Zhang Lao is rich—very rich. Although his company isn't publicly listed, there are always people in the United States who like to study such things. The best researchers compile the Forbes rankings, but those who appear on the list with billions or even tens of billions in assets are often being assessed based on their real estate holdings, stocks, and similar assets. People like Zhang Lao, however, don't appear on such rankings because it's difficult to calculate their wealth.
His supermarkets, both large and small, generate a net profit of hundreds of millions each year. But how do you calculate the value of his more than 300 stores, most of which are owned outright? How do you account for the worth of the land or the brand? So, while Zhang Lao is indeed a very wealthy man, no one truly knows the extent of his wealth.
Still, even with all this wealth, he has to think carefully before committing 2 billion USD to buy all the cattle from Jiang Hai. If the deal fails, it would undermine the hard work he's put into his supermarkets over the past decade, so he can't afford to be careless.
Jiang Hai, however, was unconcerned with Zhang Lao's hesitation. He knew Zhang Dehai was mulling over the decision. Jiang Hai's beef was well-known in the East, particularly after the New York beef show, and many people were keen to get a share of it. While some were eager to profit in large quantities, others were more cautious. If possible, Zhang Dehai would prefer to buy all of Jiang Hai's cattle, as this would allow them to monopolize the market for Jiang Hai Manor's beef for the coming year. As pioneers in the market, they would stand to make a substantial profit.
But of course, such a deal carried significant risk. A 2 billion USD investment was not to be made lightly. After a moment of hesitation, Zhang Dehai looked at Jiang Hai with determination, but his eyes still showed signs of doubt.
"I want to buy 2,000 head," Zhang Dehai said seriously, meeting Jiang Hai's gaze.
"Okay, but not live cattle. I only sell meat, not cattle," Jiang Hai replied, nodding. Even if one cow costs 100,000 USD, 2,000 head would amount to 200 million USD, which is about the annual income of Zhang Dehai's supermarket chain. While there's some risk, it's manageable for him. For Jiang Hai, however, it's a chance to recover two-thirds of his investment in the manor—a win for him.
"Deal," Zhang Dehai agreed. He understood that Jiang Hai's cattle couldn't be sold alive, and that was part of Jiang Hai's secret. As for the details of what would happen to the beef afterward, he didn't care. Their company had its own special plane, and while the deal for 2,000 cattle wasn't paid upfront, it would take some time.
The two didn't discuss the price of the beef in detail, as it would depend on the quality of the meat after slaughter. After all, different cuts of beef have varying qualities, and prices can differ widely. But based on Jiang Hai's experience, even if the cattle weren't as high-quality as the ones showcased at the competition, he was confident he could sell each cow for at least 100,000 USD. Seeing Jiang Hai's confident demeanor, Zhang Dehai was satisfied with the arrangement.
"Alright, let's wrap it up here. I'll show you my tea trees and wine," Zhang Dehai said, clearly pleased with the deal. He led Jiang Hai downstairs, heading straight for the third floor.
Perhaps due to his childhood education, Zhang Lao's villa didn't have the traditional Chinese-style roof with a herringbone design, nor did it resemble the European and American-style castles. Instead, the roof was flat, like that of an ordinary residential building. This flat roof served as Zhang Lao's vegetable garden—or, more accurately, his small manor. As soon as they stepped outside, Jiang Hai saw that the rooftop, spanning nearly five acres, was home not only to vegetables but also to tea trees, which Jiang Hai was fond of, and various animals.
There were goats and black chickens running around, feeding on the grass and insects attracted to the vegetables. In the distance, several large dogs lay in a corner of the building. These weren't fierce dogs, but Chinese rural dogs—native to China. However, these dogs had obviously been well-bred. They were not small, but rather large and muscular. In fact, two of them were even fiercer than Jiang Hai's own Xiaobai.
Sensing someone's presence, the dogs raised their heads and observed Jiang Hai and Zhang Lao. But upon realizing Jiang Hai was with Zhang Lao, they returned to their rest without a care.
After a brief glance at the animals, Jiang Hai turned his attention to the plants. The rooftop garden was divided into three main areas: the vegetable garden, the orchard, and the tea garden. The vegetables grown here were similar to those at Jiang Hai's own place, though there were many more varieties. After all, the American diet is limited in terms of vegetables, far behind that of China. As a typical Chinese, Zhang Lao made sure to grow a wide array of vegetables.
"Come, let me show you what I just harvested," Zhang Lao said, pleased with Jiang Hai's interest. He led Jiang Hai to the vegetable garden and pointed to a vine of beans in front of him.
However, it wouldn't be entirely accurate to call them beans. In the north, this type is known as frame beans (or cowpeas), while in the south, they're called string beans, and the beans we typically refer to are actually kidney beans. These beans are quite productive and affordable. A long time ago, Jiang Hai's mother used to make dishes with these beans. Now, as he thought back, it felt like a distant memory.
"Don't you recognize these beans?" Zhang Lao asked, surprised when he noticed Jiang Hai didn't say anything.
"Uh, I don't know," Jiang Hai admitted, shaking his head. He truly didn't know.
"These are oil beans from the Northeast," Zhang Lao explained. Jiang Hai took another look but still couldn't tell the difference. After all, he didn't often buy vegetables.
Oil beans are quite distinct from regular beans. They're chewy, not brittle like other types, and contain high levels of protein—up to 20%, comparable to meat. They also boast 18 amino acids and are rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. In the Northeast, they can sell for 14 to 15 yuan per pound—more expensive than meat. Many people in the Northeast include them in stews, where they add a nice flavor.
As Jiang Hai listened, he recalled the taste of the beans and couldn't help but smack his lips.
"Give me some seeds later. I'll plant them back home," Jiang Hai said. Having just closed a big deal, asking for some seeds didn't seem like too much.
Zhang Lao, knowing the intention behind Jiang Hai's request, couldn't help but curl his lips. He was aware that Jiang Hai had ulterior motives.
Beyond the vegetable garden, there was a fruit section. Rather than planting heavy trees like apples or pears, Zhang Lao opted for berry varieties that were better suited to the rooftop. There were blueberries, strawberries, and even lingonberries, which resembled blueberries but were distinct. There were also mulberries and cherry tomatoes. What surprised Jiang Hai most, however, was the presence of kiwi plants.
Kiwi fruit, originally native to China, was transplanted to the UK and the US during the previous dynasty. However, for a long time, it was treated as an ornamental plant with no practical use. It wasn't until a New Zealand teacher promoted its cultivation that the Western world realized kiwi was edible. Despite this, it's still rare in U.S. supermarkets, making its presence here surprising.
"I want this too," Jiang Hai said, pointing to the kiwi plants with a smile.
"Alright, I'll give you two plants. But stop looking, or I'll lose them to you! Go have a look at the tea leaves," Zhang Lao replied, his beard curling into a smile. He wasn't eager to part with these rare plants.
He then led Jiang Hai to the smallest tea garden, which was his main destination for the day.
As soon as Jiang Hai entered the tea garden, he noticed the tea trees. They were planted in groups of three or five, and the sight of them was both lush and beautiful. Approaching the trees, Jiang Hai knelt down, carefully examining the plants. Although he wanted to understand more, he realized that the differences between the growing tea leaves and finished leaves were beyond his knowledge.
"Let me introduce them to you," Zhang Lao said, unable to sit still. He wasn't trying to show off but was concerned Jiang Hai might accidentally damage the trees.
(To be continued...)