Chapter 159
The car sped along the national highway. Even at the fastest speed, it still took five hours to drive from the provincial capital to Ningcheng. It was already twelve noon when we arrived in Ningcheng.
Qin Xiang and Miao Xiaofeng got out of the car with pale faces and walked towards the guesthouse, staggering with every step.
Who would have thought that I would get carsick? It's so painful.
After entering the guesthouse and washing their faces, Qin Yang went out to buy them some food to eat in the house. Then they slowly came back to life.
Qin Xiang called He Shengnan, and soon He Shengnan hurried over.
When He Shengnan saw Qin Xiang, she felt even more welcoming than if she were seeing her own niece. She stepped forward, shook Qin Xiang's hand, and said, "Boss Qin, I've been waiting for you for a long time."
Although she dared to bring down her leader and took strong control of the factory, the situation in the factory was too bad. If she was not careful, she would end up like her predecessor. So as long as Qin Xiang didn't come and didn't say a solution, He Shengnan would feel uneasy.
Qin Xiang laughed and said, "Director He, should I call him that?"
He Shengnan nodded, a smile on her face, "Okay."
Seriously speaking, if it weren't for Qin Xiang, He Shengnan wouldn't have dared to be so bold as to completely break off relations with her old leaders to this extent.
She paused and said, "Come on, I'll treat you to lunch."
Qin Xiang shook her head. "I've already had lunch. I'm pressed for time. I only have three days off, so I have to leave early the day after tomorrow. So, should we go to the factory now?"
"Okay, let's go check it out." He Shengnan was just riding on a wave of courage. The factory wasn't doing well, but Qin Xiang knew all about it, so there was nothing to hide. She couldn't wait to talk to Qin Xiang about cooperation and the factory's development. Qin Xiang's enthusiasm reassured her.
The two went to the factory and found a large banner hanging at the factory gate, "Warmly welcome Qin Xiang to our factory to inspect our work."
Qin Xiang took a quick glance and then looked away. For the first time, she followed He Shengnan to take a look around the entire garment factory.
Because He Shengnan had just taken office today and the factory had not resumed production, the entire factory seemed very quiet.
At this time, several people who looked like cadres hurried over. After He Shengnan introduced them, she found out that they were the new leadership team.
But Director Feng, who was in charge of the warehouse, was still Director Feng. He looked better than before and seemed quite happy about Qin Xiang's arrival.
Qin Xiang said, "Shall we go to the production workshop and take a look?"
Qin Xiang has not yet explained the mode of cooperation, and He Shengnan is somewhat nervous. She is even prepared to accept the reform of the public-private partnership.
"Okay." Anyway, the other party already knew the dilapidated state of his factory, so there would be no problem in taking a look at the workshop.
However, what surprised Qin Xiang was that the production machines in the workshop were actually quite new.
Seeing her curiosity, He Shengnan smiled wryly and explained, "Actually, our factory was very prosperous a few years ago. Even the reform and opening up policy had little impact back then. That's when we got a batch of new machines. But even after the new machines arrived, the factory's situation deteriorated, to the point of shutting down. To be honest, the factory hasn't been operating at all this year, and the workers haven't been paid in six months."
She looked at Qin Xiang with an eager expression, "I want to ask, what method do you have to revive the factory?"
Qin Xiang glanced at the other leaders, and they were all looking at her.
Qin Xiang didn't play dumb. She took out the map she carried with her from her bag and unfolded it for He Shengnan to see. "Take a look."
He Shengnan examined it carefully and looked at Qin Xiang in surprise, "Are you planning to open a store along this line?"
"That's right," Qin Xiang explained. "Although rail transport is possible now, it has certain time limits. Our factory has trucks for transporting goods, so we can use them. Although the journey to the capital isn't short, it won't be a big problem if we can deliver goods all the way."
He Shengnan was a little excited. "Let's go to the office and talk in detail."
If this is accomplished, although it will not allow the factory to develop immediately, it will at least solve the problem of suspension of work and production, and also solve part of the wage problem.
