"Xiaoqiang, come out for dinner," Sun Junmei knocked on the door. At this moment, Xu Xiaoya and Wu Zhiming in the living room also stood up happily. The general intentions had been agreed upon. Wu Zhiming had no intention of selling the tire factory for the time being, so the approach taken was cooperation. Jiayuan Investment Company would invest 500 million RMB in the first phase, accounting for 30% of the company's shares. The stated total asset value of Donghai Tire Factory was 2 billion RMB. As for the actual amount, it would be known after asking Sun Junmei. The current 30% was just an approximation, and it would be recalculated based on the actual value later.
As for the tire factory going public in the future, and Zhao Qiang gaining control of the tire factory by purchasing shares, Wu Zhiming doesn't care. His goal is to make even greater profits from the tire factory, and it wouldn't be appropriate to sell it off cheaply now. Xu Xiaoya isn't short of money, so she didn't pressure Wu Zhiming. If she pushes him too far, it might ruin Zhao Qiang's plan.
Wu Zhiming was overjoyed to learn that he could receive the first five million yuan in cash via bank transfer after the preliminary agreement was signed the next day. He held Xu Liming's hand tightly and said repeatedly, "District Chief Xu, you have a wonderful daughter. If my son had half the ability of your daughter, I would be burning incense in gratitude."
Xu Liming chuckled: "The kids are just messing around on their own, and we parents can't really control them."
Wu Zhiming gave a thumbs up repeatedly: "Not bad, really not bad. Xiaoya is definitely a bright future. By the way, what is Comrade Zhao's position?"
Wu Zhiming assumed Xu Xiaoya was the general manager of Jiayuan Investment Company, so her boyfriend must be no ordinary person either. Could he be some unknown second-generation official?
As Xu Xiaoya wiped Zhao Qiang's chopsticks and served him rice, she said, "Him? He's a repairman."
Zhao Qiang chuckled; he was very satisfied with the job.
Wu Zhiming was puzzled: "Maintenance worker? Are you kidding me? What do you repair? The space shuttle?" This was almost as bad as Xu Liming's earlier comment about "repairing satellites."
Xu Xiaoya rolled her eyes at Zhao Qiang, her eyes full of affection. "If he were repairing a space shuttle, that would be fine. This afternoon he was fixing bicycles on the street, and he's enjoying doing such unskilled work."
Poor thing, even Xu Liming almost couldn't sit still this time. Wu Zhiming dropped his chopsticks on the ground and said, "Just kidding, just kidding. Come on, let me toast District Chief Xu first. I'm so envious of you. You have such a good daughter. You'll enjoy the good life with her from now on."
Wu Zhiming thought Xu Xiaoya didn't want to tell him about Zhao Qiang's job, so he stopped asking. He would never believe that Zhao Qiang would repair bicycles on the street, but Zhao Qiang had actually done it. He was just bored, so he chatted with the old repairman and helped him with some work.
The next afternoon, in the parking lot of Haifeng Building, Wang Meng parked Zhao Qiang's Chery Tiggo. Zhao Qiang opened the car door, and the two looked around. In terms of presence, Haifeng Building was no weaker than Tianyi Group's office building. However, Tianyi Group was based in the provincial capital, while Luo Xin's hometown was Donghai City. Therefore, he chose to set up his headquarters in Donghai City. In terms of seniority, Tianyi Group was far inferior.
Zhao Qiang waved to the building and said, "Let's go in and let them know first." Based on Luo Xiaowei's phone call, Zhao Qiang and Wang Meng were arranged to enter the general manager's office, where they would temporarily act as document delivery personnel, that is, ordinary clerks.
Zhao Qiang brought Wang Meng along because it was Xu Xiaoya's idea, so that they would have someone to look out for them if Luo Wanjiang had any more bad intentions.
No one said anything when they entered the building, but the two were stopped at the front desk. From the outside, the Haifeng Group office building appeared solemn and orderly. The old company was still a formidable force, and its imposing presence remained.
"Is there anything I can help you with, gentlemen?" the sweet-looking girl asked humbly.
Zhao Qiang said, "We are here to apply for a job as staff in the general manager's office."
"Oh, Mr. Luo gave instructions that you should go straight up to the eighth floor, the general manager's office, the elevator is over there."
Zhao Qiang led the way, with Wang Hu following closely behind. The two arrived on the eighth floor, found the general manager's office, and knocked on the door. To their surprise, Luo Wanfeng came out to personally open the door and greet them. "Little Zhao, we've finally waited for you. Welcome, welcome, please come in."
Zhao Qiang introduced Luo Wanfeng: "Uncle Luo, this is my brother Wang Meng. You must have met him at Grandpa Luo's birthday banquet the other day."
Luo Wanfeng shook Wang Meng's hand: "Yes, yes, young man, you are very agile."
