In an office filled with the aroma of tea, Qin Chuan, Liu Dongqiang, Shang Honglian, and Wen Changqing sat around a tea table, chatting while enjoying their drinks.
Among the four, everyone except Shang Honglian was a seasoned veteran, embodying shrewdness in their dealings and possessing vast knowledge, which contributed to a harmonious atmosphere for conversation.
One shouldn't underestimate conversation; it's a true crucible that tests a person's emotional intelligence.
Those who can speak well and are adept at observing others often achieve more and navigate society better than those who are taciturn and lack emotional intelligence.
"So, you're saying that the Shen Dun storage cabinets that Boss Liu is currently providing to your esteemed institution are priced at an average of six hundred yuan?" Qin Chuan asked with a smile.
To further solidify his relationship with Wen Changqing, the Shen Dun storage cabinet served as the perfect opening gambit, as the product had a connection to all three men.
"Around that, yes. I haven't calculated it precisely," Wen Changqing replied. "Our Tsingbei University has already ordered over a thousand units from Boss Liu."
Liu Dongqiang chimed in at the opportune moment, "Indeed. Tsingbei University is definitely my biggest client right now, and Director Wen is my god. I must hold on tight, lest someone snatch them away!"
This flattery pleased Wen Changqing immensely, causing a slight smile to appear on his face, though he responded, "God or no god, we've always had an equal partnership, mutual assistance! Mutual assistance!"
Qin Chuan mused for a moment before saying, "Six hundred yuan is indeed a very fair price, falling within our market pricing range."
"However, given that Tsingbei University is such a significant client, our electronics factory always offers benefits and discounts to major customers like yourselves."
"Boss Liu, how about this: let's reduce the price of each storage cabinet by fifty yuan."
Liu Dongqiang nodded with a smile, "That's no problem at all!"
A fifty-yuan reduction per unit might not seem like much, but for a thousand units, the total amount was substantial – a full fifty thousand yuan.
In today's society, fifty thousand yuan was no small sum. Even for someone of Wen Changqing's standing, if he were to rely solely on his salary, he would barely earn that much in a year.
Upon hearing this, Wen Changqing quickly waved his hands in agitation, "Boss Qin, how can this be? It's not acceptable!"
"Director Wen!" Qin Chuan pressed down Wen Changqing's gesturing arm and smiled, "This is truly a welfare discount from our factory for major clients. Please don't overthink it."
Wen Changqing's eyes flickered. Having navigated the complexities of society for many years, he knew that Qin Chuan wouldn't offer such a substantial benefit without a reason; it wasn't pure generosity.
As the saying goes, merchants are driven by profit. There must be an ulterior motive.
"Boss Qin, if you have something to say, please do. If what you seek goes against my principles, then let's just have a simple cup of tea today," Wen Changqing finally stated.
As these words fell, a fleeting glint flashed in the depths of Qin Chuan and Liu Dongqiang's eyes.
There's an opening!
"Director Wen, your straightforwardness is much appreciated. I enjoy dealing with people like you the most!" Qin Chuan offered another brief compliment.
"It's like this. I believe this matter is also a good thing for Tsingbei University."
With that, Qin Chuan swiftly and sincerely recounted his plan to establish an MP3 laboratory.
"Currently, our laboratory is ready for everything, just waiting for the opportune moment!"
"If we can achieve cooperation with Tsingbei University, it will be a mutually beneficial endeavor."
"Especially since, at my laboratory, I've invested heavily to bring in four renowned research experts from America. Each of them possesses profound knowledge and skills that many domestic scientists lack."
As he spoke, Qin Chuan exuded a sharp aura, his pair of jet-black eyes becoming incredibly deep.
"Nowadays, in our country's technological sector, due to various pressures, we've all witnessed firsthand how difficult it is for entrepreneurs and research teams to survive."
"Since these individuals have come to our country, we absolutely cannot let them easily make money and then leave!"
"If we don't extract every last drop of their expertise, it would be our greatest failing as Chinese citizens!"
"Director Wen, you and I are both Chinese citizens. Especially someone like yourself, who understands the dynamics at higher levels more clearly, you should understand what I'm saying, shouldn't you!"
Wen Changqing's expression shifted between colors, as if Qin Chuan's words had profoundly impacted him.
In fact, they had!
Qin Chuan's words truly struck a chord with Wen Changqing.
As the Director of Academic Affairs at Tsingbei University, he was undoubtedly one of the most informed individuals about the current national situation.
Due to constant suppression, the development of China's technological sector had always been arduous, with issues concerning high-end technology and chip supply deeply troubling everyone.
For this reason, countless individuals had gone to great lengths, attempting to break through with sharp ingenuity, but almost all had failed.
What moved Wen Changqing the most was that Qin Chuan, a mere businessman, had considered this.
He was indeed a director at Tsingbei University and adept at social graces, but first and foremost, he was a scholar.
Qin Chuan's words resonated with him.
"If Tsingbei University is willing to cooperate with our laboratory, then all the technologies learned by these elite mentors and students will, in the future, be returned to the nation, contributing to our country's technological advancement."
"I guarantee with my personal integrity that in the future, we will not restrict any of them!" Qin Chuan added at this point.
Some might argue that an MP3 has little technological significance, but one must understand that progress is made step by step, and technological breakthroughs are a gradual accumulation.
When you are hungry, even the most humble piece of coarse bread can be life-saving.
It's like clearing levels in a game; only after overcoming each small challenge can you face the final boss.
Who can guarantee that an intelligent scientist won't be inspired by the multimedia electronic product that is the MP3 and subsequently solve greater scientific problems?
"How many people do you need?" Wen Changqing asked.
"Director Wen, you agree?!" Qin Chuan, overcome with excitement, immediately grasped the man's hand, repeatedly expressing his thanks, "Thank you! Thank you!"
Liu Dongqiang and Shang Honglian, seated beside them, also wore pleased expressions.
Wen Changqing looked at the excited young man before him, a rare admiration shining in his eyes.
"They say merchants are only after profit, but Boss Qin, you've given me a different impression!"
"Our country truly needs talents like you right now. If all businessmen were like you, possessing such strong patriotic sentiments, I believe our nation would be even more prosperous and strong!"
These words made Qin Chuan feel a bit embarrassed, and he shyly replied, "Director Wen, you flatter me!"
"My idea is simple. While I'm able to earn money, if I can also help others, I'm willing to contribute my humble efforts."
"Haha!!" Wen Changqing burst into laughter, "A fine humble effort indeed! Rest assured, your laboratory matters are on my shoulders!"
"I will definitely help you select a professional research team, and we will have a perfect collaboration!"