MMB Chapter 1034: He is so cunning!
Chapter 1034: He is so cunning!
Chapter 1034: He is so cunning!
"What can I get?"
Smith Pike looked at Li Xuewu very seriously and asked the most crucial question.
Li Xuewu’s answer was very clear: “10% of the shares of the car dealership company, but no operating rights.”
"Are you kidding me my friend?"
Pike shook his head and sneered: "I have never encountered such a demanding cooperation negotiation."
He looked at Li Xuewu and said seriously: "I'm afraid you are not talking about cooperation with me, but are taking me as a fool and deceiving me."
"Don't jump to conclusions Mr. Pike"
Li Xuewu looked at him calmly and emphasized: "I would never deceive my friends, and I would never joke at the negotiating table."
"Why don't you listen to my explanation? Maybe you will agree with my point of view."
"Okay, now that you've said that"
Parker looked at Li Xuewu with some arrogance, spread his hands and said: "I'm waiting for you to convince me with 10% of the shares."
"The establishment of an automobile distribution company in Hong Kong will undertake the export operations of all automobile projects and brands of the steel mill"
Li Xuewu was not affected by Parker's attitude, but explained seriously: "I am also responsible for the introduction of advanced technology and equipment, as well as the training of outstanding talents."
“No, that’s not enough to impress me.”
Parker held the wine glass and shook his head slightly, saying: "This is not Britain, and the Red Star Steel Mill does not have such a large automobile production capacity to support my appetite."
"Productivity is not measured by the UK car manufacturing industry. You still don't understand the situation in the mainland."
Li Xuewu smiled confidently, then sat up straight, crossed his right leg and introduced calmly: "We have independent steelmaking industry, independent steel rolling industry, independent core production capacity, etc."
He opened his hands and said frankly: "Even without British technology and equipment, we can build a car that sells for 600 pounds."
“Bulk, large-scale, cheap”
Li Xuewu stared at him, and his attitude gradually became serious: "You said you have a big appetite, how big is it?"
"Is an annual production capacity of 50,000 units enough? How about 100,000 units? Can you handle it?"
Parker was stunned by Li Xuewu's question and asked suspiciously, "Can a steel mill produce 100,000 cars a year?"
“I don’t know, because no domestic company can do it.”
Li Xuewu smiled and said, "But this does not mean that we do not have the ability. Do you understand what I mean?"
"Sales channels and purchasing power limit our production capacity, even outweighing the shortcomings in the production of core components."
"I'm not afraid to show you my wealth"
Li Xuewu pointed and introduced: "The production capacity of core kits of Red Star Automobile Manufacturing Plant is between 20,000 and 30,000 sets."
"This means that as long as we work at full capacity, it will be easy to produce 30,000 jeeps a year."
“But what’s the difficulty?”
He said seriously: "The first thing that can be confirmed is that the production capacity of core kits needs to be improved. Its indicators are the biggest problem restricting production at present."
“The second is sales channels”
Li Xuewu pointed his finger at his knee and said, "We are building our own sales network, covering cars and other products."
"In building the automobile sales network, we include pre-sales, maintenance, after-sales, spare parts and consumables, driving training and other projects."
“I believe you are well aware of the advantages of integrated, one-stop operation, after all, Watsons is a pioneer in this field.”
Li Xuewu looked at Pike and asked again: "Do you still think that the lack of productivity is the key to your doubts about us?"
Parker looked at Li Xuewu for a few seconds and said, "You need me to help the steel mill introduce technology and equipment to improve the production capacity of the core kit."
"That's right, no doubt about it."
Li Xuewu blinked his eyes, affirmed what Parker said, and confirmed: "We have set up a special production factory for this purpose."
"30,000 sets, haha"
Parker shook his head slightly and chuckled: "This is the monthly production volume of an ordinary factory in the UK. Why don't you just purchase the core kit? It will be more suitable."
"Then why do we have to go through Hong Kong City and obtain these necessary technologies and equipment through you?"
