Zhao Qiang was a little embarrassed. Xu Xiaoya didn't even say goodbye to Zhang Zhen before leaving. After all, he was the senior student and the deputy director of this laboratory. "Oh, she said she wasn't feeling well and went back to rest. She asked me to ask for leave for her. I was thinking of going to see her after I finish my work, what do you say?"
Zhang Zhen said, "This little brat, she just arrived and she's already asking for leave. Zhao Qiang, there are some things you don't understand since you're new to the lab. Do you know why 'G' substance was named 'G'?"
Zhao Qiang knew perfectly well; it was just the pinyin of Professor Gu's initials. He nodded, and Zhang Zhen said, "It's good that you know. Professor is under a lot of pressure right now. If another laboratory discovers the extraction method for 'G' substance first, it will greatly affect your reputation. We discovered 'G' substance first, but we haven't found a way to purify it. Don't you think that would make our colleagues laugh at us?"
Zhao Qiang wholeheartedly agreed: "Senior brother, you're right, we must work hard!"
Zhang Zhen patted Zhao Qiang on the shoulder: "Good, it's good to have this confidence. Keep up the good work. Your senior brother came from the same stage as you. Look at our senior brothers, which one of them isn't a famous figure now? I heard that Senior Brother Shan Hongfei has been transferred to Dongyang City as the deputy secretary of the municipal party committee. The next step is very likely to be promotion. At his age, it's not a problem for him to enter the provincial party committee. And Senior Brother Shan is just the most inconspicuous and talentless student of our teacher."
This was the first time Zhao Qiang had heard that Shan Hongfei had been demoted. It seemed that his career was on the horizon. He really should find time to meet up with him. Back then, Senior Brother Shan had taken good care of Zhao Qiang.
This person is probably someone you shouldn't mention, otherwise Cao Cao will appear as soon as you do.
"Zhao Qiang, Zhao Qiang," Xu Xiaoya called from outside the lab. Zhang Zhen frowned slightly. The lab environment had strict requirements, and it was unseemly for them to be making noise, especially since the teacher was reading in his office.
Zhao Qiang threw down his washing gloves and tools and ran out, saying, "Keep your voice down! This is a laboratory, a research facility!"
Xu Xiaoya stuck out her tongue. "Sorry, Senior Brother Shan is here. I rushed to let you know. Looks like I don't have to go to the Finance Department class today."
Zhang Zhen darted past Zhao Qiang. "Senior Brother Shan? Is that Senior Brother Shan Hongfei? Quickly, please invite him to sit in the lounge. I'll go after I change my clothes." Zhang Zhen paid more attention to his personal appearance, while Zhao Qiang and the others came and went in their work clothes.
Zhao Qiang was sweating profusely. Zhang Zhen wasn't a bookworm after all; he knew Shan Hongfei had been promoted and wanted to curry favor with him. It seems that people doing scientific research have become more savvy these days.
Dan Hongfei stayed in the lounge and didn't dare to go into the lab. He knew the rules; the professor's lab confidentiality policy was extremely strict. He wasn't a lab staff member now, and he hadn't received the professor's permission or changed his clothes. If he stepped in, it would be a violation of discipline, and the professor would definitely get angry if he did. Dan Hongfei didn't have that kind of courage.
Zhao Qiang and Shan Hongfei shook hands tightly. "Senior brother, when did you arrive?"
Shan Hongfei said, "I've been transferred. I came to say goodbye to my teacher before I left. He should be in his office."
Zhao Qiang said, "Xiaoya went to inform the teacher. Please sit down for a while."
At this moment, Zhang Zhen also changed his clothes and rushed out. Seeing Zhao Qiang and Shan Hongfei chatting and laughing, he was a little surprised. "Senior Brother Shan, it's me, Zhang Zhen. Do you still remember me?"
Shan Hongfei stood up and shook hands with Zhang Zhen. "I remember, the last time we met you were still a doctoral student. Now you've been promoted to deputy director. Your lab has achieved remarkable results recently, and your contributions should not be overlooked."
Zhang Zhen rubbed his hands shyly: "Actually, it's all thanks to the teacher. I was just helping the teacher. Senior Brother Shan, did you and Zhao Qiang know each other before?"
Zhao Qiang said, "I met Senior Brother Shan at our teacher's house because we had a formal apprenticeship meal together."
Zhang Zhen suddenly realized: "Oh, I see. I just asked the teacher, and he said he'd be down in a bit."
