As soon as he thought of this, Brother Leopard's eyes flashed with gold. Although he didn't know how Zhao Xiaohai had gained access to the Soviet army, this was definitely an opportunity to make a fortune for him. With the army there opening a "back door", the Sino-Soviet border would be like tearing down half of the wall in future trade. Considering this alone, Brother Leopard felt that he couldn't pass up this opportunity. He had to find a way to get more information out of Zhao Xiaohai, and then find a way to get in on the action.
Without even glancing at the company registration documents Zhao Xiaohai had handed him, Brother Leopard took a sip from the coffee in front of him, then smiled calmly, "Mr. Zhao really is planning to open a trading company. Haha, a one-million-yuan investment is quite a large sum. But to be honest, this might be a bit tricky. You're from Greentown, so you should be aware of our domestic policies. All companies involved in foreign trade must undergo a very strict qualification review. First, all the necessary formalities for opening a regular company must be completed, and any company with the name 'Import and Export' must have a registered capital of at least 500,000 yuan (based on 1980s standards). Furthermore, you'll have to go through a host of regulatory agencies, including the Commerce Bureau, Customs, and the State Administration of Foreign Exchange. It's quite a complex undertaking."
"I know that," Zhao Xiaohai said with a smile, "but I also believe that these things are not a problem for you. What are your abilities? Who in Green City doesn't know it?"
"Oh, I didn't expect Mr. Zhao to be so optimistic about me." Brother Leopard said with a smile.
"Of course, otherwise I wouldn't have found your company," Zhao Xiaohai shrugged and said calmly, "Brother Bao, don't worry. I understand your rules. As long as the job is done, I won't give you any less than I owe you."
"But as far as I know, Mr. Zhao doesn't seem to have sufficient funds on hand," Brother Leopard curled his lips and said with an expression of disapproval, "otherwise, you wouldn't have borrowed so much money from us, right? After all..."
"After all, the fees for borrowing your funds are not low, right?" Zhao Xiaohai said before Leopard Brother finished speaking, "Of course I know that. Could it be that Brother Leopard is doubting my ability to pay? If so, then I think Brother Leopard is really underestimating me. Although I, Zhao Xiaohai, may not be a celebrity or wealthy person in Green City, I do have some property. Could it be that I would refuse to pay your fee?"
"That shouldn't be the case," Leopard shook his head and said, "but I think it's better to clarify some issues in advance. Many of them also involve matters related to the procedures to be handled later."
"For example..." Zhao Xiaohai picked up the cigarette box on the table, took out a cigarette and lit it for himself, then waved his hand and said.
"For example, how much import and export quota does Mr. Zhao's company need each year, in which area does your trade mainly focus, do you have overseas partners, what are the identities of your partners, how do you cooperate, etc." Brother Leopard said.
"Haha, Brother Bao, you're such a jokester," Zhao Xiaohai said, looking a little surprised. "If you want to know the import and export quotas and trade directions we need, I can tell you. Our current main trade direction is steel imports. Later on, we may involve some export trade. Although these details haven't been finalized yet, I can guarantee that whether it's imports or exports, our trade will definitely be conducted within the scope permitted by national laws. Therefore, in terms of import and export quotas, we naturally need as many as possible. As for the issue of partners, haha, I feel that this is beyond the scope of your investigation, Brother Bao, and it is also a trade secret, so I don't want to answer."
"Mr. Zhao is really cautious. Are you afraid that I will rob you of your wealth?" Brother Leopard tapped his fingers lightly on the table in front of him and said in a relaxed tone.
"Haha, that's not the case. But, regarding this business matter, we... haha, let's keep it a secret." Zhao Xiaohai didn't reveal a single word. He could tell this man wasn't a simple person. Every question he asked seemed straightforward, but a closer look revealed his indirect probing. Just like the seemingly joking question he'd just asked, "Are you afraid I'll steal your wealth?" It was a test. If Zhao Xiaohai answered "yes," it would be a sign that his relationship with his partner wasn't close, making it easy for someone to exploit him. The opposite answer would be a different answer. But whether Zhao Xiaohai answered or not, it was a sign that he did have a partner, and that this partner controlled his purchase and sales channels in the Soviet Union.
It is said that the business world is like a battlefield, and the hidden intrigues are often hidden in one or two casual words.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com