Chapter 309: Traditional Pills – A Major Hit in the U.S.
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Lu Le has been preoccupied lately during his patrols. He keeps thinking about the words of the wealthy American, Mr. Hardy, who suggested he contact Mr. Victor if needed.
For several days, Lu Le has been contemplating this. The only reason he hasn't reached out before was that he didn't want to trouble anyone with unnecessary requests. However, he understands that if he contacts Mr. Victor now, he could advance his career significantly.
Despite not needing immediate assistance, Lu Le realizes that if he doesn't use this opportunity, it might be forgotten as time passes. After careful consideration, he decides to visit Mr. Victor today, prepared with a well-thought-out approach.
He has already found out where Victor is working and, taking a day off from his job, he arrives at the auction company in a formal suit.
As Lu Le enters the building, the receptionist greets him warmly, asking, "Sir, are you here to sell something?"
"No, I'm here to see Mr. Victor. My name is Lu Le," he responds quickly.
"Do you have an appointment?" the receptionist inquires.
"No."
"I'm sorry, sir, but you need an appointment to see Mr. Victor. Please register here, and we'll call you when he's available," the receptionist explains.
Acknowledging the rules of large companies, Lu Le registers and prepares to leave. Just then, two cars pull up. Victor steps out, opens the door for Han Yezhen, who exits the car, followed by two people in formal attire.
Victor and Han Yezhen are there to look at potential new headquarters buildings. Han Yezhen is overseeing the selection process, while the Feng Shui master is evaluating the locations.
Seeing Han Yezhen, Lu Le hesitates to approach but stands to the side. Han Yezhen notices him and recognizes him from their previous encounter.
"Ah, aren't you the patrolman I saw the other day?" Han Yezhen asks.
"Yes, Miss Han," Lu Le replies, greeting her.
Han Yezhen, who has a positive impression of Lu Le, says, "Why are you here at the auction house?"
"I'm hoping to meet Mr. Victor," Lu Le explains.
Understanding his intentions, Han Yezhen says to Victor, "You should speak with him. I need to discuss matters with the Feng Shui master."
"Alright, Miss Han," Victor agrees.
Victor invites Lu Le into his office and greets him with a smile, "Mr. Hardy mentioned you. What can I do for you today?"
"I came to see if there's anything Mr. Hardy needs from me. I'm willing to help in any way I can," Lu Le says, making his intentions clear.
Victor smiles, "How old are you?"
"I'm 26."
"How long have you been a policeman?"
"For two years."
"What's your current position?"
"I'm a senior police officer and patrol squad leader."
Victor says, "I'll arrange for you to be transferred to the plainclothes team. It will give you valuable experience and better opportunities."
Lu Le is thrilled at the prospect of advancing his career. "Thank you, Mr. Victor. Please let me know if there's anything I can do in the future."
After Lu Le leaves, Victor heads to the meeting room where Han Yezhen is discussing with Feng Shui master Cai and his son. Han Yezhen evaluates various factors such as architecture, location, and practicality, while the Feng Shui experts assess the buildings' energy.
Han Yezhen concludes, "Considering all factors, the Yongsheng Building is ideal. It's near Queens Road, offers convenient transportation, and its 16 floors are sufficient for our needs."
Victor adds, "The Yongsheng Building was originally owned by Yongchang Foreign Company. After the Rass family's failed investment in the mainland, they listed it for sale at 12 million Hong Kong dollars."
Han Yezhen decides, "Victor, contact the seller and try to negotiate the price down to under 10 million."
"Alright, Miss Han. I'll handle it," Victor responds.
Later, at dinner with Hardy, Han Yezhen updates him on the day's survey. Hardy advises, "Tell Victor not to worry too much. I think we can get a better price."
"Why do you think so?" Han Yezhen asks.
"I read in the newspaper that the South is seeking peace with the North, while the North's stance is to liberate all of China. This might make people anxious about Hong Kong's future. Many will want to sell their assets quickly," Hardy explains.
Han Yezhen adds, "The Governor's wife mentioned that the British have increased their troops in Hong Kong to over 8,000 and are preparing for more."
Hardy reassures her, "British forces in Hong Kong are not a major concern. Our investment's success depends on whether there is a conflict or not. If there is no conflict, our returns will be significant."
Admiring Hardy's calm demeanor despite the uncertainty, Han Yezhen helps him relax in the bathroom.
Meanwhile, Victor negotiates with the Rass family about the Yongsheng Building. The Rass family is initially firm on the 12 million price but eventually considers Victor's offer.
Victor directly states, "Given the current situation and the uncertain future of Hong Kong, we're only willing to offer 6 million."
The Rass family refuses, but Victor remains firm, indicating he will look at other properties if the price isn't adjusted.
Later, the Rass family contemplates selling their assets and moving to the U.S., but the low offer is disappointing. They continue to weigh their options, hoping for a potential change in the market.
At the pharmaceutical factory, production of traditional pills is ramped up. These pills are not sold directly in Hong Kong but shipped to the U.S., where they are marketed under the Hardy Group's new health care company.
The pills are sold discreetly through high-end locations in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and San Francisco. The product quickly gains popularity due to its effectiveness, leading to a surge in sales.
The price of traditional pills is set at $5 per pill for customers, while wholesale prices are $2 per pill, with the remainder as profits for distributors. This business model ensures a steady income and growing profits.
The success of traditional pills in the U.S. market generates substantial revenue, reflecting the profitable nature of Hardy's investments.
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