Under the blazing sun, Chen Zheng was inspecting SMQ's production base in the eastern suburbs of Lin City with the president of DG Asia Pacific.
It was afternoon, the machines were roaring in the factory, and the workers in blue uniforms were working hard. It was a bustling scene. Therefore, when the foreigners saw it, they all nodded in satisfaction.
Chen Zheng was quite satisfied with the current SMQ. In this world, there was no such thing as timely help, only icing on the cake. After the news of SMQ being acquired by DG came out, the suppliers and partners who had a rigid relationship changed their attitudes. They were not very attentive, after all, they were still observing. But at least they didn't dare to offend him.
And the consumers obviously had a strong mentality of worshiping foreign things. Since SMQ became a foreign brand, the sales of the stores also increased. And after receiving the capital injection from DG, his factory started to operate again.
What a good cycle. Without these foreigners who looked good but were actually greedy and arrogant, it really couldn't have been done.
But as the saying goes, "It's hard to invite a god, but it's even harder to send one away." Chen Zheng thought that today's inspection was successful, and he had completely fooled these foreigners. But when he stepped out of the factory, the president of DG Asia Pacific, who was walking at the front, spoke.
And his attitude was very strict, and he directly fired at Chen Zheng.
“Ben！ Can you explain what's going on with the goods placed in warehouse number five? "
Ben was the English name Chen Zheng gave himself a few days ago, to make it easier for him to communicate with them. At this moment, his heart skipped a beat, but he still didn't admit it. He said, "Mr. Charles, that's one of our casual bag products."
Charles was a tall, portly Australian in his forties. He had a pair of very big blue eyes, a very high nose bridge, and very smooth skin, which made him look a bit naive and childish.
At this moment, he shook his head and said, "Ben, you're not telling the truth. I've seen the inspection report of that batch of goods, the product has a very high failure rate. Many of the goods have color differences, and the internal stitching is not neat. Some of them even use inferior quality materials that don't match the product description. I guess … this batch of goods was produced in a hurry, right? "
As soon as he finished speaking, everyone quieted down. The people on Chen Zheng's side looked at each other.
Chen Zheng felt guilty.
This batch of goods was indeed produced in a hurry.
Half a year ago, when New Bori's casual bag market was shrinking, Chen Zheng borrowed money from the bank to create this new line of casual bags. At that time, because SMQ had fallen to its lowest point, it had lost a lot of employees and was having difficulties with cash flow. Of course, the quality of its products had been discounted.
However, the majority of these bags were made with very good materials, and the investment was very large. At least from the appearance of a single bag, consumers would definitely not be able to see any obvious problems.
Today, when Charles and his team came for an inspection, he specially instructed the people in the warehouse to place some better quality goods on top.
The documents handed over by the company to the foreign investors were piled up in several rooms. Chen Zheng thought that a big boss like Charles would definitely not look at it in detail. Who knew where he saw the test report?
Chen Zheng was a little vexed. He had been too careless.
At this time, the other foreigners also began to discuss. They came from different countries and spoke in English with different accents, making Chen Zheng's head hurt a little.
"Hey, guys," he interrupted with a fake smile. "Can I explain?"
They all quieted down.
Chen Zheng smiled and said, "This batch of goods does have a certain quality problem, so we are not planning to sell it in the first tier cities. Instead, we plan to lower the price and put it in the second and third tier markets …"
Before he could finish, Charles started to shake his head again. "Ben! How can you think like that? Quality is always DG's first goal. Even if it is a cheap product line, we should maintain the standard. No, I don't agree. "
Chen Zheng held back and continued to say with a smile, "Charles, can you let me finish?"
Charles stared at him with his eyes wide open.
Chen Zheng said, "At the beginning of the cooperation, the reason why you were interested in SMQ was, on one hand, because we have the widest distribution network and the most influential company in China. We have agents in the third tier cities and even towns that Aida and New Bori have not set foot in. This is crucial for DG to become the first in the market in China in the future.
On the other hand, because we are a local company, we know China's situation better than you do. China is different from the US and Australia. Our city development is very uneven. The rich areas have the needs of the rich areas, and the poor areas have the consumption patterns of the poor areas. According to my experience, these products that you think are of average quality can be sold in the second and third tier cities without a problem. They will even sell well and bring in huge profits. And this does not conflict with the middle and high end products we sell. "
He said it confidently, but the foreign investors, led by Charles, still frowned.
