100: Chapter 100 Zhang Wei in Despair

"Unfair competition has appeared in the market recently, with some new companies attempting to disrupt things with low prices."

Zhang Wei stood at the front of the meeting room, struggling to maintain his composure.

"But let me tell you, the advertising industry ultimately relies on creativity and service quality, not price. Xingchen has fifteen years of history and has served thousands of clients. This isn't something a newly established small company can compare to."

He scanned the employees. "To reward your loyalty, everyone will receive an extra 500 yuan bonus this month. As long as we work together to overcome this difficulty, the year-end bonuses will definitely not be small!"

Sparse applause broke out.

The employees exchanged glances, each calculating their own interests in their hearts.

...

Soon, Cao Kun's Shining Radiance Company had been open for over a month.

Shining Radiance's poaching operation entered its second phase.

Wang Lei began contacting Xingchen's top ten clients.

This time, Cao Kun personally took action.

He arranged a meeting with one of Xingchen's major clients.

The meeting place was chosen at an upscale cafe.

Cao Kun didn't come alone; he also brought Liu Chaopeng and several sets of proposals created by the design team.

"Director Li, I know Xingchen has served your company for five years, and the cooperation has always been pleasant."

Cao Kun got straight to the point. "But business cooperation is about cost-effectiveness. These are three preliminary design proposals we've prepared for your company's next seasonal product launch; you can take a look first."

Director Li took the iPad and began scrolling through. Her expression gradually shifted from cautious to surprised.

The quality of these design proposals was significantly higher than the work Xingchen had recently submitted.

"President Cao, these designs... are indeed excellent, but on Xingchen's side..."

"I understand, the trust built through long-term cooperation is very important." Cao Kun smiled.

"So we aren't asking your company to immediately terminate your cooperation with Xingchen."

"We only hope for a chance at fair competition. For the next season's product promotion project, both we and Xingchen will submit complete proposals, and your company can choose the best one."

He paused and added, "Furthermore, regardless of which firm you choose, Shining Radiance's quote will be lower than Xingchen's. If you choose us, I promise the design team will be personally led by Director Liu."

Liu Chaopeng timely handed over his resume.

He had won several advertising design awards and had considerable renown within the industry.

Director Li was clearly tempted.

Three days later, 'Youjia' Home Furnishings announced a public tender for their next seasonal project, and Shining Radiance became the only invited bidding company besides Xingchen.

When the news reached Zhang Wei's ears, he was on the phone with Li Bin from Xuefen Food.

"Manager Li, our cooperation has always been pleasant. Why the sudden need to re-evaluate advertising providers?" Zhang Wei struggled to keep his voice calm.

On the other end of the phone, Li Bin's tone was businesslike. "President Zhang, the company has its processes. Xuefen plans to expand its market share this year, and with the advertising budget increasing, it's natural to re-evaluate suppliers. It's not just you; several other partner companies will also participate in the bidding."

"But Manager Li, although we've just started working together, hasn't the cooperation been quite pleasant?"

"Pleasant? Then why did Mr. Cao, who signed the contract with us, and Manager Ji suddenly resign and stop coordinating with me?"

Zhang Wei was momentarily speechless.

Li Bin continued.

"It's only because the cooperation with your company has been decent that I'm even taking your call. I'm telling you, we will have a bidding meeting on the 5th of next month. You can come and try then."

The call disconnected.

Zhang Wei stared at his phone, his face turning ashen.

Su Hongliang asked cautiously, "President Zhang, regarding Xuefen..."

"Bidding! They actually want us to bid!" Zhang Wei slammed his phone onto the desk.

"It must be Cao Kun and Ji Guangli's doing. After all, they were the ones who signed Xuefen in the first place."

Zhang Wei gnashed his teeth. "Damn it, those two pieces of trash must be pulling strings behind the scenes!"

Over the next two weeks, Xingchen lost two more major clients. The company's cash flow began to show signs of strain.

The advertising industry usually has credit terms. Losing clients meant a reduction in expected income, but fixed costs still had to be paid.

Zhang Wei was forced to take emergency measures.

He cut administrative expenses and even considered layoffs.

Once he did this...

Panic immediately began to spread through the company.

One afternoon, Zhao Ming, a senior designer at Xingchen, knocked on the door of Ji Guangli's office.

Shining Radiance had rented half of the 17th floor of an office building. Though not large, the decor was modern and the atmosphere relaxed.

"Manager Ji, I... I want to work at Shining Radiance," Zhao Ming said directly. "I've been at Xingchen for eight years and I'm currently the Deputy Director of the design department. But the company's recent situation... I'm very worried."

Ji Guangli didn't answer immediately but looked closely at Zhao Ming.

"Your design skills are indeed good, but our current design team is already at full capacity."

Ji Guangli knew Zhao Ming reasonably well.

Disappointment appeared on Zhao Ming's face.

"However," Ji Guangli's tone shifted, "we are preparing a new digital marketing department. If you are willing to transition and can bring some client resources with you... we can talk."

Zhao Ming's eyes lit up. "I have experience in digital marketing too! I was responsible for several of Xingchen's social media projects last year. As for clients... I've been maintaining Yuedong Sports Goods..."

Three days later, Zhao Ming officially joined Shining Radiance, taking one of Xingchen's major clients with him.

This incident became the straw that broke the camel's back.

A wave of resignations began within Xingchen.

First it was two salesmen, then a senior copywriter, then an accountant from the finance department...

Zhang Wei tried to retain core employees with raises, but the company's financial situation no longer allowed for significant salary increases.

He could only paint a rosy picture, promising generous rewards once the company got through the crisis.

But the employees weren't fools.

In industry circles, news of Shining Radiance poaching from Xingchen had already spread, and everyone could see that Xingchen was on a downward trajectory.

...

Another month passed.

Xuefen Food's bidding meeting was held as scheduled.

Zhang Wei personally led the Xingchen team, presenting a meticulously prepared proposal.

They not only lowered their quote but also promised to add several value-added services.

On Shining Radiance's side, Cao Kun and Ji Guangli attended together.

Their proposal was impressive in everything from creativity to execution details, and their quote was 10% lower than Xingchen's.

Three days after the bidding meeting ended, Li Bin personally called to notify them of the result.

"President Zhang, after a comprehensive evaluation, the company has decided to award the advertising cooperation for the next quarter to Shining Radiance," Li Bin's voice was calm. "We will pay all outstanding amounts according to the contract."

Zhang Wei's hand holding the phone trembled. "Manager Li, can you tell me why? Our quote was already very low, and our understanding of the Xuefen brand should be deeper..."

"President Zhang, Shining Radiance's proposal was superior in both creativity and execution details."

Li Bin paused. "And to be honest, the price they offered was indeed more competitive. It's a business decision; I hope you can understand."

After the call ended, Zhang Wei sat blankly in his office for a full hour.

The loss of Xuefen meant that Xingchen had lost the majority of its clients.

More importantly, once this news got out, other clients would also start to waver.

...