Section Chief Sun snorted coldly: "This so-called bidding is a complete farce. There are no regulations whatsoever. They don't even let you prepare any bids. They just let you sign a price on the documents they stipulate. Everything is under their control. They can decide who designs the control program at the later time. This is just an opportunity for them to seek their own benefit."
Zheng Nan slapped his forehead in disappointment and said, "This is really a headache. If we had known it would turn out like this, why did we even get involved? We made Xiao Zhao and the others come all this way for nothing. They provided such detailed design information before, and I thought we were more than 90% sure of success. I thought that if we let the steel plant leaders see Xiao Zhao's abilities, we would be 100% certain. Who knew it would turn out like this?"
Section Chief Sun smiled wryly: "Xiao Zheng, that's just how things are in officialdom. There are traps everywhere. I can't help it."
Zhao Qiang was extremely frustrated. If it weren't for the fact that this matter would implicate Zheng Nan and Section Chief Sun, he would have really done as he pleased, letting Chen Xinxin or Zhao Ling frame Wu Zhiming. He would have beaten Wu Zhiming until he obeyed his orders if he dared to disobey.
Li Zhongyuan, tasked with monitoring Chen Shuxian, was no ordinary man. After Chen Shuxian left Yihai, they quickly located the group and reported the information to Chen Kezong. Given the changing circumstances, Chen Kezong abandoned his previous plan, deciding to wait until Chen Shuxian had stabilized. Later, Chen Kezong received further information that Chen Shuxian and Zhao Qiang's group had arrived at the Lingjiang Steel Plant. Only then did Chen Kezong realize that their goal was to take over the control program for the automated steelmaking furnace.
Volume 2 [454] Can't handle it
[454] Can't handle it
The message that came to deliver to Chen Kezong was from his second son, Chen Guangmin. Chen Kezong stared blankly at the message, and Chen Guangmin said, "Dad, what are you still hesitating for? That bitch Chen Shuxian has ruined the reputation of our Chen family. We absolutely cannot let her live, especially her daughter. According to reliable sources, she has been sleeping with that brat Zhao Qiang recently. She deserves to die."
Chen Kezong tapped the table lightly with his index finger and said, "Now is not the time to deal with Chen Shuxian. The key is Zhao Qiang."
Chen Guangmin said, "What's wrong with Zhao Qiang? It's a big taboo for someone from the northern faction to come to our southern territory. We don't need to worry about it. Send the army to capture him first. Isn't he said to be very capable? Let's see where he can jump around to."
Chen Kezong cursed, "Nonsense!" Then he sighed inwardly. His second son, Chen Guangmin, was a bit dim-witted. Otherwise, the Chen family business wouldn't need to rely on his eldest son, Chen Guangwei, to inherit it. If he hadn't been trying to trick his eldest son into inheriting the business, Chen Kezong wouldn't have needed to hide anything; he could have simply ordered his men to attack Chen Shuxian and her daughter. In the South, he was king.
However, Chen Kezong only had two sons and one daughter, so the Chen family business could not be inherited by his daughter. Since Chen Guangmin was incompetent, he could only rely on his eldest son, Chen Guangwei. As a result, Chen Kezong had to be cautious about taking advantage of the woman Chen Guangwei liked.
Chen Guangmin said, "Dad, how am I being ridiculous? There are already rumors circulating outside that our Chen family is afraid of the Hu and Yang families, and that we have been suppressed by them for a long time. If you are afraid of Zhao Qiang, then what face will our Chen family have left?"
Chen Kezong slammed his hand on the table and said, "How could you possibly know my thoughts? You're just spouting nonsense!"
Chen Guangmin said, "Dad, how would I know if you don't tell me? I'm not a tapeworm in your stomach."
Chen Kezong said earnestly, "Guangmin, what I mean is that Zhao Qiang is a man worth using. He is a good talent. It would be a pity to ruin him like this. If we can use his abilities, our family's strength will increase at a rocket speed, and the northern faction will be forever trampled under our feet."
