Chapter 25: Mundane Matters

The last week before the college entrance examination began on June 1st.

Though school hadn't yet closed for vacation, classes had almost ceased. In these final days, teachers only discussed experiences and mental preparation.

Li Dong, having weathered many storms, naturally had little interest in these clichés. He made a brief appearance at school before heading to the supermarket.

Everything had been going smoothly these days. Sun Tao had indeed proven to be a talent, managing all the complicated tasks efficiently, and progress was rapid.

The business license issue was also resolved after Sun Tao made several trips to the Industrial and Commercial Bureau, enduring a few days of eating and drinking to get it sorted.

Other permits were also proceeding smoothly, and all would be finalized soon.

When Li Dong arrived at the supermarket, Sun Tao was talking with the construction workers from Yang Ding.

Seeing Li Dong, Sun Tao quickly sent the workers away and, with a grim face, complained, "Mr. Li, you really act like a hands-off manager. I know the college entrance exam is approaching, but you can't leave everything to me."

Li Dong felt a bit guilty. Sun Tao had lost quite a bit of weight and darkened considerably these days.

Noting the bloodshot eyes, Li Dong said apologetically, "I'm sorry, Sun Ge. I can only get out these two days. My mom wouldn't even let me go out at night before."

With the exam nearing, Cao Fang and his wife had become increasingly strict with Li Dong.

Not only was he unable to visit the supermarket, but even Qin Yuhan was only seen fleetingly. Qin Hai, the father-in-law, would come to pick her up right after school. Li Dong was so frustrated he felt like giving up.

Sun Tao was merely putting on a show. If Li Dong really monitored him daily, it would make him uncomfortable.

After venting his frustrations, Sun Tao said seriously, "Mr. Li, other matters are manageable for now. But the finances must be in place quickly. Whether it's for renovation, capital registration, or the upcoming channel setup, money is essential. I'm not familiar with this; we need a professional."

Sun Tao's concern was not just a pretext; even close brothers must be clear about finances. Being cautious with money was necessary.

Li Dong was also troubled. He had thought about this problem for a while but hadn't found a suitable candidate.

He wasn't comfortable hiring someone unfamiliar, and those he knew weren't experts in this field.

Although he wanted to hire a trusted person, there had to be someone trustworthy available.

His parents could manage a small stand, but relying on them to handle a large supermarket's finances was unrealistic.

Li Dong, feeling distressed, patted his head and said to Sun Tao, "Let's put this aside for now. I'll find someone for you immediately after the exam. For now, please handle it yourself."

Since the initial spending wasn't high, he wasn't too worried about leaving it to Sun Tao.

"By the way, how's the recruitment going? We need training afterward. If we delay, it will be too late."

"It's already in progress. I've placed ads with the county TV station, newspapers, and outdoors. The recruitment is scheduled for the 12th and 13th, just in time for the weekend."

"Great. Where will it be? I'll come by if I have time."

Li Dong was surprised at how quickly Sun Tao had set up the recruitment schedule.

He needed to hire many people, including not only some mid-level managers but also cashiers, loss prevention staff, security, logistics, and procurement…

Combining all these roles, it was estimated that around ninety to a hundred people would be needed.

Most of these individuals would be inexperienced, and even those with experience would require further training. It would take at least a month to get everything in order.

Sun Tao had specifically arranged the recruitment for after the exam to accommodate Li Dong. He explained, "It will be at the Party School. They have a large space, and I've arranged with them to use it for two days."

"Borrowed?" Li Dong caught the key point and asked, "Borrow or rent?"

"Of course, borrowed. The county government made a call. Providing nearly a hundred job opportunities is a big deal for Dongping, so borrowing a venue for two days is nothing." Sun Tao didn't find anything unusual about it.

Dongping was not a developed city, and providing nearly a hundred jobs was a significant contribution. The government wouldn't overlook it.

Initially, Sun Tao had considered renting the space, but after someone from the government made a call, the Party School agreed to lend it for free.

Even if they had charged, the cost wouldn't have been much. However, it was more about the attitude, showing government support for local industries.

Li Dong wasn't surprised and nodded in agreement. He wasn't too concerned about a no-cost arrangement.

"What about the supply channels?"

Li Dong continued to ask. Aside from recruitment, stocking was crucial.

He wasn't too worried since suppliers would come knocking once the supermarket was up and running.

