National Tide 1980

It is often said that there are no friends in business.

The so-called businessmen's talk about brotherly loyalty is all false.

This is all to disguise themselves and establish an image of being harmless to humans and animals, so that they can deceive newbies.

When he first entered the shopping mall in his previous life, Ning Weimin once believed these words deeply.

He regards the business field as a dragon's den and the businessman as a poisonous snake and beast.

But later he gradually discovered that this was not the case at all.

This sentence is really an extreme and overgeneralized view, deliberately amplifying the intrigues in the business world.

For example, there is no friend in the business world.

If in a person's mind, he only cares about himself completely, reaches out to help unconditionally, and will not betray when faced with the temptation of interests.

Even when there are conflicts between each other's interests, only those who can harm themselves and benefit you can be regarded as friends.

Then I'm afraid this person will never have any friends around him.

Because this idea is too unrealistic.

Needless to say, everyone hopes to make such a good friend.

But nothing is good for no reason in the world.

Under normal circumstances, let alone the business world, such friends are not easily found no matter where they are.

This kind of friend who treats you better than your blood relatives requires extremely harsh conditions to exist.

For example, sharing the same experience of life and death, supporting each other through thick and thin, or providing help in times of crisis, just like what Ning Weimin and Kang Shude experienced.

If not, wouldn't it be just a dream?

But if a person thinks that the goals are consistent.

As long as two people can understand each other's interests, help each other conditionally, and benefit each other, they are considered friends.

Well, in the business world, such friends can be found everywhere, perhaps even more than in any other field.

Because it is precisely businessmen who understand the importance of personal relationships and mutual cooperation best.

They are often the best at conducting themselves, the most observant, the most informed, and the most likable.

Under this premise, as long as the interests of each other are consistent, there will be a harmonious relationship.

By the same token, can it be said that only businessmen in the world value profits, despise feelings, and like to deceive people?

This conclusion is obviously untenable.

Although a huge commercial deception that was completely successful, it was only possible between friends.

Although once two businessmen have a conflict of interest, it will damage the relationship between them, and even part ways, and they will never be friends again.

But this rule is not unique to the business world.

Applicable to all fields and relationships.

Ning Weimin has met many good classmates, good colleagues, and good buddies from childhood to adulthood.

Because they compete with each other for a further education opportunity, a job opportunity, a boyfriend or girlfriend, or a job promotion,

They were suspicious of each other, betrayed, dug holes in, and betrayed each other, leading to a complete separation.

He has also seen some blood relatives of brothers and sisters inheriting real estate or valuable stamps left behind by the elderly.

They fought so hard that their faces turned red and their necks were thick, and they fought over it. In the end, the family scandal was made public in court and in the media.

There are even children who, while the old man was still alive, died because of their bad habits.

They defrauded the elderly and squandered all their property, leaving the elderly homeless.

All of these have nothing to do with the trading market or traders.

On the contrary, in Ning Weimin's own experience, it is easier for businessmen who believe in equal exchange to be honest with each other.

Because everyone’s interests are often obvious.

The likes, dislikes and affinity generated by this relationship are not disguised at all, they are very direct and real.

The tacit understanding between each other can be fully reflected in currency, visible and tangible.

Although it sounds unpalatable, it is actually much simpler and easier to get along with than those hypocritical friendships between gentlemen.

Therefore, in Ning Weimin's view, the real reason for this kind of result of valuing profit over righteousness is that the pursuit of profit and selfishness in human nature are not restrained as they should be, and are infinitely magnified, leading to disasters.

Such people only care about themselves and do not respect the needs of others.

On the other hand, as long as they are not this kind of person, they are all people worthy of association, trust, and cooperation.

Just like his neighbors in No. 2 Courtyard and his former colleagues at Chongwenmen Hotel.

Regardless of how ordinary each of them is, almost all of them gathered around him because of the benefits they received.

But people are emotional creatures after all. As they get along for a long time, not only will there be benefits between them, but feelings and trust will also accumulate.

This resulted in these friends being able to do things for him regardless of compensation, and were even willing to harm some of their own interests to fulfill his interests.

For example, take Zhang Shihui, why did you give him tens of thousands of savings without even asking for an IOU?

It was obvious that the business between the two had been divided, but when the price of tobacco and alcohol increased, Zhang Shihui took the initiative to give him some additional money just because he knew how he spent the money.

Everything happened naturally, and the relationship was there.

I believe that as long as no major changes occur, this kind of friendship can be maintained forever, and such friends will always be my help.

Therefore, based on this relationship, since Zhang Shihui made up his mind to take a leave of absence with salary this time, he planned to work together with Ning Weimin again.

Ning Weimin must be worthy of him and make good arrangements for him.

"Just tell me, what exactly do you want me to do? Whatever you say, I will do it. I trust you, and I will obey your command in all matters."

In mid-June, Zhang Shihui completed all the procedures and came to Ning Weimin to inquire about her future.

At that time, he looked at Ning Weimin warmly, with a tone of encouragement.

I look forward to Ning Weimin telling him his decision quickly.

But he didn't expect Ning Weimin to look at him with a smile for a while and give him such an answer.

"I'm planning to open a cigarette shop. It's almost ready. We're going to share half of it together. How about you help me manage it?"

"Huh? A cigarette shop?"

"Yes, you are very familiar with the tobacco and alcohol business. The demand for these things will become greater and greater in the future, and they will become more and more scarce. Why don't we continue to do it?"

"No... Then if you want to do this business, let's make it something big, right? Open a cigarette shop... isn't it actually just a canteen?"

Zhang Shihui looked at Ning Weimin questioningly. He really didn't expect that Ning Weimin would want to open a cigarette shop.

This is a money-making idea that only ordinary people with little ability would think of.

It's not even as good as their old method of renting a room in a hotel to stock up on supplies, which is concealed and easy without having to pay taxes.

Seriously, if that's the case, why would he resign?

If we continue the past pattern, can we just continue on by ourselves and be done with it?

Little did he know that Ning Weimin's casual words made Zhang Shihui feel elated again.

And this is probably what is called "speaking".

"What kind of canteen? Let me tell you, the level of running this store is much higher than what we used to do. This time we not only have to sell, but we also have to collect. And we have to deal with all kinds of leaders frequently, and the amount of sales will be much greater. Now, it’s definitely not a small fight like in the past.”

"Not only do you have a dedicated office, but I also found you an accountant and two store managers. I'm also going to name you a deputy manager in Pierre Carton Company and offer you a salary of 1,500. Enjoy free suits and reimbursement of travel and meal expenses.”

"You don't even come to work in the company except to take care of things in the store. I will only ask you to help me when I need it urgently. How about it? Considering that your kid is indolent, loves to eat and play, and doesn't like to be restrained. Tianxing, can I arrange this well? If you are still dissatisfied, then...then let's just change places..."

There's nothing to say, a buddy is a buddy, and you have to take advantage of others.

For this reason, Zhang Shihui quickly thanked her and once again promised with tears of gratitude that she would manage the tobacco shop well.