stores sell student supplies but only a mixed variety with few items. Good pens can be found at bookstores or department stores, which is inconvenient for many people. Nobody does this type of busines...Chapter 13 Warming Up Events

Mother Zeng Ke and father Su Licheng both seemed a bit hesitant. They were uncertain about becoming the designated supplier of cultural office supplies for the municipal government, which was largely due to their lack of confidence. Recently, Uncle Zeng Quanming had been busy with many city affairs since he took over the Municipal Construction Bureau. He needed to sort out many things and was always occupied with meetings, so he only mentioned it to his sister, Zeng Ke, but did not expect her company's cultural office supplies to become a designated supplier for municipal procurement.

After all, even in normal times, he would introduce the Municipal Construction Bureau and other engineering companies related to the city bureau to Zeng Ke. Therefore, Su Cen's store was just starting out and had not yet gained prominence in retail sales; instead, it was in a warming-up phase with more company orders. Thanks to Uncle Zeng Quanming’s connections, their stationary shop now operated smoothly, and its turnover doubled compared to before.

"What should we do about Brother This tender meeting seems to be taking place at the Kerry Hotel..." Father Su Licheng said somewhat lacking in confidence. They had been discussing this matter for a few days.

"I don't know either. What's the point of us attending such a gathering That's something only capable people attend. Even if I ask my brother, it won't work."

Zeng Ke wasn't wrong to worry like that. First of all, this tender meeting was clearly supervised by high-level city leaders. It was said that the mayor in charge of this sector, Hong Xiaotian, had already proposed resolutely to eliminate any favoritism or fraudulent behavior and protect fair competition. Every designated unit's eligibility would be personally reviewed and approved together with colleagues from the Municipal Commerce Commission. The tender meeting aimed for fairness, strictness, as well as a relaxed atmosphere.

Therefore, the city government chose one of the top hotels in the city, Kerry Hotel, to host this tender meeting. There were countless enterprises participating in the bidding and tendering process, with more than ten companies involved in office supply units across the entire city. These companies were all established brands in Xiahai City, including some state-owned department stores.

For a small store like Su Cen's to pass the review and gain eligibility was no easy feat; they should not have had any seats at this meeting. However, Uncle Zeng Quanming managed to secure them an entry through his efforts, but this slot in such a large-scale tender meeting was merely a tiny fraction of it all. The mayor would examine numerous eligible units for designated procurement across various industries, with many strong contenders. Their qualifications might not even catch the mayor's attention.

Earlier when mentioning this matter to their parents, Uncle Zeng Quanming appeared quite disdainful: "I got you this entry slot; it doesn't mean you'll get what you want inside. You're just starting out with business and shouldn't dream that such things will fall into your lap. Even relatives of the city party committee office can’t compete for these positions. Your capabilities are limited, so you should observe how others do business and speak on grand stages. Otherwise, you'll remain narrow-minded like frogs at the bottom of wells, getting nowhere! You have to raise money for Su Cen's university education; you also need to learn more in your business!"

Zeng Quanming held this attitude towards Zeng Ke and Su Licheng, even if he was their uncle.

After considering his words, Mother and Father found themselves increasingly convinced that it was a high-level stage beyond them. Dad never dreamed of anything grand in his life; he frowned and sighed, "Well, they say there won't be any connections involved, but those are just formalities. What can we compare our stationery store with the Xiahai Department Store or the Xiahai Office Chain or the New People's Bookstore Their experience and networks are extensive. If the government wants to support businesses, wouldn’t it start by supporting these established brands first... We're much smaller compared to them...

Mother also nodded, saying, "Yes, we don't have any grand ideas. That money is inexhaustible; all we need to do is take care of our own business. Things that big companies worry about, why should we get involved"

Usually, family discussions like this would not involve Su Cen, but sitting in the living room, he deliberately lowered his voice and listened to his parents' murmurs while they were preparing food in the kitchen. He couldn't help feeling annoyed at their conservative mindset.

Su Cen's parents, Zeng Ke and Su Licheng, had been ordinary employees all their lives, so they only knew that stability was the top priority. They believed as long as they did well in their daily work, everything would be fine. This wasn't their fault; at their age, combined with their lack of ambition, such outdated ideas and clinging to what little they owned were exactly what their fragile hearts craved.

However, for Su Cen who had been reborn once, he knew this was an opportunity, but it was a pity that his parents were letting it slip away. Moreover, they hadn't even planned on participating in the bidding process in the first place, which made him feel frustrated over their lack of initiative.

Because in his previous life, he often acted similarly, leading to many opportunities and choices that could have dramatically changed his life being wasted by doing nothing. So after rebirth, he was all the more disgusted with this passive attitude.

During dinner, Su Cen calmed his breathing before saying calmly, "Mom, do you remember what our family looked like five months ago"

The parents, who were preoccupied with their thoughts and originally weren't in the mood to listen to Su Cen's words, involuntarily recalled those days when he mentioned five months ago; it was too vivid.

