After two days of turmoil, Zhao Tao kept his word and, without a second thought, unconditionally replaced the frames of all the problematic vehicles. He also gave each person a substantial red envelope.
Old Qin and the other farmer brothers were very satisfied with this and left.
However, because they had wrongly accused Wang Yu before, several farmer brothers specifically went to his place to apologize. They admitted they had been deceived this time and vowed to recognize the trademark in the future and not be tricked again.
Wang Yu didn't say much about this. Instead, he smiled and offered them a free maintenance check for their vehicles.
Yes, that's right. He took the opportunity during the maintenance check to add shock absorption devices to prevent similar situations from happening again.
Although he competed with business rivals like Zhao Tao, he wouldn't sacrifice the interests of the common people.
This wasn't about being a saint; it was about lending a hand when he could.
As for other things... he could only leave it to fate, hoping that Zhao Tao would continue to be as generous with compensation as he was this time.
...
Slap!
Zhao Tao delivered a resounding slap to Liu Wenming's face.
This caused the "surrendered general," whose hair was always meticulously styled, to clutch his head and stagger, rolling over.
"I spent a lot of money to poach you, and you pulled this stunt on me!"
Zhao Tao, furious, pointed at Liu Wenming and roared. Before him lay a row of broken metal frames.
These were the discarded frames he had replaced earlier.
Despite Zhao Tao's calm and composed demeanor on the surface, he was heartbroken in private!
It was a huge sum of money!
"Factory Director Zhao, that was an accident, just an accident!"
Liu Wenming mumbled, covering his swollen cheek.
"I've already inspected it thoroughly. The vehicles themselves have no issues. The problem arose with the supply of these frames!
At the time, we were forced by Wang Yu to use parts purchased from out of town, which caused this problem."
Liu Wenming explained, appearing wronged.
"I also didn't discover that this batch of frames was substandard. However, now that we're using supplies from the Metallurgical General Factory, this problem won't occur."
Hearing Liu Wenming's assurance, Zhao Tao's expression softened slightly, and he snorted.
"It's a good thing I had the foresight to connect with the Metallurgical General Factory and asked Director Fang to intervene."
As Zhao Tao spoke, he cupped his hands in greeting to someone beside him.
It was Fang Zhongtian, with his lecherous demeanor, greedy gaze, and a large mole on his long face.
He was currently lounging with his legs crossed, with Du Yujuan, Wang Yu's former class flower and now someone with a close relationship with Zhao Tao, nestled in his arms.
Fang Zhongtian's hands roamed over Du Yujuan as he spoke smugly, his smile so lecherous it nearly showed his back teeth.
"Little Zhao, since you've found me, of course, I can't refuse to help. Don't worry, with me, Fang, here, the Metallurgical General Factory will supply you.
Not only will they supply you, but I'll also guarantee the lowest price!"
Hearing Fang Zhongtian's promise, Zhao Tao beamed. "Thank you for your trouble, Director Fang. Don't worry, I'll still order parts at market price and settle the fees. As for the excess, Director Fang, you can arrange it as you see fit."
"Heh heh, Little Zhao, what you're saying... it's not my money, but I'm helping you navigate the connections. You understand?"
"I understand, I understand!"
Zhao Tao quickly nodded with a smile, then looked at Liu Wenming. "Now that the parts quality issue is resolved, if you mess up again, I'll skin you alive!"
"Understood, understood! Factory Director Zhao!" Liu Wenming bowed subserviently, then hesitated. "But Factory Director Zhao, I heard that Jiangping Machinery Industry Company is also developing this type of new agricultural vehicle. Should we accelerate our efforts to seize the market?"
Upon hearing Liu Wenming's words, Zhao Tao sneered. "Does that even need to be said? Once this new product is launched, competitors will inevitably imitate it. Jiangping Machinery Industry Company is strong and naturally wouldn't let this opportunity pass.
However, we have the first-mover advantage. Before they can get it done, by speeding up and monopolizing the market, we won't have to worry!
Notify all production workshops to work overtime at full capacity, and then reduce the price by 2000 yuan. Inform all sales and supply channels to increase their resource reserves. I want to be everywhere, and make that boy Wang Yu regret it!"
Hearing Zhao Tao's words, Liu Wenming quickly showered him with praise. "Factory director is wise and farsighted. I'll go arrange it now."
"Hmph! As if I needed you to tell me? Go arrange it quickly!"
After dismissing Liu Wenming, Zhao Tao sneered, "Wang Yu thought he could defeat me with such petty tricks? Overestimating himself!"
"Heh heh, he's just a clown making a fuss. Why should Factory Director Zhao take him too seriously? Your vision needs to be broader! After we merge the automobile factory, our goal is to grow bigger and stronger, and go national!"
Fang Zhongtian said to Zhao Tao, while caressing Du Yujuan beside him, he casually added, "Look, perhaps tonight we should..."
Hearing this, Zhao Tao's face immediately broke into a sycophantic smile.
"Director Fang is right. My vision needs to be broader. Tonight, I'll host a simple meal, and then we can..."
...
"Your vision needs to be broader, don't just focus on Zhao Tao."
Wang Yu playfully teased Feng Daochun with a smile.
He had just offered advice on using this opportunity for a publicity stunt to let everyone know about the agricultural machinery factory's quality issues.
However, Wang Yu had directly stopped him.
Putting aside that such behavior was beneath him, information flow was relatively limited in this era. It was difficult to attack someone through public opinion, and it would be more of a loss than a gain.
This wasn't like thirty years later, where a trivial matter could make headlines by buying hot searches.
"What we need to do now is more important."
Wang Yu said with a smile, addressing the various cadres present at the meeting.
"I've decided to expand our factory."
Expand?
Hearing Wang Yu's words, everyone was slightly stunned, then started whispering among themselves.
Although surprised, it seemed to be within reason.
Not long ago, the factory was heavily in debt and on the verge of collapse.
But under Wang Yu's leadership, in a short period, they had developed several amazing products, and their market reception had been excellent. As a result, the production workshops were now working overtime every day, extremely busy.
Therefore, expansion was indeed inevitable.
However... it felt somewhat unreal.
It was like going from being a beggar on the brink of starvation to a landlord whose granaries couldn't hold the grain, and now considering adding more granaries.
"Little Factory Director, expansion is indeed imperative." Old Director Li Ming hesitated before speaking.
"But shouldn't we proceed a bit slower? Steadily?"
"Yes, we still have external debts to repay."
"And if we expand, personnel, land, equipment – all aspects require significant funds. If we expand rashly, a small scale won't be effective, but if the scale is too large, won't it affect our current capital turnover?"
Old Ma from finance also raised concerns.
"Heh heh, we'll solve both these issues together."
Wang Yu revealed a mysterious smile.
"I have a new idea."