Zhang Yang saw off Meng Fan, and soon afterward, a few more fishing enthusiasts came to the shop to buy things, chat, and have tea. Just before eleven o'clock, Lao Zhao arrived at the shop in Wang Jun's car.
After spending a lot of time together, Zhang Yang had a pretty good grasp of the brothers' personalities. When they're not fishing, if Lao Zhao asks Wang Jun to drive over, it's usually to find a place to eat and have a drink along the way.
Seeing as it was almost noon, it was clear they came to invite Zhang Yang out for lunch.
As soon as they sat down, Lao Zhao got straight to the point: "I heard from a friend that a pigeon restaurant opened up near Zhao Village, and they have quite a specialty. How about we go try it this lunch!"
Zhang Yang nodded, "Sure, but just to make it clear, it's my treat this time!"
"Come on now, it's just a meal, a few hundred bucks at most. Why be so calculative about it!
Your shop just started and is still in the early stages. Wait until you're making big money. Even if you wanted to skip the bill, we wouldn't agree!"
Lao Zhao waved his hand, indicating he wasn't keen on the idea of Zhang Yang treating.
Zhang Yang laughed and said, "That's not going to work! The new client you and Brother Jun brought in for me yesterday came by this morning!
The first time here, they spent over a thousand yuan, buying a set of bait and some small additives, and took a Master Rod too! He spent more than a thousand yuan!
You guys treat me often, so today let me be the host for once, as a way to return the favor!"
The three of them were chatting leisurely when the Audi with plate number 003 returned.
Meng Fan's face was red from the sun, and sweat was making his hair cling together in strands on his forehead.
But judging from his expression, the guy was very excited.
"Brother Yang, do you have a fishing umbrella in the shop? It's too hot fishing in the daytime, I almost got cooked this morning!"
"Yes, I have 1.8 meters, 2 meters, and 2.2 meters. Different sizes and prices! Which one do you want? By the way, how was the fishing this morning?"
Zhang Yang answered the question about the fishing umbrella and then inquired about the morning's fishing results.
"Don't even mention it; it was so fun! Wait a moment, the fish are in the car; I'll show you!"
Before Zhang Yang could react, Meng Fan rushed out of the shop, grabbed a medium-sized plastic bucket from the back of the Audi.
The bucket wasn't very big, and a circle of red carp tails were sticking out upside down.
It seemed that the carp were head down, tails up, crammed tightly together.
"This morning was a blast! Using the bait and tips you gave me, I caught eight big carp!
Oh, and get me a fish bucket too; this plastic bucket is too small. In case I have a big catch, this thing won't hold it all!"
Catching eight fish with a long rod was indeed quite lucky. After seeing it, Zhang Yang nodded, "Alright, I'll get it for you!
But you should be careful, putting fish like this means they'll likely be dead by the time you get home!"
"No worries! I'm giving them away. As long as they're fresh, it doesn't matter if they're dead!"
When Zhang Yang retrieved the fishing umbrella and fish bucket and placed them on the counter, Meng Fan noticed Lao Zhao and Wang Jun sitting at the tea table.
"Oh, Brother Jun, you're here too! Sorry, with the poor light last night I didn't recognize you earlier!"
Meng Fan quickly greeted Lao Zhao and Wang Jun, pulling out a pack of Zhonghua cigarettes from his pocket and offering them around.
Lao Zhao had a good impression of Meng Fan from last night, accepted a cigarette and joked, "Oh, Zhonghua cigarettes, your taste isn't low!"
"Hehe, these were given to me by others! Just take a pack when going out to get things done! My smoking habit isn't too big."
"You're in such a rush, got things to do after buying? We're picking up Zhang Yang to go eat, join us if you're free? Let's get to know each other properly!" Lao Zhao suggested.
Upon hearing Lao Zhao inviting him for lunch, Meng Fan hesitated for a moment, his face showing a slight conflict as if he wanted to go but had other considerations.
Wang Jun glanced at his expression and chuckled, teasing him, "What's up? Got plans at noon? It's just a simple meal, why the conflicted look!"
Meng Fan scratched his head and honestly said, "I hadn't planned anything, just wanted to take the fish home first!
Honestly, I'd really like to use the lunch to get some tips from you on fishing, but the temperature's so hot, I'm afraid the fish might spoil sitting in the heat all noon!"
Seeing Meng Fan's honesty, even Zhang Yang grinned.
This guy is clever, but he doesn't act slyly like those seasoned folks, which is quite sincere.
"It's no problem; our meal won't be delayed by a bit. You go ahead and take the fish back, come over afterward, we'll wait for you!"
"Alright, just make sure you wait for me. I'll be back soon!"
Taking advantage of Lao Zhao's suggestion, Meng Fan grabbed the fish and fishing umbrella and got in his car, quickly driving off.
Once Meng Fan left, Lao Zhao gave Zhang Yang a cheerful glance.
"That kid, the way he talks and acts really suits my style! Develop him well; he could be a great asset!"
With only the three of them in the room, Zhang Yang didn't hide his actions, replenishing the tea while speaking, "Brother Zhao, you've put a lot of effort for this little business of mine!"
"What are you saying! No need to be so formal with me!" Lao Zhao frowned slightly, feeling a bit unsatisfied with Zhang Yang's formal gratitude.
"Hehe!"
"Just kidding! We're close because we have a common interest. Like a turtle to a green bean, we see eye to eye!
However, compared to other fishing shops that have been around longer, just having us isn't enough; you need more loyal customers!
What are loyal customers? Those who have certain spending power, have principles and can hang out with you, and when needed can lend a hand! That's what real loyal customers are!
You may call me opportunistic, but that's how reality is!
We shouldn't do what Lang Junfeng does, going after every fat chance with short-sightedness; when your client base stabilizes, the opportunities brought by various connections will increase significantly!"
When saying these words, Lao Zhao was very earnest.
From his tone, it was clear that Lao Zhao was sincerely advising Zhang Yang, taking advantage of Meng Fan's visit to the shop.
Zhang Yang nodded and smiled, "I will remember that!"
In fact, even without Lao Zhao's reminders, Zhang Yang, after his experiences in his past life, already had a concrete understanding.
Humans are social animals, and the distribution of various social resources has never been equal. Getting more means maximizing the use of relationships and all kinds of soft and hard strengths.
Being realistic with boundaries and depth is a mark of a more mature individual.
...
About forty minutes later, Meng Fan drove back to the shop.
He hadn't changed his clothes, but the car had changed to a white Audi A4 private car. After being in the air conditioning for so long, the sweat on his face had dried, and he looked much cooler.
"Brother Zhao, Brother Jun, Brother Yang! I'm back, not too late, am I? Where are we headed?"
"Not late at all, it's the perfect time to eat! I've already booked a table, pigeon at Zhao Village. Just follow my car!
Do you drink? If you do, hop in Xiao Jun's car, and we'll bring you along!"
Meng Fan shook his head, "I can't drink during the day. If something comes up, it would be troublesome to drive! I'll drive myself!"
"Alright, Zhang Yang, lock up and hop in the car, let's go!" Lao Zhao called out, getting up from his seat and heading towards the car outside.
Soon, Zhang Yang locked the door, got into Wang Jun's car, and the two cars drove in the direction of Zhao Village.