In the heart of Shuangqing City, in the New World, a luxurious skyscraper had been erected.
Funded with billions, the building had been owned by the citys wealthiest rchant, Marian Corton, hence it had been nad Corton Tower.
On the topmost floor, the entire floor had contained just one rooma vast, empty spacein the middle of which a gigantic desk had been placed. A World Map had been spread across the table. At that mont, Marian, dressed in a business suit, had been sitting in her office chair. A large communication crystal ball on her desk had been displaying her father, Desmond Corton, who had been talking with her.
With an awkward expression, Desmond had said, My dear daughter, I need to construct a new railway here, but were short on iron ore. Can you figure out which kingdom can supply us so?
Marian had smiled and responded, No problem, let check. She had flipped through a pile of docunts and then said, As it happens, theres a mining company on the eastern coast of the New World that has a large amount of iron ore for sale. Ill purchase it all and have it shipped back to you on sea vessels.
Desmond had been overjoyed. Thats wonderful! Ah, the resources in the Kingdom of Gran have been declining, and they cant keep up with our consumption. We have to rely on imports from abroad now. Due to my poor planning in international trade years ago, we are now entirely dependent on your company for imports.
Years before, after the Black Dragon had been slain and peace had returned to the world, Marian had wanted to expand her business to the Kingdom of Norma. However, Desmond had disagreed with international expansion. He had believed that as nobility in the Kingdom of Gran, dostic business was sufficient. Expanding abroad, without the protection of dostic noble status, would entail considerable risk. Therefore, he had rejected Marians proposal.
Marian had had no choice but to seek assistance from Robb. Robb had lent her so money and, along with Shang Hui, had helped persuade Shisu and several Eastern sects to invest. Eventually, they had launched an international trading company that specialized in cross-border trade.
Marians company had been the first large-scale entity dedicated solely to international trade. Unlike those sea rchants and businesses involved in minor trade along ancient routes like the Silk Road, her company, under Robbs guidance, had aid high and far. They had specialized in cross-border transport and international comrce, all on a grand scale.
The growth rate of her company had been exceedingly fast. Within a few years, it had expanded globally. Those individual sea rchants had eventually found themselves unable to resist rging with her company, becoming a part of her corporate empire. Even the traders on the Silk Road and the Tea-Horse Path had beco departnts within her company.
Her business had excelled even beyond what her father had managed in the Kingdom of Gran.
To differentiate between her and her fathers achievents, people had taken to calling her fathers business Big Corton Company and Marians business Little Corton Company. Of course, everyone had been pragmatic. Whenever any kingdom, large corporation, or even individual consurs had needed sothing or had wanted to buy rare items or foreign goods, their first thought had been Little Corton Company. Even Big Corton Company had often relied on Little Corton Company for its supply chain needs.
Having ended the call with her father, Marian had stretched and looked at the world map on her desk. Red circles had been drawn all over it, each representing a branch of the Little Corton Company that had been established worldwide.
She had been quite satisfied with her current achievents and couldnt resist making a video call to Robb.
The call had connected quickly, and Robb had appeared in the crystal ball. The backdrop had been an airship flying high in the sky, and he had been leisurely lounging at the bow. Lillian and two maidsone blue and one redhad been serving him tea and water.
An envious expression had crossed Marians face.
Robb had chuckled, What? Envious of my relaxed lifestyle? You could have this too, you know. Instead of visiting every so often, why not just live on the airship?
Marian had shaken her head with a smile, Although I envy your relaxed and slow-paced life, its rely envy. If I really had to live that way, Id miss my busy life within two days. I enjoy the feeling of fulfilling myself through work.
Robb had laughed, Alright, alright. I have to admire a strong woman like you.
Marian had said, The reason I called is to confirm whether my current direction is correct, if there are any missteps, and what should I be cautious about?
It had been well-known that Godfather possessed an extraordinary ability to foresee the future. He had been able to accurately grasp the direction of future developnts, and each idea hed co up with had usually blossod into sothing beautiful in the future.
Marian had almost always consulted Robbs opinions as she conducted her business. Therefore, she would, from ti to ti, ask for Robbs guidance to ensure she hadnt gone astray.
Hearing her inquiry, Robb had begun to seriously consider her question, The direction, eh?
After several seconds of contemplation, he had smiled, Your current direction is absolutely correct. However, there is sothing worth noting for the future.
Oh? Marian had quickly asked, eager to learn, What should I be cautious about?
Robb had said, The business youre currently doing is purely transactional, essentially just a trade of goods. While things may be smooth now, you lack core technological capabilities. In the future, when other companies like yours erge, youll face fierce competition.
Marian had instantly understood, You an anyone could replicate my company?
Robb had laughed, Exactly, a company without core technological strength can be easily copied. Im sure so nobles are already planning on setting up international trading companies similar to yours. After all, its not difficult. As long as you have money, ships, vehicles, and enough manpower, you could create a company just like yours at any ti.
Robb had continued, So you should start preparing for this now. Other companies are late to the ga; catching up to you will take ti. Use this period to explore advanced trade technologies and strategies. For instance, develop faster, larger ships. Consider adapting coal-burning steel warships for civilian use, creating steam-powered vessels. Or research airships like the one Im in, but call them airplanes, to move goods through the air. Larger-capacity trains, bigger trucks, more advanced, automated docks, and so on. Oh, theres also sothing called logistics that you should look into. In the future, custors will order sothing from another continent from the comfort of their ho, and your logistics could deliver it to them in five days. Then, who could compete with you?
Marian had quickly realized, As long as my company can transport goods faster and more efficiently than others, and they cant replicate my advanced transportation thods, I can beat any newcors and secure my companys standing.
Exactly! Robb had said, grinning. Thats likely the direction you should be headed in. Once others catch up, youll research even newer thods.
Marian had laughed, Thank you so much! I feel like Ive learned a lot.
Marian had then chuckled just like Robb, Even though were not strangers, its important to maintain so level of decorum. Otherwise, youll say that won and small-minded people are hard to deal with; too close, they lose respect, too far, they resent.'
Robb had responded, Thats because you were really disrespectful last ti. Who disappoints others like you did? You even took out a rope and said you wanted to tie up and play.
Marian had given him a side-eye, You were the one who tied up first. I wanted to see what it felt like.
There had been an awkward pause, and after a few seconds, both had simultaneously said, Lets be more normal the next ti we et.
Having said that, both had burst into mischievous laughter.
Hi! If youve enjoyed my content and would like to show your support, please consider making a contribution to my Ko-fi page. Your generosity would an the world to . Thank you!
~~~~~~~~~~~Please tap this to donate to my ko-fi so I can buy a real /maxoofie
Reviews
All reviews (0)