bookrandom Chapter 656 relies on everyone's concerted efforts
Chapter 656 relies on everyone's concerted efforts
After seeing Zhang Jianguo off, Li Xiangyang did not return to his office immediately, but instead strolled slowly around the factory area.
As the sun sets, the roar of machinery echoes through the empty factory buildings of the new base. Workers are working overtime to fulfill Hualian's orders, and every face is beaming with enthusiasm.
All of this has not come easily.
Li Xiangyang reflected on the years since his rebirth, from an ordinary rural youth to an entrepreneur with two factories. Every step he took was cautious, and every decision affected the livelihoods of hundreds of workers.
"Xiangyang, what's the background of that Zhang Jianguo?" Wang Ergou walked out of the workshop, his hands still covered in machine oil. "I took a glimpse of him from afar just now, and he doesn't look like someone who does business."
Li Xiangyang turned around and looked at his brother, whom he had grown up with. Although Wang Ergou was not highly educated, he had a natural intuition when it came to judging people.
What do you think is the problem?
"I can't quite put my finger on it, but something just feels off." Wang Ergou wiped his hands. "Think about it, a company suddenly appears, wanting to buy all our products, and offering 20% more than the market price. Where in the world is there such a good deal?"
Li Xiangyang nodded. Wang Ergou was right; the business world is like a battlefield, and there are no free lunches.
"Tomorrow, help me investigate this Tianhua Trading Company and find out their background," Li Xiangyang patted Wang Ergou on the shoulder. "Also, have Zhang Xiaowei keep an eye out and see if any other companies have been inquiring about us lately."
The next morning, as soon as Li Xiangyang arrived at his office, Lin Yajing called.
"Mr. Li, something terrible has happened!" Lin Yajing's voice sounded very anxious. "Yesterday, someone impersonated Hualian and went to several of our suppliers in Shanghai to inquire about your factory."
Li Xiangyang's heart tightened: "Who is it?"
"I'm not sure of the specifics, but our purchasing manager said that the other party asked very detailed questions, including our order volume, cooperation model, and even your personal situation."
There was definitely a problem. Li Xiangyang thought to himself.
"Mr. Lin, are you able to find out which company the person works for?"
“I’ve already had someone investigate, and we should have results soon.” Lin Yajing paused for a moment. “Mr. Li, have you encountered any suspicious people recently?”
Li Xiangyang recalled Zhang Jianguo from yesterday: "Yesterday, someone from Tianhua Trading did come to me, wanting to buy all our products."
"Tianhua Trading?" Lin Yajing's voice rose noticeably. "President Li, be extremely careful with this company!"
"You know them?"
“Of course I know,” Lin Yajing’s tone became serious. “Tianhua Trading is a notorious troublemaker, always trying to interfere after others have finalized their deals. Their methods are very unethical; they often use various means to force their partners to comply.”
Li Xiangyang felt a chill run down his spine. It seemed he was in trouble again.
"Mr. Lin, how do they usually operate?"
"First, they lure you with high prices to get you to sign an exclusive cooperation agreement, then they try every means to control your sales channels. Once you're completely dependent on them, they slowly lower the price, and finally either acquire your factory at a low price or bankrupt you."
Hearing this, Li Xiangyang fully understood Zhang Jianguo's purpose. The other party clearly saw the potential in his factory's development and wanted a piece of the pie, or even wanted to take it all over.
"So what do we do now?" Li Xiangyang asked.
“First, absolutely do not sign their contract. Second, be vigilant; they might use other methods,” Lin Yajing cautioned. “However, you don’t need to worry too much; the Chinese Federation will fully support our partners.”
After hanging up the phone, Li Xiangyang immediately called Tian Guoqiang and Wang Ergou to his office.
"Guoqiang, you're in charge of strengthening security at the factory, especially at the new base. Strangers can't be allowed in and out freely," Li Xiangyang said sternly. "Ergou, continue investigating Tianhua Trading; the more detailed the better."
"Xiangyang, is this serious?" Tian Guoqiang asked with some concern.
“It might be more serious than we think,” Li Xiangyang stood up. “But we’re not pushovers either. Anyone who wants to take away our interests will have to see if they have the ability.”
Just then, Zhang Xiaowei rushed into the office.
"Factory manager, something's happened!" Zhang Xiaowei said breathlessly. "Several workers just told me that after get off work yesterday, someone stopped them at the factory gate, asking about the factory and even asking if they were willing to switch jobs to another factory."
Li Xiangyang's face darkened. It seemed the other side had already begun their operation.
Who was asked?
"I'm still compiling the exact list, but there are at least a dozen people," Zhang Xiaowei said, wiping his sweat. "Those people said they'd get double pay and promised to provide meals and accommodation."
Double wages—that's a tempting offer. Li Xiangyang knew that for most workers, the biggest attraction was the prospect of earning more money.
"Xiaowei, immediately notify all team leaders to hold a meeting after get off work today," Li Xiangyang decided. "Also, starting today, workers' wages will be increased by 20%, with an additional bonus at the end of the year."
Zhang Xiaowei was taken aback: "Factory manager, this will significantly increase costs."
“Increased costs are better than losing workers,” Li Xiangyang calmly analyzed. “Besides, we have plenty of orders right now and can completely afford these costs.”
At 5:30 p.m., the factory's closing bell rang. Unlike usual, none of the workers rushed home today; instead, they gathered in the lobby of the new base.
Standing on the stage, Li Xiangyang looked at the sea of people below and felt a surge of warmth in his heart. These simple, honest workers were the factory's most valuable asset.
"Brothers and sisters," Li Xiangyang cleared his throat, "I know someone's been looking for you at the factory gate lately, promising higher wages and trying to poach you from your jobs."
There was a lot of discussion in the audience.
“What I want to say,” Li Xiangyang raised his voice, “is that our factory is where it is today because of everyone’s concerted efforts. The factory doesn’t belong to me alone; everyone has shares. Now, some people are trying to sabotage us, trying to incite infighting among ourselves. I will absolutely not allow that!”
Applause erupted from the audience.
"Of course, if anyone doesn't believe they can receive a share of the profits, they can give up their shares and get a double raise!"
The applause became even louder.
Li Xiangyang continued, "But I also want to make this clear beforehand: if anyone really wants to leave, I won't force them to stay. However, once they leave, they can forget about coming back!"
After the meeting, Wang Ergou walked up to Li Xiangyang.
"Xiangyang, your strategy of cutting off their supply lines was brilliant," Wang Ergou gave a thumbs up. "I reckon those who were thinking of changing jobs will have to reconsider now."