this man is not calm

Chapter 524 On the Road
The so-called success that people talk about is essentially the possession and utilization of the means of production, which is quite different from what people generally believe. The cash, real estate (immovable property), and equity (phantom shares and options) that most self-proclaimed "middle class" newly rich people possess are not capital. Rather, it is the network of people and circles they come into contact with in daily life that can be considered capital.

Capital that can be circulated and reinvested in production is the ceiling that divides people into different classes.

Simply equating money with financial capital is a naive and foolish notion. As for industrial capital, that's a field only hardcore capitalists can navigate.

Among these, there is one that has been valued since ancient times, but few people have a correct and comprehensive understanding of it: the most important carrier of capital, namely people, plays a crucial role.

Labor is divided into physical labor and mental labor. The former is more intuitive and easier to quantify, while the latter is invisible and intangible and is particularly easy to overlook.

Jin Shang, who is both a time traveler and a "golden finger" user, would never misunderstand where the moat of his career lies.

If the first three years of starting a business are the "newbie experience period," requiring the boss, Jinshang, to mobilize resources and carry Jinxi Culture forward quickly with his personal abilities and background, then the development from here on out will depend on the thousands of employees under his command.

There's no other reason than that one person can't handle it alone.

"So... can Jiang Long really take over from Director Wei? His performance over the past six months has indeed been quite good, but..."

Li Kang hesitated for a moment, then asked with some concern,
"I've spoken with many colleagues, and their overall assessment of General Manager Jiang is... rather... average!"

"Mediocrity in ability, few achievements, right?"

Jin Shang, after taking a sip of hot tea, did not directly answer why, at a time when the domestic e-commerce boom was surging and competitors were constantly challenging Jinxi Mall's dominant position, the enterprising and capable Wei Shuangping was replaced, and the successor was a newly promoted senior executive with a conservative management style.

More than three years ago, Jiang Long was just an ordinary employee at the level of a regional store manager. He was not even convincing enough to become a regional manager. It is indeed surprising that he became the manager of a super-large e-commerce company with operations spanning most of the country in such a short time.

"The existing market has reached its limit. Do you think I don't want to make rapid progress like I did in the previous three years? Apart from the passive increase in network users each year due to the construction of telecommunications infrastructure, there's no longer any urgency to deeply explore its potential. The primary goal now is to maintain market share, optimize the structure, and improve the user experience that wasn't explored deeply enough in the early stages..."

If the internet wave is a clear enough future, then Jinxi Mall is already a large enough ship. There is no need to forcibly increase its "tonnage" in a short period of time, and it is no longer necessary to continue to force its "size". It should stabilize the existing pattern, not "capsize", and not "deviate course" in the face of high winds and rough seas. It can also pick up the "legacy" of other peers, big and small, who cannot survive.

The "pig" that's riding the wave has already taken off; it's the others who are getting anxious.

What is first-mover advantage?

This is!
A young, adventurous "captain" with an explorer's spirit has limited advantages at this stage; a steady, experienced "helmsman" is more in line with Jin Shang's expectations.

Upon hearing this, Li Kang didn't question anything further. As someone with connections, his most important responsibility was to inform Jin Shang of the true dynamics of the company. Work ability was one aspect, but a loyal "eyes and ears" was something the big boss needed, whose influence couldn't directly reach the production line.

"The snowball at the summit has already started rolling. In the internet industry, once you grow large, the platform's advantages will be fully realized. Compared to pioneering and overcoming obstacles, rock-solid management that avoids mistakes is more important. As for higher-level strategic decisions, the parent company and I, the actual controller, are keeping an eye on them. As long as the overall direction is sound, Jiang Long, as the executor, is quite trustworthy. Besides that..."

Kim Sang smiled confidently and said,

"People grow and mature. The Jiang Long of today is no longer the insecure deputy he once was. After returning from his MBA studies, he is definitely someone to look forward to!"

Next, the two discussed some important matters for the coming period, such as the expansion of Jinxi Culture's and individuals' donations to support education, the construction of school buildings, and the operation of training courses, as well as projects in cooperation with local steel, smelting, and chemical companies. In particular, the demand for important metals such as titanium, cobalt, and vanadium, which are associated with coal and steel, is astonishing as Jinxi Culture's various new energy projects are being implemented.

These are all interdependent with basic industries and supporting industrial chains; you simply can't make them work by individuals or companies throwing money at them.

Furthermore, in the field of heavy machinery, the research and development of high-performance aluminum alloy car bodies through one-time die casting requires the support of many supporting manufacturers.

When it comes to developing new energy vehicles, we can't just keep relying on modifying existing gasoline vehicles and rebranding them. We need to have some real core competitiveness. Having power batteries and immature hybrid technology alone is far from enough.

"It's quite challenging to establish a large-scale base primarily focused on air conditioner production, attract other home appliance manufacturers, and support suppliers in forming alliances that radiate throughout Central China. The advantage lies in its low labor costs and convenient transportation. Regarding the automotive industrial park, we need to continue negotiations to acquire as much land as possible, leaving room for future expansion. We can't compete with joint ventures and state-owned enterprises near Dunyang, so we could consider setting up operations in Changfu, Xiaojunshan, Yangluo, Jiangxia, or Hannan..."