Li Xuewu raised his eyebrows and said seriously: "A car dealership is not a shell company, let alone a fake one. You should be more aware of the relationship between cheap cars and potential market supply and demand."
“But 10% is still too little!”
Parker looked at Li Xuewu and shook his head slightly. "Even if you have an annual production capacity of 10 units, even if all of them are exported, how much profit can you give me from cheap cars? %?"
“Then there’s nothing to talk about.”
Li Xuewu spread his hands and said: "We don't trust your so-called independent channels. There is no guarantee that our products will not be piled up."
“Neither investment in technology nor equipment is possible?”
Parker frowned slightly and said: "I'm investing real money in this. If I can't sell it, I'll lose money."
“If you lose, you can always make a comeback”
Li Xuewu squinted at him and said seriously: "But we can't, we can't take a wrong step, we must strive to be absolutely safe."
"This is ridiculous!"
Pike spread his hands in annoyance and said, "No one can guarantee that doing business will be foolproof. It's impossible!"
"Of course, you're right, even God can't do it, but we must"
Li Xuewu nodded slowly and said, "We must reduce the risk to a level that will not affect us. Do you understand?"
“Understand that the individual is better than the collective”
Pike was a little angry and said directly to Li Xuewu: "What you call dedication is actually selfish. You dare not take any risks!"
Li Xuewu watched him complain quietly. At the same time, the living room was very quiet, and everyone was looking at Parker.
Parker also noticed something was wrong, so he quickly stopped talking, pursed his lips and let out a long sigh, then said to Li Xuewu: "Sorry, I got a little excited."
"I understand your feelings, this will not affect our friendship"
Li Xuewu nodded politely, then gestured to Zhou Xiaobai and said, "Please get us another bottle of wine, thank you."
Zhou Xiaobai glanced at Li Xuewu, then at Pike, then nodded and left.
"Mr. Li, I have to say one thing, I really want to do this project"
Parker made his last effort, leaned forward slightly, looked at Li Xuewu and said, "My career is in Hong Kong City, but it is facing changes now."
"I can shift my work focus to car distribution, fully ensure the smooth flow of channels, and will never affect your development."
"Watsons, Hong Kong City Hutchison?"
Li Xuewu took the wine glass handed over by Zhou Xiaobai and took a sip, then looked at Ji Weidong and asked, "Have you met Mr. Li?"
“Of course, I see it often.”
Ji Weidong pursed his lips and nodded, then introduced: "He is a very wise character, ruthless, and does a good job in business."
He winked at Li Xuewu with some amusement and said, "Ms. Lou doesn't like him. They had two conflicts during the real estate competition."
"Really? How come I didn't know?"
Li Xuewu looked at him with amusement, then turned to Bao Peigang and asked, "Director Bao, are you interested in working on a project together in the second half of the year that is guaranteed to make money?"
"Hahaha! You would come to me if it's a sure win?"
Bao Peigang could see that the negotiations had reached a deadlock, and Li Xuewu was giving him a chance.
He laughed loudly, pointed at Li Xuewu and said, "I'm more interested in the cheap car project you are negotiating."
“No, this project is not possible”
Li Xuewu shook his head slightly and denied: "The cheap car project is a sure win, you have no chance."
"Hahaha!"
Everyone in the living room laughed when they heard his emphasis, wondering which of his statements was true.
Li Xuewu also laughed a few times, then raised his eyebrows at Bao Peigang and said, "At least five million, otherwise there is no negotiation."
"I'll give you ten million!"
Bao Peigang suddenly became serious, looked at Li Xuewu and asked, "Does the steel mill dare to undertake a large motorcycle project?"
"motorcycle?"
Li Xuewu frowned and looked at Bao Pei for a while before he smiled again and said, "The motorcycles from our factory are not as good as our cars."
"But it's cheap enough, isn't it?"
