164: I want to borrow some money

You Suowei came to Tian Ming because he wanted to set up a food processing factory within the Shelter.

After the personnel framework reform, many people in the Shelter began to think about doing business, but most of them were in the form of labor subcontracting.

That is, some people gathered together and directly took on a certain part of a project, such as installing scaffolding, transporting stones, and so on.

However, You Suowei wanted to engage in production and food processing.

Originally, the Shelter did not have the conditions for this, but ever since the Microbiology Laboratory was completed, he immediately smelled a business opportunity.

Before the Apocalypse, there were things like synthetic meat, biological algae, and synthetic starch.

But these things had too high a technological content and didn't taste good, so no one ate them at all.

Now, there are too many zombies, and traditional agriculture occupies a large area and has high energy consumption, plus the obstruction of sunlight by the ring, it is unrealistic to produce food in large quantities as before.

You Suowei wanted to take over all aspects of food production in the entire Shelter, providing a one-stop service from raw materials to processed products.

However, after this plan was proposed, it was repeatedly rejected by the Comprehensive Management Department.

After hitting walls everywhere, he had no choice but to come to Tian Ming.

"Boss, I want to borrow some money!" You Suowei said.

Tian Ming raised an eyebrow and said, "You want to do business, right? You're in food, but there's no room for you to do that in this Shelter."

"Boss, I've already visited the scientific research department, and I've been to the Comprehensive Management Department, and I've also greeted Team Leader Qiu.

What I mainly want to do is create something from nothing.

It mainly uses carbon dioxide to synthesize starch and other organic matter, and then cultivates algae.

Food reserves are the top priority of the Shelter.

Boss, my idea is feasible."

Looking at You Suowei's chubby face, Tian Ming remained calm.

At this moment, the dishes he ordered also arrived at the table.

"Do you want to sit down and eat something together?" Tian Ming asked You Suowei.

You Suowei waved his hands repeatedly and said, "No, no, Boss, what do you think of what I said?"

Tian Ming smiled indifferently: "Since the Comprehensive Management Department doesn't agree to your loan request, that means the feasibility of your plan is very low, and even if it can be produced, it would take up a large area of land.

Using bioreactors to synthesize starch, that stuff doesn't taste good, does it?"

You Suowei said anxiously, "Boss, right now our Shelter has six thousand people, and in the future, it might double.

After the Underground City is built, there might be even more people.

Tens of thousands of people, an average of one catty of grain per person per day, that's over a hundred tons a month.

Boss, I know you can conjure up food directly, but have you ever thought that in the future, you'll have to support tens of thousands of people, and the city's food simply isn't enough.

The population of the Shelter will become a burden for you, Boss."

Tian Ming frowned slightly: "Are you here to lecture me?"

You Suowei quickly shook his head: "No, Boss, I wouldn't dare to lecture you.

I'm just saying that if we start planning now and let me take on the production and processing of food for the Shelter, I will definitely not disappoint you."

"You don't need to worry about this matter; the Shelter will solve the food problem.

Aren't we building greenhouses now? Once the greenhouses are built, with soilless cultivation, won't everyone have vegetables?"

You Suowei was still unwilling and said, "Boss, I promise 90% of the value I create will go to you; I only need your initial support."

Tian Ming, however, smiled indifferently: "Tell me, how many points do you want as start-up capital?"

"Ten million."

Tian Ming waved his hand and said, "No deal, our Shelter doesn't even have that many points in total."

With a thump, You Suowei directly knelt down.

"Boss, I really had no other choice but to come to you.

Just give me a chance; I'll handle the personnel myself.

Once it's up and running, I'll only take 10% of the shares."

Tian Ming asked indifferently, "What if it doesn't work out?"

"If it doesn't work out, you can take my life!" You Suowei hesitated for a moment, patting his chest as he spoke.

"What a pity, your life probably isn't worth my investment.

However, I'll give you a chance: I'll open up the raw material quota for food to you, and give you ten thousand points as start-up capital.

I'll also give you a spot in the cafeteria, set up a window.

Didn't you say you're in food processing?

Use your own methods to double the money I give you."

You Suowei pondered for a moment and said, "Boss, if I can double it, will you invest in me?"

Tian Ming smiled indifferently: "That depends on how many times you can double it and how much time it takes.

You say you have the ability, so let me see your ability.

I'll open up the raw material issues and processing locations that are hindering you.

The rest is up to you."

You Suowei's heart swelled with joy, and he hastily responded, "Thank you, Boss, I promise I won't disappoint you."

Tian Ming smiled faintly and waved his hand: "Go on, but there's one thing I need to say upfront: no matter what you do, you must not break the rules of the Shelter."

You Suowei nodded repeatedly: "Understood, understood! I promise to follow the rules!"

After speaking, You Suowei left excitedly.

Watching You Suowei's retreating figure, a smile played on Tian Ming's lips.

As long as there's profit, people will flock to it.

The Shelter has never lacked ambitious people; what it lacks are those who are ambitious and also capable.

After dinner that evening, Tian Ming greeted Ji Ruping and asked her to open up some food quotas for You Suowei.

Ji Ruping was aware of You Suowei's situation, as he had bothered her quite a bit.

Since the Boss was willing to let him try, Ji Ruping had nothing more to say and simply handled it according to Tian Ming's request.

Early the next morning, Zheng Haoyu came over; their personnel had already settled in.

Since they were directly managed by the Boss, Zheng Haoyu, as the main person in charge, could naturally negotiate directly with Tian Ming.

"Boss, what should we do in the Shelter?" Zheng Haoyu asked.

"That's good, you know to find things to do yourself.

Putting everything else aside, I'm very pleased with this attitude."

Tian Ming nodded approvingly at Zheng Haoyu, then asked, "Who arranged your accommodation?"

"People from the Comprehensive Management Department arranged it for us; we're staying in that building," Zheng Haoyu replied.

Tian Ming touched his earphone: "Architectural Expert Lu, a man named Zheng Haoyu will come to find you later.

Tell him what equipment you need, and he will help you solve it."

Architectural Expert Lu's voice quickly came through the earphone: "No problem, Boss."

Zheng Haoyu looked at Tian Ming somewhat bewildered and asked, "Boss, didn't you say I belong to your direct personal guard? Isn't our duty to protect you?"

Tian Ming smiled: "You protect me? Do I need your protection? You people who need potions to maintain your abilities, I'll command you directly.

Whatever I tell you to do, you do."