Chapter Forty-Five: The Main Store’s Agent

“I wonder, what sort of business is it?”

Yang Cheng began explaining to Zhu Buhuo the current state of household furnishings in the Flowing Cloud Kingdom. Meditation mats, wooden stools, wooden beds, and bamboo beds—so few styles, all plain, not to mention lacking beauty, grandeur, or comfort. While cultivators prioritize their practice, who doesn’t want to live more comfortably? Even those devoted to asceticism can’t guarantee their wives and children would be content with such austerity at home.

Yang Cheng then brought out several fabric blueprints he had commissioned from Old Luo—designs for all sorts of furniture from his previous life: Chinese, Western, European, French, American, Japanese, minimalist styles—wooden chairs, leather sofas, fabric sofas, a variety of soft beds, pillows, and more. He introduced and explained each one in turn.

“In short,” he concluded, “these pieces are beautifully designed, high-end, and prestigious. They’re not only comfortable to use, but also symbols of identity and status. I guarantee the wealthy families will be scrambling to get their hands on them.”

Zhu Buhuo was still dazed, overwhelmed by the variety and novelty of these items. He opened his mouth after a long pause, confusion written all over his face. “Brother Yang, what’s this ‘design’? What’s all this about ‘high-end’? Forgive me, I’m not educated enough to follow. But based on my years of experience, I can imagine these things will definitely sell like crazy! Just tell me how we’re doing it—I’m with you.”

“I plan to price these items high at first, targeting the wealthy and influential. Once production scales up and more people buy them, the prices will naturally come down.”

“My idea is this: you’ll be my exclusive general agent. I’ll handle production, you’ll handle management. For the main store, I’ll take sixty percent of the profit, you forty. Once business takes off, plenty of merchants will come seeking supply. As general agent, you’ll have the right to appoint regional agents and the responsibility to recruit them. Just pick a few solid regional agents and supply them at seventy percent of the retail price, leaving them thirty percent profit. You’ll also get a cut—ten percent—from every shipment they move.”

“These regional agents, in turn, can recruit franchise shops. Whether they supply these shops at eighty or ninety percent of the retail price is up to them. The better they sell, the more you earn.”

“Of course, there will be requirements for regional agents and secondary franchises. They need to have capital—only then can goods move fast. Higher-level agents pay fifty thousand upfront; if they can’t manage that, they’re not qualified. Lower-tier agents pay ten thousand.”

Zhu Buhuo muttered calculations under his breath, his eyes suddenly lighting up. “So, if I choose a few capable regional agents, they’ll definitely use their own networks to quickly open more franchise shops to get the goods moving faster.”

“Exactly,” Yang Cheng confirmed. “But our main store needs a prime location and a large space to properly display the products and match the premium prices. The investment for the store and its renovations will be split between us according to our profit ratio. What do you think, Brother Zhu? Other than putting in some funds up front, all you need to do is lead your people to manage the business, and you get forty percent of the profit.”

Zhu Buhuo did some mental math and gritted his teeth. “Brother Yang, I’m in! This time, let’s make a fortune together.”

Yang Cheng nodded with satisfaction. The matter was settled. He had provided Zhu Buhuo with a rapid expansion model and could trust him to handle things. No matter how many shops ended up selling his furniture, he would always get sixty percent of the profits. The key was that he didn’t have anyone suitable among his own people at the moment—the only one who could be presented in public, Su Yue’e, was already busy beyond measure. If he took charge himself, it would drain too much of his energy and hinder his other plans.

“Let’s agree to open for business in a month. Once you’ve picked a location, just send someone to collect the funds from me. As for the store’s layout, keep it open and spacious for now. When it’s time, I’ll personally supervise the details based on how the furniture is arranged.”

“Good, a month is more than enough.” Zhu Buhuo’s eyes suddenly brightened as he thought of something. “In just over two months, the duel between Bai, the head of the ‘Silver Silk Jade Sword’ clan, and Liu Changqing, the ‘Misty Rain Devil,’ will take place. That will bring representatives from every major sect, clan, and school within hundreds of miles of Wuzhou City to witness the match. It’s the grandest event in decades—a perfect opportunity for business!”

“Normally, people like us would never get a chance to do business with those folks. They rarely come to the city, and we never get to see them. Brother Yang, you’d better stock up plenty of goods this month.”

“No problem. Also, Brother Zhu, think about which influential families you have connections with. Give me a list later, and I’ll arrange for some premium samples to be delivered to you. You can present them as gifts—it’ll help you build relationships and let them know about our wares before we even open.”

“Excellent idea, Brother Yang! Especially since, in these families, the wives and daughters are all fiercely competitive. If they have something novel at home, they’ll be eager to show it off to friends and relatives, which will only boost our reputation.” Zhu Buhuo chuckled.

Once the details were settled, the two men found themselves with some free time. Yang Cheng, recalling the upcoming duel between the two legendary masters, found himself intrigued. He asked, “Brother Zhu, where exactly will this grand duel take place?”

“Normally, duels in the cultivation world are held in the martial arena,” Zhu Buhuo replied. “But those two are of such high status that no one can arrange it for them. Especially Liu Changqing—rumor has it he’s eccentric and elusive. Besides, the arena couldn’t possibly hold the crowds expected. The duel will probably be held in the central plaza, so everyone can watch.”

“Let me tell you, brother, Wuzhou City will be overflowing with people—it’s a golden opportunity for us to do business. The next time something like this comes around will be the cultivation tournament in two years, another grand event when all the major powers, sects, and wandering cultivators send their disciples to participate.”

“Thank you for the reminder, Brother Zhu,” Yang Cheng said. “I’ve never been to the central plaza before, but I’ll make sure to attend the match.”

Zhu Buhuo shook his head. “Brother, you don’t know the situation. Every major clan will be there, and the crowds will be so dense that you won’t even be able to get within several miles—just a sea of people’s backs. But I have a solution. Stick with me, and I’ll make sure we find a good spot.”

Yang Cheng nodded. “Thank you, Brother Zhu—I’ll be relying on you.”

Zhu Buhuo replied, “It’s all thanks to a friend. Merchants like us don’t usually have the status to attend such events, but don’t worry—this friend of mine has some influence.”