Chen Kezong wasn't making baseless accusations. He had a wealth of evidence proving that after Hu Qian, Yang Shiqi, and Zhao Qiang got together, the two families' power skyrocketed. First, the Hu family updated the entire military's weapon software system, increasing the unit's combat effectiveness by nearly 60%, and even boosting the navy's combat effectiveness to 100%. This earned them high praise from the Central Military Commission and solidified the Hu family's unshakeable position in the military. Then, the Yang family also rose to prominence, creating a special forces unit that repeatedly achieved remarkable feats on the African battlefield and has now become a major force in the domestic crude oil supply. Even the Zhang family and their in-laws, these local officials, have become incredibly wealthy, earning hundreds of millions every day. Currently, they are united, and Chen Kezong can't do anything about them.
Chen Guangmin said, "Since Dad thinks Zhao Qiang is usable, then let's bring him over. If he wants women, we'll provide them; if he wants money, we'll give him money. Everyone has weaknesses, right? This isn't difficult."
Chen Kezong snorted: "Don't talk big. If that's really what you think, then I'll give you the task. You go and persuade him to join our camp, how about that?"
Chen Guangmin shrank back: "Dad, you should let my older brother go. I'm not good at communicating with others. If I mess things up for you, you'll scold me again."
Chen Kezong sighed. Chen Guangmin was over forty years old, yet he didn't even have this much ability. It was a waste of his status as the second young master of the Chen family. Chen Kezong felt ashamed to have such a son. "Your eldest brother must not meet with Zhao Qiang and the others, otherwise Chen Shuxian's matter will not be able to be kept secret."
Chen Guangmin said, “Dad, why do you insist on acknowledging my eldest brother? I admit that I am incompetent and unable to inherit the Chen family business, but my two sons, who are the eldest and second grandsons of the Chen family, are qualified to inherit the Chen family business, right? What are you still worried about regarding my eldest brother? If he wants to leave the Chen family, let him go.”
Chen Kezong's lips twitched slightly. Chen Guangmin was incompetent, but his two sons, though young, were quite cunning, so much so that Chen Kezong felt a chill. Such people inheriting the Chen family's great cause could only lead the Chen family into an abyss of no return. Because under the current stable situation in the country, the Chen family did not need such cunning. What the Chen family needed was prosperity, not infighting. Otherwise, with internal instability, it would be extremely difficult to develop its strength and surpass the northern faction.
"Get out," Chen Kezong waved to Chen Guangmin. Chen Guangmin walked out of his father's office nonchalantly. He wasn't afraid of what his father might do to him because he knew he had absolutely no ambition to seize power within the Chen family, so his father wasn't wary of him. However, Chen Guangmin didn't know that his proposal today to have his son directly succeed Chen Kezong had made Chen Kezong wary of him. He wouldn't allow a succession that skipped a level. No matter how smart his two grandsons were, they couldn't adapt to this society; they were too inexperienced and simply didn't have the qualifications to take over. If they were allowed to interfere in the Chen family's affairs, they would probably make a mess of the Chen family in less than six months. What the Chen family needed now wasn't expansion, but rather to maintain stability and grow steadily.
With the office quiet down, Chen Kezong finally had time to reconsider the matter. Lingjiang Steel Plant was originally a key enterprise under the Chen family that received much attention. If the quality of steel produced by Lingjiang Steel Plant was improved, it would play a leading role in the development of heavy industry in the entire south, and the quality of the military industry that was driven by it would be greatly improved.
The most crucial element in improving the product quality of Lingjiang Steel Plant is the steelmaking equipment, which is already underway and the installation of the equipment is almost complete. However, the control program of the steelmaking equipment has been criticized by various countries as outdated and inefficient, which seriously restricts the ability of this automated steelmaking equipment to perform. Therefore, the decision was made to replace the control system. Who knew that after the order reached the steel plant, it would become a tool for the plant leaders to get themselves a reward.
