Their family business had already achieved a certain scale, and there were several stores. It was not easy for Zhang Hui to find a gap to exploit.
If Zhang Hui dared to take action, he would not only offend Yun Que'er's family but many others. He couldn't bear the consequences.
Based on Chen Pi's descriptions, Yun Que'er suspected that Zhang Hui might have discovered something, most likely the fruit trees in the fields.
In that case, they could set a trap for Zhang Hui.
"We need to act quickly," Yun Fujin said. "If Zhang Hui really wants to make a move, we must get ahead of him. We're in urgent need of money to buy a house. We can't let Zhang Hui mess things up."
"Big brother, no matter how urgent it is, we don't have to rush this moment. Don't be so nervous."
Yun Que'er grabbed Yun Fujin, who was about to rush out in a hurry. "Zhang Hui left Chen Pi behind today. He might well anticipate that Chen Pi would tell us everything. Since he knows we're suspicious, he won't act so rashly. He'll probably observe for a few days."
Yun Fujin thought it made sense, but he still felt worried.
"What if we don't keep a close eye on things and he seizes the opportunity?"
Yun Que'er gave a soft laugh. "In that case, we'll play along with his plan."
If they acted too calmly, it would arouse suspicion.
So the best strategy was to follow Zhang Hui's thought process and lead him into the trap step by step.
Following Yun Que'er's advice, Yun Fujin returned to Yuhe Village early the next morning.
The Li family had been waiting for him. When Li Guo, the head of the Li family, saw Yun Fujin coming, he quickly led him into the house and introduced the buyer who had already been arranged.
"My idea is that fruits are perishable once picked. So we'll come to collect a portion each time. When we're about to sell out, we'll come for new ones," the man said. "Don't worry. I'll pay a deposit first, and I'll pay each time I come to collect the fruits until all of them are collected."
Li Guo nodded repeatedly. "Okay. That's what we've always done every year."
"That won't do," Yun Fujin suddenly interjected.
Both of them were stunned. This had always been the rule for fruit - collection. What was the problem?
"Kid, I heard you weren't around when the fruits were collected in previous years. You might not understand the details. But we've always done it this way. If you're not satisfied, you can go and ask around. It's an established rule for every household in this business." The man smiled.
"Or are you not satisfied with the price? We can discuss it. But kid, we're running a small business. I'm just earning a meager profit. Don't be too demanding."
Yun Fujin hooked his lips slightly. "You misunderstand me. I know your price is quite reasonable. Yours is the best in the whole county. I'm thinking that Brother Li has worked so hard for a year, and these fruits have been carefully cultivated. If we follow your rule, what if you back out halfway? Brother Li will have to find a new buyer. It would be fine if he found one, but if he didn't, all these fruits would rot in the fields, and his whole year's work would be in vain."
Li Guo was a bit dazed listening to Yun Fujin. What he said made sense, but wasn't it making things difficult for the buyer?
Doing business required give - and - take. If you took too much advantage and made the other party suffer losses, who would want to do business with you in the future?
Wasn't this ruining your own reputation?
Li Guo originally thought Yun Fujin was a gentle and easy - to - talk - to person, but now he seemed to have changed.
Seeing the buyer's expression turning sour, Li Guo quickly pulled Yun Fujin.
"Xiaoyun, strictly speaking, I'm just a worker and have no say in this. You're the one who should make the decision. But you really can't act like this."
Yun Fujin seemed not to hear and stared steadily at the buyer.
"What I mean is, pay 80% as a deposit. Then pick the fruits as you need them. It's not too late to pay the rest after all the fruits are picked."
The man had never heard of such a way of doing business in his life.
At first glance, it seemed okay, but upon closer consideration, something seemed off.
It was as if there was something wrong with the fruits in their fields and they were eager to sell them.
"Kid, I don't think you're really sincere about selling," the man said, standing up with an unpleasant look on his face and forcing a very unnatural smile.
"Your proposal is good, but it's really difficult for us to come up with 80% of the deposit all at once. And if something goes wrong in the middle, we'll suffer losses for nothing. It seems our business deal won't work out. You'd better look for someone else."
Li Guo was anxious and quickly grabbed the man who was about to leave.
"Don't go. We've already reached an agreement. Why are you backing out now? The autumn harvest is coming soon. Where can we find a new buyer? This kid usually does other business and doesn't understand this well. Please sit down. I'll persuade him."
The man waved his hand. "Forget it, Brother Li. You're an honest man and really want the best for both sides. But if the owner isn't willing, I don't want to get involved. Let's hope we'll meet again in the future."
Li Guo slapped his thigh in frustration. What a mess!
But Yun Fujin suddenly stepped forward and took out a piece of paper he had prepared from his inner pocket.
"Don't worry. I won't let you suffer losses. This is the agreement we've drafted. If you sign it and get it notarized, it will be legally binding. Even if you suffer the slightest loss from me, you can sue me. Why don't you take a good look at the agreement before making a decision?"
The man gave Yun Fujin a suspicious look. What was he up to?
He took the paper, and his eyes suddenly widened.
After a long silence, the man slowly said,
"Then, let's do it your way."
Li Guo was extremely surprised. He didn't expect that even though Yun Fujin had proposed such harsh conditions, the man would still agree.
The man not only signed the agreement on the spot but also immediately went home to raise money to pay the 80% deposit.
Li Guo personally saw the man off. Watching his departing back, he still couldn't believe it.
"Xiaoyun, what on earth did you write on that paper? I can't read, so I don't understand."
Yun Fujin smiled. "It's nothing. Anyway, it's a good thing."
He looked at Li Guo. "By the way, Brother Li, I need your help. Since the buyer has paid so much money, we can't let him suffer losses. It will take some time to pick all the fruits. To avoid any accidents, we need someone to keep an eye on them day and night. I don't trust the other families in the village because our relationships aren't good. So I have to trouble you, Brother Li, to help with this."
"It's just a small matter. Don't worry," Li Guo nodded repeatedly and agreed.