After Zhang Tianxing and the others had browsed several shops and inquired about prices, they finally arrived at a ZTE communications store.
The shop owner greeted them with a smile, "Hey guys, here to buy computers?"
Zhang Tianxing casually replied, "Just looking. If we like something, we'll buy it."
"You look like university students?"
"Sharp eyes!" Zhang Tianxing praised the owner's perceptiveness.
Zhang Tianxing handed over the configuration list to the owner. "How much for this configuration?"
The owner took it and exclaimed, "A connoisseur! Young man, you've found an expert. This configuration is excellent and offers great value for money. How about this: a fixed price of 5500. You can ask around; this is the lowest price."
Dou Mingming was eager to agree upon hearing the price. His fellow villager had told him that this price was generally above 5600, and it could still handle the demands of current games. At the very least, they wouldn't need to think about upgrades for a few years.
However, Zhang Tianxing shook his head. "Boss, give me a fair price. I'm not buying just one."
Dou Mingming quickly chimed in, "That's right, I want one, and Third Brother wants one. We're from Zhonghai University, and we can promote your store to our classmates, bringing them all here."
The owner chuckled. "There's hardly any profit in this to begin with. How much cheaper can I go? I'm giving you this price because you're students. You can check with anyone."
Zhang Tianxing got straight to the point. "Boss, I want fifty units. Give me a fair price. If you can, I'll buy. If not, I'll find someone else."
Upon hearing Zhang Tianxing's words, the owner looked up at him.
Indeed, one cannot judge a person by their appearance, nor a sea by its depth. Are students' purchasing power this strong now? He first observed Zhang Tianxing's attire. Ordinary clothes, not brand-name ones. However, he noticed the mobile phone in Zhang Tianxing's hand. In this era, having a mobile phone signifies wealth; pagers are standard, but mobile phones are only owned by a select few.
The owner pondered. Fifty units is a large order, and it would be a shame to pass it up. If he could secure this deal, he would exceed his monthly target. He could also aim for a regional dealership in the future, otherwise, he had to get his stock from dealers.
"Alright, if you're buying in such a large quantity, I'll give them to you at 5200 each."
"5000 each. Install everything properly, and the quality must be guaranteed. I'll need to inspect the goods."
"You're cutting the price too drastically. At 5000 each, I'd be losing money. Add a bit more." The owner was surprised by Zhang Tianxing's aggressive negotiation, which completely eliminated his profit margin.
"Boss, just give me a yes or no. If not, we'll order directly from the manufacturer. It'll just be a bit more trouble." Zhang Tianxing laid his cards on the table. "You either make this money, or I'll go to the trouble of sourcing from the manufacturer."
Hearing Zhang Tianxing's words, the owner realized he was dealing with someone knowledgeable about procurement channels.
"Brother, your bargaining is too fierce. If I take this deal, I'll basically be working for nothing."
"Low profit, high volume. Besides, using your machines also advertises for you. Zhonghai University has many students; a wave of promotion will benefit you, boss. Think about it, you won't lose."
The owner thought it over. It would be done, though the profit wouldn't be substantial. However, it was better than dealing with individual customers. He preferred bulk orders; they were more efficient and streamlined. Even with less profit per unit, the sheer volume would still add up.
"Fine, you guys really know how to negotiate. I'm giving you this at cost price. Don't tell anyone outside, or my business will be ruined." The owner said with a wry smile.
"Okay. You can pay a deposit first so I can order the goods for you."
Hearing this, Dou Mingming looked up at the ceiling, pretending not to have heard.
Zhang Tianxing ignored him. After all, he was the main buyer, and Dou Mingming was just an addition. He took out two stacks of cash from his pocket and handed them over. "Count it. This is twenty thousand. Please issue a receipt. When will we pick up the goods, or will you deliver?"
"Delivery. Just give me an address, and I'll deliver them to you in five days."
Five days was acceptable. "Alright, boss. Deliver them to Zhang Ji Barbecue at the entrance of Zhonghai University. Let's be clear beforehand, we'll inspect the goods upon delivery. After inspection, we'll pay the remaining balance. Also, my classmate's unit, please assemble it for him now. Dou Mingming, you'll pay for your computer separately."
Zhang Tianxing deliberately distanced himself from Dou Mingming, mainly because he felt the latter was unreliable. A computer's cost wasn't much, but it wasn't Zhang Tianxing's responsibility to pay. He would spend money where necessary, as long as things got done. However, when it came to others consuming and him footing the bill, treating himself like a pushover, there was no need to spend the money. It was better to be clear about things, especially with classmates.
Hearing Zhang Tianxing's words, Dou Mingming's expression soured slightly, but it was the reality of the situation. He wanted a computer, and it was only natural that he should pay for it.
Dou Mingming forced a smile. "What are you saying? I'll pay for it now. Boss, can you assemble it here on the spot?"
"Give me about half an hour. I have parts here, and I'll install some good stuff on your computer later."
Reluctantly, Dou Mingming took out his wallet and paid.
Seeing that things were mostly settled, Zhang Tianxing asked, "Douzi, do you want to wait here for your computer to be assembled, or do you want to go eat with us now? We haven't had breakfast yet, and I'm a bit hungry. It's a big portion, not very filling."
"I'll go eat with you. I'll come back for my computer later." Dou Mingming's spirits lifted upon hearing Zhang Tianxing was treating. Then, Dou Mingming's eyes lit up. "Third Brother, there's a seafood buffet not far from the electronics building. It's not expensive, twenty-five yuan per person. Let's eat there today!"
Hearing Dou Mingming's suggestion, Wang Qiang felt a bit embarrassed. Twenty-five yuan per person meant 150 yuan for six people, which was not a small sum in those days. Dou Mingming was really something.
To his surprise, Zhang Tianxing agreed without hesitation. "Okay, if Douzi picked that place, let's go for a buffet."
Dou Mingming chuckled. "Since we didn't eat breakfast, we can eat our fill today and make sure Third Brother's money isn't wasted."
My friend, you're truly something. Zhang Tianxing found Dou Mingming to be thick-skinned and with potential. He wondered what the future held for him. In Zhang Tianxing's eyes, he could find the strengths and weaknesses in anyone. No matter who it was, he would interact with them as needed. With his busy schedule, he might even need someone with such an exceptionally thick skin to help him out of a tight spot. The world is vast and full of all sorts of people; having more friends means more opportunities. Everyone has their own usefulness.