Chapter 56 The Magnesium Consortium Project Is About to Take Off!

“Huh? At my suggestion? A test? What are you talking about?” Chen Luo really looked completely baffled—what was going on here?

Zhou Zheng waved his hand dismissively. “That’s not important. Anyway, the restaurant renovation is already on track. From here on, we just let Old Yu and his crew carry on as planned.”

“Now, junior, I’d like to hear your thoughts on the food and beverage industry.” Zhou Zheng narrowed his eyes, studying Chen Luo. You’ve already examined my capabilities—now it’s my turn to put you to the test.

“I’ve always been interested in the industry, but I can’t seem to break out of the traditional mindset. From what I see in your restaurant, your thinking is quite ahead of the curve.”

“So, I want to know: besides this, do you have any other project ideas worth sharing?”

Hearing Zhou Zheng’s question, Chen Luo thought to himself that his senior really was greedy for more—he was already eyeing the next project before the milk tea shop had even opened.

The food and beverage industry—what happened in this sector in 2013?

Chen Luo pondered for a moment, then glanced down at Liu Hua’s feet in those yellow sandals.

He hadn’t noticed before, but Liu Hua had rather pretty feet. It was a pity to pair them with such sandals; if only she wore white stockings and high heels, it would hit another one of his preferences perfectly.

Hmm, maybe Wen Wan should try it next time—her feet were even prettier.

Ah! Wait! What am I thinking? The yellow sandals are the key here!

Yellow, yellow, dressed in imperial robes!

That’s it! The Meituan platform only launched in November 2013! It’s only September now—they haven’t launched yet!

The downstream delivery market in the food industry was still untapped. If I could enter now and later connect it to my ACG business, I could capture market share even quicker!

“Senior, I do have an idea, but to pull it off would require significant capital and technical resources.”

Chen Luo had always suspected that Zhou Zheng was no ordinary person—after all, to be trusted and recommended by Hong Ye, he must come from a remarkable family.

“Don’t worry. Just speak your mind—I’ll handle the rest.”

Zhou Zheng’s gaze flashed with a sharp glint. Could it be that he really had some astonishing business scheme?

“Hong Ye, record this. Make a transcript of our business negotiation.”

Chen Luo shot a glance at Hong Ye, and she immediately understood, taking out a recorder and a notepad.

His habits from his previous life meant he always documented business talks, to prevent any disputes later on.

“Oh? So you really do have some earth-shattering plan? Go on, I’m all ears.”

Zhou Zheng straightened his back, his smile vanishing into a look of solemnity as he fixed his gaze on Chen Luo.

“Senior, do you think there’s any segment in the food and beverage industry that remains underdeveloped?”

“Regional cuisine? Downstream ingredients? Franchise chains?” Zhou Zheng ventured a few guesses, but Chen Luo simply shook his head.

“None of those—it’s delivery.”

“Delivery? Right now, delivery is just small-time, each business doing its own thing. What untapped market could there be?”

Chen Luo smiled, pulling out his phone and turning on the screen.

“Online ordering via smartphones—that is the next big wave!”

He then gave Zhou Zheng a detailed account of the operational model Meituan had used when it launched, drawing from his own memories of his previous life.

As a businessman who had risen on the back of industry trends, Chen Luo had studied the hot spots of every year since 2005, even doing specific data analysis and research.

To him, reciting Meituan’s success story was a trivial matter.

But for Zhou Zheng, it was a huge shock. As Chen Luo spoke, he mentally ran the numbers on the potential profits of this operation.

The more he calculated, the more astounded he became. If things were truly as Chen Luo described, it would only take an initial investment of thirty million to corner the entire province’s online delivery market, and then expand across the south.

The profits would be astronomical. If this succeeded, the Zhou family would become one of the nation’s top financial dynasties in no time.

Did this mean he had finally hitched his wagon to the unstoppable business juggernaut that was Chen Luo and Wen Wan?

Yes! He had passed the master’s test—he was about to be blessed with unimaginable fortune!

“Whew!” After listening to it all, Zhou Zheng let out a long breath.

“Well? Senior, from your perspective, do you think this project is feasible?”

Chen Luo took a sip of water, smiling as he looked at Zhou Zheng. From his expression, it was clear Zhou Zheng was hooked.

“Chen Luo, you really are a business prodigy. This is the best project I’ve ever seen. I’m in. Name your terms.”

Chen Luo’s lips curled up. “Alright, business before friendship—clear accounts make good partners.”

“In this venture, we establish a joint-stock company. I hold 51% of the shares, you hold 49%.”

“You provide the capital and data support, I provide the operational strategy. If you agree to this arrangement, we can sign the contract immediately.”

Taking 51% of the shares for just an operational concept might sound excessive.

But Zhou Zheng, who knew the industry, understood that the concept and future strategy alone were worth a fortune. Frankly, even if Chen Luo took 70%, he’d still be agreeable.

“Deal! I’ll have the lawyers draft the contract right away. We’ll sign first thing tomorrow morning.”

“Great! Looking forward to working together.” Chen Luo extended his hand to Zhou Zheng.

“Looking forward to it!” Zhou Zheng grasped Chen Luo’s hand tightly, a wry smile on his face.

“Chen Luo, I don’t know if I should say this, but I’ll be uncomfortable if I don’t.”

“What is it?”

“Chen Luo, you’re a business genius! Every casual idea from you is out of this world!”

“Haha, you flatter me, senior.”

“But let me remind you—the Meituan project must be launched before November. Otherwise, someone else will beat us to it. The technical team must be top-notch.”

“No problem. Just write up a general software requirements document, and I’ll have my sister Zhou Mei start pulling all-nighters. She’s a top tech talent.”

Chen Luo glanced at the milk tea shop. Even with the Meituan project ahead, his first step was to ensure a steady start.

“Alright. Let’s get the renovations moving. We open in four days.”

…

That night, in Ning City, at Wen Xiu’s residence.

“Fifth! Where’s that thing I asked you to handle? I can’t take it anymore! Wen Wan is insane—she’s burning through money like there’s no tomorrow!”

“Third brother, I’ve already sent people. You’ll have news in a day or two, don’t worry. It’s a small matter.”

“Don’t play games with me! If I end up dead, you won’t be able to rest easy either!”

The call ended, leaving Wen Xiu visibly irritable.

“Someone, go check—have Liu Feng and Tang Xiwei succeeded yet?”

“Young master, we just got word: both have just been detained! And Liu Feng’s family is under attack.”

“What! Who did it? Who’s sabotaging my plan?”

“Hangzhou, the Zhou family.”

At the mention of the Zhou family, Wen Xiu’s eyes filled with contempt.

“Are they insane? The Zhou family dares to cross me? Forget it! I’ll deal with them later!”

“Send someone to bail out Tang Xiwei, then deploy the action team. Work with Tang Xiwei and make sure Chen Luo is brought to me within three days!”