They had only chatted for a few minutes when Gu Yu, accompanied by Xu Xiaoya, came to the lounge. Upon seeing Shan Hongfei, Gu Yu simply nodded in acknowledgment. Shan Hongfei respectfully performed a student's salute, saying, "Teacher, I am going to take up my post in Dongyang City tomorrow. I have come to bid you farewell today."
Volume 2 [275] The Luo Family's Affairs Are Not Over Yet
Gu Yu sat down and said, "Well, Hong Fei, work hard. Dongyang City is Xiao Zhao's hometown. Don't let Xiao Zhao come back home and see a lot of complaints and scold you. Otherwise, the teacher will also lose face."
Zhang Zhen couldn't understand his teacher's words. Zhao Qiang insulted Shan Hongfei? Would he dare? He was just a newly admitted graduate student; would he dare insult his senior? Zhang Zhen really didn't understand Zhao Qiang. With his current temper, if Shan Hongfei really became that kind of corrupt official, he probably wouldn't even need Professor Gu to intervene; he would have already gone up to him and pointed his finger at him, cursing him to his face.
With a serious expression, Shan Hongfei said, "Teacher, I will keep your teachings in mind and will definitely be strict with myself and work hard."
Gu Yu nodded approvingly and said, "I have a meeting to attend this afternoon, so I won't keep you for lunch. Zhao Qiang, you and Xu Xiaoya keep your senior brother Shan company. I'll reimburse you for the meal expenses when you get back."
Xu Xiaoya didn't care about this small amount of money. She said, "Don't worry, teacher. We will take good care of Senior Brother Shan. Zhao Qiang can reimburse us for this money."
Gu Yu was well aware of Zhao Qiang's financial resources, so he didn't object. Thus, Zhao Qiang helped Shan Hongfei escape from the lab, while Zhang Zhen still had to change back into his work clothes and start working again. He was annoyed; why was the professor so indulgent and doting on these two graduate students? He didn't even ask them to spend time with Shan Hongfei, and they had to go to the cafeteria for lunch! It's no wonder Gu Yu was so strict with his students' schedules; if their research progress fell behind other labs, where would Gu Yu put his face?
Dan Hongfei was drunk all afternoon, not because Zhao Qiang got him drunk, but because of Xu Xiaoya. Xu Xiaoya drank two glasses and he drank one. As a result, Xu Xiaoya went back to the repair shop to handle business as usual in the afternoon, while Dan Hongfei was left in the car and taken back to Zhang Lingfeng's room at the repair shop to sleep. He vomited several times during that time, and Wang Meng took care of him the whole time. When he woke up, he was so embarrassed. After that, he would blush whenever he saw Xu Xiaoya, let alone drink alcohol.
Zhao Qiang didn't drink a drop of alcohol, but ate a lot of food. The school schedule he and Professor Gu had agreed on was: attend classes or help out in the lab in the morning, and have free time in the afternoon. Otherwise, Zhao Qiang would have already abandoned Gu Yu and run away. Only Zhang Zhen and others could tolerate keeping him tied up in that boring lab; he and Xu Xiaoya would have been bored to death.
Sitting back at his desk, Zhao Qiang turned up the volume on his headphones and listened to music. His gaze swept over Luo Xiaowei's desk, where she was looking at documents with a worried expression. Zhao Qiang turned off the music, took off his headphones, and asked, "Junior Sister Luo, what's wrong?"
Luo Xiaowei hurriedly looked up: "No, no, everything in the company is running normally."
Zhao Qiang laughed and said, "You don't look too well today. If you have something to say, just say it. We're all family here, so don't treat us like strangers."
Xu Xiaoya threw down the financial statements in her hand and said, "Yes, Xiaowei, you've been secretly sighing these past two days. Did you think I didn't see it? I was just busy reporting to the university and didn't have time to ask you. Tell me about it."
Luo Xiaowei hurriedly explained, "It's not a company matter, it's my dad's side. He'll handle it. I'm just worrying about it for no reason." She had already troubled Zhao Qiang so much last time, so Luo Xiaowei didn't want Zhao Qiang to know about these troublesome 'family matters'.
Zhao Qiang sat in the boss's chair, his arms crossed over his stomach, looking quite the boss. "Is the Luo family making things difficult for your father again? Junior Sister Luo, you still don't understand. Luo Wanjiang's matter isn't just a grudge between you and your father. I haven't settled accounts with him for Leng Qinghu yet, so I'm not done with Luo Wanjiang's group. This has nothing to do with you, you know? You need to let me know promptly if anything happens over there."
Luo Xiaowei lowered her head: "I know."
Zhao Qiang said, "Then tell me."
