Chapter 633

Chen Yang wasn't in a hurry to go to Goat City. He and Chu Min had no intimate relationship; it was just that because her pursuit of him had failed, he wanted to settle it with money, and after that similar incidents would only increase.

Even if he had trillions in wealth, it wouldn't be enough for people to try to extort him.

As for the issue of reputation, Chen Yang couldn't be bothered to worry about it. Basically, he didn't know anyone in Goat City's upper circles. What others think is their freedom; he can't control it and doesn't want to.

Moreover, Chen Yang believed Chu Ning had a way to resolve this issue.

While Chu Ning was still on vacation in Goat City, Chen Yang made a trip back to Qingshui City.

Common Folk Shoe Industry Co., Ltd has already been trial-producing Nike's new shoe samples in the old factory of Meat Industry Co., Ltd. Chen Yang wanted to see whether Deng Jiaming's team truly had the capability to take on this order.

What surprised him was that the finished products made by Deng Jiaming's team were actually identical to the shoes sold officially by Nike.

This way, even if the new factory building hasn't been constructed yet, production can be started in advance.

Of course, to be safe, Chen Yang still had Deng Jiaming first send the samples to Nike's side. After they confirmed there were no problems, they would proceed with the next steps.

After finishing the briefing, Chen Yang called Zhang Linlin to his side and asked her to first recruit a batch of workers who could endure hardship and labor. Those relation-hires, especially those unsuitable for physical labor, would be temporarily postponed.

"Chairman, if we rush the work, we at least need two shifts. Our company's temporary dormitories are all in the urban area, making commuting not very convenient. See if you can greet the city authorities and ask them to arrange a few more bus routes."

Chen Yang did not want to use Lin Jianguo's connections during this sensitive period, and directly rejected Zhang Linlin's suggestion: "Buses cannot solve the fundamental problem; just buy coaches and provide dedicated shuttle service!"

Zhang Linlin seriously reminded Chen Yang: "Chairman, a single coach costs at least several hundred thousand; wouldn't that be too extravagant?"

Chen Yang waved his hand, smiling as he said to her: "Don't be afraid of spending money; what we aim to build is the largest shoe company in Dongjiangsheng. If we don't even have a dedicated coach, we'll be laughed at."

Zhang Linlin asked: "Chairman, how many coaches should we buy?"

Chen Yang thought for a moment and said: "First buy ten; if more are needed later, we'll increase according to demand."

Zhang Linlin gave a wry smile: "Ten coaches, we're afraid we'll also need to rent an extra parking lot to fit them."

Chen Yang said, somewhat surprised: "The factory grounds of Common Folk Meat Industry Co., Ltd are so huge—can ten coaches not even fit?"

"They can fit, but…" Zhang Linlin said worriedly: "The new district of the Meat Industry Company needs to have trucks passing through. If our coaches interfere with their shipments, will Deputy General Manager Lu have any objections?"

Chen Yang pondered a moment and immediately had an idea. He told Zhang Linlin: "During regular working hours, we can park the coaches on both sides of the road beside the factory; at night, when resting, we move them into the factory grounds. That way there will be no impact."

"Alright, I'll go arrange that." Zhang Linlin's main worry was a conflict with the Meat Industry Company. Since Chen Yang had a solution, she also was freed from her anxiety.

After Zhang Linlin left, Chen Yang went directly to Lu Guojie's office.

"Director Chen, what wind blew you back?" Lu Guojie actually already knew Chen Yang had returned, but since it would be inconvenient to disturb his office, he had been waiting in his own office.

"Old Lu, is the work proceeding smoothly?"

"Not bad; internal integration is almost done. External business is also proceeding in an orderly manner."

"That simple? It seems Governor Liu assigned you here, which is quite an overqualification!"

"Hehe, Director Chen, don't give me a hat. They listen to me only because they're giving you face. In everyone's heart, only when you are chairman do their lives have hope."

"Really? I'm actually quite touched. It seems these years' investments haven't been wasted."

"Director Chen, since you've come back once, why not give me some pointers?"

"Pointers aren't needed; as long as R&D continues and we expand the out-of-province business well, the company will surely improve year after year." Chen Yang said up to this point, then suddenly paused, and solemnly told Lu Guojie: "You've just taken office; your foundation isn't stable yet, so it's best not to expand too fast. Once you've steadily taken over my position, then you can boldly go ahead."

Lu Guojie immediately understood Chen Yang's meaning and, without concern, said: "Director Chen, as long as the company can go public smoothly, I'm not afraid of people coming to take the fruit."

Chen Yang gave him a sideways glance and said: "You're just a cadre seconded from the province; the Provincial State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission and Qingshui City Investment Company won't always let power slip from their hands. Once the situation stabilizes, they will definitely adjust the management. If they send another idiot who constantly restricts you, will you be comfortable?"

Upon hearing this, Lu Guojie's expression immediately turned solemn. He said to Chen Yang: "You are also a major shareholder. As long as you don't hand over the chairman's position, they probably can't do anything, right?"

Chen Yang sighed and said: "If those two join forces, my words probably won't carry much weight. Besides, civilians don't contend with officials; after all, I'm merely a businessman. They have plenty of ways to force me to step down."

Lu Guojie instantly became gloomy. The company's situation is currently excellent, and he certainly doesn't want it ruined by so-called power struggles.

"Director Chen, if they do this, aren't they afraid the company will revert to its former chaotic state?"

"You still haven't understood my meaning. They will merely sideline you, not disrupt the company's current rhythm. Once the company goes public, your mission here will also be over."

"Director Chen, this is just your illusion. I am a province‑assigned cadre; they have no right to decide my staying or leaving."

"If they sideline you and assign you to an idle post, how long could you endure?"

"……"

Lu Guojie fell silent again. He is someone who can't stay idle; if he were truly sidelined, he would definitely apply to be transferred back to the Provincial Finance Bureau. As for him, the experience at Common Folk Meat Industry Co., Ltd is nothing but a failed training.

Chen Yang patted Lu Guojie's shoulder and said earnestly: "Old Lu, if you want to grasp the initiative, you must let them know the company cannot do without you. As for how to do that, I won't teach you—figure it out yourself!"

After saying that, Chen Yang left. He had come specially to remind Lu Guojie because Zhang Chunhua told him that the city had already arranged a new candidate to enter the board of Common Folk Meat Industry Co., Ltd. Since Qingshui City will send someone, the Provincial State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission will certainly have the same idea.

By then, Lu Guojie's power as an "outsider" will definitely be divided.

The Provincial State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission and Qingshui City Investment Company are willing to hand over great authority to Lu Guojie in order to ensure the company can go public smoothly. Once the listing succeeds, Lu Guojie's utility will be gone.

Chen Yang greatly appreciates Lu Guojie's talent and does not want him to be squeezed out for no clear reason.