Li Dong didn't know about Shen Qian's visit to the capital's aristocratic primary school at first.
It wasn't until someone called him that Li Dong received the news.
The call was from Wei Hengzhi, the first scion of the capital's aristocracy that Li Dong knew. He could be considered an elite of the third generation.
When Wei Hengzhi called, Li Dong didn't think much of it at first. It was only after Wei Hengzhi beat around the bush that Li Dong became serious.
On the other end of the line, Wei Hengzhi gave Li Dong time to think.
When it was about time, Wei Hengzhi said, "It's better to squash enmity than keep it alive. This matter has gone a bit too far. There are many people who are dissatisfied with you. Li Dong, it's best if you stop making trouble. "
"Dissatisfied?"
Li Dong didn't say anything at first, but his tone suddenly rose and his tone was icy cold. "Who's dissatisfied?
Dissatisfied with me, Li Dong? Or dissatisfied with who?
Do you really think I don't have a temper?
I've tolerated it again and again, but some people think I'm weak and easy to bully!
Now, my woman has threatened several children for me. I'm the one who lives off a woman, I'm the one who got shot, and my business is the one who got hit!
Now, there are still people who are dissatisfied with me, Li Dong!
What else do you want?
I might as well disperse my family's wealth and let you divide it equally. Is there anyone else who's dissatisfied? "
"Li Dong …" Wei Hengzhi didn't expect Li Dong to suddenly fly into a rage. He was at a loss. "No one meant that. It was all a misunderstanding …"
"Misunderstanding is good. I like misunderstanding!"
Li Dong's expression was cold, but his tone gradually eased. "Old Wei, this matter has nothing to do with you, right?"
"Of course not!"
Wei Hengzhi hurriedly cleared himself. He couldn't get involved in this matter.
He was the middleman now because he was the most suitable scion of the aristocratic families in the capital who had a friendly relationship with Li Dong.
The others were either biased towards Li Dong or that side.
If he really found such a person, it would be troublesome.
Li Dong's tone became gentler, as if the anger just now was just an illusion. "Old Wei, why are you looking for me now?"
"Let's both take a step back. There's no need for both sides to suffer. It's all for the sake of making money. There's no benefit in going through so much trouble. "
Li Dong said indifferently, "Mutual destruction? Until now, I still don't know how both sides will suffer. I'm the one who's suffering a loss right now, but I don't say anything. I've already suffered a loss. Now, after Shen Qian went to the school to take a look, it became a lose-lose situation. If that's the case, then the other party really can't afford to hurt them. "
Li Dong then said, "Alright, I got it."
"Then …"
Wei Hengzhi wanted to ask a few more questions, but in the end, he felt that it was unnecessary.
Li Dong was a smart man. He already knew this.
If he was a fool, Li Dong wouldn't have survived until now.
All these years, it was clear that Li Dong had offended a lot of people, but which one of them could suppress him?
Whether it was bullying the weak and fearing the strong, or judging the situation, Li Dong usually wouldn't offend those he couldn't afford to offend.
This time should be no exception, not to mention that the other party had taken the initiative to make peace.
…
The call ended.
Li Dong originally wanted to call Shen Qian, but in the end, he didn't.
After some consideration, Li Dong called Tan Yong.
After a few words of greeting, Li Dong said, "Old Master, have you made the arrangements?"
"Yes, I've sent him back to his hometown."
"Come to Hongdu to meet me now."
"Okay, I'll be there tomorrow."
"Right, have Wang Cheng and the others retreated?"
"Yes, they should be back in Jiangbei now."
"Have them come with you to Hongdu to meet me."
Although Tan Yong was puzzled, he still agreed and didn't ask why Li Dong had gathered so many people.
…
The next day.
Early in the morning, Li Dong had just finished his breakfast and was about to go downstairs to have a look when Bai Su walked over and said in a low voice, "General Manager Li, CEO Hong from Huarun Holdings is here."
"Hong Ji?"
"Yes, he's downstairs."
Li Dong wiped his mouth and was puzzled. "Why is he here to see me?"
Li Dong didn't remember that he was in Hongdu, and this made Hong Ji a little wary. Instead, he felt that this guy had nothing better to do, so why would he come to see him?
Bai Su understood Hong Ji's mentality and smiled. "I'm afraid he's worried that General Manager Li will intervene in Hong Kelong's business."
