Chapter 365 - 366: Investigating the Zhuang Family

Chapter 365: Chapter 366: Investigating the Zhuang Family

’So that’s how it is!’

Li Yang frowned. "So, what’s your proposal?"

"Two options..." Su Yunmeng began, her tone serious. "First, we go the high-end route right from the start. We burn through cash on advertising and build a ton of hype. Our product is genuinely good, so it’s very possible that after spending all that money, we’ll suddenly take off. But by the same token, that approach could provoke a fierce backlash from our competitors."

"The second option is to take it step by step. We don’t have that much money to invest right now anyway. We could partner with a few shops, get our products on their shelves, and build our reputation through word-of-mouth. The upside is that it doesn’t cost as much and it’s more low-key. The downside is that recouping our investment will be very slow... it might take a year or two, and even that’s not guaranteed."

"I think the second option is better!" Aunt Rong chimed in before Li Yang could speak. "Right now, we can’t get a large supply of raw materials that quickly, and the same goes for our production line. If we go with the first option, I’m worried we’ll run into problems. If our production capacity can’t keep up, all the money we spent on advertising will be a complete waste."

Li Yang raised an eyebrow.

Su Yunmeng said nothing.

After a moment of thought, Li Yang added, "Aunt Rong has a point. Why don’t we hold off on the big launch for now? We can find a place to sell the product and test the waters. Since we don’t have the money for a huge investment anyway, let’s just take it slow."

Su Yunmeng hesitated for a moment before finally agreeing with Li Yang. "Alright, we’ll do it your way. The risk won’t be as great."

Li Yang smiled. "Exactly. Oh, by the way, why don’t we start by running an ad on my show?"

Su Yunmeng thought for a moment. "An ad... we could do that, but the results might not be great. The purchasing power in Ruizhou is limited; it’s not a big city, after all. If we could get into the Zhangzhou market, that would be a different story."

Zhangzhou was the largest city in their region, practically the foremost city in the southern part of the province. Its economy was more developed, and it naturally had far greater purchasing power than their current location.

"Then why don’t we try running some ads over there?" Li Yang asked.

"We’re already in contact with some people in Zhangzhou..." Su Yunmeng said with a smile. "We’re preparing to open a store there. The advertising can come later."

Li Yang nodded.

’With Su Yunmeng here taking care of everything, I can afford to slack off a bit.’

With that matter settled, there was nothing else to discuss, so Li Yang soon prepared to leave.

However, Zhang Rong personally saw him out. It wasn’t until Li Yang was in his car that she said, "It’s a good thing you spoke up and stopped her this time. Otherwise, she might have taken out a loan just to throw money at this."

Li Yang was taken aback for a second. But based on Su Yunmeng’s expression earlier, she really had wanted to go big.

"We’re still too weak right now. If we jump into the spotlight all at once, they definitely won’t let us off the hook..." Zhang Rong said, her voice laced with worry. "Yun Meng doesn’t say it, but I know what she’s thinking. She wants to get revenge for me... Sigh. It’s a good thing she still listens to you."

Li Yang nodded. "Alright, I get it. Don’t worry, I’ll keep a good eye on her."

"Don’t just say that!" Zhang Rong said with some dissatisfaction. "You’re always running around all over the place; I can never find you. And you still say you’ll watch her? I bet you’re off watching other women."

Li Yang sounded a little exasperated. "Aunt Rong, I’m very busy too. You keep an eye on her when you have time, and just let me know if anything comes up."

"Alright, alright..." Zhang Rong waved her hand dismissively. "Go on."

Li Yang let out a sigh and finally drove away.

As he drove back to the village, Li Yang was still thinking about what Aunt Rong had told him.

’Zhuang Dong?’

Ever since Aunt Rong had told him about those events from the past, Li Yang had etched the name firmly in his mind.

’The Zhuang Family?’

He had been to the provincial capital once, but he still didn’t know much about its affairs. After some thought, he gave Wen Ru a call.

"Mr. Li!" Wen Ru answered the call almost immediately.

"Miss Wen..." Li Yang began, "I’d like you to look into someone for me. His name is Zhuang Dong. He should be from the Zhuang Family in the provincial capital. He’s fairly well-known, so you might have heard of him."

"I know him!" Wen Ru replied after a moment of surprise. "From the Zhuang Family, right? That Zhuang Dong is quite famous. What’s going on?"

"For now, just keep an eye on him and gather some information for me," Li Yang said after a moment’s thought. "You don’t need to worry about the rest."

Wen Ru thought for a moment, then nodded. "Alright."

After hanging up, Li Yang still felt a little uneasy.

’Aunt Rong’s worries are completely justified. If the Zhuang Family finds out that Su Yunmeng is trying to make a comeback, they definitely won’t let her have an easy time of it.’

’Right now, Su Yunmeng wants to build up her strength, but she’s also afraid of the Zhuang Family finding out.’

’She’s caught in a dilemma.’

’After thinking it over, it looks like I’ll have to be the one to solve this problem. Only then can Su Yunmeng focus on her work in peace.’

’That’s right. I have to find some time to resolve this!’