Bao Peigang took a sip of foreign wine, squinted his eyes and looked at Li Xuewu and said: "As long as the steel rolling mill can lower the price of motorcycles to three hundred yuan, I believe that no factory in the country can beat you."
"I know this too!"
Li Xuewu glanced at him speechlessly, then knocked on the armrest of the sofa, turned to look at the silent Parker, and asked: "Does Britain have advanced technology for cheap motorcycles?"
“Sorry, I didn’t understand, really.”
Parker smiled bitterly and said: "I don't really like motorcycles. They are a dangerous means of transportation."
“But it’s cheap enough!”
Investor Bao Peigang emphasized this again, then raised his hand to toast him and said: "If you want to invest in the business, you must keep an eye on the target group. There are plenty of manufacturers as long as you want them."
"Director Bao, Deputy Director Xue and I are still here!"
Li Xuewu reminded him with a smile, "Even if you have money, you can't take us lightly!"
"Hahaha, sorry, I said the wrong thing!"
Bao Peigang smiled, then nodded at Parker and asked, "Are you still interested in this project? I'm talking about cheap cars."
“Aren’t there any cheap motorcycles?”
Pike was obedient and was already thinking about what he said.
Bao Peigang was cheerful. He smiled and waved his hand, saying, "You still don't understand what I mean."
He pointed at Li Xuewu and said, "The steel mill is a piece of fertile land. You need to invest seeds and fertilizers to produce the crops you want!"
"I am optimistic about the crops you are going to grow, so I will buy fertilizer for you to reduce your burden."
"But! The crops I want to grow are useless to you and not suitable for you."
Bao Peigang turned around and looked at Li Xuewu and said, "Reduce it to at least 500 yuan. If we can produce 50,000 vehicles a year, I don't believe we can't consume them all at home."
Parker frowned slightly, as if he understood what Bao Peigang meant.
Liu Shaozong, who had been sitting aside and listening for a long time, touched him and said, "Mr. Parker, please listen to what I say. Think about it yourself whether it is right or not."
Li Xuewu and Bao Peigang were still discussing motorcycles, and they started chatting.
Liu Shaozong first introduced the domestic traffic conditions to Parker, and then briefly talked about the current consumption level of the people and the purchasing power of corporate customers.
This also explains why credit union boss Bao Peigang dared to invest 10 million yuan in the steel mill for the production of cars and motorcycles.
To put it simply, it means breaking down the current price barrier where only units or organizations can afford to buy cars or motorcycles.
Once the working class starts to afford motorcycles, this investment will inevitably detonate the entire sales channel.
The unit price of a 160-bar bicycle has now risen to 12 yuan, and industrial tickets are required to exchange for bicycle purchase tickets.
If you save up enough industrial tickets and work harder, you can buy a motorcycle.
What does it mean for a single-cylinder 50CC machine to consume 1-1.5 liters of fuel per kilometers?
These days gasoline is sold by kilogram, at a unit price of 8 cents.
One kilogram of gasoline is approximately equal to 1.38 liters.
Even if one kilogram of gasoline travels 8 kilometers, it would only cost cents.
The monthly pass for workers in Beijing city is 3.5 yuan, and the monthly pass for workers in suburban areas is 4 yuan.
By this calculation, riding a motorcycle is less expensive than taking the bus, and it can carry one person.
Of course, only a few families can afford motorcycles, but the city’s population base is large, much larger than that of the UK.
Dual-income families can definitely afford it as long as they have savings, few children, or high-level jobs.
Bao Peigang set a base amount of 500 yuan for Li Xuewu. What if it was reduced to 450 yuan? What about 300 yuan?
Not to mention that you can compare bicycles at 300 yuan, even 450 yuan can break the psychological defenses of some buyers.
No one can resist the desire to own a motorcycle, just like in later generations, no matter how high the tax on luxury cars is, there will always be people who buy them.
Section-level cadres do not have cars, but with a monthly salary of 60 or 70 yuan, a couple working together can buy one within half a year, and a single-income family can also buy one within a year of saving.
