Not everyone was on board with China Star's dealership plan.
Some dealers scoffed at the idea:
"Audi Automobile? Not proven yet. We'll wait and see."
"Didn't you say the first to eat the crab gets the meat?"
"Yeah, but what if the crab's rotten?"
Others criticized the fees:
"Five million for the agency and ten million deposit? Are they trying to bleed us dry?"
"Watch—once no one signs up, they'll beg us with subsidies."
But Haifeng had already expected all of this.
He knew that with such a massive upfront investment—tens of millions, even hundreds of millions in big cities—most would hesitate.
And he didn't need all of them.
He only needed a few brave ones.
Once those few agents started making serious money?
The rest would rush in—only to find the door closed.
"You had your chance. You didn't take it. Why should I give it to you now?"
Wealth was the ultimate motivator.
The Next Morning
Liu Zihao arrived at China Star's HQ in Piaocheng.
He hadn't wasted a minute after getting his father's approval. If he hesitated, the old man might change his mind.
Haifeng greeted him in the reception room.
He now had a bit of appreciation for the infamous second-gen rich.
"Sure, the guy talks too much… but he has a vision.
And in the future, this dealership will make him filthy rich."
Zihao didn't hold back with the flattery:
"Brother Feng, you're a genius! Phones, cars—what haven't you conquered?"
"Soon, you'll be a mobile titan AND an auto legend. A dual-industry emperor!"
Haifeng raised an eyebrow.
Here we go…
Sure enough, Zihao's compliments kept flowing like a rap verse:
"My admiration for you is like the Yangtze River—endless!
Like the Yellow River—overflowing!"
Haifeng couldn't take it anymore.
"Alright, alright, enough. What do you want?"
Zihao laughed sheepishly.
"Can't fool you, huh?
Well… your dealership recruitment just opened…"
"I want in."
"My family's been in the 4S business for years. We've got the network, the land, the staff."
"I even convinced the old man to give me 1.5 billion RMB (≈ $206 million) and start a company under my name."
"So please, Brother Feng, give me a shot."
Haifeng nodded.
"No problem. You qualify."
"But remember—business is business.
You follow China Star Auto rules. No shortcuts."
Zihao saluted.
"Yes, sir! Everything will be by the book!"
Then he grinned.
"But uh… one dealership won't be enough."
Haifeng tilted his head.
"How many are you asking for?"
Zihao grinned sheepishly.
"Hehe… I'm thinking a whole province."