In the hotel, Zhao Qiang, Chen Xinxin, and Zhao Ling were reviewing the meeting minutes when Zhao Ling said, "Is our price really too high? Should we lower it?"
Zhao Qiang said, "A price of one thousand dollars per ounce is not expensive. You should know that these mother liquors are diluted at a ratio of one to ten, which means they are only worth one hundred dollars per ounce. This is much cheaper than those finished perfumes that cost two to three hundred dollars per ounce."
Chen Xinxin said, "I think those foreigners just want to take advantage of the situation. They'd prefer to get the perfume concentrate for a penny."
Zhao Ling said, "But we urgently need the money right now, and we're afraid those representatives will have plenty of time and the mood to haggle with us over the price."
Zhao Qiang smiled mysteriously and said, "Don't worry, a reporter came to interview the scene today. I think other customers will come in soon, and then those foreigners won't be able to call the shots."
Volume 2 [508] The Nursery
After dinner, everyone was in a bad mood, so they didn't go shopping. Zhao Ling was studying a foreign language. This business meeting with representatives from a foreign company made her deeply aware of the frustration of not knowing a foreign language—it was like a duck trying to understand thunder. Chen Xinxin, who had been involved in the construction of the Bafang Rubber Industrial Park during this period, also realized many of her own shortcomings. Both of them quietly and proactively began to study.
Zhao Qiang silently watched the news, and no one knew what he was thinking. Meanwhile, after receiving several calls from Baiyuan City, Chen Xinxin came to report to Zhao Qiang on the work progress. More than half of the construction teams on the site had stopped working, and every day, people gathered in front of the office building to demand payment for materials and construction work. Secretary Qiao Hua and Mayor Zhang Feng even went to Chen Guangwei to complain about this, saying that the promising prospects should not be ruined because of insufficient funds. If Chen Guangwei really did not want to take out a loan, then a loan could be taken out in the name of the government. Moreover, the government also provided two million yuan in cash free of charge that day, which moved Zhao Qiang a little, although those government guys were just trying to achieve political achievements.
Chen Xinxin said to Zhao Qiang, "There's information that those foreigners know we urgently need funds."
Zhao Ling said, "It must be Chen Guangmin who leaked the secret. He'd love for us to not be able to raise a single penny."
Zhao Qiang said, "Not necessarily. We are carrying out construction in Baiyuan City in a big way. Anyone with ears and eyes will know that. Foreign representatives will definitely watch the news and do their research."
Chen Xinxin said, "They've got our weakness in mind, and they'll keep negotiating endlessly. Eventually, we'll be too impatient and have to lower the price."
Zhao Qiang sneered: "They won't have much time to talk nonsense."
Zhao Ling asked, puzzled, "Are you that confident? Will other customers really come in?"
Zhao Qiang said, "The man is almost outside the door. You guys should leave for a moment. That guy is a womanizer."
Chen Xinxin said, "He still dares to touch your woman?"
Zhao Qiang said, "The key is that I don't want to touch that person. Okay, you guys come out in a bit, go inside and hide for a while."
With a nervous heart, Zhang Lingfeng knocked on the door. The door creaked open, and a familiar face appeared before him. Zhang Lingfeng's anxiety seemed to instantly find its home, and he involuntarily called out, "Master?"
Zhao Qiang said, "What should I call you? I don't have the habit of randomly accepting apprentices."
Zhang Lingfeng rubbed his nose and said in a low voice, "I forgot, I should call you Mr. Zhao. How have you been lately? I heard you've hooked up with two more beauties. Let me see them." Zhang Lingfeng was equally interested in women and money.
Zhao Qiang said in a curt tone, "There are no beautiful women here, but I am the only man. Come in if you want, leave if you don't."
Zhang Lingfeng chuckled: "Master... no, no, Mr. Zhao is still as distinctive as ever, he's open to having men too, won't you buy me a couple of drinks?"
Zhao Qiang's eyes flickered: "Bring your own wine? I'm really broke lately, I can't afford to treat you."
Zhang Lingfeng rolled his eyes: "How about I treat you to a drink downstairs?"
Zhao Qiang didn't refuse: "Okay, please wait for me outside for a while."
Zhang Lingfeng proactively closed the door for Zhao Qiang. Zhao Qiang returned to the inner bedroom and said to the two women, "Pack your things and come downstairs with me."
Zhao Ling asked, "Are you very familiar with him? Why did you go down for drinks without talking about anything?"
