Starting a new chapter in life

Chapter 138 Tai'an Repair Company Established

Jingyan offered advice: "Humans are inherently suspicious of everything. Since we can't get rid of it, we should try to avoid it to prevent future trouble."

He Zhijun agreed with this view and promised to pass it on to Liu Qiang. As for what he would do in the end, that was not something outsiders could interfere with; he had just fulfilled his obligation to remind him.

Yuan Xiaoling and Liu Qiang have been very busy lately. Previously, they only provided labor; this is the first time they've taken on both labor and materials. However, they are both very enthusiastic. When she helped others with renovations before, she sensed that some people didn't like to worry about these kinds of miscellaneous tasks.

Tired of the hassle of missing screws or bricks, they gained valuable experience from this project at Jingyan's house. This experience will allow them to consider offering turnkey projects. While clients may complain about the various trivialities and hassles, they are professionals and don't mind the extra work.

However, their biggest problem right now is that they need cargo ships to transport the materials to Changxing Island, and they have no way of doing that. They have been racking their brains trying to find a way to do so.

Yuan Xiaoling was really at a loss, so she came to He Zhijun's house during his vacation to ask for advice. He Zhijun didn't know anything about these things, but he gave her a suggestion: "You're just doing this small-scale private business. Do you think you can actually rent a cargo ship in your personal name?"

Liu Qiang scratched his head, turning his already slightly curly short hair into a messy bird's nest. "What can we do? If all else fails, we'll carry it ourselves, but it'll involve a lot of trips back and forth, and the boat tickets won't be cheap either. Sigh~"

He Zhijun smiled and shook his head: "This kind of stupid method is not easy to implement. What I know is that the country is now vigorously developing the economy and the government provides certain support to private enterprises. Since you want to get into the decoration business, why not take advantage of the various good policies now and start a company directly? Then, you can talk to shipping companies in the name of the company. I think that would be easier than what you are doing now."

Liu Qiang was stunned by He Zhijun's suggestion: "A company? We'll start one?"

Yuan Xiaoling, on the other hand, was much calmer. She thought for a moment and nodded, "I think this has potential. How about this, I'll take leave next week to consult with the relevant departments. If we have all the necessary qualifications, let's start a company."

Over the past few years, we've saved up over ten thousand yuan. Regardless of the company's size, we want to get a name on the table first, which will make things easier later. Thinking about it this way, if we actually set up a company, maybe we can even lower our material prices, and thus earn more.

Jingyan nodded in agreement: "Ten thousand is not a small amount. If you don't have enough money, we can help you out. We may not have more, but we can help you out with a little. If all else fails, we can always ask my mother-in-law for help."

He Zhijun looked at Jing Yan with surprise, but didn't say anything. He only nodded when Yuan Xiaoling looked over, to show his agreement with Jing Yan's statement.

Yuan Xiaoling and her husband arrived dejected but left full of confidence. Grandma, seeing their drastically changed demeanor, came in from the yard and asked curiously, "How could they change so much in such a short time? Have they found a solution?"

He Zhijun nodded: "Yes, I suggest they open a decoration company. That way, they'll have room to negotiate when they go out to rent boats or buy materials. It's much more convincing than individuals doing small-scale operations."

After explaining to his grandmother, he turned to Jingyan and asked, "You told Yuan Xiaoling that you could help raise some money if she didn't have enough. What are you thinking?"

Jing Yan smiled and glanced at him: "What do you think I have in mind?"

He Zhijun tilted his head, a hint of uncertainty in his voice: "You're not thinking of investing in their company, are you? Because you never mentioned lending them money, only that you would provide support. Are you after their potential?"

Jing Yan readily nodded: "That's right. The only place our family can make money is food. I don't know anything about or how to do anything else, so naturally I'm not willing to put in that much effort. But Yuan Xiaoling and her husband are different. This couple has ambition, as well as the courage and ability to support that ambition."

Since they're going into the renovation business, why don't we give them financial assistance while they're starting out? That way, we can get involved and just collect profits later. If their business grows, I might be able to just relax at home and have a steady stream of money flowing in. Wouldn't that be much more comfortable than working myself to the bone?"

"Didn't you ever think about what would happen if they failed and lost money?" Grandma asked her.

