Can following the rules be called rebirth?

Chapter 298, Section 296: Drawing a Clear Line (5k words)

coming.

Finally came.

The standard opening move is to first affirm your value and help you relax.

But Zhou Mingyuan saw the possibility behind it almost instantly.

It's good that you did a good job.

If things don't go well, or if any incidents occur, Mingli Company is naturally the one to blame.
What's most worrying is that this collaboration is undoubtedly a real cost black hole compared to having local offices.

The investment of human and material resources is enormous, but the price of the purchased services can never cover all the risks and costs.

Moreover, delving into the complex field of demolition and relocation, where interests are intertwined, inevitably touches upon the interests of certain forces and unspeakable groups.

How to do this?
Was it that I misunderstood, or...
An indescribable feeling welled up in Zhou Mingyuan's heart.

For a moment, he felt like a fish on a chopping board, while the people around him were smiling and discussing whether to steam or braise it.

The pressure came like a mountain.

He couldn't refuse directly, as that would be tantamount to being ungrateful.

But he couldn't easily agree, that would be tantamount to courting death.

Everyone's eyes were on him.

Li Jianguo appeared calm, but deep in his eyes lay an unwavering confidence that he was in control of everything.

Liu Wenhua's smile remained unchanged, Zhao Zhigang was an impatient vanguard, and Qian Weidong and Huang Fan were the accountants calculating costs.

The small tea table instantly transformed into a battlefield without gunpowder, fraught with hidden dangers.

Zhou Mingyuan picked up the teacup, his fingertips steady, his smile unwavering.

His mind was working at an unprecedented speed, drawing on experiences from past and present lives, legal provisions, business cases, and calculations of human nature.
Everything is colliding wildly.

"But what are your specific needs?"

The aroma of tea in the private room seemed to linger for a moment.

Zhao Zhigang's anxious expression stiffened slightly. He clearly hadn't expected Zhou Mingyuan to ask such a direct question.

In his envisioned scenario, the young businessman should be flattered and readily agree.

Then he can take the opportunity to make more, more specific, and even more win-win requests.

Li Jianguo stroked his chin, looking at Zhou Mingyuan with a leisurely air.

This kid is more composed and sharper than he imagined.

Liu Wenhua laughed and tried to ease the tension: "Little Zhou is doing due diligence, how professional!"

Zhou Mingyuan met everyone's gazes with a faint smile on his face, as if his sharp question just now was merely a professional habit.

Throwing the problem back at you is the best strategy.

Zhao Zhigang quickly adjusted his expression. Being a seasoned veteran, he followed up on the due diligence topic and began to describe more specific needs.

This time, however, his tone changed, carrying more substantial content and even subtly implying that there was no room for refusal.

"The needs are, of course, specific."

Zhao Zhigang leaned forward, drawing circles on the tea table with his fingers.

“Take Binhu New City as an example. It has three villages and thousands of households. Time is tight and the task is heavy.”

"Those above are watching, and the people are observing."

“I need your team of lawyers and legal advisors to be fully integrated into our working group.”

He emphasized four words in particular.

“From policy briefings to door-to-door surveys, to negotiations and signings, and even to the subsequent enforcement proceedings, we need your legal advice and support.”

Zhao Zhigang's eyes were fixed on Zhou Mingyuan.

"What we need is not advisors, but comrades-in-arms."

"They are the people who stand with us on the front lines and solve problems."

Enforcement!

Standing on the front line!
A few keywords popped into his ears, almost making Zhou Mingyuan laugh.

He could almost picture that scene.

Mingyuan's work team, dressed in suits and ties, stood alongside demolition workers wearing red armbands, facing the emotionally charged villagers.

When a conflict breaks out, with pushing, crying, and even bloodshed, what becomes of the legal advice from Mingli Company?
The answer is simple.

The most interesting part is that it's embedded throughout.

This means that he is tied to the work group, and his every move is under the other party's surveillance, leaving him with almost no room for independent operation.

All legal documents and negotiation strategies may be subject to [interference/subjection].
Zhou Mingyuan felt a fine layer of cold sweat seeping out of his back.

Of course, money was not mentioned at all.

Money is secondary.

Even if Mingli Company is not shortchanged in terms of funds, this means that the company is completely tied to the war machine and has to share all the risks.

He never even considered agreeing.

"Mr. Zhou, may I also chime in?"

Just as Zhou Mingyuan was churning with anxiety and frantically searching for a solution, Huang Fan, the bank's executive who had been mostly silent, spoke up with a smile.

"Director Zhao's idea is very bold."

"Our bank has recently been responding to the call to support the real economy, especially innovative and socially responsible companies like Mingli."

Huang Fan pushed up his glasses and changed the subject.

"If Mingli Company can take on such an important government project, it fully demonstrates its strength and, well, its resonance with the development of the district."

“Then our High-tech Zone branch can certainly consider providing more substantial credit support.”

