Return to 88: Starting from Marrying My Sister-in-law

Lu Yang originally didn't intend to pay much attention to Li Zekai's provocative behavior.

Although Yingke Digital is strong.

But it hasn't reached a point where he'd be wary.

Century Group is not short of money.

According to the plan, the business of its subsidiaries will be expanded step by step, including the Century Electrical Plaza project.

There was no discrimination.

Everything was proceeding according to plan.

However, even so, Lu Yang did not take Li Zekai seriously. With the funds that Little Superman currently had, even if he emptied Yingke Digital's coffers, how much money could he possibly get out?

Even if he brings in Lianxiang and Dazhong, forming a three-way alliance, would that be enough for Lu Yang to defeat?
On this issue.

Wei Shu, the group's president, also asked Lu Yang about it.

Lu Yang's answer was: "It's not the right time yet."

He already had his own plan and implementation strategy in mind.

Around 1999, that was probably the best time for offline electronics stores to make large-scale, heavy investments in expansion.

The initial results of reform and opening up were evident. People's pockets were fuller, they had spare money, and they no longer had to worry about food and clothing...

However, an unexpected phone call disrupted Lu Yang's rhythm.

Zhang Ruimin.

Lu Yang's gaze lingered on the screen for a full two seconds.

The fact that the head of the Haier Brothers called at this moment is of extraordinary significance.

Information about this legendary entrepreneur flashed through his mind: taking on a critical mission, smashing refrigerators with a hammer, implementing sweeping reforms, transforming a small factory on the verge of bankruptcy into a flagship of national home appliances... and eventually making it a Fortune 500 company.

"He is a pragmatic, iron-fisted, and highly strategic person."

Lu Yang summarized.

At this delicate moment when the financial war is raging in the port city, and the second son of the Li family is about to join forces with Lianxiang and Dazhong to challenge the retail industry, the initiative from the other party must bring him some surprises.

Lu Yang pressed the answer button, his voice steady: "President Zhang?"

"Mr. Lu, I apologize for disturbing you."

Zhang Ruimin's distinctive voice, with a slight Shandong accent but exceptionally clear and steady, came from the other end of the phone, conveying an undeniable sincerity: "I learned that you are returning to Peng today. I wonder if Mr. Lu is available this afternoon? There is an important matter concerning the future development of our two companies, and I hope to discuss it with you in person. I am already waiting in the meeting room downstairs in your Century Building."

To visit in person?

Waiting downstairs?
Lu Nini heard everything clearly from the side, and a huge look of astonishment flashed across her eyes in an instant.

Zhang Ruimin of Haier is undoubtedly a leading figure in China's home appliance manufacturing industry. His status and position are no less significant than those of Hong Kong tycoons like Li Ka-shing and Bao Shuya in their respective fields.

He actually lowered himself so much and took the initiative to wait for me?
The sheer amount of information behind this made her immediately realize that this was by no means an ordinary courtesy visit or business negotiation.

A barely perceptible glint flashed in Lu Yang's eyes.

In his original plan, Li Zekai's retail raid was not a priority; everything was to proceed as planned. However, Zhang Ruimin's unexpected visit was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, instantly disrupting his rhythm.

If this manufacturing giant were to lead the Haier Brothers to voluntarily "surrender," its value and the potential chain reaction it could trigger would inevitably cause an earthquake in the home appliance retail industry.

"Mr. Zhang, you're too kind."

Lu Yang's voice was completely calm, but he slowed down his speech slightly, revealing how much he valued the invitation. "It is my honor to have Mr. Zhang waiting for me. Please wait a moment. I will be at the company in about 15 minutes, and we will talk in person."

The Rolls-Royce Phantom glided into the exclusive passageway of the Century Tower's underground parking garage, its bulletproof windows shielding it from the scorching afternoon sun of Shenzhen.

As Lu Yang opened the car door, Lu Nini quickly followed, lowering her voice to report: "President Zhang is already waiting in the top-floor conference room. The president's office has already notified the president about this matter. Sister Wei Shu should have gone there as well. In addition, a encrypted briefing just came from Hong Kong. The second wave of selling by Quantum Fund was diluted by our pre-set 'Firefly Order' buffer, and the market panic has shown a subtle divergence."

“Tell Chen Fan.” Lu Yang continued walking, his fingertips lightly tapping the elevator buttons. “I recognize his talent, so go for it without worry. Victory will be ours sooner or later.”

His deep eyes were reflected in the elevator mirror, where there was no smoke of financial battles, only accurate predictions and expectations for the upcoming manufacturing game.

