Chapter 64: The Blacksmith Wang Family

The Wang Family, one of the four major commercial houses, had navigated the business world for many years, maneuvering deftly through various opportunities with their keen commercial acumen.

Upon hearing the news about the stainless steel products from Blackwind City, the head of the Wang Family lit up, as if he could already envision the surging frenzy this novel product would spark in the market.

This was undoubtedly a rare and precious business opportunity.

Therefore, he immediately summoned Wang Fu, his shrewd and capable steward, and said with a solemn expression, "Wang Fu, news has come from Blackwind City that they have an unprecedented type of stainless steel ware. I am certain that once these goods hit the market, they will rake in a fortune. Set off for Blackwind City immediately and get to the bottom of this."

Accepting the order without a moment's delay, Wang Fu spurred his horse and made a weary, dust-covered journey straight to Blackwind City.

At the city gates, Chen Tong, accompanied by Sun Yaqin and Liu Er, had been waiting for a long time. Beaming with smiles, Chen Tong stepped forward warmly, cupped his hands, and said, "Steward Wang, you must be exhausted from your long journey! We have long heard of the illustrious reputation of the Wang Family in business circles. Your personal visit to Blackwind City today truly brings great honor to our humble town."

Wang Fu returned a slight bow, his demeanor modest yet shrewd, and replied courteously, "City Lord Chen is too kind. My master was extremely curious about your esteemed city's stainless steel products and specifically sent me here to investigate."

Chen Tong smiled and nodded, turning to Sun Yaqin and Liu Er to say, "We must properly host Steward Wang."

With that, he led Wang Fu toward the supply and marketing cooperative.

Along the way, the bustling and prosperous markets of Blackwind City, the orderly workshops, and the peaceful, contented lives of the common folk all left Wang Fu secretly amazed, prompting him to form a brand-new assessment of Blackwind City's strength.

Upon arriving at the cooperative, Chen Tong picked up a stainless steel kettle and enthusiastically demonstrated it to Wang Fu, saying, "Steward Wang, look at this stainless steel kettle. Its greatest advantage is that it is sturdy and durable, not easily broken no matter how hard it falls. Moreover, its heat retention is exceptional; boiling water poured inside stays warm for an entire day."

As he spoke, Chen Tong purposefully dropped the kettle hard onto the ground. The kettle bounced a few times yet remained completely undamaged, prompting Wang Fu to nod repeatedly and praise in admiration, "Indeed a fine product!"

Next, Chen Tong picked up a stainless steel basin and continued, "This basin is equally sturdy and will not crack easily like ordinary basins. Used for washing clothes and vegetables, it can last for many years."

Wang Fu took the basin, examined it closely, tapped it gently to feel the texture of the material, and lavished it with praise. "City Lord Chen, these stainless steel products truly live up to their reputation. I believe once they are introduced to the market, they will be immensely popular. My master will certainly be satisfied when he sees them."

Upon returning to the Wang Family estate, Wang Fu lost no time in giving the head of the family a detailed report of everything he had seen and heard during his trip to Blackwind City, leaving out nothing from the product characteristics to the city's overall strength.

Upon hearing the report, the family head did not hesitate in the slightest and decisively resolved to forge a partnership with Blackwind City.

When Chen Tong received this news, he was overjoyed, knowing full well that this was an exceptional opportunity to elevate Blackwind City's economic standing.

Before long, both sides began discussing the finer details of the cooperation.

The atmosphere across the negotiating table was both tense and charged with anticipation. Wang Fu spoke first, a tone of unquestionable certainty in his voice. "City Lord Chen, regarding product supply, the Wang Family hopes to secure at least five hundred pieces of stainless steel products each month, including kettles and basins. Our sales network spans far and wide, and frankly, I worry this quantity might not even satisfy market demand."