"Oh, no, Ben!" Charles said, "What you said makes sense, but these products are against the corporate principles that we, DG, have been pursuing for more than a hundred years. If these products appear under DG, we will not be able to explain to the US headquarters, and it will seriously damage our corporate image. So I think, this batch of products should be withdrawn from the market immediately. We cannot give up our principles for a temporary profit. There is no room for negotiation, please … "He said in stiff Chinese," do it immediately. "
This was the first time since DG took over SMQ, the two parties had such a big disagreement on management.
Of course, this kind of situation happened many times after that. This was the pain that almost every China private enterprise that sold itself to foreign investors would face.
And at this moment, Chen Zheng deeply felt this pain.
In front of him, a few foreigners were still whispering to each other, discussing in low voices, and some were directly looking at him with disapproving eyes. Foreigners sometimes did not know how to behave, so straightforward that it made people want to vomit blood.
And behind him, a few Chinese subordinates were all silent. Because the boss was humiliated, they did not dare to say anything.
Chen Zheng was silent for a moment, and smiled, "Okay, I agree with this view, I will send someone to do it immediately."
After hearing his attitude, Charles immediately burst into a smile, and happily put his arm around his shoulder.
"Ben, thank you for your understanding and decisiveness!" Charles said enthusiastically, "I believe we will cooperate very well!"
Chen Zheng laughed out loud, "Of course! Do you need to say it? "
As they laughed, the surrounding people all laughed. Chen Zheng walked with him, surrounded by the crowd, but in his heart, he cursed fiercely, "F * ck!"
Obeying on the surface, but opposing on the inside, had always been a part of Chen Zheng's personality that could not be obtained.
That afternoon, after sending the foreign investors out of the factory gate, he said that he would "solve the problem immediately", and turned around to return to the factory.
A few hours later, he and a few of his confidants stood at the factory gate, watching the goods that in the eyes of the foreigners "not up to standard" being shipped out one by one.
His confidants also felt a little distressed. One of them said, "Mr. Chen, pick this batch of goods, at least 60% to 70% can be sold!"
Another said, "This stock was previously invested by us, even if we lose it, it will be our own. Also, it is nearing the end of the year, the company's accounts are not looking good, according to the investment agreement, Mr. Chen, your management authority will be weakened. Don't tell me that's what those Australians are planning? "
Chen Zheng's expression was also very bad.
He remembered how a few months ago, how he stood in front of this batch of goods that had just come off the production line, full of ambition. At that time, in his opinion, the leisure bag market was a piece of fresh fat meat spat out from other people's mouths, whoever made the first move would be able to take it away.
But the reality was so cruel.
Li Zhicheng's leisure bag series, Aier, was not launched early, nor was it launched late. It just had to be launched a few days before all of his products were produced off the production line, just a few days before they were to be launched into the market. If it was a little earlier, he would not have to store so much inventory; if it was a little later, he might have already occupied the market.
The past was already a memory, at this moment, he looked at the bloody sunset, and replied coldly, "Do you think I don't know what Charles is planning? Ignore them, this batch of goods will be shipped out today, and sold in the remote stores as usual. Send people to keep an eye on them, if there is any movement, let the stores take the goods off the shelves first, just deal with it! "
The next morning, after knowing that Chen Zheng had "started a comprehensive cleaning of the inferior goods", Charles was very happy. At the same time, he also gathered all the senior executives, including Chen Zheng, for a strategic working meeting for the next step.
The large conference room was full of people. Charles sat at the head of the table, and said excitedly, "Chinese have a saying, 'follow the horse's lead'. Now, Li Zhicheng is the leader of the local luggage companies in China. "
The conference room was quiet, everyone knew that his metaphor was indeed very appropriate.
Aida rejected the acquisition, and New Bori's attitude was ambiguous. Therefore, DG's acquisition business in China was completely blocked. Everyone was very clear that New Bori was watching the industry leader Aida. Not only them, but other luggage companies were also doing the same.
If DG wanted to complete the grand plan of a full acquisition, they had to first deal with Aida.
And according to the usual practice of international business giants for cross-border acquisitions, if a direct acquisition failed, they would launch a direct attack in the market.
Using their absolute advantage, they would beat down the China companies, and finally buy their shares at a lower price.
"There is a saying in China, 'when the soft approach fails, we will use the hard approach'." Charles said another slang, and he was very proud of it, as if he had said it very well. Below the stage, the Chinese representatives, led by Chen Zheng, were all expressionless.
