National Tide 1980.

It is not a big deal to make money by taking advantage of economic expansion, because everyone can make money in this situation.

Only those who can make money in times of weakness and shrinkage are truly excellent businessmen.

Ning Weimin has achieved both of these points.

In September 1988, most businessmen in the entire capital were probably like Nian Jing, who had no choice but to survive and were full of worries.

Only a few people can be like Jiang Hao, who can rely on his brain to fight to a draw and get out of the situation unscathed.

There are even fewer animals that can actually laugh; they are already rare animals.

However, Ning Weimin and his people are precisely the most outstanding group among this rare few.

Let’s talk about income first.

Whether it is men's and women's clothing, sportswear, zip-up trolley suitcases, zip-up ties, or tobacco and alcohol from Huimin Tobacco and Liquor Store, LVMH's wines, or the stamps hoarded by Ning Weimin.

During this buying spree, Ning Weimin seized the opportunity to sell the spot goods at a higher price and cashed in a large amount of cash.

This is equivalent to a concentrated release of performance. All the industries that Ning Weimin has laid out over the years have flourished in August.

Not only did it directly bring his cash assets in the mainland to an unprecedented new peak.

Even this situation of having a large amount of cash has further promoted the healthy development of various industries under his control.

You know, under such extreme market conditions, people quickly entered the extremely weak buyer's market from the extremely excited seller's market, and the relationship between cash and spot was reversed in a short period of time.

Most people lack the corresponding experience when faced with this kind of scene that only happens once in a century, and they are simply unable to react.

Therefore, when those merchants who had stockpiled goods suddenly found that people's purchasing power was declining rapidly after the panic buying craze was over, they realized that excessive stockpiling of goods was a foolish act and they all fell into the dilemma of having goods but no money.

So if you want to reduce your fully stocked inventory as quickly as possible, exchange some cash for turnover, and continue to maintain your business, you have to cut your losses and sell at a low price with great pain.

As a result, the severe shortage of means of production that Ning Weimin's company had faced before was suddenly reversed.

In the past, he had to pay high prices and beg people to buy the goods, and there was even a time when the supply was cut off due to excessive speculation.

But now all the raw materials are selected by Ning Weimin's people, and they get them at bargain prices.

So even though Ning Weimin ordered the Street Garment Factory and Yilade's OEM factory to stop purchasing materials in August this year, the two factories had to stop production due to shortage of raw materials, forcing the workers to go home and rest.

But looking back now, it was a wise decision.

Because the money saved from raw materials alone is more than what the factory earns from working overtime to rush shipments.

Not to mention that the workers can have a good rest for a few days, which will also be conducive to the subsequent return of workers, so they will be able to return to work in a better condition.

It was Pierre Catton. It was also because Zou Guodong listened to Ning Weimin's advice that he stopped purchasing raw materials and seized the opportunity to clear the inventory, turning 70% of the inventory into cash in a timely manner.

Now, facing the slow period of several months that is bound to come, we are able to cope with it with ease because we have sufficient funds. This is a good opportunity to mobilize company resources and focus on businesses other than internal sales.

For example, the fashion magazine that Pierre Cattin is going to publish, the new Splendid Oriental Model Contest, and the construction schedule of Building B of the new Pierre Cattin Building, etc.

In short, selling high and buying low is absolutely the eternal truth of business.

It is because they successfully achieved this this time that they have absolute initiative.

Secondly, let’s talk about Ning Weimin’s successful exploit this time.

Unlike most people who hoard goods, Ning Weimin did not buy daily necessities, household appliances, or food and daily necessities.

Rather, they are scarce resources, rare arts and crafts in the world, cultural relics in antique shops, hardwood furniture that no one recognizes in trust shops, and mid- to high-end liquors that are hard currency for gifts.

So even after the buying craze was over, the "kilns" he smashed did not drop in value. On the contrary, as there were fewer of these things on the market, their prices continued to rise, with a significant increase.

He even put many of these things to practical use, creating additional value for him in another way.

For example, besides using the collected handicrafts, porcelain and furniture in Yunyuan itself, Ning Weimin can also take care of other related enterprises.

The first to be hit was of course the Pierre Catton building.

You should know that the lobby of Maxim Hotel is just a low-rise building, compared to many other hotels that try their best to design their lofty lofty lofts, such as five-star hotels like Great Wall Hotel and Shangri-La.

