Qiu Jie, his face grim, appeared before Qian Guotao with a large entourage, directly obstructing him.
"What is it? Vice President Qiu?"
Qian Guotao tilted his head, looking at his subordinate and old rival.
"President Qian, are you too hasty in deciding to mass-produce a product from this kid?"
Qiu Jie stared coldly at Wang Yu and Qian Guotao, his expression one of deep displeasure. His gaze was like that of a venomous snake, slippery and unnerving, making one feel deeply uncomfortable.
Unlike Qian Guotao, who represented the reformist faction, Qiu Jie was an unyielding conservative. He had always opposed Qian Guotao's actions, constantly obstructing him and even trying to force him out. In his eyes, Qian Guotao was simply making a mess of things.
"What is it? Didn't we sign a guarantee agreement before?"
Qian Guotao snorted at Qiu Jie. He was just as annoyed with Qiu Jie as Qiu Jie was with him.
To get Qiu Jie to agree to the Super Bus project's initiation and collaboration with Wang Yu, they had signed a mutual guarantee agreement.
Qian Guotao had to guarantee the profitability of the Super Bus project. If it failed to generate profit and incurred losses, he would have to resign! Conversely, if the Super Bus project did become profitable, Qiu Jie would have to resign. Their rivalry had reached a point of mutual destruction.
Now, seeing the finished product Wang Yu had brought, Qian Guotao was filled with confidence. Such an excellent item... He wasn't a fool, and the market customers weren't blind. Once mass-produced and launched, it would undoubtedly become a blockbuster product that would explode in the market! This would not only save the declining performance of the Bus General Factory but also ensure that the conservative Qiu Jie would disappear from his sight, allowing him to proceed with bold reforms of the Bus General Factory.
"It's true that we signed a guarantee agreement, and I did agree to the Super Bus project's initiation," Qiu Jie said slowly, his eyes narrowing, his tone incredibly irritating.
"But as Vice President, it is my duty to pay attention to the project's execution process, don't you think?
"And unfortunately, I personally believe there are significant issues with this trial product, posing serious safety hazards and quality problems. Therefore, it needs to be reported, and experts arranged by higher authorities need to review it. So, President Qian, you cannot arrange mass production now; we must wait until the review is complete."
Qiu Jie's words left both Qian Guotao and Wang Yu speechless.
Could a person be so shamelessly brazen?
Qiu Jie had initially agreed to the project, but now, seeing the actual product brought by Wang Yu, he likely felt he had lost for sure. So, he resorted to outright lies, fabricating quality and safety issues to demand a review?
Damn it, by the time the review was over, who knew how long it would be?
Wang Yu immediately understood. He had encountered such situations in his past life. This method of tripping someone up was a blatant scheme, a slow grind, a gradual drag. Many capable people were eventually worn down by a group of incompetent individuals. Cough!
"Nonsense, you've already agreed to the project's execution, so stop interfering!"
Qian Guotao was furious. He naturally understood Qiu Jie's game. His so-called agreement was merely a word game!
"Let me tell you, I personally tested this vehicle, and there are absolutely no problems. It must be mass-produced immediately. If there are any issues, I will bear all responsibility! I, Old Qian, will take all the blame and punishment.
This bus must be mass-produced today, no matter who tries to stop it! You, Qiu Jie, are only a Vice President!"
Qian Guotao spoke decisively, his tone filled with absolute resolve!
He knew that this project had to be forcibly initiated now. Otherwise, once it was stalled, the subsequent stages of review, planning, research, and discussion would take so long that the Bus General Factory might collapse before it could be implemented!
Therefore, Qian Guotao was determined to push through the Super Bus project for mass production at all costs, overcoming all objections!
"Heh, I am just a Vice President, and indeed, I cannot make the final decision. But I have already reported to higher authorities, and someone who can make the decision is coming."
Qiu Jie chuckled and pointed towards the entrance behind him. A group of people walked in.
They were all white-haired, wearing glasses, and looked like expert scholars.
"This is..."
"An expert evaluation team sent from higher up."
Qiu Jie's face showed the triumph of a successfully executed scheme. "As soon as this kid drove the car into the factory, I submitted the request for review and evaluation to higher authorities. The reason I was talking so much with you earlier was to stall for time, waiting for these experts to arrive."
Upon hearing Qiu Jie's words, Qian Guotao's face changed drastically. He hadn't expected Qiu Jie to act so quickly!
Given the usual style of those old fellows, once the so-called evaluation and review began, it would take at least several months to go through their process. If there were any special circumstances or objections, the entire process would have to be repeated. By the time it was officially approved for mass production, who knew when that would be! He feared it would be too late!
Helpless... yet also helpless! Because this was the tragedy of a state-owned factory. They enjoyed the resource advantages that came with their status but were also bound by corresponding rules and regulations!
He had been a step too slow in his actions, a misstep leading to a cascade of errors!
He should have kept Wang Yu's arrival a secret from the very beginning!
Qian Guotao sighed helplessly and then cast an apologetic glance at Wang Yu beside him. He noticed Wang Yu's peculiar expression, as if he were struggling to contain something.
Indeed, this young man was outstanding in every aspect, but to be outmaneuvered by Qiu Jie in this way, he must have been extremely unwilling.
Alas!
"President Qian, Vice President Qiu, is this the product your Bus General Factory is preparing to initiate production for?"
The leading old man among the expert team, exuding a scholarly aura, greeted Qian Guotao and the others warmly.
"Yes, that's right."
Unlike the pale-faced Qian Guotao, Qiu Jie was beaming with pride. He eagerly stepped forward to greet them. "It's been a while, Elder Zhou. You look more radiant than ever!
I didn't expect higher authorities to assign you! Perfect, please review and verify it thoroughly. Our President Qian, for some reason, has been misled by some unknown young whippersnapper and insists on launching a bus project, even arrogantly calling it a 'Super Bus project.'
And he, President Qian, obstinately pursues this course of action. As Vice President, I am powerless and can only implore you experts to conduct a thorough review."
With his words, Qiu Jie placed himself in the role of a wronged individual acting solely for the public good, while portraying Qian Guotao as the stubborn and unreasonable leader, deceived by a young punk like Wang Yu.
"Is that so?" After hearing Qiu Jie's words, the old man, Elder Zhou, chuckled. "No need for a review. We'll approve it directly."
"Ah? What?"