Chapter 47

Zhang Gui came here because he saw a news report.

He never expected that there would be such a farm in his own small plot of land. He then inquired about the background of this farm and found out.

The boss here is a college graduate who made a fortune in Shangjing and then returned home to start a business.

His parents are fishermen in this village, and there are no particularly capable relatives in the family. In Zhang Gui's view, Ye Yuan was just a lucky guy.

Since such a guy is on his turf, he felt it would be a shame not to take advantage of him.

"Are you the boss here? I'm Zhang Gui," Zhang Gui said to Ye Yuan in a condescending tone.

"Oh, I wonder what Mr. Zhang is here for?" Ye Yuan wanted to figure out Zhang Gui's purpose before deciding what to do.

"Hmm, I know you're a new farmer, maybe you're not familiar with the rules in Pinghai County. All the seafood in our county is sold by me. The fish here are good, I'll buy all your fish at 5 yuan per pound. You can just focus on raising fish from now on." He patted Ye Yuan, acting as if he was protecting him.

"What if I don't agree?" Ye Yuan asked coldly.

"If you don't agree, not a single fish of yours will leave Pinghai County." Zhang Gui laughed sinisterly.

At that moment, another boat arrived at the dock. This boat was full of reporters who had come to interview, and with them was a county official.

Even before the boat docked, the reporters started taking photos with their cameras.

After the reporters got off the boat, they headed straight for Ye Yuan. Zhang Gui also noticed they were reporters and whispered in Ye Yuan's ear, "Kid, don't talk recklessly, be careful what you say."

"Is the boss here? I'm from Hedong TV, we want to interview the boss here," a female reporter asked a worker.

The worker turned to look at Ye Yuan.

After all, she was a reporter and could tell from the worker's glance that the young man in front of her was likely the owner of the island.

"Hello, I believe you are the owner here? Can I ask you a few questions?" she said.

The other reporters, upon hearing that this was the owner of "Yuwang Seafood" who had gained fame in Harbor Island, also gathered around.

Everyone asked their own questions, making the scene quite chaotic.

This was Ye Yuan's first time being surrounded by so many reporters. He remained calm and smiled, saying, "Everyone, don't panic. Ask your questions one by one, I'll try to answer them. Don't rush!"

"Hello, I'm from Lando Daily. I heard that Harbor Island's Henghai Group has already obtained the exclusive agency rights for your seafood in Harbor Island. Is that true?"

A young male reporter asked the first question.

"Yes, I have signed an agency agreement with Manager Ma Mingyuan of Henghai Group."

Ye Yuan didn't use any official jargon and answered the question directly.

"Hello, I'm from Hedong Provincial TV. We want to know how you position your Yuwang Seafood? Are you targeting the high-end market or the mass market?"

The female reporter from Hedong Provincial TV asked her question.

Ye Yuan thought for a moment and answered, "I will pursue both. On one hand, I will develop the high-end market, and on the other hand, I will also involve the mass market.

I have already cooperated with a seafood company and a seafood restaurant in Lando. I believe that in the near future, everyone will be able to enjoy Yuwang Seafood."

"Hello, what do you think of the prospects of the aquaculture industry?" an independent media reporter asked.

Hearing this question, Ye Yuan glanced at Zhang Gui.

With a slight smile, he said, "It's hard for farmers, not just because of natural disasters, but also because the fish they raise might not even be sold.

My grouper can only be sold for 5 yuan per pound. You might not believe this price, but this is the person who came to buy my fish. You can ask him." He pointed at Zhang Gui.

The reporters, upon hearing Ye Yuan's words, found it hard to believe their ears. Grouper at 5 yuan per pound, frozen grouper in the market costs around 40 yuan, and this is fresh. How can it be this price?

Many reporters already pointed their microphones at Zhang Gui, "Sir, why are you buying these groupers at such a low price? Is there something wrong with the fish?"

"Sir, can you tell us where you are from? Do you usually buy seafood at this price?"

The reporters bombarded Zhang Gui with various questions.

The official who came with the reporters also looked displeased. The county had just decided to support local businesses, and now a fish bully appeared. This was a slap in the face for them.

He stepped out of the crowd and angrily rebuked Zhang Gui, "I don't care who you are, your actions will be handed over to the relevant authorities."

Zhang Gui recognized the person and couldn't care less at that moment. He fled back to his boat with a few of his men and sailed away.

Ye Yuan looked at the person who spoke and couldn't help but smile. This person was the deputy county magistrate who had received him when he leased the island. This person had left a good impression on Ye Yuan.

"I didn't expect you to come. Why didn't you give me a heads-up so I could welcome you?" Ye Yuan greeted him warmly.

"You're a good young man. To develop this remote island to this level in such a short time, I'm very pleased," the deputy county magistrate shook Ye Yuan's hand and turned to the reporters, saying:

"We will take the issue you raised seriously. We hope everyone will supervise us. Such things will not happen again. We will support every legal local business and ensure that fishermen are not discouraged."

The workers, upon hearing the county magistrate's words, applauded spontaneously.

Ye Yuan led the reporters and the county officials on another tour of Yuwang Island. The reporters got the material they needed and hurried back to write their news articles. Before leaving, the deputy county magistrate had a private chat with Ye Yuan.

"Don't worry, develop with confidence. People like Zhang Gui will be dealt with," the deputy county magistrate said and then left.

......

Ye Yuan's Yuwang Seafood became famous, which he didn't expect.

On the same night after the interview, many reports were published online. The beautiful island scenery and the tranquility away from the city were recorded and promoted by the reporters' cameras.

Zhang Gui knew he was finished when he returned from Ye Yuan's place.

First, his company's finances were audited, and many of his past issues were gradually uncovered. Many people he had oppressed in the past came forward to testify.

The biggest pressure came from Su Mei. According to the contract, the first delivery date had arrived, but his farm had no fish. He had originally planned to get a batch from Ye Yuan, but now he was hated by the county officials.

If he couldn't provide the fish as per the contract, Zhang Gui would have to pay a 1.5 million yuan penalty. While he could afford it, it would still be a significant loss.

"Damn it, this is your fault, you deserve to die." Zhang Gui smashed the wine glass in his hand.