BXBX NOVEL Chapter 59 - 59: Tricked by Zhou Chen_l
Deputy Director Fang’s servile and indecisive demeanor was truly vexing. When asking for a favor, he behaved as if he were godly, and had no qualms about stuffing himself when dining. However, when it was time to reciprocate the favor, he would wipe his mouth clean and refuse to commit to anything.
In the circles of Jingcheng, everyone knew Yang Anbang to be a mild and good-hearted man. However, at this moment, Yang Anbang was feeling a bit vexed. It seemed like Deputy Director Fang really did not appreciate kind treatment.
You have to understand that regardless of the era, be it this one or the future, those who cause scandals are typically the offspring of average officials or wealthy individuals. These people rely on the reputation carved out by their parents but subsequently lose their way. They look down on nouveau riche, but in reality, to the descendants of the true red families, they too, are considered nouveau riche.
Why do the descendants of the red families maintain such a low profile? Aside from the state’s intentional information embargo, the crucial reason is that these individuals generally disdain mistreating the public. To the descendants of the red families, pursuing business and politics, maintaining the family’s glory and building their own careers, these are what truly matter.
However, if anyone were to dare block their path forward, the outcome would be plain to see. Those blocking their path would be sent to their graves.
Seeing signs of Yang Anbang’s anger, Nie Zhenbang stepped in to calm him down, attempting to make peace first by saying, “Of course, of course. We can understand why Uncle Fang would act this way, then we will wait for the good news from you.”
“Zhenbang, why are you holding me back? This Fat Fang really thinks highly of himself. Damnit. If it were the old me, I would’ve slapped his face already. He’s talking bureaucracy to me,” huffed Yang Anbang with obvious indignation.
Nie Zhenbang didn’t seem irked at all. He watched Deputy Director Fang’s receding figure, pondering before he said, “Brother, making a move against him now would be the most unwise. If word gets out, you will find yourself in an unfavorable position. If you don’t take a stand, others in our circle might mock you for being weak, claiming that even a vice-minister can walk all over you. However, if you retaliate, it will be far worse. People will say that your business success relies solely on oppressive and arrogant tactics and that you are leaning on your father’s power. The choice is up to you.”
In our circles, no matter how good the relationship is, no one is willing to take orders from anyone else. Unless it’s someone like Liu Kun, who is remarkably clear in stating his position. Usually, people like Nie Zhenbang and Yang Anbang, who have equivalent status, tend to build their relationships to close the distance between them. As long as they’re on the same page, the question of who commands whom would not arise.
Hearing Nie Zhenbang’s words, Yang Anbang calmed down a bit, waving his hand dismissively, “I do not believe that without this butcher Fang, I can’t get my hands on a pig.”
The next day, upon entering the headquarters of Wal-Mart Holdings, Nie
Zhenbang walks in to see Liu Kun chatting animatedly with the receptionist. Nie Zhenbang instructed him, “Kun, go investigate Deputy Director Fang from the Machine Workers’ Committee. I want to know who’s backing him.”
In the official circles, no one would dare to claim they don’t belong to a faction. Even the cleanest and most honorable officials would not dare to state they’re loners. Being alone with no connections is a privilege only an emperor can have. Everyone has their own circle of interpersonal relationships, formed by schoolmates, townspeople, and so on. Those they are close with account for their faction.
Here, just as Nie Zhenbang instructed Liu Kun to investigate Deputy Director Fang, Yang Anbang received a call from Deputy Director Fang in his office.
On the other end of the phone, Deputy Director Fang’s voice was as calm as ever, “Hehe, An Bang. I am really sorry. Regarding your matter, I have discussed it with Director Sun of our Machine Workers’ Committee. Director Sun thinks that our Committee does not object. However, the automobile industry is, after all, heavy industry. We simply lack the courage to endorse it over to private enterprises. How about you consult Elder Yang?”
Hanging up the phone, Yang Anbang felt fury swell up inside of him. This old fox – saying something was the same as saying nothing! If I wanted to ask my father, would I have even needed his permission?