Zhao Qiang said, "I originally thought he would use another method. Since he intends to announce it in this way, we must cooperate."
The two girls were puzzled, but they didn't ask any more questions. After a quick dressing, they followed Zhao Qiang out of the room. Zhang Lingfeng, who was standing at the door, had a bright look in his eyes and gave a thumbs up, saying, "Mr. Zhao, you certainly have good taste. This must be Ms. Zhao Ling, right? Hehe, she is indeed very charming, no less than Hu Qian. This must be Ms. Chen Xinxin, right? Hmm, she's cute and adorable, not inferior to your junior sister at all."
Chen Xinxin looked up and asked Zhao Qiang, "What did he say? Is he out of his mind?"
Zhao Qiang said very seriously, "There shouldn't be any problem. If there is, it's because there's something wrong with my brain."
The four went downstairs to the hotel bar. Xianshui City, being the provincial capital, had hotels several levels higher than those in Baiyuan. Even foreign representatives liked to have a couple of drinks here before going upstairs to sleep. When Zhao Qiang entered with the two women, he attracted the attention of everyone in the bar. Zhao Qiang himself wasn't particularly attractive; it was the women who mattered. Girls like Zhao Ling, with her seductive charm, had a powerful allure for men with every smile and gesture. Chen Xinxin, a sexy lolita, was even more irresistibly alluring. Thus, Zhao Qiang and Zhang Lingfeng also became the focus of attention.
Zhang Lingfeng snapped his fingers, and the waiter immediately bowed and stood in front of him. "Sir, how can I help you?"
Zhang Lingfeng slammed his bank card on the table: "Bring the best wine, and the rest as you like." Although most rich kids and government kids are refined, polite, and discreet, Zhang Lingfeng is the arrogant and domineering type. He always has to cause trouble, as if he's afraid others won't know who he is. In addition, Xianshui City is in the sphere of influence of the North, so Zhang Lingfeng definitely has the right to be arrogant here.
The waiter left with a smile. Just from Zhang Lingfeng's words, he knew he would make a good living tonight. Selling the most expensive bottle of wine would earn him at least ten thousand in commission.
Zhao Qiang chuckled and said, "I'm a little short on cash lately, I'll treat you next time."
Zhang Lingfeng said, "Young Master Zhao, there's no need to be so polite. I came here today to give you money." Zhang Lingfeng was always very outspoken, so his voice was loud enough for many people around to hear clearly.
Zhao Qiang said in a serious tone, "We've just met, so I don't quite understand what you mean by that."
Zhang Lingfeng said, "I heard that Young Master Zhao is tinkering with perfume?" There was a representative from a foreign perfume company nearby. He listened attentively while sizing up Zhang Lingfeng, all the while pretending to be nonchalant and drinking with his friends.
Zhao Qiang said, "Is that so? Then may I ask who Mr. Zhang is?"
Zhang Lingfeng said, "No problem, General Manager of the Youth Health Products Company."
Zhao Qiang solemnly stood up and shook hands with Zhang Lingfeng again: "It's a pleasure to meet you. I didn't expect you to be the general manager of the famous youth health products company. With your status, you don't need to come to see a nobody like me in person."
Zhang Lingfeng flicked out a cigarette, lit it, took a puff, and said, "I've got my eye on your perfume. Name your price."
Zhao Qiang hesitated for a moment and said, "I'm sorry, your company wasn't included in my initial plan. It seems your company doesn't produce this product."
Zhang Lingfeng said, "I didn't do this before, but I will from today onwards. As long as you can provide us with perfume base liquid, you can name any price you want, and you can send as much as you want. We guarantee payment upon delivery, and we won't delay paying a single penny."
Zhang Lingfeng's words could easily be misunderstood as him boasting, but once his identity was known, no one dared to think that way. PetroChina only earns 459 million yuan a day, but the daily income of the Youth Health Products Company's slimming tea is more than that, not to mention other high-end cosmetics, which would be more than ten times that of PetroChina. It is conceivable how wealthy the Youth Health Products Company is. Let alone buying out perfume masterbatch, it would not be difficult for them to buy a few small islands and establish themselves as kings.
Several foreign perfume representatives hiding in the bar were somewhat anxious and wanted to come out and stop him, but no one could monopolize business, especially since these people also knew a little about Zhang Lingfeng's background. Given Zhang Lingfeng's power, it seemed impossible for these business representatives to stop him.
