More than twenty people had gathered at the factory gate, some holding signs that read "Boycott Counterfeit Goods," and they were very emotional. Shen Mingzhi took a deep breath and was about to step forward when Jiang Shaozhen grabbed her arm.
"I'll go," he whispered. "You stand in the back."
Shen Mingzhi shook her head, pulling her hand away from his. "This is my factory, I'll handle it."
She strode to the front of the crowd and raised her voice: "Comrades, I am Shen Mingzhi, the technical director of Baoli Cosmetics. Regarding the inaccurate reports in the newspapers, we have commissioned an authoritative institution to conduct an assessment, and we will give you an explanation soon."
"Liar!" a middle-aged woman wearing glasses shrieked. "I used your product and developed a rash on my face!"
"Yes! My wife too!" A burly man next to him waved his fist. "Heartless manufacturer!"
Shen Mingzhi remained unfazed, stating, "If there are any quality issues, we will offer a full refund and cover medical expenses. However, the matter has not yet been fully investigated, so please do not believe only one side of the story."
"Enough with the nonsense!" The burly man took two steps forward. "Pay up!"
Jiang Shaozhen stepped forward and blocked Shen Mingzhi's path, his military bearing instantly intimidating the man. The burly man retreated dejectedly.
Just then, a military jeep pulled up, and several uniformed men got out. The leader showed his badge: "We are from the military region's quality inspection team, ordered to investigate the problems with Baoli daily chemical products."
Shen Mingzhi's eyes lit up. "Okay, we're willing to fully cooperate with the inspection."
The quality inspection team entered the factory area and began sampling and testing. Jiang Shaozhen whispered to Shen Mingzhi, "I asked an old comrade-in-arms to contact them; they're all professionals."
Shen Mingzhi looked at him gratefully, "Thank you."
The quality inspection lasted a full day. In the evening, the leading soldier announced the preliminary results: "Testing has shown that all of Baoli Chemicals' 'Guose' series products are independently developed, and no illegal ingredients were found. Regarding the allergy issue, it may be related to individual skin type; users are advised to perform a skin test first."
The news spread quickly, and the crowd gradually dispersed. Shen Mingzhi breathed a sigh of relief, but she knew in her heart that the real battle had only just begun.
The following day, Professor Zhang's technical appraisal report was also released, confirming that Baoli's product was indeed an original creation. Shen Mingzhi immediately held a press conference to announce these two authoritative reports.
At the press conference, dressed in simple blue overalls, she spoke earnestly: "Since its inception, Baoli Cosmetics has always adhered to independent research and development. This incident is a malicious slander against a national brand. We have collected evidence and will pursue legal action against those who spread rumors."
Flashbulbs popped constantly from the audience, and a reporter asked, "Comrade Shen, who do you think is manipulating this incident?"
Shen Mingzhi glanced at Jiang Huanyu sitting in the corner and said calmly, "I believe the relevant departments will find out the truth."
After the meeting, Jiang Shaozhen told her some good news: "The tax bureau has investigated and found that the whistleblower letter was a complete fabrication. Moreover, I discovered that the so-called 'French brand' that Jiang Huanyu introduced was actually a fake foreign brand that he had a small factory in Guangzhou manufacture."
Shen Mingzhi's eyes lit up. "Do you have any evidence?"
Jiang Shaozhen handed her a document. "These are the testimonies of the factory workers."
Shen Mingzhi carefully examined the pages, a slight smile playing on her lips. "Jiang Huanyu has shot himself in the foot this time."
Three days later, the People's Daily published a report titled "The Perseverance and Responsibility of National Brands," which detailed how Baoli Chemicals insisted on independent research and development and exposed the inside story of some businesses impersonating foreign brands. Although it did not name names, it was clear to everyone who was being referred to.
Jiang Huanyu's department store was deserted for a time, while Baoli Daily Chemicals' sales bucked the trend and increased.
That evening, as Shen Mingzhi stepped out of the factory gate, she saw Jiang Huanyu leaning against a black car with a gloomy expression.
"Comrade Shen, what a clever tactic," he said sarcastically.
Shen Mingzhi stopped in her tracks. "Mr. Jiang, is there something you need?"
Jiang Huanyu took two steps closer. "I admit defeat this time. But the business world is like a battlefield; we'll see what happens next."
Just as Shen Mingzhi was about to respond, Jiang Shaozhen's voice came from behind: "Is Mr. Jiang threatening my wife?"
Jiang Huanyu's expression changed slightly when he saw Jiang Shaozhen. "I'm just here to say goodbye. I'm going to Shenzhen tomorrow; the market there is much bigger."
After saying that, he turned around, got into his car, and drove away.
Jiang Shaozhen walked to Shen Mingzhi's side. "It's good that he's gone; it saves him from causing any more trouble."
Shen Mingzhi nodded, then suddenly remembered something, "By the way, weren't you in Guangzhou inspecting projects? Why did you come back early?"
Jiang Shao Chen smiled mysteriously, "Actually, I'm not going to do any research, I'm going to prepare a surprise for you."
"What surprise?" Shen Mingzhi asked curiously.
Jiang Shaozhen took a piece of paper out of his pocket. "Take a look."
Shen Mingzhi took it and saw that it was an import equipment purchase contract with the seal of a German company on it.
"This is......"
"The latest generation of cosmetics production line," Jiang Shaozhen explained. "I asked a comrade to contact a German manufacturer, and the price is 30% lower than the market price."
Shen Mingzhi was both surprised and delighted, "How much does this cost? We're short on funds right now..."
"Use my demobilization pay," Jiang Shaozhen said casually. "It's just sitting there anyway."
Shen Mingzhi's eyes welled up with tears, "Jiang Shao Chen, you..."
"Don't cry." Jiang Shaozhen hurriedly wiped away her tears. "The equipment will arrive next month, and then our production capacity will quadruple."
Shen Mingzhi threw herself into his arms and hugged him tightly. This man always silently gave everything for her.
As autumn turned to winter, Baoli Chemicals, with the help of new equipment, saw both its output and quality improve significantly. Shen Mingzhi was extremely busy every day, but she would always make time to go home and check on her children, no matter how late it was.
That morning, she was reviewing production reports in her office when Factory Director Sun rushed in excitedly.
"Xiao Shen! Great news! The province is selecting 'Top Ten Outstanding Young Entrepreneurs,' and you've been nominated!"
Shen Mingzhi looked up, somewhat surprised, "Me?"
"Absolutely true!" Factory Director Sun said excitedly. "The awards ceremony will be held next Monday, and the winners are required to prepare a five-minute speech."
Shen Mingzhi smiled and nodded, "Okay, I'll prepare."
After Director Sun left, she continued working diligently until the phone rang.
"Hey, Baoli Cosmetics."
"Zhizhi, it's me." Jiang Shaozhen's voice came through the phone. "Are you free at noon? My parents want us to come home for lunch; they say they have something to discuss."
Shen Mingzhi glanced at her watch. "Okay, I'll be home by midnight."
After hanging up the phone, she tidied up her documents and left the office early. Passing by the supply and marketing cooperative, she went in and bought some fruit and snacks.
Inside the Jiang family's courtyard house, Jiang Qing was busy in the kitchen. Seeing Shen Mingzhi enter, she smiled, a rare occurrence. "You're here? Wash your hands and eat."
At the dinner table, Jiang Guofu cleared his throat. "I called you all back today because I have a decision to tell you."
Shen Mingzhi and Jiang Shaozhen exchanged a glance, both somewhat puzzled.
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