Du Mosheng's words left everyone in shock.
Wang Yu was the chairman he mentioned?
This was impossible! How could such a powerful figure show him so much respect?
Did they mishear? Or was it more likely that their relationship was reversed?
"You guys talk too much! He is the chairman of our Engine Industry Association."
Du Mosheng looked at the people from the bicycle factories coldly, his face full of impatience and displeasure.
These self-proclaimed clever individuals still thought they were so great.
How could the market for mere fuel-assisted vehicles compare to the vast national and even global markets for cars and engines?
They were like a donkey sticking a leek in its nose, pretending to be a big elephant. They really thought too highly of themselves!
"Engine Industry Association? What is that? I've never heard of such an association. Is it some fly-by-night organization?" the "kidney deficiency" man blurted out almost instinctively, then immediately realized his mistake and began to bow and scrape to Du Mosheng.
"Director Du, Director Du, please forgive me. I didn't mean you!
I meant that this association, being so obscure to me, must be a very remarkable and excellent one!"
The "kidney deficiency" man wore a smug expression. Fortunately, he reacted quickly, spotted the problem, and immediately stepped forward to mend it. He had managed to smooth things over and perhaps even gain some favor with the powerful Du Mosheng.
Unbeknownst to him, his actions were akin to patting a horse's leg instead of its back. Du Mosheng was already very unhappy about joining this Engine Industry Association.
But because Wang Yu held the core technology, he had no choice but to yield. Under his mediation, this engine association was established, and they joined it.
Moreover, with their current cooperation and unity, they could break free from the supply sanctions imposed by Island Country, no longer needing to endure their disdainful looks and saving a significant amount of expenditure.
At the same time, they could use their combined resources to develop overseas markets, chip away at Island Country's business, and make a fortune, all while feeling triumphant and exhilarated.
Therefore, no matter how unhappy Du Mosheng was and how reluctant he was to join the so-called Engine Association, in the face of profit and dignity, he still said with great conviction... "It's truly worth it!"
Of course, such matters could not be discussed openly. Thus, this "kidney deficiency" man had inadvertently insulted Du Mosheng, essentially beating someone while they were down, and speaking ill of someone in front of their peers...
How could Du Mosheng not be angry?
"Get lost! I'm talking about you trash! You have no skills, only imitation, and you specialize in crooked ways!"
He kicked the "kidney deficiency" man far away, his face contorted with rage.
"Old Du, what's making you so angry?"
A teasing voice called out. The newcomer was none other than the head of Beifeng Automobile Factory, followed by a group of people, all responsible individuals from various automobile and machinery companies.
They had also been invited to this banquet.
Seeing the sudden arrival of so many people, including many whom they looked up to, the representatives from the bicycle factories immediately fell silent.
Why would so many influential figures be gathered here?
Hadn't they heard that provincial authorities were going to mediate the relationship between Wang Yu's car factory?
Why were so many forces and personnel present now?
"It's nothing, just a bunch of people who don't know their place."
Du Mosheng shook his head, then looked at Wang Yu.
"Let's go, Chairman! The banquet is about to begin!"
"Alright, that's fine." Wang Yu nodded and then left with the people from his car factory.
Only the representatives of the eight major bicycle factories remained, looking at each other in bewilderment... It seemed things were spiraling out of their control!
Wang Yu also didn't seem as easily manipulated as they thought!
...
After a considerable delay, the banquet finally began.
In the spacious banquet hall, ten tables were set up for food and drinks.
The attendees of the banquet were primarily those who had previously had conflicts and disputes with Wang Yu.
These included representatives from major vehicle manufacturing plants, machinery companies, and the bicycle factories.
Because of the conflicts and disputes among them, the authorities couldn't stand by and watch, so they stepped in to mediate and maintain harmonious relationships.
As for why so many tables were set up... well, weren't the mediating government officials also considered people?
Did they not understand the meaning of "relevant personnel"?
*Ahem!*
In any case, a large group of people gathered, creating a spectacular scene.
Seeing that everyone had arrived, the host, Jianghan City's administrator Yu Chengyang, stood up first and delivered some welcoming and courteous remarks.
Then, several other provincial government officials also came forward to speak.
Indeed, they all spoke briefly, without any particular order of speaking...
After the group of esteemed officials had each said a few words, nearly two hours passed. Then, the food was served, and the clinking of glasses commenced.
Wang Yu, holding his wine glass, exchanged pleasantries with everyone present, giving the impression of burying the hatchet.
Although he disliked such social events, he understood the need for outward appearances.
"I say, Xiao Wang, it wasn't that big of a deal to begin with. Can we just let this matter go?"
Under the personal leadership of Yu Chengyang, Wang Yu and the heads of the eight bicycle factories sat together, looking at each other.
"I know they put pressure on you before, and that was wrong. But didn't you subsequently release all your fuel-assisted vehicle technology to their competitors? That also caused them losses..."
A government official was pontificating.
However, Wang Yu directly and impolitely interrupted him.
"Leader, that's not how it works!
The technology is mine. I didn't force them to take it. I'm free to give my things to whomever I please.
They forcibly demanded that I hand over the technology, and now they want to hold me accountable for their losses? Isn't that a case of the pot calling the kettle black? Is there any sense of justice? Even if I argued until the sky turned blue, I would still be in the right!"
Wang Yu said without reservation.
"Nonsense, we didn't acquire your technology for free. Those technology transfer fees..."
"Don't talk to me about those paltry technology transfer fees. Everyone knows who is right and who is wrong!"
Wang Yu snorted coldly.
"You..."
"Enough!"
Administrator Yu Chengyang directly interrupted,
"Let's resolve this issue completely today and not dwell on the past!
Wang Yu, give me some face now."
"Heh heh, then I'll give the administrator some face. Another hundred million from each of them, and this matter will be settled. I can also guarantee they will receive subsequent upgrade and update technical support."
Wang Yu chuckled, which was met with the fury of the opposing group.
"Are you joking? Another hundred million? Aren't you robbing us blind? Subsequent upgrade and update technical support? Who wants your junk?"
Seeing the anger radiating from the bicycle factory representatives, Wang Yu calmly smiled, "Robbing? Where's the convenience in that?"