Commuting to get off work on a motorcycle is not the same as riding a bicycle.
Why did Li Xuewu dare to bring Bao Peigang out to play? This old guy ate so much seafood and drank so much foreign liquor. If he didn't squeeze some money out of him, he would be in trouble.
The motorcycle steel rolling mill is still experimenting and working on technological breakthroughs in order to lower prices while ensuring quality.
The sample that Xia Zhongquan showed Li Xuewu after the New Year was actually very good, but he was still not satisfied.
If you want to engage in a price war, you have to lower the price to the lowest point, leaving no one with a chance of survival.
Since Bao Peigang has taken a fancy to the motorcycle project and dared to invest heavily, and the other party is not afraid of death, why would he be afraid of the hard work of burying people?
Bao Peigang was certainly not a fool. When talking to Li Xuewu about the development of the automobile industry and the key technologies of motorcycles, he pointed at Parker and emphasized: "We must get the British to invest!"
"grass--!"
Li Xuewu sneered and asked, "Do you have no confidence in me or in our factory? Do you have to drag a foreigner to take the blame?"
After saying that, he rolled his eyes and asked with a smile, "How about I introduce you to a Japanese girl?"
"Go away! Hahaha!"
Bao Pei was just setting up Li Xuewu's trap, and he was such a slut, he didn't want to lose both the man and his money.
The laughter of the two people here also affected Parker who was listening to Liu Shaozong's speech over there.
His emotions were fluctuating greatly, and he was thinking while listening to the lecture.
Liu Shaozong's speech rhythm was not affected by the jokes over there, and he continued: "It's very difficult for you to find a suitable supplier in the mainland!"
"I admit that there are many companies like steel mills that have the ability to produce automobiles."
"But! I have to tell you!"
He looked at Parker and said seriously: "It is rare to find a company like theirs that is so bold in engaging in foreign trade, has the foresight to exchange products for technology and equipment, and has the convenience of overseas trade."
"You don't have to worry about the 10% stake, it just proves that they are serious about this project"
Liu Shaozong looked at Pike and said, "You foreign investors like to focus on the pros and cons of the project itself, but we inland investors prefer to look at the subject of the project - people!"
He pointed at Pike and said, "Companies like steel rolling mills are rare in the mainland, but people like you should not be difficult to find in Hong Kong."
He pointed at Ji Weidong who was beside Li Xuewu and reminded him: "They are not short of channels for external communication, and they have more special abilities than you think."
"Why would he cooperate with you and use 10% of his shares in exchange for you helping them introduce technology and equipment without leaving Watsons?"
"why?"
Parker understood the superficial logical relationship of Li Xuewu's words, but he never figured out the deep logic.
"Benefits, Interaction"
Liu Shaozong clenched his fists together and pulled them, explaining: "They can give you so much, but you can give back so little, and it even brings production risks."
“I don’t quite understand what you mean”
Pike frowned and said, "Aren't we talking about the car production project? Are there other interests involved?"
"That's what I want to tell you, Mr. Pike."
Liu Shaozong reminded seriously: "You have also worked in Hong Kong for many years, and you should know very well that we are very reserved when doing business or talking with us."
"Many demands will not be expressed to you directly, but you must understand them."
He pointed at Li Xuewu and reminded him, "He just talked about some things in Hong Kong with Mr. Ji. Didn't you notice?"
"Watsons? Hutchison?"
Parker frowned and looked at Liu Shaozong, and asked, "Could he still interfere with Hutchison's acquisition of Watsons? This is ridiculous!"
"Why don't you talk to him yourself, Mr. Pike?"
Liu Shaozong did not answer his question directly, but reminded him again: "I said, the abilities he possesses are beyond your imagination."
“I still can’t believe it”
Pike shook his head, looked at the cheerful and talkative Li Xuewu, and asked, "Isn't he the representative of the steel mill?"
“Yes, and not only”
Liu Shaozong smiled slightly and said: "As I said before, your investment depends on the project, and our investment depends on the people."
