Chapter 141: Cheng Liutian's Desire for a Transformation

Life is full of trials, so one should not be overly sensitive to every little thing. Mental resilience and indifference are the true shields and spears against the adversities of fate.

Li Xian had once read this line in "On Government," but he didn't quite understand why, in the face of difficulties, capitalism's common folk needed both mental strength and detachment.

Damn it!

But now, he seemed to grasp it a bit.

Indifference doesn't equate to inaction; it's about restraint in certain aspects.

Hmm, perhaps the translation was at fault for not conveying the author's intended meaning clearly.

In fact, Wang Tiecheng had always spoken very little about his personal affairs, and most of what Li Xian knew came from gossip. Watching this man in his thirties down a drink, then wrapping himself in a coat and lying next to a machine tool covered with a tarpaulin in the dimly lit warehouse, Li Xian couldn't help but take a sip of his own drink.

"Ah, he's a real man." Xu Maohui sighed, "But someone like this doesn't live long. Keeping everything bottled up inside, piling up the mundane troubles bit by bit, he'll wear himself out sooner or later."

Seeing Li Xian's surprised look, Xu Maohui grinned, "It's been days. If it weren't for your frequent calls reminding me to look after him, I'd have forgotten someone was here. Like a wandering ghost, if he had been like this before, I wouldn't be surprised if his wife had left him. If you don't know pain or warmth, who can spend a lifetime with a wooden block?"

"You talk about knowing pain and warmth, yet you're still single?" Xu Maohui was thirty-two and had been married and divorced.

"I'm like a flower among many, untouched! Ask my women, who doesn't dream of settling down with me? But marriage is just that—once bitten, twice shy. I'm never doing it again in this lifetime."

Seeing Xu Maohui boast, Li Xian sneered, "You'll tire yourself out sooner or later, dying from kidney failure."

After the bickering, Xu Maohui got down to business.

After the New Year, Cheng Liutian had contacted him about planning to sell off a large batch of machine tools. Knowing that his nearly a thousand machines would definitely lower the market price, Cheng wanted Xu Maohui to arrange for the tools to be cleared out as soon as possible.

This was to repay Li Xian's favor.

Now that the second month had passed, production had resumed across various regions, and Xu Maohui felt the timing was right. Based on current market conditions, the price for these 20 machines in the warehouse was about 160,000, while the 40 machines could fetch around 300,000.

The northern market had seen a rise in small machining factories, making the 20 machines more popular than the 40. Otherwise, at the primary market price, the 40 machines would be at least double the price of the 20.

Considering that 70% of the batch was 20 models, it wasn't too bad.

Moreover, Li Xian was satisfied with the price.

A total of 127 machines cost over 590,000 RMB. If sold now, he could get around twenty million. Even after deducting expenses like shipping, at least 18 million would remain.

What more could he ask for?

However, they disagreed on how to split the money. Xu Maohui thought that since he had followed Li Xian around this time and had lost out due to not heeding earlier advice, he deserved a smaller share—60% for Li Xian and 40% for himself.

Li Xian agreed with Xu Maohui's self-criticism.

But considering that Xu Maohui handled all the post-arrival tasks and was a good friend, despite his recklessness, Li Xian proposed a 50-50 split, ensuring fairness.

While they were debating, the sound of barking dogs came from the warehouse door.

Soon, hearty laughter came from the direction of the slightly open warehouse door.

Xu Maohui's workers quickly stood up and pulled out their weapons.

"Others fight tooth and nail over loot, but you two are making a racket loud enough for everyone to hear. What a righteous bunch."

Seeing the tall figure approaching under the ceiling light, Xu Maohui quickly signaled the workers to put away their weapons and greeted, "Master Cheng! What are you doing here? Didn't you say you'd arrange things for tomorrow?"

"Master Cheng." As the figure came closer, Li Xian also stood up upon seeing Cheng Liutian and Zhao Si.

Cheng Liutian approached, patted Li Xian and Xu Maohui on the shoulders, then pulled up a small stool and sat at the square table. He grabbed a pair of chopsticks, wiped them on his shirt, and picked up a piece of lamb.

Standing nearly two meters tall and being a very sturdy man, Cheng Liutian looked like a bear at the small table.

The lamb was too hot, and Cheng Liutian puffed out his cheeks, repeatedly blowing on it. "I heard you were here at noon. I wasn't planning to come until tomorrow. But this afternoon, I got a call from the north, so I came directly."

Xu Maohui quickly had someone wash dishes and cups, placed them in front of Cheng Liutian, and refilled his glass with white wine. "Master Cheng, any new business in the north?"

