Canteen System Assistance Notes

1938 October.

Wang Zuomin has been in a bad mood recently, not for any other reason, but because his adjutant and foreman reported that several factories in which he had a stake had encountered strong competitors and their product sales were hindered: since the beginning of 1939, the shipment volume of the spinning mill had dropped by more than one-third; the paper mill was even worse, with a decrease of nearly 40%; the winery had not sold a single jar of wine for several weeks; the only one that was doing well was the flour mill, whose sales had only dropped slightly.

What's going on? I just came back from the south and arrived at my own unit's rear guard post.

Wang Zuomin quickly arranged for the factory's experience and his adjutant to investigate. This was not the first time he had encountered competitors. As a military descendant and political expert, he had many ways to win this business war, such as defeating the opponent "physically".

But if you encounter a strong competitor who also has someone above you, this method will not work.

Having strong connections, and being close friends and relatives, can always make the other party

Fang shook hands with himself and made peace, harmony brings wealth.

Not long after, the company's manager came back. "Did you find out?"

"Yes! Commander, it's 'Northern Goods'!"

Wang Zuomin slapped him on the forehead. Okay! This time, no one can say anything.

—―—-——-

"Northern goods" refers to goods shipped by the Eighth Route Army.

After 1937, after the peaceful resolution of the Haojing Incident, the Eighth Route Army was able to temporarily conduct trade exchanges with the Kuomintang-controlled areas. Before long, Eighth Route Army products appeared in Guanzhong.

Wang Zuomin, with his keen business sense, naturally followed this matter closely. According to his research, the Eighth Route Army's main export was a type of snowflake refined salt called "Nep," similar to the famous "Neptune" brand, with fine grains, not bitter or astringent, and most importantly, no lumps. There was also a supposedly more premium brand, the Meton brand, in tin cans, with a snow-white color, a pure flavor, and fine grains, giving it a "cotton-like" texture. Because of the image of a little girl on the tin can, it was also called "Little Girl" salt.

This kind of salt quickly defeated the well salt and bittern in Guanzhong and the northwest. In just half a year, most of the salt Wang Zuomin saw on the market was the inexpensive and high-quality Red Star "Niepu" brand, which made him sigh that the Eighth Master was not only good at fighting, but also good at business.

However, Wang Zuomin never had any commercial conflicts with the Eighth Route Army. He primarily produced yarn, paper, and flour. Even when the Eighth Route Army later expanded into selling soda ash, laundry soap, and sugar, it didn't affect his own business. He was even a regular customer of the Eighth Route Army Border Area Consumer Cooperative—so old that he held a VIP card, earned only with frequent purchases. The "snow-white toilet paper" sold by the Eighth Route Army was soft, comfortable, and affordable, enough for a comfortable restroom. After using it several times, Wang Zuomin would send someone to buy a few boxes whenever the Eighth Route Army Cooperative released new products to keep as a backup.

Now, why is Mr. Ba starting to steal his business? They can't get it done by using connections or intimidation. Wang Zuomin stood up and began to pace back and forth in the room, thinking.

At this moment, the adjutant who had just gone out came back.

"Report to the commander!"

"What's the matter?" He put on the air of a general, calmly answering with a face as if facing a crisis. "Xiangbin, I've taught you many times that as a soldier, you must be calm and composed, not rash."

"I understand!"

An adjutant named Xiangbin handed over an invitation: "Master, this is from the head emissary of several Sichuan and Chongqing Chambers of Commerce. They heard you've returned, and they're hosting a banquet at the Northwest Hotel the day after tomorrow. Please take the time to attend."

"Oh?"

An idea suddenly came to Wang Zuomin's mind, "Okay! Please arrange the itinerary for me!"

Chapter 75: Business Elite Wang Zuomin

Besides capital, goods, and influence, Wang Zuomin believes that well-informed business information is a crucial component of business. In an age without Alibaba, JD.com, and Tmall, one of the primary means of acquiring fresh information is the information exchanged over drinks.

