Luo Xiaowei chuckled: "Then come to my house tomorrow night. By the way, what do you like to eat?"
Zhao Qiang said, "High-energy foods are best, and we'll accept anything like braised pork trotters."
Luo Xiaowei giggled, "Mr. Zhao, you have quite an appetite." With that, Luo Xiaowei closed the door and quietly left.
Everyone was busy during the day. Some came to purchase office supplies, and customers also came to look at branded computers. There were very few people repairing computers, after all, the brand name had not yet been established. The company with the most business was Luo Xiaowei's Qimingdeng Electronics Company, which received two large orders today, each with more than 5,000 units!
One deal was with an agent in another province, who took away 10,000 chargers in one go. The other deal came from the internet, from a large electronics sales website. Of course, the price was the lowest, but Zhao Qiang still made a profit of over 200%. Such a good start made him so happy that he couldn't stop smiling all day. The bitterness of Xiao Wei leaving him was also temporarily relieved.
Volume 2 [129] Funding and Site
Before leaving get off work in the evening, the three of them had a brief meeting. Once Xu Xiaoya sat down at her desk, she became calm and composed. She flipped through her folders and said, "There's not much to say about Shunfeng Technology. Their performance hasn't improved much. The news from Hu Qian's side hasn't been confirmed yet. The issue of bundling antivirus software and browsers still needs further negotiation. I think you can reconsider this, Mr. Zhao. Based on the initial success of the super optimization software, it would be entirely feasible for us to do this project ourselves."
Luo Xiaowei's expression changed. Xu Xiaoya's suggestion was tantamount to cutting off her cousin's source of income. Of course, she selfishly interrupted Xu Xiaoya to continue the topic. "Qimingdeng Electronics' total sales today are 23,687. I predict that there will be a surge in the next few days until New Year's Day. Based on the increase, we judge that our inventory will run out before the Spring Festival. The total shortage is about 10,000 per day. In addition, two electric vehicle parts manufacturers have already come to us to talk about authorization issues."
Zhao Qiang pondered for a moment and said, "We must increase the production line. Since we have already determined the good sales momentum in the future, there is no need to hesitate any longer. As for the licensed production of fast chargers, we can refer to the domestic standard for pricing, and you can decide on the specifics."
Luo Xiaowei said, "Okay, I will come up with a plan for you to review as soon as possible. However, the amount of funds recovered at present is not large, and adding production lines involves expanding the factory, which presents many difficulties."
Xu Xiaoya considered for a moment and said, "We can raise funds by selling slimming tea. After the promotion and accumulation in the past period, I think it shouldn't be a problem to sell around ten million. Hehe, Xiaowei, don't worry, I'll set aside the share for you, your cousin, and your mother."
Zhao Qiang neither steals nor robs, so it is indeed difficult for him to raise a large amount of funds in a short period of time to expand production. However, he has already sold the slimming tea to Xu Xiaoya once, and theoretically, the proceeds from the resale are no longer his concern. Zhao Qiang said, "Let me think about this matter before I say anything more."
Xu Xiaoya tapped Luo Xiaowei on the head. Luo Xiaowei, puzzled, stared at Xu Xiaoya with wide eyes. Xu Xiaoya wrote a few words on a piece of paper and pushed it in front of Luo Xiaowei, who was sitting at the opposite desk. Luo Xiaowei looked at it and chuckled. It read, "Xiaoqiang is such a blockhead! He's worried that if he uses this money, he'll become a gigolo! This guy is too proud."
Zhao Qiang didn't understand why the two girls were passing notes. When he got up to read them, Luo Xiaowei had already torn them up and thrown them in the trash can. Zhao Qiang was too embarrassed to pick them up and read them again. Xu Xiaoya smiled and got up, saying, "Alright, it's time to get off work."
Luo Xiaowei took the initiative to leave first. Although Zhao Qiang had told her that she was going to Xu Xiaoya's house for dinner that night, Xu Xiaoya hadn't told her, which meant she didn't intend to invite her. Of course, Luo Xiaowei wouldn't join in the fun.