Chen Kezong reviewed Zhao Qiang's past achievements. In a very short time, he helped the Hu and Yang families rise to prominence. One aspect of this was helping Hu Qian modify the guidance system, improving the accuracy of missile strikes. In addition, his achievements in the software control system of naval ships were also remarkable. This fully demonstrated his genius in programming. If he could design the control system for the automated steelmaking furnace of Lingjiang Steel Plant, it was foreseeable that, as long as he did not deliberately cause trouble, the product quality of Lingjiang Steel Plant would be greatly improved.
Chen Kezong weighed the pros and cons of this matter. Zhao Qiang was helping Chen Shuxian and her daughter. If Zhao Qiang knew he intended to harm them, he would definitely not help him and might even turn back to the north, making cooperation between them impossible. Zhao Qiang's sudden arrival in the south and his lingering presence seemed like a gift from heaven. Not taking advantage of his talent would be a disservice to fate. However, how to handle the relationship between Chen Shuxian and his eldest son? Chen Guangwei hadn't married another woman for Chen Shuxian's sake. If he knew he had hurt them again, he would likely be completely disillusioned with the Chen family, leaving the vast Chen family fortune without an heir.
Chen Kezong could have easily made Chen Shuxian disappear without a trace, but that was only possible if Zhao Qiang hadn't suddenly appeared. Now that Zhao Qiang had intervened, Chen Kezong didn't believe his men had the ability to do so. Although they had sworn that nothing would go wrong, there were too many unforeseen circumstances surrounding Zhao Qiang. Back then, the Yang family had mobilized a large number of troops but still couldn't subdue him. This was a lesson from the past; the Yang family's actions were a huge mistake, and Chen Kezong couldn't make that mistake.
But if they pursued a cooperative approach, how should they treat Chen Shuxian and her daughter? Would they expect Chen Kezong to swallow his pride and admit his past mistakes? That was simply impossible. Furthermore, once Zhao Qiang's cooperation with his side deepened, his eldest son would inevitably learn of Chen Shuxian and her daughter's existence. What should he do then? Should he allow him to rekindle his old flame with Chen Shuxian, or continue to prevent him from associating with the woman who tarnished the Chen family's reputation? Chen Kezong had absolutely no clue about these questions.
That night was sleepless for Chen Kezong. He racked his brains trying to figure out the intricate relationships between various matters, but he still couldn't make up his mind by dawn. With a splitting headache, Chen Kezong gritted his teeth and decided to give Zhao Qiang a chance to design the control program for the Lingjiang Steel Plant. If it succeeded and Zhao Qiang didn't leave the south, they would continue to create opportunities for contact and explore the possibility of continued cooperation. If Zhao Qiang was uncooperative and messed up the Lingjiang Steel Plant project, then he would eliminate Zhao Qiang and his daughter Chen Shuxian at all costs.
Zhao Qiang woke up, but even though he was sleeping with Zhao Ling in his arms, he still couldn't sleep comfortably because he kept thinking about the Lingjiang Steel Plant. He figured Wu Zhiming wouldn't let him get the business without getting a good deal, and he was really unwilling to have come all this way for nothing. But how could he deal with Wu Zhiming? Intimidate him? That would put Section Chief Sun and Zheng Nan in a difficult position.
Zhao Ling sat in front of the dressing mirror, tugging at her hair as she asked, "Will we get the results today? We'll probably have to slink back to Yihai in disgrace."
Zhao Qiang gritted his teeth, "Don't worry, even if this deal falls through, I won't let Wu Zhiming off easy. But I can't retaliate against him now, otherwise I'll ruin Section Chief Sun and Sister Zheng's lives."
Zhao Ling said, "If you ask me, sending me to seduce him would definitely work."
Zhao Qiang hugged Zhao Ling from behind, saying, "I'm reluctant to let you go. Don't say things like that again."
Zhao Ling was deeply moved. Forgetting all about her hair, she turned around and hugged Zhao Qiang. "Yeah, I was just saying that casually. Don't worry, my body belongs only to you."
Section Chief Sun came again during breakfast. He had put a lot of effort into this business deal because he could get a kickback from Zheng Nan if it went through. But now Wu Zhiming had his eye on the company's CEO, which was impossible given Chen Shuxian's character. So the chances of securing this deal were slim.
