Zhao Guozhu's face was not the only one contorted in embarrassment. Xia Ping and the others beside him knew exactly how to describe their feelings.
It was probably like knocking over a jar of soy sauce, right? A mixture of emotions!
Their own people seemed to have acted like a clown, awkwardly showing off in front of Wang Yu.
"President, do you think we should continue..."
After a long silence, Bai Yanbing looked at Zhao Guozhu hesitantly.
"Don't panic, I have my own plans." Zhao Guozhu's brow furrowed.
As he spoke, Wang Yu had already seen Captain Miao Wanli off and returned to sit with them.
"I am extremely sorry, President Zhao." Wang Yu couldn't remember how many times he had said this.
"It's nothing." Zhao Guozhu was a big shot after all, his composure was impeccable, and his smile remained. "Regarding joining our Machinery Industry Association..."
"President Zhao, if you have something to say, please don't beat around the bush. Let's get straight to the point. Why do you keep asking me to join the Machinery Industry Association?"
Not wanting to continue this evasive conversation, Wang Yu spoke directly to Zhao Guozhu.
"Alright, since you're asking so directly, I won't hide anything from you."
After a moment of silence, Zhao Guozhu spoke, "Are you aware that Qing Lu Group is investing and building a factory in our province?"
"Yes, I've heard about it before," Wang Yu replied calmly.
He didn't mention that he had visited Qing Lu Group's production base before and had some minor friction there. Otherwise, Xia Ping would have likely stirred up more trouble.
"Yes, they are a large multinational industrial group spanning several countries, with very strong corporate power. Even if our local enterprises unite, we might not be their match."
Zhao Guozhu said with a heavy expression, "If they weren't strong, they wouldn't be coming here. Their arrival will create a very strong impact on our market."
"And then what?" Wang Yu asked calmly. He knew such things were inevitable.
As someone from the future, he naturally knew about the wave of closures of small and medium-sized factories in this era. Opening the doors to the world also meant facing the impact of overseas competitors with more advanced technology and stronger capital.
Against this backdrop, the vast number of small and medium-sized factories, products of the old planned economy system, would be eliminated one by one.
In fact, the signs were already there. Nearly half, or even more, of the factories in Jiangyang County were either shut down or on the verge of bankruptcy.
"Then, naturally, it will have a very significant impact and shock on us. Our future will become increasingly difficult," Zhao Guozhu said seriously.
"So?" Wang Yu asked calmly.
He didn't believe this big shot had traveled all the way to Jiangyang County just to give him a political lecture on future trends.
"So we need to stick together for warmth. The upcoming East Continent Industrial Expo will be our chance for a comeback. At that time, members of our Machinery Industry Association will attend uniformly, pooling all our connections and resources to showcase our best products and achieve more impressive results."
"This way, we can attract more strong support, such as loans or subsidies from the local government..."
"I'm sorry, President Zhao."
Wang Yu interrupted Zhao Guozhu's passionate speech unceremoniously.
He thought Zhao Guozhu had some innovative ideas, but it turned out to be the same old trick, relying on local support and handouts, and perhaps even resorting to certain protectionist measures.
Of course, this was also the tactic of many large local enterprises, which would be called "zombie companies" in the future.
And Wang Yu finally understood why they were always trying to recruit him. Frankly, they were after his technology and wanted him to work for free.
It seemed that Zhao Guozhu had good foresight, at least recognizing his uniqueness.
That's why he came specifically to recruit him to help the so-called Machinery Industry Association achieve outstanding results at the upcoming East Continent Industrial Expo.
Tsk tsk... the plan was quite clever. He would do the work, and they would reap the benefits.
The problem was, why wouldn't he choose to participate himself? Why should he represent their Machinery Industry Association?
Wang Yu looked at Zhao Guozhu and the group behind him.
"I don't think I have such high aspirations or a broad perspective. I just want to run my small factory well," Wang Yu said to Zhao Guozhu, trying to figure out how to refuse politely.
"One million!" Zhao Guozhu said directly. "Representing our Machinery Industry Association at the Industrial Expo, we can support your factory with a one-million interest-free loan. You can repay it over five years."
This time, it wasn't just empty promises; it was concrete benefits.
An interest-free loan, repayable over five years, was practically free to use!
At this time, one million was no small sum!
However...
Wang Yu chuckled. Just one million!
Although his factory wasn't earning that much yet, he was confident it would soon.
"Two million!" Zhao Guozhu raised the offer again, seeing Wang Yu remain unmoved. "If that's not enough, then five million—in cash!
Don't be too greedy. All the factories in Jiangyang County, except for the Metallurgical General Factory, don't have a combined five million in liquid assets."
Zhao Guozhu almost roared, "Furthermore, I'll help you break through the channel blockade by the agricultural machinery company and the department store! What do you say? This is something money can't buy for ordinary people!"
Hearing Zhao Guozhu's words, Wang Yu was slightly moved. It was clear he had investigated the current situation of Wang Yu's factory, and the conditions offered hit the nail on the head.
Five million was indeed a substantial sum. With this money, Wang Yu could directly complete the factory expansion, add more production lines, and develop more product types.
Most importantly, breaking the channel blockade by the agricultural machinery company and the department store would save him the effort and time of building his own channels.
Rather than engaging in cat-and-mouse games with them, it was better to dedicate more time and energy to developing and researching new products, leaving them far behind.
"What do you say? Young people need to be pragmatic," Zhao Guozhu said with a triumphant smile, seeing the hint of hesitation on Wang Yu's face.
"Look at those people from before. At most, they are just small individual businesses amusing themselves and playing at a small scale.
Real power is held by a minority. Joining us will make you one of that minority. Otherwise, you can only become an enemy!"
After finishing his speech, Zhao Guozhu clasped his hands under his chin, looking confidently at Wang Yu, awaiting his reply.
"President Zhao, you say that power is held by a minority... That is true, and I strongly agree."
Wang Yu was silent for a moment before speaking. Zhao Guozhu's face immediately broke into a triumphant smile. A wise man knows when to adapt!
"However... I don't want to be that minority!"