"From what I know of you, President Pei, you haven't saved much money during your years at the Pei family.
You own no property, only a car that's two years old and has already depreciated. You partnered with Gu Wei to start a company, but it only broke even last year... As a woman, you have to buy cosmetics and bags, so I imagine you're not flush with cash... Are you sure you want to give me this much? Can you afford it?"
Pei Kexin found this person increasingly capable, to have investigated her financial situation so thoroughly.
"Little Jiang, besides delivering food, are you also moonlighting as a paparazzi reporter?
Are you acquainted with everyone of note in the Nancheng business district? Not only acquainted, but you've dug up dirt on all of them? To expand your business, I find you quite professional."
Zhan Jingchen was unfazed by her sarcasm, even proud of it.
"Knowing your enemy and yourself means you will win a hundred battles. President Pei, you must understand this principle better than I do."
A stinking delivery guy, claiming to know me and himself... If you give him an inch, he'll take a mile.
"Enough with the nonsense. Sign this payment receipt, I'll give you the money, and we'll be even from now on."
She took another document from her bag, which she had pre-written, and tossed a pen to Zhan Jingchen.
Zhan Jingchen's gaze lingered on the pen for several seconds before he flicked it away and casually picked up the contract.
After a brief glance, he grabbed the pen and signed it.
"Remember your words today. I hope you don't regret them later. Pei Kexin, you didn't cherish me when I pursued you. When you come looking for me again, things won't be said this way."
With that, he dropped the contract and pen and stood up straight.
"I'll settle the bill. Stay for tea before you go. I hope everything goes smoothly for you next, my dear, ex-wife."
Pei Kexin sat in the tea room and transferred the money to Zhan Jingchen in installments before leaving.
She didn't realize until she started transferring the money how little she actually knew about her business partner.
It turned out his real name wasn't Jiang Jingchen, but Zhan Mouchen.
His surname was Zhan...
Pei Kexin regretted her haste in choosing him back then.
Everyone was busy going to work.
Going downstairs and sitting in the car, watching the hurried people outside, she felt unaccustomed to being idle.
After some thought, she decided to visit the Pei Corporation again before her resignation procedures were fully completed.
After all, it was the old man's life's work and a place where she had strived for years.
The old man had shown her immense kindness; she couldn't just abandon it.
She quickly drove to the company and, familiar with the way, went to the office of the Vice President of Sales.
The assistant, seeing her enter, was quite surprised and hurried in after her.
Pei Kexin sat down at her desk and looked at the empty tabletop.
"I didn't come to work yesterday. Did anything significant happen?"
The assistant hesitated for a moment before saying, "Human Resources issued a new document."
Pei Kexin knew it was about her without even hearing the content.
"What did it say?"
The assistant replied, "You've resigned..."
Pei Kexin lifted her eyelids and looked at her assistant. She had been with her for three years, and she truly couldn't bear to part with her.
She smiled and comforted her assistant.
"Weren't you mentally prepared? Don't be like this. I'm just resigning, not dying. Has the new Vice President of Sales been confirmed?"
The assistant pondered for a moment before saying with a heavy heart.
"Not yet. But I heard a shareholders' meeting is about to be convened, and they intend to nominate Zong Rui for Vice President of Sales."
Although not entirely suitable, it was understandable.
After all, Pei Corporation was the Pei family's business, and they held the largest share, giving them the most say in appointments.
"Alright, when the new vice president takes office, work diligently with him. You've been here a long time and are proficient in everything. As long as you perform well, you won't be mistreated."
The assistant looked a bit worried, "President Pei, what about you..."
"I'm not going anywhere for now. I haven't rested in a long time, so I'll take a break. I'm fine, and perhaps things will be even more relaxed and carefree in the future. Don't overthink it."
After chatting for a while, Pei Kexin asked if the assistant had anything else. The assistant handed her several documents.
"This morning we received several customer complaints. I didn't know what to do."
"The sales manager for East China has been dealing with an old client, Longchang Power. They suddenly sent a document stating there were product quality issues and demanded a return. Moreover, they have objections to our prices, saying that the prices of many raw materials have been falling recently. If we don't adjust the prices for them, they will terminate our business relationship."
Pei Kexin frowned, "Isn't Longchang Power an old client? We've always had a good cooperation. We received advance payments, and the final payments were always settled amicably. Why is there such a major conflict all of a sudden?"
The assistant said, "The regional manager said he has already communicated with them. Their explanation is that firstly, there are indeed quality issues with our products, and secondly, the market conditions are unstable, and their company's cash flow is slow, leading to liquidity problems..."
Pei Kexin said, "The price we offered them is the lowest among major clients in the entire East China region. Don't they know if it can be adjusted further? Illiquidity isn't a reason to threaten clients, what kind of explanation is that?"
The assistant said, "The regional manager suspects that their procurement department has made contact with new sources of clients. Someone is engaging in malicious competition and driving down prices, which is why they are picking faults with us."
Pei Kexin agreed, it was highly possible.
This kind of price-cutting and client poaching through malicious competition was all too common in the business world.
However, the products Pei Corporation sold to Longchang had limited substitutes, so she couldn't immediately figure out who was poaching clients.
"Call the regional manager and ask him to probe Longchang's stance, and find out who their new cooperation partner is. I'm curious, who is so desperate to compete with us."
The assistant nodded, but then lingered.
Pei Kexin asked, "Is there anything else?"
"Yes, from Harbin. You just returned from a business trip, and it should have been fine, but today they also reported unstable product quality and said that according to the contract, they will withhold part of the final payment, otherwise, they won't cooperate with us again."
"And Guanghua Holdings in South China. We had agreed yesterday for them to order five thousand sets of product 45737 with an advance payment, but today they suddenly said they don't want it anymore..."
It was normal for one company to want to terminate cooperation, but three consecutive companies, one of which she had personally provided after-sales service for, could not help but arouse suspicion.
Pei Kexin asked the assistant to leave and personally called the purchasing manager of the Harbin client. After a polite exchange, the purchasing manager, who had a good impression of her, gave her a general idea.
"There are more than just your company in Nancheng that has a reputable brand and large scale. Others offer lower prices and more comprehensive services than you in their contracts. If it were you, what would you choose?"
Pei Kexin understood.
Their newly contacted client was from Nancheng.
But there were no companies in Nancheng that could serve as substitutes for Pei Corporation's products.
Or perhaps, some other company had been quietly developing, and Pei Corporation was unaware of it?