Many good things that defy explanation can often be attributed to "luck."
Facing questions from his parents on the phone, Tan Jincheng could only explain it this way.
Government support certainly had its overall considerations behind it, but the specific challenges could only be privately guessed.
Perhaps it was the right time and place, he appeared, and also had some ability, thus becoming the lucky one.
As for what to do in the future, the only thing he could do was to manage his company well.
After a phone call lasting over an hour, Tan Lihua and his wife listened to their son's statements and both fell silent.
"So you're a real billionaire now?"
Tan Lihua asked after a long while.
"Yes, definitely, but actually, I don't really have much cash. The money from transferring shares isn't something I can spend casually,"
Tan Jincheng replied with a smile.
"Oh, your mom and I still find it a bit hard to accept. This development speed is just too fast,"
Tan Lihua sighed.
After stabilizing his business, Tan Jincheng never thought of hiding the details from his parents, precisely because he was afraid that if he suddenly became rich one day, his parents would find it hard to accept.
Many times, money is not just a net worth figure, but also a process.
Living in poverty, then suddenly one day saying to his parents like Xia Luo:
"I'm coming clean, I'm a billionaire now, I'm not pretending anymore."
For parents, this is not a pleasant surprise, but a shock.
Fortunately, although Tan Lihua and his wife still found it hard to accept, they weren't shocked.
After all, they knew what industries their son had; the only thing they couldn't understand was how incredibly fast it all happened.
"It is a bit fast, but time waits for no one. The electric vehicle industry is in its initial development stage these past few years. If I continued to tinker around like before, I might be eliminated by the market in two or three years."
If one were to use a business case to describe the electric scooter industry from 2003 to 2005, and even these two years of the current year, it would have a slight flavor of the "thousand-group war."
In the early stages, some small factories dabbled, but after the implementation of new traffic regulations, the number of factories nationwide increased exponentially.
Companies like Xinri and Yadi also made continuous moves in the second half of this year.
There are even rumors that some old motorcycle manufacturing companies that used to look down on electric vehicles, such as Zongshen, are also preparing to enter the electric vehicle industry.
If one has no ambition, doesn't want to grow big, and just wants to make a few bucks, then maintaining the current scale is actually not bad.
Earning some money and then closing or selling the factory would be fine.
If that were the case, there would be no need for marketing strategies; simply distributing flyers and selling locally, or even opening two direct stores, would be enough.
But for a reborn person with ideals and a dream of making cars, this is clearly impossible.
A reborn person has many ways to make money; buying a few houses is much easier than running a factory.
The dream of building cars is something Tan Jincheng dared not reveal at this point, nor had he ever mentioned it to anyone.
Building new energy vehicles in 2005, not to mention whether he had the capital, also did not conform to market rules.
It would be like launching a certain popular app during that period – utterly useless, as technology wouldn't support it, and consumers wouldn't accept it at all.
Consumer habits need to be cultivated.
In an era where traditional fuel vehicles were deeply entrenched, it was difficult for new energy vehicles to gain acceptance.
This was similar to electric scooters a few years ago; at the turn of the century and in earlier years, consumers only recognized motorcycles.
Only after the country began to largely ban motorcycles did consumers think of alternatives.
The same applies to new energy vehicles; even in 2023, when their popularity is quite high, most car buyers still do not recognize new energy vehicles.
As for the factors behind the policies, whether it's banning motorcycles or providing large subsidies for new energy vehicles, the essence is actually a process of breaking through blockades.
Tan Lihua understood that this kid's ambition was truly not small; he wasn't just after money.
If he had to describe it in one word, it would be "building an empire."
No matter how much money he earned, it was directly invested, and it seemed he wanted to hit it big.
"Having ideals and ambitions is good, but you still need to be low-key, understand? And what was the point of spending so much money on that celebrity endorsement this time? Was it necessary?"
"Haha, actually it wasn't that much, but a new brand still needs it. Our promotions will catch up in a while, and the samples will be off the production line soon. Dad, you'll see then."
"Alright, we can't help you much with your current career. You need to be especially careful. Achievements are good, but being safe and sound is the most important."
"Yes, I understand, Dad. Things here aren't as complicated as you think."
At this moment, Zhang Suzhi's voice came from the other end of the phone:
"Son, what's going on with your girlfriend?"
"Did Uncle tell you?"
"Of course! How could your uncle hide such a big thing from us? Why didn't you tell me you had a girlfriend? I was still at home asking around for girls for you to go on blind dates with when you came back. Now I don't know how to respond to people."
"Mom, you're too eager. I'm only 20, okay? Even if I didn't have a girlfriend, you wouldn't need to arrange blind dates for me, would you?"
