Chapter 162

Datou led them to a private dining room at a restaurant near his supermarket. "I’ve had this idea for a while. Our typical local shops only sell basic necessities like firewood, rice, oil, and salt, but they aren’t comprehensive enough. People often have to visit several stores just to get everything they need. Besides, many people don't think it’s possible to buy clothes and vegetables in the same place, so I decided to do the exact opposite. I want to open a store that carries all common goods. I read in a newspaper that there’s a place doing just this, calling it a 'supermarket.' That’s where the idea came from. I already have access to several sources where I can get wholesale prices, so I figured I’d give it a try. If people really like it, it could be a success. "But I thought it would be simple at first. Later, I realized that aside from daily necessities—which don't have expiration dates—things like fruit and vegetables require a stable supply chain. Sister, I heard that you and your cousin are running a successful greenhouse vegetable business. I was wondering if we could partner up. You supply the vegetables, and I sell them in the supermarket. Since the New Year just passed, there aren't many seasonal vegetables available, and it’s really hard to find a reliable supplier."