North America 1849, from Gold Rush to Warlord

Chapter 39 No One Can Step on My Head (Please Read!)

This time the shareholders' meeting was still held in old Jason's study.

Apart from looking for wine to drink, Jason may have never stayed in this study for more than half a minute. Now, this place has almost become A-Zu's exclusive study.

The business gradually got on track, everyone became busier and busier, and let's get straight to the point.

A Zu said, "Miss Daisy, please tell everyone about the business situation during this period."

"Okay, BOSS!"

Daisy picked up the account book. "Since the meeting over half a month ago, thanks to the improved skills of all the workers, we've produced a total of 32,200 pairs of jeans and 192 sets of Eden Cottages."

"In terms of sales, we sold over 17,000 pairs of jeans and all 192 Eden Cottages!"

Azu asked, "After Mayor Cameron died, our business at Eden Cottage was not affected?"

Daisy shook her head and said, "There's been some impact, but it's not significant! These Eden Cottages were previously pre-ordered and are now being delivered. However, new pre-orders have dropped significantly, to only 117. Furthermore, these new pre-orders are mostly from gold diggers, with very few new pre-orders in San Francisco."

A-Zu wasn't surprised at all: "This is normal! We can't keep taking advantage of the policies of the undead mayor."

Daisy continued, "The jeans sold for a total of $19,000, some of which was wholesaled to distributors in other cities."

"But few distributors have come to us. We already have over 20,000 pairs of jeans in stock. Just as our boss analyzed, we need to quickly acquire our own ships to ship and sell our products."

"All Eden Cottages are scheduled for delivery. Excluding the advance payment already made, the 85 units that have been fully paid for have generated $15,300 in revenue. The remaining 107 units are all paid for in installments."

"The last installment payment for the 109 Eden Cottages was received for $1,030. There are still six units that haven't paid their installments."

"One hundred and seventeen new orders placed, and $9,360 in advance received."

Daisy concluded, "This period, our company's total revenue was $44,690!"

Compared with the more than 60,000 US dollars in the previous period, it has undoubtedly shrunk a lot.

The disadvantages of San Francisco’s small population and small market have gradually become apparent!

A Zu said to Daisy, "Go on, tell me how much money we spent this period?"

Daisy nodded and continued flipping through the account book. "In the past half month, the number of employees has increased to 372, with a total weekly salary of $11,160. Equipment, raw materials, and maintenance costs total $8,400. Transportation, logistics, and other expenses total $1,900."

"That's...!" Zu quickly calculated in his head: "Twenty-one thousand four hundred and sixty dollars."

Daisy nodded. "From our income minus our expenses, we made a total of $23,230!"

"Adding the remaining funds of $54,160 from the previous period, the company now has $77,390 in funds!"

A Zu calculated, "Today we have to pay the debt owed to Messrs. Vic and Jason, $25,000."

"There's still about $52,000 left to utilize."

At this point, A Zu asked Vic, "How's the second-hand boat we want to buy doing now?"

Vic replied, "There are two second-hand paddle steamers for sale. I've seen them, and they're both in pretty good condition. However, they're both being auctioned, so I guess we'll have to pay a hefty premium to get them."

“When is the auction?”

"Three days from now at noon, at Clarke Quay!"

A Zu agreed: "Then let's go to the auction together."

He turned around and asked Jason, "How's the boat we built?"

"The keel has been laid, everything is going smoothly! I believe that in two or three months, we will see the launch of our home-made galleon."

"Very good!" A Zu was silent for a moment before saying, "Now we have some money, I plan to start a newspaper!" "What? Start a newspaper?"

"Run a newspaper? Can you make money?"

"We're making good money, why should we publish a newspaper?"

In response to several shareholders' questions, A Zu replied, "We may not make money by publishing a newspaper. But if we don't publish a newspaper, we will definitely not make any money in the future!"

"Ah? What's the logic behind this?"

A-Zu patiently explained, "Without newspapers, there's no voice! Mayor Cameron may be dead, but sooner or later we'll encounter politicians like him again."

"Greedy politicians can easily kill us by taking advantage of their power. But our luck won't always be this good. Politicians who cause trouble for us won't always go to hell at the right time."

"But if we had a newspaper with considerable influence, those politicians would be hesitant and wouldn't dare to touch us easily."

"Lee, are you saying that politicians are afraid of newspapers?"

"Of course! Politicians need votes, and a big newspaper can easily destroy a politician's voter base, discrediting them and bringing them down!"

After hearing what he said, everyone suddenly understood.

"The role of newspapers goes far beyond this. As long as we control public opinion, we can even push politicians we support to the stage and make them serve our interests!"

"Newspapers can also be used for advertising and marketing, expanding the influence and sales of our products!"

"Newspapers are our voices! With newspapers, we can speak loudly. No one can look down on us, and no one can easily step on us!"

"Tsk, tsk, tsk!" Jason smacked his lips. "I never thought a humble newspaper could have such a big impact!"

Vivian continued, "I support publishing a newspaper! But, none of us know how to do it?"

"It doesn't matter if we don't know how to do it!" A Zu smiled and said, "Just find someone who does!"

"I have already negotiated with Mr. Poe, and he is willing to take the lead in launching the newspaper. With his fame and influence, our newspaper will quickly gain popularity."

"Edgar Allan Poe?" Daisy asked in surprise. "Edgar Allan Poe? The famous poet, novelist, and detective?"

"Yes, that's him!"

Daisy covered her mouth in disbelief. "Boss, how do you know Mr. Edgar Allan Poe? Why would a celebrity like him agree to help us run a newspaper?"

A Zu smiled faintly: "Nothing, I just saved his life."

"You saved...Edgar Allan Poe's life?"

Jason, Vic, and Daisy all opened their mouths and stared, unable to believe their ears.

Only Vivian, a girl who grew up in China, had never heard of the famous name of Edgar Allan Poe!

"Is there any need to be so surprised?" A Zu turned and looked at them: "It's not like I haven't saved your lives before!"

"But...but that's Edgar Allan Poe!"

"That's him. What's wrong? Don't famous people get sick or die?"

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(End of this chapter)