"What a petty person!"
Li Dong scolded and then said, "Let him come over. The hotel doesn't belong to my family. How can I stop him?"
Bai Su smiled and didn't say anything. She went downstairs to receive Hong Ji.
After a while, Hong Ji came up.
Hong Ji was in his 40s and was at the peak of his career.
But recently, he had not been living well. He had become thinner and his face was a little yellow.
Hong Ji and Li Dong had met a few times. Previously, during Carrefour's cocktail party, they had even suppressed Carrefour together.
The two were not strangers. Li Dong waited for Hong Ji to arrive before he stood up and stretched out his hand. "CEO Hong, sorry for the delay."
"I'm the one who has disturbed you."
Hong Ji was usually a serious man, but today he was smiling in a relaxed manner.
Because breakfast was not in the room, and there was no reception area, the two chatted at the dining table.
After chatting for a while, Hong Ji smiled and said, "I haven't had the chance to congratulate CEO Li for acquiring Carrefour and raising the prestige of our nation. This is the first time in many years that a local enterprise of Hua Xia has acquired a foreign business. General Manager Li has made history. "
Li Dong chuckled. "Let's not talk about this. After acquiring Carrefour, there are too many things to worry about. After all, foreign investment is different from state-owned assets. I am still having a headache over this matter. CEO Chen has been there for a few months, and there is still no progress. I don't know how long it will take to integrate Carrefour into the system. "
"I believe that CEO Chen will solve this problem soon."
Hong Ji still believed in CEO Chen's ability. It could be said that the glory of Huarun Vanguard was created under CEO Chen's leadership.
CEO Chen was known as the "King of Mergers and Acquisitions." Although this was also his first time acquiring a foreign business, Hong Ji felt that it should not be a problem for him.
This time, the situation was very different. Carrefour was almost defeated and had taken the initiative to withdraw.
During the handover, Carrefour would not cause too much trouble.
Hong Ji flattered Li Dong a few words and did not mention anything about Hongkelong.
Li Dong did not have much energy to chat with him. Since Hong Ji did not say anything, Li Dong took the initiative and said, "This time, CEO Huarun Vanguard has invested a lot. I also congratulate CEO Hong on your success. In the future, Gan Province will be our companion again, and I hope CEO Hong will take care of us."
Li Dong's words more or less expressed his attitude.
He had little interest in Hongkelong.
Hongkelong's strength was not bad, and it was known as the largest retail enterprise in Gan Province.
But almost all of the stores owned by Hongkelong were over 20,000 square meters.
If some of the stores were mixed in, Li Dong would be interested.
But all of them were, and Li Dong was not interested.
Now with the development of e-commerce, in fact, it was about to enter the glorious period of small businesses.
In Li Dong's view, it was more cost-effective to acquire so many big stores at once. It was better to open some small and medium-sized supermarkets.
Moreover, he also had his own plans. Far away wanted to build an urban complex, and then the big stores would be opened together with the complex.
At this time, it would be a waste of resources to acquire so many big stores.
If it were another time, Li Dong would still scare Hong Ji. But now he had too many things to do, and he did not have the time to tangle with Hong Ji.
Li Dong's straightforwardness made Hong Ji a little worried.
Hong Ji's eyes flickered slightly, and he also smiled. "General Manager Li is too modest. Far away is the one taking care of us."
"You flatter me."
Li Dong casually said. He thought for a while and then said, "I heard that Huarun Vanguard, Bailian, and Guangming held a three-way meeting in Shanghai?"
This kind of thing was not asked face to face, not to mention that the original purpose of the three parties was to target Far away.
Hong Ji was a little embarrassed, and after a pause, he said, "Yes, there is such a meeting. The main purpose is to promote the prosperity of the retail industry …"
"There's no point in talking about empty words. I, Li Dong, like to be straightforward."
Li Dong interrupted. "I didn't meet you before, so I can't be bothered to talk about this. Now that I have met you, let me say a few more words."
"Huarun Vanguard has always been the second in the industry, and has always been suppressed by Bailian. Am I right?"
"This …"
"Now that the three of you are working together, even if the cooperation is successful, the one who benefits the most is still Bailian. Even if Huarun Vanguard is to be merged, it will only enter Bailian's system. Think about it, Huarun Vanguard will become Huarun Vanguard? "
Hong Ji forced a smile. Since Li Dong said it so directly, he was embarrassed to continue playing dumb. He softly said, "The possibility is not high."
