Baddie Distribution System
Chapter 68: Earning Report

Chapter 68: Earning Report

"How could you eat that whole thing?" Dapper asked in shock after Lena finished the bowl before his eyes. He’d heard from Ruth and Belinda about Lena’s wild appetite, but he’d never really believed it, at least not until now, since she’d always hidden it from him.

"I’m worried it’ll have some sort of effect, but she’s not even gaining weight. I wish I could do that. I’d be out of shape," Ruth joked with a laugh.

"Well, darling, since you’re home now, we want to show you the income report and also talk to you about something," Ruth said suddenly, her tone turning serious as she glanced at Belinda, who gave a small nod.

The next moment, Ruth brought some documents and handed them to Dapper. She and Belinda sandwiched him, their breasts pressing softly against his shoulders. Dapper immediately sensed they needed something, but he kept quiet.

Since he had invested all his money—Ruth’s initial wealth that was split with him during the early days of the Freeman Industry before it exploded, he now held a fat thirty-percent share in the company.

"We generated a total of two billion Yexen in the past week since you left for the military academy. Thanks to the new product we launched yesterday, we pulled in a staggering two billion in just one week. However, when we compare it to the previous launch, the revenue’s actually lower. It feels like the hype died down but that’s normal. Still, I’m worried. Other companies are now using our ideas and strategies to make their own beauty products. We even have a new competitor, a company owned by the Howards. I fear our fame might be short-lived. Don’t you think it’s time you sold some of your shares? You’re worth about seven billion Yexen now. The influx of investors has slowed too. Some have already cashed out after making profits," Ruth explained.

"Well, the subsidiary company I head is going through the same thing. Sales of our beauty kits have dropped. Investor traffic is low, and the Howards are selling beauty kits for even cheaper than ours," Belinda added, flipping to another page in the document for Dapper to see.

Dapper stared at the document, lost in thought for a long moment, then finally let out a deep sigh.

"It’s normal to have competitors. But based on what you’re saying, the Howards are literally copy-pasting our designs. Still, I won’t sell a single Yexen of my shares. In fact, now is the best time to invest," Dapper said, flashing a confident smile.

Ruth and Belinda looked at him in surprise, wondering what kind of scheme was running through his mind. Months ago, they would have thought he was insane, but Dapper had pulled off so many outrageous feats that they couldn’t help but trust his words—though inwardly, they were still skeptical.

"H-How do we go about that?" Ruth and Belinda asked simultaneously, stuttering a little.

"Well, the business strategy in this empire is too dull and repetitive. If the Howards want to be shameless and go low, we won’t stoop to their level. That would only ruin the beauty care industry. Instead, we go higher. We’ll create a brand, not just a product," Dapper said with a toothy grin.

"Brand..." Belinda and Ruth muttered, the word sinking in. They knew the concept, but branding wasn’t widely practiced in the empire. Most businesses just sold products, which made copying rampant. They’d been conditioned to accept that.

"S-So you mean we should make our product different and unique to us?" Belinda asked.

"Yes, not just different and unique. We’re going to create a premium brand. We’ll increase our product prices by five hundred percent. Once we register the brand, no other company can copy or replicate it. The brand becomes the protective shell of our product."

"Five hundred percent?! That’s insane!" Ruth exclaimed. The idea sounded so extreme to her, it felt like a gamble that could cost them everything.

"Sister, I believe in my husband. He’s the one who gave us this beauty product idea to begin with. I’m sure his plan will work. Aristocrats and the rich love showing off, they buy high-priced items just to stand above the masses. If it happens in the weapon and gear market, why can’t we apply it here? I’ve seen famous blacksmiths hike prices way above average just because of their names, and people still buy them. The wealthy flaunt them and look down on similar items from lesser-known smiths. I get it now," Belinda said, a broad smile lighting up her face.

"You’re absolutely right. That’s the power of branding. They literally engrave their names on weapons and the value skyrockets, even if the weapon is no different from others," Dapper added.