"In view of SMQ's current sales channels, and the current consumption situation in China, I have discussed with Ben, and we want to first push the second and third-tier brands under DG into the China market." When it came to the professional part, Charles suddenly became serious and calm, "These few brands are also the biggest contributors to DG's profits. I believe that they will be widely accepted by the China consumers. "
Everyone applauded, and Chen Zheng also laughed. Indeed, those few brands were very good in terms of quality and appearance. You had to admit that international giants were indeed international giants, and things were indeed different. Once they were launched, they would definitely beat Li Zhicheng and Ning Weikai to death. And his SMQ could also hitch a ride, and take the opportunity to regain their market position.
At this time, Charles turned his head and looked at Lin Mochen, who was beside him. As the representative of the investors, he was also invited to the company's strategy meeting today. But he did not say anything.
"Jason!" Charles spoke to him in a very intimate tone, "Do you think our idea is feasible?"
Lin Mochen smiled, crossed his hands on his legs, looked around, and said, "I am an investor, I don't have any opinions on management."
“Comeon！” Charles smiled, "Jason, everyone knows that before you started your investment, your company was already listed on NASDAQ, and now you have hired professional managers to manage it. Can you give me some opinions? "
At this time, the Chinese representatives, including Chen Zheng, once again looked at this Chinese investor in a different light.
Lin Mochen did not refuse, nodded, and said, "I don't know much about this industry, so I can't give a more specific opinion. But the second and third-tier brands that you are targeting are indeed in China, and the profits there are greater. In China's words, it is a place where military strategists often fight over. "
The translator told this ancient saying to Charles. His eyes lit up and he said, "You've hit the nail on the head. Jason, why are you in charge of the acquisition of SMQ and New Bori, but not Aida? If you were in charge of it, I believe the results would be better. "
As soon as he said this, everyone looked at Lin Mochen, and Chen Zheng even looked at him without batting an eyelid.
Unexpectedly, at this time, Lin Mochen seemed to have sensed his prying eyes, and suddenly looked up and glanced at him.
This glance made Chen Zheng's heart skip a beat, as if it was a look of insight, disregard, and more like … a warning.
In the blink of an eye, Lin Mochen had already moved his eyes away, and said to Charles with a smile, "Personal reasons. And my energy is limited, so it's more suitable for my colleagues to do it. "
It was Friday evening again.
Lin Qian was wearing a blue uniform, standing in front of an assembly line, and next to her were four or five workers who were showing her different fabrics.
Lin Qian looked at each fabric and shook her head.
"No. This one is too thick;
This one is too wear-resistant;
This one … doesn't look good … "
After looking at four or five types of fabrics, the foreman was a little helpless, "Ms. Lin, what kind of fabric do you want?"
Lin Qian thought for a while and said, "I want to make the lightest, best wear-resistant, and most beautiful fabric that women will like at first sight."
The foreman was speechless.
Lin Qian giggled and said, "I was being too general. How about this, I will choose a few colors and material types, and you can try to improve them. This is my personal commission, and I will pay you the bonus, and I promise you will be satisfied. But remember to keep it a secret. "
The workers all laughed, saying that Ms. Lin could just give us a call if there was anything. But everyone knew that ever since Ms. Lin took over the Mind Continent Company, her management style had always been capable and amiable, and she always did what she said. If she said the bonus would satisfy everyone, then it must be very generous. This kind of commission didn't take much effort, and ordinary people couldn't even beg for it!
After chatting with the workers for a while, Lin Qian left the workshop. She had just walked a few steps when her phone rang.
This time of the week, it was undoubtedly Li Zhicheng.
Lin Qian's heart seemed to be jumping with joy.
"You're in Changsha?"
Who knew that this time, Li Zhicheng would disappoint her.
"I'm still in Lin City, about to go on a business trip."
"… Oh," Lin Qian replied. "Okay, see you next week."
Although he promised to see her every week, he was really busy. There were times when he couldn't keep his promise.
On the other end of the phone, he smiled.
"No." His deep voice seemed to be slightly bewitching, "Come here."
Lin Qian said, "Huh?"
"I've already bought you a ticket to Beijing tonight. If you go to the airport now, you can still make it," he said calmly.
Lin Qian was not calm, "Now?! I haven't even packed my luggage. "
"There's everything at home," he said concisely, "I've already packed for you."
Lin Qian's heart was beating fast. Why did it sound like they were eloping?