"Since it's not high, why are you still involved? Is Far away a bigger threat than Bailian?
Huarun, Lianhua, Century Lianhua, Lianhua Express, Huarun Jimaisheng, Huarun Rosen. If we add the brands under Huarun Vanguard, such as Hao De Convenience …
Of course, we don't care if these brands fight alone.
But don't forget, Bailian is now under the unified brand. They already have their own shopping malls under their own brand.
Once the unification is completed, we all know how strong Bailian is. Don't you know that, Huarun Vanguard?
Far away is nothing. Far away hasn't even gained a firm foothold yet. Do you really think we can pose a threat to Huarun Vanguard or anyone else?
Even if they defeat us, Bailian will still be the well-deserved number one.
Because without us holding them back, Bailian's development will be unrestricted, and Huarun Vanguard may not be doing as well as it is now.
As for your three-party talks, I have always felt that Huarun Vanguard has no standards at all! "
Hong Ji was extremely embarrassed. This evaluation was really … really on point!
Actually, in his opinion, it was the same.
It was fine if Bailian merged with Huarun Vanguard, but what did it have to do with Huarun Vanguard?
Join forces to fight against Far away?
Huarun Vanguard had not reached that stage yet. Moreover, joining forces was not very reliable. The first and second would join forces to suppress the third?
Yes, Far away had acquired Carrefour and was expected to become the first, but it was still not the first.
After suppressing Far away, what then?
Moreover, Huarun Vanguard and Far away had the most business in East China. Even if the three joined forces, the biggest possibility was that Huarun Vanguard would still be fighting on the front lines.
And the result was very likely that after both sides suffered losses, Bailian would continue to take over Huarun Vanguard.
Anyway, they were all state-owned enterprises. It was better to take advantage of their own people than others. Couldn't Bailian do it?
Although things were not that simple, in general, Huarun Vanguard really did not want to go against Far away at this moment. It did not make much sense.
Although Hong Ji agreed with Li Dong's thinking, he still said, "This is also forced by General Manager Li. General Manager Li is too aggressive and aggressive. We have no other choice.
"At that time, if I want to rise, attacking is inevitable. After all, the market is divided by you. Now, I want stability. I don't think attacking is very tenable. "
Li Dong glanced at him. Seeing his noncommittal face, he smiled and said, "Of course, I know that saying this will not dispel everyone's wariness. In fact, I did not say this to say it. In CEO Hong's opinion, in the next one or two years, will Far away start a large-scale war with the Wan family? "
Hong Ji blurted out, "If we start a war at this time, both sides will suffer. The sandpiper and clam fight, and the fisherman benefits."
"That's right. So, in fact, at this stage, we are not enemies.
The real enemy is Bailian!
After they merged with the Agriculture, Industry, and Commerce, their next step is to increase their investment and market competition in Huarun.
In Huarun, except for Shanghai, most of the other places were divided by you and me.
CEO Hong, do you think Bailian will be willing?
As the largest conglomerate in the country, Huarun is also their headquarters. They actually lost to you and me. Are they willing?
So, after this three-party meeting, your first target will probably be me, and your second target will probably be Huarun Vanguard.
Far away is not dead, and I, Li Dong, am not.
In the end, our two businesses overlap the most. I am afraid Huarun Vanguard will be the opponent I drag down before I die.
After suffering heavy losses, can Huarun Vanguard resist Bailian? "
As Li Dong spoke, Bai Su came over to pour tea.
Li Dong picked up the teacup and took a sip. He looked at Hong Ji and said, "It has always been the weak joining forces to resist the invasion of the strongest. There is no such thing as asking a tiger for its skin.
In my opinion, Huarun Vanguard's choice in this three-party meeting is too stupid.
The real basis for cooperation is still you and me.
We should cooperate to clean up other supermarkets.
In Huarun, other than the fierce competition in Shanghai, if we cooperate in other places, will there be room for others to survive?
Reduce Bailian's business in Huarun to the Shanghai area.
Cleaning up small and medium-sized supermarkets and suppressing foreign companies can not only gain benefits, but also gain reputation. It's killing two birds with one stone.