As for the many businessmen who hosted the banquet today, Wang Zuomin could guess what they were going to do with his toes:

During the time his own 51st Division was transferred, the local tyrants had been replaced by Hu Qinzhai's First Army. How could Hu be as agile and versatile in his business ventures as I am? He must have been rushing into things, killing the goose that lays the golden eggs, not realizing the long-term, steady approach required in such endeavors. These businessmen must be hoping for my help in smoothing relations with the New First Army and seeking some kind of "protection umbrella."

By doing a favor, one can obtain valuable information. Wang Zuomin thinks this kind of transaction is fair and equal.

Two days later, the Northwest Hotel was ablaze with lights and melodious music. Numerous business representatives gathered there, creating a bustling atmosphere.

Soon, an American-made Dodge sedan pulled up smoothly, and a dashing soldier in large leather boots, a woolen uniform, a key-strap belt, and a German mountain cap stepped out. He looked quite impressive. The representative of the trading company, dressed in a long satin coat, immediately put on a smile, raised his hand, and trotted over, greeting him with a cheerful smile: "Your Excellency, Li, is honored to have come to visit us. I'm sorry for not welcoming you!"

As they were talking, several waiters in vest shirts appeared from behind quite consciously. Some of them walked straight to the trunk of the Dodge sedan and stuffed a beautiful small wooden box into it, while another one, holding a tray, deliberately stopped beside the two of them.

Wang Zuomin took a glance and saw a long, white, silver strip.

He took off his hat and put it on the tray, then signaled his adjutant to take the tray away. He smiled and shook the merchant's hand: "Boss Li, where are you?

It is my honor to be able to attend the banquet hosted by your company."

"Master, you are too kind. Come in, please come in!"

Li Guowei, the son-in-law of the Rong family and the current head of the Rong family's business in Chencang, why was he here? Wang Zuomin quickly analyzed that the invitations were sent by a group of merchants from Sichuan and Chongqing, but it was the Rong family who hosted the banquet.

He followed the instructions and entered the private room. He saw an eight-person table in the center, topped with a large round plate. It was already filled with drinks and cold dishes, with eight sets of bowls and chopsticks in total. On the other side of the table, several high chairs were placed in a compartment where people were sitting and drinking tea. Seeing Wang Zuomin enter, everyone stood up to greet him.

—Time is full of bows, shakes, and greetings, giving people a sense of dislocation in time and space.

Seeing the guest of honor had arrived, everyone took their seats. Rong's son-in-law sat at the head of the table, while Commander Wang Zuomin sat on the left, in the main seat for the guest of honor. While the Northwest Restaurant was known for its trendy Western cuisine, it also served traditional banquets with unwavering dedication. The small dishes lacked the bold, unrestrained style of Northwest cuisine, instead showcasing the refined beauty and skill of Jiangnan cuisine.

After three rounds of the rich wine, everyone's tongues were a bit thick, but their minds were still clear. Seeing that the perfect time for conversation had arrived, Wang Zuomin raised his glass and started the conversation: "My fellow gentry and friends, on such a beautiful day and such good wine, I, Wang, would like to have a drink first. Thank you all for your kind invitation!"

After saying this, he raised his head and drank the wine in the glass clean. "I wish you all good fortune and prosperity!"

The host and guest drinking a glass of wine was almost an obvious signal. Everyone politely declined and said many good wishes - next, it was time to get down to business.

As expected, Li Guowei, the host, responded to the call: "Master, I am here. Although my business is not going well, I still want to thank Master Wang for his kindness.

With Master's words, Rong's business will surely be able to turn disaster into good fortune.

Ji, escaped from hardship and was reborn!"

"Here it comes," Wang Zuomin said, his expression unchanged. He smiled as he watched Rong's son-in-law, his neck stiff, finish his drink. He feigned confusion and asked, "Manager Li, Shenxin Spinning Mill is the best in the northwest. How can it be said to be in crisis?"

"Alas, Commander Wang, you may not know this," sighed a senior official sitting in the second seat. "Commander Wang is fighting for his country on the battlefield, and his days are filled with countless affairs. Merchants like us, while primarily engaged in trading goods and earning a little hard-earned money, also want to contribute to the country and save it through industry. But the war is intensifying, and not only is the share of the cart and pack station on the Sichuan-Shaanxi Highway being requisitioned increasing, but the contributions from various regions are no longer as uniform and regular as before."