Zhao Qiang hesitated for a moment and said, "The conditions offered by President Zhang are indeed very tempting, but we can't make a decision on this privately. Let's sit down and discuss it together tomorrow, otherwise it would be unfair to the others."
Zhang Lingfeng laughed arrogantly, "No problem, I refuse to believe anyone can be stronger than me."
The two then stopped talking about business and started talking about romance. Zhang Lingfeng laughed incessantly, and everyone in the bar glared angrily at him. He had completely ruined the elegant atmosphere, but no one dared to speak out.
An hour later, Zhao Qiang and Zhang Lingfeng parted ways. The bill came to over ten thousand yuan, demonstrating just how expensive the drinks were. Zhang Lingfeng didn't even blink, swiped his card, signed the papers, and left.
The next day, an extra person appeared in the hotel conference room. He casually crossed his legs, smoking as if no one else was there, and grinned at the foreign representatives. Zhao Qiang, Zhao Ling, and the other two weren't present. Zhang Lingfeng tossed aside his cigarette, pointed at the foreigners, and said, "You'd better go home. Don't say I didn't warn you, whatever price you offer, I'll beat you. I'm determined to get those perfume concentrates."
The foreigners didn't understand. They had originally brought translators, but Zhao Qiang himself spoke English, so they left all the translators in the room. Nobody wanted their company's secrets to be overheard. Although the translators were provided by the company, they were still Chinese. Since the other party spoke English, there was no need to bring them. But now Zhang Lingfeng was speaking to them in Chinese, and apart from a few words, the foreign representatives couldn't understand a single word.
Although they didn't understand, they could guess Zhang Lingfeng's meaning. The representatives of those foreign perfume companies all looked grim. It seemed they had made a mistake. They should have finalized the negotiations before the youth health product company got involved. Now that a wealthy and powerful nouveau riche had intervened, the problem was much more serious.
Five minutes later, Zhao Qiang entered the conference room surrounded by Chen Xinxin and Zhao Ling. The men present all expressed extreme indignation with their eyes. How could two such beautiful and unique girls be taken by a 'pig'? Why not let them be taken? Even Zhang Lingfeng was indignant, as he was still single.
Zhao Qiang calmly walked to the head seat and then gestured with both hands: "Everyone, I'm sorry I'm late."
Several perfume representatives spoke very respectfully: "It's not late, it's not late. We're early. Mr. Zhao is very busy, you must be very tired."
Zhao Ling snorted: "Their tone is much more polite now. Is this the advantage that competition brings?"
Zhao Qiang said, "Gentlemen, let's continue our discussion from yesterday. One thousand US dollars per ounce is no longer sufficient to meet the current needs, so our bottom line today is two thousand US dollars per ounce."
Several foreign company representatives jumped up and shouted, "What? Two thousand dollars an ounce? You might as well call that robbery!"
Zhao Qiang said, "Let me remind you, this is the mother liquor, which can be diluted more than ten times. Even if it's only two hundred dollars a ounce of perfume, you can still make a profit."
A perfume company representative stated bluntly, "I accepted yesterday's price of one thousand dollars per ounce."
A lazy voice said, "Three thousand dollars a ounce, I'll take them all."
Volume 2 [509] Negotiation
The entire audience was shocked, and all eyes immediately turned to the speaker, because he was speaking English; otherwise, this effect would not have been possible.
Zhang Lingfeng, somewhat smug, stood up and mumbled half a sentence in English, but unfortunately, he stopped mid-sentence. He had no choice but to switch back to Chinese: "I am Zhang Lingfeng, I have plenty of money, and you'd better get the hell out of here right now."
The perfume company representatives were furious, and one of them finally said to Zhao Qiang, "Mr. Zhao, this is not fair. We are guests from afar. You Chinese people cannot bully us. Instead, you should provide us with the most favorable policies."
Zhao Qiang said, "Yes, I have already offered everyone the most favorable policy, one thousand US dollars per ounce, but you can't accept it. Now I don't need to worry about anyone anymore. Only a fool would look down on making money."
One representative pointed at Zhang Lingfeng and cursed, "Are you stupid? What would you do with a three-thousand-dollar-a-ounce ounce? Treat it like royalty?"
Zhang Lingfeng didn't understand what the other person meant. He had rehearsed the previous line countless times beforehand; he had practically memorized it. He didn't understand a word of the other person's gibberish, but he knew the other person was swearing. Naturally, Zhang Lingfeng wasn't going to take the insult for nothing. He jumped up from his chair, strode towards the other person, and then slapped him across the face.
