Chapter 114: Guidance

Chapter 114: Guidance

At noon, Deng Shirong prepared a lavish meal to entertain his eldest daughter-in-law's family.

The table was filled with an array of dishes:

The meat dishes included: Fried squid, fried bee pupae, boiled chicken, boiled duck, braised pork, braised spare ribs, stir-fried eel, and steamed carp.

The vegetarian dishes included: Mountain water tofu, bean sprouts, bamboo shoots, and fire tube vegetables.

And lastly, the soup: Sandworm and winter melon soup.

Though the number of dishes wasn't excessive, the portions were generous, and the flavors were exceptional.

Everyone was thoroughly satisfied with the meal, especially Zhang Zhenfei and Zhang Zhenyu, who were tasting Deng Shirong's cooking for the first time. They showered him with praise, using every complimentary word they could think of.

Zhang Zhenfei and Zhang Zhenyu ate until they were completely full. This was the third time Aunt Zhang Si and Aunt Zhang Xiao had enjoyed Deng Shirong's cooking, so they had mentally prepared themselves and managed to stop eating when they were just comfortably full, unlike the previous two times when they had overindulged.

Mrs. Zhang, as the mother-in-law, had felt embarrassed for eating too much during her last visit. This time, she exercised restraint and stopped eating when she was satisfied.

After the meal, Zhang Xiuping found an opportunity to speak with her father-in-law, who was enjoying a smoke. She told him about her elder brother and second brother's plans to open a store selling agricultural products. She concluded with a smile, "Dad, my elder brother and second brother have never sold so much as an egg in their lives. They don't know the first thing about opening a store or running a business. You're knowledgeable, so please give them some advice!"

Deng Shirong smiled and said, "I can't claim to be an expert, but I'm happy to share my thoughts on doing business."

Zhang Xiuping smiled sweetly. "Thank you, Dad!"

Deng Shirong had a positive attitude toward helping his relatives improve their lives. Having been reborn, he was destined to live a prosperous life, and he hoped his relatives and friends could also thrive. He didn't want to see a situation where he was wealthy while those around him struggled.

After putting away his pipe, Deng Shirong walked into the living room and asked, "Big brother, big sister-in-law, second brother, and second sister-in-law, I hear you're planning to open a store to sell agricultural products?"

At his question, Zhang Shouguo, his wife, Zhang Shoumin, and his wife all perked up.

Zhang Shouguo nodded. "Yes, Uncle Jiu. We don't know much about this, so we hope you can give us some guidance."

Deng Shirong replied, "I've never opened a store myself, but I can share some basic steps. The rest, you'll have to figure out on your own."

He then explained the essentials of opening a store:

"First, you'll need to rent a store. If you have enough funds, I suggest buying one. The best location is in the bustling area of Dragon Lake Market."

"Once you've secured a store, go to the Industrial and Commercial Bureau to apply for a business license for individual business owners."

"Since you're selling agricultural products, you need to know the market prices. The prices in your store shouldn't be higher than the market rates, or your business won't last."

"After understanding the market prices, you can go to the villages to purchase the agricultural products you want to sell. Set a reasonable purchase price—not too high, or you'll lose profit, and not too low, or farmers won't sell to you."

"In addition, your service attitude must be excellent. Don't mimic the supply and marketing cooperatives. Treat your customers as your breadwinners."

Zhang Shouguo, his wife, Zhang Shoumin, and his wife listened intently, nodding frequently. For people who had never engaged in buying and selling, this advice was like a guiding light, showing them the way forward.

Finally, Deng Shirong concluded, "This is roughly what I know. If business is good after opening, continue operating this way. If not, consider improving your service. For example, if a customer buys a lot, offer to deliver the goods to their home. If they buy chickens or ducks, offer to slaughter them for them. Once your reputation spreads, your business will improve."

Hearing this, Zhang Shouguo, his wife, Zhang Shoumin, and his wife grew visibly excited. They had never considered such business strategies, but they had to admit they were effective. If they were customers, they would definitely choose a store that offered such thoughtful services, especially if the prices were competitive.

Zhang Shouguo praised, "Uncle Jiu, you're truly amazing. After hearing your advice, I feel confident that our store will succeed."

Zhang Shoumin nodded in agreement. "Yes, this way of doing business sounds incredible."

Mrs. Zhang Dasao and Mrs. Zhang Ersao were equally thrilled, as if their store was already open and profitable.

Initially, Zhang Zhenfei and Zhang Zhenyu had been skeptical about their nephews opening a store, but after hearing Deng Shirong's advice, they began to think it might actually work.

Aunt Zhang Si and Aunt Zhang Xiao were even more inspired. If their nephews succeeded, perhaps they could try opening a store too. After all, Deng Shirong made it sound manageable.

Deng Yuntai, who had been listening, added, "Whether you're buying agricultural products in the village or delivering goods to customers, walking won't cut it. You'll need to buy bicycles. Two would be ideal for convenience."

This brought the Zhang family back to reality.

Zhang Shouguo frowned. "Uncle Jiu suggested buying the store, and purchasing goods will cost a lot. If we add one or two bicycles, the investment will be substantial."

Deng Shirong reassured them, "Money isn't a problem. The country has introduced policies to support farmers in starting businesses. You can borrow money from the credit union without paying interest. If you don't want to invest too much upfront, you can rent a store first and hold off on buying bicycles. Start small, and as long as your prices are fair and your service is good, your business should do well."

He had no intention of lending them money directly. Offering advice was one thing, but providing both money and effort was another matter. Even his own sister hadn't received such help, and it wasn't yet the turn of his daughter-in-law's family.

At the mention of loans, the Zhang family's expressions shifted slightly. In this era, rural folk viewed borrowing money as shameful and would only consider it as a last resort.

(End of Chapter)