This person was a shareholder in a trading company that hauled goods between Shaanxi and Sichuan. He wanted the Transportation Committee to allocate them a larger share of the transportation quota and to make the increasing taxes and levies more manageable. "In times of war, there's no other way," Wang Zuomin pondered for a moment. "The person currently residing here should be Commander Li, under Deputy Commander Hu. As a fellow soldier, as far as I know,

The Japanese invaders are brutal, and our country must have the participation of all the people, the whole nation must resist Japan, and everyone must come out.

Only with strength can you contend with it!"

Upon hearing this, several merchants broke out in a cold sweat. This was like putting the accusation of "hindering the war of resistance" on them! They hurriedly raised their glasses in a toast: "Master! Master Li! The war of resistance is a national cause! Although we are merchants, and our business is business, we are also willing to sacrifice our lives for national independence and self-reliance! However... all taxes and levies paid by merchants must be paid on time. But I hope someone with the backbone can mediate and establish a rule."

It seems that Hu Qinzhai's men are really rough!

Wang Zuomin looked at the many cautious businessmen, then suddenly laughed a few times and raised his glass in response. "My friends, I, Wang, am a soldier and warrior. I know nothing about business, but I do know that the way of doing business is to avoid changing your mind frequently... However, I am not very smart. Recently, I have become very curious about business affairs. I have some questions that I would like to ask you. I hope you will be generous in your guidance.

"Everyone, have you heard of any special changes in 'Northern Goods' recently?"

"As for northern goods..."

A merchant stroked his mustache, thought for a moment, and suddenly clapped his hands. "Oh! Those guys in the north lately..." He lowered his voice and coughed twice. "Oh no, the north! They really have something new." Everyone's eyes focused on him. The merchant took a few deep breaths and began to explain briefly:

Previously, my family primarily traded Shu brocade from Sichuan and Chongqing to the north. As everyone knows, along the Jinniu Road, the north-south price gap is difficult to bridge. This is primarily because more northern goods flow south, while less southern goods flow north. By selling this part of the route empty, we've effectively cut our profits in half.

"In the north, they buy Sichuan brocade, embroidery, handicrafts, and some tea and wine, but not as much as before. On the return trip, they mainly buy soda ash, salt, sugar, soap, pepper, soy sauce, and oh, yes, beer and foreign liquor!" He gestured excitedly. "Ever since Shancheng became the secondary capital, the beer and wine business has suddenly taken off. Although it's a bit of a churn, you can make so much profit on each trip!"

He held up three fingers and clapped his hands in awe. "They've recently come out with something they claim is a universal detergent. It's said to extract soap, turning it into water as pure as maltose. It takes a bar of soap to make just one spoonful of this detergent essence. Just squeeze out a little, and you can clean dishes, vegetables, and fruits. This time, I brought a variety of products with me, ready to give it a try!"

"How can it be so mysterious? Isn't that just German 'washing liquid'? The kind produced by Farben..."

"Alas, my colleagues will probably make a lot of money this time, but my spinning mill will be in trouble!"

After hearing this, Li Guowei didn't seem surprised at all. Instead, he sighed deeply, "This latest northern goods has hit my vital point!"

Chapter 76: Domineering Commander Wang Zuomin

"Brother Li, why is this?"

Wang Zuomin, feeling it was timely, changed the address cordially. "Although the northern goods business isn't as prosperous as the factories, the Sichuan and Chongqing markets are quite large. As long as the caravans keep coming, everyone can always get a share of the profits." "Master Wang, you fought for your country on the battlefield, so you may not know it. Recently, there have been a lot more ready-made clothes in the northern goods market."

Li Guowei shook his head. "Originally, there wasn't much competition for ready-made cotton yarn. These days, families with enough money to buy scraps of cloth will hire a tailor to make clothes. Ready-made clothes are mainly purchased by large populations like schools, hospitals, and the military. Those who can't afford the cloth don't care about ready-made clothes. Each side manages its own business, and each side has its own way.

"But recently, northern goods ready-made clothes, that..."

After saying that, he sighed again.