The lobby of the Maxim Hotel is not only small, but also has no high ceilings at all.

After all, the original modification was made temporarily based on the layout of the office building.

So the lounge area in the Maxim Hotel lobby is actually quite small, and can only accommodate a few sofas and coffee tables.

Moreover, the decoration is not very special, at best it can be described as average.

After all, if you want to create a French style in the Republic and restore the decoration of the French headquarters like Maxim's restaurant, it would be too expensive.

Song Huagui didn't have that much spare money, so she just got a few French oil paintings and some of her husband's tapestries as embellishments.

In addition, some teachers and students from the sculpture departments of the two art academies in Beijing accepted Ning Weimin's invitation and exhibited some of their more outstanding personal works as decorations.

It can be said that there is an elegant and refined artistic temperament, but when it comes to magnificence, luxury and extravagance, it is not.

Otherwise, why can this place only be considered a four-star hotel?

There are limitations and disadvantages in all aspects, especially the space is far from the standard of a five-star hotel.

But there is no need to worry about defects. As long as you find a good solution, you can still effectively improve the level of the hotel and improve the guests' experience.

The things Ning Weimin bought this time had this miraculous effect. Some things became different immediately after they were delivered here.

Like the so-called lobby bar in a hotel lobby.

Ning Weimin suggested removing the original sofa and laying an imported carpet on the floor.

Six wenge armchairs and several square tables are placed on the carpet. The shiny mahogany color and the pattern of the carpet immediately bring up the level of the atmosphere under the bright warm light.

Although the waiters in charge of this area can only provide some tea, coffee, and simple snacks, nothing else.

But exquisite antique porcelain covered bowls and coffee cups have replaced the common white porcelain cups and pots.

In this era, the capital city is undoubtedly an impressive feature. Once the details are taken care of, it can bring guests a comfortable enjoyment and is very popular with guests.

On the wall opposite the hall, Ning Weimin sent Ren Bonian, a Qing Dynasty painter, a painting called "Group of Immortals Celebrating Birthday" as decoration. This is a classic masterpiece from Ren Bonian's mature period, with 209 screens, each 59.5 cm long and cm wide.

The specific content portrayed by Ren Bonian is the scene of forty-six gods coming from the land, sea and air to celebrate the Queen Mother's birthday.

In the painting, the Old God of Longevity and Magu have already landed, the Eight Immortals are floating in from the sea, the sky is filled with auspicious clouds, and fairies from the clouds are flying in to the party, surrounding them.

The Peach Festival in the painting is auspicious, festive and lively, with fairies singing and dancing, and bamboo and string music playing.

On the top of Kunlun Mountain, where there is singing and dancing, there are jade buildings and fairy peaches in Langyuan Garden, the Yaochi Lake on the left, and green waters around the railings on the right, all ready for a birthday celebration.

It can be said that the scene is grand and the content is auspicious.

The most amazing thing is that each character is configured differently according to the scenery, but they can all be painted independently without any sense of fragmentation.

However, when the twelve screens are put together, they appear seamlessly integrated.

Paintings like these often attract foreigners who don't understand Chinese culture and stop to look at them when they pass by the lobby, feeling their unique colors and expressive charm.

This is not all. In addition to the "Immortals Celebrating a Birthday" painting that serves as the background, Ning Weimin also added a few more eye-catching things to the hotel lobby.

The two largest and most spacious sculptures are the two huge ivory sculptures, titled "New and Old Beijing".

This is a tribute to the tenth anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. It was collectively created by many second-generation technicians of the ivory carving factory and has special historical significance and cultural value in itself.

But the most unique thing is that this is a set of two works.

The works are carved from two teeth of the same size, about 205 cm long, 15 cm wide and 69.5 cm high. They are called "Old Capital" and "New Capital" respectively.

"Old Capital" depicts streets, shops, markets and other scenes with a strong old capital style. The characterization also fully reflects the Beijing flavor and showcases the folk customs of the old capital.

"New Capital" mainly depicts the ancient buildings located on the central axis of the capital, as well as the classic buildings on Chang'an Avenue built after the founding of the Republic. The overall appearance is magnificent.

Through comparison, the two ivory carvings reflect the tremendous changes that have taken place in the capital city in the ten years since the founding of the Republic, and showcase the new achievements the capital city has made in socialist construction.

As for this work, if the National Museum had not been short of funds at the time and could not come up with the money, it would have had to be temporarily stored in the warehouse of the ivory carving factory.

