"Wife, that was just a promotional tactic for the shop. The store isn't actually going out of business," Song Qiao quickly seized the opportunity to explain to Xia Yuqing.
Although Xia Yuqing had calmed down due to their daughter's crying, she wasn't in a state to listen to Song Qiao's explanations.
She frowned and said dismissively, "Use whatever excuse you want to lie to me. I'll never believe you again."
With that, she picked up their daughter and turned back into the bedroom.
*Bang.*
The slam of the door was more forceful than ever before.
"Xiao Song, you should go back. Lying to your family here is useless. You'd better quickly think of a way to minimize the losses," her mother sighed helplessly, utterly disappointed in her son-in-law.
A sense of powerlessness washed over Song Qiao. No matter how he explained it now, his wife and mother-in-law still saw him as the gambler he used to be.
This even made him doubt himself.
He blamed himself for the sins he committed in his previous life, which made his family treat him like a thief.
This wasn't the right time to clear up misunderstandings. Song Qiao forced himself to calm down and cautiously left his mother-in-law's house.
The next morning, Song Qiao drove to the processing plant to check the recent shipping situation.
According to Lin Jing's report, over twenty department stores in neighboring cities had also proactively partnered with Xiangpiaopiao in recent days.
The daily output volume had long surpassed the initially set targets.
After a moment of consideration, he called Li Lili and instructed her to end the "going out of business sale" promotional tactic.
While this method could achieve remarkable short-term results, it would eventually alienate customers and damage their reputation if prolonged.
Moreover, if this promotion ended sooner, his wife's misunderstanding would surely be cleared up immediately.
As soon as Song Qiao hung up the phone, Old Zhang arrived, out of breath.
"Boss, you're finally here. There's something I need to report to you."
Song Qiao seemed to have anticipated this. He glanced at Old Zhang and asked, "Is the factory's supply speed not keeping up?"
Old Zhang nodded quickly, saying with concern, "Yes, boss. Since Manager Li reached an agreement with those department stores in Lin City, our factory's production tasks have become tense."
"For the past few days, the workers have been on a three-shift rotation and haven't dared to slack off for even a quarter of an hour. Only then can we barely keep up with production."
"And this is still relying on the ample inventory we had in the warehouse a few days ago."
"The workers have been complaining bitterly these past two days. This situation can't go on."
Song Qiao frowned as he listened to Old Zhang's report.
Although he had predicted insufficient factory capacity when he saw the department stores in Lin City joining the collaboration, he hadn't expected the situation to be this serious.
From Old Zhang's words, the processing plant was at risk of product shortages at any moment.
"Old Zhang, the workers have worked hard these past few days. Go to Lin Jing later and get an advance payment to distribute to the workers as overtime compensation for these days."
"I'll figure out the production capacity issue. I'll give you an answer by this afternoon."
Old Zhang was momentarily stunned by Song Qiao's prompt agreement.
He had initially expected the boss to make an excuse and continue to have the workers work overtime to increase production.
He never expected the boss to not only increase the overtime pay but also be so proactive in solving the problem.
This increased his respect for Song Qiao.
He quickly agreed to Song Qiao's arrangements and returned to the workshop to inform his colleagues.
Song Qiao, however, fell into deep thought. Adding more machines and workers would exceed the factory's limited space.
Opening another factory, even with the help of Director Pan and Town Chief Liu, would take a considerable amount of time.
Furthermore, he was severely lacking in management talent. A Wei and Lin Jing were already swamped. Any rash expansion would immediately lead to management chaos.
After pondering in his office for a full half hour, Song Qiao's gaze fell upon the largest tofu factory in the city.
If he could reach a direct cooperation with them, it would significantly reduce his time costs.
With this thought, Song Qiao decided to act immediately. He brought Li Lili to the tofu factory in the west of the city.
Unlike in the past when he was doubted, Xiangpiaopiao Stinky Tofu was now famous. After simply stating his name, the tofu factory's manager, Qin Dazhu, warmly invited him into his office.
"I've heard of Boss Song's name for a long time. It's truly my honor to meet you today," Qin Dazhu said flatteringly as he hospitably poured tea for Song Qiao and Li Lili.
"Manager Qin, you're too kind. I've come to your factory today to discuss a collaboration. I wonder if you're interested?" Song Qiao said politely.
"Oh, collaboration?"
Qin Dazhu's face lit up with excitement. He was well aware of Xiangpiaopiao's current standing in the city. Many tofu factories wanted to cooperate with Song Qiao, to get a piece of this massive business.
However, since Song Qiao had his own processing plant, these factories could do nothing but watch him make money.
"My processing plant's production capacity has been insufficient lately, and I don't want to expand hastily, so..."
Before Song Qiao could finish, the astute Qin Dazhu understood his intention and continued, "So Boss Song is planning for us to process and produce some tofu for you, right?"
Song Qiao nodded slightly and replied, "Manager Qin is correct. And the output I need is very large."
Qin Dazhu was overjoyed again. With his factory's scale, he was confident he could supply whatever large quantity Song Qiao needed.
After a moment's thought, he asked Song Qiao, "There's no problem with collaboration, of course. But what price are you prepared to offer?"
Seeing this, Song Qiao didn't rush to answer. He calmly took a sip of tea and gestured with his eyes to Li Lili.
She quickly took out a prepared contract and fifty thousand yuan in cash from her briefcase.
"Manager Qin, we intend to sign an exclusive contract with you. As long as you can guarantee priority supply to Xiangpiaopiao every day, we will cooperate with you at normal market prices."
Qin Dazhu was unexpectedly ecstatic. He had never imagined that Song Qiao wouldn't try to lower the price based on the large volume.
"If Manager Qin agrees, let's sign the contract. This fifty thousand yuan will serve as a deposit," Song Qiao said calmly.