166

Yi Feng arrived at the office, where Wang Tie was busy planning the opening of a new store. He called Wang Tie into his office.

"Wang Tie, come have lunch with me at noon. There's a free meal, and it would be a waste not to eat it." Yi Feng took out two cigarettes and handed one to Wang Tie.

After taking the cigarette, Wang Tie asked in surprise, "Where are we going for a free lunch, Brother Feng?"

Yi Feng lit his cigarette, blew out a smoke ring, and said with a smile, "President Pan of Shengde Company is treating us. How could we not go?"

"Ah? Pan Chengfu of Shengde Company? That old guy who tricked us is now suddenly inviting us to lunch?" Wang Tie was astonished.

Yi Feng flicked off some ash, chuckled, and said, "I left some clues in the post. That old guy Nie Xin could definitely guess it was us who made the post. Pan Chengfu wants to smooth things over, so of course, he has to treat us to a peace-making meal."

"That old guy already told me on the phone that they would take full responsibility for the losses caused. It's obvious he wants to settle this matter, probably hoping I would take down the post online."

Upon hearing this, Wang Tie immediately understood, "Damn, all of this was within your expectations, Brother Feng!"

"So, we're going to this lunch to negotiate terms?"

"Shengde Company has been selling so many defective parts over the years. It's time they bled a bit!"

"And… this money, we're earning it for nothing. Pure profit. How could we pass it up?"

Wang Tie thought for a moment and then nodded, "You're right, Brother Feng. We can't just lose money like that, seventy to eighty thousand yuan!"

"But… Brother Feng, if they compensate us with a sum of money, are we just going to let them off the hook?"

A cold light flashed in Yi Feng's eyes, and he sneered, "Let them off? Wang Tie, we've already made enemies. To be merciful to an enemy is to be cruel to ourselves."

"Wang Tie, remember what I said: if you don't remove the roots when cutting grass, the spring breeze will blow and it will grow again!"

"I said before that this time, we're going to crush Shengde!"

"Thinking that just compensating us with some money would settle everything, as if I'm a saint?"

Wang Tie was startled, feeling Yi Feng's words chilling to the bone for the first time.

Perhaps it was only in the brutal world of business competition that Yi Feng's ruthless and cold side would show.

Suddenly, Wang Tie felt the man in front of him was somewhat unfamiliar, not the innocent and playful Yi Feng he grew up with.

"Uh, yes, you're right, Brother Feng." Wang Tie nodded, his expression complicated, but no matter what, he would follow Yi Feng's instructions.

Seeing him somewhat dazed, having forgotten to light his cigarette, Yi Feng lit the lighter for him.

"Wang Tie, the business world is a battlefield. Sometimes it's just this cruel. Think about it from another angle. If I let Shengde Company survive and watch them turn the tables, do you think Nie Xin and that old guy Pan Chengfu would let us off?"

"Exposing them online this time has already cost Shengde Company a significant portion of their business. That's a lot of money. If it were you, would you be content?"

"Who knows if Shengde Company would use some dirty tricks against us in the future?"

"If they learn to use similar tactics, wouldn't Xifeng be in big trouble?"

Wang Tie was startled, then nodded, "I understand now, Brother Feng!"

Yi Feng got up, walked over, and patted his shoulder, "We can't pin our survival on the kindness of others."

This statement struck Wang Tie like lightning, making him see the harsh reality for the first time.

Starting a company, entrepreneurship, was no longer a large-scale house-playing game, but a dangerous game where a single misstep could ruin everything!

This statement would also accompany him for the rest of his life, becoming his motto.

"Brother Feng, you're right. We really can't let them off so easily!" Wang Tie finally showed a smile.

Yi Feng smiled, "Good that you understand. You go ahead with your work. We'll leave at 12 o'clock."

…

At 12:30 PM, in the luxurious private room of Tao Tao Ju.

Pan Chengfu and Nie Xin, along with two vice presidents of the company, Yu Guangchun and Cai Tongming, were already waiting inside.

Yu Guangchun glanced impatiently at his watch, "President Pan, why haven't Yi Feng and his company arrived yet? It's already half an hour late."

"Guangchun, don't worry, let's wait a bit longer." Pan Chengfu, drinking tea, looked somber.

He glanced at the composed Cai Tongming. Cai, a new high-level executive recruited with a high salary, had worked in the computer accessories industry for five years. Though he had only joined three months ago, his capability was outstanding. Not only was his work excellent, but his skills on the wine table were also refined, earning Pan's trust.

"Tongming, it's up to you later. Getting through this crisis is very important for our company," Pan Chengfu said seriously.

Cai Tongming nodded, "If he agreed to come, it means there's room for negotiation. I'll do my best."

"But… overall, I still think we should not continue with that part of the business in the future. Even though the profit is high… the risk is equally high."

He had always been against Shengde Company dealing in defective and refurbished parts. Although they were usually mixed with batches of genuine products, and small problems could be quickly resolved, it still entailed considerable risk.

Yu Guangchun expressed his dissatisfaction, "Tongming, that business has made us a lot of money, several million a year. How can we just give it up?"

"Besides, we were essentially cleaning up after the factories. Without that, could we maintain such good relations with them?"

"If we drop that business, the factories will definitely have complaints. If we don't do it, other dealers will eagerly take it over."

"As for this matter, it's all Nie Xin's fault for sending batches of B-grade goods exclusively to Yi Feng's company. Absolutely foolish!"

Nie Xin bowed his head, not daring to speak.

Pan Chengfu just drank his tea, remaining non-committal.

Cai Tongming glanced at Pan Chengfu, instantly understanding his thoughts. He probably didn't want to give up such a large profit and shook his head secretly.

After a moment of silence in the private room, Pan Chengfu finally spoke, "Let's talk about these issues later. The most important thing now is to settle this matter."

"First, we need to get Yi Feng to retract the post. Then we'll issue a statement to get through this crisis. We'll discuss the rest later."

Suddenly, footsteps approached from outside, getting closer.

Pan Chengfu stood up, a cold light flashing in his eyes, and said coldly, "The Yi kid is here."