Luo Xiaowei said, "Luo Wanjiang and others have joined forces to resist my father. My father is now nominally the general manager of Haifeng Group, but his subordinates are disobedient and do not follow orders. My father is unable to operate Haifeng Group at all. He is busy every day but has not achieved any results. I think it will not be long before he falls ill and has to step down from the position of general manager."
Zhao Qiang tapped his left hand with his right, "These despicable guys, we need to find a way to deal with them."
Xu Xiaoya said, "I think we should let Uncle Luo withdraw. What's the point of protecting the Luo family's assets? Any one of our businesses can help him make a comeback."
Luo Xiaowei sighed: "Haven't you seen my dad's temper? He'd rather die for the Luo family than live a life of shame."
With a creak, Hu Qian pushed open the office door and came in. Recently, she had been extremely busy with the addition of an intelligent voice system at Rednet Technology, so she had been spending much less time here.
"What, are you in a meeting?" Hu Qian asked.
Luo Xiaowei stood up embarrassedly: "It's my dad's side. My second uncle and two aunts, along with the company's veterans, are boycotting my dad. Now my dad is in a precarious situation."
Hu Qian asked Zhao Qiang, "Zhao Qiang has no other choice?"
Zhao Qiang said, "I'm thinking, based on my usual practice, I'll just beat Luo Wanjiang until he submits."
Yang Shiqi pushed open the door and entered. "Who are you going to hit? You don't need to do this, I'll take care of it." Yang Shiqi rushed back after finishing up some last-minute matters in the provincial capital. Although her cooperation with Zhao Qiang was affected, production at the 168 Military Factory continued, and the 'G' substance continued to be refined. However, Zhao Qiang didn't mention any new products to her anymore, and he didn't answer any of her subtle inquiries about the new equipment. This was Yang Shiqi's punishment, and she was now sparing no effort to appease Zhao Qiang.
Xu Xiaoya waved her hand to stop them: "This is not something that can be solved by force! Don't shout for war."
“Master, Master, I have good news for you… Oh, everyone’s here,” Zhang Lingfeng burst through the office door. “Master, our cosmetics are a huge hit! They sold out as soon as they hit the market this morning. I’m sure they’ll go even crazier once they’ve used them and seen how effective they are. Do you think we should keep selling them at the same price as our slimming tea? Let’s raise the price.”
Zhao Qiang said to Zhang Lingfeng, "Calm down, calm down! You're a grown man, don't be so impulsive. Remember, you're the CEO of the Youth Health Products Company, and you own the Little Bee Slimming Tea and Beauty Cosmetics!"
Zhang Lingfeng gave a cute, shy smile: "Master, you are the true owner, I am just the one on the surface."
Zhao Qiang emphasized, "Being the owner on the surface is still being an owner. You'll be meeting British royal princesses, American first ladies, and Hollywood actresses in the future. If you're this careless, it's no wonder they kick you out."
Zhang Lingfeng's expression hardened, and he stood up properly. Zhao Qiang stood up and chuckled, "A price that's too high isn't a good thing, and it will attract the attention of the National Price Bureau, so there's no need to mention it. But with your methods, Young Master Zhang, don't you know how to resell pre-sale tickets or something? If you can't do it openly, you can't do it secretly, right? Don't tell me you've never done this before."
Zhang Lingfeng chuckled, "Master, I can't escape your grasp. You already know about this, so you won't share this little bit of money with me, will you?"
Zhao Qiang said, "Keep it for yourself, but everything should be done in moderation. If you put the cart before the horse, you will ruin the youth health product company, and I will no longer cooperate with you!"
Zhang Lingfeng's expression turned serious: "I understand, Master, but I really think that since it's selling so well, the price should be raised. I'll handle the price bureau."
Zhao Qiang said, "You need to have a long-term vision. Just because you've got the price bureau under control today doesn't mean you'll always have it under control. The country is a behemoth; it's best not to provoke it if you can avoid it. We are law-abiding business people."
These words didn't sound like something the once-ruthless Zhao Qiang would say, but they clearly came from his mouth. The super biochip company wasn't a pushover; Zhao Qiang could consider things others could think of, which was why he was planning to expand the number and strength of his companies. How could he make a behemoth wary of him if he didn't develop himself into a behemoth? The ruthlessness Old Master Yang had shown him still made Zhao Qiang shudder. To control someone's throat, you have to control it tightly and ruthlessly; otherwise, what if the tiger turns around and bites you?
Zhang Lingfeng said, "Master, I'm just making a suggestion. I will naturally listen to your considerations."
