Chapter Fourteen: Opening New Avenues of Wealth

At Yang Qingshan’s home in Fan Gua Lane, ten men were packed tightly inside, alongside nine bundles of goods. Outside the door, three brand-new rickshaws gleamed brightly, never leaving the group’s sight.

“Today marks the twenty-second day of Changjiang Rickshaw Company’s operation. From what we’ve seen so far, the three-shift system is proving very successful.”

“Firstly, everyone running the rickshaws is earning roughly the same salary as before, or even a bit more, since there are no rest breaks here, though the workday is just eight hours.”

“Secondly, Changjiang Rickshaw Company has already made nearly sixty silver dollars, meaning your investments have increased by about ten percent. For example, if you invested twenty silver dollars, your stake is now worth twenty-two.”

“Lastly, our unity grows stronger, and everyone is committed to safeguarding the company’s future.”

As he finished, He Xiangdong led the applause, quickly joined by the others.

It was exciting to realize their assets had increased by ten percent in such a short time.

“All right, if anyone has anything to say, feel free to speak up—after all, we’re all shareholders!”

He Xiangdong was the first to speak again. “Everyone must be especially vigilant lately. Some people with ill intent have been approaching us, trying to gather information. We must all fiercely protect our shared assets—the rickshaws and their licenses.”

The group was taken aback; they hadn’t realized there was such intrigue involved.

“Who’s spying on us?”

“It seems to be the Wang Family Rickshaw Company. They’ve asked me many questions, but I haven’t revealed anything.”

“I’ve been questioned too—they’re clearly jealous of us.”

“Don’t even think about destroying our company; I’ll be the first to stop them.”

Seeing everyone united in purpose, Chen Guangliang nodded approvingly. “No need to be overly anxious; we’re running a legitimate business. But of course, we must remain cautious, especially with the rickshaws—never give anyone an opening.”

“Yes, Manager Chen.”

Chen then produced another bundle. “This is our merchandise bag, designed to hang from the rickshaw’s handle. Inside are cigarettes, matches, cola, and snacks from Guanshengyuan. Each bag contains three silver dollars’ worth of goods. I already went over the sales pitch last week, but I’ll review it again today...”

Each week, he personally trained his team.

This not only enhanced their sales skills but also strengthened their unity.

Since everyone was a shareholder, there was naturally no room for complaints.

“All right, this is roughly how you pitch the products. I’ll review it weekly, so feel free to ask questions. Also, the merchandise bag costs three silver dollars, and the price list is inside. I’ll explain that separately...”

---

“Additionally, you need to pay me the three silver dollars within one week. When you need to restock, come directly to me and pay on the spot... As for your sales commission, it will be settled quarterly. Rest assured, you won’t be selling for free...”

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Some even volunteered that since they were shareholders, splitting commissions seemed unnecessary—selling could just be a casual matter.

Nonetheless, Chen Guangliang decided to award commissions quarterly as incentives.

The process was simple: the total goods each person purchased at original price would be multiplied by a 20% profit margin, then by a 30% commission rate to determine their bonus.

This meant that for ten silver dollars’ worth of sales, the commission would be six dimes.

The meeting lasted only half an hour, split evenly between two shifts. Soon, everyone took their merchandise bags and returned to work.

After the meeting, Li Chao said, “Brother Chen, you’re managing the company and developing product sales. I think you should stop pulling rickshaws yourself and instead draw a salary from Changjiang Rickshaw Company. Managing is more important.”

In Li Chao’s view, even without bank loans, the company could quickly buy new rickshaws (even low-quality ones), and with merchandise income, Changjiang Rickshaw Company’s monthly profit could easily surpass one hundred silver dollars.

Given that, having Chen Guangliang focus exclusively on management was inevitable.

Chen nodded. “I plan to continue pulling rickshaws for a month, then find someone to replace me so I can manage full-time. As for salary, how about ten silver dollars a month? Once our assets double, I’d like a raise.”

“No problem. You manage full-time, and we’ll feel more secure.”

“All right. We’ll make it official after one month.”

Regarding the merchandise, aside from the nine bags each worth three silver dollars, Chen stored the remaining goods valued at over twenty silver dollars in a locked wooden box at second uncle Yang Qingshan’s house.

That house was always occupied—after all, there was a nine-year-old cousin living there.

To be honest, Changjiang Rickshaw Company needed a proper base.

Chen hoped to find a place for rent in Fan Gua Lane later on, where they could build a simple courtyard and structure.

---

Zhang Qihua invited his close friend Li Shoumin out for tea.

Li Shoumin was the deputy manager of business at Shanghai Savings Bank, one of the three major private banks in the city, making him a mid-to-high-level executive.

Zhang Qihua and Li Shoumin had been lifelong friends and had a very good relationship.

“Shoumin, I recently met an interesting friend.”

“What kind of friend?”

Zhang spoke earnestly. “A fascinating one. He’s just over seventeen but already co-owns three rickshaws. The key is, he started from nothing.”

Li was indifferent. “Shanghai’s waterfront is a mixed bag; anyone can get lucky. But I’m curious—how did you meet a rickshaw puller?”

“I’m planning to write a novel called ‘Rickshaw Boy,’ and the protagonist is a rickshaw puller. I want to gather authentic information, and he’s the friend I met.”

“I see. What makes you think this guy is impressive enough to befriend our esteemed professor?”

Having achieved his goal, Zhang began introducing Chen Guangliang.

“...I think his business sense is quite compelling. He invited every rickshaw puller to be a shareholder, showing he knows how to win hearts. He even brought a traffic department employee into the partnership, which shows good networking skills... The key is, he truly started from scratch, coming to Shanghai at thirteen to seek his fortune.”

Since it was casual conversation, Li Shoumin agreed. “Shanghai is unpredictable; many tycoons rise in an instant. Owning three rickshaws and licenses is a good start—he’s young and has potential.”

Zhang then said, “Exactly. He’s looking for bank support to expand. That’s why I wanted to introduce him to you.”

Li was momentarily surprised, then smiled. “You’re as enthusiastic as ever.”

Zhang replied, “I plan to join the rickshaw pullers for a month to do research, so I consider him a friend. It’s settled then—you meet him. Whether it works out is up to you.”

Li was nonchalant. “If he owns three rickshaws and licenses, he might qualify for a loan. I can meet him, but such matters are usually handled by my staff. If he qualifies, I’ll approve the loan.”

“Thank you!”

“No need to thank me—it’s just a routine matter.”

Without Zhang Qihua’s recommendation, Li Shoumin wouldn’t even meet Chen Guangliang, and even if he met the criteria, a loan would be unlikely.

The reason was simple: the business was too small-scale.