After entering the room, Zhao Qiang glanced around and finally understood why Luo Wanfeng had come out to open the door himself. The huge general manager's office was occupied by only Luo Wanfeng. It was dilapidated, with trash everywhere, and piles of documents were carelessly thrown on the desks. The dust on the desks and chairs was so thick you could write on it. This was no general manager's office; it was practically a toilet. Luo Wanjiang had even dismissed the cleaning staff for Luo Wanfeng.
Zhao Qiang was somewhat incredulous: "Uncle Luo, you're streamlining your office operations?"
Luo Wanfeng looked embarrassed. "What streamlining? We can't find anyone. Whoever we ask to come here refuses, and some even threaten to resign. I'm at my wit's end. I was so excited when Xiaowei told me you were willing to come and help that I couldn't sleep all night. That's the situation. I don't need to explain further. Xiaowei has already talked to me about the money. I'm very grateful to you. Without this money, Haifeng Group might not even be able to keep up with its daily operations. Xiao Zhao, I owe you so much."
Zhao Qiang said, "Uncle Luo, you're too kind. There's no need for such formalities between us. Let's get straight to the point: what are your plans to break the current stalemate?"
Luo Wanfeng said, "I dare not say that we can break through, but to break through Luo Wanjiang's blockade, I think the first step is to revitalize the General Manager's Office. Otherwise, orders cannot be transmitted, let alone executed."
Zhao Qiang said, "Wang Meng and I aren't good at handling business, but we can still run errands."
Luo Wanfeng said, "I also wanted to use your influence, Xiao Zhao, to bring in a few people to do things, but Luo Wanjiang has become too powerful in the company. He has said that no one is allowed to take up a position in the general manager's office. In particular, Guo Hongtao, the head of the human resources department, is also his man. It is difficult for me to order him around now."
Zhao Qiang said, "How about this, Uncle Luo, you can write up a transfer order for the people you've chosen, and then Wang Meng and I will go to the Human Resources Department to ask for them. We're not good at office work, but finding a couple of people shouldn't be a problem."
Luo Wanfeng said happily, "I had the same idea, but I was too embarrassed to tell you. Wouldn't it be mistreating my benefactor to make you run errands?"
Zhao Qiang straightened his face and said, "Uncle Luo, if you keep saying such formal things, Wang Meng and I will leave immediately."
Luo Wanfeng was also straightforward: "Okay, we're all family, so let's not beat around the bush. But I've already been to the Human Resources Department today. Guo Hongtao is on leave. I'll check the records again tonight and see who to transfer to the General Manager's Office. You can come back tomorrow morning."
Zhao Qiang said, "Okay, Uncle Luo, prepare some cash. I think we need to use special methods during this special period. All employees who come to work in the general manager's office will be paid daily, one thousand a day. There will always be some who can't resist the temptation. Once the deadlock is broken, things will be easier to talk about later."
Luo Wanfeng clapped his hands and said, "That makes sense. Money can make the devil turn the millstone. Okay, I'm going."
The first day of reporting was over. Zhao Qiang and Wang Meng went downstairs to leave. As they parted, the receptionist greeted them sweetly as always. Zhao Qiang no longer felt so much ill will towards Haifeng Group. Just because of the receptionist, he could give the company a thumbs up.
The next morning, Zhao Qiang asked Professor Gu for leave and drove his Chery Tiggo and Wang Meng to Haifeng Group. It was during working hours, and the lobby was bustling with people. The number of security guards at the entrance had also increased significantly. They stopped Zhao Qiang and Wang Meng, who did not have work badges. Just then, the girl from the front desk passed by and said to the security guards, "These two are Zhao Qiang and Wang Meng from the General Manager's Office. Their work badges have been made. Please come with me to the front desk to pick them up."
Volume 2 [279] Conspiracy and Countermeasures
Since she was his colleague, the security guard wouldn't stop him. Zhao Qiang said to the girl, "Thank you, otherwise I would have had to explain myself."
The girl chuckled and said, "That's only right. My name is Tian Li, you can call me Xiao Tian."
Wang Meng secretly asked Zhao Qiang, "Brother Qiang, do you have feelings for her?"
Zhao Qiang shook his head: "No, you should know that I like curvy women."
Wang Meng said, "I originally liked the plump type, but I can accept it if she's not plump at all."
Zhao Qiang laughed: "You've taken a liking to Xiao Tian?" Tian Li is slender and not very pretty, but she has a pleasing appearance.
Wang Meng hesitated, "There's some interest in her, but I don't know what your attitude is towards her, Brother Qiang."
Zhao Qiang said, "Go ahead and pursue her without worry. I don't have any feelings for her. I can't even handle my own relationship problems right now, so I don't have the energy to look for someone else. So go ahead and pursue her without worry."
Wang Meng blushed and said, "I don't know how to pursue her."
