2003: Starting with Foreign Trade

Chapter 118 It’s impossible to work part-time

How should one live at the age of 20?

Whether it's for studies, money, or women, this question is difficult to answer definitively.

However, in Tan Jincheng's view, 20 years old should be an age for having dreams.

At the dinner table, amidst the clinking of glasses and conversations with different business partners or in private with Zhang Xupeng, Tan Jincheng would describe his dreams for the future, including career, family, and some unrealistic ideas.

Today was no different. Although Tan Jincheng couldn't drink because he was driving, he couldn't suppress the curiosity of Lin Yumin and Wu Zhenping. After all, it was a bit strange that he would give up a good university after graduating from high school to go out to work at sea.

Since I'm not a subordinate yet, I can still ask questions openly as an uncle. But once I'm actually employed, it won't be easy to pry into the boss's private affairs.

"Actually, I didn't think that much about it at the time. I was just curious and went up to take a look. Who knew the ship would really leave and we wouldn't be able to come back?" Tan Jincheng said with a smile.

Zhang Xupeng, standing to the side, nodded repeatedly. Perhaps it was influenced by the Titania? He wanted to go up and see for himself. Back then, he didn't think so much, nor did he have the brains for it.

"Why didn't you repeat a year when you came back? I remember your dad even asked someone to find you a high school to repeat a year. Your admission notice was from Anhui University. I remember your grades weren't bad."

"Yeah, why did you think of going into business instead of repeating a year of high school? Studying is definitely better, after all."

Zhang Xupeng then had something to say, pursing his lips and saying, "After spending more than a year at sea, how can I concentrate on my studies? I've forgotten everything in the books, and I can't even get into a junior college."

"As for doing business, it's just an excuse because I'm afraid I won't pass the exam. I have to find something to do since I'm not studying anymore, right?" Tan Jincheng continued.

In fact, the two of them had considered repeating a grade in their previous life, but when they picked up the books, they found that they didn't know anything. So what was the point of studying? They decided to take advantage of the money they had and do some small business so that they could support themselves.

Back then, we weren't as well-prepared as we are now; we just rolled up our sleeves and got to work.

The lunch was of a high standard, with good food and drinks. Although Tan Jincheng couldn't drink with them because he was driving, Lin Yumin and Wu Zhenping could feel the respect he showed them.

Regardless, Tan Jiazi is a man of principle. Although he still has some hesitation, he is already inclined to follow him and try his luck. In the early stages of starting a business, he will inevitably rely on Tan Jiazi to open up marketing channels.

The combination of immense power, substantial benefits, and the slightly intoxicating effect of Wuliangye liquor constantly tempted the two of them.

"After I go back, I'll see if I can pull some strings and get a leave of absence without pay to keep my job at the factory for a year. We should know what will happen after that."

After sending the two back to their hotel, Zhang Xupeng said he wanted to go back and get some sleep. He had been responsible for drinking with the guests at noon and had a few drinks himself, so he was a little tipsy.

It really was tough on this kid. Throughout May, Zhang Xupeng spent more time helping out at Shanchi Auto Industry than managing Jinpeng Trading. The watch he gave him was definitely well-deserved.

As they left the car, Zhang Xupeng said to Tan Jincheng, "Oh, by the way, don't open the champagne halfway through the game."

Haha, Xiao Tan was away on a business trip during the last finals and couldn't mock him in person. He hung up on me when I called him. Today I finally got the chance.

Tan Jincheng just smiled at Zhang Xupeng's smug look. You think I lost, you think I'm popping champagne at halftime, but actually I'm completely won!
After deducting personal income tax, Tan Jincheng's personal account received a one-time deposit of 132 million yuan in this final competition, which is enough to cover Flash Auto's operating costs for a month.
As far as Tan Jincheng is concerned, he has enough funds to support Flash Auto's operations until the end of July, so there is really nothing to worry about in terms of funding.

By the end of July, the profits generated by Jinpeng Trading, plus the established business of Jinyi Industry, were enough to sustain the company through loans. In June, the company focused on research and development and the procurement of batteries and other components, aiming to have the first batch of Flash series electric scooters roll off the production line by the end of July.

In the afternoon, Tan Jincheng was going to meet with the technical team. Several of the technical team members had extensive experience in the industry, but Tan Jincheng had already persuaded them to join. In addition, a group of general workers and technical interns recruited through cooperation with the district human resources department and Ningbo Vocational College had also been added to the team.

The general workers are being trained, led by Sun Yuming. Sun Yuming is currently a "brick" – he's there wherever he's needed. However, as the general manager's assistant, he does need to understand some procedures, so it's only right that he participates in the initial training.

"Let's go back too. We don't have anything to do this afternoon. Why don't you follow along and see how a Taobao store is run?" After seeing Zhang Xupeng off, Tan Jincheng said to Gu Qingqing.

"Then I'll go take a look. I'm also curious about how people make money online," Gu Qingqing said after a moment's hesitation.

I haven't even agreed to let you work the summer job yet, how come you're already on the job?

"Mr. Tan, there's something I'm curious about. May I ask you?"

"Well, you ask."

"You only said you never went to university, but you didn't say you received an acceptance letter. I'm a little curious if you regret it now?"