“Last night, the female vice president of another software company stayed in Secretary Wu’s office until 2 a.m.,” Section Chief Sun explained.
Chen Xinxin cursed, "You beast! So if Kehai Software doesn't win the bid, we have no hope either, right?" Kehai Software is the company that had a female salesperson accompany someone to dinner last night.
Section Chief Sun nodded: "There's nothing we can do. Secretary Wu is doing this specifically to show us. I estimate that he won't release the bid today. He'll wait another night. If we can't handle him tonight, then it's all over."
Just as Section Chief Sun had predicted, before everyone even arrived at the meeting room that morning, they received a phone call from the secretary of the steel plant's Party Secretary's office, informing them that the review team's work was not yet complete and the winning bid would be announced the next day.
(I forgot to set the timer yesterday and just got home today. I'm so sorry, everyone.)
(Thanks to readers 080514173120474, lijii, 想被爱好者难, and 宝哥路过 for their donations)
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(Thanks to readers 081022232149 and 落雨oOo狂风 for their 14 votes to urge me to update, and thanks to 光芒的猪 for their 4 votes to urge me to update.)
Volume 2 [455] Turning Point
[455] Turning Point
Chen Xinxin and Zhao Ling started cursing loudly until Chen Shuxian spoke up to stop them: "Xinxin, Lingling, how can girls act like this?" After saying that, Chen Shuxian gave Zhao Qiang a special look, as if to suggest that Zhao Qiang also say something to them.
Zhao Qiang laughed and said, "Go ahead and curse. I also want to curse Wu Zhiming. Xin Xin and Zhao Ling are straightforward girls. We can't let them keep their anger inside."
Chen Xinxin said to her mother with a bit of pride, "Mom, you see, Zhao Qiang understands us best. He's so considerate."
Chen Shuxian had a headache: "Zhao Qiang, it's not a good thing for you to spoil them like this. Don't let them cause you trouble."
Zhao Qiang said nonchalantly, "Don't worry, Auntie, men are meant to solve women's problems."
In front of everyone, Zhao Ling hugged Zhao Qiang and said, "Zhao Qiang, I love you so much."
Section Chief Sun and Zheng Nan were dumbfounded. Both girls had expressed extremely strong affection for Zhao Qiang, yet there seemed to be no conflict between them. Section Chief Sun gave Zhao Qiang a thumbs up and said, "Engineer Zhao, your abilities are outstanding. I admire you immensely for that alone."
Zhao Qiang chuckled, while Zheng Nan straightened her expression and said, "Are we going to keep waiting? We've made everyone come all this way for nothing. Sister Chen, Zhao Qiang, we're really sorry."
Zhao Qiang said, "Sister Zheng, how can you say that? You were just trying to help us get business. We should be the ones saying sorry. Anyway, we'll have plenty of opportunities to work together in the future, so don't worry about it."
Zheng Nan said, "Yes, one day we'll make that old guy Wu Zhiming beg us."
Zheng Nan had barely finished speaking when her phone rang. She pulled it out of her handbag and her expression changed: "It's Wu Zhiming! Speak of the devil, and he appears! Could things have taken a turn for the better...?" With that, Zheng Nan pressed the answer button.
“…Okay, Secretary Wu, thank you for your kindness. We’ll be there in a bit.” After hanging up the phone, Zheng Nan said to Zhao Qiang, “Things have really changed. Wu Zhiming has asked to meet with us and seems quite interested in our bid. I’ve already agreed to it.”
Section Chief Sun was somewhat surprised: "A meeting with you? Did you win the bid? Unless Wu Zhiming has changed his ways, this is another conspiracy."
Zheng Nan said, "No matter what, my opinion is to go and take a look. What about you, Zhao Qiang?"
Zhao Qiang said, "Let's go take a look. Even if we're leaving, we should at least say goodbye to Wu Zhiming. The mountains and rivers remain unchanged, and I want him to remember that the decision he makes today might be the prelude to his regret tomorrow. If he knows what's good for him, he'd better obediently get things done for us."