"Squad leader, what should I bring to meet your parents?"
Xu Xiaoya said, "You don't need to bring anything. My family doesn't need anything. Besides, you've already given them face by going. I get angry just thinking about my dad's attitude in the past."
Zhao Qiang comforted Xu Xiaoya, saying, "You can't say that about your dad. I think he has his reasons. People in the system don't have much freedom. Take Senior Brother Shan Hongfei, for example. He was transferred out of Donghai City because he was trying to help us. These politicians aren't like boxers who resort to violence at the slightest provocation. They play a game of scheming and intrigue."
Xu Xiaoya said, "Then let's just buy some fruit. Wait for me to change into flat shoes first, and we'll go to the supermarket right away."
Xu Xiaoya doesn't wear high heels when she drives. In fact, with the help of the super biochip, Zhao Qiang could drive better than any pilot, let alone a car. However, he was used to his old life and was unwilling to make major changes. This was a kind of inertia and a strong manifestation of Zhao Qiang's unwillingness to become a machine.
Inside the Passat, Xu Xiaoya, who had been focused on driving, suddenly said out of the blue, "Thank you." Her voice was very serious; this was probably the first time Zhao Qiang had ever seen his feisty squad leader so attentive and earnest.
"What?"
Xu Xiaoya said, "You saved me in the Holiday Inn bathroom, and then you led us out of our predicament. I want to thank you even more."
Zhao Qiang smiled and said, "I only led everyone to escape to save my own life. Besides, given our relationship, do I need to say 'thank you'?"
Xu Xiaoya said, "I feel like this is something I can't let go of. Actually, you could have escaped the Holiday Inn before it was completely on fire with the first wave of people. That would have been safer."
Zhao Qiang emphasized, "You are my employees, and I have a responsibility to ensure your safety."
Xu Xiaoya thought for a moment and said, "It must be wonderful to be your employee."
The two stopped talking and soon arrived at Xu Xiaoya's home. Xu Xiaoya wasn't as lively as she appeared outside; instead, she seemed rather quiet. Perhaps this was her true self at home? Was it because she was so quiet at home that she became so controlling and bossy at school?
As Zhao Qiang secretly analyzed the influence of Xu Xiaoya's family on her personality, he unknowingly saw District Chief Xu again. As soon as the door opened, he threw down the newspaper in his hand and came out to greet her, "Mr. Zhao, welcome to my home."
Zhao Qiang had to give District Chief Xu face. No matter how unpleasant things had been in the past, he had to put them aside because Xu Xiaoya was his father! He warmly shook hands with District Chief Xu: "Uncle Xu, I'm sorry to have troubled you. Please don't call me General Manager Zhao, just call me Zhao Qiang."
District Chief Xu pulled Zhao Qiang to sit down and said, "No, no, it should be that I didn't help Shunfeng Technology. I've always felt guilty. I'm in the system, and I have no choice but to follow my own path. Sigh..."
Xu Xiaoya was very pleased with her father's enthusiastic conversation with Zhao Qiang. She put down her bag and went into the kitchen to help her mother cook. After exchanging pleasantries, the two men in the living room got straight to the point. District Chief Xu said, "It's great news that you and Xiaoya have both been admitted to Professor Gu's graduate program. However, this matter can only be announced next summer, otherwise I would have to throw a big celebration."
Zhao Qiang said, "Actually, it was just an accident. Unlike the squad leader, I didn't rely on my own true abilities; it was just a lucky break."
District Chief Xu said, "How can you say that? I have high hopes for you, and Secretary Shan values you even more. This time, his transfer to the provincial government as the director of the Provincial Party Committee Office is just a prelude to his promotion. Once he gets familiar with the environment in the province, he will definitely be reassigned. With Secretary Shan looking after you, Shunfeng Technology will really have smooth sailing from now on."
