Chapter 796: Just these conditions? Nothing else?

Zhou Yanru and the others immediately turned solemn; in their view, this definitely meant there was important work to be said.

Su Yang said: "Our investment promotion work is urgent. But you also know the situation in our county—many people have no concept of investment promotion, and if sent out, they wouldn't know where to start."

"So I personally suggest we transfer an experienced staff member from elsewhere; what do you think?"

Zhou Yanru thought to himself: "Didn't you just say you'd select a few from the county cadres? But from the tone, he could tell Su Yang's words meant preparations were already made."

He immediately exchanged a glance with Chen Bo and said: "Yes, I also think we might not have time to pick personnel; otherwise we'd end up like the Twin Ditch Large Koji situation—when we have no choice but to solve it, we'd be very passive."

"Moreover, this is an old‑hat problem—our economic development cannot rely solely on one industry, let alone a single company."

"The previous Twin Ditch Large Koji is a living example—everyone once depended on its winery, only to be manipulated at will. A company countering the government is unheard of elsewhere, yet it happened to us. We will never allow this to happen again, so I wholeheartedly approve."

Chen Bo also said: "Right, I think the same."

Hou Junlai said nothing, nodding in agreement. He could be considered one of the earliest to side with Su Yang; back then he firmly believed Su Yang would turn things around, and now he supports whatever Su Yang does.

Su Yang said: "Then that's settled. I will apply to transfer a director of the Investment Promotion Office from where I previously worked; as for the other members, you will decide."

This team must be set up within a week, working in the county government building. Moreover, from now on all work must make way for investment promotion, so all departments must strongly support and cooperate.

"Although I'm leading this work, we still need the whole county's cooperation later. Okay, no need to repeat—let's have tea, refresh ourselves, and later we'll debate them. Among the three, Manager Teng seems easygoing, but I think he's also the toughest to handle; this afternoon we must stay sharp to deal with him."

At 2 p. m., Tian Xiaofei, Teng Huayuan, and Niu Aiguo arrived punctually at the county government meeting room.

Chen Bo personally brewed a cup of tea for each of Teng Huayuan and the two others, brought it to them, then got straight to the point: "Gentlemen, your purpose here must be about our Twin Ditch Large Koji Winery. I believe our goals align—we want to see this matter through and restore the winery's former glory."

"What you want is business, investment returns, profit from us; what we need is to give these thousands of people proper jobs, so the common folk of Lieshan County can see the enterprise they once took pride in continue to survive. So please state any ideas or conditions you have."

Tian Xiaofei said: "That sounds reasonable, but whether we can reach a deal is uncertain. After all, you're basically a mess—few domestic firms would take you on."

"Based on our earlier data, even if we bundled all your winery's commercial value, it wouldn't exceed 20 million. We plan to invest 20 million to acquire it, including your stored liquor and all production lines."

"The current staff numbers are too many; we will hold a competitive selection so that those who got in through connections and just loafed will leave, leaving only 300 to 400 employees. Moreover, they cannot keep the old eight‑hour shifts; they must work twelve‑hour days—day and night shifts—with at most one day off per month."

"Wages will be cut 20% from their current base. Furthermore, the acquisition we mentioned must also include the hundred‑plus mu of land your winery occupies."

"Those present began to frown, for this was far from what they had imagined. Although Twin Ditch Large Koji is failing, its residual value far exceeds 20 million—just those few production lines and the buildings in the factory compound are worth more, giving a reasonable value of at least 50 million; clearly they are trying to take advantage."

"They wanted someone to take over precisely to safeguard these workers' livelihoods, but Tian Xiaofei's talk of layoffs hit their bottom line and violated their principles."

Chen Bo said: "General Manager Tian, isn't your assessment of our winery off? Its assets are far greater than that, and our core point is to keep these people's jobs."

"Besides, the winery occupies over a hundred mu of land; according to your proposal, are you asking us to hand over the land as well? That needs further consideration."

But Tian Xiaofei interjected: "Don't rush, I haven't finished—this is just the beginning. Giving us the land is the most minor of all the additional conditions. Think about it: in your poor, remote backwater, what could a hundred mu of land possibly be worth?"

"Otherwise, go out and shout that you're giving this land away—who would want it? What use would it be? I can frankly tell you, this land's actual commercial value is zero; accepting it is our full respect for you."

"Besides the land, the 20 million we mentioned isn't a lump sum; we plan to disburse it in installments—3 million up front, the remaining 17 million as a loan from your local bank, requiring your county government to act as guarantor."

"Furthermore, we won't pay taxes for ten years, keeping all operating profits for ourselves. Also, I almost forgot: from now on, any commercial project feasible in Lieshan County must be given priority to us; if we want to undertake it, your county government must provide it unconditionally."

After saying that, he looked smugly at Su Yang and the others. He indeed saw Chen Bo, Zhou Yanru, and Hou Junlai's faces darken, but on Su Yang's face he saw no anger or helplessness—only a hint of mockery.

It must be said, the terms he proposed are such that even Li Hongzhang, if alive, would not dare sign them; even Teng Huayuan and Niu Aiguo feel uneasy.

What Tian Xiaofei proposed was roughly in line with their earlier research, but the two clauses—"future commercial projects must prioritize us" and "have the county government guarantee"—were beyond their expectations.

If Su Yang's side truly agreed, it would be a sure‑profit deal; from this investment alone, the two of them would earn commissions in the millions—more than their whole company makes in a year.

However, at that moment Su Yang calmly said: "Just these conditions? Nothing else?"