Chapter 178: Everything Is Negotiated

"Trouble?" Wu Jingzhong frowned.

"Yes."

"According to Zhang Cuiting's confession, the backer of his nephew's Longdong Company is Song Ziliang of Jinshan International Trade."

"Mr. Song has already sent a cousin surnamed Yin to sit in Jinhai."

"They say, they say he's here to lock horns with Hong Zhiyou."

"Master, this is the biological younger brother of Lady Jiang, after all."

Yu Zecheng said with a face full of worry.

"Song Ziliang!"

"Damn it, this world is so small; one can run into the Song family even while selling liquor."

Wu Jingzhong was so angry he gritted his teeth.

"Zhiyou, what do you think?" He turned his head to look at Hong Zhiyou.

Hong Zhiyou pondered for a moment and said, "Master, there is no need to worry."

"I think the one with reservations right now is the Song family."

"Jiang Jianfeng is going to Shanghu, and as the leaders of corruption, the Kong and Song families must certainly restrain their edge for the time being."

"Just think, if they really wanted to cause trouble,"

"why would they bleed money to bet against me and start a price war?"

"Therefore, I think this matter can be negotiated."

"You must be careful; the Song siblings are more difficult to deal with than Kong Xiangxi. One slip-up and a whisper in the ear, and our heads could roll at any moment," Wu Jingzhong said.

"Understood, I will go find Mr. Yin to talk."

"Right now."

Hong Zhiyou never dragged his feet when doing things.

"Pick out a few decent gifts. If it really doesn't work, we just won't sell this liquor," Wu Jingzhong gritted his teeth, deciding to go all out.

It wasn't that he had lost his mind from anger.

It was that the other party's background was truly too immense.

Not to mention crushing him with a single finger, leaving him half-dead would be very simple.

"Master, don't do that."

"The distillery is our own business, and it currently has a healthy cash flow."

"This is a cornucopia; how can we just give it away?"

"As the saying goes, it's good to lean against a big tree for shade. If we really can't afford to offend them, we'll just work for them."

"Anyway, as long as there's a profit to be made, that's enough."

Hong Zhiyou comforted him earnestly.

"That's right, Master."

"I don't know much about business."

"But isn't everything a matter of negotiation? All those American weapons we have, didn't Lady Jiang beg for them from the Americans?"

"Big shots have their own difficulties."

"Little people have their own ways of surviving."

"Let's negotiate."

Yu Zecheng chimed in.

"Fine, then you go and talk to this man surnamed Yin right now," Wu Jingzhong said.

"Master, then how should we handle this Zhang Cuiting?" Yu Zecheng asked.

"Lock him in Shuitun Prison first."

"Then find a few newspapers and publicize his scandals, especially his cooperation with the Japanese."

"Let the court go through the motions, pick a day, and have him shot."

For someone who had committed such a great taboo, Wu Jingzhong didn't even need to ask for instructions to make a decision.

"Understood."

Yu Zecheng turned back and returned to the interrogation room.

"Well, did Mr. Yin speak?" Zhang Cuiting was feeling cocky again.

"Do you think Song Ziliang would even know who you are?"

"Self-righteous."

"What are you, anyway?"

"Take him away!"

Yu Zecheng waved his hand, and someone immediately dragged Zhang Cuiting into a car.

They headed straight for Shuitun Prison.

Liao Sanmin was already waiting at the entrance.

"Officer Liao, long time no see," Yu Zecheng greeted him.

"Zhang Cuiting, a celebrity in Jinhai. How should we arrange him?" Liao Sanmin smiled as he looked at the disheveled "Master Zhang."

"It has to be special confinement."

"After all, he is one of the Empress Dowager's people."

Yu Zecheng laughed.

"Take him away, Special Cell 13, treat him well," Liao Sanmin ordered.

Five burly prison guards immediately dragged Zhang Cuiting inside.

"Director Yu, let's go, let's go have a cup of tea."

Liao Sanmin put his hands in his pockets, and the two arrived at a quiet courtyard.

"How is it? Is it clean here now?" Yu Zecheng asked.

"Yes, after getting rid of the Juntong eyes and ears last time, this group of people is basically under control now."

"I can finally call the shots at Shuitun Prison."

Liao Sanmin nodded and smiled.

"I went to Jingling some time ago and saw Manager Qiu from afar."

"He is in good spirits now."