Zhao Qiang said, "Money can never be earned enough. Take it slow. Right now we only have two products. We will continue to develop day cream, night cream, whitening cream, foundation cream, facial cleanser, shampoo, and shower gel. Each product is expected to sell 100,000 units per day. Are you satisfied with this result?"
Zhang Lingfeng jumped up: "**, this can't be true! Our daily pre-tax revenue is 2 billion, and every new product we add increases it by 1 billion! I get 30%! Good heavens, I'm dizzy, I'm dizzy..."
You wouldn't believe it until you calculate it; Zhao Qiang now earns over a billion a day. He's not greedy, so he would never agree to Zhang Lingfeng's price increase request. Besides, the sales volume of 100,000 units will only decrease, not increase. Once Zhao Qiang accumulates enough wealth to develop other industries, this kind of work that requires him and Xiao Wei's energy might even stop. Since he has more money than he can spend, why would he bother to earn more?
Xu Xiaoya said, "Zhao Qiang, we don't lack funds right now, so I suggest you expand into other industries. The best way is to acquire existing companies. With the current popularity of youth health products, I think ordinary cosmetic companies can also make a fortune if they put the name of a youth health product company on the label."
Zhao Qiang waved his hand: "You can decide these things yourself, but everything should be done in moderation, otherwise you will lose customers. It's not a good thing to keep using ordinary cosmetics with little effect to fool them. Don't ruin your brand."
Xu Xiaoya said, "Don't worry about that. Even if Young Master Zhang dares to do that, we have many people here to keep an eye on him."
When Zhang Lingfeng learned that Zhao Qiang had agreed to expand the youth health product business and that other types of high-end cosmetics would be launched later, his heart pounded with joy. This was all money! At this moment, Zhang Lingfeng's admiration for Zhao Qiang reached an unprecedented level. He stood solemnly behind Zhao Qiang, like a mountain, and thought he would never leave Zhao Qiang even if chased with a stick. This man was too powerful; he could easily make billions every day. Even working for the president of the country wasn't this enjoyable.
Volume 2 [276] Someone is short of money
People either don't come at all, or they come in groups. Seeing the sudden increase in the number of people in the room, Zhao Qiang asked Hu Qian, "What's the matter?"
Hu Qian said, "The intelligent voice database is ready, and the control module has been found to be manufactured by a contract manufacturer. I'm here to talk to Xiao Wei about the production of the remote control system. There are still many details to be finalized, especially the addition of the remote voice control system."
Zhao Qiang said, "Alright, you can discuss this in detail later. Does anyone else have anything else to say?"
Yang Shiqi opened her mouth but didn't say anything. She wanted to ask Zhao Qiang what his future plans were. Since the last incident, Yang Shiqi hadn't contacted her grandfather. However, the regular collection of super batteries was still going on. Yang Shiqi was at a loss. She thought about listening to Zhao Qiang's opinion, but there were too many people around. Yang Shiqi decided to find another opportunity.
Luo Xiaowei lowered her head, wanting to speak, but swallowed her words. She wanted to ask for money. The financial analysis that Xu Xiaoya's mother, Sun Junmei, had done for Haifeng Group last time was flawless. After Luo Wanfeng took over, he found that the cash flow had dried up. Now he was like a skilled cook without rice to cook. Luo Xiaowei knew that Zhao Qiang was not short of money. He could earn billions in a few days, let alone hundreds of millions. But that was Zhao Qiang's money, not hers! Luo Xiaowei hesitated for a long time without opening her mouth. She decided to ask him when they were alone together.
Zhao Qiang stood up and said, "It's nothing, I'm going out to play. If Senior Brother Shan wakes up, call me. Everyone should brainstorm ideas for the Luo family's matter, especially Liu Heping, that bastard, we can't let him get away with it for too long, otherwise my liver will hurt."
Zhao Qiang spent some time repairing bicycles at a street repair stall. Around 4:30, Shan Hongfei called, saying he had sobered up and was leaving. Zhao Qiang hurriedly returned to the repair shop. Shan Hongfei looked at the yard full of BMW 7 Series cars and laughed, "So extravagant! This yard full of cars must be worth tens of millions."
Zhao Qiang said, "So, you, the secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission, are trying to take advantage of me again? There are a few other low-end cars in the garage. How about we get them appraised together?"
