It was truly a case of searching high and low for something, only to find it effortlessly. Upon hearing the news, Chen Sancang couldn't have been happier; this was precisely what was meant by "wishes coming true."
While he was out for a drink and to meet a girl, a lead emerged. Who else but himself could have achieved this level of efficiency? It was no wonder Chen Zhilong valued him so highly; he was a genius!
Chen Sancang slapped Natasha's backside forcefully. "Beautiful, do you have any plans tonight? My treat. I have money, a lot of money."
Natasha's eyes lit up at this. This was the best scenario; wealthy people were the most charming. She decided to see what the night held.
Let this Chinese man know what it meant to forget about returning home.
His subordinates gave Chen Sancang a thumbs-up, acknowledging him as their boss. He had secured the first "conquest" abroad, and it seemed the rest of them needed to step up their game.
They had to uphold China's prestige abroad and not let foreigners look down on Chinese men.
...
After a period of exertion, Chen Sancang felt refreshed and clear-minded. The next step was to claim credit from Chen Zhilong.
"Brother Long, I've found a way to connect with Tofski. We can even make another fortune. He's in urgent need of cotton-padded clothes. Let's send two trainloads from China. We can earn some foreign exchange when we sell them. What do you think?"
Chen Zhilong was very pleased with Chen Sancang's news. Being able to accomplish tasks and make money was truly excellent.
"Alright, I'll arrange the cotton-padded clothes for you. Don't forget our main objective. Making money is a minor matter; there will be plenty of opportunities for that later," Chen Zhilong cautioned Chen Sancang.
He didn't lack opportunities to make money. Was he short on cash? He was short on *big* money. These small gains were nothing.
It seemed Chen Sancang had done well. Chen Zhilong was already eager.
It was just cotton-padded clothes, after all. That was easy. He'd arrange a trainload directly and see how much foreign exchange Sancang could bring back.
It felt good to be in control of the situation, like hunting rabbits while stirring up the grass. Chen Zhilong chuckled.
Meanwhile, Chen Sancang, after great effort and considerable expense, finally managed to meet Tofski.
"Tofski, I've heard of your reputation back in China. The chocolates you produce are very popular there. I'd like to import a batch," Chen Sancang decided to import a small batch first to win Tofski's trust.
"That can be arranged. However, since it's our first collaboration, it will be cash on delivery," Tofski said indifferently.
This Chinese man had gone to such lengths to find him; he must have an ulterior motive. Tofski had to be cautious. Not all Chinese people were as reliable as Zhang Tianxing.
However, considering he was Chinese, Tofski decided to give him a chance.
Chen Sancang was dumbfounded by this answer. Cash on delivery? How was he supposed to manage that? He'd have to discuss it with Chen Zhilong.
You couldn't catch a thief without sacrificing a lamb. He'd have to invest; otherwise, he couldn't gain Tofski's trust. He needed to stake more.
"It's like this, Mr. Tofski. We have a batch of goods arriving soon. I wonder if you'd be interested," Chen Sancang said with a fawning smile.
"What goods? Tell me about it," Tofski showed a flicker of interest.
"Cotton coats, high-quality cotton coats!"
"Alright, when the cotton coats arrive, bring me a sample to see," Tofski's interest was piqued. This was peak season for selling cotton coats, and Chinese cotton coats were very popular here.
Thinking this, Tofski gave Chen Sancang an assurance: "If your goods satisfy me, other matters can be discussed."
It seemed the fish was taking the bait. Chen Sancang smiled; it was time for his performance.
He would then take as much of the goods as possible and use these worthless shares to mortgage with Tofski.
Just as Chen Sancang was feeling pleased, Tofski said, "Let's make some things clear beforehand. We conduct cash transactions only, no credit."
This news came too suddenly, and Chen Sancang's expression turned extremely grim.
However, he forced a smile and said, "Of course. That's the most basic requirement."
This "white Russian" had his own methods, Chen Sancang fretted. For now, he needed to get Tofski's cotton coats.
He had to play the long game, Chen Sancang consoled himself.
Since things had come to this, he would first report the good news to Chen Zhilong. Bad news was out of the question.
He would simply say that things were proceeding steadily and in an orderly fashion, that the plan was going perfectly.
Chen Zhilong was overjoyed upon hearing the news and immediately promised, "Sancang, keep up the good work, and you'll live like royalty later!"
With the situation progressing smoothly and Chen Zhilong's guarantee, Chen Sancang was so excited he jumped for joy.
This trip to Russia had been truly fantastic.
He had the company of beautiful women and stacks of money flying his way. What more could one ask for in a happy life?
When the trainload of cotton coats promised by Chen Zhilong arrived, Chen Sancang became the most sought-after merchant in Russia.
There was no choice; he had so many cotton coats, which were practically hard currency.
"My dear Chen, here is the deposit. Your goods are most satisfactory." Such voices were heard everywhere; Chen Sancang's ears were growing calloused.
However, something felt amiss. Chen Sancang suddenly remembered their original purpose for coming here.
They were supposed to connect with Tofski. Who would have thought that his subordinates, upon hearing the high prices offered by these Russian merchants, would be swayed?
They had no principles, completely forgetting their original intention.
Chen Sancang stomped out angrily. Seeing his subordinate vigorously selling cotton coats, he delivered a slap to the subordinate's head.
He knocked the subordinate unconscious with a single blow.
"Brother San, why are you hitting me? I'm conducting legitimate business. Look, this Russian is very satisfied with our cotton coats. He'll give us a good price," the subordinate said aggrievedly.
Wasn't he working so hard just so they could live a more comfortable life? Why was Brother San hitting him?
At that moment, Chen Sancang wished he could stab this subordinate to death. Damn it, had he forgotten their original purpose? Had they traveled so far just to make money?
He went up and gave the subordinate a forceful slap, shouting furiously.
"Useless! Can Brother Long lack such a paltry sum of money? Is Brother Long someone who lacks money?"
The subordinate suddenly understood. He still had to rely on Brother San. If not for Brother San, selling this batch of goods would earn him money, but it would delay Brother Long's grand plan.
When they returned, Brother Long would surely teach him a lesson.
He could only blame the high proof of the vodka here and the enthusiastic local girls, which had emptied his mind and his wallet.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have been in such a hurry to sell these goods and divide the money. Damn it, they were here to be benefactors, not to make money!
Fortunately, Brother San's slap had woken him up. He would properly toast Brother San with a few drinks tonight.