It was only then that Zhao Qiang learned that Shan Hongfei was going to become the director of the provincial party committee office. Given his age, it was entirely possible that he would be transferred to any city as mayor or party secretary in the future. Even if he stayed in the provincial party committee, he had a good chance of becoming the vice governor. In a way, this was great news. With Professor Gu's prestige, Shan Hongfei's promotion was expected. However, Zhao Qiang did not want to show too much about this matter. He said lightly, "Uncle Xu, Shan Hongfei and I never talk about official business, so I don't know much about his transfer to the province."
Xu Liming smiled and changed the subject, "Xiao Zhao, is Qimingdeng Electronics also one of your businesses?"
Zhao Qiang didn't hide anything, saying, "Yes, it's just a small-scale operation, and it's quite difficult to run it now."
Xu Liming said, "I don't see it that way. Even if the factory isn't big now, you have a promising patent in your hands, which is the biggest asset for future factory expansion!"
Zhao Qiang said, "Based on the market outlook, the factory's current production capacity does indeed urgently need to be increased, but there are too many difficulties at present, namely funding and site."
Xu Liming straightened his expression and said, "Zhao Qiang, I'm not an outsider. I know your relationship with Xiaoya very well. Please don't hold it against me for my past mistakes. Now I'm really treating you like family."
Zhao Qiang thought to himself, "Xu Xiaoya and I are just classmates, what do you know?"
Xu Liming continued, "Uncle can help you solve the problems of funding and venue."
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Volume 2 [130] District Chief Xu Needs to Provide Timely Assistance
Zhao Qiang was taken aback; these words surprised him. Unsolicited kindness was definitely suspicious. "Uncle, you mean...?"
Xu Liming said, "I can guarantee you a loan from the bank in the name of the development zone. As for the site, there are many abandoned factories around Shunfeng Technology. The development zone can take them out and sell them cheaply to Qimingdeng Electronics Company."
Zhao Qiang was shocked. With the loan and the venue, this was a godsend for Qimingdeng Electronics! Had Xu Liming suddenly changed his mind? In the past, he had been mindful of his daughter's part-time job at Shunfeng Technology, so even if he wanted to help Zhong Shuhuan, he wouldn't dare to do anything truly bad. As for helping Shunfeng Technology, that was simply out of the question. What was going on this time?
The logic is actually quite simple. With Zhong Shuhuan on the verge of collapse, Xu Liming needs to secure his future, and relying on Shan Hongfei becomes the best option. As the saying goes, there are no permanent enemies. Besides, Xu Liming hadn't actually opposed Shan Hongfei before; he just had no choice but to stop helping Zhao Qiang. Now, relying on his daughter's connections with Shan Hongfei and Zhao Qiang, he feels that getting close to Shan Hongfei won't be difficult. Moreover, if he can help Qimingdeng Electronics Company succeed, it will be a huge political achievement. At that point, how could Secretary Liu of the Development Zone Party Committee still control him?
Before knowing Xu Liming's background, Zhao Qiang was in no hurry to thank him. He stood up and said, "Uncle, I want to discuss this with Xiaoya. You know that Xiaoya makes many decisions about the company, so I'd like to hear her opinion."
Xu Liming was pleased that Zhao Qiang thought of Xu Xiaoya first when something happened. He nodded, and Zhao Qiang went to the kitchen to call Xu Xiaoya out. Xu Xiaoya wiped her hands and said, "What is it? Don't tell me you and my dad had a falling out."
Zhao Qiang said in a low voice, "Your dad said he would use the name of the development zone to guarantee a loan from the bank, and then get a piece of land around Shunfeng Technology for us to expand Qimingdeng Electronics Company. You know I don't know your dad's temper, so we need to ask for your opinion on this matter. If you think it's not appropriate, then forget it."
Xu Xiaoya was taken aback. Her father hadn't told her about this beforehand, so she pulled Zhao Qiang to sit on the sofa in the living room and asked bluntly, "Dad, you don't have a fever today, do you? Why did you suddenly decide to help us?"
Xu Liming was a little angry: "You silly girl, did I always go against you guys?"