"For example, for these types of government projects, we can design special financial products such as government procurement loans and performance guarantees, with preferential interest rates and relaxed loan amounts."

"."

Zhou Mingyuan maintained a smile throughout, nodding occasionally to show that he was listening attentively.

Huang Fan cleared his throat and offered an even more tempting offer.

"Furthermore, if the project performs well, we can explore providing a comprehensive financial solution for Mingli Company's potential future business expansion and even its IPO plans."

Go public!

This word has a fatal attraction for any growing company.

On one side was the prospect of cooperation described by Zhao Zhigang, and on the other side was the real money promised by Huang Fan, as well as a convenient channel to the capital market.

It must be said that their methods and tactics are extremely tempting.

This wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision; it was a series of coordinated attacks.

If it were someone else, they would probably be in a dilemma.

If I agree, the future is uncertain, and I may face utter ruin.

If you don't agree, you'll immediately be labeled as "ungrateful" and "unfit for anything," all your previous efforts will be in vain, and the friendship will be nothing but a mirage.

Li Jianguo continued to sip his tea leisurely, as if the silent contest before him had nothing to do with him.

The pressure felt almost tangible, pressing in from all directions.

In the eyes of these Buddhas, Zhou Mingyuan was like a flying insect trapped in the center of a spider web; the more he struggled, the tighter the web became.

Just when Zhao Zhigang and Huang Fan thought Zhou Mingyuan had received the signal and was about to give in.

But the big boy in front of me was smiling.

It wasn't a forced smile, but a smile that carried a hint of realization and confidence.

Zhou Mingyuan picked up the teacup again, his movements fluid and composed.

"Director Zhao, Huang Xing."

The man's gaze swept over the two leaders, finally settling on Li Jianguo.

"We are deeply grateful for the kindness and trust shown by our leaders."

"It is an honor for Mingli Company to contribute to the development of the district."

Having lived two lives, Zhou Mingyuan was a seasoned veteran, and his words were always gentle and pleasant.

Make a statement first to reassure the other party.

Then, he abruptly changed his tone and began to fight back.

"Precisely because this matter is of great importance, involving the fundamental interests of the people and the credibility of the government, we must be more cautious and professional to ensure that nothing goes wrong."

Zhou Mingyuan turned to look at Zhao Zhigang. "I fully understand the district's determination to expedite the project, as Director Zhao just mentioned regarding the full-process embedding and mandatory enforcement support."

"However, from a legal perspective and from the perspective of risk control, I have some different ideas that I would like to report to the leaders."

She elegantly steered the conversation in a roundabout way.

"Oh? What brilliant idea does Xiao Zhou have? Tell me about it."

Li Jianguo finally spoke again, his tone carrying a hint of barely perceptible interest.

He wanted to see what tricks this young man could pull off.

"It's out of the question."

Zhou Mingyuan bowed slightly, his posture polite, but his words gradually revealed his sharp edge.

"These are just some preliminary thoughts based on legal practice and risk avoidance, offered for your reference."

His gaze shifted to Zhao Zhigang.

"Director Zhao, regarding the full integration of the working group, I believe the initial intention is good, which is to improve efficiency, but from the perspective of legal subjects and clear rights and responsibilities, there may be some hidden dangers."

He paused, making sure everyone was listening.

"First, there is the issue of identity confusion."

“Once our legal staff are embedded in the government working group, in the eyes of the villagers, we are no longer independent legal service providers, but rather representatives of the government’s position.”

“This will greatly undermine our credibility as a neutral third party in mediation. Villagers will naturally assume that we are in cahoots with the demolition team, and any legal advice will be seen as a tactic, which will only exacerbate the conflict and hinder negotiations.”

He pointed out the most fatal weakness in Zhao Zhigang's plan.

Loss of neutrality.

"Secondly, the boundaries of responsibility are blurred."

Zhou Mingyuan continued to delve deeper.

"Embedding means that our work instructions and action rhythm will be completely controlled by the work group."

"If the working group takes actions that may pose legal risks in order to expedite the process, will our lawyers object or acquiesce?"

"Raising objections may be seen as a lack of cooperation, while acquiescence means that we share legal or even political risks."

"We can't afford that."

Zhou Mingyuan bluntly pointed out the core issue, which made Zhao Zhigang's expression darken slightly.

This is a blatant questioning of the working methods he proposed.

But the young man in front of him wasn't finished speaking.

"Therefore, I suggest a different approach: adopting a project-based, milestone-based, and reporting-based cooperation model."

"For example, we will operate the legal protection for the demolition and relocation in Binhu New City as an independent project, sign a special project contract, and clearly define the scope of services, deliverables, and acceptance standards."

"Most importantly, the boundaries of responsibility."

Zhou Mingyuan smiled and crossed his arms, continuing to speak.

"Secondly, we do not follow closely throughout the entire process, but intervene at key junctures."