Who would have thought that the factory that everyone once scrambled to get into would become a laughing stock. After the factory was shut down, many workers had to secretly go out and find odd jobs, otherwise they would not be able to make ends meet.
Under these circumstances, He Shengnan was actually ready for public-private partnerships. However, she was surprised when the city leaders immediately poured cold water on her proposal. "It might have been possible last year, but given the current situation, do you think any individual business owner would be able to participate?"
He Shengnan knew that Qin Xiang had it, but Qin Xiang directly refused.
A few people went to the factory director's office, and He Shengnan asked, "How do you want to cooperate? You know, the designers in our factory are not very good. The clothes they design have been the same for years. If the factory can't fire people at critical moments, I would have wanted to replace them directly."
There was no other way. She was able to bring down her boss because the workers were cheering her on. But the designers themselves were workers, and the factory had a complex network of workers, many of whom were relatives over the years. If she dared to fire those people, they would definitely not let it go. Her position was precarious, and firing them simply because their designs were bad was untenable. They could easily claim that the design was the boss's idea and had nothing to do with them.
But if the factory design continues to be handed over to them, then they will not continue to seek their own death. That's why I brought up this issue now. Instead of being blamed later, it's better to make it clear in advance and see if Qin Xiang has any solution.
Seeing her embarrassment, Qin Xiang took out the OEM production plan she had written long ago and handed it to He Shengnan. "This is my idea. If you agree with this plan, I will provide other methods later to help the factory overcome the difficulties."
While He Shengnan was looking at the plan, Qin Xiang continued, "My current base is in the capital, and future development will definitely radiate outward from the capital. Your factory's current situation is very poor, and I don't intend to get involved. After much consideration, I chose the OEM route. The reason I chose Xiangyanghong is because I have a friendship with Xiangyanghong, and I am still grateful. Otherwise, I would not give you such an opportunity."
After reading it, He Shengnan passed it to several deputy factory managers and looked serious. "You mean we only care about production and don't have to worry about the early design and later sales?"
Qin Xiang nodded. "That's what I mean. You're just doing OEM. You produce whatever we give you."
He Shengnan frowned, and a deputy factory manager nearby disagreed, "Then we're still controlled by others. What's the difference between this and before?"
"It's quite different." Qin Xiang smiled. "Before, you couldn't start work for half a year, and the warehouse was filled with inventory. My plan may require you to lose some autonomy, but isn't this loss of autonomy the key factor in your factory's current situation? The materials used in the factory are all from partners in the south, and the quality is impeccable. The workers are all experienced masters, and even new employees are mentored by veterans. If there were good designs, if your sales department could play its role, and if the factory leaders played their due role, would the factory have developed to this point?"
Qin Xiang spoke bluntly, and the faces of the few remaining leaders in the factory turned red with shame. They knew that what Qin Xiang said was the truth.
After Qin Xiang left last year, He Shengnan and the sales department forced the business to continue for a while, and some goods were indeed sold, but it didn't last long. The factory didn't support them and they felt it was embarrassing to deal with individual business owners. The workers didn't cooperate, and they offended the few individual business owners who purchased goods from them, which led to the current situation step by step.
The deputy factory director who was now in charge of the sales department said unhappily, "Then can we just abolish our sales department? Boss Qin, why not ask who would agree? If you can handle it, I have no objection."
Qin Xiang looked at her mercilessly and said, "I'll settle it for you? I'm doing you a great favor by bringing production to your factory. I'll do everything for you. I'll just be your factory director. If I were your factory director, I'm afraid all of you here would have to go home and take care of your children."
"You! You are going too far." The deputy factory director's face turned red.
He Shengnan frowned, glanced at the deputy director, and shook her head, saying, "Old Liu, what Boss Qin said is right. This is our shortcoming. Didn't we agree at the beginning that we had to make a desperate effort to reform? Now the most important thing is to resume production. Otherwise, so many workers will have nothing to eat, and we won't be able to explain ourselves. Let's start the work first, and then solve the subsequent problems one by one. We have more than 200 workers in our factory just for production. The clothes that Boss Qin needs won't be enough for all 200 workers. We still have to keep the other departments running. If we rely on others to pave the way for everything, then what are our factory leaders doing just taking up positions?"
