The Jiangyang Agricultural Machinery Factory was buzzing with overtime work, with workers and equipment operating at full capacity.
Zhao Tao felt a surge of satisfaction. "Wang Yu, Wang Yu," he mused, "if you had gone into cars, I would truly have no recourse, as you lack the production license. But to venture into agricultural machinery? Hah! In this arena, our factory is the undisputed leader!"
He saw this excellent technology in Wang Yu's hands as a waste. Bringing it to his own agricultural machinery factory was precisely the opportunity to rise to prominence. Perhaps by crippling the car factory, he could then smoothly acquire the car production license.
As he thought this, Zhao Tao's gold-rimmed glasses seemed to gleam even brighter.
...
The Jiangyang Automobile Factory was equally busy.
For an entire afternoon, Wang Yu had been non-stop, signing supply and sales contracts with various suppliers, big and small.
He personally finalized all the intricate details, both to prevent any deception and to familiarize himself with the factory's operational processes.
After negotiating with Wang Yu, the manufacturers all pledged to immediately increase their production and send all the materials.
Even Lu Fangquan from the hardware factory, who had previously been obstinate and insisted on full repayment, finally wavered.
There was no alternative; Wang Yu was offering too much! After deducting the outstanding debts, the remaining portion of materials needed for Wang Yu's numerous orders would see a thirty percent price increase, promising substantial profits. Everyone knew the automobile factory had been dragged down and fallen into decline because of that engine project. Now that the engine project was halted, if the factory could recover this time, the chances of a miraculous comeback and complete turnaround were high.
Everyone in the market knew that cars were a rare and coveted commodity; selling them was hardly a problem. This was also why so many suppliers had been willing to extend credit to the automobile factory before. Who wouldn't want to nurture a hen that lays golden eggs? And now, here was real money being put on the table!
Consequently, everyone eagerly signed the contracts, fearing Wang Yu might change his mind if they delayed.
Correspondingly, the hundred thousand yuan deposit from Wu Lingling was entirely spent, every last cent! This made everyone at the automobile factory feel a pang of heartache – so much money, and it had barely warmed their pockets before being disbursed!
"Little Factory Director," a voice began, "increasing the purchase price of all parts by thirty percent to offset our debts is understandable, as we already owe them. But why did you specifically sign contracts stipulating this price for the next three years?"
After all the suppliers had left, the employees, unable to contain their curiosity, finally spoke up. Li Ming, the old director who had dedicated years of effort to the factory, was particularly distressed. However, since Wang Yu had made a promise in front of everyone, they couldn't openly contradict their factory director, lest it appear as internal squabbling.
"Yes, Little Factory Director!"
Feng Daochun, the head of the sales department, also frowned. As the sales manager, he was sensitive to prices and costs. "Although your new designs for our 'Hope' series of agricultural machinery have reduced various costs, the selling price isn't high, and the profit margin is slim. It was manageable before with our debts, as paying them back is only right. But if we continue like this, we might not make much profit in the end!"
"Exactly!" everyone chimed in.
Wang Yu didn't respond to their concerns, merely smiling slightly. "Don't worry. I want to secure the supply channels. Didn't Zhao Tao poach our distribution channels? Well, I'll get a grip on the supply chain. Let's see what he does without parts."
"But is it necessary to raise prices by thirty percent for the next three years? Won't we be taken for a ride?"
"Don't worry. Three years can change many people and things. You'll understand then."
Wang Yu's gaze deepened, and he said no more. Seeing this, the others could only fall silent. After all, he was the boss, and his word was law.
Wang Yu then turned his attention to Wu Lingling, grateful for her timely intervention that had eased many of his troubles. While his original plan would have worked, the cash flow would have been tight.
"Heh heh, why are you looking at me like that? I've put in all my savings. We're in this together now. Besides, I'm out of money, so you'll have to arrange for my food and lodging!" Wu Lingling said with a grin, as if discussing something trivial.
"Alright, we're in the same boat. But thank you for your trust. Wow, a hundred vehicles! I still feel like I'm dreaming. And you didn't even negotiate. As for food and lodging, that's easy. Come over to my place for dinner tonight. I'll showcase my cooking skills." Wang Yu replied with a smile. This woman had great foresight. Despite such a large order, she hadn't haggled. It seemed she lost out, but in return, she would gain much more.
Remembering he had to pick up his sister from the hospital, Wang Yu decided to invite her over for dinner as well.
"It's a deal! I'm eager to taste Little Factory Director Wang's cooking!" Wu Lingling's eyes curved into beautiful crescent moons. As they walked away chatting, the car factory employees were left behind, utterly bewildered.
"Uh... is this considered Little Factory Director Wang dating?" someone asked hesitantly after a long silence.
"I wouldn't say so. She's a major client who placed such a large order. It's only right for Little Factory Director Wang to host her warmly!"
"If you could bring in such a huge client, I'd call you 'dad'!"
"Pah! I don't have a son as old as you!"
...
"Honestly, I feel like I'm dreaming. Is our factory really going to make it?" Someone pinched their cheek, still disbelieving.
"But about that thirty percent price increase, will there be any problems?"
"We have to trust Little Factory Director Wang. If he says it's okay, then it's okay!"
"..."
Amidst the murmuring, the old director, Li Ming, stepped forward, his face stern. "Alright, enough of this chatter! All you grown men, why all the loose talk? Get back to your posts and get to work! Including the previous forty-seven orders, we now have one hundred and forty-seven vehicles! Without this move from Little Factory Director Wang, where will the parts and materials come from? Hurry up and put in overtime, or all our efforts might be in vain!"
The old director's words made everyone snap to attention. That was right; if this resulted in Little Factory Director Wang's efforts being wasted, they would be the sinners! Indeed, with nearly a hundred and fifty vehicles ordered, an unprecedentedly large order, the material supply would be tight! Looking at it this way, Little Factory Director Wang was quite brilliant!
Muttering amongst themselves, everyone scrambled back to their respective positions to get to work.
...
While everyone was busy, Wang Yu and Wu Lingling had already arrived at the county hospital. Under the doctor's kindly instructions, they completed the discharge procedures for Wang Yu's sister, Wang Ling.
Wang Ling, recovering and discharged, was in excellent spirits. Seeing Wu Lingling accompanying Wang Yu, she became like a happy little bird, chirping incessantly. She even pulled Wu Lingling aside and peppered her with questions. Both their names contained "Ling," creating a sense of serendipitous connection, a feeling of having met too late.
Well, that was just Wang Ling's perception. In Wang Yu's eyes, Wu Lingling was simply entertaining her, treating Wang Ling, who was still like a child, with her usual magnanimity and generosity. Wang Ling was completely outmatched.
Upon returning home, a two-bedroom, one-living-room apartment was considered quite good for that era. The automobile factory had its own staff housing, and Wang Yu, having been temporarily appointed factory director, had been allocated a decent place.
After instructing Wang Ling and Wu Lingling to rest, Wang Yu grabbed a basket and headed out to buy groceries. The kitchen hadn't been used for several days, so fresh ingredients were a must. Riding his "28-inch" bicycle to buy food, Wang Yu suddenly missed the electric scooters of his past life – convenient, traffic-free, economical, and environmentally friendly. The only drawback was that, at this time, due to the limitations of battery, motor, and other supporting technologies, even if he could draw the design blueprints, he couldn't manufacture them! Therefore, he decided to first produce fuel-assisted bicycles to open the market, and then gradually improve and optimize. Yes, before long, electric bicycles would...
Boom!
A huge explosion suddenly interrupted Wang Yu's thoughts.