He pointed at Pike and said: "Let me teach you another thing. Here, you cannot underestimate anyone's energy, even if he looks ordinary."
As he said this, he pointed to the little girl sitting next to Li Xuewu in a daze and asked Pike, "Can you tell what kind of energy she has?"
"You mean..."
Pike frowned and thought for a moment, then asked softly, "Could she be Mr. Li's lover and interfere with his decision?"
"Hahaha, this is ridiculous!"
Liu Shaozong laughed, waved his hand and said: "That's totally wrong. She can't be Mr. Li's lover. It's more of a partnership."
“You should understand my explanation.”
He pointed at Parker and said, "You British people also have a relationship that goes beyond friendship and mutual trust, right?"
"Of course, of course"
Parker pursed his lips and nodded, still looking at Zhou Xiaobai. He didn't expect that a girl could have such power that Liu Shaozong specifically asked him about it.
Liu Shaozong did not play dumb with him any more, but quietly explained: "Her father..."
"Oh--"
Although Liu Shaozong's introduction was very tactful and he did not mention Zhou Zhennan's specific situation or even his name, it was enough to shock Pike.
Just when Pike was shocked, Liu Shaozong pointed in the direction of Li Xuewu and said, "He also has such an identity and background."
"Now you understand why I suggested you have a good talk with him? And why I reminded you that he has absolute influence?"
"What if—he also has power in Hong Kong?"
Pike was a little skeptical and asked, "Doesn't your organization allow this?"
"Of course, I didn't say that he was involved in the operation of Hong Kong City, nor did I say that he used his influence to do anything beyond his status."
Liu Shaozong emphasized seriously: "What I am telling you is that his energy is beyond your imagination."
"For example, the young man sitting next to him"
He pointed in the direction of Ji Weidong and said, "You should be able to imagine what it means for them to sit together and negotiate with you."
"Oh~~~ I see! Ji too...!"
Parker suddenly felt as if he had touched upon some opportunities, or rather, had touched upon the nerves of the mainland.
He looked at Liu Shaozong seriously and asked, "Can I believe that what you said is true and reliable?"
"It's up to you to judge for yourself, Mr. Pike. I believe you have the ability to do so."
Liu Shaozong said a lot of mysterious words and pointed out a lot of mysterious relationships to Parker, but in the end he didn't take any responsibility.
Especially the introduction of the identities of Li Xuewu and others, it is said that it is the kind that can be understood and heard, but cannot be expressed in words.
This kind of conversation skill is not too easy for the old hands in the department.
Pike felt as if he understood a lot, yet as if he understood nothing.
Fortunately, the afternoon was long enough, and after sobering up, everyone found a place to rest or continue fishing.
The only people left in the living room were Li Xuewu and the young man who had returned from Gangcheng.
After talking to him, Liu Shaozong went outside the cabin to continue sea fishing with great interest.
Fishing is not addictive, but once you catch your first fish, you can't give it up.
The joy of catching a fish is more refreshing than hooking a girl, and it is simply incomparable to that of a woman.
Zhou Gancheng and Xue Zhifu played poker with Bao Peigang. They enjoyed the entertainment activity with the sea view as the backdrop.
Zhang Changming and Gao Yaqin chatted together. They both came out of the cabin, picked up their fishing rods and started chatting.
Although Zhou Xiaobai and Luo Yun were no longer drunk, they were still feeling sleepy after their heavy meal and fell asleep on the sofa.
Li Xuewu noticed that Luo Yun began to snore softly, and smiled at Pike somewhat embarrassedly.
Then he and Ji Weidong picked up one each and sent them to the rest cabin.
When the two came back, they found Pike still waiting for them in the living room.
"Weidong also works in Gangcheng"
Li Xuewu sat diagonally opposite Parker and gestured to Ji Weidong who was lying in a very untidy manner on the sofa and introduced: "Prince Ports, Shunfeng Ocean Shipping, or Modern Security, you should have heard of them."
