Starting with a fully invested A-share portfolio to become a capital...

Chapter 104 The Three-Pointed Star Illuminates the Future
“Mr. Zhang, the only Maybach model currently available in our store is the S600. Models like the Maybach 57 and 62 can only be found at large 4S stores in Beijing or Shanghai.”

Saleswoman Liang Yuexin led Zhang Yang to one side of the showroom, where a sleek, understatedly luxurious Mercedes-Benz S600 was parked.

"Can I come up and sit for a bit?"

Zhang Yang was well aware that in 2009, Mercedes-Benz and Maybach were still two independent car brands.

When it comes to Mercedes-Benz, there are few people in the world who don't know it, but when it comes to Maybach, very few people know its story.

The Maybach brand was founded in 1919 by Wilhelm Maybach and his son Karl Maybach, and the first Maybach W3 car was built in 1921.

In 1930, their DS7/DS8 series, with its airship-like design and top-notch craftsmanship, was hailed as a "mobile palace" and became a symbol of status for political and business elites.

However, with the outbreak of World War II, Maybach's production plants shifted to military production, and due to the post-war economic recession and operational difficulties, the brand was acquired by Daimler-Benz in 1960.

It wasn't until 1997 that the Maybach brand was revived by the Daimler Group, and in 2002, the Maybach 56 and 57 luxury models were launched, directly competing with Rolls-Royce.

Unfortunately, due to the long hiatus, sales of the Maybach 56 and 57 were dismal, and Maybach was eventually forced to cooperate with Mercedes-Benz on technology.

The Mercedes-Benz S600 is a model built on the Maybach platform and is currently Mercedes-Benz's most luxurious model.

Strictly speaking, it was the first Mercedes-Maybach S-Class sedan.

"Of course you can experience it, but since it's a luxury million-dollar sedan, our store has regulations that require you to wear shoe covers and gloves when getting in the car," Liang Yuexin explained patiently.

While Liang Yuexin was still enthusiastically introducing the product in the distance, the other sales staff at the 4S store were eating sunflower seeds at the front desk, looking at her as if she were a fool.

"The new guy is still busy running around, but he doesn't use his brain at all. He's got the energy but nowhere to use it."

"I estimate that the young man's entire body is only worth two hundred yuan. Even if he came from eastern Guangdong, he wouldn't be so shabby."

"They came up to look at the S600 right away, probably because they wanted to experience a luxury car."

"I guess so."

Salespeople often deal with dozens, or even hundreds, of people a day. As they come into contact with more and more people, they often develop a "snobbish eye," meaning they know how to treat people differently based on their status.

The better you dress and the more distinguished you appear, the more salespeople will flock to you and try to turn you into a potential customer, even if you clearly state that you don't want to buy a car.

But if you're dressed plainly, they won't even pour you a glass of water; that's the principle of respecting appearances before respecting people.

Upon hearing that he needed to wear shoe covers and gloves, and put a plastic car mat on the driver's seat, Zhang Yang found it troublesome and gave up on getting in the car. He simply opened the car door, glanced at the interior, and then asked about the price: "How much is an S600 now?"

"Mr. Zhang, this way please."

Liang Yuexin led Zhang Yang to a seat to the side, took the pen from her collar, and then began to calculate the price on a piece of paper.

"The official guide price for the S600 is 259.8 million yuan, the purchase tax is 10%, which is 25.98 yuan, the vehicle and vessel tax is 4400 yuan, the compulsory traffic accident liability insurance is 950 yuan, and the commercial insurance is 7 yuan for full coverage. The total price is 293.315 yuan. Mr. Zhang, what do you think?"

Liang Yuexin's face was full of anticipation for closing a deal.

Looking at the numbers written on the paper, Zhang Yang calmly asked, "What is the maximum number of installments?"

“60 installments, a total of 5 years, with an annual interest rate of 6.99%. However, Mercedes-Benz is having a promotion, so we can reduce it by 1%, making it 5.99%,” Liang Yuexin replied quickly.

“That means the monthly interest rate is 0.4992%, which, according to the guidance price…” Zhang Yang paused for a moment before stating the figure: “49705.83 yuan.”