"Master, although I am also a peddler and make money from northern goods, I still have to say something fair on this point." The merchant just now took over the conversation.

"Now, although there is no white cloth for the dragon head, it is better not to wash it.

Even for a piece of tattered white cloth, it would cost at least 20 cents per foot. Then you have to find someone to measure your body and make the clothes. Even the best tailor would need at least 5 feet and 4 feet to make a shirt, right? This does not include the tailor's wages. A piece of clothing would cost more than one dollar or even more than one dollar.

"And what's the price of a northern shirt?" he lowered his voice. "I went to the red-headed shop in the north and asked, and they said you can get five for one dollar! I had to work really hard before the manager agreed. He said if I paid with silver, he'd give me a 50% discount! Ten for one dollar! And that doesn't include their thick cotton jackets, silk trousers, and American jeans. Almost every piece of clothing is at least half the market price!"

Their quality is quite good! I've seen samples of the white short-sleeved shirt and the cyan long-sleeved shirt. The short-sleeved shirt actually used 2 taels of cotton, and even a lightbulb wouldn't let it through. The long-sleeved jacket, with its iron-tipped buttons and two large pockets, is made of twill canvas. I've rarely seen this kind of stuff in China..."

"If this continues, it's unacceptable. The people in the north aren't selling goods, they're robbing people!"

------

hiss......

Wang Zuomin fed his own teeth, and he almost instinctively came to the conclusion that the Communist Party was reselling foreign cloth. After all, only foreign cloth could be so cheap.

The reason for the decline in profits in their own industries was probably this: a large influx of "northern goods" from the Communist Party of China. These goods, of high quality and low price, squeezed the market and quickly spread to the surrounding areas through these merchants. The Eighth Route Army needed to store grain for conscription, so grain exports were low, which allowed the flour mill to still make a profit.

If the Communists in the north really have so much foreign cloth and clothes, why don't they hoard them and raise the prices? Why do they have to sell them so cheaply? Wouldn't it be better for everyone to hoard them happily together? They really have no business acumen! He thought angrily that if he had so much cotton cloth in his hands, he would first use the cotton cloth as collateral for a loan, and then plunder the white cloth in the market to save chips, control the spinning mills under his control and make up some excuse for the Japanese air raid, reduce shipments, raise prices, and finally slowly ship out, earning several times the excess profit.

How can the Communist Party do business on its own? Humph!

However, the Communist Party has always acted unconventionally, and this kind of price-cutting and volume-increasing behavior would not benefit him. Wang Zuomin already held shares in the Rong Family Spinning Mill, and if the profits of the Shenxin and Taihua Spinning Mills were affected, he would also suffer significant losses.

He pondered, not even paying attention to the businessmen around him discussing the Communist Party's new bulk clothing, which came in a variety of colors like red, yellow, green, and blue, and was said to be breathable, durable, and durable. Was he going to "physically eliminate" his competitors?

The thought had barely formed when it was snuffed out. The Communists always had their own ideas. To get their cooperation, at least the president had to give the green light. A mere Whampoa Military Academy graduate, there was no way he could force the Communists to give up on shipping and making money. And forcing them to surrender was even more impossible. At the Battle of Shanchengbao, Deputy Commander Hu Qinzhai was devoured by the Red-Headed Clan, brigade after brigade after brigade. And that was after the Long March, when the Communists had barely reorganized. Now that they could defeat the Japanese, they must be even stronger. He only had one division under his command. While he considered himself a superior fighter, it was definitely not enough for them.

So, are we going to engage in a price war?

Forget it, this would kill me faster. One yuan for eight feet of cloth was equivalent to about one and a half short coats, or 10 pieces of northern-made garments of equal or better quality. The Communist Party's selling price was even lower than the mill's cost. Wang Zuomin understood business and was willing to take risks, but he wouldn't commit suicide.

Or perhaps, we could remind Chongqing to ask customs to check the Communist Party's imports?

This is probably even more impossible. The borders and customs of the Republic of China have been controlled by foreigners for many years, and there are countless smuggling channels. They must have been smuggled in from Xinjiang Province. As for there, Chongqing cannot control it even if it wants to.