"I got it!"

There's a lot to do, but fortunately, Li Kang is quite reliable when it comes to serious matters.

"The pilot project for new energy buses in Yunmeng, as well as long-distance bus routes in Anlu and surrounding remote areas of Wuhan, and cross-border commuter routes, still need to be discussed with all parties and should be implemented as soon as possible before the second quarter."

"We will serve the local urban planning and development strategy, and try to combine our planned industrial parks with key cultural and tourism projects. For example, the Wumeishan Wildlife Kingdom, Jinlong Water Village, Père David's Deer and Sika Deer Breeding Area, Houguan Lake Family Park and tourist villa area, etc. The subway planning may still take another 10 or 20 years, but the public transportation and tourist buses need to be prepared first. We have money and resources. The safety of lithium iron phosphate and ternary lithium power batteries can only play a role in taxis, heavy truck transportation and express delivery. Safe and efficient lithium titanate power is already trustworthy."

It's expensive, but it's safe!

Fortunately, Jinshang had the money to invest, plus subsidies for various research projects and tax breaks, so the direct losses were not much. In the long run, it was still profitable, which was enough.

Jin Shangzheng is not concerned with short-term gains or losses, but with long-term planning and comprehensive consideration.

"Then...brother-in-law, could you arrange a few more helpers for me? I'm having a hard time managing on my own..."

"I'll give you two college graduates who have completed their internships, and then form a team of consultant assistants. But let me tell you beforehand, don't give me any ideas on how to have secretaries do all the work when there's nothing to do..."

"How could that be? I'm not that kind of person. Public matters are public matters, and private matters are private matters."

“I’m not afraid you’ll mess around at the company, I’m afraid I won’t be able to explain it to your parents, and your sister has objections.”

Money aside, if a person goes astray, wouldn't they get a scolding?

It must be said that although the Li family is just a local tycoon, their family upbringing is still acceptable. They are quite particular about principles. They may play around and make a fuss, but when their careers and families are mixed up and entangled, people will gossip.

Just then, Li Xuan's voice came from the restroom.

"What's the secret you're talking about, afraid I'll overhear?"

"Your cousin asked me for advice on dating in the workplace!"

"You have absolutely no experience with workplace romances, how come I don't know anything about it?"

Kim Sang smiled and shrugged.

"Seek guidance from the blind!"

"Sis, I'm an honest kid, you can trust me."

"Don't be too resistant to the blind dates your family arranges for you. Whether it works out or not is another matter. Get to know each other and give yourself a chance to find your soulmate."

"Got it!" This isn't twenty years from now, when people on average get married in their thirties. In the past, many people got married through matchmaking in their early twenties. If they didn't go to university, their children might be crawling on the floor and already talking to people.

As for the claim that you can't register for marriage because you're not old enough?

We can just not get a marriage certificate. We're all neighbors, so we're not that rigid.

With three formal letters of introduction and six formal betrothal gifts, a matchmaker's notarization, and a banquet, the marriage is considered complete. These days, it's more reliable than a marriage certificate. Many elderly couples may have lived their entire lives without ever getting a marriage certificate.

"Speaking of which, all your cousins ​​are of marriageable age!"

Mei Wenlong and Zhang Yunying are already engaged and will get married within a year or two. Mei Fengchun has also been on several blind dates, but they haven't been very successful. After finalizing her eldest son's marriage, her second aunt, Jin Lanyun, has also started thinking about finding a good match for her.

Three-legged toads are hard to find, and I haven't found a suitable son-in-law either!
Zhang Kuang's relatively unconventional personality is quite a headache, especially since she works in a rather unique industry—she's a singer who loves performing in the spotlight, which is quite different from what ordinary people usually think of her.

After chatting for a few minutes, Li Kang went back to sing and play with his younger siblings, leaving his older sister and brother-in-law with his time.

"I've heard from my elders that getting married wasn't so difficult in the past, so why do young people these days seem to have trouble finding a partner?"

In response to his fiancée's question, Kim Sang took her hand to warm her slightly cold skin and sighed softly as he replied:

"Times are changing too fast. In the information age, young people have more channels to access the world, and their cognition and horizons have greatly improved. With more external interference, the old ways are naturally a bit outdated and no longer work. Even you and me... if we hadn't happened to meet each other, it's hard to say whether we would have entered the hall of marriage so smoothly..."

Don't assume that Kim Sang-won's lack of anger is a sign of a good temper; it's just that he consciously stays away from the source of conflict, making him appear less aggressive.

Based on Jin Shang's numerous irrational decisions since starting his business, his failure to adopt the best solutions, and his actions driven entirely by his personal feelings, it's clear that he's not someone who can always remain calm. He's young and impetuous; when he's truly emotional, it's not just a matter of saying a few harsh words. He'll genuinely throw money at the problem and mobilize resources to make things difficult for you, even if it means incurring temporary losses, because he can afford to lose money.

