Chapter 1879

Chapter 1879: Chapter 1879

Chen Xiangdong took a short nap in the room for half an hour. Seeing that it was about time, he went downstairs with Xiao Zhang to the restaurant.

The restaurant arranged by Song Guanchao was near the guesthouse.

As soon as they got out of the car, they heard Xiao Zhang shout from the side, "Director Song."

Following Xiao Zhang’s gaze, he saw a tall, masculine young man walking over from the entrance of the restaurant.

"Thanks for the hard work on your overtime." Song Guanchao first patted Xiao Zhang on the shoulder, then looked at Chen Xiangdong.

As he sized up Chen Xiangdong, Chen Xiangdong was also sizing him up.

"Hello, Director Chen."

"Hello, Director Song."

The two shook hands, and Song Guanchao said, "Let’s go inside to eat and talk."

"Alright." Chen Xiangdong’s first impression of him was quite good, but the only thing that concerned him was his age; he seemed too young.

He looked about the same age as himself.

So young, yet a deputy department-level cadre.

His family must be extraordinary.

Soon, the waiter brought the dishes to the table, and Song Guanchao also invited everyone to sit.

Since they had an afternoon inspection, they definitely couldn’t drink alcohol.

At the dining table, Song Guanchao didn’t mention the reason for inviting him to Jiangzhou—all that would be discussed after the inspection.

If Chen Xiangdong’s performance during the inspection was average, this matter would be dropped.

He mainly talked about the situation of Jiangyun Group.

After he finished speaking, Chen Xiangdong said, "I learned a bit about Jiangyun Group. The company has some good patents, but that’s also what puzzles me."

"With Jiangyun Group’s scale, patents, and well-equipped production workshop, the household car market shouldn’t be so bleak."

Song Guanchao didn’t understand patents, but that was alright; he mainly assessed people.

The fact that Chen Xiangdong had done prior research on Jiangyun Group indicated that he was dedicated, which was impressive.

Then, Chen Xiangdong shared some of the information he had gathered and gave a vague assessment of Jiangyun Group—it is a company with hard strength.

He didn’t say more.

They would have to wait until after the inspection to make a judgment.

After the meal, Song Guanchao intended for him to rest a bit, but Chen Xiangdong said, "Director Song, shall we set off now?"

"Then let’s go now."

Song Guanchao called Jiang Yongxi, telling him they were on their way.

At 1:30 in the afternoon, they arrived at Jiangyun Group.

Once again, it was Jiang Yongxi and a group of senior executives personally welcoming them.

Once again, they went straight to the production workshop.

Song Guanchao didn’t say much throughout and stayed by Chen Xiangdong’s side.

When Chen Xiangdong entered the workshop, he found it a bit difficult to keep moving.

He walked over to the equipment in the workshop, looking here and there, occasionally climbing up and down.

The group of executives were made nervous by the man brought by Song Guanchao, not knowing exactly what he was examining.

In the production workshop alone, Chen Xiangdong spent more than three hours. By the time they came out, it was almost five o’clock.

Such meticulous inspection clearly showed that Song Guanchao took their company seriously.

This was a good thing, yet it also made the executives more nervous.

The more detailed the look, the more problems would be found.

They were really afraid that man would turn around and tell Song Guanchao it wouldn’t work.

"Director Song, should we go to the office or eat first?" Jiang Yongxi was much calmer, not at all nervous about Chen Xiangdong’s thorough observation.

He had been in business for so many years and had absolute confidence in his company’s products.

He could effortlessly recall various parameters.

He wasn’t afraid of people scrutinizing his work; instead, he feared they wouldn’t.

Because he was confident that any professional would recognize the excellence of his company.

"No need for a meal, we’ll head back first. I’ll contact Chairman Jiang later." Song Guanchao didn’t want too deep a connection until things settled.

"Alright, I’ll wait for Director Song’s call." Jiang Yongxi didn’t insist, escorting them to the parking lot and watching the vehicle leave.

After they left, an executive asked, "Is that the expert Director Song invited? Looks so young, I wonder if he knows what he’s doing."

"Just afraid he might be unreliable."

"Director Song likely wouldn’t find someone unreliable, would he?"

"Who can say for sure."

"Enough, stop worrying unnecessarily." Chairman Jiang waved his hand: "Time to clock out if you’re off duty, don’t stay gathered here."

...

After leaving Jiangyun Group, Song Guanchao returned to the lunch restaurant, ordered a few homestyle dishes, and asked, "Want a drink?"

Chen Xiangdong shook his head, "No, I’ll discuss Jiangyun Group’s situation later."

When the dishes were served, Chen Xiangdong also ordered rice and finished a bowl of rice before slowing down.

He had been running around in the afternoon and expended quite a bit of energy.

"This group is very high-quality!" Chen Xiangdong began with a summary.

Song Guanchao asked, "How so?"

Chen Xiangdong said, "The foundation of Jiangyun Group is very solid, with complete production lines. I specifically checked; the equipment in the workshop is all imported. Just this production line alone, there can’t be more than ten private car companies in the entire Jiangzhou!"

"I also looked at the cars they make; they’re well-materialed. Given the cost, their pricing isn’t high; it’s even cheap. The reason their household car market hasn’t taken off, I suspect, is due to promotion."

"This company is like a science student, focused on hard work, believing that good wine needs no bush. The issue of unsold cars is purely an operation problem."

Song Guanchao nodded slightly; with these remarks, he also gained a more detailed understanding of Jiangyun Group.

"Operation problem..." Song Guanchao said, "In other words, a large-scale advertisement campaign is needed?"

"That I don’t know, I just know their cars have a high price-performance ratio. Oh, right, there might be another reason."

"What reason?"

"Their cars are a bit ugly, and the space is not large."

Chen Xiangdong said, "Didn’t you notice how small the backseat space is in their cars? The exterior and logo are also so unappealing that no one wants a second look."

Song Guanchao really didn’t notice, but thinking about it after he mentioned it, it seemed true.

In today’s mature car market, how to make cars has been guided by countless brand predecessors.

Under such circumstances, making cars this ugly is actually quite difficult.

Song Guanchao felt more frustrated. If it was just a matter of promotion, the city government could endorse and help with advertising. Their company could spend more on brand operations, yielding quick results.

But if the cars are ugly and have little space, it’s a start-over from scratch.

A designer is needed to redesign the exterior, interior space, and the interior... everything.

This kind of modification almost equals redesigning a car.

Song Guanchao couldn’t wait, nor could Jiangzhou.

"No other way to open the market?" Asking, he already shook his head; how could Chen Xiangdong possibly provide a suggestion for this.

"Yes."

Chen Xiangdong did provide feedback.

Not expecting much, Song Guanchao just didn’t want to hurt his face: "What method?"

Chen Xiangdong said, "Since the household car market can’t open temporarily, then venture into the special-purpose vehicle market."