Chapter 417: Have You Forgotten What Our Foundation Is?

Are you saying that the sewing machines we agreed to produce were supposed to be the best on the mainland, but now a new industrial sewing machine has appeared—better and cheaper—and all you folks are frauds?

Doesn't that mean telling the person beside me that the "major technological breakthrough" I oversaw is now just unsold inventory gathering dust in the warehouse?

So although Wang Qishan's heart was seething with frustration, he forced himself to suppress his anger and said, "We won't take your goods for now. Others' products are better and cheaper—you don't need to beg me. Think deeply and reflect on your own problems."

The other side fell silent for a moment, as if someone whispered a few words, then Nakamura Naoto's voice came through.

"Factory Director Wang, we've investigated the issue you raised. The Xinxing brand sewing machine is only slightly superior to our current product in certain aspects."

"We've already designed an improvement plan and produced prototype samples; we can begin mass production next month, significantly enhancing our technological advantage."

Wang had just been about to hang up, but hearing Nakamura's words, he felt as if he'd suddenly grasped a lifeline.

"How much can your technological advantage improve?"

"Thirty-five percent, and the price remains unchanged. But Factory Director Wang, business must be conducted with integrity—you must fulfill the contract for the batch you ordered before we can proceed with further cooperation."

"Moreover, we can sign a wager agreement: if our new product is inferior to the Xinxing sewing machine, we will refund all transaction fees."

After hanging up, Wang stared blankly, torn and uneasy, but mostly consumed by the burning desire to win back every card he'd lost.

"We need to mortgage for a loan. Our factory still has products and raw materials worth five million. Please help us coordinate with the bank! We only need three million."

"Huh."

"You still want to borrow three million? What are you going to do with three million?"

"To fulfill the contract with Pengcheng Zhongai Machinery Factory—if we don't, they'll hold us accountable. Also, we can introduce more advanced technology; with advanced tech, making money won't be a problem."

But the person on the sofa interrupted: "Then why aren't you afraid of workers holding you accountable for not paying their wages? Why aren't you afraid of the bank holding you accountable for not repaying your loans?"

"You won't owe others money, but you think it's fine to owe your own people?"

Wang Qishan hadn't owed Zhongai Machinery Company a single cent—because they refused to ship goods if he did, and in case a lawsuit broke out, he wouldn't be able to handle it well.

As for owing workers and the bank—he'd done it before. What was the big deal?

Wang swallowed hard and whispered, "Please believe in our workers—they're the best. Our difficulties are only temporary and can certainly be overcome. Once we get the loan, we'll pay them immediately."

"You won't live to see that day."

The person on the sofa pointed outside: "First, those products and raw materials you mentioned aren't yours—they're jointly owned with the Hong Kong side. They may not agree with your decision."

"Second… don't you realize how serious this has become? If you don't, go stand by the window and look outside."

Wang was surprised and puzzled—right now the factory was busy. Why would he ask him to look out the window? To see the empty playground covered with tarps storing products?

But when Wang walked over, confused, he was stunned into silence.

Outside the window, the playground was already packed with people.

Workers at Changbei Machinery Factory had always undergone emergency assembly training—after three whistle blasts, everyone would gather in order.

But this time, perhaps because Wang had been lost in thought and oblivious to the outside world, they had achieved complete silence—he hadn't noticed a thing.

"Wang Qishan, do you still remember what our foundation is? Our foundation is the people's support. Do you think the workers of Changbei still support you?"

"Today, workers collectively reported that you've invented fake categories to divert factory funds. I don't believe you, Wang Qishan, are that foolish—but what if tomorrow they stage a mass petition? What do you think the consequence will be?"

Wang Qishan broke into a cold sweat, his face ashen. He knew exactly what the consequence would be.

But he still struggled to say, "I swear I haven't done anything wrong. I haven't embezzled a single cent. I'll stake my future on it."

"Bang."

The coffee table in front of the sofa was slammed so hard it shook violently.

"Who are you making this promise to? What's your future worth? How many more people do you want to drag down with you?"

Wang Qishan shut his eyes in agony.

He knew his most trusted pillar had collapsed.

For years, those silent workers had supported him countless times, believed in him—but now, after barely more than a year, those simple workers had been completely brainwashed and swayed by the corrupt winds blowing in from Hong Kong capital.

After fifteen seconds, Wang opened his eyes, revealing a look of stoic resilience.

"I'm willing to reconcile with the Hong Kong side, quickly resolve the workers' misunderstandings, and repay the bank's interest within three days at most."

"You still want to be factory director?"

The person on the sofa sneered: "Why don't you go out right now and hold a public election? See how many still support you as factory director."

(End of Chapter)

genius xdingdian