Reborn, back to a small county town to become a wealthy family

Chapter 811 Luck is also a part of strength
In fact, in the year Luo Yang returned from his rebirth, Luckin Coffee had more than 2.4 stores nationwide, while Starbucks had less than 8000 stores in China during the same period.

In the years following Luckin Coffee's rapid expansion, the number of its stores in Shanghai once exceeded 1500, which was 1.5 times the number of Starbucks stores.

Even though the average income in Shanghai is relatively high, why not drink the cheaper option if the taste isn't too much worse?
So An Ying used data to tell Luo Yang that opening 100 stores in the early stages was really not a lot.

"Boss, do you know how many Lemon CC stores there are in Shanghai?"

An Ying used a metaphor to describe it: "317 stores, and by the end of the year, the number is very likely to exceed 400 stores. In fact, the affordable coffee model you envisioned is just another version of Lemon CC."

Her description is very apt.

If Nayuki is the Starbucks of the milk tea industry, then Lemon CC is the Luckin Coffee of the milk tea industry, using low prices and a large number of stores to capture the market.

"According to your logic, opening 100 stores in the initial stage is a bit conservative."

If Song Wan or another subordinate were sitting opposite him, Luo Yang's face might have turned red, and he would have been more cautious in his speech. But since An Ying was sitting opposite him, he didn't feel embarrassed at all about his previous misjudgment.

"A minimum of 100 companies is enough in the initial stage."

An Ying still insists on her idea: "Moreover, the most important task at this stage is not to think about how many stores to open, but to find a few flagship products that are different from Starbucks, and to think about how to reduce costs and achieve truly affordable coffee prices."

Main products?

The words "coconut latte" instantly popped into Luo Yang's mind.

Because whenever Luckin Coffee is mentioned, the name of this drink is inevitably mentioned, as the coconut latte is one of Luckin Coffee's best-selling products.

What makes this drink unique is the striking contrast between the sweetness of the coconut milk and the subtle bitterness of the coffee, resulting in a refreshing yet flavorful taste. This drink is especially popular in summer, as the refreshing coconut milk is perfect for hot weather.

With this basic information, finding someone to replicate the product is not a difficult task.

Moreover, many of Nayuki's hit products and Lemon CC's flagship product were created by Luo Yang, so it's not surprising that he can now produce hit coffee drinks.

Let's surprise An Ying at the right time.

As for how to reduce costs, that's a bit difficult.

First and foremost, you need an advanced supply chain management system.

Luckin Coffee sources its raw materials directly from suppliers, reducing intermediaries and significantly lowering costs. Furthermore, Luckin has established long-term partnerships with multiple suppliers, securing more favorable prices.

Secondly, there is the need for efficient store operation strategies.

Unlike other traditional coffee shops, Luckin Coffee primarily relies on online orders and self-pickup lockers for its operations, which significantly reduces rent and labor costs. Furthermore, their self-service pickup system further lowers operating costs.

Another is the internet model.

Luckin Coffee operates on an internet-based model, which means its operating costs are relatively low. Traditional coffee shops need to pay high rent, renovation, and labor costs, while Luckin Coffee reduces these expenses by taking orders and making payments online.

Luo Yang can remind An Ying of these points.

However, it's quite difficult to copy some models at this stage.

For example, digital marketing methods.

Luckin Coffee uses big data and artificial intelligence technologies to accurately target its customer base and offer personalized promotions. However, big data technology at this stage is not as advanced as it is now, let alone artificial intelligence technology, which is still in its infancy.

Therefore, the cost reduction plan that could be given to An Ying was incomplete.

Even so, after Luo Yang explained the supply chain management system, efficient store operation strategies, and internet operation model, An Ying's fighting spirit immediately soared.

"Boss, with the three solutions you provided, I'm even more confident in launching the budget coffee chain."

An Ying said to Luo Yang excitedly, "The domestic coffee market is basically monopolized by Starbucks, but I am confident that I can break through this iron curtain and seize a large share of the market."

"It's not just mine."

Luo Yang smiled and said, "I will give you 5% of the shares. This is a reward for taking Luo Shengtang to a new level and for your persistent efforts."

He had considered giving An Ying some shares of Luoshengtang before, but considering that Nayuki would go public in the future, An Ying, as the CEO, would definitely receive a small amount of equity incentives, so he thought of compensating her with the chain coffee shop project.

As for Rashomon...

