Chapter 187: Negotiations Between the Two Sides
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
“President Zhou, allow me to introduce you. This is Mr. An Jianyuan, a high-ranking official from our Fuxing!”
“Mr. An, it’s a pleasure to meet you!” Zhou Chao stood up proactively and shook hands with An Jianyuan.
“President Zhou, I’d like to express our gratitude on behalf of the Fuxing Steel Plant’s employees. You’ve brought hope into their lives, and we sincerely appreciate it.” The words were clearly flattering, and Zhou Chao could sense their intention to praise him.
“Mr. An, you shouldn’t put it that way. I’m just following orders from above. If we’re thanking anyone, it should be those higher up!” Bai Bo and An Jianyuan both laughed when they heard this.
“I believe President Zhou has earned the trust of higher-ups. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have sent President Zhou to inspect the work so soon after the New Year. It seems President Zhou is a diligent and efficient man of action!”
Zhou Chao smiled and replied, “I lead a busy life, you know!”
Just as the group was having a pleasant conversation, the door to the private room swung open. In walked Bai Bo’s assistant, who whispered a few words into Bai Bo’s ear. After listening, Bai Bo nodded.
“President Zhou, we’ve investigated this morning’s incident. It was a lapse in our work, and we sincerely apologize.”
“Oh, Secretary Bai, I’d like to hear the details.” Zhou Chao was curious if there was any foul play involved.
“Today, the staff from the Assistant’s office who received you have several relatives working at the steel plant. As you’re aware, the steel plant has gone through a transition from a state-owned enterprise to a private one. Many believe that the welfare benefits have declined, leading to some reluctance to cooperate. This particular staff member didn’t want you to smoothly take control of the plant and intentionally created issues. We acknowledge that we mishandled the situation, and we sincerely apologize, President Zhou.”
Zhou Chao nodded in response, deep in thought.
“Secretary Bai, Mr. An, I’ll be honest with you both. My visit to Fuxing this time isn’t just about the steel plant.” Bai and An looked surprised, wearing expressions of curiosity, waiting for Zhou Chao to continue.
“I’ve gathered some information. Fuxing used to be a resource-based city, but due to resource depletion in recent years, many enterprises relocated, leading to a significant loss of talent. Many constructed residences are vacant, severely delaying the city’s development.
I’m here for the same purpose. At times, I’ve contemplated whether the higher-ups’ decision to relocate the steel plant from Peng City to Fuxing is driven by their vision for the steel plant to play a significant role in Fuxing’s transformation as a key industry.”
Upon hearing Zhou Chao’s words, Bai Bo and An Jianyuan began pondering. After all, Zhou Chao’s statement carried a lot of information, and they wondered if it could be an opportunity for Fuxing’s transformation and development.
The room fell into silence for a moment. As for Li Wei and Wang Lan, they had been thinking about Zhou Chao’s words from the beginning. Their future would be rooted here, and this conversation might determine the direction they would take in managing the company.
“President Zhou, your words are a lot for us to digest for the moment,” Bai Bo chuckled and said to Zhou Chao.
“I won’t be staying here for long. I’ll be leaving soon. Let’s discuss the basic development direction today, and then Li Wei and Wang Lan, who will be in charge here, can coordinate with you.” Li Wei and Wang Lan stood up promptly and greeted both of them.
“Sounds good. Let’s have a meal first. I’m starving!” Bai Bo suggested since the waiter had been waiting outside for a while.
“My stomach’s been growling for a while now. Today, 1 want to try the delicious food in Fuxing!” The room came alive with excitement because they had important matters to discuss in the afternoon, and Zhou Chao declined An Jianyuan’s offer to have a drink.
“President Zhou, the Clear Stream Fish Banquet is one of Fuxing’s specialties, and there’s also these Buckwheat and Donkey Meat Steamed Dumplings. You must try them!” An Jianyuan introduced Fuxing’s signature dishes with a smile. Zhou Chao didn’t hesitate and started eating right away.
“Mmm, the fish is tender, flavorful, and has a delightful purity in its taste. It’s absolutely delicious!”
The group enjoyed their meal until well past one in the afternoon, savoring the unique flavors of Fuxing.
“Secretary Bai, thanks for treating us today!”
“President Zhou, don’t be so polite. We’re family now, and Fuxing’s development can’t do without you!” They exchanged pleasantries, and An Jianyuan suggested going back to the conference hall to continue their discussion. Zhou Chao agreed, and the group rode in the Rolls-Royce back to the municipal party compound.
The group entered the conference room, and their respective assistants brought tea for Zhou Chao and the others. Zhou Chao took a sip and found it quite enjoyable.
“I wonder, President Zhou, what are your plans?” An Jianyuan, seeing everyone drinking tea, took the lead in starting the conversation.
“Well, I came here this time to take over some of the vacant residential areas, which can be used to accommodate the steel plant’s workers. At the same time, 1 plan to build a five-star Hilton hotel in Fuxing. After the steel plant stabilizes, we can consider further expansion,” Zhou Chao briefly explained his thoughts.
“President Zhou, you must know that we have quite a few vacant properties at the moment. If you have the capability, you can acquire all of them.” An Jianyuan’s words seemed to treat Zhou Chao as a willing investor.
“Mr. An, I’m purchasing these properties solely to provide a comfortable living environment for the employees of my steel plant. If there are more employees in the future, I might consider acquiring more or even constructing new ones.” Zhou Chao politely declined, and An Jianyuan didn’t insist, understanding that attracting a good company to Fuxing was important.
Subsequently, they discussed the matter of purchasing properties, with Li Wei and Wang Lan primarily engaging in the discussion since they would be responsible for managing them in the future. Zhou Chao quietly listened, occasionally furrowing his brow.
The discussion continued until around 4 PM, and Zhou Chao began to feel a bit tired. He suggested that they return to rest and continue the discussion the next day. Bai Bo and An Jianyuan had no choice but to agree.
The four of them left the municipal party compound and returned to the hotel by car. Bai Bo and An Jianyuan stood at the entrance, exchanged glances, and sighed. Then, they each returned to their respective offices.
“Boss, it’s evident they intend to make us the fall guys, attempting to dump all the responsibilities on us. Their ideas are rather far-fetched!” Upon entering Zhou Chao’s room, Li Wei wasted no time in sharing his perspective, and Wang Lan concurred with a nod.
“I know. Actually, they’re not in an easy situation either. They’re in the midst of a transformation, and many places lack funds. They are also working on the development of Fuxing. It’s entirely understandable. They’re just in a hurry.
Now it’s time to test you both. Li Wei, quickly bring in the necessary manpower for the initial settlement work. Wang Lan, make arrangements for the resumption of the steel plant as soon as possible. As for the property matter, let’s put it on hold for now. They’ll come to you for negotiations later.”
“Your wisdom shines, Boss!” Zhou Chao waved his hand in response to Li Wei’s compliment.
“Let’s not talk about this anymore. What’s most important now is the steel plant. Put the other matters aside for the time being. I’m returning to Modu tomorrow. I’m leaving these matters to you. Staying here would only waste time.”
“Understood, Boss!” Li Wei and Wang Lan understood. If Zhou Chao stayed in Fuxing, it would make Bai Bo and the others think they were highly valued. This could tilt the balance in their favor during negotiations. But once Zhou Chao left Fuxing, the pressure would fall on them.
“Alright, let’s all go back and rest.. You’ll be busy with the upcoming tasks!”