But the mainland merchants were different. Most of them were from Pengcheng, and were even native residents. Did they not know what the consequences of clashing with Hong Kong merchants would be?
No, they knew, but they wouldn't bother. They only cared about the immediate struggle for profit.
"We agree with you on this point. As Pengcheng develops, our trade routes and our lives will only get better.
But the Hong Kong merchants and mainland merchants only care about fighting for power and profit, and ignore these matters. It makes me so angry.
If you could eliminate both merchant associations, that would be even better," Zhang Ya said, filled with indignation at the mention of it.
"You think too highly of me. Eliminating two merchant associations is not something anyone can do," Zhang Liunian said with a smile, waving his hands, not daring to take on such a task.
"You don't need to worry. This is not an additional condition. We are just expressing our thoughts. No matter what you do, as long as they behave themselves and don't continue to hinder our construction progress, that will be enough." Comrade Sun's good impression of Zhang Liunian increased, and he didn't want to make things too difficult for him.
After all, if he himself couldn't achieve something, how could he reasonably expect others to do it? Wouldn't that be a joke?
Moreover, Zhang Liunian looked young, and he had a strategic vision. Pengcheng needed merchants like him to lead the way.
Thinking of this, Comrade Sun couldn't help but add, "If you can't accomplish this, or if you encounter any trouble, you can come to me. I will help you, and your own safety is the top priority.
Our Pengcheng needs merchants like you and Zhang Ya to lead, not those who are short-sighted and don't consider future generations."
Comrade Sun's words were sincere, and Zhang Liunian felt his concern and value.
"With Comrade Sun's words, I am relieved. I will give you a surprise later." Seeing Comrade Sun's heartfelt concern, Zhang Liunian decided to give him the evidence against Chen Jiayuan and others.
However, to be safe, he still made multiple preparations, ensuring that the evidence would not disappear inexplicably.
"What surprise?"
Just as they were engrossed in conversation, Chen Jiayuan appeared before Zhang Liunian and the others with Manager Ren and the young blond haired man, his two trusted aides.
Zhang Liunian heard this, turned his head, saw Chen Jiayuan arriving, and then stood up, extending his hand to say, "Chairman Chen is here, please have a seat."
Unfortunately, Chen Jiayuan ignored the hand Zhang Liunian extended, walked straight past him, and directly greeted Comrade Sun, completely disregarding Zhang Liunian.
Zhang Liunian was not embarrassed, withdrew his hand, and sat back in his original seat.
"Comrade Sun, long time no see. How have you been?"
Chen Jiayuan, upon seeing Comrade Sun present, was stunned for a moment, then put on a smile.
Comrade Sun's expression was not pleasant; it was only a forced smile.
"Comrade Chen, long time no see." Comrade Sun's tone was flat, giving away no hint of his emotions.
Chen Jiayuan, acting familiar, walked up to Comrade Sun and, in the first exchange, squeezed Zhang Ya to the side, causing Zhang Ya's expression to darken.
"Comrade Chen, your actions have become increasingly arrogant lately." Comrade Sun glanced at his helpful aide Zhang Ya, seeing Chen Jiayuan push him aside, and his expression began to turn unpleasant.
Chen Jiayuan acted as if he hadn't seen it, completely unafraid of him. He smiled and said, "I just want to be closer to Comrade Sun, don't misunderstand me.
Doesn't Zhang Ya see you every day? It shouldn't be difficult for him to give up a seat.
After all, we only see each other every few months. Shouldn't we sit closer to chat and catch up?"
"..."
Comrade Sun was choked by his thick skin. This Chen Jiayuan was truly a tough nut to crack. When it came to being thick-skinned, no one could compare to him. When it came to eloquence, he was also no match for him.
Therefore, every time he met Chen Jiayuan, he left defeated.
His purpose in coming here was to help Zhang Liunian, but whether he could succeed was still uncertain.
"Let's catch up another time. I'm here today because Comrade Zhang Liunian is being suppressed by you. I ask you, is this true?" Comrade Sun was too lazy to waste words with him and directly stated his purpose.
Upon hearing this, Chen Jiayuan looked surprised and said, "How could Comrade Zhang Liunian misunderstand me like this? I haven't suppressed him, nor have I taken action against him.
Where did you get this incorrect information? It's not true at all. You've been deceived by others.
If Comrade Zhang Liunian has truly been suppressed, it would absolutely not be Chen Jiayuan doing it."
This Zhang Liunian is quite interesting, actually finding a savior to help him.
It's a pity that he, Chen Jiayuan, didn't make a move, so it's useless for Zhang Liunian to find anyone.
Thinking of this, Chen Jiayuan couldn't help but cast a smug glance at Zhang Liunian.
"You didn't do it, but your members did." Zhang Liunian raised his eyebrows, exposing his pretense.
He was the chairman of the Hong Kong Merchants Association. To deal with him, all it took was a word. Why would he dirty his own hands?
This method was clear to anyone with eyes. It didn't mean he was not involved just because he said he didn't do it.
Comrade Sun also understood this principle and said, "Don't give me any of that nonsense. Just tell me if the targeting of Comrade Zhang Liunian can end. Give me a definite answer."
Who had the time to play games with him here? They were all busy. If it weren't for Zhang Ya's sake, he wouldn't have appeared here, nor would he have discovered that Comrade Zhang Liunian was a good merchant like Zhang Ya.
"Comrade Sun, aren't you making things difficult for me?
Comrade Zhang Liunian is being targeted and suppressed. He should look for reasons within himself, not from others.
Besides, it's not me who is targeting him, so finding me is useless!
To take a step back, even if my members did it, I wouldn't be able to find out who it was immediately.
You're asking me to give you an answer right away. Isn't that making things difficult for me?"
Chen Jiayuan would not let them stop. He just wanted Zhang Liunian to know that anyone who offended him, Chen Jiayuan, would have no place to stand in Pengcheng.
This Comrade Sun actually wanted him to let Zhang Liunian go. It was impossible.
Comrade Sun's expression darkened, and his eyes were fixed on Chen Jiayuan. This guy was clearly unwilling to give him face. As expected, Hong Kong merchants were difficult to deal with and talk to.
They always considered themselves superior and looked down on everyone.
"It seems that Comrade Chen is unwilling to help Comrade Zhang Liunian," Comrade Sun said coldly.
Chen Jiayuan continued to feign ignorance, "Comrade Sun, what are you saying? How can it be that I don't want to help him? It's just that I can't help him at all. His matters have nothing to do with me.
I can also swear that I have absolutely not dealt with Comrade Zhang Liunian, nor have I asked them to take action. Everything is their own idea and has nothing to do with me.
Matters like personal grudges are not something anyone can interfere with. You all understand this principle, don't you?"