Chapter 13 – Bad News and Good News
"1,000 units?" Yang Wendong repeated reflexively, even though he had clearly heard the number.
Elena nodded. "Yes, Mr. Yang. After I took the traps back last time, I distributed them to a few nearby warehouses where I work. After trying them out, they were quite satisfied. So they've asked me to place a bulk order."
"Thank you so much," Yang Wendong said with sincere gratitude, then asked, "Miss Elena, did the traps work well in the large warehouse settings too?"
Although Yang Wendong had conducted a fair number of tests and had caught plenty of rats, he still didn't have enough data to truly evaluate the traps' performance on a larger scale.
He had no real way to improve the traps further either—his design was already quite simple. But knowing how well they worked in actual storage facilities was important.
So far, his only large batch sale had been to Biu and the street enforcement gang. But he hadn't dared ask them for feedback. He didn't want to get dragged into their murky business.
"They're not extremely effective, but the convenience factor and affordability really make them stand out," Elena replied. "They're safer than poison and cheaper than metal traps, and they don't require much handling afterward. They're a good fit for our limited budget."
"Right," Yang Wendong smiled. He understood instantly: the real issue wasn't how effective the traps were—it was about who got to profit.
Using expensive cages or poison meant money changed hands with established suppliers, many of whom were tied to interest groups within the system. If his traps were too cheap and simple, those same people wouldn't be able to take their usual cut.
But Elena was different. She was one of the few who seemed genuinely interested in results.
She continued, "Mr. Yang, I also have a piece of bad news for you… though, it might be good news from your perspective."
"What do you mean?" Yang Wendong asked.
Elena explained, "There was a small-scale outbreak of bubonic plague in one of Britain's African colonies. A few dozen people died. It caused major panic. The British Empire has since issued warnings across all colonial territories—including Hong Kong—ordering widespread rodent extermination efforts."
"Plague?" Yang Wendong muttered. "I'm not even sure whether to call that good or bad news…"
For people in the 21st century, the plague was something most had only read about in history books. But in earlier centuries, it was one of humanity's greatest killers—alongside smallpox.
Even after entering the industrial age, humans weren't safe. Most people lived in dense conditions, lacked modern medicine, and had little understanding of hygiene.
And for the poor, even if they knew how to stay clean, they simply couldn't afford to.
In many ancient societies, governments went out of their way to label rats as demonic or cursed, not just to incite fear, but to encourage extermination efforts.
"So the Hong Kong government will also be launching a citywide campaign?" Yang Wendong asked.
Elena nodded. "The policy was just passed. The first to be affected are warehouses—especially those storing food. That means, Mr. Yang, this might be your big chance."
"Thank you for letting me know," Yang Wendong said, grateful. Without her, he never would've known. News like this wasn't going to appear in the local papers for days or weeks—if ever.
Elena smiled. "Your traps are not perfect, but they're affordable, and they don't pose safety risks. If used correctly, they're more than sufficient for our purposes.
"I will do my best to help you get more orders—but after that, it's up to you."
Yang Wendong nodded. "Understood. I know I can't rely on you for everything. But thank you for the opportunity."
He knew this was how business worked. People could give you a foot in the door, but whether you made it through depended on your own strength.
Elena continued, "After speaking with a few warehouse managers, I'm placing this order of 1,000 traps.
"If this batch works out, I'll recommend you more widely. There are dozens—maybe hundreds—of warehouses that could benefit from your product."
Yang Wendong did a quick mental calculation. "Give me five days. That's the fastest I can have 1,000 ready."
Right now, between him, Zhao Liming, Su Yiyi, and Lin Haoyu, they could produce about 200 traps a day at full speed. They might need to recruit more help if larger orders came.
Elena nodded. "Good. Here's the address of the government office where I work. You'll deliver the traps there once they're ready. If everything goes well, you'll need to do future deliveries too."
Yang Wendong accepted the paper with both hands. "Understood. I'll take care of it."
He looked at the address. Thankfully, it was still in Kowloon—just a few miles from their shack. If it had been on Hong Kong Island, delivery would've been a nightmare.
Elena then asked, "Have you opened a bank account yet?"
"Yes," Yang Wendong replied. "I did it just yesterday."
"Excellent," she said. "Now, I have to let you know something important. If you were a registered company, we could sign a proper contract and handle this like a formal procurement.
"But since you're an individual, we can only pay you after the goods are delivered and received. No advance payment."
"That's perfectly fine," Yang Wendong said without hesitation.
Registering a company at this stage would've been a massive undertaking—way beyond what he could handle. And besides, he'd rather do simple, direct transactions for now.
Even in future business, he knew that large companies and government entities often delayed payments for months. That was a huge risk.
Right now, as long as the cash was handed over upon delivery, he was satisfied.
Elena smiled. "Then we're agreed. Once you arrive, just tell the front gate you're here to see me."
"Got it," Yang Wendong said with a nod.
After she left, he turned to Su Yiyi and said, "Let's go—we're heading back."
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 20 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/johanssen10