"It's just that he has to use a wheelchair."

"However, the organization probably won't assign him any more tasks."

"He can only be a reserve piece for emergencies."

He poured the tea and said.

"Sigh, what a pity."

"Damn that Ma Kui!" Yu Zecheng lamented.

Manager Qiu was the first leader and comrade he had worked with since he began his undercover mission.

Admittedly, his brief agent training and ideological indoctrination in Yanbei had not truly transformed him completely.

In fact, because of the incompetence of the Jinhai Regional Committee,

Yu Zecheng had doubted the organization's capabilities in certain areas.

However, Manager Qiu had solidified his faith and strength with his own blood.

He had given him his own spiritual totem.

Sublimation.

Inspiration.

Indestructible!

"By the way, when will the transit station here in Jinhai be built?"

"Between Jinhai and Beiping, especially in the northeast direction, there is a lot of intelligence I simply cannot send out."

Yu Zecheng frowned.

"The higher-ups cannot abandon such an important place as Jinhai."

"They will certainly have a plan."

"We cannot be impatient about this; wait patiently."

"Trust in the wisdom of Mr. Wu and Ke Gong; they will handle it."

Liao Sanmin comforted him.

"Mm," Yu Zecheng nodded.

"By the way, Yuan Peilin, the dual-line leader in Beiping, is going to convene a Pingjin underground meeting soon, saying he wants to redistribute work and tasks."

"Of course, we will be meeting separately."

"We are using the new type of encrypted code transmission."

"You should have heard it on the radio last night."

Liao Sanmin asked.

"You are Pebble, I am Mount Emei."

"These two geese of ours, I don't know how many people are waiting for us to stretch out our necks to be slaughtered."

"Back when we were training in Yanbian.

"Ke Gong said that if the situation is unfavorable, we have the right to remain silent.

"My suggestion is that none of us should make a move.

"Patiently wait for the coded contact on Ke Gong's line one."

Yu Zecheng said.

"I'll listen to you.

"Just pretend I didn't hear the call.

"By the way, Huang Zhong and Jiang Aimei have already completed their handover today.

"Zuo Lan and General Deng Ming handled the handover personally.

"With them and Shopkeeper Qiu leaving, you and I are safe for the time being."

Liao Sanmin poured him a cup of tea, his demeanor appearing slightly relaxed.

"You're overthinking it.

"Ma Kui, the Station Chief, and Lu Qiaoshan—they hold an important secret between them.

"I don't know if it's a person or something else.

"They are very tight-lipped about this matter; even Hong Zhiyou hasn't been able to find out anything.

"This move is aimed either at Zuo Lan or at me.

"It could also be aimed at you.

"The enemy's desire to destroy us never dies; we cannot be careless."

Yu Zecheng reminded him, feeling quite a headache.

This matter was like a sharp sword hanging over his head.

As long as it wasn't uncovered, he would have no peace of mind.

"Hmm.

"Then be careful; I feel that Wu Jingzhong still doesn't trust you," Liao Sanmin said.

"He will never trust anyone.

"Including Hong Zhiyou.

"Right now, the Jinhai Station is peaceful, but who knows what kind of ghost business will happen in the future."

Yu Zecheng smiled bitterly.

"Old Yu, you look like you've aged significantly lately."

"It's fine, you can practice some Qigong.

"This stuff strengthens the body and is good for sleep."

Liao Sanmin looked at the few gray hairs sprouting at his temples and couldn't help but worry.

"It's useless.

"I've been a deep thinker since I was small.

"I'm off."

Yu Zecheng picked up his briefcase, stood up, and left.

Lishun Hotel.

Yin Zhuoran swirled his wine glass, coldly sizing up the disheveled Zhao Chuncheng opposite him.

"Mr. Yin, I'm sorry.

"I couldn't hold onto this little patch of land in Jinhai."

Zhao Chuncheng smiled bitterly.

"Wu Jingzhong and that little secretary of his are selling fake liquor.

"And they have the garrison and foreigners acting as shills.

"I simply can't fight them."

He swallowed a mouthful of scarlet wine and continued to complain.

"With an American involved, and a deputy commander at that, it is indeed very tricky.

"Furthermore, Wu Jingzhong just performed a new service, and Jiang Jianfeng thinks highly of him.

"It is inappropriate to use political suppression at this time.

"But there is no need to panic.

