Zhao Guozhu's sudden question left Yang Bo stunned, his mouth agape, unsure what to say.
"Director Zhao, what brings you here? You didn't even give us advance notice!"
Shen Qinggang, the gloomy, tall, and thin middle-aged general manager of the agricultural machinery company, rushed over with a display of enthusiasm.
As the boss of a company that monopolized the entire market, he usually didn't personally greet visitors, nor did he pay much attention to those who came to call. He was known for his arrogance.
However, arrogance had its limits, and even with market dominance, the agricultural machinery company relied on large-scale vehicle manufacturers for their livelihood.
Jiangping Machinery Industrial Company was precisely the kind of entity they needed to curry favor with. Nearly seventy percent of their main products were sourced from Jiangping Machinery!
It was essentially their source of income, a major benefactor!
"Hmm, I just came out for a walk and saw this rather interesting product on the way."
Zhao Guozhu nodded towards the Hope No. 1 agricultural vehicle next to Wang Yu. It turned out he had been drawn by the conspicuous display of Tiger Ge.
"Heh, this is just a product from a small factory trying to get lucky; it wouldn't catch your eye," Shen Qinggang said, smiling fawningly at Zhao Guozhu while simultaneously signaling Yang Bo.
"What are you standing there for? Manager Yang, quickly arrange for someone to escort Director Zhao into the company. Hurry and prepare some tea!"
Yang Bo snapped back to reality, nodding vigorously in agreement.
Getting this big shot into the company would allow them to discuss matters at their own pace, avoiding any potential embarrassment in public view.
"Director Zhao, this way please!"
Yang Bo eagerly tried to invite Zhao Guozhu into the agricultural machinery market, where their office was located.
"No rush!"
However, Zhao Guozhu didn't fall for the diversion and stopped Yang Bo with a gesture.
"I believe your name is Yang Bo, correct?"
"Yes, Director Zhao, you still remember me. We spoke last year when we met at the factory conference."
Yang Bo nodded and bowed repeatedly, a demeanor that made Tiger Ge scoff, "Tsk, such a sycophant."
But after being nudged by someone nearby, he realized Zhao Guozhu was a significant figure and dared not be as arrogant as before, only muttering under his breath.
Seeing Tiger Ge's reaction, Wu Lingling couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle. It seemed her Tiger Ge wasn't much better.
Back when he was acting all high and mighty outside the car factory, after being thoroughly beaten and berated by Huang He, his posture wasn't much different from Yang Bo's now.
"En, let's not dwell on past matters. First, tell me where this appraisal report came from?"
Ignoring Yang Bo's attempts at ingratiation, Zhao Guozhu cut straight to the chase.
"This..." Yang Bo intended to hide the appraisal report he held, but Zhao Guozhu simply spread his hands and said sternly,
"Hand it over!"
"I... Yes!"
Yang Bo reluctantly handed the appraisal report to Zhao Guozhu.
This was not only because Zhao Guozhu was a major benefactor his agricultural machinery company needed to appease, but also because he was the chairman of the Mechanical Industry Association!
Taking the appraisal report, Zhao Guozhu flipped through it page by page, his expression growing increasingly serious with each turn.
"Nonsense! Utter nonsense!" Looking at the contents of the report, Zhao Guozhu's face turned extremely grim.
"The entire report is garbage. Much of it is subjective speculation, as if they've never even seen this vehicle! The only genuine content is the seal!"
Zhao Guozhu's face was ashen as he stared intensely at Yang Bo. "Who issued this report?"
"This..." Yang Bo appeared troubled, glancing at Shen Qinggang and then at the surrounding crowd.
"Director Zhao, perhaps we should discuss this in the office first," Shen Qinggang attempted to smooth things over.
"No, this matter needs to be clarified, otherwise, the reputation of our Mechanical Industry Association will be ruined!"
Looking at the onlookers, who all wore expressions of casual enjoyment, and then at Wang Yu, standing calmly with a faint smile on his lips, Zhao Guozhu knew that this issue had to be resolved, both for official and personal reasons.
"This... Yes, Director Xia Ping issued it for me." After much hesitation, Yang Bo, seeing he couldn't refuse, hesitantly spoke a name.
"Xia Ping? How dare he?"
Zhao Guozhu was taken aback, then raised the appraisal report in his hand towards the crowd and announced loudly, "Everyone, this report is not an official appraisal from our Mechanical Industry Association. I apologize for the improper conduct of some members of our association!"
As he spoke, he walked over to Wang Yu and bowed to him solemnly.
"My apologies, Factory Director Wang!" Zhao Guozhu said to Wang Yu. "My subordinate was incompetent and caused a minor issue. Please do not take offense."
Seeing Zhao Guozhu personally bow to Wang Yu, the crowd erupted in murmurs.
Such a high-ranking figure actually bowing and apologizing to such an unknown young man!
This was truly a spectacle!
Conversely, it also reflected the broad-mindedness and upright character of this influential figure!
Truly worthy of being the general manager of Jiangping Machinery Company, the leading enterprise in the province; his demeanor was admirable!
Wang Yu, this young man, what virtue or merit did he possess to receive such a personal apology from this magnate? It was indeed a stroke of incredible luck, something he could boast about for a long time!
"Oh, is that so? I accept your apology."
However, Wang Yu's reaction was beyond everyone's expectations.
Instead of the expected humility or overwhelming gratitude, he simply nodded as a matter of course, even standing there casually and accepting Zhao Guozhu's bow.
What a joke!
The magnate is showing you respect, and you're not returning it? Utterly clueless!
This was the sentiment of everyone present.
Even Tiger Ge, who was on Wang Yu's side, looked at him anxiously.
"Brother, you need to give the magnate an out!"
Otherwise, if he decided to make things difficult for us, we wouldn't be able to handle it!
Only Wu Lingling remained silent, her large eyes twinkling with amusement.
"Thank you for your understanding, young man."
Zhao Guozhu didn't seem to mind and nodded slightly at Wang Yu, who accepted it without hesitation.
He hadn't panicked at all when Yang Bo produced that appraisal report. His vehicle had already passed the relevant national reviews, and the opponent's appraisal was clearly fabricated.
If he were to pursue legal action, he would win without a doubt.
It was just that people of this era lacked sufficient awareness of their rights, even to an extreme degree, and simply hadn't considered that option!
This was precisely why Zhao Guozhu had first sought to confirm the origin of the appraisal report!
Upon confirming that the report indeed originated from his side, he immediately lowered his stance and apologized to Wang Yu.
Wang Yu didn't want to escalate the matter, as his factory still needed to develop gradually.
Moreover, lawsuits in those days were very time-consuming and energy-intensive endeavors, so he readily accepted Zhao Guozhu's apology.
Frankly speaking, the matter was now settled. Both Wang Yu and Zhao Guozhu understood this perfectly.
"Wait! Director Zhao, you said this vehicle has no problems?"
The customer who had requested a refund suddenly spoke up.
"That's right, not only does it have no problems, it's incredibly excellent and advanced!" Zhao Guozhu praised without reservation.
"Ah? In that case, uh... young man, I won't return the car anymore!"
The customer turned to Wang Yu, and the other two did the same, looking at Wang Yu with eager anticipation.
Since this important figure personally vouched for its quality, they wouldn't be losing money but rather making a significant profit!
After all, at a price of 19,800, they wouldn't find such a bargain even with a lantern!
"Oh? Not returning it?" Wang Yu said with a playful smile. "I'm very sorry, but as I mentioned earlier, since you all agreed to return the car, you will no longer be eligible for the discounted price."
"Therefore... the price has now increased!"