Shortly after Song Qiao returned to the factory, Shu Tao, with whom he had dined a couple of days prior, suddenly called.
"Boss Song, I've already selected the site for our joint factory. Do you have time to come and inspect it?"
Shu Tao was clearly in good spirits, cheerfully relaying the situation to Song Qiao.
"So soon?"
Song Qiao couldn't help but be taken aback by Shu Tao's excessive enthusiasm.
As a businessman from out of town, he was still unfamiliar with the local environment and policies, yet he was investing heavily. Wasn't he afraid of potential losses...
After a brief consideration, he agreed to the proposal over the phone.
All matters could not be confirmed solely by speculation. He indeed needed to visit the site in person to see what Shu Tao was up to.
...
"Old Hu, you'll have to make another trip this noon. I have to meet a business partner."
After hanging up, Song Qiao instructed Old Hu, who had just sat down to take a breather.
Every time he went out now, he inevitably had to socialize and drink. Although drunk driving wasn't strictly enforced at the moment, for safety's sake, he still needed to bring Old Hu, his driver.
Perhaps, in a couple of years, when the country's laws regarding drunk driving were gradually improved, he could seize this opportunity to establish a designated driver service, thereby capturing the market first and surely reaping considerable profits.
Although Old Hu had a hard job, Song Qiao paid him an extremely high salary and treated him with utmost respect, considering him like family. Therefore, Old Hu bore no complaints.
Upon meeting Shu Tao, Song Qiao noticed he was waiting alone at the entrance, which further amplified his suspicions.
As his business grew larger, he gradually acquired his own secretary and driver. This wasn't because he was putting on airs, but rather because sometimes he simply couldn't manage everything alone.
Yet, Shu Tao, such a prominent boss, seemed to have been alone since their first meeting, with no aides ever seen.
This was quite strange for a successful businessman.
With this thought in mind, Song Qiao began to pay close attention to Shu Tao, accompanying him on the site tour while subtly probing for information.
About half an hour later, after they had finished the inspection, Shu Tao immediately requested to leave, stating he had other matters to attend to.
Song Qiao raised no objection, exchanged pleasantries with him, and personally escorted him to his car.
The moment Shu Tao left, Song Qiao's expression changed.
This Shu Tao was definitely problematic. During their conversation, whenever they touched upon professional terms, he would deflect the topic, deliberately changing the subject.
His attitude clearly indicated an unwillingness to discuss further.
With this realization, Song Qiao's resolve to proceed with the investment wavered.
However, Guo Jun and the Party Secretary were already involved. If he withdrew rashly, it would not only displease the secretary but also potentially harm them both.
"Never mind, I'll remind Guo Jun again. Putting other things aside, he's one of my few close friends."
Song Qiao thought to himself, pulled out his phone, and dialed Guo Jun's number.
"Young Master Guo, I suggest you have someone thoroughly investigate that out-of-town businessman, Shu Tao. I have a feeling something is not quite right with him."
In this situation, Song Qiao decided against subtlety and directly stated his opinion, explaining his reasons for suspicion to Guo Jun.
Guo Jun on the other end of the line was silent for a long while before slowly replying, "My brother-in-law attaches great importance to this investment. It's said that if it's handled well, it could even lift several counties in our city out of poverty."
"But since you've said so, Brother Song, I will naturally find someone to investigate discreetly. Please keep this matter confidential for now."
Song Qiao understood the implication and, having achieved his objective, hung up the phone with a sense of relief.
...
A week later, Song Qiao received the weekly sales report from Lin Jing again. Due to the donation campaign earlier, the sales figures for this week had doubled.
However, Song Qiao did not appear overly pleased, but rather somewhat troubled.
"Where there is no foresight, there will be immediate worry."
According to the report, the sales volume of the newly introduced multi-flavored stinky tofu had merely matched that of the old product.
This meant that the new product had become commonplace, perceived as no different from the regular version.
If this trend continued, sales figures might decline again.
"Old Zhang, Lily, we still need to introduce some innovations to maintain our sales figures," Song Qiao said slowly to everyone after a long period of contemplation.
The key personnel in the office exchanged bewildered glances, completely confused.
No matter how they tried to sell stinky tofu in different ways, it was still stinky tofu. What other innovations could there be?
Seeing their confusion, Song Qiao smiled slightly and no longer kept them in suspense.
"I plan to launch a sugar-free, zero-calorie stinky tofu."
"Its primary target audience will be women and children who are trying to lose weight."
Upon hearing this, the people in the room became even more perplexed. In their era, they had not yet heard of the concept of "sugar-free, zero-calorie."
Song Qiao continued, "Sugar-free and zero-calorie means healthier. People's quality of life has improved, but many still have a strong prejudice against snacks, considering them junk food that causes weight gain and harms health if consumed excessively."
"Our signature stinky tofu will be light and nutritious, completely dispelling the notion that stinky tofu is junk food."
"Boss, won't the taste be too different, making customers dislike it?" Lin Jing asked timidly from the side. She had been dieting recently and was eating very unpalatable weight-loss foods, so she was very concerned about this issue.
"No."
"While the taste might not be as good as our main varieties, it definitely won't be unpleasant. Tofu itself is a bland food. Haven't you had shredded scallions with tofu?" Song Qiao's words were filled with confidence.
"What we need to do is change the packaging, replacing the logo with a more subtle and elegant design. Then, some seasonings will be replaced with lower-calorie alternatives."
"This product isn't mainstream. Its purpose is to capture a niche market, which will lead to a new surge in our sales."
He had already planned this in his mind, so explaining it to A Wei and the others came naturally and fluently.
The group was already impressed by the concepts their boss proposed, and he had never made a mistake before. Therefore, in the end, they all raised their hands in agreement.