Is it interesting to fight with me?
Fighting back and forth will only benefit others.
When the day comes when we get rid of Bailian, you and I will fight again. At this time, we will see who will be the winner.
CEO Hong, what do you think? "
Hong Ji was silent. Part of what Li Dong said was right, but the other part was misleading.
Weak joining forces? Asking a tiger for its skin?
Working with Bailian was asking a tiger for its skin, but working with Far Away was not?
When Bailian and other supermarkets were defeated, Far Away's foundation was stable. At that time, Far Away would be the real tiger.
At this time, Far Away might seem strong, but in fact, it was a little superficial.
Just like Huarun Vanguard a few years ago, it had swallowed up too many foreign companies. There was no reason to digest them so quickly.
Li Dong wanted to digest these fruits now. Of course, he did not want to start a war with the giants.
Far Away was like that. What about Huarun Vanguard?
In fact, other than Bailian, Huarun Vanguard and Far Away were in a similar situation.
Su Guo only entered Huarun Vanguard in 2004. Then, Huarun Vanguard acquired seven or eight companies. Now, it wanted to acquire Hongkelong. It did not have a good appetite and digested it in a few days.
The situation of both companies was not suitable for a large-scale war at this time.
Bailian's situation was a little special. It had not been established for long, and there were constant internal disputes.
However, Bailian had the reputation of being the first. This time, due to various reasons, they decided to unify their forces.
Their speed of unifying might be faster than Far Away and Huarun Vanguard.
If they took over Agriculture, Industry, and Commerce, their strength would increase exponentially. Even if they could not complete the unification, they would become a real giant. It would be difficult to shake Bailian's position.
Hong Ji thought for a moment and said, "Then, what does General Manager Li mean?"
"Cooperation."
"Our two companies?"
"Yes."
"What is the basis for cooperation?"
"Dividing the Huadong retail market and reducing the living space of Bailian. Isn't that enough?"
"But us and Bailian …"
Li Dong interrupted. "Have you signed the agreement? Or do you think that since we are all state-owned enterprises, we are one family?
I think, CEO Hong, you are not that childish, right?
There are so many state-owned enterprises in the country. Is there no competition? Are we all one family?!
Compared to us, your state-owned enterprises are fighting more fiercely. Because we do not need to be responsible to anyone but ourselves.
You also need to be responsible to your superiors. If you do poorly and others do well, there will be a contrast.
Huarun Vanguard's history is much older than Bailian's. When Bailian was established, why didn't Bailian directly merge with Huarun Vanguard? That way, you would be the well-deserved number one. Is there a need to fight?
State-owned enterprises also need to fight for resources, market, and performance.
At this time, your two companies are cooperating. Are you sure you are not joking, CEO Hong? "
Hong Ji continued to frown. Li Dong did not mind. He said lightly, "If CEO Hong can't make the decision, then report it. I think that if we cooperate, there will be people who will be interested. The senior management of Huarun Vanguard may not be of the same mind as Bailian. If that is the case, why are you still in the retail business? Just transfer it to Bailian. Huarun Vanguard was so weak a few years ago, but I have never seen you become a follower. Are you willing to be someone else's follower now? "
Hong Ji said calmly, "General Manager Li, you don't have to provoke me. You are right. I really can't make the decision. But I will convey your opinion to the group. "
Li Dong said indifferently, "This is up to you. But I still say the same thing. If we fight to the death, only Bailian will benefit."
Hong Ji did not say anything. Li Dong's words had a hidden meaning.
What did he mean by fighting to the death?
The meaning of his words was clear. If there was a fight, Far away would focus on Huarun Vanguard and ignore everything else.
Even if Far away lost in the end, Huarun Vanguard would be utterly defeated. This was for sure.
Other people might not have this courage, but Li Dong definitely had it.
Hong Ji had originally come to test Li Dong's intentions and to talk about other things in a roundabout way.
But now, Hong Ji was not in the mood to talk about it.
Far away cooperating with Huarun Vanguard to carve up the East China market and reduce Bailian's living space. This was a super big deal!
Even at this time, he had to suppress the acquisition of Hongkelong.
No matter how strong Hongkelong was, its annual revenue was less than 3 billion. How could it compare with Far away?
At this moment, Hong Ji could not wait to return to the headquarters and discuss with his superiors.
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