Chapter 59

Both were suspicious of each other, neither daring to act recklessly.  

Ironically, this made their transaction proceed more smoothly. Zhou Fengshou handed the money to Shen Yiyi, and Shen Yiyi gave the watch to Zhou Fengshou. Then, Zhou Fengshou checked the quality of the watch, while Shen Yiyi verified the amount of money.  

Once both sides completed their inspections, the deal was done!  

Zhou Fengshou rubbed his hands together, suppressing his excitement. His hands trembled slightly as he nervously asked: “So, Brother Hei, when will the next batch be available?”  

Shen Yiyi placed the money into the basket, slung it over his back, and cast a glance at Zhou Fengshou, pondering for a moment.  

Wristwatches were items that even department stores supplied in limited quantities. If he suddenly produced so many at once, it would undoubtedly attract attention.  

The man before him had managed to gather such a large sum in one go—there was no telling what kind of forces might be backing him. It was best not to feed his appetite too much. With that thought in mind, Shen Yiyi set a limit. “I can only supply fifty watches per month. You’ve already received this month’s quota. If you want more, you’ll have to wait until next month.”  

“Oh, got it!” Zhou Fengshou immediately responded with a sycophantic tone. Right now, Shen Yiyi appeared to him like a wealthy tycoon. Of course, he hoped for a higher supply, but even fifty watches a month was already a considerable amount!  

However, there was one matter he wanted to discuss with Shen Yiyi. “Brother Hei, my brother wants to meet you. Would you be willing to give him the honor?”  

Hearing this, Shen Yiyi instantly became alert. “Why does your brother want to meet me?”  

Obviously, it was to negotiate deals, discuss prices, and secure more benefits!  

The brother Zhou Fengshou referred to was, of course, Li Chen.  

When Brother Chen had given Zhou Fengshou the money, he had mentioned that if this “Brother Hei” could offer such a wide price range, there must still be room for negotiation. He had instructed Zhou Fengshou to ask whether a meeting could be arranged.

Zhou Fengshou had always believed in Li Chen’s abilities. With Li Chen stepping in, their profit margins would surely increase, and they might even be able to secure more goods.  

But there was no need to say that out loud. Instead, Zhou Fengshou spoke in a flattering tone: “Isn’t it because Brother Hei has helped us so much? My brother just wants to thank you. Don’t worry, my brother would never harm you. Besides, he’s smart and highly capable—who knows, you two might even become friends!”  

“No need.” Shen Yiyi cautiously refused. “I haven’t really helped you with anything. It’s just a mutually beneficial transaction, that’s all.”  

Zhou Fengshou hadn’t expected such a blunt rejection. He stiffened for a moment but quickly recovered, laughing as he said: “Yes, yes, if it’s inconvenient for you, then never mind. Making friends depends on fate, after all. Hahaha.”  

Shen Yiyi nodded, said nothing more, and prepared to leave.  

Like a lackey, Zhou Fengshou escorted Shen Yiyi to the door. “Brother Hei, take care!”  

Once Shen Yiyi was gone, Zhou Fengshou looked at the fifty watches, grinning so widely that his mouth almost reached his ears. He emptied the basket, placed all the watches inside, and casually covered them with a handful of dried vegetables. The rest of the dried vegetables were discarded as he lifted the basket and headed home.  

His house wasn’t far—just past a street after leaving Xinbao Alley.  

Seeing that Li Chen and Chen Qiang were still there, Zhou Fengshou couldn’t contain his excitement. “Brother Chen, Qiangzi, I got them!”  

Chen Qiang immediately stepped forward. Seeing the basket full of watches, he was so overjoyed he lost his bearings. “We hit the jackpot!”  

Saying that, he picked up one of the small boxes, opened it, and checked the contents. Then, he turned to Zhou Fengshou and asked: “You checked everything, right?”  

“Of course!” Zhou Fengshou replied confidently. “When I handle things, I’m always thorough.”

Chen Qiang grinned and patted Zhou Fengshou on the shoulder. “Impressive, brother!”  