However, with the opening just two months away, he needed to prepare thoroughly in advance to secure the best policies and benefits.

Sure enough, Sun Tao seemed relaxed, "I've mostly arranged it. It's with our old connections, the general distributor from Jiangbei. They will come to Dongping in a few days, and we'll discuss the details then. If you have time, it would be best if you could meet them personally."

Sun Tao was relaxed about it, but in reality, he had used a lot of personal connections for this channel.

Dongping was only a county-level city, and usually, provincial-level distributors wouldn't open channels in such a small place.

Sun Tao had good connections in the industry; otherwise, Li Dong would have had to deal with secondary or tertiary distributors.

The difference between general distributors and secondary/tertiary ones was significant, with at least a ten percent higher profit margin in the middle.

Li Dong understood this and shook his head, "You should handle it. You're familiar with them, and they won't trust me."

Li Dong had self-awareness. He was too young and unfamiliar with the people involved, so he might not secure the best terms.

In contrast, Sun Tao, who was familiar with them and had been a provincial manager for a large group, would command more respect.

---

The two discussed various pre-opening details for over two hours.

Finally, Li Dong stretched and sighed, "Sun Ge, I've said everything I needed to. The rest is up to you."

He didn't have much time to spend on the supermarket now and had to rely on Sun Tao.

"This is my job, and I'm making money for myself too," Sun Tao replied with a smile.

"Alright, I won't keep you any longer." Li Dong smiled, stood up, and said, "I have other matters to attend to. Call me if needed."

As soon as he mentioned the phone, it rang.

Glancing at it, Li Dong sighed, answered the call, said a few words, and hung up.

The supermarket was running smoothly, but new troubles had arisen.

Li Dong's prediction came true. Just as June began, the price of crayfish in Dongping's surrounding counties had increased again.

In just over half a month, the price had risen to four yuan per pound.

Li Dong was no longer interested in continuing the business. After deducting labor and transportation costs, the profit had become very low. Although he still made ten to twenty thousand a day at the current rate, it wouldn't last long.

He planned to end the crayfish business after the exam, as further price increases would make it unprofitable, and there was a risk of losing money.

He calculated his current liquid assets, totaling about two million yuan, with an expected additional income of around one to two hundred thousand. He would then have to rely on the supermarket's profits.

Moreover, this two million included over a million for renovations, so he hoped the remaining funds would be sufficient for stock purchases. Otherwise, it could become problematic.

Just as he ended the call, the phone rang again.

Li Dong thought it was from other suppliers but was surprised to find it was Li Chenggui.

It turned out the bank loan had been approved, and Li Dong needed to go to the bank to complete the procedures, after which he could get the property certificate today.

This was good news. Although he owed the bank nearly three million, it was still worth celebrating.

The frustration of the crayfish price increase was somewhat alleviated. With the property certificate in hand, the shopping mall truly belonged to him.

Even if the business was tough, renting out the mall would ensure a comfortable life for him.

"Sun Ge, I'm leaving. You carry on with your work."

Li Dong waved to Sun Tao, who was still waiting, and left Blue Sea.

---

At the bank, he met Li Chenggui, who was equally delighted.

Li Chenggui felt relieved, finally able to breathe easy. Money in hand was truly reassuring.

With over four million in the account, he was no longer worried about renting out Blue Sea. The four million almost covered the costs.

Li Dong greeted him, entered the bank, and spent half an hour signing numerous documents. The matter was settled.

From now on, he was part of the mortgage group. With nearly three million in loans and a ten-year repayment plan, Li Dong would need to pay over thirty thousand yuan a month.

However, Li Dong wasn't too worried. Once the supermarket was profitable, thirty thousand a month wouldn't be a big deal.

Next, he and Li Chenggui went to the property bureau. Li Chenggui was familiar with the staff, and everything was processed quickly.

The property certificate was handed to Li Dong on the spot, making him continually marvel at the benefits of having connections.

In his previous life, he had to make several trips to get the property certificate for his house, unlike now, where he could enjoy tea and have it delivered directly.

After chatting with Li Chenggui and a few leaders from the property bureau, Li Dong excused himself, citing other commitments.

The whole day had been hectic, consumed by these matters.

When he returned home, it was already dark. Fortunately, most of the necessary tasks were completed.

With these mundane matters sorted, Li Dong could now focus on waiting for the college entrance examination.