Moreover, after the "movement", the matter was forgotten. Ning Weimin was definitely not lucky enough to own this work for a mere 80,000 yuan.

In addition, Ning Weimin also placed an extremely exquisite golden music clock in the lobby, which was Cixi's favorite treasure.

The clock is made of pure gold and is inlaid with rubies and diamonds.

It is exquisite not only because of its exquisite workmanship, but also because at every hour, the palace maidens above will come out to bless, and the Eight Immortals below will come out to tell the time with the music, which is very interesting.

This thing is completely comparable to the treasures displayed in the Forbidden City Clock and Watch Museum.

No matter who you are, whether Chinese or foreign, once you see this thing, you have to get closer.

There’s nothing you can do about it, it’s dazzling, who doesn’t like gold?

That’s not all, the last item is the most valuable and as desirable as gold.

That is the "Temple of Heaven Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests" that Ning Weimin collected from the filigree and inlay factory, which cost 31.5 grams of silver.

Just think about it, more than 600 kilograms of stuff, more than a person tall, all pure silver.

But what is even more eye-catching is the exquisite carving craftsmanship.

What would it feel like to have a big silver camel like this placed in the hotel lobby?

It can be said that this one thing alone is enough to make people feel the shock brought by wealth.

Moreover, these exhibits not only display wealth, but also show the artists' superb skills and reflect the profound historical and cultural heritage.

All in all, these rare treasures in Ning Weimin's private collection are priceless and breathtaking.

It is definitely worthy of being called the face of the hotel and directly elevates the style of the hotel.

Even the $150 per night standard room rate seemed a bit cheap.

The obvious evidence is that since these things were placed in the hotel lobby, many first-time guests, especially foreigners, have visited.

After learning the price of hotel accommodation at the front desk, they all showed expressions of surprise and joy, and immediately paid for the room, as if they were afraid that the hotel would go back on its word. Even the average length of stay of the guests in the hotel increased significantly.

In addition, the lobby space has become more crowded.

Whether sitting in the rest area or standing, there are people admiring the exhibits sent by Ning Weimin all the time.

It is obvious that these decorations in the lobby have caught the guests' attention to a certain extent, and these changes have never been seen in the past.

Zou Guodong was not only delighted but also admired this. He even took the initiative to talk to Ning Weimin about the art rental fees and wanted to pay Ning Weimin for these exhibits every month, because that is what Tan Palace Restaurant has always done.

However, he did not expect that Ning Weimin would shake his head and indicate that it was not necessary this time.

Zou Guodong was curious why?

Ning Weimin told him, "Didn't the Tangong Restaurant in the past belong to three companies? I was just working for you three companies. If I could collect money but didn't, I would be at a loss. Wouldn't I be a fool? But it's different now. The Maxim Hotel is completely owned by our Huaxia Company. I am one of the company's shareholders and I get dividends. So I am very happy to help the hotel improve its style in this way."

"The logic is simple. If the guests are satisfied, the hotel will make money. Of course, a portion of the profits will go into my pocket in the end. Moreover, the hotel has to be responsible for the security and maintenance of these things, and the operating costs will also increase. Think about it, for such a mutually beneficial thing, if I have to ask the company for money again? What kind of person would I be then?"

"If you really feel a little bit unfair and are afraid that I will suffer a loss, then we might as well raise the room rate a little bit, from $150 to $160, which is equivalent to adding a $10 ticket fee for people who come to stay in our hotel. This is not too much, right? Let's work together to earn the guests' money. This is called ability. As for the relationship between us, there is really no need to be too clear. After all, we are all meat rotten in the pot."

Yes, this is Ning Weimin’s real voice, without any hypocrisy.

In fact, many people believe that these art collections can only bring financial returns through trading, or they have to be kept in museums and maintained by ticket sales.

Anyone who thinks this way is really too rigid-minded and has fallen into a misconception.

Just like what he did.

It would be great if these art collections could be placed in commercial premises to serve as a showcase.

At least it can offset the renovation cost of millions.

It can also serve as a unique landscape to attract more curious guests.

To put it bluntly, it can bring added value to his business. Take the lobby of the Maxim Hotel for example. Even if more money is spent on decoration, it is impossible to make guests so curious, identify with and favor the hotel.

This is the unique charm of the coexistence of culture and wealth. (End of this chapter)