"Are you coming?" he asked.
How could she not?
When they arrived in Beijing, it was already very late at night.
Lin Qian was carrying a handbag, wearing a white shirt, suit skirt and high heels. Walking in the crowd with luggage, she looked very different. She immediately saw Li Zhicheng standing at the arrival gate.
He had changed out of his suit and was dressed casually, with his hands in his trouser pockets, looking at her calmly.
Lin Qian walked over, "What's the rush?"
Li Zhicheng reached out and put his arm around her waist, "The night is too short."
Lin Qian couldn't help but laugh. She looked up at his bright eyes under the lights. It seemed that he had been progressing well and was in a good mood. How could he say something so presumptuous?
The hotel they had booked was near the airport. Lin Qian was a little surprised, "Why don't you stay in the city?"
Li Zhicheng answered, "I have to fly somewhere else tomorrow."
Lin Qian understood.
In the early hours of the morning, after a passionate night. Li Zhicheng, who had "eaten his fill," pressed her under his body, his hand slowly stroking along her naked back. Lin Qian was lying on the bed, looking down at the fabric information on her phone.
After a while, she turned to look at him, her eyes shining, "Honey, I have an idea."
"Hmm?"
"I want to make my own brand."
Li Zhicheng looked up at her.
Their eyes met, Lin Qian smiled a little embarrassedly, "Do you think I'm biting off more than I can chew? I know the market is very mature now, and it's hard to make a new brand. But … "she glanced at him," I'm not you, but I still want to try, with my own strength, to make a brand that belongs to me … "
"Fine." He interrupted her curtly.
Lin Qian blinked, looking at him without saying anything.
"You can do it." He turned her over, put his hand on the side of her body, and lowered his head to touch her face, "My woman, do you also want a share of the market? Then, as the market leader, should I ban this new brand, or not? "
These words of love were "cruel" and strong enough, and Lin Qian's heart trembled.
"Don't you dare!" She stared at him, "From now on, wherever the Lin Qian brand goes, please, Li Zhicheng, stay away from it, and don't offend it!"
Li Zhicheng lowered his head and kissed her, "Let me be the controlling shareholder."
Lin Qian reached out and pushed him away, "No! This is my own brand, it has nothing to do with you. And from now on, when I do it, you are not allowed to say anything, I want to rely on my own strength to make a brand. If I fail, I will accept it; if I succeed … "she glanced at him proudly," Don't be jealous of my profits, I can let you be a shareholder. "
What Lin Qian didn't say was that ever since her brother said that she was his only weakness that day, she had been quite uncomfortable. Admittedly, her talent couldn't be compared with that of Li Zhicheng, a genius who came out of nowhere. But she wasn't bad either.
Indeed, she had always admired Li Zhicheng, and she never felt inferior when standing beside him. But her brother's words seemed to evoke a certain emotion in her heart that she had deliberately ignored for a long time. In fact, after standing under a person's halo for a long time, she would also feel tired, she would also feel inferior, she would also feel lost, and she would also be afraid of losing herself in the future.
So, the idea of making a brand of her own slowly took shape in her heart.
Not to make money, but to find a clearer self.
This process had nothing to do with Li Zhicheng.
His woman was ambitious to start a business, and she was only willing to promise him the right to be a shareholder. Li Zhicheng felt that his heart, which had always been calm and steady, was gently squeezed by her hand.
A little uncomfortable. Because from now on, she was not completely under his control.
But it seemed to see a more lively and free version of her.
And then it aroused a stronger desire to possess her deep in his heart.
"Okay." He lowered his head and kissed her red lips, "Let's wait and see. But I can't guarantee that I won't forcibly buy it in the future. "
Lin Qian said, "… Bastard!"
Early the next morning, Lin Qian was carried out of bed by Li Zhicheng.
"Such an early flight?" She was a little confused. She thought they would stay in Beijing for a day and leave at night.
Li Zhicheng smiled faintly, took their luggage, and held her hand to go out.
When they were checking in, Lin Qian was dumbfounded, "To Europe?"
Well, she could understand that the visa was done. Her passport had always been at home, and she had a few Schengen visas before, which could be done without a personal signature. She also knew that he had plans to go on a business trip to Europe, and this was an important step in his plan.
But he had actually snuck her over to accompany him.
Of course, the two of them going to Europe, even if it was for business, would be sweet all the way. But …
Lin Qian glanced at his seemingly cold side profile.
He was still quite clingy.
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