Chapter 267
In the car, surrounded by beautiful women with soft music playing, Charles tossed me a cigar. "John, I heard from Mr. Allen that you've teamed up to launch a beer brand. We're in the same business now. When you start making money, you gotta help me out."
I lit the cigar and took a puff. "Charles, don't kid around. I'm still learning the ropes and need your help."
"Don't sell yourself short. With Mr. Allen's distribution channels and your marketing skills, you guys are a powerhouse. I'm a bit jealous," Charles said, genuinely impressed.
He went on, "We thought about getting into beer too, but it goes stale faster than wine, the turnover is quicker, and the costs are higher. Too much pressure, so we didn't go for it."
I nodded. Red wine doesn't sell well in summer, but beer does. That's why summer competition among beer makers is fierce.
The market's all about money. DH Distillery was juggling two fronts, and financially, it was tight. Focusing on just red wine might be better.
"My online channels are already selling DH Distillery. Group purchase prices are low, but sales are good," I said, sipping champagne. Charles' eyes lit up.
"How many?" he asked.
"Less than a week since launch, and we've sold nearly a thousand bottles," I replied.
"So many?" Charles exclaimed. "At this rate, won't it hit five thousand bottles a month?"
"Conservatively, three thousand should be no problem, and it'll only go up," I said.
Charles rubbed his hands. "Great, we can clear out the summer inventory. You don't know, we have over three hundred thousand bottles stockpiled, worth almost seven to eight billion dollars. It's stressing me out."
He continued, "Take Silvercrest, for example. They sell that much in a whole summer, and you've done it in a week. It's night and day."
Speaking of Silvercrest, Charles said, "Oh, by the way, I know you were shocked by what happened last time. I've already chewed out that guy. If you're still mad, feel free to give him a beating."
I got his drift. "The past is the past, no need to dwell on it."
We clinked glasses, and Charles smiled. "True, let's forget about him. Later, I'll introduce you to some big shots."
We soon arrived at the wine tasting event, organized by the Wine Association at the red wine testing base in the northern suburbs.
The event was much more upscale than a media conference. It was a national event, made possible by top-level support.
Attendees were all experts in the national wine industry and fast-moving consumer goods channels. Even millionaires didn't qualify to enter; only billionaires did.
To maintain order, one-third of Sevan City's police force was called in, with hundreds of police cars and officers forming a cordon.
The fire department was also on standby nearby, as high-alcohol wine can be flammable.
The outside was filled with luxury cars, none worth less than a million dollars. I wondered if all the luxury cars in Sevan City were parked here.
Patrick and George also arrived, walking in together.
Inside, the booths were set up, showcasing hundreds of wine varieties. There were many types of wine on display.
Most people were mingling, and the atmosphere was lively.
"John, you go with Mr. Williams first. I'll catch up with some old friends," Patrick said before heading off.
Charles took George and me to mingle, and many people came to chat with him. DH Distillery was a top local red wine in Sevan City, even nationally known.
"Mr. Williams, I've heard so much about you!"
"Oh, Mr. Wenad!"
They shook hands, and George whispered, "That's Mr. Wenad, CEO of West Mountain Cultural Liquor. He's pretty big in West Mountain, probably as wealthy as me."
George continued, "Over there are the chairmen of Ruby Reserve Wines Ltd and Garnet Estates Winery. These brands have been around for nearly a decade. They have good advertising but aren't as strong as they seem. Still, their assets are bigger than Charles's."
"Did they go public?" I asked.
George nodded. "Yeah, like Burgundy Heights Vineyards, which is popular with young people but took a rural approach."
"Mr. Taode, long time no see!" Charles greeted the chairman of Ruby Reserve Wines Ltd with a smile.
"Mr. Williams, I heard DH Distillery has big plans this year."
"Likewise!" Charles replied.
They seemed close. George said, "Competitors can be fierce behind the scenes but keep it friendly in public. Sometimes, though, competition can bankrupt a similar business."
"Let me introduce my friends. One's in red wine, the other's in beer."
We exchanged greetings and contact info smoothly.
Then I saw familiar faces—Steven, Linda, and Katherine! They were chatting with others.
I was surprised. 'Isn't this a wine tasting event? Why are media people here too?'
And Joseph was there, standing next to a seductive woman who turned out to be a celebrity. He saw me and smiled cunningly.
I furrowed my brows. If media people were here, was Jenny here too? Maybe outside?
Just then, Mia messaged me: [Ms. Smith just chatted with me. Be careful not to let her find out.]
Trouble!
Steven, Linda, and Katherine started walking toward me. For a moment, I wanted to escape. But then I thought, 'Why should I run?'
Linda and Katherine saw me, looking surprised but quickly hiding it.
"Hello, Mr. Williams, Mr. Taode, Mr. Jefferson!" Steven held a glass of champagne. Linda held his arm, smiling like she didn't recognize me, while Katherine occasionally glanced my way.
"I'm Steven, chairman of Skyliho Group. Honored to meet you all."
Charles frowned slightly and nodded; Mr. Taode also nodded, looking a bit annoyed at the interruption.
Steven wasn't fazed. He looked at George. "Mr. Jefferson, are you satisfied with our company's service?"
George replied plainly, "It's okay."
I understood their coldness. Everyone here was from the wine industry. A media person showing up was suspicious, and they had no personal connection, so friendliness was unlikely.
Even though Steven was worth billions, he didn't measure up here.
"If Mr. Jefferson has any issues in the future, feel free to contact me. I won't disturb you anymore," Steven said.
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