Restarting life in Siheyuan

Chapter 481: Barter for Food

The world's largest food suppliers now happen to be the Bald Eagle, Maple Leaf Country and Kangaroo Country in North America. They are all one and the same. If they act on their own, there is no chance of success.

Whenever the cargo ship goes out to sea, it will be closely monitored. In addition, no one will sell to him, so he wants to try to ask Zhu Xuefeng for help and contact local merchants in Hong Kong to see if he can find a way to import some food.

This was not a difficult matter for Dongsheng Company. Last year, at the instruction of Zhu Xuefeng, the company purchased 5,000 tons of grain from North America, intending to donate it to the country.

Unfortunately, the bald eagle origin logo on the outer packaging of the grain made the domestic officials in charge very reluctant. Later, after a lot of effort, they replaced the packaging with that of Dongsheng Company, and only then sold it to the Ministry of Commerce in Hong Kong at a fair price.

But it was also clearly stated that they would not accept free donations from the state, various organizations, and the public. The reason they accepted this batch of grain was that they had no choice. Although the international grain price was not high, it was changing rapidly. Every time they checked the grain price and wrote a report to apply for funds, by the time the funds were in place, the grain price had changed again. They suffered losses several times.

Now that Dongsheng Company has taken the initiative, of course they are happy to do so. After reporting the situation, they quickly received a reply: "Work together to solve the grain procurement problem!"

Later, Dongsheng Company helped with several grain transactions, and secretly tinkered with some precision equipment, which made the Ministry of Commerce quite satisfied. They politely expressed their gratitude but still refused to accept the free donation.

In fact, the Bald Eagle also knew where the grain went and didn't care at all, as long as they didn't point it out. Hong Kong is such a small place, and it is impossible to buy so much grain to satisfy the local market only. The four major grain traders of the Bald Eagle ignored this, as they would not leave the money unmade.

The staple food consumed in North America and Europe is mainly wheat. Large amounts of rice, corn and soybeans have to be exported. However, there are not many employers in the world who can consume their food in large quantities. The black brothers in Africa want it, but they are unwilling to pay and are only willing to accept support. This is something that food merchants cannot even avoid.

The emergence of Dongsheng Company made the grain merchants very satisfied. As long as I couldn't see it, I didn't care about the final source of the grain. What's more, there was no grain embargo on the mainland.

After knowing the other party's demands, Zhu Xuefeng had an idea. It was impossible for them to come up with the foreign exchange to purchase it, so there seemed to be an opportunity here, so he said with a smile.

"You really found the wrong person. You shouldn't have come to me for this matter. Miss Wu can help you solve it. They have a trading company that can help you buy food, and they also have a freight fleet that can transport it back."

The other party had this idea when he heard that Wu Qianqian was engaged in foreign trade. However, with Zhu Xuefeng around, Wu Qianqian seemed unwilling to communicate, so they returned to the starting point.

Unexpectedly, this time, Zhu Xuefeng was so lucky that he directly recommended Wu Qianqian and said that the other party had the ability. He was overjoyed and quickly stood up and looked at Wu Qianqian eagerly.

"Comrade Wu, please help the people of Mount Paektu. The hardworking and simple people of Mount Paektu can no longer hold on."

Since the man had spoken, Wu Qianqian did not refuse and accepted the difficult question openly.

The negotiations continued, but after a middle-aged man named Cui took over, Wu Qianqian also had a headache because this uncle had such a big appetite.

"What did you say? We need 6 tons of food? You're right!"

Last year and this year, Dongsheng Company cooperated with the Ministry of Commerce intermittently and only bought less than one million tons. That is 61 million people. It is really against the will of heaven to buy 580 tons at a time for a population of just over million. Although the price of grain is cheap, the freight is high. (In , the country imported million tons of grain, costing $ million. You can imagine the urgency of the country to earn foreign exchange)

The middle-aged man nodded, looking expectant.

"Comrade Wu, this is our urgent need. Although 1140 tons may seem like a lot, it is only one-tenth of our needs. Even if we gather tons, there are million people in Mount Paektu, and each person can only get less than five kilograms per month."

