Free Web NovelChapter 411: Chapter 411: Market Survey
Adrian Hawthorne’s smile grew even more sincere, and his words struck an even deeper nerve with Jim Thorne. "Even though my family doesn’t run it, I’m certain I can accomplish what I set out to do. You can either get into Aethelgard University too, or you can just do as I say."
Jim Thorne exploded. "Like hell I’ll listen to you!"
"Then you’d better work hard to get in!" freeωebnovēl.c૦m
Adrian Hawthorne gave Jim Thorne a light pat on the shoulder. ’He actually hoped Jim wouldn’t make it. Ordering this big oaf around is actually pretty fun.’
Jim Thorne furiously slapped Adrian Hawthorne’s hand away and snorted, "I’ll definitely get in!"
Adrian Hawthorne’s eyes glinted as he added, "If you don’t pass, you’ll have to be more respectful around me. And you certainly won’t be able to use that kind of arrogant language."
"I’ll say what I damn well please! We haven’t even taken the test yet, so what’s your damn hurry?" Jim Thorne was fuming. ’He desperately wanted to beat this kid up. Why was he so convinced he would fail? Well, now he had to pass, no matter what.’
Adrian Hawthorne wasn’t the least bit angry. He said pleasantly, "I’m just giving you a heads-up. Don’t forget when the time comes."
Jim Thorne let out a heavy snort, turned his head, and stalked off. ’I can’t stand looking at him. So annoying!’
Still on his back, Tang Xiaonan was laughing so hard her stomach hurt. She glanced back and winked at Adrian Hawthorne. ’Leave it to Adrian to be so clever. His use of reverse psychology was brilliant! Maybe Jim really could get into Aethelgard University. If he did, their grandparents and parents would probably be so happy they’d throw a banquet for three days and three nights, and burn a tractor-load of paper offerings for the ancestors!’
The sky began to dim, and tempting aromas wafted from the alley. People were pushing carts, selling snacks. It felt like the regulations here were more lax than in Vessaria; there were many people running makeshift stalls, and Tang Xiaonan even saw someone selling cassette tapes.
A man carrying a bag was furtively glancing around. He would approach people to ask them something, but he only targeted fashionable young people, ignoring the elderly and children. A couple just ahead of Tang Xiaonan was stopped by him.
"Want a Teresa Dunn tape? The sound quality’s great."
"How much?" The couple seemed interested.
"Not expensive. One tape for a buck, or three for two-fifty. I’ve also got Leo Ruiz and Emma Jenkins. They’re all the hottest artists right now."
"That’s too expensive. Go a little lower." freёwebnoѵel.com
"Pretty lady, I’m not making any profit! Tell you what, since you’re so beautiful, I’ll sell them to you at a loss. How about four tapes for three bucks? I’m really not making anything on this!"
The girl, won over by the flattery, broke into a wide smile and looked at her boyfriend hopefully. She really wanted them. Of course, the boy didn’t want to lose face in front of his girlfriend. Three bucks was no small sum, but he could afford it, so he magnanimously pulled out the money and bought four tapes.
Adrian Hawthorne slowed his pace. In the span of just ten minutes, the man had already sold a dozen or so tapes. ’He didn’t know the wholesale price for the cassettes, but it certainly couldn’t be too high. Plus, these were all home-recorded, which meant the cost was even lower.’
"These tapes seem to sell really well. Why don’t we get some and sell them back home?" Jim Thorne’s eyes lit up.
Adrian Hawthorne disagreed. "There’s a market for them in Capria, but there won’t be a big market in Vessaria. How many people in Vessaria can afford a tape recorder? You can’t play tapes without a recorder. We wouldn’t make much money."
Trendy items like cassette tapes only had a market in big cities like Tristone and Capria. It wouldn’t work in small towns like Vessaria and Wraven. ’He had already done his market research. Only fabric was a daily necessity that everyone needed. Plus, it wasn’t expensive, so the business potential was huge.’