Despite his words, when he actually met Wu Zhiming, he didn't have the sensible expression one might expect. Instead, he had a sly grin on his face that gave one goosebumps. It was hard to believe that someone like him could be promoted to such a high-ranking position. Were all the officials in the South so blind?
"I've investigated Mr. Chen's company these past few days, and it doesn't seem to have much of a reputation," Wu Zhiming said casually, leaving it unclear whether he was going to report good news or bad news.
Chen Shuxian remained calm: "Yes, we were only recently established, so our brand awareness is a bit low. However, if Secretary Wu is willing to give us a chance, you will definitely find that our technology is the best among all companies. We will be absolutely beneficial to you, and we can even demonstrate the company's strength to Secretary Wu in advance."
Wu Zhiming remained noncommittal, then changed the subject: "I've seen your bid, not a penny more, three million. That price is indeed not high, but I hope you've all clearly understood the technical requirements for the control program. If any issues arise, you will not only lose the three million in compensation, but you will also have to bear the losses incurred by the steel mill as a result."
Chen Shuxian remained calm: "Secretary Wu, please rest assured, we are confident in our capabilities and are willing to bear all the consequences."
Wu Zhiming nodded. Zheng Nan was overjoyed at the sudden turn of events. Even Zhao Qiang thought Wu Zhiming seemed more pleasing to the eye now. Chen Xinxin and Zhao Ling, on the other hand, were a little nervous. If they could close this deal, it would mean a three million yuan income. Even after giving Zheng Nan a share as a commission, they would still get around two million yuan, a sum that would drive the two women crazy.
Wu Zhiming said, "Actually, I have a lot of confidence in your company. The technical capabilities of several local software companies are really worrying. However, I can't make the decision about the steel plant on my own. After review, the review team believes that if your company can pay a deposit first, the deposit will be returned to your company along with the payment once the design work is completed."
Zheng Nan was stunned. Although Wu Zhiming intended to choose their bid, there were additional conditions. Zheng Nan said, "Secretary Wu, do you mean that not only will we not receive the advance payment, but we will also have to pay a deposit? There is no precedent for this."
Wu Zhiming shrugged: "President Zheng, you were introduced by Xiao Sun, so of course I'll give you face. But the company you introduced really doesn't have the qualifications and reputation. If equipment is damaged during the control program design process, how am I supposed to explain it to the company? And where will the money for the loss be deducted? You can't expect me to bear it personally. I've worked so hard for the company for so many years and I only live in an 80-square-meter apartment. Even if I dismantle my bones and sell them, it wouldn't be enough to cover the equipment costs."
Regardless of whether Wu Zhiming's claims of poverty were true or false, they were telling the truth. This hastily formed, nameless company was unreliable. If the equipment was really ruined, Wu Zhiming, who was in charge of bidding, would be in big trouble. Zheng Nan had previously placed too much faith in Zhao Qiang's abilities and hadn't considered this issue at all. But Wu Zhiming didn't know Zhao Qiang's background, so he wouldn't be so reckless.
Zheng Nan glanced at Zhao Qiang. Chen Shuxian couldn't make a decision on this matter because Zhao Qiang was the real boss. Zhao Qiang hesitated for a moment. Because there was no transaction involving the source code of the super antivirus software, he didn't have any cash on hand. Although Chen Xinxin and Zhao Ling each had 1.8 million yuan on their cards, Zhao Qiang didn't want to use it.
Zhao Qiang asked, "Secretary Wu, I wonder how much deposit the review team wants us to pay?"
Wu Zhiming said, "After my efforts, I managed to negotiate the price down to you again and again. Please pay three million upfront."
Zheng Nan was startled: "What? Three million? That's too much."
Wu Zhiming said, "Is it a lot? Mr. Zheng probably doesn't know the value of our equipment. It would scare you to death if I told you. So even the slightest damage could cause us to lose everything. This three million is the result of my best efforts. However, as long as your side is careful and your strength is as you say, I think it will be easy to get back the three million deposit and the three million reward."
