Chapter 849: Negotiating with Zhuang Shi

Li Jia said at that moment,

"Mr. Zhao, you're overthinking it; I was only thinking about money."

"That's normal; some money can be used, some cannot. Li Jia, you'll understand in time."

I finished speaking, took out my phone, and contacted Zhuang Shi,

and arranged with him to meet tomorrow morning to discuss the contract.

Zhuang Shi said, "Jianqiang, you've arrived in Huaihai.

We'll have dinner together tonight."

I said, "Zhuang Shi, let's hold off on dinner for now.

Let's wait until after we finish the contract talks, because we're meeting now; we don't want anyone to find out and cause a misunderstanding."

"Alright, as you say.

Okay, then we'll meet tomorrow to discuss. Have you prepared everything for the contract?" Zhuang Shi continued, asking.

"Everything is already prepared," I said.

"Tomorrow, Jianqiang, we might have some verbal conflicts. When that happens, don't actually hold a grudge against me," Zhuang Shi said.

"Zhuang Shi, I understand what you mean. Each of us serves our own master, so disputes are inevitable," I said with a smile.

Zhuang Shi said nothing more and hung up.

In fact, Zhuang Shi's intention was clear: it was to act.

To perform for Liu Yong.

To make the performance realistic,

there must be conflict and dispute between us.

Time quickly arrived at 9 a. m. the next day.

We began the negotiations in a conference room of the Reception Center in Huaihai City.

At the outset, Zhuang Shi wore a serious expression, looked at me and Li Jia, and said, "Chief Li, Mr. Zhao, today we discuss the cooperation.

I hope both sides will show sincerity.

After a period of liaison and inspection, we are very satisfied with the Xue County tourism project and believe it is worth investing in.

According to the agreement, this contract is to be drafted by you."

Li Jia said, "Zhuang Shi, thank you for valuing the investment in the Xue County tourism project. We have already completed drafting this contract.

Secretary Wu, please take a look."

Li Jia finished speaking and handed the contract to Secretary Wu,

who took it and examined it carefully,

when she saw some unsuitable clauses,

pointed the contract at Zhuang Shi and said something.

Zhuang Shi listened attentively.

In a short while, the contract was finished being read.

Zhuang Shi signaled Secretary Wu to return the contract to us.

At that moment, Zhuang Shi glanced at us,

"Mr. Zhao, I know you are here on behalf of Tian Shi for the cooperation matter. As I said earlier, cooperation requires both sides to show sincerity.

Chief Li, the terms of your contract are incorrect; they constitute a tyrant clause,

regardless of how much money the investor puts in,

Zaocheng is always the Major Shareholder. In other words, shareholding is not determined by money."

Li Jia smiled,

"Zhuang Shi, this Xue County tourism project is ultimately led by Zaocheng for development, so the Major Shareholder must be us.

We have already shown our sincerity.

That means we will transfer a portion of equity,

allowing Huaihai City to become the second shareholder."

"You let us be the second shareholder, that's a joke.

We are investing five hundred million, and that amount is real cash.

I am aware of Zao Chengshi's economic situation,

I still have the same words: I hope you will treat our investment prudently.

Otherwise, what will you use to develop the Xue County tourism project?" Zhuang Shi said angrily.

"Zhuang Shi, this is a two‑billion‑yuan project investment; why would we want to be the Major Shareholder with only five hundred million? That's not that cheap.

Zaocheng's finances are not as strong as Huaihai's,

but we would rather slowly prepare the Xue County tourism project than give up the Major Shareholder's rights.

Zhuang Shi, on this clause we will not discuss; if you are willing to invest, we welcome it.

However, this clause is our bottom line; we cannot negotiate," I directly rejected Zhuang Shi.

"Jianqiang, saying that makes it meaningless; we've known each other for over a year, and we've been investigating this project for a long time.

Regarding the five hundred million investment, it's only our first round.

We can increase the investment further,

if Huaihai City does not become the Major Shareholder, what meaning would our investment have?" Zhuang Shi's expression was very displeasing.

Li Jia glanced at me,

I signaled Li Jia to speak boldly,

Zhuang Shi, you consider problems from your perspective, while we consider them from ours.

Regarding the Major Shareholder matter, Mr. Zhao already said it cannot be discussed; you are welcome to invest.

We accept; regarding the project's development and construction, we will keep you informed at all times.

Of course, we will also listen to your opinions.

I believe our cooperation requires us to show sincerity.

That sincerity means you invest, and we will handle the matter.

Only then can we develop Xue County's tourism project.

Zhuang Shi burst out laughing after Li Jia finished speaking.

"Our showing sincerity—this remark is really interesting."

"May I ask, Director Li, what is sincerity? Isn't putting forward money also sincerity?"

"No, you putting forward money and trusting us is what counts as sincerity." Li Jia said directly.

"You mean we give you money for you to spend as you like, and we won't inquire?" Zhuang Shi retorted.

Zhuang Shi, from your tone we can clearly sense that you don't trust us.

What does "spend as you like" mean?

If we don't even have this basic trust, how can we cooperate?

Are we people who spend money recklessly?

Zhuang Shi, our cooperation isn't just a one- or two-time thing.

Saying that makes me uncomfortable." I said immediately.

If it's uncomfortable, let it be. As investors, we can't talk about Martial World righteousness in this matter.

Moreover, if something goes wrong, I still have to bear responsibility.

I hope Huaihai City can cooperate with Zao Chengshi.

But your conditions are too harsh.

Whoever becomes the Major Shareholder must be decided by who invests more.

If you insist on this, there's nothing to discuss between us." Zhuang Shi looked at me and said.

Zhuang Shi, what I say comes from the heart.

I hope to cooperate with your Huaihai City,

Besides financial support, there is also support in other resources.

But this red line has already been drawn, and I can't do anything about it.

This red line was decided at a meeting by Tian Shi,

To know the opinions of the bigwigs, no one can easily say anything.

Please, Zhuang Shi, understand Tian Shi's difficulties,

Actually, whoever becomes the Major Shareholder, it's all the same,

The most important thing is to get things done well.

To successfully develop Xue County's tourism project." I said to Zhuang Shi earnestly.

Jianqiang, hum, not the same.

If they were the same, who would still argue?

You have your red line, I understand; then we also have our red line—please understand that too.

Give Tian Shi a message: if you want to invest, we must be the Major Shareholder." Zhuang Shi said in an unrefusable tone.

Then there's nothing to discuss,

It's equivalent to a stalemate.

Li Jia glanced at me, still wanting to say something.

I gestured for Li Jia not to speak.

I also remained silent, looking at Zhuang Shi.

Zhuang Shi's complexion looked a bit bad,

He said to Secretary Wu: 'Secretary Wu, did you take note of what was just said?'

'Zhuang Shi, everything has been recorded.' Secretary Wu said.

Alright, later organize it for me to review; we'll discuss this investment matter another time.

There's no need to discuss today." After saying that, Zhuang Shi stood up to leave.

I also stood up,

Zhuang Shi, really no more discussion?

I hope you can reconsider,

If our Xue County tourism project gets off the ground, it will surely make a lot of money.

Our attitude is sincere,

Zhuang Shi,

I want Li Jia to give you another introduction to the Xue County project..." I said to Zhuang Shi earnestly.

No need." Zhuang Shi walked away angrily without looking back.