.
Alone in his office, Liang Haoyang felt the weight of nearly a hundred workers’ fates on his shoulders. Finally, he made a decision, slamming his hand on the desk and standing up determinedly.
He would seek out Chen Jianghai.
Regardless of the factory’s future, he had to do something. He couldn’t let it fade away silently.
…
Back at the shop’s storage room, Chen Jianghai stood up, wiping the sweat from his forehead. After days of non-stop work, he had finally finished assembling the batch of second-hand TVs.
“Rongxin, can that TV be fixed?” Chen Jianghai asked, approaching Zhao Rongxin, who was working on a radio.
Zhao Rongxin nodded eagerly, “Yes, master, I know what’s wrong.”
“Good. From tomorrow, join me in assembling TVs when you’re free. Ask if you don’t understand,” Chen Jianghai said, pleased.
After these days, Zhao Rongxin was finally getting the hang of it and could start taking on assembly tasks. More assembly experience would deepen his understanding of faults, making future repairs smoother.
“Thank you, Master!” Zhao Rongxin replied excitedly.
“Jianghai, someone is looking for you outside,” Lin Wanqiu entered, her expression slightly off.
