Chapter 370: Business Negotiation - Pretending to Cultivate in Kindergarten

Chapter 370: Business Negotiation Lin Zhengran sat comfortably in his executive chair, meticulously reviewing this month's work documents. Elsewhere, Jiang Jingshi remained occupied with her temporary secretarial duties. "Boss, are you satisfied with Jingshi's work today?" As Lin Zhengran continued flipping through the documents, he replied teasingly, "Keep quiet and just focus on your work." Jiang Jingshi's cheeks flushed a bright red, and she dared not say more, only responding softly as a dutiful secretary would, "Yes." Meanwhile, outside the main entrance of Zhengshi Company, an Audi car slowly approached from a distance, cautiously pulling over to park along the sidewalk. The occupants, a man and a woman in their thirties, stepped out, both appearing a bit travel-worn. The man donned a suit, while the woman had put effort into her appearance. "Honey, did you make sure we have everything?" The woman nodded, "Yes, don't worry. This company really is quite large, though," she observed, looking up at the imposing seven-story building in front of them. The man evaluated as well and agreed, "This is indeed a major company. As long as we close this deal today, we won't have to worry about losing money this year." "Mainly, we don't know the people we'll be dealing with. Let's just hope nothing goes wrong." The man was a bit nervous. "It should be fine; everything is arranged." With that, the couple walked confidently towards the security post, with the husband initiating the conversation, "Hello there, I'm here to see Director Liu about some business. My last name is Han." The guard sized them up and, deducing they were here to meet someone, noted their accents didn't suggest they were locals. "You're here for Director Liu? Which Liu? The one from the Administration Department?" "Yes, the one from the Administration Department." "Why are you discussing business with the Administration Department?" The man chuckled good-naturedly, "Someone else made the arrangements." "Alright, I'll call Director Liu for you. Please wait a moment." "Thanks." After making the call, the security guard communicated, "All set, someone will come down to receive you. Just follow her inside and fill out a registration form." "Thanks a lot." As the man filled out the form, he courteously pulled out a cigarette from his pocket. "Here, have one." The guard chuckled and accepted the cigarette, noting the man's amicable demeanor, "Your accent suggests you're not local, are you? Came from the south? You two are a couple?" Exchanging a glance, the man replied, "Yes, my wife and I drove here last night, a two-day drive." "That's quite tiring." "Business is like that." After completing the form, they engaged in brief small talk before the guard resumed his post, and the couple waited for someone from the office to come down. During the wait, the man asked his wife, "After we finish today, shall we visit Wenwen? It'll be on the way." His wife quickly responded, "Sure, once we're done, I'll give Wenwen a call." To strangers, this couple would seem unfamiliar, but if Lin Zhengran or Han Wenwen were present, they’d instantly recognize them as Han Wenwen's uncle and aunt, journeying all the way from the south for a crucial business deal. The southern market was tough this year, and the couple had gone to great lengths to establish contact with this major company. After a short wait, a young woman descended from the office. Han's uncle hurried to greet her. The woman inquired, "Are you Ms. Han? Here to see Director Liu?" "That's right." "Our Director Liu is currently in a meeting. He'll be a while. Let me take you upstairs first." "No problem at all." Entering the towering Zhengshi Company building, the couple followed the young woman into the elevator. As they gazed around the grandiose interior, nervousness seeped into Han Wenwen's uncle and aunt. Today's business meeting was critical—it could significantly influence their year’s success. Her uncle had tapped into numerous connections and given many gifts to secure a meeting with the Administration Department director of Zhengshi Company. Failure was not an option. They smoothly arrived at the Administration Department's office entrance. The young woman had them wait on the sofa for a while. The couple nodded respectfully, choosing to remain silent. After around ten minutes, a middle-aged man in his forties strode into the Administration Department. It was Director Liu. Although her uncle was here to see Director Liu, he didn't recognize him and continued to sit politely. Director Liu queried his staff, "Wasn't someone here to see me?" The young woman who escorted them gestured towards the sofa, "They're right there!" Glancing over, Director Liu saw the couple, prompting Han's uncle to quickly stand and offer a handshake, "You must be Director Liu? Hello, hello, I’m Han. We spoke on the phone yesterday." Director Liu offered a casual handshake and replied, "Ah, Mr. Han, right? Okay, let's discuss outside." The trio moved to a quieter spot outside the office. Director Liu said, "I'm quite busy, so let's keep this quick. Did you bring the samples? Let me have a look. Tell me the asking price; if it's reasonable, I'll put you in touch with our procurement team." Quickly, Han's aunt retrieved a pack of small mechanical parts from her bag, "Here they are. Please take a look. Our products are of excellent craftsmanship, and the price is very competitive—just three hundred per set, well below the market rate." "That's pricey," Director Liu remarked after a cursory glance. Despite knowing it was already inexpensive, he maintained, "Too expensive; you'll need to lower it a bit more." Her uncle insisted, "The price is already low; we're hardly making a profit." "When I say it's expensive, it's expensive. Don't tell me you aren't making a profit. I can tell. It wasn’t easy for you both to come here—didn't you consider the pricing beforehand? If that's your basis, I can't assist you in making the connection." "Well—" Han's aunt glanced at her husband. Her uncle, somewhat anxious, took out an envelope from his bag and handed it to Director Liu. "This really isn’t overpriced. We barely managed to connect with you; please lend us a hand and facilitate the introduction." Once he ensured no one was watching, Director Liu accepted the envelope, his demeanor softening appreciably, "Alright, alright, seeing you've had a tough time, I'll help facilitate a meeting with procurement for you. Bear in mind, unloading this stock won't be easy; not many companies can absorb it all. I must remind you I'm only making the introduction; closing the deal is up to you." Her uncle nodded graciously and queried bewildered, "Given we've made it to you, how could it not work out?" Director Liu frowned, "Honestly, what are you implying? Do you think anyone can directly contact our procurement department? Our firm has established clients. Shall I return this to you so you can handle it yourselves? I'll step aside." Seeing Director Liu’s hand move as if to return the envelope, Han's aunt quickly objected, "No, please, my husband didn't mean it like that. We're grateful for your assistance in the introduction; we'll negotiate from there. Thank you." "That's better. Your wife is much more perceptive. Head to the fourth floor’s procurement department. Someone will see you. Both of our directors are in today, so I'm quite occupied. I won't accompany you downstairs. Besides, I trust you know what's appropriate to say or not." Her uncle nodded awkwardly, "Of course, sure. We appreciate your help." Han's aunt courteously added, "Take care." Director Liu, with the envelope tucked away, briskly returned to the Administration Department. Her uncle, feeling earnest, sighed, "Business dealings can be truly challenging." His wife reassured him, "Everyone faces this when asking for favors. You get used to it. Let's visit the procurement department and see what they say." The couple took the elevator down, while Director Liu returned to his office. Not long after, Pan Lin entered with Han Wenwen. Upon seeing Pan Lin, the once brisk and imposing Director Liu suddenly assumed a deferent tone, "Secretary Pan? What brings you here? And this is—" Pan Lin retorted seriously, "Director Liu, let me introduce you to Han Wenwen. She is going to be Lin's personal secretary, coordinating all his affairs." (End of Chapter)