"What's wrong with being 20? After the New Year, you'll be 21. If the blind date goes well, you can get married in two years. Then, you can have a child and raise them with Jinyue; it won't be much trouble."
Tan Jincheng gave a helpless wry smile.
It really wouldn't be much trouble.
If he had a child when Jinyue was four or five, they could indeed be raised together.
However, he hadn't thought about getting married that early.
He needed to warn them about this first.
"Mom, I haven't thought about getting married too early. You and Dad don't need to worry about that. Besides, Qingqing is still a student, and it's not even certain if she'll pursue a master's degree later. So, if there's an early marriage, it would be at least four or five years from now."
"Alright, alright, we'll talk about this later. Anyway, I can't control you now. Tell me what kind of girl she is and what her family situation is like? Your uncle knows too little."
Last Mid-Autumn Festival, Zhang Qingliang was still in the hospital, and the two only stayed there for a while before leaving.
When his younger cousin came for National Day, Tan Jincheng went traveling again.
Zhang Qingliang could really not provide much information other than where Gu Qingqing was from and her age.
"She's an only child, from Yiwu, and her family is quite wealthy. Don't worry, even if your son goes bankrupt, he should still be able to live off her, no need to worry. As for her parents, I haven't met them yet. I'll tell you after I do."
By now, Tan Jincheng had learned that Gu Qingqing's family actually owned 35 stalls in the International Trade City! Although each stall wasn't large, this was the Yiwu International Trade City.
The rent for shops in Yiwu International Trade City has always been very firm.
Even in 2023, when the real economy is struggling, the annual rent is still around 100,000 yuan; it's just hard to rent them out, but the price is there.
35 stalls, in 2005, the hottest era for foreign trade, with an annual rent starting at a minimum of 4 million yuan!
He knew she was a small rich woman, but he didn't expect her to be so wealthy! If he had met her a year earlier, he wouldn't have bothered making electric scooters; he could have directly lived off her.
"Ah? An only child, and her family is rich. What if her family is reluctant to marry her to someone from out of town and disagrees with your relationship?"
"You're worrying about this too early. When the country develops well in the future and transportation becomes convenient, Yiwu and Yongcheng will be a day trip. What's considered out of town then?"
"I'm talking about our hometown."
"Mom, do you think I'll still frequently return to my hometown in the future?"
"."
Yes, his son's career is so big now, will he still frequently return to his hometown in the future? Obviously not possible.
While Zhang Suzhi was happy and proud, she also felt a little sad.
This son had drifted further and further away from his parents since he turned 18.
"Forget it, forget it, I can't worry about your affairs anymore. Let's leave it at that. Oh, by the way, see if you can arrange a job for your uncle. He got into that car accident helping you last time. If there's any easy work at your factory, arrange it for him. Painting constantly isn't good for his health."
"Did Uncle tell you?"
"Your uncle didn't say anything, but your aunt hinted at it. She's afraid he'll rush to make money before his leg has fully recovered. You know your uncle's personality."
"Don't worry, I thought about this a long time ago. I'll talk to him and let him rest for another month."
Ever since deciding to change the accident that happened to Zhang Qingliang, Tan Jincheng had prepared for various risks.
The renovation for himself also couldn't have another accident happen to him, leading to his death.
But letting it go was obviously impossible.
He had a blood relationship with him and had always been very good to him.
Tan Jincheng couldn't turn a blind eye, including buying imported milk powder for his sister.
The nationwide milk powder incident would happen next year.
In his previous life, his sister also drank domestic brands.
The incident scared his family quite a bit, but fortunately, there were no problems in the end, but the memory of it was still fresh.
Unable to change others, but when capable, for the plight of blood relatives, even if it meant taking risks, he had to help.
Since Zhang Qingliang's car accident, Tan Jincheng had considered using this opportunity to have him change careers.
After the new factory officially went into production, he would arrange for him to go in, slowly learn from the basics, and eventually become a grassroots manager.
No reason was needed:
"You're my uncle, you got into an accident helping me, and now I have the ability to solve your work problem and help you earn money more easily."
It was beyond reproach.
He had originally planned to tell him after New Year's Day or when he had some free time, but since his mother brought it up, he should reassure him first.
Otherwise, with his hardworking nature, he wouldn't recover well from his injuries.
Flipping through the calendar, most of November had passed.
The new factory's five automated production lines were almost installed, and the construction of the remaining workshops was steadily progressing.
From the construction schedule, it should officially go into production by the end of December, earlier than the anticipated post-New Year's Day.
(End of Chapter)