"It's not exactly a sanction, just an attempt to exert some pressure on them," the sallow youth said, rubbing his hands and speaking in a low, deferential tone to Elder Gao.
"After all, they've significantly impacted our Yongwang Bicycle Factory's business. The new fuel-assisted bicycles we're developing are at a crucial stage of market capture. However, the engines required are only supplied by that automobile factory. They're essentially holding us hostage! Not only are they arbitrarily raising prices, directly increasing the cost of the engines, but their young factory director, Wang Yu, is also incredibly arrogant and has a terrible attitude. I mentioned that our Shuanglong Province and their Guanjiang Province are neighboring sister provinces, hoping he would show some neighborly consideration. I even offered compensation, but he… he said…"
The sallow youth spoke with great grievance, his tone vividly portraying his alleged suffering, as if he had indeed endured immense injustice.
"What did he say?" Elder Gao put down the half-smoked cigarette, his brow furrowed slightly. Wang Yu? The young man he had met today, who had politely declined his offer? Although outwardly respectful, Elder Gao, with his vast experience, had discerned Wang Yu's underlying pride and stubbornness. However, he reasoned that it was perfectly normal for a capable young man to be a bit arrogant, wasn't it? Elder Gao felt he should be more magnanimous and tolerant towards the youth.
"He said… he said, 'What do you people think you are? I'll sell my products however I please. Buy if you want, or get lost!'"
The sallow youth blurted this out, causing Elder Gao's expression to turn displeased. This wasn't just pride; it was outright arrogance! Relying on his own abilities, he was oblivious to the vastness of the world.
"Forget it. It's his own skill, after all." After a moment's thought, recalling the various anecdotes he'd heard about Wang Yu that day – how he'd bested so-called overseas experts and the astonishing 3,000-unit order that had stunned everyone – Elder Gao acknowledged that the young man truly possessed genuine talent. He hesitated before speaking slowly, flicking the ash from his cigarette. "His products are the result of his own research and design, so charging a higher price is understandable. Furthermore, it's normal for capable individuals to be a bit arrogant. They don't have a direct conflict of interest with us, so let's just tolerate it. If absolutely necessary, you can find someone else to purchase from or develop it yourselves."
Hearing Elder Gao's words, the sallow youth grumbled inwardly, thinking that if he could find someone else to buy from or develop it himself, why would he be wasting his time here with this old man? Despite these thoughts, his outward demeanor remained deferential.
"Yes, that's what I thought too. Based on the principle of 'better safe than sorry,' I was going to drop it. But then he unexpectedly said…"
"What did he say?" Seeing the youth's hesitant and reticent manner, Elder Gao spoke with some impatience, "Just say it. Don't be so wishy-washy! You're a grown man, don't act like a girl!"
"I tactfully said that even if business can't be done, friendship remains. But then he said… he said his products, he'd rather throw them to the dogs than give them to the decayed and aging old men of Shuanglong Province."
"What?" Elder Gao abruptly extinguished his cigarette, his face turning extremely grim. "Decayed and aging old men? Who is he referring to?" Who else could it be? Among the people from Shuanglong Province Wang Yu was currently interacting with, who else could fit such a description besides himself? Well, you little brat, I merely showed an eagerness for talent and tried to poach you a bit, and you're this ungrateful and ignorant of your place! Elder Gao's anger flared up instantly. Anyone older would be sensitive to being called old or decayed, feeling as if it were a personal slight, especially in this context. It was as good as pointing at a monk and calling him bald!
"Uh… perhaps his 'decayed and aging' refers to our Yongwang Bicycle Factory? After all, we are also a long-established enterprise," the sallow youth said cautiously, only to be met with a cold snort from Elder Gao.
"Do you think I believe that? Fine… you don't need to worry about this matter anymore. I will personally handle the negotiation. I want to see what kind of capabilities this young whippersnapper has to be so arrogant, to not know that the sky is vast and heaven is high, and that arrogance invites disaster!" Elder Gao's furious demeanor was palpable, as if he were about to slam his hand on the table. The sallow youth, on the other hand, allowed a barely perceptible hint of smugness to flicker across his lips.
"I must have him give us an explanation for this. You go back and wait for news. Also…" Elder Gao glanced at the sallow youth's pale complexion and added indifferently, "Pay attention to your daily routine. Don't go gallivanting around all day. You're a young man, and you don't even have as much vigor as this old man."
"Indeed, how can I compare to you? You're getting younger as you live!" Hearing Elder Gao's words, the sallow youth paused momentarily, cursing the old man inwardly for his meddling, but still maintaining a deferential facade.
"Hmph, you go back and wait for news!"
"Will do!"
…
Numerous similar scenes and conversations were unfolding among the observation delegations from various provinces. The representatives sent to the industrial expo might not necessarily be the most powerful figures, but they were undoubtedly influential and well-connected. Otherwise, they wouldn't be attending such a formal event. Under the persuasion of the heads of several key leading enterprises, some fanning the flames, some complaining bitterly, and others directly presenting their development prospects, these representatives all pledged to intervene and let this young man, Wang Yu, who had achieved a little success and become too arrogant, know what it meant to have the 'King Ma's third eye' (meaning to be thoroughly aware of everything).
…
The next day, Yu Chengyang had just finished organizing the report he had compiled overnight. He stretched with a slight groan, his bones emitting a crisp cracking sound. "This young man, Wang Yu, is no simple character!" Yu Chengyang smiled wearily. After a night of compiling Wang Yu's deeds and case studies, and even spending three hours on the phone with Secretary Yang of Jiangyang County, everything had made Yu Chengyang extremely eager to make a decision. He had to develop Wang Yu's automobile factory immediately! And, of course, he had to tie it to their own Guanjiang Province! In a time when factories were declining and there was a lack of leading enterprises to serve as benchmarks, how rare was such a unit that could receive key support? With proper handling, it could create a ripple effect, leading to boundless prospects! Didn't he see the people from other provinces eager to poach him? This absolutely wouldn't do; he had to extinguish all their thoughts and intentions!
As he pondered, Yu Chengyang prepared to leave his office. However, before he could step out, he nearly collided with his secretary, who was rushing towards him. "Why are you so clumsy?" Yu Chengyang glanced at the secretary, but in his good mood, he didn't reprimand her too harshly.
"Governor, it's bad! Representatives from eight provinces, including Shuanglong Province, have arrived together, demanding that we sanction the automobile factory in Jiangyang County!" the secretary said in panic, causing Yu Chengyang's expression to change slightly.