Zhao Qiang completely lost interest in this business. Although he could guarantee that he would not cause any damage to the equipment, he found the work too frustrating. So Zhao Qiang was the first to back down, which was equivalent to giving Zheng Nan and Chen Shuxian a signal to retreat. There was no need to waste time here. They could have earned several thousand or even tens of thousands of yuan by going back to Yihai to repair a few cars.
Zheng Nan coughed and said, "Secretary Wu, their company has just been established and is facing a tight budget..."
Wu Zhiming chuckled: "I won't pressure you. Go back and think about it for a day. I'll discuss it with the review team and see if we can help you reduce your deposit. I'll let you know tonight. If it works out, don't forget about me!"
After leaving Wu Zhiming's office, Zhao Qiang said to Chen Xinxin and Zhao Ling, "Let's go shopping."
Chen Xinxin and Zhao Ling were puzzled: "Shopping? Planning to give gifts to the steel mill?"
Zhao Qiang cursed, "What kind of gift is this? How can you come all the way to the provincial capital and not buy some clothes or gifts to take back with you?"
Chen Xinxin and Zhao Ling hugged Zhao Qiang from both sides and cheered, "Yay, Zhao Qiang, you're so good!"
Chen Shuxian shook her head. Her daughter was far too bold, openly liking the same man as another girl. She should have objected, but after witnessing the man's abilities these past few days, she didn't want to say anything more. Let her daughter develop freely; it was better than letting her end up like her. As long as her daughter was happy, that was all that mattered. Of course, Chen Shuxian also realized that Zhao Qiang wasn't the kind of person who would forget kindness; otherwise, she would never have let her daughter do this.
The three young people didn't return to the hotel at all during the day, leaving Chen Shuxian and Zheng Nan to spend the whole day in the room. The three of them lingered in the streets and alleys of the provincial capital, frequently visiting various brand stores. Of course, with only a few hundred thousand yuan in their hands, buying world-famous brands was still a luxury, but buying a few sets of domestic brands costing a thousand yuan each was more than enough.
"Sir, your girlfriend looks absolutely stunning in this dress! I'm drooling with envy. Her waist is so slim, and her bust is so shapely. She's the most beautiful woman I've ever seen with such a perfect figure. This dress is practically made for her!" The sales assistant exaggeratedly gestured with her incredibly slender waist. Zhao Qiang waved his hand: "Buy it, all at once!"
Zhao Ling said in a low voice, "Zhao Qiang, this set is quite expensive. I don't think it's worth it. I saw a replica in Yihai for only three hundred yuan. Why don't you go back and buy it? It won't make a difference if you buy it one more day."
Zhao Qiang said boldly, "From today onwards, I won't buy any cheap clothes. You're so pretty, you should wear nice clothes, otherwise it would be a disservice to your looks and figure." Zhao Qiang has now learned to launch sweet-talking attacks, even with his own wife, he has to bombard her with them from time to time, otherwise women will think that he no longer loves her.
The sales assistant's eyes sparkled as she said to Zhao Ling, "You're so lucky! If my boyfriend were half as good as yours, I'd be willing to be his slave."
Zhao Ling was moved to tears. She held Zhao Qiang's hand and lowered her head in silence, but she secretly made a decision in her heart that she would treat Zhao Qiang even better in the future.
Chen Xinxin was furious, almost yelling at the sales assistant, "He's my boyfriend too, okay?" Luckily, after leaving the store, it was her turn to hold Zhao Qiang's hand. Of course, Zhao Qiang wouldn't let Chen Xinxin be unhappy, so in another store, Chen Xinxin took a liking to a pair of leather shoes. While she was hesitating about which color to choose, Zhao Qiang said to the sales assistant, "Give me a pair of every color, and pack them up."
Chen Xinxin was startled: "Ah, I can't wear that many clothes."
Zhao Qiang said, "Wear one color in the morning, another color in the afternoon, and then change to a different color in the evening."
The sales clerk chuckled: "Miss, your boyfriend is so considerate. Anyway, these shoes aren't flashy and will never go out of style. If you buy another pair, I can give you a 20% discount. Give your boyfriend a chance to show off!"