“Get lost, get lost.” Zhou Fengshou laughed and cursed.  

Originally, Zhou Fengshou hadn’t known when Brother Hei would show up, so he had told Li Chen and Chen Qiang that he would notify them once he got the goods.  

He hadn’t expected to receive them so quickly.  

Now, he was eager to sell a batch today. Feeling proud, he shared his sales strategy with Li Chen and Chen Qiang—  

It was all about wandering through the streets and alleys, keeping an eye out for weddings, or observing men who looked unattractive but were dressed neatly, had no watch on their wrist, and seemed like they might be unmarried. Those were the ones to approach.  

Zhou Fengshou swore with conviction: “Brother Chen, Qiangzi, trust me—this method works like a charm! What’s that slogan again? ‘Without a Shanghai watch on your wrist, what girl would marry you?’ Heh, it might sound exaggerated, but for those ugly and unmarried guys, it’s absolutely effective!”  

Chen Qiang looked at him with admiration. “Old Zhou—no, Brother Zhou! I’m going to use your method right away!”  

“Then you’re guaranteed to sell plenty!” Zhou Fengshou basked in the praise, feeling extremely pleased with himself.  

Li Chen: “…”  

“This batch of goods doesn’t need you two to sell.” Li Chen said as he picked up a small box, opened it, and examined the brand-new, sturdy silver watch inside. It looked even better than the ones sold in department stores.  

Hearing this, Zhou Fengshou and Chen Qiang’s eyes lit up. Lowering his voice, Zhou Fengshou asked: “Brother, you’ve got a connection?”  

“Not sure yet.” Li Chen closed the box, careful not to make any promises. “I’ll take one and talk to someone. If the deal goes through, the net profit will be at least 35 yuan per watch.”  

Hiss!  

Zhou Fengshou and Chen Qiang were both stunned.  

Previously, Zhou Fengshou had only been able to get two watches at a time, with a cost of 160 yuan per watch. Selling them for 170 or 175 yuan each, he was making just 10 to 15 yuan in profit per watch.

Now that they were getting 50 watches at a cost of 150 yuan each, their estimated profit was around 20 to 25 yuan per watch.  

Even if prices increased during the New Year, they would likely only rise to about 180–185 yuan per watch, meaning a profit margin of around 30 to 35 yuan per unit. After all, if the price surged too high, people in this small county might hesitate to buy despite wanting one.  

But Li Chen had just claimed that the profit per watch could be at least 35 yuan.  

At least… which meant there was potential for even more!  

Zhou Fengshou felt like he was about to be knocked unconscious by the sheer weight of money.  

Selling just one watch could equal a month’s salary for some people, and they could sell fifty watches every month!  

Chen Qiang, still holding onto a shred of rationality, hesitated. “Brother Chen, isn’t that too high?”  

“It’s not.” Li Chen replied. “If this channel works out, these watches will be sold in big cities like Beijing and Shanghai. The demand for watches there is huge, but the supply can’t keep up. Selling them on the black market there would allow for an even greater price increase.”  

“Brother Chen!” Zhou Fengshou’s eyes welled up with tears as he reached out to grab Li Chen’s hand. “You really are my lucky star! I love you to dea—”  

Before he could finish, Li Chen dodged with a look of disdain.  

Zhou Fengshou clutched his chest in mock heartbreak.  

Chen Qiang couldn’t take it anymore. “Cut the act, we’re talking business here.”  

Zhou Fengshou immediately straightened up.  

Li Chen then asked: “So what did Brother Hei say? Is he willing to meet me?”  

Zhou Fengshou let out a sigh. “Brother Chen, I tried everything, but he still refused to meet you.”  

Li Chen’s eyes flickered. He hadn’t expected the other party to be so cautious. He nodded. “If he won’t meet, then forget it. But next time you see him, ask if he has any other industrial goods for sale.”  

Zhou Fengshou’s eyes lit up. “Brother Chen, are you saying…?”