2003: Starting with Foreign Trade

Chapter 63 Parents' Surprise (Part Two)
Zhang Xupeng's words made Zhang's parents fall into deep thought.

After a long while, Zhang's father finally spoke: "So, you mean that besides managing logistics, you can't help with anything else, yet you still hold 43% of the company's shares?"

"No, it's not that. I rented the company's office space, but at this rate, we'll probably have to move soon because we don't have enough space," Zhang Xupeng said somewhat embarrassedly.

"You're taking a bit of a loss by accepting this money. It's true that you're good brothers, but you can't take advantage of others like this. Earn only what you're capable of. Don't ruin your brotherhood over money."

"Yes, your dad is right. So many brothers who go into business together end up falling out because of unequal profit distribution. Son, you need to think this through. If it doesn't work out, we can take less. You two have such a good relationship, it would be embarrassing if you had a fight."

Then Liu Huiru sighed, "In just one month, they turned a shop that could only earn a thousand or so yuan a month into a net profit of more than 5 yuan. I feel uneasy about taking this money; no, you have to talk to Xiaotan, we can't take so much."

It must be said that whether in their past or present lives, the fact that Tan Jincheng and Zhang Xupeng have been able to maintain a pure friendship is largely due to the open-mindedness of their parents.

In their past lives, whenever either set of parents interfered, their business never lasted long.

When Tan Jincheng returned home in November, Tan Lihua and his wife instructed him not to quarrel over matters of interest. Now, Zhang Guolong and his wife are doing the same thing, even though they are facing a huge sum of money.

"Mom and Dad, you underestimate me. I already told Xiao Tan that I would give up some of my shares, but he didn't agree," Zhang Xupeng said with a wry smile.

"He disagreed, so you just agreed?" Zhang Guolong asked, his eyes wide.

“Dad, it’s not what you think. Xiao Tan has his own plans. He wants to start a new company.” Zhang Xupeng took a deep breath and then recounted their frank conversation to his parents that day.

"When I was a child, I just thought he was clever. I never expected him to have such great ambitions," Zhang Guolong exclaimed.

"Isn't this a bit too ambitious? This business has only just started, and you're already thinking about doing something else?" Liu Huiru frowned.

“If Pengya is right, then no, this kid probably planned this out before he even started the company.”

"Is it really that bad? He's a few months younger than Pengya. How could he have such a long-term vision?"

"I'm not sure if it's true or not, but I feel it's pretty close. The Tan family boy has never liked to boast since he was a child, and he doesn't do things he's not sure about."

Judging from what Pengya said, the Tan family lad has great ambitions, but he does things in a very methodical way. Judging from the order situation, he is both risky and not risky. He considers failure before winning and keeps the risk of each order within a small range.

Furthermore, judging from the initial determination of equity and the company's voice, being able to establish one's dominant position from the very beginning and to speak out decisively is something many adults cannot do.

It's easy to see from this that Tan Jiazi is a very opinionated and confident person, and his subsequent actions proved his correctness.

It has to be said that this kind of personality is really well-suited for doing business; either you're so confident that you succeed, or you fail miserably.

Zhang Guolong sighed, "That kid from the Tan family is something else. Since he said so, then you should listen to him. Do what you said and keep this company in good order. Also, you should learn more from him. If he starts a new company, you can't ask him for everything. You have to learn to make your own decisions."

“I understand. Besides learning to drive, I’ve also been reading books lately. Xiao Tan also said that she would take me to the Canton Fair next year to broaden my horizons.”

"You're lucky, kid. You made hundreds of thousands in just a few months, which is more than your old man made in several years," Zhang Guolong said with a wry smile.

"Hehe, luck is also part of ability." "Oh, right, there's one more thing. Xiao Tan didn't have enough money to buy a house, so I lent him the money. That's why I can't give you much money this year."

Zhang Guolong nodded without saying anything, but Liu Huiru asked curiously, "Didn't you say you earned six or seven hundred thousand? How come Xiaojin still needs to borrow money to buy a house? How big of a house does she need to buy?"

“That’s the company’s money. Xiao Tan said there would be no dividends this year, and that it would be saved for next year’s expansion. In reality, we don’t have much money on hand.”

"Isn't the company's money your money too? What's wrong with using it first?"

Zhang Guolong knew a little about these things, and immediately explained on behalf of his son: "The company's money is their money, but it's not their money either. It can't be misappropriated at will. There are relevant laws in this regard."

"Yes, my dad knows a lot, hehe."

"Stop flattering me. Just lend it to me. We should help if we can. We don't have any other expenses right now."

Liu Huiru nodded: "They're buying a house. Now that they have a little sister, their small house is too small. Xiao Jin probably sleeps on the floor when she comes home now, right?"

"That's right. Last time he came home, he slept on the sofa and the floor. This time he'll have to sleep for two more days. His grandma is still helping to take care of his little sister at their house."

The family chatted for a while longer. Their son, who had previously been a carefree boy who didn't study, was now not only successful and able to earn money, but he had also become much more mature. Mr. and Mrs. Zhang were very happy.

As for his son's offer to give money to the family, Zhang Guolong refused outright, saying that it was not his place to support the family!

Like Tan Lihua, Zhang Guolong also felt threatened by his son's rapid growth. Should he follow the example of the Tan family and have another child?
Forget it, I'm too old, I don't have Lao Tan's courage.
-
Having had a good night's sleep, Tan Jinyue was indeed full of energy that night, her bright eyes looking at Tan Jincheng with curiosity, as if she wanted to get to know this new face.

The baby was only a few months old and didn't know how to be shy around strangers. Tan Jincheng held her without her crying or fussing.

Tan Jincheng was in a playful mood and would toss Xiao Jinyue into the air from time to time and catch her again. He did this repeatedly, and since the child was dressed in many layers in winter, he didn't have to worry about her getting hurt.

This is Tan Jincheng's favorite way to amuse children, but it's what the older generation dislikes the most, because they believe it will make it harder to coax children in the future.

"I was just praising your baby-holding skills, and now you're acting unreliable," Zhang Suzhi scolded irritably.

"Hehe, since Xiao Jinyue can't sleep anyway, I'll tease her for a while."

"Come on, you've been driving all day, aren't you tired? Why don't you take a nap first?"

They had just discussed having Tan Jincheng and his father sleep in the second bedroom, which was Tan Jincheng's original room, while his grandmother and mother slept together to take care of his younger sister. However, Tan Jincheng refused, saying he couldn't stand his father's snoring.

"No, I have to work in a bit."

"Why are you working so late? Aren't you on vacation?"

"I'm the boss, I don't need to take leave; besides, foreigners don't celebrate Chinese New Year, and there's a time difference, so I need to check if there are any emails or anything."

(End of this chapter)