Chapter 434 – Xiangning Supermarket
Xu Jinning hadn’t originally wanted to invest, because she knew that even though it was called an investment, her brother didn’t really need financial support. The money he had saved from doing business was more than enough.
The only reason her brother wanted her to invest was so he could share the profits with her later.
But all she had done was offer an idea. She hadn’t actually done any work and would soon be returning to Beijing, so she wouldn’t be able to help much.
Xu Jinning had wanted to decline, but her brother was adamant.
It was as if the supermarket wouldn’t open if she didn’t agree.
What could she do? She had spoiled her elder sister before, so naturally, she would spoil her second brother too. Besides, she knew he genuinely wanted what was best for her.
And so, the supermarket became theirs, a joint venture between her and her second brother.
Since she had now invested, Xu Jinning felt that she couldn’t just sit back and take the profits without contributing.
So, when her brother went to invite merchants to set up shop, she tagged along.
For some reason—perhaps due to her good luck—everything went incredibly smoothly after she got involved.
This morning, the two of them had successfully closed deals with two more businesses.
Xu Xiangbei then took Xu Jinning to eat at the newly opened hotel in town.
The hotel was the government-run Friendship Hotel, something their town hadn’t had before.
In the past, only official clients or guests could stay or dine there. But now, it was open to the public, and ordinary citizens could enter as well.
The first floor had been turned into a restaurant.
Today, Xu Xiangbei brought Xu Jinning to that first-floor restaurant for a meal.
After ordering a few dishes, they began chatting while they waited.
“Brother, although we have to invite merchants to join now, this is only temporary. Once our supermarket opens and businesses see how successful it is, they’ll be lining up to join you,” Xu Jinning said.
“By then, it might be hard to get even one place,” Xu Jinning said.
“Of course, prices can be adjusted, but they should follow the market. We can’t increase them too much or too outrageously.”
“As for the merchants who sign long-term contracts with us now, we can’t raise their prices. We need to stick to the contract.”
“…”
Currently, they were negotiating with merchants to join their supermarket. Since this new business model had never been seen in the area before, merchants’ responses were uncertain. Some were too timid and outright refused to try.
Others were convinced it was worth a shot but only committed to short-term contracts of one year or six months.
There were also a few with a longer-term perspective, who, after seeming to have investigated the Xu family, signed contracts for three years.
Originally, they had hoped to sign for five or even ten years, but Xu Jinning had declined.
She was well aware of how rapidly the country’s development would progress in the coming years. To use an analogy, the country’s development would be like riding a high-speed train, advancing at an astonishing rate.
The market conditions in a few years would be vastly different from those of today.
Therefore, three years was the longest term she was willing to accept.
If the partnership proved successful, they could always extend the contract later.
It was clear that after Xu Jinning’s refusal, the shrewd merchants were somewhat disappointed, but they ultimately signed a three-year contract, with a clause to give priority to renewing the contract with them when the term ended.
“Once most of the merchants have signed on, Second Brother, you can start recruiting employees.”
“You can manage the pricing yourself.”
“When the supermarket opens, we should do some initial publicity. For example, we could have someone design posters and print flyers to let people in the county and surrounding areas know about our supermarket.”
“For the first three days of the supermarket opening, we can offer some discounts, like 10% off for purchases over a certain amount, or 15% off, and so on.”
“We can also plan regular promotions and special events for the supermarket later on.”
“…”
Xu Jinning continued to enthusiastically share ideas, discussing common strategies used in modern supermarkets. To Xu Xiangbei, these ideas were a pleasant surprise.
He was amazed at how resourceful his sister was and how she could come up with so many strategies.
Unconsciously, admiration began to show in Xu Xiangbei’s eyes when he looked at Xu Jinning.
Xu Jinning tried to recall everything she knew to share with her brother, knowing that she would soon be heading back to Beijing. The operation of the supermarket would rely on him.
While she was still here, it was best to offer as many ideas as she could, to justify her share of the profits.
“Oh, and when the fruit in Big Brother’s orchard ripens, we can also sell some of it in the supermarket.”
“And the duck eggs too.”
“Though for fish and ducks, we might need a freezer…”
Currently, the county didn’t have freezers, so the supermarket wouldn’t consider fresh or frozen goods just yet.
“Ningning, aren’t you forgetting something very important?” Xu Xiangbei suddenly interrupted.
“Hmm? What’s that?” Xu Jinning wondered if she had overlooked something crucial.
“Our supermarket needs a name,” Xu Xiangbei reminded her.
Xu Jinning suddenly realized that they needed to come up with a name for the supermarket, which was indeed very important.
“It should be a name that is catchy, easy to remember, and not too complicated,” Xu Jinning said, recalling the names of modern supermarkets. Many of them were not only pleasant but also had good meanings.
But Xu Jinning didn’t want a name like those of modern supermarkets.
“Ningning, I have a name that I think is perfect. Would you like to hear it?” Xu Xiangbei asked with a smile.
“Hmm? What is it?”
“How about… Xiangning Supermarket?”
Xu Jinning’s eyes widened: !!!
Could it be the Xiangning she was thinking of?
Xu Xiangbei eagerly began to explain, “It combines parts of both our names—‘Ning’ from yours and ‘Xiang’ from mine. And ‘Xiangning’ symbolizes a longing for peace and tranquility. Plus, it clearly shows that this supermarket is a joint venture between us siblings. It’s perfect!”
Xu Jinning didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.
Who names a supermarket like that? It didn’t sound like a supermarket name at all, and it made her feel a bit embarrassed.
But seeing her second brother’s excited and enthusiastic expression, it was clear he truly thought this name was great.
“Second Brother, should we consider some other names? I think names like Fujia Supermarket or Wanfu Supermarket… those could work too.”
Xu Jinning quickly suggested several other names, hoping her brother would forget about Xiangning Supermarket.
However…
“Little sister, those names are fine, but I still think Xiangning Supermarket is a great choice.”
“Don’t you like it?”
Seeing her brother’s almost tearful expression at the thought of her disliking his suggestion, Xu Jinning: ……
“Of course I like it. It’s the name you came up with, how could I not like it? Xiangning Supermarket, what a wonderful name.”
