Chapter 109: It's Unjust If Things Don't Go Well

Cai Yang had previously received a call from Elder Hu, who expressed a desire to establish a strategic cooperation agreement with his Jingyuan Shipping to become allies.

Cai Yang, now in his fifties, held great respect for the industry's elders. He flew directly to Yebai to inspect Yamei Group and, incidentally, to see the current state of this former maritime hegemon.

He had originally thought that if Yamei Group's strength was sufficient, he would turn a blind eye and sign the cooperation agreement, funneling the endless orders from his company to Yamei Group.

This would also serve as a way to repay the kindness of a mentor from years past.

After arriving at The Group in Yebai, Hu Yuebin hosted a banquet to welcome him.

However, Cai Yang did not expect that after the meal, Hu Yuebin would neither take him to the docks to see the ships nor to inspect the company's current situation. Instead, he took him on a one-stop tour of bars, KTVs, and nightclubs.

Cai Yang finally understood what kind of person Hu Yuebin was. He wondered what sins Elder Hu had committed in his past life to have such a son. Yet, he still wanted to give Elder Hu some face.

"President Cai, how was it today?" Hu Yuebin asked after the day had ended.

"Hmm, President Hu, your arrangements were very thoughtful, and I had a good time."

A proud expression appeared on Hu Yuebin's face. The women he had found for Cai Yang today were all rare beauties he had scouted, delicate and soft. Cai Yang's legs must be weak by now; how could he not have had a good time?

"President Hu, let's talk business."

"I won't look at the ships, and I won't go to the company. I have three questions for you."

"President Cai, please go ahead." Hu Yuebin waved his hand, clearing out all the bystanders.

"How much do you know about Yamei Group's customer base?"

"Uh... well, I just took office, so I only know a little." Hu Yuebin began to frown. Documents regarding this issue were gathering dust in his folder; he had never looked into them deeply, but for the sake of his pride, he had to answer this way.

"Very well. Then, President Hu, for your second question: what are your thoughts on Yamei Group's current system and operational methods?"

"I don't have any thoughts on it; I feel it's fine." Hu Yuebin believed that he couldn't dampen his own spirit in front of Cai Yang, lest people think that Yamei Group had already collapsed.

"What are Yamei Group's future development plans?"

"There are no plans for the moment; we'll just continue as usual."

After asking these three questions, Cai Yang had his answer. Hu Yuebin was nothing more than a playboy who knew nothing about business or maritime transport. He understood nothing about the enterprise's customer base, had no objective view of its current situation, and had no concrete plans for its future. Even if Elder Hu were here, he could not agree to sign a strategic cooperation agreement with Yamei Group. Signing would merely be adding a burden to himself.

Cai Yang smiled and nodded at Hu Yuebin. "President Hu, I have a general understanding of the situation. Thank you for your hospitality, but I must fly back tonight."

"President Cai, what about the cooperation…" Hu Yuebin, seeing Cai Yang get up to leave, hurriedly asked.

"I will provide Elder Hu with an answer after I return."

Upon hearing this, Hu Yuebin nodded in satisfaction. He had brought out all his secret stash of women today; how could this cooperation not succeed? It would be absolutely unreasonable if it didn't!

Immediately after, he called his father to say that he had successfully completed his task.

...

Jinxiu Group.

Zheng Qian was invited by Xu Shuyun to attend a board meeting. As the second-largest shareholder of Jinxiu Group at this stage, it would not be appropriate for him to be absent.

Between the various analysis reports from executives and the myriad of proposals, Zheng Qian felt as though he had returned to his high school days, listening until he felt drowsy and lightheaded.

"President Xu, I feel that our Jinxiu Group currently faces many problems."

"That's right, President Xu. If we really want to reform, we must take it one step at a time."

"President Xu, I don't oppose Jinxiu Group's reform, but I must remind you: if it's too radical, I fear it will prove counterproductive."

The proposals currently made public were relatively radical, and several veterans voiced their objections, urging Xu Shuyun to be more conservative. The main concern was that once these new proposals were adopted, they would necessitate the introduction of new technologies and, subsequently, new talent, which would gradually undermine their positions and lead to their replacement. No one wanted to see themselves lose their livelihoods in middle age.

Xu Shuyun sighed inwardly; she knew it would be like this. Even though her father had told them to assist her properly, it had little effect. As the saying goes, "If one does not act in their own self-interest, they are doomed."

"President Zheng, which of these reform proposals do you think is suitable for the current stage of Jinxiu Group?" Xu Shuyun's question snapped Zheng Qian to attention.

"Chairwoman Xu is naturally brilliant; as long as you approve, I approve." Zheng Qian's implication was that although he held equity in Jinxiu Group, he did not wish to participate in the internal affairs of the company. As long as he stood on Xu Shuyun's side, things would be much easier for her. If the Chairwoman and the major shareholder both agreed to proceed, who was a mere employee to disagree? Moreover, Xu Shuyun had long nurtured ideas about reforming Jinxiu Group and likely already had a plan in mind; it was not appropriate for him to intervene.

Zheng Qian's words gave Xu Shuyun an idea.

"From today on, you are not to address me as 'President Xu.' My current title is Chairwoman. Do you understand?" Xu Shuyun declared firmly.

If she wasn't tough, the opposition from this group would only grow louder, ultimately jeopardizing the reform.

"Since President Zheng has approved, I will speak boldly: I select Plan B, and it will be implemented starting today."

As soon as Xu Shuyun finished speaking, the company veterans and numerous executives looked at one another, murmuring in discussion. Plan B was the most radical of all the proposals, and it carried the highest risk. Yet, what could they say? The Xu family was in charge, and now there was this "Zheng number two" who had parachuted into the company.

After the meeting, Xu Shuyun proposed treating Zheng Qian to a meal to express her gratitude.

"President Xu, there's no need for that. I don't know much about the building materials or timber industries. I support whatever you decide to do. If it loses money, then so be it; it's no big deal."

Unexpectedly, after Zheng Qian finished speaking, Xu Shuyun's Favorability toward him immediately increased by 5 points, reaching 65.

"Then I must treat you to a meal even more. Besides… I also have some things I'd like to discuss with you." Zheng Qian frowned, unsure of what Xu Shuyun was up to. In the end, he agreed.

Around 5:00 PM, Zheng Qian left the company early and arrived at a shopping mall to meet Xu Shuyun. In truth, Xu Shuyun regretted having let Zheng Qian meet her father last time. It had been fine before they met, but after meeting Zheng Qian, her father had been relentlessly urging her to develop a romantic relationship with him. Every day, the first thing he would say when they met was to ask about her progress with Zheng Qian; even if they didn't meet, he would call her to ask. The problem was that Xu Shuyun couldn't ignore his calls, which was very annoying. When her father had questioned Zheng Qian last time, Zheng Qian had been noncommittal. Therefore, today, in addition to thanking Zheng Qian for his support at the board meeting, Xu Shuyun also wanted to probe his true attitude toward her.