"Isn't there a liquor sales agreement?

"How many bottles of foreign liquor can Jinhai consume in a month? The company will purchase three times that amount of Hennessy; if it can't be sold in Jinhai, it can always be given away.

"He sells his stuff for ten dollars.

"I'll sell mine for one dollar; I don't believe I can't crush a tiny Renji.

"It's only for a month, isn't it? This little bit of money is just pulling a hair out for the head office and Mr. Song.

"But for Renji and Wu Jingzhong and the others, that is a bloody, painful loss."

A cold sneer appeared on Yin Zhuoran's slightly thin lips.

"That's great.

"With the head office backing me, taking back the Jinhai liquor market is just a matter of time.

"Mr. Yin, there is one more thing I would like to ask for your help with."

Zhao Chuncheng was an old acquaintance of his, so he didn't bother with formalities.

"What is it?" Yin Zhuoran asked.

"My uncle..."

Zhao Chuncheng had intended to speak.

But on second thought, his uncle was involved in the Ke Chengwu affair; wouldn't he be a fool to go and plead for him now?

"What about Old Zhang?" Yin Zhuoran asked.

"Oh, nothing.

"It's just that his hands were itching to collect some antiques.

"But thinking about all the recent events, such refined pursuits are not worth mentioning."

Zhao Chuncheng waved his hand and said.

"Hmm." Yin Zhuoran nodded with satisfaction.

As the two were talking, Hong Zhiyou walked straight in, his gaze landing on the man opposite Zhao Chuncheng.

This person was around forty years old, with fair skin, extremely well-maintained, and possessed a certain air of nobility.

One didn't need to think to know he was someone who lived in the lap of luxury.

He stepped forward and asked with a gentle smile: "May I ask if you are Mr. Yin Zhuoran of the Longdong Company?"

"I am." Yin Zhuoran nodded in a deep voice, but did not stand up.

"Hong Zhiyou, what, what are you here for?" Zhao Chuncheng's expression turned flustered.

"Mr. Yin, could we have a word in private?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"Hong Zhiyou?

"Heh, do you know who I am?

"You've got some nerve, actually coming to my door."

Yin Zhuoran sneered.

"Can't help it, isn't life in this world all about chasing those few coins?

"When it comes to making money, one naturally has to come."

Hong Zhiyou looked at him with a gaze as calm as water and said.

"Mr. Yin, what is there to talk about with such a lowlife?

"Just let him get lost."

Zhao Chuncheng, having a guilty conscience, interrupted from the side.

"Director Yin.

"I think Mr. Song Ziwen sent you to Jinhai, regardless of the methods used, ultimately to create profit and make money.

"Since everyone wants to make money, why not sit down and talk?"

Hong Zhiyou ignored Zhao Chuncheng entirely and said with unruffled composure.

"Fine.

"Please, upstairs!"

Yin Zhuoran was a man of the world, and he had to admit he was impressed by Hong Zhiyou's composure and bearing.

This young man was not simple.

Perhaps having a chat wouldn't be a bad thing.

After all, he was a businessman.

Ultimately, it was about earning money and talking business.

Once they reached the private room upstairs.

Zhao Chuncheng tried to shamelessly follow them in, but was blocked by the bodyguard at the door.

He entered the room.

Yin Zhuoran sat on the sofa, crossed his legs, and looked at him:

"Mr. Hong, tell me your high-minded views on making money."

"I brought two bottles of wine and would like to invite Mr. Yin to taste them." Hong Zhiyou opened the bag he was carrying.

Inside were two bottles of foreign liquor.

Both were Axe brand.

He had someone bring over four glasses.

He poured two glasses of each kind.

"Mr. Yin, try this one first." Hong Zhiyou raised his glass and took a sip first to show it was not poisoned.

"Very well."

Only then did Yin Zhuoran take a small sip.

"This is French Hennessy Axe brand.

"To be honest, the taste is on the light side and the purity is slightly low; it is not suitable for Easterners accustomed to drinking white spirits.

"Don't look at those in the upper class who affect an air of refinement.

"Privately, they don't like this kind of wine meant for ladies, but would choose Cherry or others with higher purity and taste."

Yin Zhuoran commented professionally.

"Mr. Yin is truly a connoisseur of the upper class, well-versed in the way of wine tasting; I admire you."

While offering this flattery, Hong Zhiyou raised the glass containing the second type of wine:

"Mr. Yin.