Zhao Qiang said, "Isn't that simple? Go get our work badges in a bit, and tell her to treat us to lunch as a way of expressing your gratitude. Also, ask her to show us around the company so we can get familiar with the environment."
Wang Meng asked with some doubt, "Will this work? What if she doesn't agree?"
Zhao Qiang said, "If she doesn't agree, invite her again tomorrow, and keep inviting her until she agrees."
Wang Meng asked, "What if she already has a boyfriend?"
Zhao Qiang said, "Then let's snatch her away."
Zhao Qiang waited in the elevator lobby while Wang Meng went to the front desk to get his work badge. He returned shortly with two badges, looking disappointed. Zhao Qiang asked, "Didn't you agree?"
Wang Meng said, "She said she has something to do today and might not have time at noon."
Zhao Qiang said, "Alright, let's invite her again tomorrow. Come on, let's go upstairs."
Upon entering the general manager's office, Luo Wanfeng was already waiting. He had indeed been worried and stressed these days, and his hair had turned much whiter, with the wrinkles around his eyes becoming noticeably deeper. "Xiao Zhao, you're here. Well then, I'll have to trouble you two. The human resources department is on the sixth floor. Give this document to Guo Hongtao. Whether or not you can get someone to come depends on the two of you. Be careful in everything you do."
Wang Meng took the envelope from Luo Wanfeng, and Zhao Qiang said, "Don't worry, Uncle Luo, we're going."
In the office of the vice president of Haifeng Group, Luo Wanjiang, Luo Wanhai, Luo Pingping, Luo Juanjuan, and Liu Heping were gathered together, along with Guo Hongtao, the head of the human resources department, and Liu Qiheng, the head of the finance department.
Liu Heping looked grief-stricken and indignant: "How could I have known it would end like this? The expert I invited back from the south has been hacked to pieces, with no limbs left. He's now living a life worse than death, and will be destitute for the rest of his life."
Luo Juanjuan interrupted her brother-in-law: "Alright, brother-in-law, if you're planning to ask my second brother for more money because of this, just say so. There's no need to crocodile tears and fake compassion here. I hate your face."
Liu Heping said, "I'm afraid your second brother will say I wasted the money, and I'm also afraid that someone from the south will come looking for trouble with me. I'm having a hard time, and I'm caught in the middle."
Luo Wanjiang said impatiently, "I'll give him 500,000 yuan and tell him to go home and retire. Don't mention this matter again."
Liu Qiheng, a trusted confidant, reminded Luo Wanjiang: "President Luo, we don't have that much money in the finance department. The electricity, water, and sanitation fees are being pressed for, not to mention the working capital needed to purchase materials. Unless we transfer funds from the branch office, but that would require Luo Wanfeng's signature, the subordinates might not be willing to give us the money. After all, Luo Wanfeng was appointed general manager by the old man himself."
Luo Wanjiang chuckled coldly: "Give us whatever you can raise first. It would be best if you didn't have a single penny in the finances. Let's see what Luo Wanfeng will do then! With the company in such a state under his management, would the old man still dare to hand it over to him?"
Guo Hongtao chuckled along, "That's right, he has no manpower and no money. Let's see how this commander without troops can keep going."
Luo Wanhai said, "But I heard that Luo Wanfeng summoned two people last night."
Guo Hongtao was taken aback: "No way, I haven't registered it here."
Luo Wanhai said, "I asked around, and it was Luo Wanfeng who personally handled the procedures. Even the work badges were made on the spot. Do you want to know who these two people are? It's definitely a pleasant surprise."
Luo Wanjiang asked, "Who?"
Luo Wanhai said, "Zhao Qiang and Wang Meng are the guys who shot the eldest sister in the leg with a slingshot."
Luo Wanjiang's expression changed: "What? Luo Wanfeng actually approached him?"
Luo Pingping and Liu Heping's expressions both changed. Although Luo Pingping hated Zhao Qiang to death, she and her husband knew best how powerful the Southern assassins were. Even such experts had been hacked to pieces; how terrifying must Zhao Qiang's strength be! If Zhao Qiang already knew that Leng Qinghu was hired by this side, he would definitely seek revenge. In that case, Luo Pingping and Liu Heping would be the first to suffer, since they were the intermediaries, and Leng Qinghu did not know Luo Wanjiang.
Guo Hongtao had no idea what was going on. He said nonchalantly, "I don't care how many people they hire. When we get back, I'll transfer them out of the general manager's office first, and then find a pretext to fire them."
Luo Wanjiang's face twitched. It seemed unsafe for him to step in. He had been badly beaten by Zhao Qiang. Although the company had a lot of security guards, that kid was too agile, and there was also a guy who could shoot slingshots with him. He might suffer a loss. If he was captured by Zhao Qiang, it would be another humiliation. It would be better to let Guo Hongtao, who was unaware of his strength, deal with him.