Ruth, however, still seemed lost in thought, making Dapper wonder if she was still doubtful.

"Mom, Dad... I wish you were here to witness this," Ruth murmured, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. Belinda reached over and hugged her gently.

"It’s okay... I’m sure they’re proud of how far we’ve come. Thank you, Dapper," Belinda said sincerely, looking at him with genuine gratitude.

"You don’t need to thank me. I’m just doing what’s right. I owe Ruth a lot, and she deserves better. Besides, it’s not like I’m not benefitting from this too," Dapper replied with a warm smile, hugging Ruth as well.

"I’ll contact the management board and present our plan. Once we prep the documents, the three of us just need to sign to initiate it. I know a lot of the board members will object, but they can’t stop us, the Freemans still own the biggest stake. At worst, investors might pull out. But they’ll regret it when this initiative starts paying off," Ruth said, laughing with confidence.

"Well, now that that’s sorted... babe, we need something from you," Belinda said sultrily, resting her head on Dapper’s shoulder. Ruth mirrored her actions, confirming Dapper’s earlier suspicions.

’Guess I was right.’

"What do you want?"

"Umh, we were thinking... We’ve been living in this estate since we were born. Most of our family members live here too. We only own one building and not the whole estate. This estate is our origin, something our ancestors left for us. But now that we’re married and can afford another, why not buy a new estate? Maybe something smaller? Don’t you think it’s fair if you gave the estate a name of your own choosing? We’ll move there and it can serve as a legacy for our offspring. I don’t know if it’s a great idea, but me and my sister came up with it," Belinda explained, with Ruth nodding in support.

Dapper paused, thinking over the request before speaking. "That’s actually a good idea. Though, as much as I appreciate you wanting me to name the estate, I wouldn’t want that. I’m fine using the Freeman name. We just need to register the documents under our name. Also, even if we’re moving, I think we should renovate this place and put it in top condition first. That way, no one can criticize our decision to leave. So, how do we start?" he asked.

’I thought it was a more serious question, phew. If it were about having kids, I doubt I could talk them out of it this time.’ Dapper mused.

"Thank you, honey!! Well, we learned Lena’s family is in real estate, right, Lena?" Ruth asked.

"Eh?"

"What the hell are you doing, Lena?! This is the third time we’ve restocked groceries this week!" Ruth shouted, seeing Lena eating yet another bowl of snacks.

"I’m hungry!" Lena argued, hugging her bowl and turning to leave.

Dapper was surprised at her bottomless appetite, but even more relieved that her relationship with Ruth and Belinda had grown closer. They now behaved more like friends than a mistress and servant.

"Wait, Lena, answer the question," Dapper said, stopping her mid-step. "Weren’t you listening to what we were discussing?"

"I’m sorry, master. I used Mana to impair my hearing, so I missed most of the conversation. What I’ve heard between you and your wives has mostly been lewd things," Lena replied with a bow.

"Haa... Anyway, I heard your family’s involved in real estate. Do you think they can help us acquire or develop an estate?" Dapper asked.

"Though my family isn’t that popular in the real estate scene, I am personally confident in my father’s capabilities. I suggest you meet him and talk things out, master," Lena replied.

"Oi, why does it sound like you’re going to meet your father-in-law?" Belinda giggled, teasingly, causing Lena’s face to flush bright red.

"Fish brain!" Ruth snapped, bumping Belinda on the head.

"We’ll visit your father this weekend. I’ve got a few things I want to take care of, like getting a personal car. With the freewill pass from the academy, I’m allowed to drive into school. Though, I can’t drive past the veil," Dapper said.

"Veil? I’ve heard of that somewhere... But anyway, what exactly are you planning? I can tell you’re up to something," Belinda asked, suspicion written all over her face.

"You’ve good instincts," Dapper smirked. "I’m heading to the Adventurer Guild today, to register as an adventurer."