Dan Hongfei chuckled and patted Zhao Qiang on the shoulder: "The government supports and encourages profits earned through normal business operations. Junior brother, I'm going to Dongyang City. Whenever you go back to your hometown, you must come and have a drink with me. As for your junior sister, don't bring her. I'm afraid of her now. You have to be careful in the future. Don't waste your time drinking with your wife, or you'll be in big trouble. Be careful not to get her drunk during the wedding night's nuptial cup ceremony, or who knows who will be assaulting whom."
Dan Hongfei laughed heartily as he got into his car. Zhao Qiang waved goodbye to him, and Xu Xiaoya and the others naturally came out to see him off. After hearing what Dan Hongfei said, which was embarrassing, she chased after him to teach him a lesson, but he just stepped on the gas and drove off.
Xu Xiaoya waved her fist and stomped her foot, saying, "Don't let me catch you next time, or I'll make sure you drink yourself under the table. By the way, Zhao Qiang, we just discussed it and decided to set up a home investment company to facilitate future acquisitions and investments in other companies."
Zhao Qiang said, "Okay, but you're working too hard on the finances all by yourself. Find someone to help you as soon as possible, otherwise you'll be exhausted just looking at those accounts every day." Zhao Qiang was very concerned about Xu Xiaoya's workload; she wouldn't have any free time unless the finances were separated.
Seeing that no one was paying attention, Xu Xiaoya lowered her voice and said, "I wanted to ask your mother-in-law to help, but my mom hasn't agreed yet. Why don't you go and persuade her tonight? You know my mom; she's a graduate of a prestigious finance university, and my maternal grandfather's family is mostly involved in finance-related industries. She's been influenced by her family a lot, and she has many years of rich experience in finance. She would never harm her daughter and son-in-law. What do you think?"
After Xu Xiaoya's reminder, Zhao Qiang clapped his hands and praised, "You've thought it through. Your mother is the perfect candidate. Just based on her analysis of Haifeng Group's financial situation, I think she's fully capable of this job. And we can rest assured about entrusting our family assets to her. Would a mother not think of her daughter's well-being and give money to an outsider?"
Xu Xiaoya hugged Zhao Qiang's arm happily, "My mom loves me the most. Otherwise, she wouldn't have bought me a car before I even graduated from college. Everything she does is for me, without a doubt. I'll call my mom and tell her to come home for dinner. We'll be leaving in a bit."
In the distance, Hu Qian looked at the young couple embracing, her eyes filled with a hint of disappointment. With Zhao Qiang's keen senses, how could he not notice? Xu Xiaoya went back to the office to make a phone call and get her bag. Zhao Qiang walked over and quietly took Hu Qian's hand. With the car blocking their view, it was difficult for others to notice this small gesture.
"Are you jealous?" Zhao Qiang comforted Hu Qian by touching the back of her hand.
Hu Qian said, "How can I not eat? But what can I do? I'm willing to be this fool. I'm not coming back tonight."
I'll skip class tomorrow morning to come see you.
Hu Qian lowered her head shyly, "Professor Gu won't scold you, will he?"
Zhao Qiang said, "I'll just give him some research results later, and he won't say a word."
Hu Qian hummed in agreement. "I'll wait for you in the company office. I've had people in Beijing look into it, and it seems that Old Master Yang hasn't made any moves lately. I don't know what he's thinking. He suddenly did this to you and then nothing more. What are you planning to do about Yang Shiqi?"
Zhao Qiang said, "Let's keep him hanging like this for now. Since the Yang family doesn't want to cooperate, we'll produce it ourselves. Didn't we just establish Jiayuan Investment Company? I think we can acquire a few heavy industry companies. From now on, we won't need to ask for anything from others. If we do need to ask for anything, it will be you. The Yang family can step aside."
Hu Qian considered her words for a moment: "We can't say that. I think Grandpa Yang doesn't really want to do anything to you, otherwise he wouldn't have made such a big fuss about nothing. This matter will definitely have a follow-up. Let's wait and see."
Zhao Qiang suddenly sighed: "I'm sorry to have troubled you. I've been looking for an opportunity to tell Xiaoya the truth."
Hu Qian suddenly covered Zhao Qiang's mouth: "Please don't! I know your feelings, but I'm afraid she'll be too impulsive and won't listen to your explanation. Let's talk about it later."
In Zhao Qiang's imagination, if Su Xiaosu stayed in Dongyang City, Hu Qian returned to Beijing, and Xu Xiaoya stayed in Donghai City, he could travel between the three places whenever he wanted, which would be a good thing. But now that Hu Qian and Xu Xiaoya are together, they see each other all the time, which puts Zhao Qiang in a very passive position. If Su Xiaosu gets involved again, Zhao Qiang will have no choice but to jump off a building.