Chapter 105: Sealing the Deal with Fang Jun

Xu Zhiquan explained,

“The Mechanical Factory’s problems have been severe for a long time, but management kept covering them up.

Those old timers just want to ride it out until retirement—any fallout won’t touch them.

As for Fang Jun, he joined the factory right after college and worked in the finance department for two years.

A few months ago his boss, the veteran accountant, retired, dumping a lot of work on Fang Jun.

During the reconciliation process, he uncovered massive financial and operational issues.

This young man is straightforward and bold—he blew the whistle, triggering a cascade of problems and leading to the mess we’re in now…

He’s the one who exposed everything. He couldn’t stay in the factory and resigned last month.”

Xu Chen said, “He’s gutsy—doesn’t even care about job security.

Dad, have you spoken to him in person?”

Xu Zhiquan replied, “Not face to face yet.

The factory’s director who recommended him told me all this over the phone.”

He took a sip of tea and continued,

“I also looked into Fang Jun’s family background.

They’re well off—his mother is the deputy director at the People’s Hospital, his father a civil servant in the Health Bureau, and his grandfather served as a soldier back in the day.

No wonder he’s so confident.

Without a solid family behind him, who’d dare throw away a steady paycheck?

If he’d come from an ordinary working-class household, he probably would’ve kept his head down and pretended nothing was wrong.”

Xu Chen nodded,

“A good upbringing and a finance role mean he won’t pull shady tricks for petty gains.”

Xu Zhiquan agreed,

“He’s still young and impulsive—lacks foresight…

But in a decaying, outdated factory, finding such a principled young man is rare.

Thanks to him, we now have the chance to turn the factory around.”

Xu Chen flipped through Fang Jun’s resume again,

“With his background, they could’ve placed him anywhere. Why would he consider a small town enterprise like ours?”

Xu Zhiquan replied, “You’re right, son…

Fang Jun is a perfect fit by any measure.

Bringing him onboard would boost our odds of acquiring the factory by another ten percent.

But he graduated from a reputable university, with a good family—he might not find our rural enterprise appealing.

We need to think about how to offer him enough incentives…

We can’t reveal the factory acquisition plan yet—it’s still too sensitive.

Just talk up our seedling business, though it’s admittedly less attractive.”

Xu Chen considered,

“He’ll have demands—salary, prospects, work environment, personal interest…

But he doesn’t seem like the type to fall for empty promises or grand visions.

Let’s see where our offer aligns with his needs.

We must show sincerity, but not appear desperate.

The more picky he is, the more reserved we should be. We can’t seem overeager.

After all, this is a negotiation where both sides have needs.”

Xu Zhiquan listened silently, a twinge of emotion stirring in his heart.

He realized these complex company matters could genuinely be discussed with his son.

Since turning eighteen, Xu Chen’s maturity had grown leaps and bounds.

His insights and observations often surprised Xu Zhiquan as a father.

Xu Chen didn’t know what his father was thinking, still mulling,

“Fang Jun’s greatest value is the inside financial and operational data of the factory.

If we can persuade him to stay a few months, once we secure the factory, we don’t really care after that…”

Xu Zhiquan took a drag from his cigarette,

“I’ve asked Director Yang at the factory to arrange a meeting with Fang Jun next Wednesday at noon. He agreed.

His willingness to come suggests an opening for discussion.

It’ll be at our newly rented office downtown.”

Xu Chen said, “Dad, you moved that fast? Already rented an office?”

Xu Zhiquan chuckled, “A downtown office makes negotiations more convenient.

I also want to showcase our strength and promising future.

If we’d met him at the town’s factory grounds, he’d probably have walked out.”

“Next Wednesday—are you free to join me?”

“After all, it’s more like an interview. We don’t know if he’s reliable. You can come and help vet him.

If he checks out, you can advise on how to keep him.”

Xu Chen replied, “Sure! And I’ll get to see your new office, General Manager Xu!”

Xu Zhiquan laughed heartily,

“That office is mainly for your East Morning Star Advertising!”

Xu Chen thought for a moment,

“By the way, I’m planning a business trip for East Morning Star Advertising.”

Xu Zhiquan asked, “Already have work lined up?”

Xu Chen explained,

“I’d created ad proposals for pharmaceutical and fertilizer brands before. Then General Manager Guo from the client company referred me to several pitch opportunities.

I wasn’t planning to participate since the college entrance exam is coming.

On my way home, you asked if I’d go to Shanghai for Xie Bingran’s match, and it occurred to me.

So I decided to take advantage of the May Day holiday to head to Shanghai,

watch Xie Bingran’s match, and join the ad pitch…”

Xu Zhiquan chuckled again, “Going to Shanghai alone—is that okay?”

“Don’t worry, Dad. I’m old enough now.”

Xu Zhiquan hesitated briefly then nodded,

“All right. I’ll book your plane and hotel.”

In Xu Zhiquan’s mind, Xu Chen had never traveled so far alone—he still felt uneasy.

But for Xu Chen, in his past life he’d traveled to Shanghai for work many times and knew the city well.

“Dad, you don’t need to handle the tickets or hotel.

The client will cover travel since I’m pitching.

Once everything’s confirmed, I’ll send you the company details, my itinerary, flight and hotel info.”

Xu Zhiquan asked, “They do that?”

Xu Chen answered, “Yes, Dad! I know what I’m doing. They’re a legit domestic pharmaceutical firm.

Once it’s all set, I’ll share every detail with you.”

…

…

Upstairs in his room,

Xu Chen brushed his teeth and washed up while reviewing the pitch projects Guo Liang sent.

Heading to Shanghai over the May Day break was a spur-of-the-moment decision on the ride home.

He was really interested in Xie Bingran’s first national match.

And one of the pitch projects Guo Liang sent happened to fit the schedule perfectly.

The Shanghai pitch was at the end of April—he only needed to take two extra days off from school.

After the pitch, he’d catch Xie Bingran’s match.

He could review on the train and it wouldn’t affect his studies much. Besides, his family’s business now mattered more than the college entrance exam.