"I heard from Andre that you're a very capable young man. I've also heard quite a bit about you and the rumors surrounding you recently. After all, I'm not someone with a narrow view or who is out of touch with current affairs."
Ding Jianwei's chin lifted slightly as he looked at the departing figures of Zhu Wanli and his group, clearly referring to them.
"Heh, your praise is too kind."
Wang Yu smiled at Ding Jianwei, also sizing up the tall, sturdy man before him.
He looked to be around forty, his face etched with the marks of hardship. His faded work uniform appeared somewhat worn, yet it was impeccably clean and neat. A hint of melancholy occasionally flickered in his eyes.
Yes, this was a man with a story.
Wang Yu silently nodded to himself, recognizing him as someone who, like many others of this era, belonged to the group of those who contributed silently.
As Wang Yu observed Ding Jianwei, Ding Jianwei was also observing Wang Yu. His sharp gaze swept over Wang Yu, noting that the young man showed no sign of apprehension. Instead, he met Ding Jianwei's gaze directly and without hesitation, which immediately piqued Ding Jianwei's interest.
"Not bad, you're a good young man!"
Ding Jianwei chuckled as he looked at Wang Yu. It's often like this between people; a good first impression can lead to mutual understanding.
Both Wang Yu and Ding Jianwei felt this way, evidently having a positive impression of each other.
"That's natural. I wouldn't introduce anyone who isn't good,"
Andre said with a grin, "Dear brother Jianwei, since I've introduced Wang Yu to you, shouldn't you show some appreciation?"
Ding Jianwei rolled his eyes at Andre, "Just shut up!
When the experts from the Ice Bear Kingdom were recalled, you refused to leave and insisted on staying with me, under the guise of being an expert. After freeloading and staying here for so many years, you have the nerve to say that?
And every time you got drunk and got into fights, wasn't it always me who cleaned up your mess?
With your bear-like temper, if I hadn't covered for you, you would have been dealt with countless times!"
Hearing Ding Jianwei's words, Andre was rendered speechless. His face turned red with embarrassment, and he mumbled something about needing to use the restroom before making a hasty retreat, effectively escaping.
Wang Yu couldn't help but smile wryly at this, finding it very much in line with Andre's character. This was certainly a black mark on his record.
"Little brother Wang Yu, do you think we could speak privately?"
Ding Jianwei asked Wang Yu, his gaze sweeping around. Besides Wu Lingling, the employees of the car factory, including Han Jun, were currently engaged in signing various contracts and agreements with An Lu and his associates. It was clearly not a suitable place for a conversation.
"Certainly, please wait a moment."
Wang Yu smiled and then attended to Han Jun's work, ensuring that the contracts with An Lu and others were in order.
After all, for these wealthy patrons, all they needed to do was buy, buy, buy and pay. Contracts were essentially a formality. They barely even inquired about the prices. An electric kettle for 50 Sam-dollars, a fan for 100 Sam-dollars… the prices were unbelievable if spoken aloud.
Most importantly, they not only agreed to cash-and-carry but also provided substantial down payments.
If this were in China, it would shame many domestic distributors. At best, they would expect free goods on credit; at worst, the manufacturer would have to absorb losses if the products couldn't be sold.
However, for these patrons, Wang Yu's products were both luxuriously designed and novel in their functionality, thus representing good value for money.
The prices were perfectly acceptable. In fact, several of them repeatedly commented on Wang Yu's fairness, stating that he was far better than those who sold them scrap metal, or the islanders, or even the Sam-country fellows who extorted them for oil, natural gas, and precious metals.
"Brother Wang Yu, there's nothing more to discuss between us. Just deliver the goods later."
An Lu smiled at Wang Yu and then patted him solemnly on the shoulder three times. In their culture, this was a sign of a successful and pleasant collaboration.
With three solid thuds, Wang Yu swayed his shoulder. An Lu might not look imposing, but his grip was strong.
Following An Lu, his other wealthy friends also stepped forward and patted Wang Yu on the shoulder three times after completing their contract signings.
Eight men, each performing this gesture. By the time they departed, Wang Yu felt half his body go numb. These guys had quite a bit of strength!
After instructing Han Jun and the others to pack up the contracts and other documents, Wang Yu and Ding Jianwei walked aside to speak privately. They sat facing each other, neither of them speaking first, both waiting for the other to initiate the conversation.
"What are you two doing? Just say what you need to say,"
Andre, who had returned after his earlier "escape," blurted out, breaking the awkward silence as he saw Wang Yu and Ding Jianwei staring at each other.
"Don't you both have something you need? Just say it,"
Seeing Andre livening up the atmosphere, Wang Yu nodded and spoke first. "Director Ding, you mentioned earlier that you needed a small favor. May I ask what it is?"
Upon hearing Wang Yu's words, Ding Jianwei paused for a moment before hesitantly and slowly began to speak. "It is indeed a small favor, but it's somewhat difficult to ask. How should I put it..."
After a moment of thought, Ding Jianwei rolled up the sleeve of his left arm, which he had been covering.
Wang Yu had noticed this earlier. It was already summer, and quite hot.
Yet, Ding Jianwei and his companions were all wearing long-sleeved work uniforms. Initially, Wang Yu had assumed it was due to their financial difficulties, forcing them to wear clothes unsuitable for the season. However, seeing them all so heavily covered made him realize there must be something more.
As Ding Jianwei rolled up his sleeve, revealing his arm, it was covered in numerous scars and blemishes. Most striking was that the ring finger of Ding Jianwei's left hand was half missing, with a horrifying scar at the point of amputation.
"This... is this a burn?"
Wang Yu was slightly taken aback, his gaze sweeping over the scars on Ding Jianwei's body, a thoughtful expression on his face.
"What? How did you get such serious scars on your body?"
Andre exclaimed from the side, acting as if he had only just discovered it.
"Three years ago, an employee's operational error caused a battery fire. A blaze swept through the entire 367 Institute. Although rescue efforts were prompt and no lives were lost, almost everyone sustained injuries. This arm was burned while I was saving someone, lifting a burning roof. This finger was also charred and had to be amputated due to the severity of the injury,"
Ding Jianwei spoke calmly, his tone devoid of any emotion, as if he were recounting someone else's story. "Due to the special nature of the 367 Institute, this incident is practically unknown to outsiders."
"Huh? I was at the 367 Institute back then! How come I didn't know?"
Andre exclaimed in surprise.
"You were busy living a life of drunken debauchery at the guesthouse every day. You were drunk for twenty days out of every month. What could you possibly know?"
Ding Jianwei snorted, then looked at Wang Yu. "This is why I need your help!"