The World's Richest Man: Start with the Daily Intelligence System

23: Chapter 23 Selling the RingWhile waiting for the test results, Zhang Wei received a WeChat message from An Xiaoxi. She told him that the headphones were listed on the Seafood Market and someone was willing to buy them for 1,500 yuan.

A brand new pair of these headphones costs around 2,400 yuan. Considering that electronic products don’t hold their value well and the original packaging was missing, this price was reasonable.

Zhang Wei agreed without hesitation. A moment later, he received a transfer of 1,500 yuan from An Xiaoxi.

Following the ten-percent rule, Zhang Wei transferred 150 RMB each to An Xiaoxi and Liu Haorui.

Although the amount was small, Zhang Wei believed that established rules shouldn’t change based on the size of the sum. If he, as the core of the team, took the lead in breaking the rules, how could he expect others to follow them?

As the saying goes, details determine success or failure. From a small family to a large enterprise or even a nation, neglect of minor issues often leads to deep-seated problems, resulting in separation, ruin, and collapse.

By this time, Fan Haitao had finished the testing. He turned off the equipment and said to Zhang Wei:

”The results are in. This ring is indeed crafted from three metals: gold, rose gold, and platinum. However, the gold isn’t 999 fine gold; it’s 18k gold. Additionally, the value of the rose gold isn’t that high. The entire ring weighs only about 8 grams. I can offer you 2,000 yuan at most, and that’s a special ’benefit price’ only because you’re an old customer.”

Zhang Wei stared at him with wide eyes and said, ”This is a classic Cartier Trinity ring, a standard luxury item. And you’re only giving me this much?”

Had this old guy just sharpened his Dragon-Slaying Saber? That was a smooth and ruthless cut.

Fan Haitao didn’t argue upon hearing this. He said unhurriedly, ”Luxury goods are just hyped up by people; the prices are often inflated. Besides, this is second-hand. Have you ever seen a wealthy lady buy a second-hand ring to wear? So, I can only quote you based on the price of the precious metals.”

It seemed this old guy was treating him like a fat sheep to be slaughtered.

Zhang Wei opened his phone, found the Cartier official website, and waved it in front of Fan Haitao’s face, saying:

”Boss Fan, their official website lists the price at 16,800, but it’s only worth 2,000 to you? And you’re calculating it based on gold prices? Then what about those two gold bars last time, and the 500,000 that wealthy businessman from Taiwan paid? Do you really take me for a sucker? I was thinking of future cooperation, so I didn’t push you too hard last time, but in return, you’re pushing your luck. You’ve really disappointed me. It seems we won’t be doing business anymore; a city as big as Shenghai City isn’t lacking people who would buy this ring from me.”

After saying this, Zhang Wei reached out to take the ring and leave.

”How does this kid know about that? Could he actually be an insider playing the fool?” Fan Haitao was incredibly shocked.

The transaction of the gold bars with the wealthy Taiwanese businessman had been handled very discreetly; only his wife and cousin knew about it.

”Maybe the news leaked from the Taiwan side. But regardless, if this kid knows such secret information and even got the amount exactly right, he must have some connections.” Fan Haitao dropped his contempt for Zhang Wei. Thinking of this, he hurriedly stopped Zhang Wei and said, ”Wait, brother, I was blind not to recognize your greatness just now. I didn’t realize you were so capable.”

He then pointed to the ring and continued, ”How about this: I’ll buy this ring for 15,000 as an apology to you. At this price, I’m really not making any profit.”

Fan Haitao wasn’t lying this time. A brand new authentic one only costs 16,800; buying it back at this price would definitely mean a small loss.

Zhang Wei’s cold expression finally softened, and he nodded in agreement.

Since the amount wasn’t huge, Fan Haitao didn’t bother with a transfer this time and gave Zhang Wei 15,000 yuan directly. Then he said with a fawning smile, ”Little brother, if you have good stuff in the future, you must think of me. Besides gold and platinum, I also buy antiques and such. My cousin is an expert in antique appraisal. You’re my honored guest, little brother; if you need an appraisal, I can do it for free.”