The doors to the top-floor conference room opened silently.

Zhang Ruimin stood alone in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, his tall figure accentuated by a dark gray suit.

The moment he turned around, his gaze, sharp as tempered steel, locked onto Lu Yang.

"Mr. Lu, the financial front is ablaze with battle, and I'm so grateful that you've taken the time to meet me." Zhang Ruimin's Shandong accent was steady and powerful, and his handshake was firm as a rock.

Without exchanging pleasantries, he pushed a blue-covered document to the other end of the long table: "Haier Brothers need Century Electrical Plaza, and Century also needs Haier Brothers. This is a plan for deep two-way integration. Take a look first, and we can discuss it in detail after you've read it."

Lu Yang's fingertip swept across the gold-embossed title page of the document, "Strategic Symbiosis Framework Agreement," his gaze quickly settling on the key clauses:
Haier Group issued 15.8% of its shares to Century Group through a private placement (equivalent to approximately RMB 7.11 million based on the current market value), making Lu Yang a strategic shareholder with a voice on Haier's board of directors.

Haier acquired an 18% stake in Century Electric Plaza (Century Electric's estimated value is 10 billion RMB) with a combination of cash, technology licensing, and after-sales service guarantees, becoming its second-largest shareholder.

Haier prioritizes supplying all its products to Century Channel, offering a 15% annual reduction in supply chain costs.

Century Electrical Appliances Plaza has set up a "Smart Manufacturing Experience Zone" for Haier.

"Looking at both domestic and international markets, I've never seen a young person as capable as Mr. Lu before, especially in our home appliance retail sector. For so many years, the home appliance chain market has been lukewarm, and no one is optimistic about it. After all, instead of investing heavily in this, it's better to focus on making good products. If you make good products, you won't have to worry about finding a good retail partner to sell your products to a wide range of consumers."

Zhang Ruimin tapped his knuckles on the "technology licensing" clause, his eyes burning. "But ever since your Century Electrical Plaza, under your leadership, suddenly appeared, it finally woke us old fogies from our rigid thinking. It turns out that the downstream terminals that directly face consumers, the stores with the least technical content, are actually the key to a company's success... Once integrated, its power is unbelievable. I have a feeling that with a platform, there is a future for the company... Mr. Lu, this document is my personal expression of sincerity on behalf of Haier. I hope that through win-win cooperation, we can jointly promote the rapid maturation of Century Electrical Plaza and help us distribute our products throughout the country."

Building a sales terminal from scratch is a very expensive and time-consuming task. Therefore, the best way is to cooperate with a major appliance chain store. Haier had previously chosen Gome, but Gome alone is obviously not enough. Haier has now set its sights on Century Appliance Plaza, which is under Luyang Group.

Lu Yang closed his eyes and concentrated.

Rapid measurement using an intracranial balance:
Opportunity side: Acquiring Haier shares = capturing the core assets of a future Fortune Global 500 company.

The endorsement of a manufacturing giant signals to the capital market the company's strong competitive advantage in the real economy, which will facilitate the full-scale expansion of Century Electrical Plaza to major and minor cities across the country.

Risk side:
The 7.11 million cash expenditure coincided with Soros's attack on liquidity in Hong Kong, and every bullet had to be aimed at the overall situation.

Selling 18% of its channel equity seems excessive. Operating appliance plazas is a capital-intensive business, and it will definitely require bringing in strong investors later. If Haier subsequently partners with other capital, it could threaten its control.
"Mr. Zhang, you have quite the boldness." Lu Yang suddenly opened his eyes, a sharp smile curving his lips. "But you overlooked a crucial step..."

He turned to the equity terms page of the agreement and circled the words "dual-class shares" in red: "Century Electrical Plaza must implement an AB share structure, and my voting rights must be locked at 67%, which will be written into the board's charter later."

Zhang Ruimin's pupils contracted slightly, then he burst into laughter: "No wonder you were able to play cat and mouse with Soros in Hong Kong. Deal! But Haier also has to sign an exclusive technology co-development clause!"

It's remarkable that Lu Yang currently has no subsidiaries involved in the white goods industry, such as washing machines, air conditioners, and refrigerators, while Haier has no plans to enter the VCD and desktop PC business. The two companies have been able to reach a harmonious and unified cooperation framework.

From now on, within this framework, the details of the negotiations, such as shareholding and specific investment ratios, will no longer require Lu Yang and Zhang Ruimin's personal involvement... (End of this chapter)