Chapter 140: Good Goods Are Rare, Yun Qian’s Main Battlefield

Back to 1993 Half Past Nine 3104 words 2026-04-01 07:32:03

After confirming that Ji Heng had finished class, Zhang Tianfeng immediately sprang into action.

He deployed a team of sales experts who had been thoroughly prepared and trained to the Canton Fair, while all freight routes were set up overnight.

The next morning, Zhang Tianfeng woke up and leisurely drove toward Deep City.

“Boss Tang, do you have any decent cars available for immediate pickup?” Zhang casually asked during the ride.

He was too lazy to buy a car himself. Had it not been for Ding Yan’s arrival, Zhang might still be relying on Gao Ran’s outdated phone.

“There are plenty of options—domestic, foreign, casual, business, even cargo vehicles. I can get you anything,” Tang Tianxiong replied.

“Just a Crown, something with decent specs.”

In recent years, Zhang Tianfeng preferred to keep a low profile, so a simple car for commuting was enough.

“Alright, I’ll call my friend right now. Hang tight, Boss Xiao Zhang.”

Within three minutes, Tang received a precise response.

“There’s one—a fully loaded black Crown. If you don’t want to change the color, it can be delivered this afternoon. Otherwise, it’ll take a day or two.”

“Keep it as is. How do we settle the deal?”

“Boss Xiao Zhang, you’re really flattering me. Consider it a gift.”

The last deal had gone south, and Tang still felt uneasy. Even though he later obtained Alex James’s information, it didn’t make up for the earlier mistake, leaving Zhang Tianfeng somewhat distrustful of him.

If he didn’t step up now, Tang worried he might be kicked off the team.

He didn’t want to leave; earning money was tough, and having a reliable ally was invaluable.

“That’s too kind—I insist on paying.”

“We’re friends. This one’s on me. No favors expected. If you mess up later, you’ll be punished, no need for formalities.”

“Alright then, I won’t refuse. You’re about ten years older; just call me Xiao Zhang from now on.”

Tang smiled, finally feeling the bond strengthen. That tens of thousands weren’t wasted.

An hour later, the car arrived at the Canton Fair.

Their booth was exactly where Xu Kuangdao and his team had occupied before—a prime spot right at the east gate entrance, where three streets converged.

Approaching the booth, Zhang saw Alex already there, holding several toys, playing with them while asking questions.

The translator hired by Blue Side Toy Factory was flushed and struggling to interpret Alex’s queries for the staff.

“Wow, Zhang, you finally made it,” Alex exclaimed, dropping the toys. “I’ve thought it over all night and believe our cooperation should deepen.”

“Let’s talk inside. You all keep busy.”

Leading Alex to an air-conditioned meeting room, the man looked thrilled.

“You wouldn’t believe how excited my friends were when they found out about your invention.”

“That toy wasn’t invented by me; I’m just a salesman.”

“Doesn’t matter—I’m only interested in working with you.”

Alex hurriedly pulled a folder from his briefcase and slid a contract across the table.

“Here’s the draft agreement. Take a look, and we can negotiate any issues.”

Zhang glanced down and immediately spotted major problems. The further he read, the angrier he grew.

The contract had numerous flaws, the worst being an exclusive agency clause.

Alex demanded exclusive sales rights for all Blue Side Toy Factory products in the U.S.

He wouldn’t pay a cent more for this privilege—essentially freeloading off the deal.

Worse, if counterfeit products appeared in the U.S., Alex could hold Blue Side Toy Factory liable.

Damn it—they truly harbored ill will toward outsiders.

Asking for exclusivity without compensation, yet leeching off their efforts.

Zhang pushed the contract forward with a stern expression.

“Mr. James, to put it plainly, this contract is a bit exploitative.”

“Mr. Zhang, this is a standard template from your Canton Fair, with just a few added clauses. How is it exploitative?”

Zhang pointed to the exclusive agency clause.

“Mr. James, I’ve been to the U.S. Don’t think I’m clueless.”

“The U.S. is vast, but bad actors are everywhere. I know of groups specializing in knockoffs.”

“I can manage things domestically, but how do I control overseas markets?”

“What if our partnership sours and you set me up? Blue Side Toy Factory can’t afford an international lawsuit.”

“Zhang, I’m not that kind of person,” Alex said, staring at the table, clearly displeased.

“Well, we’ll see once the deal’s done. Our goal now is to reach an agreement.”

Zhang slammed the table to assert his stance.

“Cooperation must be equitable. I won’t sign if I’m unsatisfied.”

“Oh? Then you might lose a lot of money, and the Canton Fair could see a big drop in transactions.”

“Sounds like you think you have that kind of money.”

“What do you mean?”

“Mr. James, your loan is due soon. If you don’t bring something back this time, your creditors won’t be happy.”

Alex’s face darkened instantly, transforming from a refined gentleman into a snarling adversary.

He slammed the table, shouting, “You investigated me!”

“Yes, I did,” Zhang leaned back casually. “I know everything about you, so this time, I hold the upper hand.”

“Alright, alright. I’ve made huge deals at the Canton Fair three times, but I never expected to meet you.”

“Someone who disrespects privacy like you, no matter how good your products, I won’t buy.”

“Fine then, have a nice day.”

A swindler—Zhang wasn’t going to give him any more chances.

Previously, Zhang considered helping Alex, but now, nothing—not even a morsel.

The negotiation ended acrimoniously, derailing Alex’s debt repayment plans, while Zhang remained unaffected.

With three days left at the fair, Zhang planned to establish a solid international marketing channel.

Stepping out, the sun shone brightly as everyone busily promoted their goods. Foreign visitors meticulously sifted through products, overwhelmed by the sheer quality.

Turning left, Zhang paused.

Blue Side Toy Factory’s booth was crowded—not just with foreigners but also industry peers.

Could something have happened?

He hurried over and parted the crowd to find not trouble but a sweet little girl named Yun Qian.

Accompanied by Gao Ran, she played with toys while chatting in simple words with a female foreign guest.

Her adorable innocence was already a powerful draw, and coupled with her modest yet fluent foreign language skills, she attracted much attention.

Watching her dismantle a toy into dozens of pieces and instantly restore it seamlessly, the visitors gasped in amazement.

Though it was Blue Side Toy Factory’s territory, the little girl had instantly made it hers.

After a while, the foreign guests began negotiating in groups. Yun Qian sighed in relief, wiping sweat from her brow.

Just as she turned, she noticed someone smiling at her amid the crowd. She dashed over, arms wide, shouting for a hug.

Zhang Tianfeng lifted her up and smiled.

“When did you get here?”

“Not long ago. I was supposed to stay with Mom today, but the village auntie came by, so Mom sent me to help Dad.”

“Impressive. When did you learn English?”

Yun Qian stuck out her tongue, blushing.

“Yesterday, I heard you talking with that foreign uncle and learned a few phrases. Then Sister Gao Ran taught me some more. That’s all I know.”

She had been by Zhang’s side all day yesterday, constantly asking questions, all of which he patiently answered.

He had hoped to nurture her interest in English, not realizing she possessed a natural talent.

Some people simply can’t be compared—talent sets them apart immediately.