"Poaching customers?"
Wang Yu was slightly taken aback and quickly followed.
Several cars were parked in a row outside the county high school, presenting a grand and orderly appearance. From their external design, it was clear they were almost identical to his own new model of agricultural vehicle, the Hope No. 1. The agents who had previously signed agreements were circling the cars, scrutinizing them.
"Everyone, these are our farm machinery factory's new agricultural vehicles," Zhao Tao announced proudly at the front, casting a provocative glance at Wang Yu, who had arrived upon hearing the news.
"Zhao Tao, you're directly plagiarizing our automobile factory's design. Have you no shame?" Wang Yu shouted at Zhao Tao, feigning anger.
"Plagiarism? What evidence do you have that I'm plagiarizing? You're allowed to research and design a new agricultural vehicle, so why aren't I allowed to create one?" Zhao Tao grinned smugly. Seeing Wang Yu flustered brought him immense satisfaction. He then addressed the crowd directly, "Our farm machinery factory has strong capabilities and operates with fairness. We don't engage in frivolous tactics. As long as there's demand, you can procure goods from us. There's no need for a security deposit, nor are there restrictions on your sales prices. Furthermore, we can provide certain financial support to our excellent partners, allowing you to take goods first and pay later."
Zhao Tao's terms were essentially standard market practice. However, when compared to the relatively "stringent" terms offered by Wang Yu and Wu Lingling, they appeared much more lenient and favorable. This caused many of those present to show signs of interest.
On one hand, they could profit significantly with minimal upfront investment. On the other hand, they would be taking a meager share while requiring substantial capital outlay. The superiority of one option over the other was clear. The only reason some were still hesitant was the richer product line offered by Wang Yu. They questioned whether abandoning the dealership rights for other products would be a net loss. Everyone present was weighing the pros and cons.
"My word, as expected of Factory Director Zhao Tao of the Farm Machinery Factory. He's the most promising young talent in our county. Look at his boldness and methods."
"Indeed. Look at him; the automobile factory and such are just small-time operations."
"Weren't there rumors of a big order earlier? Look, the Farm Machinery Factory has already cornered them. They probably won't get it now!"
A crowd had gathered, consisting of onlookers who were whispering and murmuring amongst themselves, their voices reaching everyone's ears. These were residents from the surrounding area, enjoying their Sunday off and coming to watch the spectacle. It was unclear whether some of them had been arranged by Zhao Tao to influence the mood. However, in Wang Yu's opinion, it was highly probable!
"Miss Wu, is it possible to terminate our cooperation?" After a while, someone asked Wu Lingling. It was the retired elder from the farm machinery company. "While the automobile factory's other products are indeed excellent, the real profit lies with this new agricultural vehicle. How many fans and kettles would one have to sell to match the profit from a single vehicle?" The elder seemed to be justifying his decision to himself and to everyone present. "Moreover, your terms are far too harsh: cash on delivery, a security deposit, and a requirement for us to sell at a fixed price. It's one thing not to be allowed to sell at a higher price, but to also demand that we don't sell above the unified retail price? Isn't that cutting off our financial lifeline?"
The elder's words resonated with many. "Exactly. If we have the ability, why shouldn't we be allowed to sell at a higher price? If we could snag a rich customer, that could sustain us for a long time. We've never heard of needing a security deposit and having our profits deducted even when selling at a higher price."
"Yes, yes."
...
A chorus of opinions arose, with at least a third of the people nodding in agreement.
"Heh, these are my terms. If you're not satisfied, you can choose to terminate the cooperation. Of course, according to the cooperation agreements and car pre-order contracts we just signed, I will not refund the security deposits and down payments mentioned therein." Wu Lingling, who had been largely silent, stepped forward and addressed the crowd.
"Then what about our dealership rights and agreements for your other products?" someone asked Wang Yu with concern, "For example, the small dump trucks?"
"Our cooperation is independent of the automobile factory," Wu Lingling interjected before Wang Yu could answer. "The agreements between us are voided, limited only to the new agricultural vehicle, the Hope No. 1. My cooperation with the automobile factory as the general agent for this product in Guangjiang Province is a matter between us. As for other products, I have no right to interfere with your cooperation with the automobile factory."
Hearing Wu Lingling's assurance, Wang Yu nodded at the opportune moment. The crowd's spirits immediately lifted. Logically, she was correct! At that, some people unhesitatingly declared their intention to terminate their cooperation agreements with Wu Lingling. Even if it meant forfeiting the breach of contract penalties or the loss of security deposits and down payments, they were willing.