Since Deputy Director Liu was promoted, it was obvious that he was recognized by He Shengnan, and he could listen to what He Shengnan said. In fact, he also knew that Qin Xiang was telling the truth, but seeing that the other party was so young, he always felt that he was unreliable.
Qin Xiang was very satisfied with He Shengnan's attitude. She looked at He Shengnan and said, "Just like what I wrote in my plan, we will be responsible for everything from product design to subsequent sales. It has nothing to do with your factory. Our relationship with you is that we issue production tasks, I pay the money, and you are responsible for production. We will have people stationed here to check the quality. After our production line is running, you can send special personnel to the south to look for such opportunities and specialize in OEM. Of course, if you don't want to go the OEM route, you can send a few design workers in the factory to school for further studies. We are a large state-owned factory, and I believe the city will have favorable policies. The city does not want to see local factories develop like this, so they will definitely help. In addition, the people in the sales department, since they made mistakes in the past, they must correct them and strive to clear out some of the goods in the inventory."
He Shengnan frowned slightly. "But the clothing varieties in the surrounding rural markets are increasing, and the styles are getting better and better. Our styles are not superior."
"Since we don't have an advantage, let price become our advantage, or we can simply go to a place farther away with less contact with the outside world and sell next to the village."
Deputy Director Liu asked, "Then won't we have to pay compensation?"
Qin Xiang said, "You won't lose money if you just pile it up in the warehouse? There's a risk of rats eating it if you keep it there for another month. You'll lose a month's worth of money if you keep it there for another month. If it were me, I'd probably just sell it at half price. Clear out the inventory first. Can't you use the money you get back to appease the workers? Will it appreciate in value if you don't sell it?"
The variety of clothes in rural fairs is indeed much richer than before, but this is only relative. The styles of clothes in many cities are just like that, so how can the ones in rural fairs be much better?
While Xiangyanghong's clothing may not be stylish, the quality is excellent. With the immediate price drop, a large number of people will buy it for the bargain. It's just that the sales target has become older women. They used to sell them for 15 or 20 yuan, so what about the factory price promotion? People with limited means can barely afford new clothes, so why would they pursue style? Durability is what matters most.
Qin Xiang explained the situation carefully, and Deputy Director Liu finally fell silent. Qin Xiang had explained it so carefully, and if the factory still couldn't get going, then there would be no hope.
Qin Xiang said, "I've estimated that we can open about seven branches along the route, but it won't happen overnight. We need to take it slow. Initially, we'll need about a hundred workers, and then gradually increase that to over a hundred. I need you to select experienced and skilled workers to be in charge of this area. I don't want those who are cunning and dishonest. The rest will be up to you to arrange."
As soon as she finished speaking, several deputy factory managers objected. "Only 100 of the 200 workers can start working. The rest will definitely have objections."
Qin Xiang said, "So you need to decide quickly. My suggestion is to first go to the south and find a factory to negotiate OEM. Then, at the same time, let the design department go for further training, and the sales department sell the inventory. Let them prove that they need to stay. If they continue to stagnate after further training, or if they still cheat after being given an opportunity, are such workers worth keeping for the New Year?"
"You need to think carefully. I'm here to discuss cooperation with you, not to be your savior. You're such a capable bunch, do you really have to rely on an outsider like me for advice on everything? Aren't my suggestions clear enough? If you can't even do this, then it's best for me to return the factory as soon as possible."
She didn't need to say anything else, as He Shengnan already understood. They needed Qin Xiang's help, not her need for help. Qin Xiang had done her utmost, and if they continued to pester her, it would be truly shameless.
She nodded. "This matter involves the future development plan of the factory. We need to hold a meeting to discuss it and also inform the city."
Qin Xiang felt that this was as it should be, and nodded, "Okay, but I have to leave early the day after tomorrow, and the results should be available by tomorrow afternoon at the latest. I have already arranged the preliminary production plan. Once the contract is signed, I will arrange for someone to follow up, and then transfer the payment to resume production."