"Really? Mr. Ji is from these companies..."
Parker does know something about the newly emerging capital forces in Hong Kong in the past six months, the Oriental Group and the Times Group, and the connecting point is Oriental Times Bank.
"Equity representative, indirectly responsible for some business, you should get to know each other and make friends."
Li Xuewu did not explain it very clearly, but I believe Pike should be very clear about the relevant secrets.
He had already introduced Ji Weidong's identity before, a person from the Investigation Department.
Now I have talked about some of the specific businesses he is responsible for. I believe that the other party is not a fool.
Pike was certainly not a fool, but he was deeply shocked.
It turns out that Oriental Times Bank, which has stirred up increasingly confusing assets and real estate industries in Hong Kong, has background connections in the mainland.
In fact, many people have already thought of it, but there is no evidence, or Oriental Times Bank is too low-key.
"Mr. Ji is young and promising. If we met in Hong Kong, we might have known each other for a long time."
Parker didn't care about Ji Weidong's casualness. This was a private gathering organized by a mainland unit. No one mentioned the rules to him, so naturally he couldn't ask others to set the rules.
Ji Weidong shook hands with him lazily and said with a smile: "Okay, okay, we can get together when you return to Gangcheng."
As he spoke, he pointed to the environment in the cabin and said, "We also have this fun on the sea, but it's not as good as what we have on land."
He smiled mysteriously and asked, "Which nightclub do you often go to? Maybe we've met before."
"Haha, I don't really like that kind of entertainment environment"
Parker knew what Ji Weidong was going to say immediately after hearing what he said, and felt a little embarrassed in front of Li Xuewu.
Ji Weidong smiled indifferently and said, "That's great. I know a few study rooms and I can introduce you to the elegant ones. They actually have a lot of fun too."
“Hahahaha – hahaha –”
Parker's smile was a little awkward, and he looked at Li Xuewu with a request in his eyes, "Let's talk about something serious."
Li Xuewu smiled at him, then looked at Ji Weidong and asked, "What is a study room for? Is it a place to sell books?"
"Little Jiba is playing dumb with me!"
Ji Weidong switched back to Mandarin at this moment, glanced at Li Xuewu and said, "I don't believe you don't know what a study is for!"
"Of course I don't know!"
Li Xuewu said sternly: "I am a serious person and never go to that kind of place."
"Hey! Hey! I've really opened my eyes!"
Ji Weidong laughed and said, "I didn't even tell you where it was, but you already knew what kind of place it was?"
"What's this!"
Li Xuewu glanced at him and said, "Places where indecent people go are indecent places."
After that, he switched to English and said to Pike: "Don't worry about it, he has a bit of an exaggerated sense of humor, but he is actually a good person."
"Just for this one sentence!"
Ji Weidong nodded at him and glared at him, "I'll spare you first!"
After saying that, he smiled at Parker and said, "Next time, next time, I'll organize the party and you treat. Let's make it a deal."
Pike didn't care about what he said. He smiled and nodded, changing the current topic.
"Mr. Liu just told me about your situation. I really didn't expect it. Really."
It is said that the British are straightforward and do not speak subtly enough.
Even if he said it now, Li Xuewu and Ji Weidong would not say anything, knowing that it was Liu Shaozong who said it.
But now Pike has directly sold out Liu Shaozong, how should the two respond?
"I don't know what Mr. Liu said to you, but the identity of the person sitting here with you is always a cadre of the steel mill and your friend."
Li Xuewu's words were very tactful and clear. He picked up the wine bottle and added some wine to the three people's glasses.
"In fact, you don't have to cooperate to make friends. I personally welcome Mr. Parker to come to the mainland for more exchanges."
He looked at Pike and said sincerely: "I can learn more about the outside world from you and acquire more extensive knowledge."
"You are really too modest, or you are all so modest"
Parker smiled and said, "Liu told me about the situation in your mainland and introduced the excellent conditions of the automobile industry of the Red Star Steel Rolling Mill."
