Net profit of 10 million

While the initial price was set at 50 cents, Mr. Liu and his associates calculated their options and eventually acquired 500 tons of oranges at that price. Subsequently, more wholesalers, including those from Guangdong, arrived.

However, the wholesale price had risen from 50 cents to 70 cents at this point. Some small-scale wholesalers hesitated, but the wholesalers from Guangdong didn't waste a second; they took everything. For them, the crucial factor wasn't the price but the speed of acquisition.

They had considered making arrangements with farmers and harvesting the oranges themselves. But that would take many days. Nobody knew how long the orange market would stay this hot.

Seizing the market in advance meant greater profit security.

If you delayed by a few days and managed to buy oranges for 10 or even just a few cents, it still wouldn't be profitable. Moreover, if the market cooled down by then, buying for a few cents would lead to losses.

Luckily, the orange market remained strong for a significant period. Chen Yu had sold the 10,000 tons of oranges he'd stocked within three days amidst a frenzy of wholesalers. Although orange prices had declined afterward, the ripple effect of this event led to a surge in the wholesale prices of oranges from other farmers.

They rose from 8 cents to 15 cents and then to 30 cents, peaking at 40 cents. Eventually, the average price for Xinfeng navel oranges was set at 30 cents, leading to a massive clearance sale.

"Chen Yu, on behalf of Xinfeng's fruit farmers, I want to express our gratitude."

"No need to thank me."

"Don't be so modest. Without you, the fruit farmers in Xinfeng would've had a tough year."

"I'm just doing business, and it's an honor to be able to help everyone."

This time, Chen Yu was undoubtedly the hero of the Xinfeng navel orange boom. Influenced by Chen Yu's online promotion, all the fruit farmers could now celebrate the New Year with peace of mind.

But it didn't stop there.

The most crucial outcome of this massive sale of Xinfeng navel oranges was that the people of Xinfeng realized how popular their oranges had become. This newfound confidence encouraged the fruit farmers, who had been hesitant before, to intensify their cultivation efforts.

"You've done great business this time. You've not only made money for yourself but also helped the local people make a profit. Have you calculated how much you've earned?"

"I haven't calculated it yet, and to be honest, it's not that much."

"You call this not much?"

County Chief Lan couldn't hide his playful smile, as if saying that Chen Yu was pretending to be modest. Nevertheless, he didn't press for specifics about how much Chen Yu had earned.

Regardless of how much Chen Yu earned, it was his talent and ability that had enabled all of it. Moreover, he hadn't just profited personally; he had also helped the people of Xinfeng make money. Even more impressively, he had elevated Xinfeng navel oranges to prominence, suggesting that the path to sustainable development he had proposed might genuinely be achievable.

"Alright, you're a busy person, so I won't keep you any longer."

"That's right, I should get going."

After receiving the recognition, Chen Yu returned home. He wasn't particularly interested in the ceremony; what excited him more was the money he had made. He hadn't even calculated his earnings yet.

Feeling a sense of excitement, he promptly reached out to Shi Lanfang for the calculations. A sudden burst of enthusiasm, and Chen Yu vanished into thin air.

Seeing Chen Yu disappear so abruptly, County Chief Lan laughed and scolded him, saying, "This young lad."

However, mixed in with his teasing, County Chief Lan couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. He had put in all the effort of the county but hadn't been able to promote Xinfeng navel oranges, while Chen Yu had accomplished it. Was the internet truly this magical? They had posted online before, so why hadn't anyone noticed? It was something he just couldn't comprehend.

...

"Mr. Chen, you're back."

"Yes, I just went to the county government."

"Did County Chief Lan personally commend you?"

"It was just a verbal commendation, no tax exemption certificate or anything."

"County Chief Lan actually wanted to give you a tax exemption, but Mr. Chen, you've earned too much this time."

"Oh, really? How much did I earn?"

Chen Yu had sought out Shi Lanfang for the financial calculations. When he heard the word "earned", his eyes lit up.

"Mr. Chen, our cost price for the navel oranges is 8 cents. Excluding picking, short-distance transportation, and storage, our costs are approximately 10 cents. However, our average wholesale price is around 70 cents. Deducting the 2 million investment, we have a net profit of 12 million. Of course, this is before paying any taxes."

"What about taxes?"

"In the agricultural sector, the country has specific regulations: they don't charge value-added tax, consumption tax, or business tax. They only collect corporate income tax. However, I called the tax office earlier. For this area, there is a 20% corporate income tax, and you're eligible for a 10% tax refund from the county. So, that means you would need to pay 1.2 million in taxes."

"1.2 million? Wow, that's quite a lot."

Upon hearing the substantial amount, Chen Yu felt a twinge of pain.

"Mr. Chen, 10% is already a relatively low tax rate. If the county didn't provide the tax refund, you'd be paying 2.4 million in taxes. In some areas, they even collect 25%."

"Oh, okay, I see."

Even though it stung, the taxes had to be paid. Not paying taxes might help you in the short term through connections, but in the long run, anyone could use that as leverage to bring you down. Just like the case with GOME Electrical Appliances back then, as soon as someone got a hold of your weak spot, heh heh.

"Without the taxes, Mr. Chen, you've netted 10.8 million."

Going through the calculations meticulously, they finally determined that Chen Yu had earned 10.8 million.

"Good, not bad."

Chen Yu nodded in approval. However, he glanced at Shi Lanfang and said, "Director Shi, quite a few people from your Agricultural Bureau helped out this time, right?"

"The past few days, the bureau has been dealing with navel oranges all along."

"And on my side?"

"About 20 people."

Shi Lanfang discerned Chen Yu's implication and immediately responded, "Mr. Chen, we receive salaries."

"Salaries from whom? I didn't pay you."

"No, we've been working these days too. It was a task assigned from above."

"I know."

Chen Yu nodded, then said, "This time, everyone worked hard selling the navel oranges. I appreciate you, Director Shi, and I'm truly grateful to the Agricultural Bureau. So, when you're back at the company, allocate 800,000 from my account and distribute it as bonuses to everyone."

"This...?"

"Do as I said. Oh, and don't forget about those uncles and aunties, as well as the drivers. They worked hard picking and transporting the navel oranges. Give each of them an additional 500 yuan as a bonus, that's it."

With that, Chen Yu went off to the bank, a broad smile on his face.

He wanted to check his account.

Indeed.

It wasn't an illusion, and he wasn't dreaming. Eight digits, a full 14 million.

He pinched himself to ensure that it was real. Chen Yu was grinning broadly.

"I don't like money."

"I'm not interested in money."

"What I hate most is money..."

Facing the ATM, Chen Yu couldn't help but laugh and recite one of Teacher Ma's classic quotes.

The two couples next to him retreated in fear.

"This guy is crazy about money."

"Honey, this poor guy, let's keep our distance."

"Wifey, you're right. Today, shall we go for some spicy hot pot?"

"Listening to you, dear."

The two of them exchanged a sweet smile, casting a disdainful look at Chen Yu before leaving the bank.