2003: Starting with Foreign Trade

Chapter 235 Meeting
"Damn it, it's really bad luck to drink too much and not be able to control your mouth. Did your boss even mention how much he's planning to donate?"

"You're a big boss, you should know the importance of drinking in moderation. Look how smart our boss is, he slipped away when he felt he couldn't hold on any longer."

"Hey, I've never seen such a big leader before. For such a high-ranking leader to toast me, that's pretty impressive."

"That's pretty impressive, losing several million. Our boss originally wanted to donate 500 million, but you said something, and now he's going to donate 400 million. You should also prepare 400 million. When it comes to donations, you have to keep your word, otherwise it's fraudulent donation, which is illegal."

"Why did your boss donate so much money? Couldn't he have donated a little less as a token gesture? He didn't even say how much."

"Well, on the one hand, it's his hometown, and many of his relatives live there. On the other hand, it's like giving Andar Automobile's production qualification double insurance. Although I don't know how the boss plans to use this, I feel that the boss values ​​it quite a bit."

After seeing Tao Qinian and the others off, the Zhang brothers, Zhang Xuhui and Zhang Xupeng, chatted idly in Zhang Xupeng's office. As soon as they sat down, Zhang Xupeng started complaining about the embarrassing things that happened to him after drinking the day before.

"Alright, 4 million it is. Actually, it's not entirely because I've had too much to drink. I do want to build a garment factory, so I thought I'd explore the possibility. But I still need to ask your boss's opinion."

"What's wrong? Not feeling comfortable making money these days? Running a factory is exhausting. Look at my boss, he's never free."

Zhang Xupeng shook his head and said, "I know it's tiring. I helped out every day when your factory was first being set up. If I were 40 years old now, or even 30, I wouldn't have this thought."

Zhang Xuhui chimed in at the opportune moment, "But what?"

"But I'm only 20 years old. Besides, with your boss as an example, he has such a position now, and I want to have the same position in the future. So, as he said, after solving the problem of food and clothing, money is no longer the ultimate goal."

"Social status?" Zhang Xuhui asked thoughtfully.

"Yes, I also want to start my own clothing brand and own a factory that can provide employment for hundreds of people. I can make money and improve my social status at the same time. But I have to ask your boss first, since he is also a major shareholder."

"Then you can ask him about it later, but there's something I'd like you to consider." Zhang Xuhui couldn't yet understand the troubles of the wealthy.

"What's up? I was wondering why you came back after seeing them off today. Turns out you had something to ask. Do you need some money?"

"I don't want to lend you money. My boss wants to transfer me to Beijing to work, where I'll be in charge of the battery project management and logistics. I'm a bit undecided right now. Can you give me some advice?"

Zhang Xupeng was taken aback: "This is a good thing! What are you having trouble deciding on?"

"Firstly, I was afraid that I lacked experience and would mess things up. Secondly, I could actually learn a lot by following the boss. I felt that he knew a lot. He had a very good grasp of marketing, business, and trends."

"Why are you learning from Xiao Tan? Is it to start your own business, or to advance your career and achieve a higher position at Flashpoint Technology?"

"Of course it's for progress. I haven't thought about starting a business yet. First, I don't have the money, and second, I know I don't have the ability right now."

"Since it's for advancement, what's there to hesitate about? Now there's such a great opportunity in front of you. Think about Sun Yuming. Did he know anything about procurement before? He didn't know anything either, but now he's doing just fine."

As for why you hesitated, I think it's probably because you're worried that being far away from Xiao Tan will cause your relationship to drift apart.

Zhang Xuhui scratched his head somewhat embarrassedly: "I do have concerns about that."

"You're overthinking it. I know Xiao Tan. Since he's willing to send you there, he won't have any other intentions. But the premise is that you have to do a good job. If you still don't understand anything after a few months, then Xiao Tan will definitely transfer you away."

This is both an opportunity and a test. Whether you can seize it depends on yourself. Judging from Xiao Tan's acquisition of the automobile production qualification, he is probably laying the groundwork for future business development. If you can pass this test, you will definitely reap the rewards in the future.

After a moment of contemplation, Zhang Xuhui made a decision and felt much more relaxed: "Then let's go. I borrowed 5 yuan from your dad during the Spring Festival. I was planning to ask you to help me look at houses when I had some free time, but now it seems I don't need to buy one."

"As for the house, you can still buy it. You'll have to buy it sooner or later, and you're not not coming back. You'll need to live here in the future. If you don't have enough money, you can come to me."

"If I go to work in the capital, I'll need to rent an apartment and buy daily necessities. If I also want to buy a house, I might not have enough money. So, it seems like I can't just say I won't borrow money from you. Can you lend me some?"

Zhang Xupeng stood up and said, "Then what are we waiting for? Let's go get the money and I'll take you back to the company. I wonder what it's like when Uncle Tan meets Gu Qingqing."
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"Hello, Uncle. It's a pleasure to meet you. Please accept this small gift," Gu Qingqing said, bowing.

