Chapter 452 - 272: Let’s Eat (Part 2)

"Let Old Han have her," Zheng Jianghe said with a hearty laugh. "He just got back to the country. Let him have a taste of a celebrity."

"No way. I’m afraid those types might have something. It wouldn’t be good if I caught it."

"I doubt it’s that bad. These starlets are pretty careful about their personal hygiene. Just have some fun. It’s not like you have anything else to do tonight."

"Fine. I’ll take your advice and give it a try."

Zhou Jin walked over and caught up with Liu Wenwen.

"Miss Liu."

Hearing Zhou Jin call her name, Liu Wenwen turned around.

"President Zhou, is there anything else?"

"My friend, President Han, is the general manager of Huipin Group. He’d like to invite you for a drink, if you have the time."

During dinner, Liu Wenwen had already gotten a good look at everyone at the table, so she knew who President Zhou was talking about.

She shyly tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Alright..."

...

The next morning, Lin Jiang left home and drove to the office.

He had an appointment with the officials from Shudong City in charge of investment promotion and couldn’t be late. They were scheduled to discuss business opportunities.

When he arrived at the office, He Xuelu was already there.

He briefed Lin Jiang on the details: who was coming and the main points of their prior discussions.

Once he was up to speed, he and Chen Jingxian went downstairs to greet them, a gesture to show their sincerity.

After a few minutes, an Audi A6 pulled up.

"President Lin, they’re here."

Lin Jiang nodded and led his two colleagues over.

Just then, two middle-aged men got out of the car.

One was a bit paunchy and wore glasses, his hair styled in a side part.

The other had short hair and a slimmer build, looking considerably healthier.

Both were dressed identically in white shirts and suit trousers—a very standard official uniform.

He Xuelu had already briefed Lin Jiang about them.

The heavier-set man was Liu Xiangqian, the head of Shudong City’s investment promotion department. The other was his deputy, Yao Quan.

"President Lin, Factory Director He."

The two men extended their hands in greeting, and Lin Jiang shook them. After a few pleasantries at the entrance, he led them to the company’s conference room.

"President Lin, we’re here today primarily because we’re impressed with Mu Xing’s quality."

Liu Xiangqian spoke first, getting straight to the point. "Shudong City is a major beef cattle production base in the north. As a rising brand in the country, has Mu Xing considered investing and building a factory in the Northern Market?"

"To be frank with you both, we already have a plan on the table. We intend to acquire Li Yuan. This will save a significant amount of time and allow us to begin production much sooner."

The two men were delighted to hear this.

For them, there was little difference between building a new factory and a direct acquisition. Either would stimulate the local economy and create jobs, which was the entire purpose of their visit.

"Have you had prior contact with Li Yuan?" Liu Xiangqian asked.

"We’ve made some inquiries and were planning to approach them for talks soon. We’re not sure how smoothly it will go."

"We’re aware of Li Yuan’s situation. They’ve been hit hard by the international market, and a few poor strategic decisions have left them operating at a loss for the past few years. We can contact them on your behalf when we get back and try to help facilitate the acquisition."

"That would be wonderful. Thank you, Director Liu."

"President Lin, you’re too kind. We would be thrilled to have you invest. A partnership would be a win-win situation. If you need anything during this process, please don’t hesitate to ask. We’ll do everything in our power to assist you."

"I’m sure I’ll have to take you up on that offer. I just hope I don’t become a nuisance," Lin Jiang said modestly.

"Not at all! This is our job. We’d welcome it," Liu Xiangqian and Yao Quan said, laughing.

"President Lin, about the site..."

Mu Xing’s operations were somewhat unique compared to other factories; they needed ample space to raise the cattle they acquired.

This was a critical issue that needed to be addressed upfront so the officials could help find a solution.

"Factory Director He, are there any other difficulties?"

"Director Liu, our business model is different from other factories. We need an additional plot of land to raise the cattle we bring in. This is crucial for ensuring a higher quality product. Would it be possible to get another plot approved for our use?"

"That’s not a problem." Liu Xiangqian looked at Yao Quan.