"Haha, I didn't even get my acceptance letter. It hadn't arrived when I left. If I had seen it, I'd probably be studying now. As for regrets, I have three companies now, a car, and a house. Saying I regret it would be a bit pretentious." Whether in my past life or this one, when it comes to the topic of going to university, I only say I regret it when I'm feeling sentimental. But in terms of my own circumstances, I really don't regret it. People only regret things when they're not doing well.

The claims about regretting founding Alibaba or having no interest in money are just empty platitudes.

“That’s true. If you were working in a factory now, not only would you regret it, but your parents would too,” Gu Qingqing said with a smile after thinking for a moment.

It's impossible for me to work. Judging from my conversation with Lao Tan that night, even if my business fails, Lao Tan will find a way to solve my employment problem. I've never heard of such a thing in my previous life.

According to Lao Tan, Zhang Guolong was probably doing the same thing. As a veteran state-owned enterprise employee, he was willing to sacrifice his seniority and reputation to find his son a low-paying but relatively stable job, which would be fine in a small city.

Small cities are inherently interconnected networks of personal relationships. For example, my relationship with Chen Shuyi has become related through various connections. In fact, I could also be considered related to Zhang Xupeng's family, since my mother's surname is Zhang.

Another point that Tan Jincheng knows well is that when a person embarks on the path of entrepreneurship, it is difficult for him to settle down and work for someone else unless he has no way out. This is true for almost 70% of entrepreneurs.

So ever since he went ashore and decided to start his own business, Tan Jincheng has been cut off from the word "employee" because he has a backup plan with some savings.

"I'll put you on the Taobao shop first. I have an interview this afternoon, and then I need to meet with the technical staff, so I'll probably be quite busy. Call me when you're done filming, and I'll take you back."

"Okay, you go ahead with your work. If I have time, may I come to the workshop to participate?"

"Sure, there's nothing you can't visit, but be careful. If anyone asks, just say you're my friend and give me your name."

"Okay, thank you, Boss Tan."

As a native of Wushang, Gu Qingqing had seen many business people, but the opportunity to visit such a large factory in person was truly rare, so she couldn't help but be curious.

The electric scooter workshop is indeed not very technologically advanced; it's far from being a secret. If you want to visit, it's just a matter of Tan Jincheng saying a word.

Upon arriving at the company, after dropping off Gu Qingqing, Tan Jincheng went to the first-floor office to interview the HR person. The interviewee was introduced by Cheng Yongjun; his surname was Chen, his given name was Chen Jinwen, and he was 32 years old.

He had worked in HR at their company for a while, but had to leave temporarily due to family matters. Cheng Yongjun thought he was quite capable, but unfortunately his factory didn't need him at the moment, so he recommended him to Tan Jincheng.

In private enterprises, administrative positions like these are typically filled by a single person, and once someone leaves, it's very difficult for them to return. Therefore, these seemingly low-paying administrative positions often have low turnover rates.

"Brother Wen, right? You were introduced by Boss Cheng, so your abilities are definitely not a problem. I believe Boss Cheng has also introduced the environment here. Let's skip the formalities and just tell me what you need now."

"Boss Cheng only told me that Boss Tan was young, but I didn't expect him to be this young. He's truly a young man with great potential." Chen Jinwen was also a little surprised when he saw Tan Jincheng. He looked too young.

These days, it's tough to work in HR. Most companies don't really need this skill; they either outsource it to an agency or the boss has to do it himself. So, being observant and eloquent is practically an essential skill for them.

The boss in front of me, Mr. Tan, looks so young. To own a large factory at such a young age means he must be either exceptionally capable or have a powerful background. I need to get on his good side.

Tan Jincheng also knew that human resources in private enterprises was not easy to manage. There was little autonomy, and everything was decided by the boss. Being able to bring in employees at the most reasonable salary and keep the turnover rate at a low level meant that one was quite capable.

Many factories in Beicang have a bad reputation. Whenever the district's talent market holds a job fair, some long-term employees will refuse to work there as soon as they hear the names of these factories. So, how to complete the recruitment task depends on your HR skills.

Of course, such a situation would not occur with the wages and benefits at Flash Automotive. Although Tan Jincheng would not be a great philanthropist offering very high wages, he certainly would not be labeled a heartless factory owner, as that would be too shameful.

The salary is definitely above the industry average, and social security benefits will certainly be provided. As for Mid-Autumn Festival and Dragon Boat Festival bonuses, it certainly won't just be a mooncake.

"I don't have any demands. If Boss Tan can solve the employee accommodation problem, or at least the accommodation problem for some of the employees, I can guarantee that our company will be quite stable in terms of general workers," Chen Jinwen said confidently.

As for his personal treatment, Chen Jinwen did not mention it. Boss Cheng said that Boss Tan is a very generous person and will not treat you unfairly if you do well.

"Food and lodging included, that's what's popular in factories these days, I know; okay, I'll have someone arrange it right away," Tan Jincheng readily agreed.

This is easy to solve. There are houses for rent in the nearby Hedong or Hexi villages. You can rent a few houses and hire some cooks. Or you can go further to Xia'nan or Xiaxi villages, which are all within the Xiapu Town area.

Okay, let's rent a place further away. Then the employees can ride electric scooters to work, and we can sell our own products to them at a lower price.

Chapter 3 today
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(End of this chapter)