"But can you come up with so many dollars? This transaction can only be made in U.S. dollars. The goods plus shipping costs are estimated to be no less than four million U.S. dollars each time."

The middle-aged man had noticed this and said firmly, "We choose corn, which is more suitable for us."

Wu Qianqian knew that corn was the cheapest, about one-third the price of wheat, and the quantity was also large.

“Even corn, it’s not much cheaper, you know, the cost of shipping it is higher than purchasing it.”

"I see."

Wu Qianqian did a simple calculation and said, "If you change it to corn, the goods plus freight will not be less than 320 million each time, which is not a small number."

At that time, the international grain prices were actually not high. From cheap corn to more expensive wheat, soybeans, and rice, the prices ranged from US$30 to US$70 per ton. However, the transportation costs were high. The freight cost from North America was almost US$40 to US$50 per ton, not including loading and unloading and further land transportation.

Speaking of US dollars, the other party's face looked unhappy. Of course, he had already inquired about the international grain prices. Wu Qianqian did not report an overestimation, but he could not take out this money even if he was beaten to death.

Zhu Xuefeng also didn't think that they still had such a strong foundation after being defeated.

"Although the harvest in the first half of the year was reduced, there should be some harvest. What if the harvest in the second half of the year is good? Besides, I don't think you can raise so much foreign exchange."

The other party didn't care about his face and asked in a low voice, "This is already considering the harvest in the first half of the year. The demand is divided into ten purchases. It can be predicted that the harvest in the second half of the year will still be poor. Our climate experts believe that it will be difficult to improve next year."

The other party seemed very sad. "That's why we have no choice but to stockpile some food to solve the current problem. We will have to make multiple purchases later to make some preparations for next year. Miss Wu, can you see if you can use other things as collateral or postpone payment..."

He knew clearly that these three companies only accepted US dollars and it was impossible to delay payment. His request was a bit excessive. A trading company did not have the ability to advance such a huge fortune, nor did it have the obligation to do so.

"Sir, according to your idea, ten times would be more than 32 million US dollars. This amount is too large. Not to mention our trading company, no company in Hong Kong can solve your problem. I suggest you reduce the amount significantly, because there is no company, bank or country that can help you solve your funding problem."

The middle-aged man knew very well that he couldn't raise so many dollars even if he emptied his house, but there was no other way because people would starve to death without food.

"Ms. Wu, I did not think it through properly. Let's put it this way. We still have many specialties, and they are also well-known internationally. Since Ms. Wu's company is engaged in foreign trade, can you help us sell these specialties and help us raise funds to sell grain?"

Zhu Xuefeng nodded slightly, Wu Qianqian said.

"Your idea is feasible. We can help you sell these specialties, but we can't guarantee the time. As you know, the payment cycle of foreign trade transactions is a bit long. Besides, we don't know whether the specialties you mentioned are popular and can be sold as soon as possible. Another thing is that if you want to sell them as soon as possible, you must give in on the price, otherwise..."

"I know about this. Don't worry. Just do it as quickly as possible. Our specialty products include Korean ginseng, amethyst, white crystal, ruby, topaz, nephrite, obsidian, agate, amazonite, etc. Oh, and black fish roe. These are very famous internationally and should be easy to sell. If not, we also have copper mines, iron mines, and of course gold mines, silver mines, etc."

Wu Qianqian couldn't help but say, "Since it's easy to sell, you can choose to sell it yourself. Maybe the price will be more suitable. Wouldn't it be more appropriate for our trading company to help you buy the grain? Also, if you provide ocean transportation yourself, the price should be more reasonable, and you can save at least half of the cost."

The middle-aged man who was negotiating seemed a little embarrassed. He just said that it was easy to sell, but Miss Wu kept on pestering him. There was nothing he could do. The items were all good, but when North Koreans put them on the market, no one would buy them.

"Ms. Wu, maybe I think things are too simple. Let's reach an agreement first. I have to go back and think about it. I hope you can give me some time."

