Led by Luo Dapeng, Zhang Yang and the group spent half the day wandering along the riverbank near the west side, getting a rough sense of the surroundings, before leisurely returning to the parking area.
"Not bad, huh? We don't know about the fish conditions yet, but the competition environment is really something! Clean and tidy, even the riverbank has been paved with cement bricks!" Wang Yan expressed with feeling.
Luo Dapeng smiled with his lips pursed, proudly saying, "The fishing atmosphere here in Zheng City is pretty good; this river fishing competition is in its third year this year, and we've gained a lot of experience from the previous two editions!
Do you want to check out the other side? There's a bridge ahead, don't know if you noticed it earlier!"
Zhang Yang replied, "We saw it, over there in Zone 22!"
Upon hearing Zhang Yang mention Zone 22, Luo Dapeng paused briefly, a bit surprised, and remarked with a smile, "You remember the numbering well!"
Zhang Yang grinned, "Hehe, coming ahead to scout the area is all about understanding the environment and competition zones! Just noticed the bridge and glanced more intently!
Have a rough idea now; when we come to register tomorrow and tour the area again, we'll be basically set for the competition the day after tomorrow!"
"Shall we head back?"
"Let's go!"
...
After wandering around the competition segments of the river for over an hour, Zhang Yang and the others got into the car, ready to head back.
However, after scouting, Zhang Yang and the group didn't return to Luo Dapeng's fishing gear shop; instead, upon reaching the main road into the city, they greeted and parted ways.
Luo Dapeng warmly invited everyone to come back to the shop for tea, and planned some evening entertainment, but Zhang Yang politely declined.
After the two cars went separate ways, Han Qiang, sitting in the passenger seat, asked somewhat puzzledly, "We're just headed back to the hotel with nothing to do, why split up now? That old Luo seems alright!"
Zhang Yang shook his head with a smile, "Once business is done, don't trouble others. We don't actually have much rapport, were introduced via a friend of a friend!
If more anglers show up at his shop later, we'd just be awkwardly hanging around!"
"Isn't he a company distributor for us? Doesn't seem like much trouble!" Wang Yan wasn't satisfied with Zhang Yang's explanation.
"You're trying not to owe him a favor, aren't you?" Zhou Chu, who hadn't spoken, interjected.
Zhang Yang nodded, "Exactly! Owing too many favors, and after a few drinks with the atmosphere set, he'll ask for the exclusive distributorship of Zheng City. Should I give it or not?
The company's distributor policy needs to be standardized; the phase of reckless growth for a startup brand has passed!"
After Zhang Yang's explanation, the team fell silent.
Developing distributors is beneficial for the company, meaning an additional product distribution channel.
But choosing distributors requires careful consideration. After the successful launch of the Four Gentleman Fishing Bait, Zhang Yang spoke with President Zhao, conveying the need for deliberate and fair regulations for distributor contracts.
While having tea in the shop, Luo Dapeng frequently brought up distributor discussions, which Zhang Yang didn't engage in conversation, indicating he had ambitions for regional exclusivity.
These early distributor and partnership operations were mainly handled by Xinda and President Zhao from the company, so Zhang Yang's cautious approach to maintain composure was wise, preventing any off-the-cuff promises that could breach protocol.
...
Meanwhile, Luo Dapeng, once in the car, furrowed his brow and thought for a few seconds, then pulled out his phone to call Xinda Fishing Equipment's boss lady.
"Hello, Sister Ling, it's me, Old Luo! I met Zhang Yang, this guy's temperament is somewhat peculiar!
I took him on a tour of the competition site, originally planned some dinner and discussions about our regional distributorship, but he didn't even give a chance!"
The boss lady replied, "I talked with President Zhao about this last time; he told me that the spring exhibition next year will be when everything is consolidated, and current distributor partnerships will not change temporarily!
Just keep procuring normally; the requirements possibly could adjust by the exhibition. As long as the collaboration isn't terminated voluntarily, others can't just take over!"
"Iā¦ I was hoping to negotiate the distributor contract, the current pricing is a bit steep. Attempting to discuss discounts or company policies in person!
Initially thought he'd be easier to talk to given his young age, but couldn't even get him to accept a dinner invite!" Luo Dapeng didn't hold back, directly voicing his intentions over the phone.
"Zhang Yang likely anticipated this, which is why he kept a certain distance!
At their company, Zhang Yang isn't responsible for this business segment; developing distributors is handled by President Zhao!
Zhang Yang might be young, but he's very methodical in his work, don't attempt any tricky maneuvers as it might backfire. You don't need any reservations, raise your concerns through regular engagement!"
"Alright then! We'll talk later!"
After hanging up the phone, Luo Dapeng took a deep breath, giving up on the idea of seizing the moment to discuss distributor policy.
...
On the other side, Zhang Yang and his group reached the hotel by car, not immediately dispersing, but instead gathered in Zhang Yang's room for a preliminary assessment.
Zhang Yang said, "We've scouted the venue, let's quickly summarize so that everyone is clear.
First, the competition is quite large; if nothing unexpected happens, all thousand slots will be filled, and the day after tomorrow the venue will be packed!
Second, according to the zoning in the rules, twenty-five people per zone, the day after and the day after, four matches in two days; judging by the number of people per zone, it's possible the scores will be significant!
Lastly, the farmed fish released might be to our advantage; in at least the two matches the day after tomorrow, there could be a rush to catch fish! Everyone should keep this in mind!