"Orange Technology? How did you come up with such a name?"
"Aren't internet companies all like this? Animals, fruits, anything that's easy to remember works."
"It seems so. 'Cheng' from 'orange' also sounds like your 'Cheng'. This name really works."
"Then what about Giant Star Engine? What does that mean? Why would an investment company have such a strange name?"
"Didn't we get a car manufacturing license? Cars, you know, engines. We just thought of that name back then."
Zhang Suzhi watched the two of them quietly from the side, finding it particularly novel.
Don't young people in relationships usually talk about movies, TV shows, where to go shopping, or what good food to eat?
Why are these two talking more about company matters?
Judging from their expressions and demeanor, it was clearly not the first time they had discussed these things.
"Is this how you two usually interact? Talking about work when you're together?"
While Gu Qingqing was in the restroom, Zhang Suzhi quietly asked.
"Huh? Mom, what do you mean?"
Tan Jincheng didn't quite understand his mother's meaning for a moment.
"Don't people say couples talk about romantic things when they're together? I saw you two talking all about work. How did a girl like her fall for you like this?"
Tan Jincheng suddenly understood and laughed,
"Oh, you mean that. We don't talk about these things every time. Besides, we met through work, and most of their family members are in business, so talking about these things isn't boring."
There's no fixed topic for couples to talk about.
People like different things at different stages of life.
High school couples might encourage each other in their studies, while in university, with more exposure to people and things, their interests and topics become broader.
After entering society and reaching the age for marriage and children, it's more about the daily necessities of life.
In his previous life, Boss Tan, at least, had dated and married someone born in the 90s.
He might be a bit of a straight man, but not so much that he couldn't grasp a girl's psychology; otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to win over Gu Qingqing.
The reason they often talked about work when they were together was simply because Gu Qingqing was curious and interested.
His mother's worries were just because she wasn't used to it yet.
Zhang Suzhi was very satisfied with this future "daughter-in-law."
First, her height.
At 1.68 meters, Gu Qingqing was considered tall among Southerners, even compared to men.
She came from the countryside, and deep down, she still held the thoughts of a farmer, greatly favoring tall girls.
Her appearance was impeccable, her personality and family background were good, and she was graceful and generous.
The only pity was that she was still studying, and marriage was still several years away.
"You two just mentioned several companies. How many companies do you have now?"
Seeing Gu Qingqing return, Zhang Suzhi reverted to the topic of companies.
With Gu Qingqing present, even when Zhang Suzhi spoke with Tan Jincheng, they used Mandarin.
On one hand, Zhang Suzhi had often needed to speak Mandarin at the petrochemical plant; on the other hand, it was also to accommodate her future daughter-in-law.
Now that the family was unified, there would be no language barrier in the future.
Gu Qingqing, who was playing with Tan Jinyue, also became curious when she heard Zhang Suzhi's question.
She wasn't actually very clear about how many assets Tan Jincheng had; the expansion was simply too fast, with several new companies appearing after just a few days.
"He actually controls six companies, and with those he has a stake in, it's nine companies."
Jinyi Industry, Shanchi Technology, Hangxin New Energy, Xinchi Smart Manufacturing, as well as Giant Star Engine and Orange Technology, these five companies are actually controlled by Tan Jincheng.
In addition, for companies like Jinpeng Trade, Mingcheng Industry, and Shengshi Shanchi, Tan Jincheng only holds shares in his personal and company names.
In addition, there are four Taobao stores.
The operating revenue and profit of these four Taobao stores are actually considerable; they can barely be counted as companies.
Counting this way, the companies associated with Tan Jincheng already number 10.
No wonder later generations of bosses had so many companies; they all emerged unknowingly.
In fact, the income from the four Taobao stores is quite high.
In those days, the competitive pressure on Taobao stores was far less than in later years.
It's undeniable that the overall quality of online store practitioners back then was not high, counterfeit goods were rampant, and there was little assurance.
However, in terms of profit, it was very high, especially in the apparel category.
All four Taobao stores were in the apparel category.
In this area, compared to competitors, Tan Jincheng had a great advantage: he had his own OEM factory, his own design team, and even logistics were cheaper than small shops due to Shanchi Technology.
With a complete industry chain and shipping channels, company operations were managed by Gu Qingqing, making it more reliable than typical operations.
Cost control was pushed to the extreme.
The OEM factories were all export-oriented, so the quality was much higher than competitors.
Additionally, designs were newer, and with free shipping in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai, plus occasional store activities like flash sales,
His business strategy was a generation ahead of his peers.
What seemed like a small, insignificant business actually brought in millions in profit from the four stores annually, with ease.
Profit in the millions was considered remarkable at the company level.
"You actually have so many companies? How much can you earn in a year?"
Zhang Suzhi asked, a little shocked.
She knew the four Taobao stores could make money, but she hadn't expected that besides them, her son was involved in the operation of so many companies.
She just didn't know how much money he could earn in a year like this.
Gu Qingqing, holding Tan Jinyue who stood between her legs, also had a curious look on her face.