Liang Yuexin was somewhat surprised by Zhang Yang's mental arithmetic ability, but she still corrected him, "We can't calculate it according to the guide price; we need to pay a 30% down payment first, which means..."

Just as she was about to use a calculator, Zhang Yang said the number: "77.94."

Liang Yuexin pressed the calculator buttons once, and it really was 77.94. She couldn't help but ask, "Mr. Zhang, what do you do? How are you so good at mental arithmetic?"

"Let's talk about buying a car."

Zhang Yang smiled faintly.

He quoted a price to remind the other party that he was not easily fooled and that sincerity would be reciprocated.

Anyone who has bought a car knows that there are many pitfalls and all sorts of complicated bundled deals. If the salesperson thinks you're easy to fool, they'll try their best to deceive you.

“Okay.” Liang Yuexin glanced at Zhang Yang again and continued with the quote: “Mr. Zhang, if you want to buy this S600, you need to pay 77.94 yuan upfront, plus purchase tax and insurance, totaling 111.455 yuan. The remaining 181.86 yuan will be financed in 60 installments at an annual interest rate of 5.99%, with monthly payments…”

She glanced at Zhang Yang, but this time Zhang Yang didn't say the price; he just waited quietly for the other party to announce the number.

After pressing all the buttons on the calculator, Liang Yuexin said the number: "34974.31 yuan."

All things considered, the total price of this Mercedes-Benz S600 is 321.3 million yuan.

The price is still within an affordable range. A car is currently a necessity for Zhang Yang because he needs to travel between Shanghai and Hangzhou.

A car that can showcase one's status is an essential necessity.

Respect the clothes first, then the person; a vehicle is a man's calling card when he's out in public.

In the movie "Black Gold," actor Leung Ka-fai has a line that goes like this: "We all drive Mercedes and Rolls-Royces, but you drive a Mazda. No wonder you get stuck in traffic."

When you're out and about, you don't even need to say anything; your car will speak for you.

"What discounts or benefits are available if I buy now?"

Zhang Yang asked again.

He has already decided to buy it.

In his previous life on Wall Street, his car was a Mercedes-Maybach series, and he even bought a showroom of over 10,000 square meters to collect the new Maybach S-Class released every year.

Liang Yuexin thought for a moment and replied to Zhang Yang, "We offer gas cards and maintenance services. If Mr. Zhang puts down a deposit today, I can ask my supervisor for details."

Zhang Yang: "I'll go ask for instructions first."

Spend money where you need to, and be aware of your own rights.

"Mr. Zhang, please wait a moment."

Liang Yuexin hurriedly ran to find her superior. About five minutes later, Liang Yuexin returned, bringing with her a fat, pot-bellied middle-aged man.

"I am Li Liang, Xiao Xin's supervisor. Sir, are you the one who wants to buy the S600?"

The salesperson, as usual, looked the customer up and down to assess the likelihood of a sale.

“That’s right.” Zhang Yang responded, and then said briefly, “60 installments, we can sign the contract and make the down payment today.”

"This, this, this..."

Li Liang visibly panicked and even licked his lips. He quickly made a gesture for Zhang Yang to sit down.

After the two sat down, he offered a discount: "Currently, there are no discounts on this S600, and the government does not subsidize luxury models. However, if you make a down payment today, sir, we can give you a 2 yuan gas card and 10 free car maintenance services."

"Think it over carefully," Zhang Yang said, picking up a disposable paper cup and taking a sip of water.

Li Liang, quick-witted as ever, immediately changed his tune, saying, "Two gas cards worth 2 yuan each, plus 20 full vehicle maintenance services, sir, what do you think?"

4S stores enjoy significant discounts when purchasing fuel cards in bulk; for example, a 4 yuan fuel credit can be obtained for 3.5 yuan, or even around 3 yuan.

As for vehicle maintenance, anyone who has worked in the auto repair industry knows that the expensive part is labor. The actual value of 20 maintenance services is not much, at most less than 3 yuan.