"For example, before the compensation plan is publicized, we conduct legality reviews and risk assessments; during the centralized signing period, we set up independent legal consultation points to provide free and neutral legal consultations to villagers with doubts; and for individual households with difficult cases, at the written request of the working group, we send personnel to participate in independent and recorded legal negotiations."

"Finally, all our legal opinions, risk assessments, and negotiation records were reported and filed with the working group and the superior authorities in the form of formal legal documents."

"This not only reflects our professional value, but also leaves a clear record of our work, with clear responsibilities and easy traceability."

"."

Zhao Zhigang simply stopped talking.

This series of combined measures, executed with clear organization and rigorous logic, constructs a clear firewall entirely from a professional and legal perspective.

It repositioned Mingli Company from a scapegoat sharing risk back to the role of a professional consultant.

While participating, they retain independence and the right to be exempt from liability.

In short, let's save face for everyone.

"this."

Zhao Zhigang opened his mouth, wanting to refute, but found that Zhou Mingyuan's words were watertight, completely standing on the high ground of policy and law.

If he insists on embedding the entire process, it will only make him seem ignorant of the law and lacking in procedural knowledge.

Those within the system place the greatest emphasis on procedural justice.

Why is this young man so slick?

Li Jianguo tapped his fingers lightly on the table, his rhythm steady, revealing no emotion.

But the look he gave Zhou Mingyuan held a deeper meaning.

He discovered that this Xiao Zhou not only understood business, but also politics, and knew how to protect himself within the rules.

Zhou Mingyuan's proposal, on the surface, fully cooperated with the government's work, but in reality, it cleverly drew red lines.

His quick wit and courage far surpass those of his peers.

"And then there's Bank Manager Huang."

Seeing that Zhao Zhigang did not respond, Zhou Mingyuan did not stop. He turned to Huang Fan and continued to speak.

"Thank you very much for your appreciation of Mingli and your suggestion for financial support."

The man's smile was genuine.

"Going public is indeed the dream of many companies, but precisely because the dream is so grand, we need to take one step at a time and lay a solid foundation."

"Personally, I believe that at this stage, Mingli's core value lies in our professional capabilities and market reputation."

"We should focus on refining our legal services and proving ourselves with concrete cases and results, rather than prematurely pursuing the bubble halo of the capital market."

"."

Li Jianguo and the others exchanged glances, each seeing complex emotions in the other's eyes.

How could a young upstart resist the temptation of going public?
Is this still a novice entrepreneur?

Is he really only eighteen years old?

Zhou Mingyuan's words indicate that he does not want to be prematurely bound by capital, but rather wants to stick to his main business.

On the contrary, it gives people a clear impression of being calm and reliable.

"As for the financial support you mentioned."

Zhou Mingyuan looked at Qian Weidong and smiled.

“If we adopt the project-based cooperation model I just proposed, then each service will have clear boundaries and quantifiable results, which perfectly aligns with the performance evaluation requirements of the Finance Director.”

"We can work together to design a service fee calculation method that links fees to project results, such as anchoring them to signing rates, dispute resolution rates, and petition reduction rates."

"In this way, the efficiency of the use of fiscal funds, or the loan utilization rate, is clear at a glance. We are reasonable and willing to accept the test of the market and truly achieve payment based on results."

Zhou Mingyuan's idea of ​​prioritizing performance resonated perfectly with Qian Weidong.

Qian Weidong couldn't help but nod: "President Zhou's idea is good."

"It meets the requirements of modern financial management, closely integrates money with affairs, and is worth exploring."

The previously one-sided situation seemed to begin to subtly change after Zhou Mingyuan's reasoned, well-founded, and balanced presentation.

He was not overwhelmed by the carrot and stick approach; instead, he used his professional expertise to redefine the rules of the game.

Instead of bluntly refusing to cooperate, he proposed a more standardized, risk-controlled, and professionally valuable cooperation model within just a few minutes.

Is it really possible for someone to react that quickly on the spot?
This kid's a bit over the top.
Li Jianguo finally put down his teacup and gave his longest comment of the night.

"Xiao Zhou."

He stroked his beard, his eyes showing both appreciation and consideration.

"You are indeed excellent."

"He is clear-headed, logical, knowledgeable in both business and politics, and most importantly, knows where the bottom line is."

His words sounded like a compliment.

But judging from his expression, it seemed as if he was subtly pointing out the essence of all of Zhou Mingyuan's previous remarks.

To put it simply, it boils down to four words.

Draw a clear line.

"For businesses, especially in sensitive industries like legal services, having principles and a bottom line is a good thing, but..."

"These cannot be an excuse for giving up."

"No matter what, development is the fundamental principle. The development of our East Lake High-tech Development Zone does indeed need enterprises that are more willing to take responsibility and more capable of overcoming difficulties."

His gaze was sharp as he looked at Zhou Mingyuan.

(End of this chapter)