After a brief moment of thought, a smile still lingering on his face, Chen Tong replied sincerely, "Steward Wang, five hundred pieces is indeed a rather large volume. At present, our workshop's production capacity is limited, and we can supply a maximum of three hundred pieces per month. However, rest assured that we are already in the process of expanding our capacity and will certainly strive to meet your demands moving forward."

Wang Fu frowned slightly, clearly unsatisfied with this answer. Leaning forward, he said, "City Lord Chen, that makes things rather difficult. Our sales channels are famously extensive, and five hundred pieces is truly not a large number. If the supply cannot keep up, the market will simply be seized by others first."

At that moment, Sun Yaqin, who had been listening quietly, smiled and intervened. "Steward Wang, we understand your requirements and attach great importance to this cooperation. However, expanding production capacity takes time and resources as well. How about this: we supply three hundred pieces for the first two months, and starting from the third month, we gradually increase the supply volume, aiming to stably reach five hundred pieces per month within six months. How does that sound?"

Wang Fu fell into deep thought, weighing the pros and cons in his mind. A moment later, he nodded and said, "That could work. However, regarding the sales channels, the Wang Family wishes to hold exclusive sales rights for the stainless steel products across the five southern provinces. Having operated in the south for many years, we possess a mature sales network and can certainly drive up product sales."

Chen Tong shook his head and explained patiently, "Steward Wang, exclusive sales rights across the board might not be entirely appropriate. Blackwind City also needs to cultivate its own market, and we have our own sales plans. Why don't we divide the regions: your esteemed family will handle sales in three southern provinces, and we in Blackwind City will manage the other two. This ensures your interests are protected while leaving room for our own development. Furthermore, we can exchange sales experiences and jointly expand the market."

Wang Fu felt somewhat hesitant, worrying that this arrangement might impact the Wang Family's profits.

Just then, Liu Er joined the persuasion. "Steward Wang, just think: if sales thrive in the region managed by Blackwind City, it will also boost the reputation of the entire brand, which will ultimately benefit your sales as well. Besides, we will spare no effort in ensuring product quality to keep consumers satisfied."

After hours of intense, back-and-forth discussion and negotiation, the atmosphere at the negotiating table gradually grew milder.

Regarding product supply, Blackwind City pledged to supply three hundred pieces of stainless steel products—including kettles and basins—per month for the first two months. From the third month onward, the supply volume would increase month by month, ensuring a stable attainment of five hundred pieces per month within half a year.

As for the division of sales channels, the Wang Family would take charge of sales in three southern provinces, while Blackwind City would oversee the remaining two provinces, with both parties agreeing to periodically exchange sales insights and jointly develop the market.

As for profit-sharing, following multiple rounds of discussion, a reasonable distribution ratio was ultimately established based on different product categories and sales regional variations.

At this moment, Chen Tong raised his head, his eyes sparkling with anticipation and joy. Looking at Wang Fu, he extended his right hand and said, "Steward Wang, through this in-depth exchange, we have finally reached a consensus. I believe this partnership will not only make Blackwind City's stainless steel products renowned far and wide, but also bring generous returns to the Wang Family."

A satisfied smile spread across Wang Fu's face as he reached out to clasp Chen Tong's hand firmly. "City Lord Chen, indeed. Your city's sincerity and foresight command my utmost admiration. This cooperation is bound to be a win-win endeavor."

Their hands remained locked in a strong grip for a long time before finally letting go.

Sun Yaqin and Liu Er, standing nearby with beaming smiles, shared their thoughts. Sun Yaqin remarked with emotion, "This cooperation certainly didn't come easily, but thankfully the outcome is wonderful. From now on, we must work closely together and make this business bigger and bigger."

Liu Er chimed in, "Exactly. As long as we pull together with one heart, we will surely carve out an even broader world in the marketplace."

Wang Fu turned to Sun Yaqin and Liu Er, nodding as he said, "In the days ahead, I shall rely heavily on the two of you to look after this business."

Sun Yaqin and Liu Er promptly replied, "Steward Wang is too kind; we shall simply help one another."