Jing Yan looked completely innocent: "I have thought about it. If I lose money, I'll slowly earn it back from the barbecue and braised meat shop. If you want to get something for nothing, you have to take risks. I won't put all my savings into it. I'll always leave myself a way out."

He Zhijun grasped her hand: "Okay, I'll listen to you. Even if we lose money, we'll share the burden together."

The couple smiled at each other. Seeing how well the two got along, Grandma didn't disturb them any longer and took An'an and Zhizhi back into the house. An'an was two years old and it was time to start her early education.

In late October, Yuan Xiaoling rushed over to see Jing Yan. Before she could even exchange pleasantries, she went straight to the point: "Jing Yan, I've come to ask you for your help."

Jingyan asked her to sit down and poured her a glass of water: "Tell me slowly, what's wrong?"

Yuan Xiaoling took a sip of water and hurriedly said, "We've been busy with the renovation company's affairs lately, and we've almost completed the other formalities, but we're stuck on the registered capital part."

We only have 15,000 yuan on hand, but the person in charge said that for a company like ours, the registered capital can't be set up without 30,000 yuan. Actually, if I borrow from various places and make up the difference temporarily, it won't be difficult to pay it back once the company is approved in ten days or half a month and the registered capital is returned to me.

The difficulty lies in the fact that our industry is related to construction. The business registration bureau requires that half of the 30,000 yuan registration fee be held in the account. The account will only be unsealed after we have been in business for two years and the business registration bureau has not received any quality complaints.

If there's a complaint, the money will be refunded to the customer from this frozen fund; it's essentially a risk deposit. In that case, I won't be able to borrow that money. Nobody can lend me money for two years, and I can't guarantee how much I can repay each month. I have no choice but to come to you to discuss this.”

Jing Yan thought for a moment and said, "Then your funding gap is more than 15,000 yuan. If you are doing contract manufacturing, you will have to pay part of the material costs upfront. It's okay if there are few customers, but if ten or eight companies place orders at the same time, you really won't be able to make ends meet with just 15,000 yuan."

Yuan Xiaoling nodded in agreement: "So I plan to start by building a good reputation, taking on only one or two clients at a time. This will reduce the amount of capital tied up. Once I have more money in hand, I can increase the number of clients. But this is all just wishful thinking. I don't even know if there will be any more clients besides yours."

"How much money do you want me to help you raise, and how do you plan to pay it back?" Jing Yan looked at her and asked calmly.

Yuan Xiaoling was stunned for a moment, then suddenly had a flash of inspiration: "Jingyan, you don't mean you want to invest in my decoration company, do you? You trust me so much that you believe we can achieve something? Aren't you afraid I'll lose all the money you invested?"

Jing Yan smiled and said, "We've known each other for a long time. I trust your character as a couple, and I also trust Brother Qiang's skills. As long as we can get through this initial period, I believe that the days of making a lot of money are just around the corner. I'm looking forward to lying at home counting money."

Yuan Xiaoling laughed heartily, her originally delicate appearance now radiating a bright glow. "Just because Jingyan trusts us, we must work hard and strive to make big money as soon as possible. But speaking of which, I'm still short 15,000 yuan in registered capital."

If, as you say, we set aside a portion for cash flow, we'll still be short at least 20,000 yuan. Your family just bought a house and still needs to rent a shop. Where are you going to get that money?

Jing Yan tapped her fingers lightly on the sofa armrest and thought for a while: "How much do you estimate I need to prepare for the renovation of my home and shop? Given your personality, you should have already made an assessment, right?"

Yuan Xiaoling nodded: "It's been checked. Three thousand yuan should be enough for both places, including labor and materials. But you should also buy some furniture and stuff. You'd better set aside five thousand yuan so you don't end up lacking everything."

Jingyan nodded, indicating that she understood: "Okay, you go back first. I'll call my mother-in-law in a bit to see how much she can help me. I'll also ask my brother on my mother's side. I'll try to raise 20,000 yuan for you. Once I've confirmed the specific amount, I'll come to your house to find you."

Yuan Xiaoling was deeply moved: "Okay, thank you so much, Jingyan. Don't worry, I will definitely not let you suffer a loss, and I will not let you carry such a large debt."

Jing Yan smiled gently and saw the person out and back into the house. Her grandmother came out of the house and said, "If the money I gave you is not enough, you can use your eldest brother's 30,000 yuan first. Anyway, we don't plan to give it to them for the time being. You can use it to tide you over."