"Of course that's no problem. What I'm worried about now is that you want to ship a large amount of goods in a short period of time. No matter how good the goods are, they can't be sold at a suitable price. Also, I don't know if you can ship them quickly as you wish."

"I know. I'm sorry. I didn't think it through. We'll contact you after we think about it."

Wu Qianqian glanced at Zhu Xuefeng, nodded, and handed over a business card. "If you have made up your mind, you can contact me and I will do my best to help you."

The group of people finally left. Wu Qianqian saw that everyone outside the teahouse had disappeared, so she stood on tiptoe and gave them a light kiss.

"Hubby, is there any rule for helping them? Can we earn some money?"

"Of course, you have to earn what you should earn. It's hard-earned money. You can't let Chen Dong's fleet run for you in vain." Chen Dong's fleet basically does not make any profit from selling grain for the country. This is Zhu Xuefeng's requirement. Chen Dong and his men will naturally not violate it. You have to know that the funds for this fleet were obtained during the last land grab. It will take Chen Dong several years to get enough money if he relies on it alone. Naturally, there will be no objection to the empty ship bringing back grain.

"Can I contact the autonomous region and help them sell the more than 1,000 tons of surplus grain from the first half of the year? This would also allow the autonomous region to earn more than 100,000 US dollars and relieve their pressure."

"Who told you that? Don't have that idea. The grain over there has a place to go. I still think it's not enough. Oh, and don't forget about the 5,000 tons of grain next June. Store it in the warehouse and keep it safe so it can be shipped at any time."

"Master, 5,000 tons of grain is worth more than 2 million US dollars. You still haven't told me what it will be used for. Besides, can they prepare so much? The surplus grain in the first half of this year was less than 2,000 tons."

"You don't have to worry about this. It will definitely be enough by then." According to the data Zhu Xuefeng learned from Yang Maosheng, in the second half of this year, with more manpower and machinery invested, more fertile land will be developed and grain reserves will set a record again. There should be no problem in exceeding 6,000 tons of grain reserves by the end of the year.

By the end of next year, the annual grain output, excluding consumption and necessary inventory, will be able to supply about 10,000 to 20,000 tons to the international market each year, and the amount will continue to increase in the future. All of this grain will enter the mainland through various channels, thus alleviating domestic food shortages.

As for the stockpiling of 5,000 tons of grain, it was prepared to be donated to the disaster-stricken areas in Beijing when there is a flood in the middle of next year. There is no way to explain this kind of thing. "Don't ask, just do your job well. I know you've worked hard, and I'll reward you well tonight. Stop other business for now, and let's do the project worth several hundred million first."

When Wu Qianqian heard about the project worth hundreds of millions, her legs trembled, and she remembered the ridiculous things that happened yesterday afternoon. She said goodbye to the man with resentment, picked up her bag, went home with the man, accepted the reward, and reluctantly accepted the big project worth hundreds of millions.

General John Benn, commander of the Bald Eagle Far East Army and commander-in-chief of the SCAP in Fuso, who is far away at Yokota Air Base in Tokyo, Japan, has just completed a major project involving hundreds of millions of dollars.

...

"Oh, my God, let us pray for the poor investigators, Almighty God, may they be free from pain in heaven."

Just now, an urgent telegram made the general realize that the huge project worth hundreds of millions of dollars had finally been explained, and no one would come to investigate this disaster anymore.

A few minutes ago, a special plane flying to Fuso Base encountered bad weather in the Pacific Ocean and "unfortunately crashed" more than two hours after takeoff. The vast ocean is boundless. Although the nearest navy has rushed to the accident area, the general knows that when the navy arrives, they will find nothing. The ocean here is deep enough for the navy to give up the unrealistic idea of ​​salvage.

It would take at least two days for the navy to arrive, and the unpredictable sea is enough to obliterate all information.

The base had experienced many "accidents" that resulted in the scrapping of fighter planes over a two-year period. The general blamed all of this on the suppliers' lack of conscience, which led to the delivery of substandard fighter planes, causing multiple accidents and a series of airport collisions. A large number of fighter planes lost the opportunity to serve the great empire, and several brave pilots were killed.

