"Zhao, what are you busy with? Do you have time to come to the shop? I want to discuss something with you!"
"I'm sneakily fishing at Joyful Forest, yesterday's fishing wasn't good, but today we've got over ten bites. The catch is pretty good, I got off the dock by nine!
Do we need to meet for this talk? Can't we discuss it over the phone?"
"It's better if you come in person! It's important, but there's no rush!"
"Alright, I'll pack up and head back, I'll be at the shop within an hour. Make sure there's some hot water ready, I've been out in the sun all morning and I'm thirsty!"
"Sure thing!"
At exactly 10:55, Zhao Bingguang's CR-V stopped in front of Zhang Yang's store.
Old Zhao walked in wearing a sun-protection jacket and with a cigarette in his mouth, looking relaxed and in a pretty good mood.
"What kind of crazy idea do you have now that you can't even say over the phone?"
Old Zhao casually pulled out a chair and sat down, pouring himself a cup of hot tea without hesitation.
Zhang Yang organized his thoughts and said very solemnly, "I'm planning to start a fishing gear company and I want you as a partner!"
"A fishing gear company? Didn't I help you register it recently? Why bring me in as a partner? If you need money, I can lend you some, but I'm not really interested in starting a business together!"
Old Zhao was a bit confused after hearing Zhang Yang's words, not quite following his train of thought.
Zhang Yang shook his head, "I'm not short of money right now! What I lack is people, specifically a trustworthy partner who can take charge!
Lately, in the past half a month, I've expanded the online business on the fishing forum and the results have far exceeded my expectations..."
Not hiding anything, Zhang Yang laid out the recent sales revenue and his development ideas to Zhao Bingguang selectively.
At first, Old Zhao didn't take it seriously, but the more he listened, the more serious his expression became, even forgetting about the tea he had just poured.
After Zhang Yang finished, Old Zhao thought for a moment and summarized, "You're planning to set up a team to create fishing video content, and then leverage online traffic to sell products?"
As expected from someone who has seen the world, Old Zhao accurately captured the essence of Zhang Yang's plan with just one sentence.
Zhang Yang nodded, "Exactly! Through the recent collaboration with the forum, I realized that other peers' content output is very limited, and we have a comparative advantage in fishing techniques!
The quality of our products is not an issue, selling them isn't difficult! And as we proceed, it'll only get easier as the momentum builds up!"
"Why me? We can speak candidly; partnerships are risky, and not many end well! You know me, I'm not exactly short of money!" Zhao Bingguang continued to ask.
Zhang Yang grinned, "It's precisely because partnerships are difficult that finding the right partner is crucial!
Not being short of money is one thing, but if you can do what you love and make money at the same time, why not?
Right now, the fishing sport in our country seems very undeveloped to me, there's enormous growth potential!
Imagine ten years from now, you're the CEO of a well-known fishing gear company,
when you need to launch new products, you have professional talent under you to develop the most advanced rods and gear, and you can be the first to try them!
To promote a market or advertise a brand, you can organize national competitions on a whim...
We could even start a fishing club, cultivating a bunch of top fishermen and compete in major fishing events everywhere.
Your team could include Fishing Kings or Special-level Competitive Fishing Masters, you pay them wages, and they call you Boss..."
Following Zhang Yang's line of thought, Zhao Bingguang indeed began to feel a subtle sense of uncontrollable excitement.
Fishing was his passion, and starting a business related to it sounded pretty appealing the way Zhang Yang described it.
"Damn, are you trying to coax me into this?" Zhao Bingguang took a sip of tea and forcibly dismissed those fanciful images from his mind.
Zhang Yang shook his head with a smile, "How could this be considered coaxing! I'm confident that in less than ten years, this will all become a reality!
Take Ma Yuhua, for example, a renowned figure, says her store's honor certificates can't even fit in the display, but even she falters against me! Just tell me, isn't our fishing field dominance impressive?
By then, I'll take care of the outside business, you handle the internal affairs, and together we'll make the company thrive, the potential is great!"
"I need to go back and discuss this with your sister-in-law!" Zhao Bingguang didn't readily agree.
"Sure! I'll wait for your good news!"
"You know what? I don't know how you think so far ahead at barely over twenty! Honestly, without me, you could still do all these things!" Old Zhao commented emotionally.
"Age doesn't mean anything; some people reach eighty and still haven't figured things out!
While I might be able to manage without you at the start-up phase, what about when the business reaches a certain scale? Do I continue alone?
Right now, I'm producing bait at home and even using a mixer! The efficiency is way higher than when I painstakingly mix bait at the shop!
The wisdom in doing big things lies in development and leveraging the power of a team!"
Zhao Bingguang was left speechless.
...
After a candid conversation, it was mealtime, so Zhang Yang and Old Zhao stepped out to find a place on the street to grab a bite at a small local eatery. After eating and drinking their fill, Old Zhao said goodbye and drove off.
Zhang Yang watched the silhouette of Old Zhao's car thoughtfully.
Knowing Old Zhao as he did, Zhang Yang felt that the invitation to the partnership would probably entice him!
...
What Zhang Yang didn't know is that on the drive home, Zhao Bingguang was already mulling over Zhang Yang's partnership proposal.
From their first interaction, this young man had always struck Old Zhao as different from others.
Without even considering his fishing skills, Old Zhao had given him high praise for his approach to life and business acumen.
It's been five years since Zhao Bingguang decided to sell off his small commodity market business.
During these five years, Old Zhao had been living a relaxed, almost carefree life, going fishing when the weather was right and playing cards during the off-season.
The substantial rental income every year more than covered their daughter's tuition, household expenses, and daily living costs, which gave him the confidence to lead a life of near financial freedom.
But is this lifestyle really his ultimate pursuit?
His mindset has significantly changed from five years ago to now.
What about five years from now? Ten years from now? Would he regret living life like a rent-collecting parasite, achieving nothing more than consuming rental income?
The power of time is truly terrifying.
During their conversation at the shop, Zhang Yang had painted many possibilities; he didn't know which sentence had silently dropped a pebble into Zhao Bingguang's heart, causing a ripple in the previously calm waters.
When he parked the car and returned home, he was still slightly hesitant, but after talking it over with his wife, he gained her full support.
"Old Zhao, actually, watching you leisurely drifting around every day makes me feel a bit uneasy.
We're just over forty; it's when we have the most energy and strength. We don't have high educational qualifications or strong social connections. What we have is the hard work and a bit of luck from earlier years that built our modest foundation.
If we just seek enjoyment, without improving our survival skills, in another three to five years, the little we know will be outdated by society! If, heaven forbid, something happens to our assets, we'd lose our basis for living! What then?
This situation you've mentioned seems plausible to me! If you decide to do it, I support you!"
Seeing his wife's determined eyes, Zhao Bingguang gritted his teeth and decided to go for it!
That afternoon, Old Zhao called Zhang Yang back, agreeing to join the venture, although the share ratio, investment amount, and cooperation details would still require further discussion.
Seeing Old Zhao agree to join, Zhang Yang was also very happy, as the framework for the team was set.
The next day, Old Zhao visited Zhang Yang's shop again, and after a series of thorough discussions, they concluded with Old Zhao investing a hundred thousand, getting 30% of the company's shares.
Once the company team was set up, Old Zhao would serve as the company's general manager, responsible for recruiting staff, daily operations, and management matters.
Meanwhile, Zhang Yang would take charge of product research and development, production, setting the company's direction, and subsequent promotion work.
After completing a series of registration changes and procedures, Zhang Yang was no longer a lone ranger; team building had taken its biggest step forward.