"Really, to be honest, it makes me feel like I'm getting to know the Red Star Steel Mill all over again."
He looked at Li Xuewu and said, "Can I have a serious talk with you?"
“Just like Liu said”
Parker spread his hands sincerely and said: "I hope to be honest and sincere."
"Sure, yes, no problem"
Li Xuewu smiled and said: "It is our duty as friends to support each other."
He pointed at Ji Weidong and asked Pike, "Do you need me to ask him to leave?"
"Haha, no need, it's not a top secret topic."
Pike chuckled and said, "I actually prefer Mr. Ji to be here. He will be more helpful to Hongcheng, to me, and to you in understanding these things."
"Okay, I'll listen to you."
Li Xuewu smiled and gestured to Ji Weidong, "Then leave him here and let's have a good talk."
"As for the automotive industry, I have thought about it carefully and we both have some focus points."
Pike spoke every word seriously, and from the pauses in his speech, it was clear that he thought carefully before speaking.
“What you require is technology, trust, and absolute and secure control of the channel.”
"But what I want is safety, efficiency, decision-making and benefits."
Pike shook his hands and asked tentatively: "Is it possible for us to find the key point to break this stalemate from the inside or outside?"
"For example, cooperation in other fields, or..."
"Well, please go ahead, I'm listening."
Li Xuewu did not take the initiative to respond to him, but asked him to speak clearly and frankly.
Parker obviously realized this and asked after hesitating, "I just heard you and Mr. Ji mentioned Watsons, Hutchison, and Miss Lou of Oriental Times Bank."
"Let me interrupt you here, Pike."
Li Xuewu smiled and said: "Today is a private gathering. If it is not a negotiation occasion, what we say only represents our personal opinions."
"I understand, I understand"
Parker understood what Li Xuewu meant, nodded and said: "I just want to express my sincerity and attitude."
“Of course, I understand how you feel.”
Li Xuewu affirmed: "I know you are a sincere and reliable gentleman, so I treat you as a friend."
"You and I have only been together for a short time, so I'm afraid you don't know me very well. In fact, I am a person who attaches great importance to friendship."
"Mr. Ji can prove this."
He explained to Pike seriously: "I would never cheat my friends, let alone defraud them."
"I can prove it! Mr. Pike!"
Ji Weidong pointed at himself and Li Xuewu and explained with a smile: "We are just friends, very good friends. It's not like what you see. This is a way for us to interact and get close to each other."
"I understand that teasing someone requires a certain friendship foundation, I understand."
Parker smiled, then looked at Li Xuewu and said, "I also hope to establish friendship with you, beyond business cooperation."
"Of course, isn't this why I invited you out for fun? Haha!"
Li Xuewu smiled and spread his hands, saying: "Even if the cooperation fails, it will not affect our relationship."
“I firmly believe this as well.”
Pike straightened his attitude and became serious, saying: "Since our friendship is so reliable, I won't beat around the bush."
"Watson's, is this what you want?"
"No, no, Mr. Pike, you may have misunderstood!"
Li Xuewu and Ji Weidong looked at each other and waved their hands, saying, "The competitive relationship we are talking about is not within the scope of this conversation."
"I understand, we are friends."
Parker nodded and said, "To be honest, the reason I came to the mainland is because Hutchison is acquiring Watsons."
"If your friends are interested in getting involved in this acquisition, I think I can be of some help."
"Mr. Pike, our friendship is pure and not disturbed by interests."
Li Xuewu said sincerely: "We have no intention of threatening or asking you to help us with any conditions. This is contrary to friendship!"
He pointed at Ji Weidong and said, "The contradiction he mentioned is not the focus of our discussion. I hope you don't misunderstand me and end this topic."
"Why? I don't care about that!"
Pike said seriously: "I didn't feel any threat or request at all. This was my initiative. We are friends."