Li Xuan is a pampered young lady who has been spoiled since childhood. She appears gentle and refined because of her upbringing, but she is inherently arrogant. However, the talented men who are worthy of her are mostly capable and not submissive or willing to humble themselves. It's like a clash of titans, ready to explode at the slightest provocation. The hope of peaceful coexistence is slim.

The fact that the two of them were able to meet and, over several years, develop a way of getting along can only be attributed to fate, and one has to admire it.

We've known each other for so many years, and there have been times when we had disagreements and tantrums, but they've all dissipated in the gentle breeze of daily life, instead becoming nourishment for our relationship. High intelligence and mutual understanding are one aspect, but another is realizing that finding a true partner to share life with and accompany you through thick and thin is really quite difficult.
-
It was 10:30 p.m. Near a small county town in the hilly area of ​​the Jiaodong Peninsula, at a gas station near the provincial highway, Wei Shuangping glanced at the children playing happily in a small playground not far away. Her earlier drowsiness had vanished. Looking at her husband, who was yawning, she couldn't help but feel sorry for him and said, "..."

"Go back to sleep for a while. Driving at night is very tiring."

The distance from my in-laws' hometown in northern Jiangsu to Beijing is not short. If we were driving on the highway, we should have arrived by now. Unfortunately, it was the day before work resumed on the eighth day of the Lunar New Year, and there were too many people on the road, causing a complete traffic jam. The highway stretched for dozens of kilometers like a tortoise crawling along, which was very frustrating.

Left with no other choice, I exited the highway and took national and provincial roads, which made things much smoother, but it wasn't particularly smooth either, and there were still quite a few cars on the road.

At eight o'clock, Wei Shuangping took over driving. She was hungry and tired, so she ate something and rested for a while at this gas station.

"It's alright, I can handle it."

"It's been a long time since this afternoon, it'll be good if we can get there before dawn tomorrow."

They said they were supposed to leave early, but the elders in the family insisted on having guests, and the new bride didn't want to say much, so they were delayed.

"Luckily, this car is sturdy and not too tiring. It's such a long distance, I can get there after just one fill-up."

This semi-experimental diesel hybrid system features a supercapacitor to improve power performance, something that most family cars wouldn't actually be equipped with.

Unexpectedly, Wei Shuangping, who looks delicate, actually likes very rugged muscle cars. Taking advantage of the internal price during the big discount period, she bought a large SUV with off-road capabilities. It is not only compatible with high-standard biodiesel, but also has no problem refueling with liquid wax alcohol ether. With the adoption of new technology, vibration and noise have been greatly reduced. The pure electric range of 70 kilometers is enough to get a green license plate for new energy vehicles, so it is not affected by the traffic restrictions of traditional diesel vehicles, and there are also certain tax and fee reductions.

Of course, there are drawbacks as well. High-speed, long-range driving is somewhat weak, and acceleration performance relies entirely on battery power. Under current emission standards, there aren't any problems yet, but in the future, an after-treatment system may be needed to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions.

"You've been driving for over two hours, and with your big belly, you shouldn't overexert yourself. You should get some sleep tonight..."

Normally, taking a train or plane would be more convenient, but this year is special. Driving a luxury car home has the meaning of returning home in glory.

This is especially true for Wei Shuangping. Although she is not a second-time bride, having this son is not a good thing and could easily attract gossip.

In the simple values ​​of rural people, expensive means good, and big means luxurious, so choosing a D-class flagship luxury car from a sister company really makes them look good.

Last Spring Festival, Wei Shuangping, who had not returned to her hometown for a long time, brought her whole family home, which truly made her relatives, who had been feeling stifled for a long time, breathe a sigh of relief.

This year, we went a step further and went to my husband's hometown to save face, which cost us a lot of money.

In the past, we didn't have the means to exchange favors and gifts, but now we have the means and can afford to spend them.

The journey was a bit long and uncomfortable, but thankfully the driving experience in the luxury car was good and not too tiring.

Aside from the fact that the brand isn't well-known, the quality is truly excellent value for money.

"Now that the new year has started, are you less busy?"

"This year will be a little better. When I'm on maternity leave at home, I'll just check emails and send a few text messages. I won't make many phone calls."

"That's good. I heard you say that you'll be transferred to head office in the future. Will things be easier then?"

"Yes, there's less social interaction involved in welcoming and seeing off guests; it's mostly administrative work and being the boss's assistant. I'm going out less, but there's more work sitting in the office."

Anyway, the equity incentives are still there and won't be reduced because of the job change. Being at the head office won't make a difference. In fact, being closer to the decision-making level and the boss will give you more room to grow.

"That's okay too!"

Work is one thing, but family must also be taken care of. For Wei Shuangping, her work situation over the past three years has been somewhat detrimental to taking care of her children and husband. Earning money is secondary; she can't rely on the elderly and a nanny for everything.

The son will be starting school in the middle of the year. Although he is not her biological son, Wei Shuangping's husband has fulfilled his responsibilities as a father, showing him plenty of care and attention.

For both husband and wife, the current situation is quite good.

"Your boss is really capable! He's approached our institute with two research projects that are collaborations with universities. His scope of business is so broad!"

(End of this chapter)