83 Helping Each Other (1/2)
Chapter 83: Helping Each Other
Translator: _Min_Editor: Rundi
Jiang Chen was fascinated by the opportunity.
But if the crystals do appreciate, then there would be another problem.
”Crystals will appreciate in value. So you are saying I need to lower the price of the food to expand the market?” Jiang Chen curled up the corners of his month. After all this explanation, Zhao Chenwu still had the intention to lower the price of food.
”Ahem, that’s precisely the case. But please believe me that after we increase sales, the food trade will bring more profit for your company. Before there would be only one thousand people willing to purchase goods, now in less than a month, it will turn into one thousand people. When the basic survival needs are met, people will start to strive for a higher quality of life. Additionally, if we can capture the market, you can also expand your production capability.” Zhao Chenwu locked onto Jiang Chen’s eyes.
Umm, okay, Jiang Chen felt awkward.
In theory, if the production base expanded because of economies of scale, the cost would go down. In his case, however, since all the food was transported from the modern world, the cost would be less than 0.1 of a crystal per canned food.
Reducing the price to increase sales volume seemed to fit the goal of the ”headquarter.”
If the price remained the same, food sales would still increase by a small amount, but the potential profit would be nowhere close to voluntarily lowering the price to attract more sales.
”Oh? This is not a bad idea, I have permission to adjust the price on behalf of the company. You do have to understand however that there is still the cost to transport and produce the food. If the profit margin here is too low, there is no purpose for me to continue to establish a supply station here.” He still had the pretend in case this guy constantly asks him to lower the price due to Jiang Chen accepting this initial proposal too easily.
Zhao Chenwu thought it was disrespectful to ask about the other party’s costs. But if he doesn’t know Fishbone Food Corporation’s production cost, it was hard for him to give a reasonable estimate. He only ”guessed” that the expanded production would decrease cost, but he didn’t know how much it would go down by.
”The meat cans with an average price of 10, fruit can 20, the compressed cracker maintains the one crystal price, and instant noodle 3. The appreciation of crystals along with the higher purchasing power from the Sixth Street, you won’t lose a whole lot.’
”That’s a 1/3 discount? Mr. Zhao is certainly giving me a difficult scenario.” Jiang Chen had an enigmatic smile. ”Purchasing power of the Sixth Street? Then I would be making a loss if I transport the crystals back to the headquarter.”
On paper, he only has a supply station here. So, he must stay consistent with the story. The appreciation of crystals was only relative, other than a few things that could not be produced, all other goods would not be any different. If crystals were not traded for goods, then this thing would only be a convenient time travel ticket.
”Ahem, the crystal’s appreciation is relative. How about the firearms and construction materials also are reduced by 1/3? This is pretty close to my cost. Also, isn’t your company interested in our technology? Perhaps in this area, we can partner up. It would be best to avoid paying with crystals as this will be the best way to maximize our gain. If I manage to acquire more control within the Sixth Street through this opportunity, I trust that the equipment not permissible to be sold could have workarounds.” Zhao Chenwu made his point as his eyes flashed
”Not bad. Interesting proposal.” A smile appeared on his face as both parties reached an agreement.
Since this is the case, Jiang Chen brought everything to the table.
”M2 Engine design blueprint, our quote is forty thousand crystals, 1-10 kg bomb production bed blueprint, the quote is ninety thousand crystals. Model 50 electromagnetic pulse cannon, the quote is one hundred and ten thousand crystals. I believe that this technology, common in Wanghai City, is not too difficult for Mr. Zhao right?”
These were sensitive military technologies so they would not be stored in public libraries. The only method to obtain the technology was through purchasing. Sun Jiao estimated the quote based on the benchmark in Liuding Town.
Regardless if they have the capabilities to produce the equipment, it was imperative to obtain the technology first, and then slowly digest it.
”Of course not.” Zhao Chenwu laughed, the price was reasonable.
Although the Sixth Street prohibited the sale of heavy weapons, the technology aspect was not prohibited to the same extent. A thumb-sized USB could copy all the information and blueprints. How difficult would it be to stop it?
Of course, Zhao Chenwu would not offer the self-developed technology after the war. Just like how he never asked Jiang Chen for the food production technology.
The advancement in technology did not cease after the apocalypse. The well-fed scientists in each survival base all served a purpose. Due to the lack of free flow information, poor survival condition, the difference between the inherited technology, everyone’s technology tree was a bit different from the other.
Take the Sixth Street, for example. The self-developed T-3 power armor’s combat power even exceeded pre-war levels. However, on the development of airplanes, their progress was close to null. It was a completely different case for Liuding Town but similar to other survival bases.
”As to the trade amount, if you could manage to absorb it, I’ll sell a bit more to you? Let’s aim for a quote of seven hundred thousand crystals now based on the new price. It would be for October and November. I think with more supplies, Mr. Zhao could have an easier time expanding the market?” Jiang Chen laughed.
Six times the usual trade amount?
Suddenly, Zhao Chenwu’s breath shortened. However, for being a man of power, he quickly recollected himself and remained calm.
He shrugged as Zhao Chenwu said cheerful, ”Since my partner has already shown so much good faith, if I don’t do anything, it would be inconsiderate.”
[It’s here, I have been waiting for those words.] Jiang Chen’s mouth curled up.
”That’s what I think too. So to make sure I can move the seven hundred thousand crystals worth of supplies here, I need your help.”
Zhao Chenwu was surprised.
”If your transportation team could move the goods over such a distance, could you not solve a simple problem like this?” It was hard for Zhao Chenwu to believe.
He knew that there was a source near the Fishbone Base, but because of the distance, it would not pose any threats to the Sixth Street. The neutral area was not a philanthropical society as they had no reason to send out a force to clear out the problem.
”Transportation and combat are two different things. We have the technology to move the goods there, but moving it in would have to depend on me.”
Airdrop? Flying carriers? It didn’t matter how much Zhao Chenwu guessed as Jiang Chen wouldn’t say a word.
He opened his palms as he continued to use his acting as he bullsh*ted, ”I think you know how many crystals I put into this supply station since I bought everything from you. If I couldn’t even handle a small problem like this if you were my boss would you want me to stay here? Or, would you switch to another base that would be easier to transport goods, as it would be the more efficient process, wouldn’t it? So, for us to continue our partnership, you’ll have to help me out.”