Zeng Ke thought for a moment before fondly stroking Su Cen's head. "That was right before our family underwent a complete transformation. Five months ago, I didn't even know if you could get into the Third Middle School, but you gave me and your father such a pleasant surprise!"

Su Cen felt touched; by their parents' definition of a complete transformation, it wasn't about the family's financial situation improving or deteriorating. It was about his own major changes that they valued most.

"Five months ago, your mother and I hadn't started this shop at your suggestion yet. Your mother’s company had some issues back then—if not for those problems, your mother would have received a severance package which wouldn’t have allowed us to start the store. But now that business is picking up, we’re planning on saving money for when you go to university! Our son definitely can get into a good school!" Su Licheng said proudly.

Su Cen paused and then asked, "So, how much have we saved so far"

Zeng Ke and Su Licheng exchanged a glance, both puzzled as to why Su Cai would ask such a question. Still, Zeng Ke replied, "The money I've made over the past few months might be around five or six thousand yuan. There are still several pending contracts with other organizations, though their orders aren't large. Originally, we sign once every three months but some request signing every six months. All together, it should amount to seven or eight thousand."

After a moment of thought, Su Cai said, "Mom, do you remember what I told you Relying on others for happiness won’t bring much joy."

Zeng Ke knew her son was right. Sometimes, things were tough but she managed to get through by thinking about it positively. She felt that her grown-up son’s words could motivate her to make them a personal motto.

"Our situation looks good now, but most of our clients are referrals from my brother-in-law's side. They may not be entirely willing, but we can't offend him either. If he leaves his current position one day, this chain will break. We need to have an independent life chain!" Su Cai wanted to avoid such a family relationship where everyone’s fortunes rise and fall together.

The political situation was unpredictable, especially considering her brother-in-law's temper—something could go wrong at any time. Su Cai wasn’t a god who could control Uncle Zeng Quanming’s career in politics. Even if he decided to personally take up the challenge of politics, he wouldn't dare underestimate himself or guarantee his uncle would remain in his position without any political upheaval.

Su Licheng was clearly persuaded by Su Cai's argument. As a father and the head of the household, he had authority, but after seeing his son’s performance, he no longer thought his son was too young to handle family matters. Instead, he felt more respect for him. "So you're saying..."

Su Cai looked up at Su Licheng with a determined gaze, "Dad, we must attend this bidding session. If we continue running our small shop, even though it might improve our living conditions, our family will remain just one among many. In the future, local governments will emulate cities like Fuzhou and Zhonghai, tearing down obstructive buildings to build green spaces that look more open and modern. What if our shop is demolished Wouldn't it be better for Mom not to venture into business and continue working for others"

Both fell silent in deep thought—this was the effect Su Cai wanted to achieve, making his parents feel uneasy about their current situation rather than complacent. While he could handle these matters on their behalf, it wasn’t practical for a sixteen-year-old to shoulder such responsibilities.

This wasn't fiction or an episode of Detective Conan; in China's society where experience and connections were valued, he currently had little influence.

"Then what do you suggest How can we participate in the bidding session… but our credentials aren’t as impressive as others'," Zeng Ke was visibly worried.

Su Cai shook his head. "Not necessarily. I heard Mayor Hong Xiaotian plans to reform the bloated state-owned enterprises, liberalize competition for private businesses in Xiahai City, stimulate economic development, and score political achievements through these reforms. This is a positive sign."

"Is... this true..." The parents were stunned, momentarily overlooking Su Cen's mature demeanor.

Su Cen had read quite a few internal and external reports about Xia Hai City on his uncle's writing desk. Although he did not read them with a specific purpose in mind, through the frequent coverage of city leaders' activities in these local reports, Su Cen was still able to discern some directions regarding their political ideals.

"Mom, we might need to use part of the money from our recent earnings at the shop..." With a faint smile, Su Cen added, "But I believe that the day of the bidding will be worth remembering."

"Why" The parents were confused by his words.

"Because after that day, regardless whether it's your former colleagues in the office or your previous bosses, or any other staff member from this unit—those uncles and aunts who doubted our family’s decision to open a shop and found your venture into business incomprehensible will eventually look up at you with an unprecedented respect!"

====

The book's QQ group is about to be launched, thanks to the enthusiastic Snow Domain friends and *whispering brother for his generous donation.

After the protagonist's rebirth, there is a certain sense of awe towards life, which reflects his state of mind.

To avoid trouble but not fear it; this is the personality that must be instilled in Su Cen. As for whether he pretends to be cool or not, as long as it stays within reasonable and controllable limits, daydreaming is what Oubao (the author) hopes for.

Everyone reads books to seek enjoyment; this book will revolve around this principle.

Last but not least, thank you all for your recommendations and collections! This is crucial during the early stage of a new book. glancing at the dramatically changed attitude of Auntie and Su Licheng’s family, he remarked, "So something happened The storefront is open already""Opening a storefront is just a small matter!" Aunt...