Chapter 795: 790. Effort and Reward (Seeking Subscriptions and Monthly Votes)

"It is Mr. Zhang's actions over these past few years that have brought me this confidence, and I believe even more strongly in one thing: even if Mr. Zhang were to fail this time, it would not change anything, and Mr. Zhang certainly would not lose much, let alone his foundation."

"So, my investing in Mr. Zhang is actually a deal where I am guaranteed to win without losing," Liu Ruiming said directly, without hiding or holding anything back.

Of course, his words were still very pleasant to hear, as always!

Seeing how candid he was, Zhang Ran's opinion of him changed slightly; after all, Liu Ruiming had been saying nice things the whole time, and his first impression of him hadn't actually been very good.

But now he realized that although this person knew how to flatter, he felt quite reliable when it came to serious matters and had no intention of fooling him.

Zhang Ran set down his bowl and chopsticks and said with a serious expression, "Then what can you help me with this time, President Liu, and what do you want to get in return?"

After saying this, Zhang Ran looked at Liu Ruiming with a stern expression, "President Liu might not know, but my personality is just like this: it is best to agree on everything in advance. In the end, regardless of whether the matter succeeds or not, as long as the agreed-upon content is fulfilled, then we will still be friends."

Zhang Ran didn't say the rest, but Liu Ruiming understood what he meant—if one were to suddenly go back on their word halfway through, then they would no longer be friends.

Liu Ruiming's expression also turned serious, "Of course. First, let me state the help I can provide."

"Regarding the South Africa Development Bank, our National Commercial Bank has some allies there. I can persuade them to join us, or at the very least, persuade them not to get involved. That is the first thing."

"The second is that our National Commercial Bank has some other channels. If Mr. Zhang finds a use for us when the time comes, feel free to speak up. As long as it is within the regulations, I will certainly give you the green light."

This was the benefit of being the person in charge of a region; for many things, Liu Ruiming, as the general manager, could make a decision with a single word instead of needing various approvals.

When this position was first established, the higher-ups had considered many things, one of which was that people who did not understand the local situation might end up acting in ways that were counterproductive to many matters.

Therefore, the authority granted was quite significant.

Liu Ruiming continued, "Furthermore, I also have some personal connections here. When the time comes, I will also mobilize my personal relations, for example, some official relations here in South Africa."

It could be said that Liu Ruiming was extremely candid, laying out everything he could offer one by one.

Zhang Ran could hear his sincerity and nodded, saying, "Then what does President Liu hope to gain? Please don't tell me it's just to make a friend; if you say that, I might actually take it seriously."

Liu Ruiming gave a sheepish laugh; in fact, he had really intended to say that at the beginning, as it was almost becoming a habit.

However, hearing Zhang Ran say this, he didn't dare to say it, fearing that Zhang Ran would really take it seriously.

"Ahem, it's like this: we also have some needs. First, regarding our National Commercial Bank, if Mr. Zhang's plan succeeds this time, we need Mr. Zhang's support in certain matters. As for what, Mr. Zhang should actually understand, after all, Mr. Zhang has done some of that in the past," Liu Ruiming said meaningfully.

Zhang Ran smiled; this guy really knew a lot.

Of course, Zhang Ran knew what he was talking about—wasn't it just that back then, he had used certain connections and various covers to help Huaxia obtain many items that were under Western embargo?

Many people knew about this, but none of them would spread it.

And now, the West has even more restrictions on Huaxia than before, it's just that Huaxia itself is strong now, so many things are no longer needed.

Clearly, the National Commercial Bank had similar tasks here, but they were all conducted in secret, so Liu Ruiming wouldn't spell it out.

Zhang Ran nodded to show he understood, "That is fine, but I will only participate in some voting and provide help on the surface; I will not get involved directly. President Liu should also understand that I am just a businessman now."

Liu Ruiming indicated that he understood and agreed; this was enough, as for some things, it was sufficient to just make them look acceptable on the surface.

With this guarantee from Zhang Ran, Liu Ruiming could openly use the power of the National Commercial Bank here to help Zhang Ran.

Such an exchange was completely justifiable for the National Commercial Bank, and even if the matter were reported to headquarters, Liu Ruiming would not have to worry about anything.

This was only because it was Zhang Ran; if it were someone else, this probably wouldn't work.

"Does President Liu have any other requirements?" Zhang Ran asked.

"There is one more point: the National Commercial Bank wants to participate in some of Mr. Zhang's investments here. Of course, it is only an investment; we will not participate in the company's operations, and we will certainly not interfere at will."

"Also, I hope that if you need loans when the time comes, you can consider the National Commercial Bank as a priority." What Liu Ruiming said here concerned the National Commercial Bank, and had little to do with himself.

Zhang Ran naturally didn't mind such a request and agreed immediately.

Just as he thought this was about to end, Liu Ruiming continued, "Um, I actually have one small personal request."

Zhang Ran was slightly stunned, but immediately smiled, "Please speak, President Liu."

"It's like this: I have been here for over seven years, and I would like to be transferred back to headquarters in the near future. Of course, it would definitely be after this matter is concluded."

"So I hope Mr. Zhang can put in a good word. Of course, if it is inconvenient, then consider it unsaid."

Zhang Ran fell into deep thought, frowned, and said, "President Liu, it's really not that I don't want to help, but your internal affairs at the National Commercial Bank are truly difficult for an outsider like me to intervene in. You also know that if an accident happens, I expect..."

"I understand, Mr. Zhang. My meaning is that you could express an attitude to the higher-ups that we are commercial partners. Of course, if we were friends, that would be even better," Liu Ruiming said with a smile.

Of course, he wouldn't really think Zhang Ran could directly intervene; if Zhang Ran used all his past connections, it would naturally be no problem, but he, Liu Ruiming, was not worth Zhang Ran doing that.

What he hoped for now was for Zhang Ran to express such an attitude, which could increase his chances of success.

After all, Zhang Ran's influence in the domestic business world was growing larger and larger, and sometimes it was not just about the companies and industries under his banner.

Just like the companies that cooperated with him, or some enterprises that had received his favors in the past—if Zhang Ran were to put in a good word for the National Commercial Bank when the time came, things like commercial loans could bring a large amount of revenue to the National Commercial Bank.