Anyone with a discerning eye could tell that the debt slip and the purchase orders previously provided by Tang Guo were a huge trap, specifically set for Zhang Liunian.
Fortunately, the culprit, Tang Guo, had fallen into the clutches of the law. He trusted that with the diligent efforts of the police, justice would soon be served.
"Xiao Qian, you're back at just the right time. Come on, let's go visit some factories." After reviewing the documents, Zhang Liunian looked up, saw Zhang Qian return, and immediately got up to take him to meet the ten factory owners.
These ten factories were considered second-rate in the provincial capital, their scale not very large. Their main sales channels were supplying and delivering goods to some newly emerged private businesses.
Cooperation with places like the provincial department store or supply and marketing cooperatives was beyond their reach.
Therefore, when these ten factory owners suddenly received the news that the owner of the department store wished to meet them, they all put down their work to attend the appointment.
Seeing all ten factory owners present, Zhang Liunian smiled, introduced himself, and then explained his purpose.
"The department store only came into my possession last week. The day before yesterday, I encountered quite a few problems right after taking over. I imagine you might have heard something about it. The reason for inviting you today is quite simple: I want to establish cooperation with you."
Zhang Liunian had no intention of beating around the bush; he spoke frankly.
As soon as he said this, all ten factory owners present showed joy on their faces. They all stood up to express their willingness to cooperate with him. Only one person always seemed a beat behind and was not very expressive.
Cooperation with the department store was an opportunity that only first-rate factories in the provincial capital could obtain. For emergent factories like theirs, very few people were willing to collaborate with them.
At this moment, the owner of the largest department store in the provincial capital, Zhang Liunian, expressed his desire to cooperate with them. This was a heaven-sent opportunity they naturally could not miss.
"Boss Zhang, please rest assured, we will definitely focus on quality, price, and timeliness. We will absolutely not disappoint you."
"We will also cooperate well with you and strive to make money together."
"Boss Zhang, from now on, we will follow your lead. If you tell us to go east, we will never go west."
"That's right, we will listen to you from now on. As long as we can make money and prosper with you, we will do whatever you ask."
"Yes, yes, we are all very happy to cooperate on this. We will absolutely offer the highest quality at the lowest price."
"..."
These ten factory owners were also quite capable. Seeing Zhang Liunian approach them for cooperation, they immediately expressed their willingness to submit to Zhang Liunian and recognize him as their leader.
Although Zhang Liunian did not wish to be a leader, no one would dislike such an attitude.
However, thinking of Zhu Lao San's personality and way of handling things, Zhang Liunian still wanted to give them a heads-up.
"Don't pledge your loyalty too early. Today, you must have heard about the department store's situation. If you cooperate with me, you might face threats and intimidation from Zhu Lao San. Are you prepared?"
Zhang Liunian wasn't looking down on them; he was reminding them of the enemy they would face by cooperating with him.
Given how arrogant Zhu Lao San was in front of the police today, he was likely not someone to be trifled with in the provincial capital.
If they sided with Zhang Liunian, Zhu Lao San would not be lenient.
The ten factory owners had naturally heard some news, as the events at the department store that morning had caused quite a stir.
They were also well aware of Zhu Lao San's notorious reputation.
"Boss Zhang, are you looking for us because you no longer plan to cooperate with Zhu Lao San?" a short man wearing glasses, one of the ten factory owners, suddenly asked.
Zhang Liunian followed the voice and saw that this man was the one who was always a beat behind. "That's correct."
Upon receiving confirmation, the man fell silent.
He knew the extent of Zhu Lao San's influence in the provincial capital. He had heard that Zhu Lao San's four brothers were all formidable characters. The eldest was reportedly in Hong Kong, the second in a lawless territory, and the fourth was the leader of the largest gang in the provincial capital.
Offending Zhu Lao San would be an understatement to describe as disastrous, which was also why Zhu Lao San did not seem to care about the police.
"Zhu Lao San? Is that the Zhu Lao San from Lao San Food Factory?"
"The third brother of the Hu Long Gang leader?"
"..."
The other factory owners also calmed down and voiced their questions.
They were all small factories, and if they truly went up against Zhu Lao San, they would undoubtedly lose.
The previously joyous atmosphere instantly plummeted to freezing point.
The ten factory owners fell into thought, while Zhang Liunian remained calm.
However, from their words, he had gleaned a piece of information: Zhu Lao San was connected to the provincial capital's underworld, with his brothers being gang leaders.
It was no wonder that when Zhu Lao San wanted something done in the past, he could summon a crowd with a wave of his hand.
It seemed more trouble awaited him ahead.
"Boss Zhang, do you have a way to help us avoid this trouble?" the short man with glasses asked again.
He cast a hopeful gaze at Zhang Liunian, believing that since he had mentioned this, he must have a solution.
Zhang Liunian did indeed have a way, but it depended on whether these people were worth his help.
"There is a way, but it depends on your sincerity. Otherwise, it would be useless for me to say it," Zhang Liunian said, not wanting to be burdened by trouble. If they did not unite with him, he would certainly not go through the effort.
"We sincerely want to cooperate with Boss Zhang. How do you think we can show our sincerity? Please, just tell us." The short man spoke again.
The others also began to agree and express their approval.
"Boss Zhang, whatever ideas you have, please tell us. We will definitely follow through."
"We will also maintain secrecy and will not spread it around."
"If you don't believe us, we can swear an oath."
"We can also sign a confidentiality agreement with you."
"..."
Seeing their sincere expressions, as if they genuinely wished to cooperate with him, Zhang Liunian's gaze swept over them calmly. Seeing no hidden intentions, he spoke again.
"There are two methods. The first is for your factories to be bound to me; I can invest and take controlling stakes. The second is for me to find an intermediary company to cooperate with you, and then the intermediary company will sell to me. This way, your risks will be reduced."
Zhang Liunian knew which of the two methods they would choose: it would undoubtedly be the second. This method carried no risk, and they could still maintain complete control over their factories. Most people would choose this.
However, to be frank, the first method was actually the best for small factories like theirs.
As for Zhang Liunian, the second method was the most trouble-free, and he was happy for them to choose it.
As he had predicted, after Zhang Liunian presented the two options, they indeed favored the second method.
"I choose the second one."
"I choose the second one too."
"The second option."
"I choose the first one."
"..."