Zhang Wei nodded, thinking that if he ever dug up the imperial seal of china, he might consider bringing it here for an appraisal.

Having settled the ring transaction, he left Fan’s Gold Shop and sent another sum of money to An Xiaoxi and Liu Haorui according to the ratio. Then, he drove to the Light Industry Bureau.

Zhang Wei wanted to check on the progress of the contracting matter.

This time, Xue Zhongde was clearly much friendlier toward Zhang Wei. He stood up to pour Zhang Wei a cup of tea, then sat back down and smiled:

”I personally went to the factory director this morning and reported the matter. The director thinks it’s a good thing. He asked me to submit a formal report. I expect to get approval within a few days.”

The instrument factory was losing money every day it stayed open, which was a huge headache for the leadership. They couldn’t hope to recover the massive investments and debts, but if the contracting fee could cover the monthly wages of the remaining employees and even leave a surplus—even if it was just one yuan—it would be a political achievement in industrial transformation and turning a loss into a profit. When that happened, the city leaders might even give out rewards in their happiness.

Zhang Wei was also very happy. He handed over the cigarettes and alcohol he had brought from the car with both hands and smiled, ”This is all thanks to your strategic planning, Leader Xue. If the contracting is successful, I certainly won’t forget your support.”

”Xiao Zhang, you’re being too formal. It’s all for the factory workers and for national construction,” Xue Zhongde said, very satisfied with Zhang Wei’s attitude as he accepted the gifts.

After chatting for a few more minutes, Zhang Wei stood up to take his leave. Back in the car, he thought for a moment and realized he had nothing left to do for now. On the intelligence system, only the movie ticket information remained uncollected.

”Warcraft: Tauren Will Never Be Slaves”—such a bizarre title successfully piqued Zhang Wei’s curiosity.

However, going to a movie alone was too awkward. Zhang Wei thought of Sun Yicheng and tried calling her to invite her.

To his surprise, Sun Yicheng agreed readily after hearing the offer. ”Just watching a movie won’t do; you’ll have to treat me to dinner as well.”

Seeing a chance, Zhang Wei waved his hand dismissively. ”I’ll drive to the gym to pick you up now. Dinner is on me.”

He drove to the entrance of the gym and sent her a WeChat message. A moment later, Sun Yicheng came jogging out from inside.

She got into the car and said with a slight apology, ”I’m sorry, Mr. Zhang, for making you wait so long. The boss suddenly called a meeting just as I was about to get off work, so I’m a bit late.”

Listen to that—this girl was so considerate, unlike his ex-girlfriend Lin Wanting, who would make him wait at least an hour every single time.

Zhang Wei didn’t mind and said, ”I just got here myself. Besides, we’re familiar enough now; no need for formalities. Just call me Zhang Wei.”

”Okay, Zhang Wei. You can call me Yicheng too,” Sun Yicheng said with a giggle.

”So, Yicheng, is there anything you want to eat?”

Sun Yicheng shook her head. ”I’m fine with anything, really. Ideally something healthy.”

Zhang Wei thought of the Western restaurant he had visited for free last time; the food was indeed good. He decided to have dinner there.

It wasn’t far away. After a ten-minute drive, the two of them arrived at the Western restaurant and took their seats.

”Welcome! Huh? Isn’t this the Master? I didn’t expect to run into you again!” The one who came to serve them was actually that pockmarked young man from last time.

”What a coincidence,” Zhang Wei laughed and patted the man’s shoulder.

The pockmarked youth’s face turned red with excitement as he said to Zhang Wei, ”Master, your spiritual power is truly profound! Last time you gave me those casual pointers at the door, and that very night, I added a girl from a game as a friend. I feel like I’m about to escape the single life soon! Thank you so much!”

”For real?” Hearing this, Zhang Wei thought to himself, ”He’s probably either met a scammer or it’s an online romance where neither side has seen what the other looks like.” It wasn’t that Zhang Wei was being mean; it was just that this guy’s looks were truly... extreme.