Zhang Yang put down his paper cup and said calmly, "I don't like the number 4. 5 yuan in gas cards, that's fine, let's sign the car purchase contract."

"This way, sir!" Li Liang agreed without hesitation.

He would agree to any major client's request for a 60-month installment plan, as long as it wasn't too unreasonable. He would even agree to things like gas card credit if needed, and he would even sleep with them if required.

After the details were agreed upon, the process of signing the "Car Purchase Contract" went very smoothly. As for the materials required for the "Loan Contract", Li Liang personally drove Zhang Yang to handle them. Finally, everything was completed at 4:47 pm and submitted to the auto consumer finance company for review.

"This is the invoice for the down payment, Mr. Zhang. Please keep it safe. The loan application has been submitted, and the auto finance department is expected to respond in the next day or two. Also, considering that you don't have a temporary car yet, here is the key to a 08 Mercedes-Benz E300 for your convenience in the next few days."

Li Liang handed a car key, along with the invoice, to Zhang Yang.

Zhang Yang readily accepted the invoice and put it into the document bag provided by the 4S store.

"Shall I take you to get your car?"

"Yes, I happen to have something to do."

The two went to the repair area of ​​the 4S store. Li Liang led Zhang Yang to a nearly new Mercedes-Benz E300, then took out Zhang Yang's Hyatt Hotel VIP card and handed it to him, saying:
"Mr. Zhang, since you are new to Hangzhou, this is a luxury card for a star-rated hotel that we have partnered with Mercedes-Benz. It offers various benefits such as room discounts, room upgrades, late check-out, and complimentary breakfast. We hope it will be of some help to you."

When facing strangers, Zhang Yang naturally wouldn't reveal his secrets. He would only answer half of what he could, and skip over what he couldn't answer.

It was precisely this sense of mystery, along with his extravagant spending, that led Li Liang to regard Zhang Yang as a top-tier rich second-generation from eastern Guangdong. He even increased the originally agreed-upon 5 yuan gas card to 8 yuan and provided him with a free car.

"Have a heart."

Zhang Yang casually took it.

As Zhang Yang sat in the driver's seat of the Mercedes, Li Liang smiled broadly and said, "Honorable Mercedes owner, may the three-pointed star illuminate your career, and may you enjoy a smooth and pleasant journey!"

"Thank you."

Zhang Yang thanked them and then drove away from the Mercedes-Benz 4S store.

Li Liang watched the Mercedes E300 drive away and muttered to himself, "What a rich young master. I wonder which family's son he is."

As he was reminiscing, Liang Yuexin quickly leaned closer and asked, "Manager, how much commission do I get for this deal?"

"10."

“10 million?!!”

"10."

"I'm rich! Haha!!!"

Selling a Mercedes S600, even with a 60-month installment plan, and earning a commission of 10 yuan is considered low, is like winning the lottery for a new employee.

The other salespeople who were originally eating sunflower seeds in the lobby were kicking themselves. They had heard that wealthy people in eastern Guangdong were generally low-key, but they never expected that even the "second-generation rich" would be so low-key.

Wearing clothes that cost a few hundred yuan but buying a car worth millions, who would have thought?
Many sales professionals with over a decade of experience are encountering this situation for the first time.

However, this also served as a reminder to them: be wary of customers who dress modestly but dare to look at top-tier luxury cars; they might just be from eastern Guangdong and haven't changed their dressing habits.

……

After leaving the Mercedes-Benz 4S store, Zhang Yang drove back to his hotel, retrieved his luggage from the room, and checked out.

He then drove to No. 28 Hubin Road, Shangcheng District, which is the address of the Hyatt Regency Hangzhou, right next to West Lake.

It is worth mentioning that Jianggan District will undergo administrative division optimization and adjustment in April 2021, with its subdistricts being merged into Qiantang District and Shangcheng District.

The Hyatt Hotel is located not far from Qianjiang International Times Square, only a 20-minute drive away.

Upon arriving at the Hyatt Hotel, Zhang Yang parked his car in the parking space at the entrance, then walked into the eight-story hotel and headed straight for the front desk.