"Li Xuewu, you should respect Parker's friendship"
Ji Weidong suddenly interrupted and said, "He is a sincere person, and you will hurt him by saying this."
"Don't talk!"
Li Xuewu nodded at Ji Weidong, then said to Pike: "I still can't allow friendship to be mixed with interests. It's unfair to you."
"Oh - Lee, you are so stubborn"
Parker took the initiative to say: "It's normal for friends to cooperate with each other. I don't feel offended, and I don't feel that our friendship has been tainted, really."
"Really?"
Li Xuewu looked at him suspiciously and said hesitantly: "I am a very pure person and have never been with friends...you are the friend I just recognized."
He spread his hands in embarrassment and said, "You know, asking friends to do something is a bit uncomfortable for me."
"You should trust me, Lee"
Pike nodded, then looked at Ji Weidong and said, "I think there will be no difficulty in communication between us, about Watsons, right?"
"Um--"
Ji Weidong made a zipper motion on his mouth and glanced at Li Xuewu, indicating that he was not allowed to speak.
"Hahaha--"
Parker looked at Li Xuewu with amusement, and seeing him covering his face in embarrassment, he said to Ji Weidong: "We can talk about Watsons now, no need for Li".
"This is my business! It's none of your business!"
Seeing Li Xuewu glaring at him, Ji Weidong stiffened his neck and emphasized, then said directly to Pike: "I have Li Xuewu's connections, so I don't lack export goods. Do you know this?"
"I know that the steel rolling mill has a large production cluster and many cooperative enterprises."
Pike nodded and motioned for Ji Weidong to continue.
Ji Weidong nodded and said, "I have the agency relationship with Shunfeng Ocean Shipping and the management relationship with Port-au-Prince Port. Do you understand what I mean?"
"I understand. Goods are exported from the mainland and imported into the port city. Everything is under your control."
Pike once again gave the correct answer and motioned for Ji Weidong to continue.
Ji Weidong gave him a correct look, and then said: "The distributors and retail channels we are cooperating with now are Wufenghang and other trading companies."
He gestured with both hands to show the relationship here, introduced the content of the cooperation with Wufenghang, and then looked at Parker and asked: "If the resources I have can be combined with Watsons' retail terminal capabilities, what effect do you think this will have?"
"Integration, real price advantage"
Parker became serious. He understood what Ji Weidong meant, but emphasized: "Watsons is just a company that sells health products and medicines. It does not have the business scope you mentioned."
“It doesn’t exist in Watsons now, but that doesn’t mean it can’t exist!”
Ji Weidong said seriously: "I need a sales network with sufficient brand credibility, sufficient store management capabilities, and a complete management system."
"The only thing that is not lacking is the ability to invest in development. You should know what I mean."
"Oriental Times Bank, right?"
Parker nodded, then thought for a moment and asked, "Do you want to turn Watsons into a full-category retail terminal?"
"That's what I mean"
Ji Weidong nodded and said, "A super terminal with powerful production and service capabilities."
“Why Watsons?”
Parker wondered: "Hong Kong is not short of retail outlets, and there are also better brands than Watsons."
"But their general manager wasn't sitting in front of us."
Ji Weidong pointed at his feet and said seriously: "Their management has no confidence to go into the mainland and visit our homes."
Parker listened to his words and suddenly understood what Mr. Liu had just said to him.
When they invest, they prefer to look at the project, while people from the mainland prefer to look at the subject of the project, the people.
Rather than saying that Li Xuewu and Ji Weidong were talking to him about cooperation in automobiles and retail terminals, it would be more accurate to say that they were talking about cooperation with him.
Only when people reach cooperation can all conflicts of interest among key figures be resolved.
As for the cooperation on the automobile project, just like Watsons, 10% is not the key point, cooperation is the key point.
The key point is not the benefits he can get, but the benefits he can control.
Watsons, isn’t that what Li Xuewu has always emphasized, that he needs to give the other party confidence?
Oh my, people from the mainland are so cunning!
(End of this chapter)