"Then try this one."

He still drank first.

Yin Zhuoran cautiously waited for half a minute before unhurriedly raising his glass and taking a tiny sip.

"The taste is mellow and the aroma is full.

"In terms of quality alone, it does not lose to the Cherry brand.

"It doesn't count as top-tier, but it definitely has the qualifications to be on the tables of those vulgar people."

After ruminating on it, he commented.

"Good.

"Then let me tell you, both of these wines are called Axe brand.

"One is the real Axe brand that has never sold well in Jinhai.

"The other is the fake Axe I sell under a private label.

"The cost is only half that of the real wine, and after subtracting customs and shipping, the profit is at least sixty percent higher than the real wine.

"Even counting the thirty percent profit I cut to bleed for the market, there is still a lot of money to be made.

"I can give up the Axe brand.

"But tomorrow it might change into Sickle or Kitchen Knife brand!

"People who are used to drinking it will still choose it.

"Reputation and quality determine the market; you are in business, so you should understand this principle better than I do."

Hong Zhiyou smiled confidently.

Yin Zhuoran fell into deep thought.

Hong Zhiyou's words struck a chord in his heart.

That's right.

Even if they won a price war and took the Axe brand, those people might not necessarily accept it.

No one's money comes from a strong wind.

No matter how capable Mr. Song is, he cannot force these people to only drink the wine he sells for the rest of their lives.

Hong Zhiyou's goods could dominate Jinhai.

Aside from marketing and solid connections.

In the final analysis, a large part of the reason is that the wine quality is tough.

Therefore, even when Anderson came to Jinhai in person, he did not investigate excessively, but instead sat on the mountain and watched the tigers fight.

Clearly, the foreigners are not stupid.

One is quality.

One is the official fist.

In the end, it still depends on how the customers' tongues choose.

"What does this have to do with me?" Yin Zhuoran asked with a smile.

"I am a small person and cannot afford to offend Mr. Song Ziliang.

"And I dare not offend Lady Jiang in the slightest.

"Therefore, I want to cooperate with you.

"From now on, I will be the agent for Longdong in Jinhai.

"I will only sell Axe brand.

"I will give you ten percent of the net profit every month.

"At the same time, you can use the transport network of Jinshan Trading Company to promote my wine abroad.

"I will make this clear to Anderson.

"Lease or buy the Axe brand.

"Of course, this process will be a bit tedious, but I believe they will agree.

"After all, who doesn't like money?"

Hong Zhiyou smiled confidently.

"Ten percent of net profit, that's too little," Yin Zhuoran said.

"What we sell ourselves, including Renji, can be listed under your Longdong Company, so on the surface, it will not damage the prestige of your company and Mr. Song.

"Furthermore.

"Isn't it good to receive net money every month without doing anything?

"It's better than you losing money just to shout for business.

"Also, for Axe brand wine sold abroad through your channels, I can give you twenty percent.

"The more you sell, the more you earn.

"Regardless, there will be plenty of silver coming in every month.

"This deal is not a loss."

Hong Zhiyou spoke as a businessman.

"The conditions are indeed good.

"But why do I feel like you have become the Party A?

"According to our Longdong rules, we are the ones who assign sales work to others; now, to earn more money, we have to look at how much stock you ship?

"Little brother, are you thinking too beautifully?

"Have you thought about whether Mr. Song is also a person who cares about face?"

Yin Zhuoran sneered.

"Face?

"That shouldn't have anything to do with it.

"We are talking about making money now.

"Mr. Song won't feel he has no face just because there is more money, right?"

Hong Zhiyou raised his glass and took a sip.

"Why don't we acquire your winery and buy the Axe brand.

"One-time payment.

"You just name your price."

Yin Zhuoran curled his lips and said in a domineering and cold tone.

"Currently, that is not very possible," Hong Zhiyou politely refused.

"Aren't you afraid that Mr. Song will take your head?" Yin Zhuoran said angrily.

"Taking my head won't take away the taste of the drinkers.

"Besides, if Mr. Song had that idea, he wouldn't have sent you to Jinhai.

"The key is that your company did a very stupid thing.

"A fatal mistake that might even pull Mr. Song down."

Hong Zhiyou looked him in the eye and said without fear.

……

Today's two updates of ten thousand words are delivered, good night, respected station masters.





(End of chapter)