The general severely criticized the supplier, and the supplier immediately organized an accident investigation team. However, strangely, it took a long time to go. This time, the two parties barely reached an agreement after a fierce struggle. The delegation finally set off and was honored to be received by God himself.

"Peanutton should know."

"Yes, Your Excellency, the naval deployment was actually ordered by Peanutton."

"Oh, let us pray once again for the poor children, may the Almighty and merciful Lord, who is merciful and never refuses those who call upon you..."

In an office in the Pentagon, a burly middle-aged man let out a long sigh, "Damn it, these damn things are so abominable."

He stood up and walked to the window, looking at the dark sky outside. It was about to dawn, and he was very unhappy about being urgently called back to the office.

"This matter must be thoroughly investigated. Why did they take off before dawn? Are the weather stations stupid? They didn't issue a warning for such bad weather. This makes our investigation a joke. I guarantee that no one will dare to join the investigation team again. Damn it, check the weather station carefully. They are seriously derelict in their duty."

"Mr. Director, should I be charged with dereliction of duty..."

The burly figure waved his hand without even turning his head to interrupt his subordinate, "NO, NO, NO, we are only responsible for investigating and prosecuting malfeasance? No, no, no, don't forget our main responsibility. We don't need to care about trivial matters such as malfeasance. Just do your own thing, Mr. Mike."

"Mr. Director, should we inform Mr. President about this matter?"

The director turned around and stared at his subordinates. "Do you think our dear Mr. President hasn't received the news? That's a joke. However, you are right to remind me. I have the duty to report to the President. Go and arrange an investigation. I will report to the President right away..."

Mr. Mike had already left. The director returned to his seat and opened his notebook in frustration...

In another office, a fat black man was roaring.

"These damn maggots, who made them crawl out of the dirty trash can? They tarnished the glory of the imperial soldiers. Damn it, they should go to hell..."

"Mr. Minister, what should we do now? Should we organize another investigation team?"

"No, no, no. The investigation team organized by the Senate has already set off. There will be no new investigation team unless the Senate reaches a consensus again."

The black man turned around, still cursing, "These damn people, don't think no one knows. They dared to declare a freight of 6 million for nine cute goats, and they dared to claim 4,000 US dollars for the loss of a shovel. This time, more than a dozen planes were lost. I really doubt whether the next time will be an accident involving the entire aircraft carrier battle group..."

"So, Mr. Minister, this accident..."

"Let the FBI worry about it, it's not our business."

"Mr. Minister, I want to ask about the Fuso accident. We need to explain this to Mr. President."

"Oh, God, I am blinded by this disaster. You are right. We should report to the President."

The black minister turned another half circle with his hands behind his back.

"Just follow what they said and report according to the last report. I bet there won't be another investigation team going to Fuso. Damn John Ben, this damn thing, and the damn investigation team, let all of this go to hell..."

The minister opened the cigar box on the table, took out a cigar, and picked up a pair of small scissors... After a long while, he seemed to hear breathing behind him, turned his head in confusion, hesitated for a while, and then asked in confusion.

"By the way, why are you still here? Go organize the materials. I have to report to the President later. Damn, I got burned..."

The minister shook his hands, threw away the hot cigar, and cursed again.

Listening to the minister's incoherent curses and orders, the officer's forehead broke out in sweat. He quickly closed the folder and turned away.

An "accidental" plane crash at the airport created a huge wave inside the Bald Eagle, which then seemed to hit a huge rock, breaking into countless waves without leaving any trace.

A top-secret report a few days later settled the dispute over the disaster: the officers at the weather station had grossly neglected their duties by failing to warn the special plane to avoid the severe and catastrophic weather area, leading to this regrettable and tragic disaster.

This notice temporarily alleviated the losses of several hundred million. Although some people were unhappy, the result was already very good, wasn't it? All parties tacitly kept their mouths shut.

(End of this chapter)

Tap the screen to use advanced tools Tip: You can use left and right keyboard keys to browse between chapters.

You'll Also Like