Super Zoo

The issue of association fees has two focal points: first, whether to pay more or less, and how the money collected is used;

the second focal point concerns the specific amount each enterprise should pay.

Over twenty enterprises are part of the association, and each has a different scale and background—yhe largest with a real estate group background, is not short of money at all and could easily cultivate a behemoth live broadcasting platform through heavy investments; the smallest is a startup founded by several college graduates who have received venture capital and have not yet turned a profit.

Therefore, there is much to consider regarding how much each should pay.

It had already been decided that the association fee would follow the model of a security deposit, which meant a substantial amount.

For instance, a payment of three million means different things for different companies: it is insignificant for a large company, but it could spell doom for a small one. Whether they can afford to pay is a question, and even if they do, it would tie up a considerable amount of the company's working capital, hindering development, and in the end, they might have no choice but to withdraw from the association—which of course is not the original intention of collecting fees;

Then, what if we charge different fees based on the scale of the enterprise?

And here comes the problem: all members of the association should be equal in terms of obligations and rights. So why should some pay less and others more? Is this a way to penalize the wealthy?

Moreover, with the enterprises that are part of the association, the majority are of medium size, with only a few very wealthy giants and poor small businesses. Determining the 'scale' of each enterprise is not an easy task—the association cannot possibly send accountants to check the assets of each enterprise, right? That would be akin to raiding their homes, and the association does not have such power, nor would the enterprises ever agree to it.

Some enterprises proposed that those who pay more fees should have more rights, and those who pay less should have fewer rights... While this seems logical, it will inevitably create a hierarchy within the association members.

The purpose of the association's existence is to unite the industry for mutual help and to coordinate conflicts. Creating such divisions is contrary to the original intention.

In the end, Wang Hao and the other two vice presidents came up with a solution.

On principle, they decided on differentiated treatments, charging each enterprise a different fee. But not based on the scale of the company, as the association could not assess its value.

Every enterprise would pay 10% of the previous year's net profit.

For example, if you earned five million last year, then this year's membership fee would be 500,000. At the end of the year, if there are no violations, the 500,000 would be returned in full, and if there are violations, the fee would be deducted based on the severity of the violation.

Regardless of deductions, the next year's association fee would again be 10% of the previous year's profit.

This method has several obvious benefits.

Ten percent of the profit is significant for every enterprise but won't affect their development strategy. Those companies that didn't make a profit won't even have to pay the fee.

It's easy to calculate as legitimate businesses will have annual statements of turnover and profits, clear and straightforward. Of course, if anyone resorts to cooking the books, that can't be helped since that constitutes illegal activity, and the association has no jurisdiction over it.

They discussed the issue of association fees for an entire day.

There were many more contentious issues like this one, such as the specific rights and obligations of each enterprise, the principles and intensity of punishment, and so on.

After much effort, they agreed on a charter, marking the significant accomplishment. The final event was a small farewell party; many guests brought female companions. The host, seeing that most people had arrived, smilingly said, "During our earlier meeting, Mr. Wang from Taoyuan Entertainment was truly a force to be reckoned with. I suggest we start by having Mr. Wang say a few words to everyone." Find your next read at My Virtual Library Empire

After finishing the statement, he led the applause.

Amidst the applause, Wang Hao went on stage with Peng Xue by his side, holding up his cup from a distance and began speaking loudly. Peng Xue looked blissfully content as she snuggled beside this hefty man.

...

When Suming arrived at the VIP room of the Minran Residence tea house, Wang Jian She's secretary was already waiting at the entrance and nodded at Suming.

Suming smiled and entered the tea room, where he saw Wang Jian She sitting by the tea table, sipping tea while reading a newspaper.

"Mr. Wang," Suming greeted.

"Take a seat," Wang Jian She said, smiling and nodding as he looked up, saw Suming, put down the newspaper, and poured a cup of tea for him.

Wang Jian She had chosen Minran Residence for their meeting, and there was an implied subtext to this choice.

It wasn't about Suming giving any gifts.

Minran Residence was not located in a prime area nor was it in a secluded spot. The decor was average, the scale modest, with a stable flow of customers—much like its name suggested, "blending unnoticed among the people," it was decidedly average and didn't attract much attention among the numerous tea houses in Yangchuan City.

Given Wang Jian She's status, it was inappropriate to meet with Suming in a high-end hotel or tea house. Meeting at Minran Residence implied a very private setting where both could speak frankly.

Wang Jian She didn't respond directly but said with a smile, "Do you know what the owner of Minran Residence did before this?"

Suming knew that the owner of Minran Residence was a friend of Wang Jian She, but as for what industry he once worked in, Suming had no idea and shook his head.

"He used to work in security, then left the job to go into business," Wang Jian She chuckled, his words carrying a sense of candor.

Suming didn't say anything, waiting for him to continue.

Wang Jian She, as if talking to himself, continued, "A handsome spy like 007 from the movies would never be suitable for security work. He would attract too much attention wherever he went. People in their line of work need to be ordinary and blend with the crowd, concealing themselves among others, and, without a fuss, get close to the target to strike decisively at the right opportunity. Su, I see you've mastered that technique."

Suming had a good personal relationship with Wang Hao. Ever since university days, he had visited Wang Hao's home more than once and would call Wang Jian She 'uncle' if it weren't for work-related reasons.

However, Suming had never felt completely at ease around Wang Jian She. Of course, it wasn't the kind of tension one might feel in the presence of a superior, nor was it fear.

Wang Jian She rarely engaged in small talk, even in daily life. Unlike ordinary conversations filled with trivial chatter, he didn't mince words, but every sentence he spoke had a purpose.

Because of his experience, Wang Jian She had a sharp eye for people and situations.

Therefore, when conversing with Wang Jian She, one's mind had to be in high gear to keep pace with his thoughts, and one could not speak carelessly; each sentence should also carry meaning. Even considering his close relationship with the Wang family, having tea with Wang Jian She in Minran Residence, a gesture of sincere exchange, was indeed a great honor.

So, Suming was not planning to beat around the bush with Wang Jian She.