"Jiang Yuhong, from Shanghai," the young man introduced himself.
Shanghai? Zhang Cheng was increasingly puzzled. In both his past and present lives, he had no connection whatsoever with Shanghai, this metropolis thousands of miles away.
"Don't worry, we were complete strangers before this."
Jiang Yuhong seemed to see through Zhang Cheng's thoughts and smiled calmly.
"My purpose in coming to Funing County was to discuss the acquisition of the cannery."
I overheard you mentioning that you could conjure up that so-called herbal gift box out of thin air, and that piqued my interest; I'd like to meet you in person.
Acquiring a cannery? Zhang Cheng was shocked. In those days, canneries were state-owned enterprises, and they were quite profitable. Why would they be sold off so easily?
Jiang Yuhong ignored Zhang Cheng's surprise and continued:
"Your methods of promoting herbal gift boxes, though in my opinion, are still rather immature."
But I specifically inquired about your background; you're just a country bumpkin from a remote, impoverished area.
To possess such quick wit and courage, and to put it into practice, truly demonstrates remarkable talent.
Zhang Cheng was not surprised that the other party was able to find out about his background.
Since Jiang Yuhong was able to come and discuss the acquisition of the state-owned cannery, he must be a very influential figure in the city.
Investigating such an unknown nobody is a piece of cake.
"So, Mr. Yang, what brings you to see me?"
"It's simple, just follow me!" Jiang Yuhong's smile remained unchanged.
"I admire your quick wit."
"As long as you agree, your annual salary starts at 10,000, plus bonuses and dividends, guaranteeing you at least 20,000 a year."
Twenty thousand a year, that's the minimum.
In an era when even households with ten thousand yuan are extremely rare, this is undoubtedly an astronomical price that would drive anyone crazy.
But for Zhang Cheng, 20,000 yuan, though a lot, was not out of reach.
More importantly, he had already made up his mind that he would never again be subservient to others or be driven by them in this life.
Seeing that Zhang Cheng remained silent, Jiang Yuhong's smile deepened.
He guessed that Zhang Cheng had made some money with the herbal gift boxes, and at this moment he must be very proud and would not easily bow down to anyone.
"Zhang Cheng," Jiang Yuhong began slowly and deliberately.
"Do you know that from the moment people are born, they are divided into different classes by an invisible hand? Just like you and me."
"Children born into ordinary families receive instruction from their parents, teachers, and relatives from a young age."
They were instilled with the principles of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trustworthiness, as well as gentleness, kindness, respect, frugality, and humility, and were implanted with a set of logics about morality, fairness, and justice.
Moving up a notch, one then comes the so-called art of recognizing talent and the strategy of managing subordinates.
"And what about the ordinary people at the very bottom of society? What do they get?"
Jiang Yuhong paused, his gaze deep, "They will be repeatedly admonished to be honest and kind to others."
“What Mr. Yang said does make some sense,” Zhang Cheng nodded, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.
"But do you know what the educational logic I received from childhood was?"
"I would like to hear the details."
Being kind to others is being cruel to yourself.
Zhang Cheng raised an eyebrow almost imperceptibly, gazing at the young man before him who maintained an elegant demeanor and a constant smile.
Meeting Zhang Cheng's scrutinizing gaze, Jiang Yuhong continued:
"In this world, the struggles of people at the bottom are often filled with open and covert battles, and even bloodshed."
Once you reach the middle management level, you need to be adept at interpersonal relationships and know how to get along with everyone.
So, do you know what the higher-level rules of the game are?
Before Zhang Cheng could respond, Jiang Yuhong asked and answered his own question, his smile deepening:
"It's an exchange of equivalent benefits. Just like my trip to Funing this time, which is intended to acquire the cannery."
"You don't need to be dissatisfied, nor do you need to be angry."
What I'm telling you today, given your abilities, if you can develop steadily, you'll naturally understand it in twenty or thirty years.
The reason I'm pointing this out now is because I truly believe in your potential.
A sharp glint flashed in Jiang Yuhong's eyes; he genuinely admired Zhang Cheng's methods.
An unknown young man from a mountain village actually came up with such an ingenious idea as a herbal gift box.
And the ability to get things done and release the product in just a few days is truly remarkable.
"If you are willing to help me, money and wealth are merely readily available byproducts..."
Listening to Jiang Yuhong's endless rambling, Zhang Cheng felt speechless.
Isn't this just the same old motivational platitudes and brainwashing tactics that have become so ubiquitous in later generations?
He felt that if he let Jiang Yuhong continue talking like this, he might actually be infected by his inexplicable passion.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Yang."
Zhang Cheng interrupted Jiang Yuhong.
"I am a person without great ambitions. I just want to make a little money and support my family. I have no lofty aspirations."
“I can give you time to think it over.” Jiang Yuhong didn’t seem surprised.
"No need." Zhang Cheng shook his head, a slight smile appearing on his face, and reached out to open the car door.
"Mr. Yang's words are indeed insightful. However, we have different paths and cannot work together."
The car door slammed shut. Zhang Cheng strode away without looking back.
As Jiang Yuhong watched his departing figure, he chuckled softly, "He's quite an interesting country bumpkin."
At this moment, the driver had returned to the driver's seat and asked in a low voice, "Mr. Yang, this kid doesn't know what's good for him?"
"As expected."
At a young age, he made his first fortune, a time when he was full of pride and ambition.
However, in this day and age, it is ultimately a world where people prey on each other.
Once he's stumbled and fallen, bruised and battered, he'll naturally remember the good things he did tonight.
Jiang Yuhong calmly took a cigar from his pocket, but did not light it. He merely held it to his nose and sniffed it lightly. After a moment, he gave the order.
"Go to the city government."
"Yes, Mr. Yang!"
The Cadillac started smoothly and drove away slowly.
Li Yuanyuan and the other two quickly approached Zhang Cheng, their eyes gleaming with curiosity that almost overflowed.
"Er Gouzi, who's that guy? Wow, driving a car, he's got some serious style!" Zhang Da Nao exclaimed in amazement.
"Big Head Bro, what you're saying is obvious! They're already riding in a car, how can they not be impressive?"
Zhang Jianhao couldn't help but interject.
"If you keep talking, believe me, I'll sew your mouth shut!" Zhang Da Tou glared at Zhang Jianhao.
Zhang Cheng smiled faintly: "Someone from Shanghai."
"From Shanghai?" Li Yuanyuan pouted slightly; it was as if she hadn't said anything at all.
"Big Head Bro, Sword Master, you two take Li Yuanyuan back first. I'm a bit tired, I'll go back to the guesthouse to rest."
Zhang Cheng gave a single instruction and then turned away.
Watching Zhang Cheng's slightly tired figure, Zhang Jianhao scratched his head and muttered to himself:
"I have a feeling that Brother Dog is acting a little strange today?"
"You talk too much! Let's go, let's take Li Zhiqing back first!" Zhang Da Tou raised his foot and gave Zhang Jianhao a fake kick in the butt.
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