Xu Xiaoya said bluntly, "Pretty much. If you don't tell us your true intentions, we don't want the loan or the land." It's always been easier to talk to a daughter and father; they're straightforward and don't have any embarrassment.
Xu Liming lit a cigarette and said meaningfully, "Last night, Zhong Shuhuan's downstairs neighbor heard him slam down the phone. Today, he took long-term sick leave and is not going to work."
Xu Xiaoya paused for a moment before laughing and said, "I understand, Dad, you're going to switch your master's sect."
Xu Liming blushed and said, "How can you talk like that?"
Xu Xiaoya chuckled: "Dad, if you want to get along with Senior Brother Shan, you should just tell us. Senior Brother Shan and Zhao Qiang have a very good relationship. But I think even if you want to curry favor with Senior Brother Shan, you don't need to make such a big fuss. There must be some other conditions, right?"
Xu Liming said, "The development zone government will participate in Qimingdeng Electronics Company with a certain number of shares."
Xu Xiaoya replied decisively, "No way!"
Xu Liming looked at Zhao Qiang and said, "I should talk to Zhao Qiang or Luo Xiaowei about this. You girl, instead of helping your father, you're going against me."
Xu Xiaoya said, "Dad, don't think I can't control Qimingdeng Electronics Company, but I can control Zhao Qiang. If I say no, then no. Zhao Qiang, you need to make a statement."
Zhao Qiang was secretly overjoyed. It would be difficult for him to refuse Xu Liming, but Xu Xiaoya showed no mercy to her father and even allowed the government to get involved? It would be better for him to hand over the company to someone else!
Zhao Qiang said with a serious expression, "Uncle Xu, we are a small company, it's not worth the government's trouble to get involved."
Xu Xiaoya said to Xu Liming, "You see? None of us will agree. Do you think I don't know those bastards in the government? Once they get involved, it's no good. They're always thinking about how to make a profit, and when they're not, they're thinking about how to scheme against people. Don't bring your backstabbing and infighting into our company!"
Xu Liming lit a cigarette and took a puff: "If the government isn't involved, it will be difficult for me to persuade Secretary Liu to guarantee Qimingdeng Electronics Company. Otherwise, there will be problems with the loan."
Xu Xiaoya said decisively, "Then we won't take out the loan. It's no big deal. I can borrow money from my uncle myself, and I also have ways to raise some more. In short, the government has no chance of getting involved!"
Xu Xiaoya's uncle is the president of the provincial branch of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China. If she steps in to apply for a loan, she should be able to get some money. After receiving some of the payments from the sale of fast chargers, it should be enough to expand the factory.
Xu Liming finished his cigarette in one swift motion before saying heavily, "Who told me to be your father? I'll try my best to persuade Secretary Liu to treat it as free support for high-tech enterprises from our development zone. I hope Qimingdeng Electronics can truly grow and thrive, and then I can give the people of the development zone an explanation."
Xu Xiaoya rushed to Xu Liming's side and kissed him on the cheek. "Dad, you're so good. Actually, this matter is entirely beneficial to you. Qimingdeng Electronics Company is destined for a bright future. You will be the one who helped it succeed, and that will be your greatest achievement for promotion. So you should do everything you can to help us!"
Xu Xiaoya's mother, Sun Junmei, called out from the restaurant, "Come and eat! Let's chat while we eat."
The loan couldn't be finalized today, so they didn't discuss it further during dinner. Sure enough, there was a large pot of braised pork on the table. Xu Xiaoya was afraid that Zhao Qiang would be embarrassed to eat, so she kept putting meat into his bowl. Sun Junmei and Xu Liming were very envious. Their daughter had never been so good to her parents before.
After having a few cups of tea after dinner, Zhao Qiang got up to say goodbye. Xu Xiaoya naturally offered to drive him home. It can be said that dinner was a great success. He got closer to Xu Xiaoya's parents, and Xu Liming made it clear that he would support Shunfeng Technology from now on. Moreover, there was hope that they could get a loan and a piece of land to build a factory.