Since the goal is to win people's hearts, things need to be made clear. Therefore, Luo Yang said directly, "In the early stages of Nayuki's IPO, I will give you about 2% of the shares. In addition, after Lemon CC is sold, I will also give you a cash bonus."

"Boss, this is way too much. I feel a little unworthy of it!"

After hearing about the reward Luo Yang gave her, An Ying immediately became uneasy.

A 5% stake in a chain coffee shop is manageable, since the project hasn't taken off yet, and it's hard to say how big it will become in the future.

Even if they manage to snatch a market share from Starbucks, it would probably only be worth a few billion. A 5% stake would translate to around one or two hundred million. While that's not a small amount, it's worth noting that An Ying built this project from scratch. So, receiving such a reward is barely justifiable.

But on Luo Shengtang's side, she was simply enjoying a ready-made meal.

Nayuki had already built up its brand, while An Ying was transferred directly from Luo Yang's assistant to the company as executive vice president. After that, she took out a loan of 1 million yuan to establish the Lemon CC brand. From the main products to the marketing strategy, Luo Yang controlled everything behind the scenes. She was just an executor pushed to the forefront.

Luo Yang single-handedly promoted her to CEO of Luo Shengtang.

They worked hard, but as for how much merit they made, that's a matter of opinion.

But what did Luo Yang just say?
As the CEO of Luoshengtang, An Ying was well aware that Nayuki's current market valuation was no less than 5 billion yuan, and that at the current pace of expansion, its valuation would definitely exceed 10 billion yuan in two or three years.

If valuation doesn't matter, then once listed, it becomes a true asset.

A 2% stake translates to two or three hundred million yuan, not even including the premium the company would receive after listing.

As for the cash reward Luo Yang mentioned after selling Lemon CC, although he didn't specify the exact amount, based on An Ying's understanding of her boss, the reward would definitely be in the tens of millions.

"Just take what I give you."

Seeing An Ying's anxious expression, Luo Yang smiled and said, "Besides, you've been forced to follow me without any official status, so I should leave you something."

He didn't mention the child because he was afraid An Ying would have inappropriate thoughts.

An Ying hadn't thought of that; she was currently feeling touched.

"Boss, it's the weekend." Overwhelmed with emotion, she didn't know how to express her feelings and could only hint to Luo Yang.

Gee.
Luo Yang suddenly felt a headache coming on, because he had to accompany Jiang Wen and Jiang Xue to Hengdian World Studios in Zhejiang Province this afternoon and wouldn't be able to come back tonight.

Moreover, I've already made plans with Dong Xuan for tomorrow night.

"Boss, I'm sorry, I forgot you were going back to Yang City this weekend."

Seeing Luo Yang remain silent, An Ying instantly recalled her boss's usual behavior, and said somewhat flusteredly, "I didn't mean to disrupt your plans, I was just a little excited and forgot for a moment. How about we wait until you come back next week?"

"Okay, then I'll see if you're free next Tuesday or Wednesday evening. I'll call you then."

Since An Ying had already filled in the blanks in his mind, Luo Yang naturally didn't bother to explain. He went along with her and postponed the arrangements until after next Tuesday.

Time flew by, and before they knew it, it was past midnight.

Fortunately, An Ying thought Luo Yang was going back to Yang City in the afternoon, so she didn't mention having dinner with him when she left.

They had the driver switch to a company van, rushed to Jiang Wen's house, quickly ate a bite of food, and by the time they had to pack their clothes, it was almost 1:30 p.m. when they left the city.

The journey from Shanghai to Hengdian in Zhejiang Province took just over four hours.

Guobao Film and Television set up a branch in Hengdian. With prior arrangements made with He Maosong and the help of acquaintances, they were even able to drive their car into the scenic area. From accommodation to food and entertainment, it was a one-stop service, so Luo Yang and the two sisters didn't have to worry about anything.

Jiang Xue was having so much fun that she didn't want to go back to Shanghai the next day.

Luo Yang had to agree to several of her conditions before he could coax the girl into agreeing to go home.

Because of this girl's delay, Dong Xuan had to wait an extra hour and a half.

"I thought Mr. Luo was going to stand me up tonight."

Dong Xuan was seething with resentment, but she couldn't bring herself to just turn around and leave. So she couldn't help but make a sarcastic remark: "It's almost 7:30. If it's any later, we could be having a midnight snack."

"Sorry, I just got back from Hengdian, and I ran into the evening rush hour when I entered the city."

