GBP Chapter 634 Mutual Benefit and Win-win
Chapter 634 Mutual Benefit and Win-win
"Maybe he didn't want you to think the hole was too big," Wang Ergou said. "But I don't think Tian Guoqiang intentionally concealed anything; it's probably just a difference in statistical methods."
"Go on."
"I also learned that Tianrun Commerce and Trade does indeed have a strong channel advantage in South China," Wang Ergou said, pulling out a small notebook. "Besides Hualian Supermarket, they also have long-term cooperative relationships with more than a dozen large supermarkets, with annual sales reaching around 20 million yuan."
This figure surprised Li Xiangyang: "Twenty million? That's no small company."
“Yes, if it weren’t for this cash flow problem, Tianrun Trading would still be quite strong,” Wang Ergou said. “And I’ve heard that the agricultural product market in South China is growing rapidly, with huge demand.”
Li Xiangyang pondered for a moment: "You just said there was another unexpected discovery, what was it?"
Wang Ergou smiled mysteriously: "I've discovered something interesting. Lin Yajing from Hualian Supermarket has a close relationship with Tian Guoqiang."
"How to say?"
“From what I understand, Lin Yajing used to work for Tianrun Trading, but was later poached by Hualian Supermarket,” Wang Ergou said in a low voice. “And some people say that she and Tian Guoqiang used to be in a romantic relationship.”
This news surprised Li Xiangyang: "Are you sure?"
“I heard this from two different people, so it should be true,” Wang Ergou said. “But they’re both married now and have their own families.”
Li Xiangyang pondered the meaning of this information: "This explains why Lin Yajing wanted to bypass Tianrun Trading and cooperate directly with us, and it also explains why Tian Guoqiang interpreted it this way."
“That’s what I think too,” Wang Ergou nodded. “I suspect there’s something complicated going on between them.”
Just then, Li Xiangyang's phone rang. It was Lin Yajing from Hualian Supermarket calling.
"Mr. Li, I just reported the cooperation to headquarters, and they've basically agreed to the tripartite cooperation model," Lin Yajing said, her voice sounding excited. "However, there are a few details that need further discussion."
"What details?"
"It mainly concerns the standards for delivery and after-sales service," Lin Yajing said. "At Hualian, we have relatively strict requirements in this regard, and we need to ensure that Tianrun Trading can meet our standards."
Li Xiangyang glanced at Wang Ergou: "That's understandable. How about this, we arrange a formal three-way meeting to finalize all the details?"
"Okay, I suggest we hold the meeting in the provincial capital; that would be more convenient for everyone."
"Okay, I'll coordinate the time and try to hold the meeting this week."
After hanging up the phone, Li Xiangyang said to Wang Ergou, "It seems this cooperation is going to be successful. However, I think it's necessary to understand the situation you just mentioned."
Are you worried that it will affect the cooperation?
“It’s not that I’m worried about affecting the cooperation, but I want to understand the true relationship between them,” Li Xiangyang said. “If Lin Yajing really deliberately bypassed Tian Guoqiang, then there might be some conflicts we’re unaware of.”
Wang Ergou thought for a moment: "Should I go and inquire again?"
"Forget it, it's better not to pry too much into these personal matters," Li Xiangyang waved his hand. "Why don't we just ask Tian Guoqiang and see what he has to say?"
In the afternoon, Li Xiangyang called Tian Guoqiang and asked him to come to the county town for a face-to-face meeting the next day.
The next morning, Tian Guoqiang arrived as promised. He looked somewhat tired, clearly having stayed up many nights preparing materials over the past few days.
"Mr. Li, here are all the documents you requested." Tian Guoqiang pulled out a thick file folder. "Financial statements, customer list, development plans—it's all here."
Li Xiangyang took the file bag and flipped through it casually: "President Tian, I'd like to ask you a question, and I hope you can answer it truthfully."
“You say.”
"Was Lin Yajing an employee of Tianrun Trading before?" Li Xiangyang looked directly into Tian Guoqiang's eyes.
Tian Guoqiang's expression changed slightly, but he quickly returned to normal: "Yes, she did work for our company before."
"Then why did she leave?"
Tian Guoqiang was silent for a moment, then smiled wryly and said, "It's a long story. Lin Yajing was a very capable person; she was in charge of developing the South China market at the time. Later, Hualian Supermarket recognized her abilities and poached her with a high salary."
"Is it that simple?" Li Xiangyang felt that Tian Guoqiang hadn't told him everything.
“Of course, it’s not just that.” Tian Guoqiang sighed. “To tell you the truth, Lin Yajing and I did have a relationship before, but that was many years ago. Now we both have our own families and have long since moved on.”
Li Xiangyang nodded: "Is there some special reason why she contacted us this time?"
“I think it’s mainly a business consideration,” Tian Guoqiang said. “Hualian Supermarket has been looking for high-quality suppliers, and your products are indeed of very good quality; there’s no reason for them not to be interested.”
"Do you think she might be deliberately making things difficult for Tianrun Trading?"
Tian Guoqiang shook his head: "Although Lin Yajing can be quite assertive at times, she's a very professional person. As long as we provide good service, she won't deliberately make things difficult for us."
Seeing Tian Guoqiang's candor, Li Xiangyang's doubts lessened considerably: "Alright, let's continue discussing the cooperation. Regarding the investment, I've briefly reviewed your materials, and there are a few questions that need clarification."
“You say.”
"The financial statements show that Tianrun Commerce's funding gap is three million, not the two million you previously mentioned."
Tian Guoqiang was somewhat embarrassed: "I'm sorry, I wasn't accurate enough before. The three million includes the total shortfall, including accounts receivable. If we only consider cash flow, it's indeed around two million."
“I understand,” Li Xiangyang said. “However, this reminds me that our cooperation needs to be more transparent. If I invest in Tianrun Commerce, I hope to be able to participate in its day-to-day operations and management.”
“No problem,” Tian Guoqiang quickly replied. “Actually, I also hope to have a partner to help me share some of the operational pressure.”
The two then discussed the specific terms of the investment in detail. After a morning of negotiations, they basically reached an agreement:
Li Xiangyang invested three million yuan, acquiring a 40% stake in Tianrun Commerce and Trade.
Li Xiangyang assigned financial personnel to participate in the daily management of Tianrun Commerce and Trade.
Major decisions require joint consultation between both parties;
The investment will be carried out in two phases. The first phase will involve investing 1.5 million to address the immediate needs.
"Mr. Li, thank you so much!" Tian Guoqiang excitedly grasped Li Xiangyang's hand. "With your support, I believe Tianrun Trading will definitely be able to regain its vitality."
"Mr. Tian, you're too kind. This is a win-win situation," Li Xiangyang said. "However, we need to finalize the tripartite cooperation agreement first before making the investment."
"Yes, I'll contact Lin Yajing immediately and arrange a tripartite meeting."
That afternoon, the three confirmed the meeting time by phone: the meeting would be held next Monday at the headquarters of Hualian Supermarket in the provincial capital to formally sign the tripartite cooperation agreement.
After seeing Tian Guoqiang off, Li Xiangyang said to Wang Ergou, "It seems this cooperation is going to be successful. What do you think?"
“I think it’s good,” Wang Ergou said. “Tian Guoqiang is indeed trustworthy, and the prospects for the South China market are very good.”