After years of business, Commander Wang Zuomin felt powerless for the first time. He felt completely helpless against the Communists—and this wasn't on the battlefield, but in his prized business world. When all his tactics, both inside and outside the market, failed, what should he do?

Wang Zuomin suddenly felt enlightened.

Although I can't fight or do business as well as the Eighth Route Army, there is always a way out!

He coughed twice, and the noisy discussion scene immediately quieted down. Everyone looked over, waiting for his words: "Everyone, the northern goods are here.

, which brings us both joy and worry. As your good friend, I will naturally stand by you."

Wang Zuomin sat up straight. "This is a matter of local connections. How can we allow these frivolous people to interfere with the legitimate operations of the business community? Tell me, isn't this the truth? In this world, hard work will never fail those who are determined and have the means."

After saying this, he rubbed two fingers together, expressing his demands to the merchant representatives who had already understood. Some of those present frowned, some remained silent, but ultimately, they all nodded. "As a soldier, I, Wang, do not care about business matters. What I do is probably military-style."

Wang Zuomin nodded with satisfaction. The merchants had to rely on him to open up connections with the garrison and provide escort. It was not too much to ask for 20% of the profit from you. In this way, his own income would have the first guarantee. "Apart from the civilian market, the anti-Japanese situation is the first priority. It is normal for materials from all over the country to tilt towards the army." He said slowly, "Although my 51st Division sympathizes with the people,

We don't want to burden the people too much, but with so many friendly troops around us,

We still have to uphold the overall goal of resisting Japan and help those who need it."

Hearing this, the merchants who had been scowling just now immediately perked up - this is a military order! After the previous big stick, this carrot is still a good deal!

"Brother Li, I'll definitely take care of the 51st Division's bedding and blankets." Wang Zuomin patted Manager Li on the shoulder. "Our troops have been fighting on the front lines of the Anti-Japanese War for days and need to replenish some supplies. The higher-ups won't make this matter too difficult for us. I, Wang, can guarantee this."

Li Guowei nodded gratefully. If the army's uniform and bedding orders were maintained, then the business of the spinning mill and bedding factory would naturally not be a problem. However, just as he was about to open his mouth to thank Master Wang for his great kindness, he was met with the other party's half-smile.

"It's just that the northern goods are so good and cheap, Brother Li, even someone like me is tempted."

The officer shook his hand and said, "To prevent your company from being replaced by northern goods, we should keep in touch, communicate more, and visit more often!"

Li Guowei was startled, and suddenly realized:

So what is the price of this "care"?

Chapter 77: Notes of the River Crosser

"Open the floodgates! Open the floodgates!"

Bang! Someone lit a string of firecrackers, and more people laughed and clapped their hands hard.

The roar of gongs and drums and the cheers in the background gradually faded. The Mother River had opened, but occasionally, bits of ice could still be seen drifting on the water—of course, this was limited to the banks. If a large amount of broken ice still floated in the center of the river, the rafts and boat fleets on the Yellow River would not be able to resume their activities.

"Old Wang! Old Wang! What are they yelling about? It's so prosperous."

The man called Lao Wang was sitting on the sheepskin raft, holding the wooden rudder with one hand and smoking the tobacco in the pipe with the other.

He took a long drag on his cigarette, exhaled, and turned his head away.

he.

Seeing this, the young man was quite clever and handed the old man a cigarette. Old Wang took it, put it under his nose and took a puff, then nodded with satisfaction.

He put the cigarette behind his ear and then spoke:

"You're a young man, this is probably your first time in Pingluodu. How come you don't even know this?"

"Hey, Old Wang, the Eighth Route Army isn't here today, yet you're acting like an old veteran!" The oarsman on the same raft laughed, puffing up his sheepskin jacket. He plunged the oar into the water, adjusting the course of the large raft. "Little brother, those are the Eighth Route Army's settlers opening the sluice gates! Last autumn, they were digging ditches on both sides, like slaughtering camels on a full moon—very noisy. These ditches extend in all directions, irrigating all along the river. Normally, this canal is closed with a thousand-pound iron gate, but now the frost has disappeared and spring planting is about to begin, so they're opening the gates today to test the water!"