Cheng Liutian nodded, raised his glass to Li Xian, took a large gulp, and then sighed, "Yes, there's more business. But this time it's different. Before, we were constantly flipping goods, making money but not having a solid base. This time, no more trading goods. I plan to establish a large market in Chita. At over forty, and with my brothers also in their thirties, we can't keep drifting around. Have you heard? Before the New Year, there was a big case with K34. A bunch of punks killed over ten people and ran off with the money.

The northern route is profitable and increasingly so, but it's also becoming more chaotic. Robberies and counterfeit goods are rampant. I want to set some rules. Everyone can make money, but it has to be done by the rules. Although this money comes slower and not from risky ventures, it's better in the long run.

I've been in this line for years, have some money, and consider friends more valuable than money. While I can't guarantee everyone making money under me, I can ensure safety and peace. That's something I can do. Of course, the intention is to make long-term profits."

Xu Maohui, hearing Cheng Liutian's plan, slapped his thigh and gave a thumbs-up. "Master Cheng, that's brilliant! I was worried about the northern unrest causing chaos like in '91. But seeing the government's stance, it looks like stability is being maintained. With a large market, rents, logistics, and controlling the supply of goods, it's a stable and lucrative business. You're thinking long-term! Here's to you, Master Cheng. If you get it set up, I, Xu Zi, will be the first to join you."

Cheng Liutian happily raised his glass and laughed, "You're the least disciplined! When Brother Li was focused on making money, you were asking for favors to settle personal grudges. I only helped because of Li Xian. Do you know how much face I lost when I had to give up Liu Changqing's goods halfway?"

Xu Maohui was scolded but grinned.

Li Xian realized that Xu Maohui had pursued Cheng Liutian earlier because of this matter...

Noticing Li Xian's apparent disinterest in the large market, Cheng Liutian tilted his head. "Little Li, are you still interested in expanding north? If you are, join me. I'll help you get started."

Li Xian pondered for a moment before meeting Cheng Liutian's eager gaze and said, "Master Cheng, building a market in the north is indeed a good business. However..."

Seeing his hesitation, Cheng Liutian waved his hand. "Speak your mind. I value your opinion. What do you think?"

Li Xian nodded, "The light industry in Russia is lagging behind, while we have an oversupply here. There's definitely potential for development. But since it's not our home, business there relies on relationships and policy. If there are policy changes, relationships and money won't be reliable. So... I suggest you don't invest everything."

Cheng Liutian burst into laughter, patted Li Xian on the shoulder, and raised his glass. "Do you remember what I told you? Always leave yourself a way out. It's hard to buy honest advice, and I appreciate your consideration. I'll remember this favor."

After clinking glasses and finishing the drink, Cheng Liutian asked if Li Xian's business in Ice City was going well. Upon hearing that it was resolved, Cheng Liutian inquired about Li Xian's business.

When informed that he was in the real estate business and doing well with sanitary paper, Cheng Liutian summoned Zhao Si, who had been standing behind him.

"Old Si has been with me since he was nineteen, now twelve years. When he went home for the New Year, his wife got pregnant again."

Crash...

Li Xian's cup fell to the ground. Considering Zhao Si's frequent trips to Russia, he looked at Zhao Si with sympathy.

Seeing Zhao Si, whose hair seemed a bit seaweed-colored, he muttered,

 "Fourth Brother... my condolences."

Zhao Si, originally joyful, was now laughing with anger at Li Xian's pity.

He slapped the table and scolded, "Condolences my ass! Just because I can't go home doesn't mean my wife can't come over. Don't I know if the child's mine?"

Everyone laughed heartily. After the laughter subsided, Cheng Liutian waved his hand. "Little Li, since Old Si's family has a new addition, I don't want him to keep working tirelessly. But he's been with me too long, doing whatever he's told without thinking for himself. He has two machines, but if he were to start his own business, he'd likely end up selling underwear. Your sanitary paper is a daily necessity, so it should work out. Today, I'm asking you for a favor. If you're interested in trying the Russian market, give the agency to Old Si. Let him open a store in Manzhouli, you supply the goods, and I'll help him out. It'll give him some hands-on experience. Deal?"

Li Xian covered his head and laughed at Cheng Liutian's request.

The paper industry was still in its infancy, and he hadn't even fully expanded in the Eastern Three Provinces, let alone considering foreign trade.

But since the opportunity presented itself...

After considering the current situation of the new Northern Company, Li Xian nodded and agreed with Cheng Liutian.

Mutual benefit.

A good thing!