Official Career Storm

Chapter 1651

Chairman Zhu’s company isn’t particularly large, but its profits are quite impressive, reaching over thirty million annually.

While this amount seems substantial, businesspeople rarely let their money sit idle. Today it’s invested in this, tomorrow there’s another project catching their eye.

Though he might boast about having a profitable enterprise under his command, drawing envy from others with his monthly revenue, he knows well enough that his bank account typically only maintains around ten million.

At the end of last year, the leadership from the industry and commerce sector visited for an inspection and bluntly demanded him to offer some perks for their comfort.

Though Chairman Zhu felt displeasure, he didn’t dare defy them, subsequently gifting nearly twenty million, almost equaling a year’s profit.

If he could indeed retrieve it, it would alleviate the financial pressure.

He was about to express his gratitude when he noticed Song Guanchao’s expression, causing his heart to skip a beat and suddenly realize that obtaining this illicit money might not be as straightforward.

"I have about twenty million here, all traceable."

Chairman Zhu explained briefly, then quickly swept his gaze over the others, implying deeply, "If Director Song could help return the money, I’d be extremely grateful."

He didn’t expect the entire twenty million to be refunded; managing to retrieve ten million would satisfy him.

As for the remainder, he didn’t mind offering it to Song Guanchao.

Song Guanchao understood his meaning and smiled, saying, "As long as you provide concrete evidence, the money will be fully refunded."

He emphasized "full refund" to indicate he had no intentions of pocketing the illicit funds.

Chairman Zhu pondered for two seconds; since he wasn’t focused on the illicit funds, he must be hoping for the company to relocate to Jiangzhou.

"The matter of refunding the money is still in process, let’s put this aside for now."

Song Guanchao stood up and said, "As for relocating to Jiangzhou, Chairman Zhu, please think it over. I don’t have much time; whether you decide to come or not, give me your answer by the end of today so I can report to the leadership."

With these words, he didn’t wait for Chairman Zhu’s response and walked out.

Zhou Xingjian and the others were secretly amazed internally, marveling at Director Song’s forceful and dominant style.

Despite having the same advantages, their negotiating aura couldn’t match Song Guanchao’s.

Look here, the current initiative was clearly held in Song Guanchao’s grasp the whole time.

Chairman Zhu seemed to have a choice, but in reality, he had none.

Moreover, although Song Guanchao didn’t make it sound so final, anyone could see that if he didn’t relocate to Jiangzhou, he wouldn’t benefit from the refund.

Those illicit funds were also distant and unachievable, not even worth considering.

Chairman Zhu bitterly smiled inside, not daring to complain and escorted them out of the company, standing at the elevator entrance with a smile as he watched them enter the elevator.

Once the elevator doors closed, Chairman Zhu sighed.

...

"Director Song, do you think he’ll agree?" Shu Xue asked curiously.

Song Guanchao looked at Zhou Xingjian, "Director Zhou, what’s your take?"

Zhou Xingjian laughed heartily, "He will."

Shu Xue was puzzled, and Jiang Yiren was equally curious as to why Zhou Xingjian was so confident.

Zhou Xingjian explained, "Though Pinghai’s corruption seems resolved, as Director Song pointed out, who can guarantee there aren’t any escaping the net?"

"As long as Chairman Zhu isn’t foolish, he’ll definitely look to leave Pinghai."

"Once he considers leaving Pinghai, Jiangzhou will undoubtedly be his best choice."

"Firstly, Pinghai’s corruption issue was solved by us, which would subconsciously make Chairman Zhu think that our business environment in Jiangzhou is better, with a more favorable official atmosphere."

"Secondly, Director Song also provided corresponding preferential policies, not particularly lavish ones but enough to offset any costs incurred during the company’s relocation."

"Lastly, there’s the illicit funds."

"Twenty million in illicit funds isn’t a small amount."

"One way or another, he’s changing cities. Coming to Jiangzhou offers policy benefits and refunds of the illicit funds; I can’t see any reason for him to refuse."

The two women, along with the others, all showed a look of realization upon hearing this.

Shu Xue asked again, "Since he’ll come, why push him to decide by today after work? Wouldn’t this have the opposite effect?"

"Well..." Zhou Xingjian glanced at Song Guanchao; he felt it unnecessary for Song Guanchao to force the other side so much.

Song Guanchao replied calmly, "There are so many companies in Pinghai, I don’t have time to waste. If he’s willing to come, sign the contract straightforwardly. If not, there are other companies willing to."

He slowly looked at the three, "Remember, when negotiating with these companies, don’t think we’re at their mercy. The reality is, they’re at our mercy."

"Hold onto the initiative firmly. The attitude can be humble but not subservient. Let them know we are the ones choosing them."

The three pondered briefly, roughly understanding what Song Guanchao meant to express.

Exiting the office building, Song Guanchao checked the time and said, "Handle this yourselves; I have a lunch appointment this afternoon."

They parted ways in the parking lot, with Song Guanchao getting into his car, calling Fu Ying to find out she had already arranged the meeting, and he drove over early.

Arriving at the restaurant, it was just past eleven, a little time before the scheduled eleven-thirty.

Fu Ying was already seated on the sofa in the private room, pouring tea for him, and asked, "How do you plan to negotiate?"

She hardly believed that Song Guanchao himself could resolve the issue.

These companies might consider leaving Pinghai City, but the issue is that people tend to strive upward.

Pinghai City has a higher administrative level than Dujiang County.

What company would relocate from a major city to a smaller one?

So even if Song Guanchao personally intervened, she held no high hopes.

Song Guanchao noticed her lack of confidence in him; he crossed his legs, letting the weight of his relaxed body rest entirely on the soft sofa, saying, "The illicit funds are in my hands, which is the greatest advantage."

Fu Ying smiled and said nothing more.

Illicit funds are a double-edged sword; used well, they might increase the chance of success.

But used poorly, they could instead provoke the other party.

When they use the illicit funds as a negotiation chip, it’s easy for the other party to feel threatened by it.

Knock, knock.

The door opened; the company arranged by Fu Ying arrived.

The visitors were two men; the older one was probably in his forties, and the younger was likely the secretary of the middle-aged man.

"Hello, Mayor Fu." The man’s surname was Du.

Just as Fu Ying was about to introduce Song Guanchao, he extended his hand and took the initiative to introduce, "Song Guanchao, Director of the City Government Office."

He didn’t mention coming from Jiangzhou City, intentionally shortening the self-introduction to let the other think he was from Dujiang City.

"Please have a seat." Song Guanchao smiled, pouring tea for the two.

Mr. Du was slightly lean, with hollowed cheeks, exuding a shrewd and capable air.

Song Guanchao didn’t beat around the bush and directly stated, "Mayor Fu would like to invite Mr. Du to relocate his company to Dujiang City."

Mr. Du was a bit surprised, firstly by Song Guanchao’s straightforward approach, and secondly by surprise at why this message is being delivered by a City Government Office Director?

He discreetly furrowed his brow, feeling Fu Ying was somewhat disrespectful.

He shook his head and candidly declined, saying, "Thank you for Mayor Fu’s kindness, but I currently have no plans to relocate externally."