Chapter 237
"He once bought a building for billions and ended up giving $400 million to the people who helped him. Do you think the people he helped were greedy? Mr. Hayes is super generous, and those folks took the money with a clear conscience. Helping others means you're capable. If you don't take the money now, you'll regret it later when you need help."
It suddenly clicked, and I stood up. "Thanks for the advice. I understand now."
He patted my shoulder. "Glad you understand. Not many people stick to their principles. You're loyal to me, so I'll be loyal to you. Let's make some money together!"
"Alright, I won't refuse."
I had no choice but to accept the money.
"Take it. I prepped it a few days ago but got swamped with work."
"Did you know there's a wine competition coming up?"
"Yeah, Charles said he'd take me."
"Perfect. Come with me," Frank said. "After the competition, the Sevan City Wine Association is hosting a banquet at Savory Haven. Famous wine experts from all over will be there. It's good to make more connections now for future benefits."
I nodded. I had already experienced the benefits of having a wide network.
"Honestly, the wine industry looks promising and profitable. I'm thinking of starting my own wine brand!"
Frank smiled. "Interested in joining me?"
Of course, I was!
"Starting a wine company?" I asked.
"Not exactly. Wine companies are tough and can easily fail. Even with my connections, we're still behind the big players. Competing head-on could be a disaster," Frank said, smiling. "So, we're going to make beer. Beer has high profits and quick production. Plus, summer just started, giving us at least three months of peak season. Perfect time to sell beer."
He pulled out a document. "Check this out!"
He was clearly prepared. I flipped through the plan, and it was thorough.
"I hired master brewers from Serenity Shores and famous mixologists. They created three fruit beers: lychee, strawberry, and watermelon."
"Targeting young people?" I asked.
"Exactly." He nodded. "Nightclubs, singing bars, restaurants, chain supermarkets. I've already started stocking up, and the feedback's been great."
"It's already started?" I was surprised.
"Technically, it started in March," Frank said.
It was now the end of June. From project start to product launch in three months. That was fast.
"The best-selling beer is still at night market stalls. Sevan City has a thriving night market culture by the sea. But most of the beer there is unregulated or mixed by vendors. So our entry point is the night market stalls."
Talking about the plan, Frank was animated and full of energy, completely different from before.
But the better he spoke, the more worried I got. "Frank, I can't help you."
"Why not?" Frank asked.
I felt helpless. "I know you want to make money with me, but I always feel guilty about money I didn't work hard for."
"That's not necessarily true," Frank said. "You should've started an advertising company."
"But my company's not doing well," I said.
"An advertising company with an audience of nearly 40 million can be a huge help," Frank said. "A product needs more than just channels; the key is getting people to know about it. We need to promote the products we sell."
I was shocked. "Frank, how did you know?"
"Charles mentioned it on the phone yesterday."
Turns out George and Charles both love spilling secrets.
"You probably don't realize the power you have right now," Frank said, giving me a deep look.
I nodded. "My team is still negotiating. By July, our audience should surpass 60 million. Plus, I've started a new media company. For future operations, I plan to use live streaming and an online store."
"That's settled then. I don't want your money. You can invest with advertising, and I'll give you 15% of the shares. You will be in charge of all the promotion for the beer in the future," Frank said.
"15% is too much," I said.
Frank replied, "If we can't manage it well, Sevan City Beer will fail. Only if it succeeds will it have value."
"Alright, I agree then!" I said.
Frank called the legal department to draft the contract. I called Savannah Lee to come over. The company's registered capital was $100 million, and 15% equaled $15 million.
After confirming there were no issues with the contract, I signed it.
Looking at the contract, I was thrilled to become a shareholder of a company.
"John, don't leave. Come to my house for dinner tonight. My parents have been talking about you," Frank said. "And my aunt is coming over today. It's a good chance for you to meet her."
'Ruby is coming too?'
My thoughts started racing, remembering that afternoon. I felt very shy.
I swallowed hard. "Sure, I haven't seen Uncle and Auntie for a few days."
That afternoon, I stayed in Frank's office, mostly discussing the new product. Marketing was undoubtedly the most important aspect. As a marketer, I naturally understood that good marketing could give a product new life.
Driving to the East Side again, I no longer felt nervous.
Although I was still envious, the feeling of inferiority was gone. I firmly believed that one day in the future, I would have a place here too.
"Mom, Dad, look who's here."
Although the Allen Family is usually very busy, they always set aside time every Friday to have dinner together. Frank had told me this.
"Is it John? Come in, have a seat!"
"Hello, Uncle and Auntie!"
I walked over and saw Ruby sitting next to Emily. "Ruby is here too?"
Ruby saw me and nodded. "You're here too, huh?"
It had only been a few days, but Ruby seemed even more beautiful than before.
Emily and Ruby, despite being more than ten years apart, they looked equally beautiful sitting together, unforgettable.
Especially with Lillian sitting next to them, I thought to myself, there are so many beautiful women here.
"You know my aunt?" Frank was a bit surprised.
"Lillian brought him to school to find me before," Ruby said.
"How's your foot, Ruby?" I asked.
Ruby blushed, a hint of panic in her eyes. "Much better."
"Auntie, did your foot injury flare up again?" Lillian asked anxiously.
"A few days ago, he helped me massage it, and it's much better now," Ruby replied.
"Much better means it's not fully healed. How about I take another look at it later?" I said boldly.
For some reason, I just wanted to see Ruby enjoying the massage, very much so.
"No need, it's almost healed," Ruby said.
"Auntie, since John knows how to massage, let him help you."
"Really, it's not necessary. He's a guest in our home; it's not right to ask a guest to massage my foot."
I said, "Ruby, don't be so polite. If I can help relieve your pain, my massage skills won't go to waste."
"Ruby, just agree. I really like John and consider him like my own child. Don't be shy; we're all family."
I nodded. "Being too polite makes it feel distant."
Seeing that she couldn't refuse, Ruby nodded. "Alright then, sorry to trouble you, John."
"Not at all; it's my pleasure," I said.
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