"Old Wen, we just got a call from above. Mr. Lucas and his entourage have just gotten off the train and are expected to arrive at the factory in about half an hour. Now, get everything ready."
The phone was slightly audible; Wen Ruan could hear it even sitting on the sofa opposite her father's desk. It was the factory manager calling.
“Okay, I’ve arranged everything here. I’ll just let Song Yan know,” Wen Ping said.
Afterwards, he instructed Song Yan and Wen Ruan that they could now go to the main gate of the steel plant to prepare to welcome Mr. Lucas and the visiting leaders.
Wen Ruan could clearly sense that the steel plant was indeed different from usual today. Perhaps it was because the higher-ups had given special instructions, and everyone was wearing their best work clothes, maintaining a good mental state, and displaying a high level of fighting spirit.
The group had barely arrived at the gate when the factory's main leaders arrived, including the directors and deputy directors of all the major factories, as well as the section-level cadres of all the core departments. Everyone waited quietly.
Wen Ruan had previously learned from Song Yan that this opportunity was very important for the steel plant, especially in winning Mr. Lucas's favor.
Mr. Lucas is a famous German steel tycoon with numerous factories. His technicians are also proficient in various core technologies of steel metallurgy. In particular, Song Yan heard that Mr. Lucas had a batch of equipment to sell and wondered if he could seize this opportunity to get a share of the profits.
It's important to understand that increasing national steel production is currently extremely difficult. The "three-pronged approach to achieving 26 million tons of steel annually" target has been unsuccessful for three consecutive years. Various regions are actively seeking ways to break this deadlock, and now, perhaps an opportunity lies for steel mills in Beijing.
Wen Ruan knew that both Song Yan and her father were actively involved in this matter, and she felt a great sense of responsibility, so she was on high alert.
After waiting for about ten minutes, Lucas and his group finally arrived at the steel plant. Accompanying them were the deputy mayor of Beijing and others. After the two groups met, they gave each other a brief introduction. Then, Song Yan led the two groups on a tour of the Beijing steel plant.
The first stop was the raw materials department of the factory. Song Yan gave a detailed introduction, explaining that lime and other auxiliary materials are currently abundant, and the large population and relatively cheap labor force contribute to the current low cost of steel production.
Mr. Lucas was very interested after hearing this, especially after hearing about the cost savings in production. He then asked about the factory's current output, the types of steel produced, and the sales channels.
Song Yan was fully aware of these data and answered very smoothly. Wen Ruan also translated on the side, and she did so very fluently. The two worked together very well.
Afterwards, he took everyone to visit various production departments and watch various operations such as converter, argon blowing, refining, continuous casting, finishing and inspection. Mr. Lucas exclaimed that it was incredible. In his stereotype, my country's steel technology and even the steel industry were so backward, but he did not expect that both the production process and the inspection standards were very systematic.
In his closing remarks, Song Yan noted that steel production has been increasing year by year, steel production technology is constantly making breakthroughs, and manufacturing processes are continuously improving. He welcomed Mr. Lucas to come and exchange ideas more often.
Finally, a sumptuous lunch was specially arranged in the reception room of the steel plant for receiving visitors. It is said that someone was specially sent to borrow the famous master craftsman from the textile factory.
After the meal, Song Yan invited him to visit various scenic spots in Beijing together the next day.
Wen Ruan quickly translated, then added her own descriptions, inviting them to see the autumn leaves of Fragrant Hills, the majestic Great Wall, sample various Beijing snacks, and visit every brick and tile of the Forbidden City. Her descriptions were incredibly imaginative, and Lucas was captivated. He volunteered to arrange a trip to Beijing with the two of them the next day.
After seeing Lucas and his group off, Wen Ruan was puzzled. During their conversation, Song Yan had never mentioned wanting to buy the equipment from him, which made her wonder.
Song Yan smiled, patted her head, and said, "It's not the right time yet. That German must know what he's doing. He agreed to come to Beijing from Shanghai, so he must have some reservations. He might not be very satisfied over there. We just need to try our best and there's no need to be too hasty and provoke his displeasure."
Wen Ruan understood somewhat and couldn't help but ponder.
In the afternoon, the factory manager gave Song Yan a day off, asking him to prepare for his trip to Beijing with Mr. Lucas over the next two days. The two walked home side by side.
Wen Ruan was unsure of the specific itinerary for tomorrow's trip, so she asked Song Yan. Song Yan smiled meaningfully and said, "Let's take him to see things he hasn't seen before."
......
The next day, Wen Ruan and Song Yan skipped breakfast and set off for the guesthouse where Lucas was staying. After picking him up, they invited him to try the breakfast in the capital.
Instead of deliberately choosing a large state-run restaurant, the two went to some hutongs to sample authentic Beijing cuisine. Lucas ate a bowl of zhajiangmian (noodles with soybean paste) and praised it repeatedly, saying that this breakfast was the best meal he had eaten in China.
Therefore, Song Yan had a general idea of Lucas's tastes and style.
After the group finished breakfast, Song Yan said, "Mr. Lucas, considering that you have just arrived in Beijing and have traveled a long way and are tired, how about we do some relaxing activities today, and tomorrow we can take you to climb the Great Wall and visit the Forbidden City?"
Lucas nodded in agreement, quite satisfied with Song Yan's arrangements.
Last night, Song Yan and Wen Ruan discussed taking these foreigners to experience China's traditional culture and arts, showcasing our thousands of years of history and culture.
The group went to Da'an Hutong, where there are many traditional Chinese handicrafts, including lacquerware, cloisonné enamel, hairpins, and sachets made by various artisans.
Lucas was like a mouse that had fallen into a rice jar, especially a set of jewelry made with Chinese lacquer art, including rings, earrings, and bracelets. He was so enamored with it that he wanted to buy it on the spot.
Seeing this, Song Yan asked the mall manager how much the set cost. The manager hesitated for a moment, then said to Song Yan, "I'll give you the lowest price, 35 for the whole set."
Song Yan could only roll his eyes and angrily reprimanded, "This is a Chinese work of art, and even more so, a luxury item for us Chinese. How can it only be worth 35 yuan? Are you kidding me!"
Wen Ruan, who was listening nearby, continued to translate: "Mr. Lucas, the manager of this shopping mall is asking for a very high price. Mr. Song Yan is very angry. As a guest who has come from afar, this person is so insincere! He is now trying to negotiate the price."
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