This was the most critical moment in the struggle. Whether it’s the head of state, the Nie family, the Yang family, or the entire reformist faction, they had all reached a kind of tacit agreement. Progress slowly. Absolutely do not give the conservative faction a sense of despair. If so, the country might end up in chaos. So, there was no problem with Yang Anbang running some supermarkets. However, letting Yang Anbang get involved in the automobile industry would be enough to provoke Comrade Xuri. Whether this proposal could be approved was another question. If approved, Comrade Xuri would lose face and might do something extreme. If not approved, the face of the reformists, even the face of the head of state, would also be lost.
Seeing Nie Zhenbang walk in from outside, Yang Anbang spread his hands, sat down and said solemnly, “It fell through. That damn thing told me to go talk to my father. If I could go, I wouldn’t need his help. I’m afraid this thing can’t be done.”
But Nie Zhenbang smiled at this moment. He had already expected this since last night. As expected, he looked at it today and then said with a light laugh, “Yang, you’ve worked yourself into a corner. Who cares if the Jigong Committee doesn’t agree? We continue as planned. We don’t show our faces, that’s all. As long as Lv Qingjun dares to act, what are we afraid of?”
Hearing this, Yang Anbang had a sudden sense of clarity and immediately stood up and said, “Zhenbang, let’s go together to Jingcheng Automobile. I don’t believe that Lv Qingjun would dare to refuse our request. If he does refuse, we’ll find someone who dares to do it.
After some persuasion and with Nie Zhenbang’s assurance, Lv Qingjun’s expression changed, he clenched his teeth and finally agreed.
On the surface, Jingcheng Automobiles would negotiate with Audi Company as Huaxia’s partner. Behind the scenes, Wal-Mart would infuse 1.6 billion RMB into the new company established by Jingcheng Automobiles. Jingcheng Automobiles would hold 49 percent of the shares in exchange for its production base and technical personnel. Wal-Mart would hold 51 percent of the shares.
With the signing of the agreement, the struggle in Lv Qingjun’s heart was also laid to rest. The thing was already at this point. Anything else didn’t matter. If it was meant to fail, so be it. At this point, Lv Qingjun relaxed, walked up, and extended a hand, “Young Lord Nie, Young Lord Yang. From now on, we are friends in the same trench.’
“Factory Director Lü, let’s enjoy our cooperation. I think, with the two of us escorting you, I guarantee that no one dares to touch your position. Factory Director Lü, prepare. The business representative from Audi Company will be here in a few days.” Yang Anbang said with a laugh. With the signing of the contract, the final obstacle for Wal-Mart entering the automobile industry was removed. As for the cooperation with Audi, Yang Anbang already took it for granted.
With a large sum of money being injected into Jingcheng Automobile by Wal-Mart, Jingcheng Automobiles began to make big moves. With the full support of Elder Yang, the deputy mayor of Jingcheng, Jingcheng Automobiles quickly completed the transformation from a factory to a company. The new
Jingcheng Automobile Holding Co., Ltd. was officially established. At the same time, in the suburbs of Jingcheng, Jingcheng Automobile purchased 5,000 acres of land to build a new production base.
Three days passed quickly. During these days, Jingcheng Automobiles became the focus of attention not only in Jingcheng but throughout the whole country. Everyone was wondering how Jingcheng Automobiles, which was merely a second-rate automobile enterprise in the country and was neither FAW Group nor SAIC, could suddenly make such a big move.
At this moment, in the banquet hall of the Capital Restaurant, Nie Zhenbang, Yang Anbang, and the top executives of Jingcheng Automobile company had already gathered. A long banner was hung above the banquet hall, reading
‘Welcome Mr. William, the Business Negotiating Representative of Germany’s Audi Automobile Company, to Jingcheng Automobile Company’.
At this moment, Nie Zhenbang looked at his watch somewhat irritably. It was already half past ten in the morning. According to the schedule, he should have arrived. However, there was no sign of William. Could something have happened?
Just thinking about this, some staff members of Jingcheng Automobiles rushed in from outside. As soon as they entered, they shouted, “Bad news, General
Manager Lv. Mr. William has been picked up by someone from FAW.”
At this time, Liu Kun also walked in from outside. Seeing the entire venue in silence, Liu Kun shivered, then walked to Nie Zhenbang’s side and whispered, “Brother Nie, I have checked it out. This Mr. Fang is from the Zhou family.” Upon hearing this, Nie Zhenbang realized that he had been set up by Zhou
Chen..