Chapter 57

"Look, business is business, life is life."

Chen Xiaojie had always been controlled by his brother-in-law back home, so coming to Echeng was his chance to let loose.

He'd thought Tang Wen was a kindred spirit, but turns out he was just a younger version of his brother-in-law.

Reeling the garish girl back into his arms, Chen Xiaojie reluctantly slipped into work mode:

"We do need new diesel engine channels. I've checked the engines—they're still usable—but we need official manufacturers to provide warranty and sufficient spare parts."

"No problem. These diesel engines are manufactured by Gaijin Shipbuilding Factory. We'll provide three months of free after-sales and warranty service."

"Gaijin is a large enterprise capable of building thousand-ton fishing vessels, with sufficient reputation and strength."

After Tang Wen spoke, Chen Xiaojie finally relaxed.

He'd seen news about Gaijin Shipbuilding Factory in the newspaper; if they could truly provide backing, there was no need to worry about warranty issues.

"Second requirement: Can Gaijin provide logistics?"

"Logistics?"

Tang Wen frowned—this went beyond his expectations.

Manufacturers usually outsource shipping to third-party logistics; they rarely handle it themselves.

But for Tang Wen, the incident where the truck carrying diesel engines was robbed was still fresh.

From Echeng to Guizhou is at least five or six hundred kilometers, with no full expressway route—high risk.

Cost is secondary, but if the convoy loses time and manpower to robbery, it becomes a major problem.

Tang Wen thought for a moment and replied:

"I can try finding a logistics team, but the transportation fees need to be negotiated."

But Chen Xiaojie shook his head vigorously:

"Truck teams aren't reliable. They mix cargo with other goods, the distance is too far, it takes too long, and things get damaged easily."

"The Yuchai diesel engines we bought before were delivered straight to our door. Each diesel engine costs at least tens of thousands—manufacturers must handle delivery."

Before his transmigration, Tang Wen had been something of an industrial enthusiast; he immediately recalled that Yuchai Power was a local enterprise in Guizhou, later becoming one of the top domestic diesel engine giants alongside Xichai and Weichai.

But now their products were nothing but industrial junk—and the key point was... Yuchai is right in your province; offering logistics is no big deal.

Tang Wen was momentarily speechless, then asked:

"Where do you need the Shanwang engines delivered?"

"Guigang."

Tang Wen immediately waved his hand, and the driver Tang Feng pulled out a detailed map from his bag.

He'd bought it in town—in an era without electronic navigation, this was essential for travel.

The GG city on the map lies near the Yongjiang River, the region's main timber source, connected to the Xunjiang and Xijiang Rivers, allowing direct access to the Zhongshan seaport.

In fact, Guigang itself already shipped large volumes of timber via water transport.

Tang Wen's expression immediately relaxed—if Guigang could reach the sea directly, water transport was entirely feasible.

Inland vessels could depart directly from Dawan Village, follow the coast into the Xijiang River, and sail upstream.

At most a thousand kilometers, shipping would take only two days, with zero risk.

Building a small inland vessel isn't difficult, and fuel consumption is negligible.

Tang Wen immediately spread out the map and explained his water transport plan to Chen Xiaojie.

Chen Xiaojie nodded repeatedly—he'd demanded outside manufacturers handle delivery precisely because he feared road risks, but water transport was far safer.

"No problem. If it's water transport, you just deliver to the Guigang dock, and we'll haul it back ourselves."

"Then… third thing."

Tang Wen was listening intently, but suddenly there was silence—he looked up to see Chen Xiaojie had clammed up, staring at him without a word.

"..."

"..."

Confused, Tang Wen glanced sideways at Wu Lao Er, who was frantically blinking and subtly rubbing his fingers together.

"Oh~"

Tang Wen suddenly understood, then sat up straight.

Damn it—he didn't ask a single question about diesel engine specs, barely mentioned warranty and after-sales, and showed no interest in logistics except for this.

So the real issue isn't the product—it's the kickback, isn't it?

Tang Wen wasn't a complete novice—he hadn't eaten pork, but he'd seen pigs run—and immediately held up three fingers.

Though not fully familiar, for the manufacturing industry, three points seemed about right.

But Chen Xiaojie's face broke into a smile utterly out of place for his age, and he spread his hand open.

Five points?!

This is your brother-in-law's factory—how ruthless can you be?

Tang Wen's eyes narrowed—was this guy a scammer?

Perhaps sensing his thoughts, Chen Xiaojie let go of the garish girl, picked up a cup, and came over to toast, then sat beside Tang Wen and whispered:

"Boss Tang, your 25-horsepower diesel engines at 8,000 yuan are way too cheap—people are lining up to buy them at 9,000."

"Warranty and logistics cost money too. At 9,000 yuan per unit, we can sell at least fifty per month."

"Shanwang is a well-known brand in Guizhou—we sell nearly a hundred per month already. If we use your engines, other dealers will too."

Though Chen Xiaojie's pitch was tempting, Tang Wen remained highly cautious—this was their first meeting; how could he possibly trust him?

Seeing Tang Wen unmoved, Chen Xiaojie sighed and lowered his voice further:

"These five points aren't all going to me—they're mainly for my brother-in-law."

"Shanwang Factory isn't ours alone—they want to kick my brother-in-law out. I desperately need a cheaper, higher-quality supply channel. Right now, Yuchai's 28-horsepower engines cost over 10,000 yuan wholesale, and even the 15-horsepower ones are 4,500—your products have a clear advantage."

"If you're not at ease, wait until I bring two samples back; my brother-in-law will contact you then."

"..."

Tang Wen had no desire to listen to such scheming; he cleared his throat, summoned Wu Lao Er, and the latter immediately came over.

"This is Wu Lao... Wu Jingli, the general manager of our Gaijin Power Technology Company. He will fully handle the foreign trade of diesel engines, discuss details with you, and provide samples.

Wu Jingli, is there any problem?"

"No, no problem, leave it all to me!"

What else could Wu Lao Er say? The moment he saw the mobile phone, he knew he would follow Tang Wen to the end; moreover, he had now leaped to become general manager, a veritable transformation from a black chicken into a phoenix.

Seeing Wu Lao Er's suppressed yet excited expression, Tang Wen called Tang Fei over and took a mobile phone from the latter.

The last one was bought for walking; this one currently has no owner.

In front of Chen Xiaojie, he stuffed the phone into Wu Lao Er's hand:

"The SIM cards issued collectively to the executives last time are now usable. The company will cover the phone bills; if you need a car dispatched, just call."

Chen Xiaojie, watching from the side, was dumbfounded; being equipped with a mobile phone and having a car dispatched, Gaijin Shipyard was far more extravagant than Shanshan Factory; he himself only had a pager.

"Boss, rest assured; I guarantee the mission will be completed."

If not for the outsiders present, Wu Lao Er would have even sworn an oath pointing at the strait right then and there to prove his loyalty.

Tang Wen had already decided not to stay here; interacting with Chen Xiaojie counted as his second formal business cooperation in this era, and the experience was terrible.

There was no imagined suit-clad negotiation over cappuccino; if this continued, it would likely devolve into the trio of karaoke, foot massage, and massage; it was better to leave Wu Lao Er to handle it.

The latter also knew Tang Wen probably disliked such occasions and said at the appropriate moment:

"Boss, aren't you supposed to meet Director Zhao today? It's about time, isn't it?"

Tang Wen nodded, expressed his apologies to Chen Xiaojie, and prepared to leave; before departing, he glanced at the 'sā-mǎ-tè' young girl in the private room, pressed Wu Lao Er's shoulder, and said softly:

"How can a general manager function without two secretaries? Handle it yourself."