Tan Jincheng smiled,
"It's really hard to plan exactly how much I earn; I'd have to ask the finance department. But a rough estimate can still be figured out."
"Then tell me, I want to know how much money you have now."
"Let's not count the three newly registered companies for now. Among the other six companies, all except the battery company are profitable; the only difference is how much.
Jinpeng Trade is currently the strongest in terms of earning potential. Based on last year's profit distribution, I could probably get over 20 million, but we're building a factory this year, so that money definitely can't be distributed."
"Jinyi Industry's profit this year should be more than half of Jinpeng Trade's. This one is entirely mine, so let's say it earns 40 million. The other companies I've invested in can't be calculated for now because the time is too short."
"Shanchi Technology's sales target for this year should be met ahead of schedule. Current sales are very good; it can probably earn around 50 to 60 million. With these various companies, a yearly profit of 100 million is achievable."
In the first half of 2005, Shanchi Technology's profit was in the tens of millions.
This year's expected sales are 200,000 units, and based on January and February data, this annual sales volume is achievable.
Although the factory price decreased due to the introduction of the agent model, and the gimmick of not raising prices at the retail end was maintained, seemingly lowering the profit margin, in reality, the Fengchi series, with specifications equivalent to the affordable Shanchi models, was sold at a much higher price.
The profit margin did not decrease; instead, it increased.
This is one of the reasons many companies like to launch different styles and new products.
The same configuration, with upgraded packaging and a changed marketing strategy, can be sold at a higher price.
For end consumers, few would be bored enough to buy several electric scooters, take them home, and disassemble them for comparison.
The brand positioning of Shanchi and Fengchi doesn't overlap, so their consumer groups are naturally not the same.
In reality, Shanchi Technology's profit this year should be far more than 50 million.
The real market peak season hasn't arrived yet.
At this point, Tan Jincheng was simply calculating it by multiplying last year's profit by five.
The two supply chain companies he invested in are actually high-quality, and their profit margins are guaranteed.
These can also be attributed to Shanchi Technology.
As for the three newly registered companies, Giant Star Engine and Orange Technology are currently shell companies, not profitable, but also not losing much.
Xinchi Smart Manufacturing will be considered truly profitable once an agreement is reached with the district and Zhongtai regarding the investment structure.
Additionally, Tan Jincheng has 100 apartments rented to Shanchi Technology as employee dorms, generating nearly a million in profit annually.
Tan Jincheng plans to incorporate these assets under Giant Star Engine.
Stocks won't be calculated.
By the end of this year, Boss Tan's combined personal and company income will be no less than 100 million.
This is actual profit, far more realistic than talk of net worth or similar figures.
Zhang Suzhi was too shocked to speak.
Earning 100 million a year from all these ventures combined, no wonder he looked down on the Taobao stores even though they were so profitable now, treating them merely as pocket money.
For someone earning 100 million a year, isn't a million or so just pocket money?
Gu Qingqing's beautiful eyes also sparkled, shocked by Tan Jincheng's capabilities.
With so many companies, each fulfilling its role while also complementing each other, and such strong earning potential, it was no wonder people in Beicang District and Yicheng took him seriously.
"How do you spend so much money? I haven't seen you or Qingqing wearing gold or silver,"
Zhang Suzhi exclaimed with a sigh, having recovered her composure.
"Isn't there still a company that's losing money? All the money earned is invested in that company. That company is expected to lose money for several more years; it's for technology research, and the input costs are very high."
Investing in cutting-edge technology takes a long time.
BYD's successful transition from fuel vehicles to new energy was due to its significant early investment in battery technology.
Having its own battery technology, without being reliant on CATL, gave it a clear cost advantage.
His mother couldn't quite understand this kind of thing, but what she said was indeed true; it seemed he was a bit too frugal in his spending.
"Auntie, I'm still a student, so there's no need to wear gold and silver. Besides, my current style in school is already considered quite high-profile; I can't go overboard."
There are many students from well-off families at Yongcheng University.
Gu Qingqing's family background isn't top-tier, but over the past two years, following Tan Jincheng, she has broadened her horizons considerably, and her clothing and style are more striking than most girls'.
Furthermore, Tan Jincheng's car changes were quite rapid.
In less than two years, he went from a Passat to a BMW 3 Series, and now to an Audi A6.
Being picked up and dropped off in various luxury cars brought Gu Qingqing considerable attention in the School of Foreign Languages.
Zhang Suzhi looked left and right, deep in thought, and finally seemed to make a decision.
"That won't do either. I originally thought you were just doing big business without earning much, but it seems that's not the case at all now. Since that's how it is, there's no need for me to save money for you. Come on, Qingqing, come shopping with me."
The girl had given her and her husband a pair of watches, so it definitely wouldn't do to not show any appreciation.
The frugal Zhang Suzhi decided to be extravagant for once and buy some gifts for the young girl.
Also, it seems donating money to the village primary school is a good idea.
If he doesn't spend it, I'll help him spend it.
"Don't just lie there. Take us three — mother and children — to the city for a trip,"
Zhang Suzhi said, getting up and kicking Tan Jincheng.
(End of Chapter)