Jingyan smiled and shook her head: "No need, Grandma. There's still 30,000 yuan left from the money you gave me. Invest 20,000 yuan in Yuan Xiaoling, and there's still 10,000 yuan left for renovations and furniture. Besides, we're also selling braised meat now, which brings in a thousand or eight hundred yuan every month."

I really have enough money, but I don't flaunt it. I can't just openly tell her I have enough money, or I'd become a sheep, easy prey. They say a little kindness is appreciated, but too much can breed resentment; there's no need to give everything away. It's enough that we keep it to ourselves.

Grandma smiled and tapped her head with her index finger: "You little rascal."

Two days later, He Zhijun returned from his holiday. Jingyan told him about Yuan Xiaoling's need for money. The next day, He Zhijun took her to the bank and withdrew 20,000 yuan in ten-yuan notes, a total of twenty stacks, which were put into a handbag. After withdrawing the money, they went straight to Yuan Xiaoling's house. Yuan Xiaoling had been so worried about the money that she had developed blisters on her lips. When she saw Jingyan and her husband, she looked like she had seen a savior.

After the two sat down, they didn't say anything extra. They simply opened their handbags, took out the money inside, and placed it on the table. Upon seeing the money, Yuan Xiaoling's family was stunned. Yuan Xiaoling stammered, "This, you brought this over?"

Jingyan smiled and said, "I told my mother-in-law about this, and she was very supportive. She transferred all 13,000 yuan she had to me. My older brother's family also gave me several thousand yuan. I even scraped together my grandmother's retirement money. It just barely made up the difference. That's why Zhijun took me to withdraw the money when he came back. Otherwise, I really wouldn't have dared to withdraw so much money by myself."

Yuan Xiaoling's eyes welled up with tears: "Jingyan, thank you so much. You think of us first when you have business opportunities, and you even raised money for us. We will remember this kindness. In the future, no matter what you need, as long as I can help you, I will never refuse."

Jing Yan quickly stopped her from expressing her gratitude: "Don't think so highly of me. I'm also doing this to make money. I only invested because I believe in you. Otherwise, I wouldn't take such a big risk just to help a friend. I'm not that selfless."

The group exchanged smiles, which lightened the atmosphere considerably.

The subsequent discussion about shareholding and profit sharing was handled by Yuan Xiaoling and He Zhijun. Jing Yan and Liu Qiang had to step aside, but they were happy to have an easy time. In the end, the agreed shareholding ratio was 35% for Jing Yan, 20% for Yuan Xiaoling, 30% for Liu Qiang, and 5% for each of the three construction workers. Jing Yan would only collect the profit sharing and would not participate in the operation.

In early November, Yuan Xiaoling came to Jingyan with great joy to share the good news: "Our decoration company's business license has been issued. The legal representative is Liu Qiang, and the company name is Tai'an Decoration Company. We've also rented a small shop for eight yuan a month. Tomorrow or the day after, Brother Qiang and I will go to the shipping company to discuss chartering a ship. As long as we can secure a cargo ship, I will also personally negotiate the building materials part to see if we can lower the material prices further."

Jing Yan also praised them highly: "You guys are really amazing. You got the company up and running so quickly. Keep up the good work. Once you get off to a good start, the business will only get better and better."

In mid-November, the merchant ship leasing deal was finalized. Although only one ship could be allocated, and the usage application needed to be submitted to the shipping company a week in advance, they were the first to be able to transport these things to Changxing Island. That alone was enough for Yuan Xiaoling to boast about.

In late November, the materials needed for Jingyan's house and shop were gradually brought into the family compound. It was agreed that the house would be completed first, and then the shop would be built. The security for the shop was not as good as that for the family compound, so all the materials were stored there first.

Liu Qiang and his friends, along with their quilts and changes of clothes, moved directly into the family building. On their first day, they built a kang (a heated brick bed). He Zhijun also contacted the Urban Construction Bureau to have the toilets they had ordered delivered, and a plumber helped with the construction of the bathroom.

The two groups moved in at the same time, and the once quiet family compound became somewhat lively. The residents on the other side of the family building couldn't help but watch the commotion from outside. When they saw the toilet, it sparked quite a discussion, since this thing is not yet common, so it is worth discussing.