While thanking him and accepting the gift, Tan Lihua sized up the tall, beautiful girl in front of him.

Gu Qingqing put some effort into her appearance today, wearing light makeup, a ponytail, a pink button-down thin cardigan with a beige turtleneck underneath, and a black skirt.

It exudes both youthful charm and a sense of solemnity, perfectly suited to the occasion of today's meeting.

"This kid has good taste. In terms of appearance alone, this girl is impeccable. She's more than a match for him, this hairy monster. Plus, she's polite. She even bought a gift on our first meeting."

Tan Lihua, being a man of some ability, recognized the talent in Lin Yumin and Wu Zhenping, whom he had recruited. These individuals were now capable of leading the sales team at Flashpoint Technology. He felt a strong liking for the polite yet nervous young woman before him. Unfortunately, his wife wasn't there, and as a man, he couldn't be too overly friendly, lest he scare her off.

"Please sit down. I've often heard Jincheng mention you. I wonder if Jincheng has ever introduced me to you?"

This is a restaurant that Tan Jincheng booked in advance. It has a Chinese style of decoration and a decent atmosphere. It is located near the Financial Building, giving people a sense of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle. Gu Qingqing has been here before.

The familiar environment calmed Gu Qingqing down considerably. There were only three people in the private room. The waiter poured the tea and then closed the door and left.

"I have been introduced to it before," Gu Qingqing nodded.

"How did you introduce yourself?" Tan Lihua asked with a smile. He really wanted to hear what kind of person his son described him to be.

Gu Qingqing glanced at Tan Jincheng sitting next to her, and Tan Jincheng quickly interrupted, "Dad, why don't you take a look at the gift too? Qingqing specially picked it out for you last night. See if you like it."

"Oh? Is that so? Let me see." Tan Lihua said, picking up the handbag.

A pair of couple watches, also from the Longines brand, but different from the style worn by Tan Jincheng and Gu Qingqing, more suited to middle-aged people.

"This gift is far too precious," Tan Lihua exclaimed.

This girl is so thoughtful. She not only bought a gift for herself but also for her wife. And she's so generous. These two watches must be worth tens of thousands of yuan. What should I do? All I brought were some local specialties from my home. I don't have such an expensive gift.

"Try wearing it, it'll be fine," Tan Jincheng said promptly, noticing his father's predicament.

When Tan Jincheng learned that Gu Qingqing had bought a pair of mechanical watches, he was actually a little surprised, but considering her current income, he understood.

Gu Qingqing didn't buy these watches with money given to her by her parents; she earned them herself. Not counting her occasional translation income, and including Zhang Xupeng's two Taobao stores, Gu Qingqing currently operates a total of six Taobao stores.

Even though she's my girlfriend, since she did the work, I still have to pay her the wages she's owed. One thing at a time.

Zhang Xupeng pays her a monthly salary of 4000 yuan, while Tan Jincheng pays her on a profit-sharing basis. Therefore, although Gu Qingqing is still a student, her actual monthly income is not low.

However, these two watches almost exhausted the money she had earned from her part-time job; she was truly generous.

Thinking back to how Gu Qingqing tricked Tan Jincheng into believing that milk tea was delicious in order to save the money for two cups of coffee, things have really changed quite a bit.

On holidays or business trips, Tan Jincheng would buy gifts for Gu Qingqing, and Gu Qingqing would reciprocate with gifts. Apart from that, Gu Qingqing never spent Tan Jincheng's money except for meals and shopping, which were paid for by Tan Jincheng.

Of course, even without the income from operating the Taobao store, Gu Qingqing is not short of money.

Girls from ordinary families might feel inferior when facing Tan Jincheng, and be afraid of rumors that he is after their money. Gu Qingqing, however, does not need to worry about these things.

"It's beautiful and suits you perfectly. Thank you, Xiao Gu. I also want to thank you on behalf of Jin Cheng's mother. I'm sure she'll love it. You've gone to so much trouble." Tan Lihua said happily after putting it on.

Actually, he does have a watch, which was bought for him by Tan Jincheng in Hong Kong. It is more valuable than a Longines watch, but because it is too expensive, he doesn't wear it much to work. On the one hand, he is reluctant to wear it, and on the other hand, he is afraid of what others will say.

This spot is perfect, and it's even prestigious to talk about it.

"How did you know my future daughter-in-law bought this for me? Hahaha!"

This way of speaking was mentioned by Zhang Xupeng when he complained to him. Every time he wanted to show off to him, no matter how he changed the subject, Tan Jincheng would use various methods to steer the conversation back to the topic he wanted to show off, leaving him extremely speechless.

Looking back now, although it was really annoying, it did feel pretty good to say those words myself.

"I'm glad Uncle likes it. It's not too expensive. In fact, Uncle paid for the watch." Gu Qingqing said with a light laugh.

"Oh? What do you mean?" Tan Lihua asked curiously.

“Isn’t the Taobao store under your name? Qingqing is running it now, so you’re practically her boss and you’re paying her a salary.”

"Yes, I also want to thank my uncle for providing me with this job."

(End of this chapter)