"Alright, this matter will be left to Minister Guo." Luo Wanjiang slammed his hand on the table and made the decision, so as to prevent Guo Hongtao from going back on his word.
Luo Wanhai glanced at Guo Hongtao with pity. He'd heard that kid had given Zhu Biaozi of Haicheng Trading a good beating in the provincial capital. "You, the head of human resources, wouldn't be beaten to a pulp by him," he thought. "If we can't find a skilled fighter, this guy will be a nightmare for the Luo family of Haifeng Group. The Luo family might even be destroyed by him."
Guo Hongtao got up to go back to his office. "No problem, just wait for my good news. I'll get right on it."
Guo Hongtao left, and Liu Qiheng also got up to say goodbye: "President Luo, I'm going to raise money. I will do my best to empty the head office's finances."
Luo Wanjiang said, "Alright, don't leave Luo Wanfeng a single penny in the account! Even if he brings Zhao Qiang, he'll be like a skilled cook without rice!"
All the outsiders had left, leaving only the Luo siblings. They looked at each other, knowing the truth: Zhao Qiang was running rampant in Donghai City, and the city's Party Secretary, Mayor, and Public Security Bureau Chief all treated him with utmost respect. If he caused trouble at the company, it would be a real problem to deal with.
Luo Wanjiang coughed and said, "Brother-in-law, do you think there are any other experts in the south?" We still need to hire someone to deal with Zhao Qiang; that's the only way.
Liu Heping had a headache. "There are experts out there, but they simply won't come. Leng Qinghu is down on his luck and being hunted down by the Chen family. Otherwise, how could I possibly get him to come? Your brother-in-law doesn't have that much influence."
Luo Wanjiang said, "Doesn't he have any friends in the south? Now that he's been harmed like this by Zhao Qiang, don't his friends want to avenge him?"
Liu Heping said, "I really don't know about that."
Luo Wanjiang said, "Then you can try. If his friend really doesn't want to avenge him, we have nothing to say."
Liu Heping said, "Okay, I'll send his photo back and then find someone to contact him."
Luo Wanjiang said, "We need to hurry, otherwise I'm afraid that Zhao will help Luo Wanfeng seize the company during this time, and it will be difficult for us to take it back then."
Luo Juanjuan said nonchalantly, "That kid does have some skills, but they say even a novice can be beaten by a flurry of punches. Let's find more people. I don't believe that if everyone spits at him, he'll drown."
Luo Wanhai agreed: "No matter how strong one person is, I've never seen anyone fight against a hundred people. If a hundred people can't handle it, we'll put on a show of two hundred people. Play hardball? Who the hell is afraid of who!"
Luo Juanjuan stood up excitedly and shouted, "That's right! If he's ruthless, we'll be tough on him. Let's see who gets killed! I'll call my friends. You guys go check out the HR department first. If a fight breaks out, great. If not, we'll just find some excuse to fire them both. If they don't leave, hmph, let them taste the power of sheer numbers."
This is indeed a solution. No matter how strong one person is, they can't compare to hundreds or even thousands of people. The stories of one man holding off ten thousand men are nowhere to be seen in reality. Such individual heroism only exists in novels and movies. If he wants to be ruthless, as long as he is prepared beforehand, Luo Wanjiang doesn't think he is any worse than Zhao Qiang!
The Public Security Bureau has been acting like the Luo family can handle their own affairs, so let's teach them a lesson this time! Let's stage a big brawl and see what excuse the Public Security Bureau uses to stop it.
Despite his excitement, Luo Wanjiang cautiously instructed his younger brother and sister, "Don't reveal our target and purpose yet, lest the enemy take advantage of the situation and notify his friends in advance. If official forces intervene, we will have concerns and find it inconvenient to act."
In the Human Resources Department, Zhao Qiang and Wang Meng were getting impatient. What time was it? Why hadn't Minister Guo come to work yet? He had absolutely no sense of organization or discipline. It was clear what kind of mess Haifeng Group had become under Luo Wanjiang's management over the past year. If a senior executive of the company was so lazy, it would be strange if the other employees were to take their work seriously.
Finally, someone pushed open the door and entered. The female staff member in the office stood up to greet him, "Minister Guo, good morning."
It's already 9:30, and they're still saying "good morning"? Zhao Qiang looked displeased. He'd been exposed to the sun all morning; no wonder he was in a bad mood. Today's Zhao Qiang wasn't the Zhao Qiang of a year ago. Back then, he had a better temper and more patience, but now he didn't have that much patience, especially with people he shouldn't have.
Wang Meng stepped forward and placed the transfer order on Guo Hongtao's desk, saying, "Minister Guo, we are from the General Manager's Office. We've come to transfer a few people to the General Manager's Office. Please process it immediately. We're waiting to take the people back. It's almost noon, don't delay our work."