He wandered through most of the warehouse, finding the boats either too expensive or not to his liking, and couldn't find one that satisfied him for quite some time.
Li Yongxin, who accompanied him, did not show any impatience, introducing each model in detail.
As they reached the end of the warehouse, Li Haochen was drawn to a pure white boat. Its hull lines were designed with a concise style, incorporating elements of yacht design, making it very attractive.
“Manager Li, could you tell me about this boat?”
Li Yongxin was taken aback, thinking this boat cost two million. “Heh, Mr. Li, you have excellent taste.”
“This is the JY500 from Jinyun Company. Its length is 15.2 meters, beam is 4.3 meters, depth is 1.28 meters, and draft is 0.71 meters. It features a multi-function control console with a large main engine control display screen, powered by twin Mercury 450hp diesel engines for formidable power. It’s equipped with a 2000L fuel tank, a 500L freshwater tank, and a 13.5kw marine generator. Its economical cruising speed is 23 knots, with a top speed of 28 knots, and a range of 500 nautical miles at maximum speed.
It offers a warm and romantic rest area, featuring a spacious master cabin and guest cabin, tatami-style beds, and independent bathrooms equipped with water heaters for showers and electric toilets. The rear storage area includes a large-capacity ice chest and a live fish well.
Safety and navigation equipment are comprehensive, including navigation lights, VHF radio, EPIRB, radar transponder, radar GPS charts, magnetic compass, and MF/HF radio telephone. It is absolutely an ultimate vessel for offshore fishing and leisure.”
“Can I go up and take a look?”
“Certainly, this way please.”
Li Haochen moved to the other side, removed his shoes as requested, put on the soft slippers provided for viewing, and stepped inside.
He had been somewhat moved by Li Yongxin’s description earlier, but seeing it in person not only moved him, it ignited his impulse.
After a walk-through, he was very satisfied. “Manager Li, how much does this boat cost?”
“Could it be that the true master is hidden in plain sight?” Li Yongxin mused.
“Boss Li, this boat is 2 million. Coincidentally, it’s our company’s tenth anniversary, so there’s a 10% discount, but it won’t be available until after the National Day holiday.”
“Oh, that expensive? I’ll be a pauper if I buy it. I’ll pass,” Li Haochen muttered to himself.
“Isn’t there a boat here? Why wait until after the National Day holiday?”
Li Yongxin had sharp ears. He heard Li Haochen’s mumble clearly and immediately listed Li Haochen as a key prospect.
“Oh, it’s like this, Mr. Li. This is just a display model. The new boat won’t arrive until after the National Day holiday.”
“Display model?” While he hadn't personally eaten pork, he had certainly seen pigs run. Li Haochen knew that display homes were usually much cheaper than regular ones, and he figured display boats should be the same.
“Is that so? Then, is this display model for sale?”
Li Haochen didn't hold out much hope, merely asking tentatively.
“Buy the display model?” Li Yongxin was startled, then suddenly remembered something. He apologized to Li Haochen and stepped aside to make a phone call.
A few minutes later, Li Yongxin returned, smiling. “Mr. Li, you are truly a lucky person. The head office just said it can be sold, and the price is very favorable – 1.25 million. What do you think?”
“1.25 million?” Li Haochen was also attracted by this price. He had already mentally calculated the budget for the boardwalk project and Murong Yanran’s shop opening.
Actually, Li Haochen wasn't acting on a whim. He had harbored this idea for a while, just not considering buying something so expensive. But after seeing the JY500, he had no desire to look at anything else.
“Manager Li, I’ll make a phone call first.” Li Haochen also stepped aside and called Murong Yanran.
“Yanran, I want to… buy a boat.”
“Mm, if you want to buy one, then buy it.” Murong Yanran agreed without a second thought.
“Uh… why don’t you ask what I’m buying it for, or how much it costs?”
“It’s too much brainwork, I won’t ask. Just leave enough for me to open the shop,” Murong Yanran said. Then, as if remembering something, she added, “Oh, right, is the boat pretty? If it’s not, don’t blame me.”
“…”
Since the financial minister had given her approval, he couldn't miss this opportunity. If he missed it, he’d have to buy it at full price later, which would be a huge loss.
“Manager Li, I’ll take this boat. When can it be delivered?”
Li Yongxin was overjoyed. He had initially thought Li Haochen was just asking, but he had made a decision so quickly. This deal alone meant over fifty thousand in commission. He couldn't be happier.
“Boss Li, this boat needs a full paint job and cleaning, as well as other adjustments. It will take two weeks.”
It made sense. After all, it was a display model. So many people walked on it and in it every day; there were bound to be some scuffs.
The moment Li Haochen paid the money, Li Yongxin finally breathed a sigh of relief and became excited.
The boat was bought, but the relevant procedures still needed to be handled, and he also needed to get a license. Although he could quickly ask Xie Baolian for help, Li Haochen didn't want to bother her for everything. He understood the principle of "too much is as bad as too little."
Fortunately, the shipyard offered a proxy service, and the fee was acceptable, 800 yuan. For this amount, he could save himself dozens of trips. Most people would probably choose this option, but the license itself was a bit troublesome.
According to the process, training plus passing all subjects on the first try would take at least a month.
Seeing Li Haochen’s slight perplexity, Li Yongxin smiled. “Boss Li, are you perhaps worried about getting your license?”
“Uh…”
“Boss Li, you don’t need to be surprised. Everyone who buys a boat faces this issue, so it’s not hard to guess.”
“Yes, I just checked the process on my phone. It will take at least a month, which is quite a while, hehe!”
“Boss Li, our company is a training and testing center, hehe!” Li Yongxin gave him a knowing look, and Li Haochen smiled in understanding.
Since it was a training center, there were naturally some benefits. At the very least, it would save a lot of time by skipping the initial training and logged hours. Of course, the exam and practical operations had to be done in person.
As for whether he could pass? After paying the money, if they didn’t let him pass, he’d make them try. Of course, they wouldn’t let someone pass without any study; the basics had to be mastered for safety reasons. No one would be careless, but paying for convenience and a little insurance was worthwhile.
This mutual understanding, which cost him several thousand more, made Li Haochen wince. Li Yongxin, on the other hand, was delighted. For a training session, he could get several hundred in commission. He was happy just thinking about it.
Before leaving, Li Haochen also informed Li Yongxin of his requirements for adding two net-lifting devices and other modifications.
Li Yongxin was naturally happy. The more modifications and additions, the better, because it meant more money. He chuckled.
When he reached the guardhouse, he wanted to retort to Guo Dabing, but that disgusting fellow had disappeared somewhere to enjoy himself.