Chapter 46

"Hi, Charlie, I'm in trouble again. I want to borrow some money from the bank. Is there anything I need to be aware of?" Liu Yunxuan asked after answering the phone.

"There's nothing much to be aware of. Just provide the bank with proof of your assets, the purpose of the loan, and your repayment plan. They will be very willing to lend you the money."

"Although you just arrived, you paid in full for the ranch you bought. And you are currently working on organic vegetable certification. If you can wait until the organic certification is complete before taking out a loan, you might get a larger amount."

Charlie explained over the phone.

Liu Yunxuan hadn't expected that getting a loan in the U.S. would be so simple. He still remembered being rejected for a loan in China. In fact, he didn't understand the U.S. loan system at all. Ranch owners like him, who have no outstanding debts with the bank, are considered high-quality clients.

Banks are very welcoming to these clients. However, if your credit rating is very low, it will be difficult to get a loan.

"By the way, what do you plan to use the loan for? Are you going to buy more cattle for your ranch?" Charlie asked.

"No, I noticed there's a lot of cow manure on the ranch, and the organic vegetables I'm growing also need organic fertilizer. I thought about using the manure. I plan to buy a small feed mill, which will require a loan of about $300,000."

Liu Yunxuan explained over the phone.

Charlie was silent for a moment before saying, "The loan amount shouldn't be a problem, but I suggest you find an accountant to help you with tax issues. If you don't handle it, you'll end up paying a lot of taxes in the future. We can't let Uncle Sam get the better of us."

Liu Yunxuan realized he hadn't paid attention to this issue, thanks to Charlie's reminder. He had heard before that the U.S. government's taxes were heavy, but he had forgotten about it after being busy with various things.

"Charlie, I really appreciate your reminder. This will save me a lot of trouble in the future. Do you have any good recommendations?" Liu Yunxuan asked over the phone.

"You can entrust an accounting firm, which is less expensive. Alternatively, you can hire a dedicated accountant, which is more expensive but can help you think ahead and handle many issues for you." Charlie suggested over the phone.

"Can you help me find an accountant?" Liu Yunxuan thought for a moment. As his business would gradually expand, having a dedicated accountant would be much more convenient. "And also help me hire a manager for the feed mill. I don't want to be tied down in the factory every day."

"Sure, my friend, no problem. I'll find the best people for you." Charlie, who usually deals with business matters, has his own network of contacts. Besides, Liu Yunxuan's current business isn't too big, so he readily agreed.

"Thank you so much. You should come visit my ranch sometime." Liu Yunxuan invited over the phone.

"Damn, I'd love to, but I've been assigned too much work lately." Charlie complained over the phone.

Liu Yunxuan laughed at Charlie's complaints. He remembered the first time he met Charlie, who complained about being too busy and not having time to rest. Then he complained about the poor economy, fewer businesses, and reduced income. He really didn't understand the American mindset.

After ending the call with Charlie, Liu Yunxuan took a deep breath. It seems he needs to think more about the differences between the U.S. and China.

It looks like he can start contacting the Powell Brothers Feed Mill.

Following Allen to the feed mill, the location was really good, right on the north side of town. It wasn't far from his ranch, making it convenient for transporting manure in the future.

In front was a two-story building, which was probably used for the feed mill's office. Behind the building was a taller factory roof. Next to the factory was a long row of warehouses. Some were closed, and some were open, containing raw materials for feed production.

There was no sound of machinery running, indicating that production had stopped. About seven or eight workers were gathered together, occasionally glancing at Liu Yunxuan and his group. It seemed they already knew the owner was planning to sell the factory.

"Welcome, Allen." Powell came out of the building and gave Allen a hug.

Allen chatted briefly with Powell and then pointed to Liu Yunxuan, "Powell, this is my neighbor, the owner of Garden Ranch, Liu. He is very interested in buying your factory."

"That's great. Would you like a tour of the factory?" Powell asked Liu Yunxuan.

"Mr. Powell, a quick look will do." Liu Yunxuan politely said, as he was going to spend $250,000, he wanted to take a good look.

Powell led Liu Yunxuan around the factory. The machines were in good condition, and they even ran a test with some feed.

Liu Yunxuan was most satisfied with the large warehouses, which would provide ample space for his manure.

"Alright, Powell, I'm very satisfied. We can discuss the price now." After the tour, Liu Yunxuan said to Powell.

"I invested a lot in building the factory and buying the machines. I put in over $300,000. I won't hide it from you; my feed formula isn't great, and business has been tough, which is why I'm selling. My asking price is $250,000, and the entire feed mill, including three transport vehicles, will be yours."

Powell paused and added, "If you don't lay off these workers, we can negotiate the price." Powell had no choice; unless he declared bankruptcy, he had to handle the workers well, or the union wouldn't be easy to deal with.

"If I take on all the workers, how about $200,000?" Liu Yunxuan wouldn't miss the chance to haggle.

Powell's face turned a bit sour, "Mr. Liu, the price is too low. Can you offer a bit more?"

"Mr. Powell, taking on these workers will solve a big problem for you." Liu Yunxuan thought for a moment. He had indeed been a bit harsh in his haggling, cutting the price by a fifth. "How about this, I'll add $15,000. This is the highest price I can afford. You should know that I plan to produce organic fertilizer. The equipment will need maintenance, and the workers will need retraining."

"Alright, when can we sign the contract?" Powell considered and accepted the price. His factory had been idle for over a month. If he waited any longer, he wouldn't have money to pay the workers.

"My lawyer is only available the day after tomorrow. Can we sign the contract in the afternoon the day after tomorrow?" It wasn't that Liu Yunxuan didn't want to sign quickly; he had no money and hadn't yet applied for the bank loan. Charlie would bring the accountant over in the afternoon.

Charlie had said the loan process wouldn't be complicated, and the funds would be released quickly. He thought three days should be enough.

Walking out of the factory, the workers gathered around. They wanted to know the outcome.

"Guys, this Mr. Liu will be the new owner of the factory in a few days. And he will take you on." Powell quickly said, looking at the gathered workers, afraid they might cause trouble.

The workers turned their gazes to Liu Yunxuan.

"Yes, guys, I've reached an agreement with Powell. We will sign the contract the day after tomorrow and take all of you on. Of course, since I will be switching production, I will provide training. Only those who pass the training will be employed."

Seeing the workers' faces turn grim at the mention of training, Liu Yunxuan continued,

"I plan to produce organic fertilizer, which is similar to feed production but with higher standards. As long as everyone pays attention, you can handle it."

Liu Yunxuan was very welcoming to these workers. They were experienced and familiar with the factory and machinery, which was much better than hiring new workers.