"There’s a plot of land about three kilometers from the city entrance. I don’t think it’s been sold, has it? It’s about 10,000 square meters, if I recall."

Yao Quan thought for a moment. "I heard from Director Qian yesterday that Hongyang Pastures is apparently looking to buy that plot. I believe they’re in negotiations now."

"Didn’t Hongyang just complete an expansion and upgrade their equipment? How do they still have money to buy land?"

It was clear Liu Xiangqian was well-informed about the local businesses.

"They received two investments..."

Yao Quan looked at Lin Jiang. "I heard that the company that invested seems to be from Zhonghai as well."

Lin Jiang and He Xuelu exchanged a look. "If they’re from Zhonghai, they’re probably a competitor."

"Let me think... ah, I remember now! Huipin Group. I believe it’s a well-known company in Zhonghai."

"So it was them..."

"President Lin knows this company?"

Lin Jiang smiled and nodded. "You could say we’re in the same line of work, so of course I do. You mentioned Hongyang Pastures received two investments. The other one wasn’t from Yong’an Pastures, by any chance?"

Yao Quan’s eyes lit up. "It was Yong’an! President Lin, you’re incredibly well-informed to know even that."

"Know yourself and know your enemy, and you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. We are in the same industry, after all."

Lin Jiang said with a smile:

"So, Hongyang Pastures is planning to negotiate for that land. I assume both of their investment funds have already been transferred?"

"I’m not completely certain about the specifics. If you’d like to know, President Lin, I can make some inquiries for you."

"There’s no need to trouble you with such a small matter," Lin Jiang said.

"As for that plot of land, I plan to go have a look myself. However, I must ask you both to please keep our discussion today confidential for the time being."

"Of course. Give us a call when you’re heading over, President Lin, and we can discuss the specifics."

"Alright."

With the official business concluded, Lin Jiang treated them to a lunch that lasted until well after two in the afternoon.

After seeing the two officials off, Lin Jiang and his colleagues returned to the office.

"President Lin," He Xuelu said, "these investments from Huipin Group and Yong’an Pastures prove they’re scared of us. They’re trying to shift their focus to the Northern Market."

"Zhonghai is Huipin Group’s home turf; they’re not going anywhere. The same goes for Yong’an. They’re just a subsidiary of Xiangrong Group, so their base of operations is ultimately in Zhonghai as well. Besides, the Northern Market has its own deeply entrenched local players. It won’t be easy for them to break in. Taking all that into account, they’re not just going to up and shift their entire strategy."

After a pause, Lin Jiang continued:

"My guess is they’re just shifting a product line there. After all, products from the north have a price advantage. On our end, distributors secretly mark up our prices. Once they get their hands on Hongyang’s products, the price difference will be at least ten yuan. That creates a clear difference in product positioning. They’ll capture the low-end market and continue to do just fine."

Lin Jiang’s explanation made it clear to both Chen Jingxian and He Xuelu.

"In that case, we’ll need to come up with a counter-strategy," Chen Jingxian said.

"Don’t panic. Let’s stay calm and move at our own pace."

Lin Jiang rested his head on one hand and said slowly:

"Look into the details of those two investments. I suspect the money has already been transferred, but I want you to confirm it."

"Understood," Chen Jingxian said.

"And that plot of land they want to buy," Lin Jiang added, "look into that as well. Find out where they are in the process."

"While you’re at it, leak a rumor that we’re also interested in that land. Don’t say too much, just that single piece of information. But the plan to acquire Li Yuan must remain completely confidential. Wait for my instructions on what to do next."

"Understood," He Xuelu said.

The trio’s meeting lasted for nearly an hour before He Xuelu finally left.

Chen Jingxian looked at her watch.

"Do you have any other plans tonight? Want to come over to my place for dinner? I can make you something good."

"You’ll have to tell me what you’re making first. Then I’ll decide if I want to come."

Chen Jingxian wrinkled her cute nose. "I offer to cook for you for free, and you’re getting picky on me."

"I am President Lin, after all. I have to maintain some standards."

"Then what do you want to eat? I’ll make it for you."

Lin Jiang’s gaze dropped to Chen Jingxian’s chest.

"Is that on the menu?"