Chapter 373 A Classic Among Classics

He had also figured something out.

The second-hand market. It was a massive, lucrative industry.

First off, there’s refurbishing used goods. That goes without saying; that’s what recycling plants do.

How much can a recycling plant earn?

You might not believe it, but it’s a pretty niche field. Like a livestock veterinarian, it doesn’t look glamorous, but it’s actually a profession where you can make a lot of money.

A rural recycling depot making several thousand to ten thousand a month is completely normal.

If it’s in the city, near a residential complex—the kind you can call for on-site pickups, or even those that handle your trash at a fixed time and place…

Honestly, ten or twenty thousand a month would be considered on the low end.

“The second-hand collection market has similar profit potentials.”

“I’d bet that most people have things they want to sell but lack the channels to do so, so they end up just selling them to recycling plants.”

“If it’s scrap metal or similar items, a recycling plant can make use of its value.”

“But if it’s something the junkyard can’t process, they can only get rid of it at a low price. All that value in between just disappears. It’s such a waste.”

Wang Chao sighed, mulling over that new, still-unrefined idea of his.

“For example, things like figurines or collectible cards. Their value lies more in their significance than their intrinsic worth.”

“So, I want to try creating a dedicated second-hand platform for selling this kind of stuff.”

“It wouldn’t require a huge investment upfront. I could build up some experience and make a little money on the side.”

The corner of Xu Huo’s eye twitched.

‘Is this feasible?’

Feasible. Very feasible.

Flea markets, for instance, came about under these exact circumstances.

But brick-and-mortar businesses are always limited by distance, which constrains the customer base.

If you’re trying to sell something very niche in a small area, it’s hard to find a buyer. But if you provide a nationwide platform, it becomes much easier, and even less of a hassle.

“What about logistics?”

Xu Huo suddenly spoke up, trying to get the other man to consider things more carefully.

“The two most important aspects of online shopping are electronic currency and logistics. I’m not worried about official support for e-currency, but as for logistics… I’m still thinking about that.”

Wang Chao wracked his brains but couldn’t figure out the specifics of how to pull it off.

“My current idea is to get a package delivered within three days, typically two. If it’s fast enough, you could place an order last night and have it at your doorstep the next morning!”

“But I don’t have any solid ideas on how to do that yet.”

Xu Huo nodded.

Logistics was a pain, but it wasn’t something to worry about for now. After all, most people were used to deliveries that took many days.

He just needed to ensure the information was updated and that the packages arrived in the right hands without error.

“I have a good feeling about this.”

Xu Huo accepted the phone and offered a casual word of encouragement. He then removed the SIM card from his old phone and put it into the new one.

He tried calling Wang Chao’s phone.

The next second, Wang Chao’s pocket started vibrating.

“Yep. Right now, the most basic apps like the memo pad and the phone function are all working.”

“Later, I’ll configure the camera and any software you need to download.”

Wang Chao explained thoughtfully.

He answered the call, and his voice came through clearly in Xu Huo’s ear.

Xu Huo thought for a moment.

“Does it have a music player?”

“It doesn’t have that function yet,” Wang Chao shook his head.

“Add a basic function for downloading, storing, and playing music. That shouldn’t be too hard.”

“It should also be good for long-term use, like reading novels.”

Xu Huo said after a moment of thought.

‘If you want to be a trendsetter, you have to show something different.’

‘Only by being unique will you attract a following.’

Wang Chao nodded and jotted it down in his notebook.

The two of them talked for quite a while longer.

Finally, Wang Chao spoke up, a bit embarrassed.

“Um…”

“Brother Huo, about my mom’s personality… don’t take it to heart. She’s not actually looking down on people, she just… really admires wealth…”

Xu Huo paused, then looked at him with an amused expression.

‘If I couldn’t read the look in his parents’ eyes, I’d have been a criminal police consultant for nothing.’

He hadn’t detected any real malice, though. At most, it was just dissatisfaction directed at Chao Zi.

So naturally, he wasn’t going to let it bother him.

“You punk… do you really think I’m that thin-skinned?”

Xu Huo said with a laugh.

Proper hospitality… well, maybe not proper hospitality, but just receiving guests.

Normally, they would at least say a few words, offer a glass of water, or maybe some fruit.

But his parents hadn’t.

It was obvious they were pretending not to see him. That kind of behavior almost certainly didn’t stem from any sort of positive feeling; in fact, it was most likely rooted in aversion.

But Xu Huo didn’t care. They were Wang Chao’s parents, not Wang Chao himself.

“That’s not it at all,” Wang Chao said cheerfully.

From the moment the kid had said he didn’t want to go home for the New Year, Xu Huo had started to get a picture of his family life.

A very typical Eastern Country parenting style.

Judging from the looks he’d gotten earlier, you could also add a materialistic streak to their personalities.

Unsurprisingly, Chao Zi’s youth must have been quite miserable.

So much so that he didn’t even want to go back for the New Year…

When he heard his parents were coming, he’d been so anxious he was practically bouncing off the walls at the city police department, scrambling to get some kind of proof.

Most likely, the only thing missing was them nagging him to get married.

But it was a good thing his parents were motivated by money. Otherwise, it would be even more torturous.

After a while, they had said everything that needed to be said.

Chu Linhai had also checked on Wang Chao’s living situation during the New Year holiday. Satisfied that everything was fine, he stood up, also preparing to leave.

“Alright, we won’t disturb you any longer.”

“Hope you all have a great New Year.”

Xu Huo stood up, smiled, and headed for the door.

Then, giving them no chance for small talk or to see him out, Xu Huo closed the door.