After washing the dishes, Sun Junmei came out of the kitchen. Xu Liming was in a great mood, humming a tune with his legs crossed. Sun Junmei asked curiously, "What's wrong with you today? Didn't you dislike Zhao Qiang? Why are you suddenly being so nice to him?"
Xu Liming said, "You don't understand. I didn't know he had a patent for a fast charger before. Now I dare to believe that he can bring happiness to Xiaoya, so I should do everything I can to help him."
Sun Junmei laughed and said, "I think it's because Zhong Shuhuan is about to fall that you're planning to change your appearance."
Xu Liming wasn't embarrassed at all. Instead, he said very seriously, "To be precise, if Zhong Shuhuan hadn't fallen, I wouldn't have stood up to help Zhao Qiang. That would have drawn criticism. But now that Zhong Shuhuan has fallen, it's only natural for me to find another team. No one would say anything about that. I also don't have any psychological burden anymore, and I don't have to argue with my daughter every day."
Sun Junmei tentatively asked, "So you agree to Xiaoya and Zhao Qiang seeing each other?"
Xu Liming said with some helplessness, "What can I do if I disagree? My daughter is already sleeping with him. Just you wait and see, the chances of her coming back tonight are less than one percent. This is a living example of what it means for a daughter to grow up and leave home."
Sun Junmei said, "I told you that my daughter guaranteed she hadn't done anything out of line, but you just wouldn't believe me."
Xu Liming said, "Now I actually hope they do something outrageous."
Sun Junmei was somewhat surprised: "Have you taken the wrong medicine? You used to get furious when you heard that your daughter was getting close to some boy."
Xu Liming said, "This Zhao Qiang is quite capable, and he listens to his daughter's every word. I have high hopes for him, so I hope that he and Xiaoya can get together, so that we can worry less about Xiaoya in the future."
Sun Junmei said, "It's just a patent, why make it sound so mysterious? And how do you plan to help? The development zone government isn't up to you. If Secretary Liu doesn't agree, don't even think about using the development zone's name to guarantee Qimingdeng Electronics. Without this guarantee, even if my brother helps out, we won't get much money."
Xu Liming chuckled, then tossed the newspaper on the sofa to Sun Junmei, saying, "Read it yourself."
Sun Junmei flipped through it. "What? About the changes that fast chargers will bring to human energy storage and transportation? Could this author, Gu Yu, be Professor Gu, Xiaoya's graduate advisor?"
Xu Liming said smugly, "It's him. He's the one in today's newspaper. With this article, I don't think Secretary Liu can refuse to guarantee the loan! Otherwise, if I take this to the city, he'll be a sinner hindering the economic development of Donghai City!"
Volume 2 [131] Temporarily Suspended Business
Sun Junmei looked at the newspaper over and over: "Is it as serious as you say?"
Xu Liming said firmly, "Of course! Can't you see? Professor Gu is cheering for his disciple. He is optimistic about the prospects of this fast charger, saying that it will play a huge role in transporting energy from the west to the east of our country, and will also change the future development of some mechanical equipment. With his guarantee, it will be difficult for Qimingdeng Electronics Company not to become popular! If we wait until we get through the difficult initial period, it is estimated that even if banks beg Qimingdeng Electronics Company to lend money, it will be impossible."
Sun Junmei said, "I don't see any impact that fast charger will have on my country's energy industry."
Xu Liming laughed and said, "If you can see it, you can become Professor Gu's student. There are some things involved that are state secrets, so Professor Gu can't explain them too clearly. But if we don't seize the opportunity to make a big deal out of the prospects that he is optimistic about, it would be a disservice to ourselves. With this achievement, would I still be afraid of Secretary Liu controlling the development zone? Maybe as Qimingdeng Electronics Company expands, it will only be a short time before I am transferred to the municipal party committee and government."
Sun Junmei said, "Since you read the newspaper, why didn't you take it out earlier?"
Xu Liming said, "What do you know? Although I didn't really intend to involve the government in Qimingdeng Electronics Company, if I helped them get things done too easily, would my daughter still appreciate it?"