After saying this, Qin Xiang said goodbye and left with Miao Xiaofeng and others back to the guesthouse.
As soon as they left, the office exploded.
Because He Shengnan was decisive and resolute, even though some people disagreed in their hearts, they did not dare to raise any objections.
Everyone is waiting for He Shengnan to make a decision.
He Shengnan took out a pen and paper and wrote down the personnel allocation on the paper. The other most important issue was the more than one hundred workers.
Qin Xiang's arrival was indeed profitable, but the current size of Qin Xiang's shop was limited, relying mainly on two wholesale shops. The 100 workers he could employ were only those needed for the branch stores. The remaining 100 or so workers were indeed difficult to arrange.
But as Qin Xiang said, if they don't accept it, these more than 100 workers will not be able to start work.
He Shengnan gritted her teeth and said, "We have no excuse to object. If the people in the design and sales departments don't accept this plan, then we can report it to the city and fire them. Our factory can't afford to keep idle people anymore."
The other few people couldn't say anything to object.
He Shengnan then said to Deputy Factory Director Wu, "As soon as it's settled in the next few days, you will take people to the south to discuss OEM matters. Every worker we can recruit will be a success. Every additional worker we can add to the production line will be a victory for us. From the workers' side, pick out 100 outstanding ones who are honest and trustworthy, and have them be responsible for Qin Xiang's work. According to Qin Xiang's requirements, have the workers sign a confidentiality agreement and not disclose the designs to anyone else. If they do, we will follow the contract and pay ten times the damages. If anyone has any objections, we will use the contract as an excuse. If anyone dares to cause trouble, we will go directly to the police station, and then the factory will report it to the city and they will be fired."
She gritted her teeth and said, "We have no room for objection. We can only go on."
After setting the tone, He Shengnan hurriedly called the city leaders to make an appointment. After hearing the general situation, the leaders also took it seriously and asked them to bring Qin Xiang over early the next morning for a detailed discussion.
After hanging up the phone, He Shengnan hurried to tell Qin Xiang about it. Qin Xiang nodded, "Okay."
He Shengnan smiled and said, "Since you are a guest from afar, and we have a good relationship, I will treat you to dinner tonight."
Qin Xiang originally wanted to refuse, after all, they hadn't received their salary for six months, but He Shengnan refused to let them. "This is what we should do. Don't refuse. Just the few of us plus Deputy Director Liu, let's have a good chat. We'll have something to say to the city leaders tomorrow."
Having said that, Qin Xiang had no room for refusal and nodded in agreement.
At six o'clock in the evening, He Shengnan came over. Since it was lunchtime in the city and it wasn't far to walk, she didn't drive.
When they arrived at the restaurant and waited for the food to be served, Deputy Director Liu humbly asked about the sales inventory.
The other person's attitude was good, so Qin Xiang didn't think it was a big deal, so she explained the situation. "Actually, I've mentioned this method to Director He before, but the specific implementation depends on how the workers in the sales department act. Those who can enter the sales department obviously have certain abilities. The most important thing now is to let them put aside their pride and not treat their attitude and service like department store salespeople. They should sell with their heart. Don't think that selling at a lower price means losing money. If the clothes don't sell, they will just be a pile of waste in the warehouse. Selling them can at least earn some money, which can temporarily calm the workers' emotions. I don't have the ability to revive the factory all at once. We can only take it step by step and make progress step by step. At this point, we also have to do a good job of ideological work among the workers."
Deputy Director Liu felt a little embarrassed when she said this. "I'm sorry about what happened this afternoon. I was just too anxious."
Qin Xiang smiled and said, "I understand. This is all for the good of the factory. I may have said something inappropriate, please forgive me."
Her attitude became humble, and no one else could find a single word to find fault with her. Moreover, if they thought about it carefully, what Qin Xiang said was right. Not only did she allow the factory to resume production, but she also helped to come up with ideas for future development. She had already done her best.
Later, Qin Xiang talked to He Shengnan about the details of the plan, and the banquet was considered a success.
After returning to the guesthouse, Miao Xiaofeng couldn't help but give a thumbs up, "Boss, you are really amazing. You can handle a group of them by yourself."
