Ah Wei followed Song Qiao out of the Poverty Alleviation Office, completely bewildered. Though he didn't understand Song Qiao's maneuvering, his admiration for his boss was boundless.
He knew how long government approvals usually took, and he was amazed that Song Qiao had handled everything so perfectly in just half an hour. He had even managed to befriend the director of the Poverty Alleviation Office.
"Boss, where do we go next?" Ah Wei's voice was filled with excitement. This was the kind of "social maneuvering" he dreamed of, dealing with influential figures instead of wielding knives and fighting alongside thugs, which was so uncouth.
"To the Town Government. Director Pan wasn't it that asked us to find Town Chief Liu You?" Song Qiao was in high spirits.
...
The two of them rushed to the Town Government without delay.
"Are you the entrepreneurs Director Pan introduced, here to set up a factory?" Liu You greeted Song Qiao and Ah Wei warmly at the entrance, his Mandarin carrying a distinct local accent.
Seeing them arrive, he respectfully ushered them into his office and brewed a pot of his prized tea, which he usually reserved for himself. It was clear he had received Director Pan's call and was prepared for their arrival.
This was the first time in years that someone was establishing a large factory in their town. Most people always built their factories in the city, leaving the town's urban villages to watch with longing.
Song Qiao shook Liu You's hand politely and said, "We intend to open a food processing plant in town. This is the approval slip from Director Pan." He then gestured for Ah Wei to hand over the documents Director Pan had prepared to Liu You.
Liu You took the documents, glanced at them, and looked up, asking Song Qiao with surprise, "You're opening a processing plant for tofu-based food products?"
Song Qiao nodded and chuckled, "That's right. The Xiang Piaopiao stinky tofu in the city is my business. I plan to improve it, process it into vacuum-packed food, and sell it nationwide."
"Then Boss Song is truly fortunate," Town Chief Liu exclaimed with delight.
"We happen to have a tofu processing plant in town. It went bankrupt last year due to poor business, and the factory is still under government control."
"Many workers in town became unemployed because of this factory's closure."
"The town has been deeply troubled by this matter."
Song Qiao's eyes lit up at this. What he lacked were skilled workers. If he could directly take over this factory, it would save him a lot of trouble, and even some machinery issues could be resolved immediately.
He quickly said to Town Chief Liu, "If I can use this factory, we can help the town solve the problem of laid-off workers by re-employing them all in the processing plant."
Town Chief Liu was overjoyed, marveling at how this Boss Song, a successful businessman, understood his implied meaning after just a slight hint. Moreover, he agreed without hesitation, demonstrating a decisiveness that was rare.
"Then shall I take you for a tour?" Liu You was clearly eager.
"That would be very kind of you, Town Chief Liu."
Song Qiao politely replied, got up, and followed Liu You to the tofu processing plant.
On the way, Town Chief Liu hesitated for a moment and said to Song Qiao, "Although Boss Song seems interested in this factory, the rent..."
Song Qiao smiled slightly, not playing coy, and stated directly, "The 200,000 for six months that I discussed with Director Pan still stands."
Liu You's regard for Song Qiao grew even higher. This magnate was truly the town's god of wealth! As long as he was kept here, his own political achievements would surely be noticed by his superiors.
After about a fifteen-minute walk, the somewhat rusty characters "Shunxin Tofu Processing" came into Song Qiao's view.
"Don't mind the dilapidated exterior; the machinery inside has been well-preserved. Much of it can likely be used directly," the Town Chief explained hastily, perhaps fearing Song Qiao might be put off.
"That's fine, let's take a look inside." Song Qiao wasn't overly concerned and walked straight into the factory grounds.
Seeing Song Qiao return, Liu You breathed a sigh of relief and gestured for Ah Wei to follow.
As soon as Song Qiao entered the workshop, a strong smell of machine oil hit his nostrils. He immediately went forward and lifted the plastic sheeting covering a machine.
Town Chief Liu hadn't lied; these machines had indeed been regularly oiled and none showed any signs of rust. Turning to Liu You, he said, "I like these machines, and I'm satisfied with the factory's scale. Let's sign the contract as we discussed."
Liu You eagerly extended his hands and clasped Song Qiao's tightly. "Then I wish us a pleasant cooperation." His voice trembled with excitement.
"Pleasant cooperation!" Song Qiao was also in excellent spirits. This matter had proceeded even more smoothly than he had imagined.
After walking around the factory premises, Song Qiao took out a pen and paper and wrote down the models of the machines he still needed.
"Ah Wei, immediately gather more people and take them to the machinery factories in the city to procure these machines."
"Be quick. If the machines are in place this afternoon, we can start mass production immediately."
"You can get the money from Lin Jing at the shop for now."
Ah Wei was now utterly awestruck by Song Qiao. He had never met such a decisive and efficient boss. He quickly took the paper with both hands and patted his chest, saying, "Boss, rest assured, I guarantee these machines will be here within two hours." With that, he sprinted out of the factory.
"There's one more thing I need to trouble Town Chief Liu with." Seeing Ah Wei leave, Song Qiao turned back to Liu You.
"Boss Song, please state your request. Our government will do its utmost." Liu You seemed swept up by Song Qiao's rapid pace.
"Please gather the laid-off workers from the factory and have them assemble here. If they are capable of the work, we will hire them on the spot."
The Town Chief was a little surprised. He had expected Song Qiao to postpone this matter, but he was bringing it up today. These laid-off workers had been idle since the tofu factory closed, losing their source of income, and the town had been worried about this for a long time.
"Boss Song, please wait a moment, I'll go do it now."
"I guarantee that the workers will be ready to start before your machines arrive." The Town Chief agreed, turned, and headed to the town's broadcasting room to announce for the workers to gather quickly.
Song Qiao nodded with satisfaction, also pleased with Liu You's attitude. Perhaps in the future, he could consider increasing his investment in the town.