Everyone in the room was shocked. Each of these representatives was a fully authorized representative of a well-known foreign company, a distinguished guest in any province or city in China. The man who had been hit touched his face and said in disbelief, "You...you hit me?"
Zhang Lingfeng cursed, "Anyone who dares to utter another word against me will be wiped out!"
The room fell silent. Everyone knew that there were no human rights in China. They figured that the guy's slap earlier was pointless. Otherwise, even if they took the case to the Ministry of Commerce, it wouldn't be resolved anytime soon. Zhang Lingfeng was no small fry. He had used his vast wealth to support countless official forces and was now the richest man in China. Fighting with him would never bring any benefit, especially on Chinese soil.
Several foreign representatives left the meeting. They have dignity too, but no one cared whether they left or not. In fact, some foreign representatives were hoping that everyone would leave so that they could take advantage of the situation.
Zhao Qiang coughed and said, "Gentlemen, this matter is not worth getting angry about. If you cannot accept the conditions, you can leave on your own. There is no need to fight. We are a civilized business people and do not advocate solving problems with violence."
One of the representatives stood up nervously, glanced at Zhang Lingfeng, and said somewhat helplessly, "Mr. Zhao, I accept two thousand yuan per ounce."
Zhao Qiang said, "Sorry, someone has already offered three thousand dollars a ounce. Do you think it's necessary for me to hold onto the two thousand dollar price?"
The representative said urgently, "Mr. Zhao, we know that Mr. Zhang is very wealthy, but at three thousand US dollars per ounce, we won't make a profit. We're all business people; if we don't make a profit, we'll lose money, which you know is unacceptable to us."
Just then, the representatives who had left suddenly pushed the door open and returned. They must have called the company; judging by their expressions, they'd probably been scolded. Both companies were determined to get this, having already witnessed the power of the perfume sample. If their company couldn't obtain it, they would inevitably lose to the competitor in future competition. Therefore, even if they couldn't get it themselves, they couldn't let the rival company get it.
Zhang Lingfeng slowly stood up, made a phone call, and a translator entered the conference room a moment later. The language barrier was a major obstacle, so Zhang Lingfeng said, "Foreign friends, I, Zhang Lingfeng, am a businessman, and I always value harmony..." A murmur rippled through the conference room, presumably a questioning of Zhang Lingfeng's words.
“If you all show me some sincerity, I’ll consider your company’s business.” Zhang Lingfeng was surprisingly friendly at this moment.
One representative said, “Our company is absolutely sincere, but your Chinese side first detained our first batch of representatives without cause, and then used intimidation to force us to accept high prices.”
Zhang Lingfeng said, "No, I need to make it clear that your colleague who was detained was not someone I or Mr. Zhao did. Please resolve this matter through the embassy and high-level government officials, and hold the detainers accountable."
The representative replied coldly, "We definitely will."
Zhang Lingfeng said, "The second thing I want to tell you is that instead of competing and getting hurt, we should cooperate to make money and promote this amazing perfume to the world."
One representative said, "We don't understand what Mr. Zhang is saying. Colleagues are enemies, so what is there for us to cooperate on?"
Zhang Lingfeng said, "No, no, competitors are enemies, but enemies can also become friends. Our company is about to launch our products overseas. Don't any of you companies feel any interest?"
Zhang Lingfeng's words sparked a murmur among the crowd. These people knew perfectly well the quality of the cosmetics produced by the youth health product company; it was absolutely unmatched by those other companies, and its effects were far more remarkable than any other cosmetic product available today.
One of the representatives tentatively asked, "Mr. Zhang wants to be friends with us? How can we do that?"
Zhang Lingfeng said with a forced smile, "Our company lacks a sales network overseas and is unfamiliar with your country's situation. It will be difficult for us to capture your market in a short period of time, but with your help, these problems can be solved."
"You want us to distribute your products?" a representative asked.
Zhang Lingfeng replied, "Exactly."
The representatives looked at each other. They were from different nationalities, but this didn't conflict with their ability to distribute youth health products. They were well aware of the quality of these cosmetics and believed that becoming a distributor would be a sure thing.
Finally, one of the representatives said, "If Mr. Zhang is sincere, we can discuss this in more detail."
Zhang Lingfeng said, "If I weren't sincere, would I be here to play along? I charge for chatting too."
Then someone else asked, "So, about the perfume...?"