"From a long-term perspective, cooperating with the farm machinery factory is definitely more beneficial. This old man is willing to cut off his arm to save his body!" the retired elder from the farm machinery company declared resolutely. Zhao Tao, seeing this, seized the opportunity to interject, "Everyone, all your losses from penalties and deposits will be borne by our farm machinery factory!"
Zhao Tao's words immediately drew everyone's attention. "I promise to compensate for your losses by reducing the price of each vehicle by 1000 yuan!"
As soon as Zhao Tao finished speaking, some began to calculate. Wu Lingling required a 3000 yuan deposit per vehicle and immediate cash payment. By switching to the farm machinery factory, they could take as many vehicles as they wanted, paying only after they sold them. As long as they took more goods from the farm machinery factory, they could recoup their losses! More people then began to declare their intention to terminate cooperation with Wu Lingling, and even some of the people who had come with Fatty Hu began to waver.
Wu Lingling remained unperturbed, agreeing directly and concisely. However, she added a special reminder at the end, "After the cooperation is terminated, we will never cooperate again!"
"Never cooperating again is precisely what we want. Who in their right mind would cooperate with you?" This was the sentiment in many of their hearts. They hadn't had a choice before, but now that they did, who would choose to work with her? Some were even contemplating secretly lending the small dump truck products they received from Wang Yu to the farm machinery factory personnel for "inspiration," and once they had produced them, they would kick the automobile factory to the curb. "Isn't it just breaking a contract? What's the worst that can happen other than losing some deposits?"
These were some of their thoughts. Wang Yu, just by observing their shifty eyes, could guess their intentions. In this era, the concept of intellectual property was practically non-existent. Whoever could copy was considered capable; as long as they could produce it, that was what mattered!
However... it didn't matter. His plan had been in motion for a long time, and in the future, his ambitions would extend far beyond mere agricultural vehicles. Therefore, Wang Yu remained silent, his face a mask of indifference as he watched everyone one by one terminate their cooperation with Wu Lingling. In the end, more than half of them chose to do so. To outsiders, it was evident that he was angered to the point of silence. After all, anyone would be upset in such a situation.
"Little Factory Director, we bid you farewell! As for the dinner tonight, there's no need." The retired elder from the farm machinery company, who was the first to terminate the cooperation, nodded at Wang Yu and left. The others followed suit. After terminating their cooperation agreements with Wu Lingling, they felt too embarrassed to impose on Wang Yu for dinner, so they each found excuses to leave. However, their excuses were rather flimsy. As soon as they claimed to be leaving, they were seen huddling with Zhao Tao's subordinates, clearly discussing cooperation matters.
"Heh, Wang Yu, it seems I'm still one step ahead!" Zhao Tao swaggered up to Wang Yu, looking like a proud rooster.
"Heh, Zhao Tao, after paying such a hefty price to snatch my resources and channels, aren't you afraid it will backfire in the end?"
To Wang Yu's question, Zhao Tao merely laughed heartily. "That's why you, Wang Yu, are destined to be no match for me, because your vision is too narrow. What does it matter if I spend some money to appease these scattered soldiers? What I need to do is to sever your roots! Cut off your capital flow and completely destroy you! The major farm machinery companies' resources, which dominate the market, are in my hands. Once I destroy you, won't everything ultimately be decided by me? Hahahahaha! This is an open scheme; even if I tell you, what can you do? Can you make these people change their minds?"
Zhao Tao laughed with unrestrained joy, having not felt so triumphant in days. "Don't underestimate your automobile factory's current success. Financial problems are your biggest vulnerability! There are still outstanding debts, production orders, and even the integrated parts supply system—these are all your weaknesses! You've overextended yourself. As soon as your cash flow collapses, you'll be utterly ruined!"
Watching his subordinates sign agreements with the agents, Zhao Tao sneered at Wang Yu. "My previous offer still stands. After your automobile factory goes bankrupt and we merge, I'll still keep a position for you to guard the gate. Of course, you'll have to grovel and beg me then! Hahahaha!"
After his speech, Zhao Tao left with his entourage, giving Wang Yu no opportunity to retort. Perhaps he believed that leaving Wang Yu to regret his choices was the greatest form of torture. However, Zhao Tao departed in high spirits. Wang Yu watched his receding back, walking with an arrogant swagger, and a mysterious smile appeared on his face. "My previous words are still valid!"
"Um... Little Factory Director?" Fatty Hu looked at Wang Yu cautiously, likely assuming he was thoroughly angered. "I have a question."
"What is it?"
"Those people chose to withdraw, so can I, old Hu, take over their regional dealership rights?"
"What?"
Fatty Hu's words stunned everyone.