Luo Yang wasn't an unreasonable person. When he needed to apologize, he was still very sincere: "I'll punish myself with three drinks later, and I'll do my best tonight to make sure you're satisfied."

"Pah, who asked you to put in your best effort?"

They're both seasoned veterans; they can tell the hidden meaning in each other's words the moment they open their mouths.

Dong Xuan immediately spat at Luo Yang: "Is this what you call an apology? You're just trying to take advantage of me!"

Because there were waiters present, her face flushed slightly.

Luo Yang kept his word. After the dishes were served, he downed three and a half glasses of red wine in one go before starting to enjoy the food with Dong Xuan.

"What are you doing in Hengdian on the weekend?"

Given Luo Yang's performance, Dong Xuan's resentment subsided by half, so she followed up on the previous topic and asked, "Which movie are you planning to invest in?"

She knew that Luo Yang owned a film and entertainment company and had invested in several blockbuster films in the past two years, so she didn't think about it at all and subconsciously assumed that Luo Yang was investing in film and television.

"Isn't this part of a major restructuring within the group? Guobao Pictures has become independent, and the next phase involves expansion."

Luo Yang wasn't stupid enough to reveal that he was accompanying Jiang Wen and her sister on a trip to Hengdian. So, following Dong Xuan's question, he explained, "I went to the capital a while ago to discuss some collaborations and also acquired shares in a drama troupe. This trip to Zhejiang Province is a good opportunity to discuss collaborations with Hengdian Film and Television Group to lay the groundwork for a major expansion next year."

"Are you planning to delve deeper into the film and entertainment industry?"

Dong Xuan's curiosity was immediately piqued: "How much money do you plan to invest?"

"Initially, we plan to invest around two or three hundred million yuan."

Luo Yang spoke frankly: "In the future, the company will no longer simply invest in other people's film and television dramas. Instead, we will build our own film and television department and strive to produce two to three excellent film and television dramas every year. In addition, we will also build our own artist management company and create several well-known comprehensive entertainment programs. According to my plan, in the next four or five years, we will develop Guobao Film and Television into a large and medium-sized comprehensive film and television entertainment company."

"With a high-tech industry worth tens of billions, a financial platform, and now plans to expand into film and entertainment, Mr. Luo is truly ambitious!"

Dong Xuan gestured to Luo Yang with her wine glass: "Then I'd like to wish Mr. Luo all his dreams come true in advance!"

"I also wish Dong Xing all his dreams come true!"

Luo Yang clinked glasses with her, took a sip, and then smiled at Dong Xuan, saying, "There's progress on the commercial bank matter."

Just that one simple sentence made Dong Xuan's hand holding the wine glass tremble slightly.

She had known about Luo Yang's plan for a long time, and based on previous progress, she judged that it would be impossible for Luo Yang to complete the acquisition of shares in the restructured rural commercial bank in less than one or two years. In fact, due to various local factors, the acquisition might ultimately fail.

Dong Xuan was already convinced that Luo Yang would most likely register a bank in Hong Kong.

I never expected him to say something like that.

"What caused this situation to suddenly take a turn for the better?"

Dong Xuan was extremely curious and, without even putting down her wine glass, immediately moved closer to Luo Yang.

Luo Yang didn't hide anything and immediately recounted the series of events that had occurred since he returned to his hometown last week.

"The leadership took advantage of my personal connections in this matter, so they changed their neutral stance on the rural commercial bank issue and became willing to help me push forward with the restructuring."

“So that’s how it is”

Dong Xuan immediately understood and couldn't help but exclaim, "President Luo, although you earned this favor by investing billions in projects, the timing was just too perfect. Sometimes you have to admit that luck is also a part of your ability!"

If it weren't for the fact that Official He happened to encounter a situation that could advance his career, and Luo Yang happened to have a project that even the provincial development zone was interested in, this favor wouldn't have been so easy to obtain.

Coincidentally, both of these matters were handled officially and openly.

The final result is a win-win situation for all parties.

With major projects landing in the development zone, more companies will invest due to the industrial chain; Luo Yang and Jiang Yuanshan have successfully launched a new energy vehicle manufacturing project and received policy incentives and loan support from the development zone; He Gaoguan is very likely to be promoted, mainly due to his performance, which gives him confidence; the commercial bank will definitely see better development in the future thanks to Luo Yang's takeover, and Yangshi will also benefit from this.

This demonstrates both ability and luck.

(End of this chapter)