Chapter 529: Seizing Power

Zhang Chunhua greatly admired Chen Yang's stock‑trading ability. As long as there's no violation, he naturally wants to follow along and make some money.

However, he also knew that favors are reciprocal. Chen Yang coming to see Kong Jie at this time is surely closely related to the recent talks by Modu merchants with Commonfolk Meat Industry Co., Ltd. about an acquisition.

He lowered his voice and said to Chen Yang, "The boss still prefers you to take the lead on the matter of Commonfolk Meat Industry Co., Ltd.'s IPO. Those outsiders have impure motives; nine times out of ten they're after your formula."

Chen Yang smiled and replied, "Our company's products are all patented. If they dare to tamper with the formula, let them wait for a lawsuit!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Chunhua immediately gave Chen Yang a thumbs‑up. After praising him a few sentences, he cautiously entered Kong Jie's office. A while later he came out again, smiling.

"Chen Yang, the boss happens to be free right now—go on in!"

Chen Yang thanked him, then slowly walked into the City Committee Secretary's office.

After not seeing each other for a while, Kong Jie had put on a bit of weight. Compared with Lin Jianguo, whose smoking habit keeps growing, Kong Jie's life as City Committee Secretary is obviously much more comfortable.

"Chen Yang, you don't come to the Three Treasures Hall without a reason. Spill it—what brings you to see me this time?"

Chen Yang respectfully took a seat opposite Kong Jie's desk, smiled, and said, "Boss, I heard you're interested in the IPO of Commonfolk Meat Industry Co., Ltd., so I came to inquire about the situation."

Kong Jie immediately waved his hand and said, "This matter wasn't proposed by me. But if there's a chance to go public, the City Committee still supports it."

Chen Yang sighed and said, "Boss, if the meat company wants to go public, the market development side must be split from the trading company. Re‑developing the market is a huge challenge!"

Upon hearing this, Kong Jie immediately furrowed his brows. He knows best what the original market development of Commonfolk Meat Industry Co., Ltd. was like. Regaining the market is entirely due to the trading company taking full charge of sales.

If the sales rights are taken back, once market development fails, the whole company's performance will be affected. And the consequence of damaged performance is tantamount to closing off the path to an IPO.

"Chen Yang, the meat company's sales have always been a weak point. Do you have an emergency plan?"

Chen Yang spoke frankly: "I plan to recall Ouyang Sheng, the head of the trading company's Dongan County branch, and send him to develop markets outside the province. If it works, we'll then let the meat company gradually open up independent operations."

Kong Jie felt Chen Yang's idea suited his taste. Without directly severing ties with the trading company, even if the independent business development fails, it can at least temporarily guarantee stable performance for the meat company.

"Chen Yang, go ahead and boldly develop the out‑of‑province market. On the Qingshui City side, I'll coordinate with Mayor Lin and the other comrades to make sure they allocate the market share of every district and county to you."

Chen Yang came to see Kong Jie precisely for benefits. Seeing him willing to hand over Qingshui City's market share to Commonfolk Meat Industry Co., Ltd., he broke into a happy smile.

"Boss, you're still the best to me!"

Kong Jie put on a solemn face and said, "Logistical support is all taken care of. If you don't deliver results, I won't let you off the hook."

Chen Yang nodded and said, "Boss, I can't guarantee we'll definitely go public. But I can absolutely make Commonfolk Meat Industry Co., Ltd. better year after year."

Although Kong Jie hopes Qingshui City can produce a listed company during his term, he also knows that haste makes waste. As long as Chen Yang is willing to try, with his financial resources and keen market sense, he will surely bring Qingshui City a different kind of surprise.

"Chen Yang, since you're aiming for an IPO, you'd better hire some professional management talent. Song Yajun can handle simple administrative work, but when major decisions are needed, he'll only drag you down."

Chen Yang hadn't expected Kong Jie to also be dissatisfied with Song Yajun, so he feigned difficulty and said, "He's a veteran of the company and has contributed a lot to its development. Replacing him now will surely upset many people…"

Kong Jie let out a cold snort and said sternly, "Chen Yang, when it's time to make a decision you must not be indecisive. Everything must be subordinated to the overall situation."

Seeing Kong Jie's firm attitude, Chen Yang immediately indicated he would carefully consider the opinion.

After returning to the company, Chen Yang convened another senior‑level meeting.

"Old Song, all managers, we have just received instructions from the City Committee and City Government leadership: the company will from now on wholeheartedly prepare the IPO plan."

"In order to fully accomplish the task entrusted by the City Committee and City Government leadership, effective today all major decision‑making matters must be personally approved by me."

As soon as he finished speaking, Song Yajun's face instantly fell. He hadn't expected that after Chen Yang just announced Zhang Linlin's appointment, he would immediately turn his sights on him.

And it wasn't just Song Yajun who was affected; the lower‑level management also began whispering among themselves, unsure whose turn Chen Yang's next axe would fall on.

Chen Yang ignored them and continued, "Regarding the company's market expansion, I already have a plan. Ouyang Sheng, the former head of New'an County for Commonfolk Agricultural Products Trading Company, will be transferred to serve as manager of the company's sales department, specifically responsible for developing out‑of‑province business!"

Upon hearing this, Song Yajun immediately objected, "Boss, our company already has its own sales team; there's no need to bring in outside help,"

Chen Yang glanced blandly at Song Yajun and said, "Old Song, there's a big difference between having salespeople and having salespeople who can actually get things done. Someone like Xu Dawei, who gives up before even starting, could see the company go bankrupt and still not be able to secure a proper deal."

Upon hearing this, Song Yajun immediately fell silent.

Chen Yang ignored him and continued to everyone, "Before the company's business expansion succeeds, we will continue to maintain a close cooperative relationship with Commonfolk Agricultural Products Trading Company. I hope everyone will strive to provide the related services well."

At that moment, a manager from the Production Department asked Chen Yang, "Boss, after the company goes public, will our wages still be increased?"

Chen Yang replied, "Your wages are tied to the company's performance. If the company operates independently and its performance improves greatly, I will not only raise your wages but also, after the IPO, allocate a portion of equity as a reward for everyone."

Upon hearing this, everyone's morale surged instantly. Only Song Yajun's mood grew worse.

Originally he would have been the company's foremost contributor after the IPO, but because he believed certain rumors, he has now become a thorn in Chen Yang's side.

However, he has not given up hope. For he clearly knows that Chen Yang lacks management experience in the meat company and is not a boss who likes to meddle in affairs.

As long as problems arise in the company's later management, the management authority will eventually be returned to him.