Chapter 1677
Investments Other Than Money
It wasn't that Wang An didn't want to help Feng Chengmin, Wang Li, and Mu Xueli open a gold shop and make a fortune; it was just that the current situation was exactly as Wu Dong had described—the investment was simply too large.
It is foreseeable that not only will people not see a return on their investment in the gold industry for several years, but even the profits they have made in pharmaceutical and motorcycle factories in recent years may be squandered on opening gold shops.
To be honest, Wang An couldn't even imagine how huge the investment would be if he opened gold shops in every city in Northeast China, as well as in cities outside Northeast China.
However, it is also foreseeable that with these gold shops, not only will everyone be able to sell their gold safely and without leaving a trace, but the gold trading business will also be able to continue indefinitely.
The seven people present could become millionaires or even billionaires just by trading gold.
After Wang An finished speaking, Wu Dong continued:
"With the continuous investment from the pharmaceutical and motorcycle factories, the investment in the gold shop can barely hold up for the seven of us. Now, even if anyone else wanted to continue investing like us, I feel they couldn't keep up."
After Wu Dong finished speaking, everyone nodded, because it was the truth, an indisputable truth.
After a pause, Wu Dong said to Wang An:
"Here's what we'll do, Xiao An. Don't feel pressured. You don't need to make decisions for your uncle and the others anymore. When you get back, just tell them about the situation, and I think they'll give up on their own."
Upon hearing this, Wang An nodded again and said:
"Yeah, there's no point in hiding this kind of thing. I think they can all understand what's going on."
In fact, investing is not much different from playing Texas Hold'em.
To win money, you need capital. But if you blindly follow the bets with just a little capital, you will inevitably be dragged down and eventually lose all your capital and even the right to reveal your cards.
After Wang An finished speaking, Wang Shuai added meaningfully:
"To be honest with you, Xiao An, this is only the financial investment. We haven't mentioned other investments, such as those related to interpersonal relationships and exchanges of benefits. The main thing is that all of our profitable businesses were instigated by you. We're basically making money by following you."
Wang An raised his hand to interrupt:
"Stop, stop, Brother Wang, don't say that, I'm the same way."
Wang An had only spoken halfway when Wang Shuai interrupted him again, saying:
"No, Xiao An, can you let me finish speaking first?"
Wang An nodded helplessly, and then Wang Shuai said again:
"The business environment in our area is not yet mature, so opening a gold shop is actually quite troublesome. However, these troubles can be resolved by the few of us, or more precisely, by our families. Although these things do not cost money, they involve favors and obligations. If these costs are also considered, then it's impossible to calculate."
Wang Shuai paused here, then hesitated for a moment before continuing:
"Our relationship is definitely solid. We're making money with you, so it's only right and proper for us older brothers and sisters to do whatever we want. But if other people get involved, how do we account for these investments beyond just money? You agree, right, Xiao An?"
Although Wang Shuai's words were somewhat veiled, Wang An, being a shrewd person, understood them instantly. However, it must be admitted that what Wang Shuai said was absolutely correct.
At that time, doing business was still in a state of trial and error, and there were many ambiguous attitudes towards things, as well as frequent changes in policies.
Therefore, many businesses cannot be solved by money alone; they require considerable strength, connections, and networks.
The investments Wang Shuai mentioned, besides money, are these.
These things cannot be valued or calculated, but without their existence, whether it's a pharmaceutical factory, a motorcycle factory, or a gold shop, none of them could operate.
Wang Shuai's last sentence made it very clear that these matters could be handled by the second generation, and Wang An didn't need to worry about them at all, because Wang An was the actual leader in these transactions.
However, if others join in, then responsibilities and obligations need to be redefined. At the very least, all contributions other than money should be considered as part of the investment.
It's unreasonable to say that those who do the work and those who don't all enjoy the same share and treatment, right?
There's another sentence Wang Shuai didn't say, but it conveyed the same meaning: opening a gold shop isn't as simple as Wu Dong said, where you just need enough money to bet.
Wang Shuai meant that one needed not only enough money, but also enough strength and connections to be qualified to board this giant ship that everyone had built together.
To put it bluntly, apart from the seven people already in the room, no one is allowed to join the group.
After Wang Shuai finished speaking, Zhang Shuya suddenly reached out and tugged at Wang Shuai's sleeve, saying somewhat displeased:
"Why are you telling Xiao An all this? What does this have to do with Xiao An? He only thinks of us when good things happen, and he wants us to make money together, that's enough, what more do you want? Besides, didn't Xiao An say he wouldn't take Uncle and the others?"
It's clear that Wang Shuai and Zhang Shuya's relationship has become increasingly intimate, almost like that of a real couple.
What puzzled Wang An was that the couple's wedding had been postponed for some reason. They had clearly said that the wedding would be held at the end of last year, but now they said it was postponed. Wang An asked Zhang Shuya, but Zhang Shuya only said to wait and didn't tell Wang An anything else.
Zhang Shuya's words immediately made Wang Shuai blush. He then explained helplessly:
"No, Xiao An isn't an outsider. I'm just worried that Xiao An might soften her heart and agree to let someone join us, which would put us in a difficult position later. By saying this upfront, we can avoid any future misunderstandings."
Wang Shuai has always been a very righteous person, and he is also very open and meticulous in handling matters. The fact that he was able to tell Wang An these somewhat hurtful truths shows that Wang Shuai had nothing to hide, and that this is what everyone thought.
Zhang Shuya truly treated Wang An like a younger brother, spoiling him in every way.
However, it is clear that Zhang Shuya is dealing with the problem based on emotion rather than reason.
The others seemed to want to say something, but on such a sensitive issue, they appeared unsure how to phrase their thoughts. (End of Chapter)