Although Zhao Ping next to him didn't say anything, he obviously thought the same thing.
Qin Xiang laughed. "It's not me who's so amazing, it's Director He. In less than two weeks, she was able to bring down all the previous leaders and completely replace the leadership team. Such courage is not something that ordinary people can have. It's precisely because those factory leaders know Director He's methods that as long as Director He agrees, they won't strongly object even if they have objections. After finally getting a promotion, who wants to end up like the previous leader? Even if I fail, Director He will take the blame."
She always knew that He Shengnan was ambitious, and she was right.
Qin Xiang was relieved that the deal had been reached today. She only needed to wait until she met with the relevant city leaders tomorrow, and then she would be able to present the agreement.
She has to be quick because she is in a hurry.
Qin Xiang looked at Miao Xiaofeng with some concern. "Don't have any conflicts with them here. If you have any problems, go directly to Director He to resolve them. If you can't solve them, call me. If you can't find me, call Mi Hongjun. In short, the product quality must pass the test. Do you understand?"
Miao Xiaofeng was a little nervous after hearing what she said, but she also knew that this was her chance. She had heard that Tan Xiu would lead people to build a branch store next, and the staff had been trained for half a month. Tan Xiu would become a small leader in the future, and she was not bad either. She must not let her boss down.
"I'll definitely keep an eye on it."
Qin Xiang laughed. "We came here in a hurry. After we go back and recruit people, I will send two more people to assist you in your work. You may need to stay here for a long time. I will leave you some money to rent a house as a temporary dormitory."
Miao Xiaofeng nodded, "Okay."
After the conversation, Qin Xiang went downstairs to call the capital to inquire about Tan Xiu's personnel training. After learning that the people had been hired and the training was almost complete, Qin Xiang breathed a sigh of relief. "Tan Xiu, tomorrow you can take your people to Jinshi to look for storefronts. First, choose a location, then call my third brother to inquire about the decoration. The rest will be handled after we have negotiated the production of clothes. By then, several branches will be opened at the same time. Your burden is heavy, but I believe you can do it."
Qin Xiang had explained these arrangements in detail to Tan Xiu before. Now, hearing the boss say this, Tan Xiu's heart beat faster.
She hurriedly said, "I can do it."
She had to do it no matter how hard she tried, and she couldn't fail at the critical moment. When the company grew bigger, she would be a veteran.
After a night's rest, He Shengnan came over early the next morning.
There weren't many people to go with to meet the city leaders, so Qin Xiang followed He Shengnan into the car alone.
On the way, He Shengnan sighed and said, "You don't know how I got through the past half month."
She smiled bitterly and said, "If it doesn't work this time, I'm afraid I'll have to step down in a few days."
As for how He Shengnan did it, Qin Xiang had a few words with the front desk clerk of the guesthouse last night and had a general understanding of it.
The factory's current predicament was nothing more than a halt in production and inability to pay wages. He Shengnan gathered evidence of the factory leadership's inaction and reported it to the workers on the spot. She then stirred up their anger and led worker representatives to the city government, where they quickly pulled the man down just as several leaders were trying to suppress him.
Qin Xiang could understand how difficult it was. She smiled and said, "Director He's courage to fight to the death is commendable. I believe Xiangyanghong will get better and better under Director He's leadership."
In fact, they both knew that this cooperation could only be temporary. Director He still wanted to develop his own team and didn't want to be controlled by others.
The same is true for Qin Xiang. She just lacks funds, otherwise she would have wanted to buy land and build a factory to start production.
The current stage is just a transitional stage. If we can reach cooperation, it will benefit both parties.
Moreover, He Shengnan had a good idea. As long as branches along the line were opened, she would cooperate with Qin Xiang. Even if Qin Xiang no longer outsourced to the factory in the future, as long as their clothes could become beautiful, they might still be able to supply Qin Xiang. This would be a ready-made sales channel.
When they arrived at the city government, Director He took Qin Xiang upstairs.
Qin Xiang thought that it would be the leaders of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission who would meet them, but unexpectedly they were standing outside the deputy mayor's office.
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