"Hello, check-in is here."

Zhang Yang then took out his VIP card.

The receptionist took the card and examined it, having no idea what it was for.

But upon seeing the words "Mercedes-Benz" written on it, and glancing at Zhang Yang, he quickly used his walkie-talkie to call the lobby manager.

As the hotel manager quickly arrived and checked Zhang Yang's VIP card, he greeted him with a smile, "Welcome to the Hyatt Hotel, sir. You are a Hyatt and Mercedes-Benz VIP member. What type of room would you like?"

"A suite of about 60 square meters."

Before the other party could speak, Zhang Yang continued, "A one-month long-term lease."

The hotel manager was taken aback, then smiled obsequiously and said, "For long-term rentals, a single suite of about 60 square meters costs 499 yuan per night. However, since you are a Hyatt and Mercedes-Benz VIP member, you enjoy a 7% discount, making it 10479 yuan per month."

Zhang Yang: "I want to stay on a high floor so I can get a good view of West Lake."

"No problem sir."

The hotel manager responded and then said, "You are our valued member, and it is our honor to serve you. We have upgraded you to a 75-square-meter deluxe single suite for free. It is located on the 7th floor of our hotel and is second only to the presidential suite."

"Swipe your card."

Zhang Yang handed over his bank card and ID card.

After checking in, Zhang Yang looked at the hotel manager and said, "I need to go out for a bit. Could you please take my luggage upstairs for me?"

"Okay, Mr. Zhang."

The hotel manager responded repeatedly.

……

Without hesitation, Zhang Yang drove to Building B of the Hangcheng Building in Hangzhou and entered the Kiton luxury menswear custom store.

After explaining his needs, the Italian technician in the shop took out a measuring tape and recorded Zhang Yang's body data and posture issues.

A high-end custom-made garment is designed to fit the wearer's body, not the other way around. This is the difference between custom-made and mass-market sizes.

Besides suits, they also offer bespoke trousers and leather shoes. Zhang Yang was too lazy to go around looking for a place, so he simply left the whole outfit to them.

After all, Kiton is an old Italian brand. Although their country surrendered quickly, they are really good at making clothes.

After paying a deposit of 5 yuan, Zhang Yang left Kiton, a top-tier menswear custom store, and went to the nearest shopping mall to buy everyday clothes.

A man needs a suit, but he can't have only a suit.

The day's expenses included a Mercedes-Benz S600 costing 111.455 yuan, and a Hyatt hotel suite and a custom-made suit costing 6 yuan.

Finally, there was the shopping for everyday clothing, such as shirts, short-sleeved T-shirts, underwear, etc., which cost 3000 yuan for five sets.

Today's total spending amounted to 117.755 Chinese Yuan, leaving 58.9 Yuan remaining in the card.

Xu Zhiruo's Maserati was sold for 115 million yuan. According to Zhang Yang's estimation, it could be redeemed in installments for around 40 yuan.

In 2009, if installment payments were possible, he would never pay in full, because a large influx of foreign capital was about to occur. Internet companies such as Alibaba, Tencent, and Baidu received foreign investment during this period, and the Chinese yuan, which was pegged to the US dollar, would be forced to increase its issuance as foreign capital entered the market.

The "4 trillion yuan investment" marked the beginning of the devaluation of the Chinese yuan. The real rapid devaluation occurred during the influx of foreign capital.

As for setting up a financial website, Zhang Yang has never forgotten about it. He leveraged it five times because he wanted to quickly accumulate wealth and then spend money to build it.

Everything is progressing very smoothly now, and the total value of his 75.36 shares of Peak Group has reached 584.41 million.

After Rhine Biologics was "slaughtered," today marks the end of the dust for Jianfeng Group, confirming its status as the "leader in shikimic acid" with its first consecutive limit-up day. Assuming there are nine more limit-up days, the stock price will reach 18.3 yuan, and the total value will reach 1379 million yuan.

Of course, it doesn't matter if there are no nine consecutive limit-up days. What Zhang Yang needs to do now is to achieve consecutive limit-up days and take profits in time!

(End of this chapter)