Journey 1995:Non-Stop

Chapter 128 Preparing to Return to Northeast China

In this world, fairness and unfairness depend on your perspective.

If Yan Hui were in Teng's position, he would do the same. Those with resources and power cannot have a fair dialogue with those without, because a fair dialogue would be unfair to themselves.

Yan Hui had expected this contract, and of course he would sign it.

"Let's get rich together!" said President Teng, raising his glass of cola. "Come on, President Yan, let's celebrate our cooperation."

"Let's make money together," Yan Hui raised his glass as well. "President Teng, this is our first collaboration. I plan to stay at your factory for a few days to discuss the processing technology before heading to Northeast China. I'll find the best timber to send to you then. This process might take a while, but I hope you're not in a rush?"

"What's the rush? No problem, no problem." Of course, President Teng wasn't in a hurry. He hadn't paid a single penny of deposit, so why should he be in a rush?
Now, Mr. Teng finds Yan Hui pleasing to the eye in every way. Especially since Yan Hui will be visiting the factory tomorrow and the day after to provide technical guidance, which is free of charge—how could he not be happy?

As the conversation got more interesting, Mr. Teng asked about automated factories.

Yan Hui could tell that General Manager Teng was just making conversation to hear Yan Hui's thoughts on automated factories, but Yan Hui still gave a brief overview.

"Automation is indeed a wonderful thing. It can save a lot of labor costs, which is only a matter of time," Mr. Teng remarked.

“Indeed.” Yan Hui nodded.

What was said without malice was taken seriously by the listener. Neither President Teng nor Yan Hui thought much of it, but Haotian sensed a sense of crisis in his words.

Half the people working at this factory are connected to it. If it becomes an automated factory, wouldn't many people lose their jobs? I might even lose my job myself.
With that in mind, Haotian decided that when Yan Hui came to the processing plant to provide guidance tomorrow, he would have to be especially polite to him and learn a lot from him.
Yan Hui was unaware of Haotian's intentions. The next day, when he went to the processing plant, Haotian served him fine cigarettes and tea, almost fanning him with a fan, which left Yan Hui somewhat bewildered.

Through Haotian's subtle probing, Yan Hui finally understood that Haotian was worried about the automated factory.

Labor costs in small factories are much cheaper than automated machinery these days, and Boss Teng is reluctant to even install a few ordinary machines, so it's unlikely he'll switch to CNC automated equipment within the next few years. But Yan Hui doesn't plan to tell Haotian about this directly.

"Don't worry, Brother Tian, ​​I understand what you're thinking. I also think you're right. There's no rush for automated equipment, at least not for the next three to five years. I'll definitely make this clear to President Teng, so don't worry." Yan Hui assured him.

"President Yan, oh dear, that's not what I meant," Haotian said somewhat embarrassedly. "What I meant was..."

"No need to say anything, Brother Tian. Don't worry, I think you're a very honest person. What you said last night was all very reasonable. How could I possibly ruin your livelihood? Relationships are mutual." Yan Hui reassured him once again.

"Mr. Yan, no problem, I'll arrange lunch."

"Nothing else, Brother Tian, ​​there's something I need to trouble you with." Yan Hui looked around to make sure no one was watching. "Once the timber I'm delivering arrives, please take a close look at this. If the timber is indeed fine, please put in a good word for President Teng."

"Don't worry, as long as your timber meets the standards, I'll definitely say it's good. But Mr. Yan, I also have to say this upfront: if your goods are substandard, or even if you have trouble processing broken boards, then I'll still have to offend you." Haotian's words were also out of helplessness. If the wood wasn't good, it would be extremely difficult for him to process it, and if he insisted on saying good things, he would only be the one who suffered.

"Brother Tian, ​​you're underestimating my taste. How could there be any problems with the goods I picked? They'll only be better, and I would never make things difficult for you. Perfect timing, I'll tell you a few tips in a bit." Yan Hui quickly tried to build a closer relationship with Haotian.

In a processing workshop, equipment comes first; without equipment, everything else is meaningless.

Mr. Teng's processing plant supplies construction sites, not furniture, so there's no need to buy panel splicing machines or high-end lathes, but a surface planer is necessary. Yan Hui had discussed this with Mr. Teng and was now informing Haotian. "Mr. Teng's budget for equipment is limited, but you should know that a surface planer is useful. Have him buy one sometime; it's not expensive. It will make your processed wood smoother and of better quality," Yan Hui suggested.

"Yes, I'll talk to him when I have time."

"No rush," Yan Hui shook his head slightly. This equipment can be bought later.

It would be best to wait until Yan Hui's timber arrives before making the purchase; then his wood products will be two levels above average.

"I understand, I understand." Haotian wasn't stupid; he understood what Yan Hui meant. "President Yan, let's cooperate more in the future."

"Brother Tian, ​​forgive my bluntness, but Jianye's timber processing industry is only just beginning. One day you may have your own processing plant, so we have plenty of opportunities to cooperate." Yan Hui once again painted a rosy picture.

"Definitely!" Haotian became excited.

Yan Hui deliberately stayed at Haotian's processing plant for a few more days.

In the past few days, helping others has only been part of the process; the main thing is that he has already made preparations to go to Yichun.

He spoke with Lao Guo twice, and Lao Guo welcomed Yan Hui's visit and said he would definitely help. However, the phone call was indeed expensive, and Yan Hui didn't mention many details; they would have to wait until he arrived in Yichun to discuss them in detail.

According to Lao Guo, Yichun is still covered in ice and snow. I really don't know how this city has the nerve to have the word "spring" in its name. Shouldn't it be called "Yidong" (meaning "winter in Yichun")?

Fortunately, Yichun in April is not so cold anymore, with temperatures only around -3 to -5 degrees Celsius, and spring will arrive soon, so Yan Hui only needs to bring one or two warm clothes.

My cousin was quite shocked to hear that Yan Hui was going to Northeast China.

At this point, Yan Hui showed the contract he had signed with President Teng to his cousin.

"Huh?" My cousin looked at the contract carefully. "You really signed the contract?"

"It's a pity there's no deposit." Yan Hui shook his head. "Brother, no matter what, I've done my best."

"How could a new company like yours possibly get a deposit at this price! Although the price isn't high, we can still make money through our own channels! Let alone a piece of wood, making 20 yuan a month is no problem."

The price Mr. Teng paid for the timber was definitely higher than the lowest price my cousin and the others got. Although Mr. Teng reduced the price of the timber by 15 yuan per kilogram, my cousin still believed there was a profit to be made.

"Making 20 yuan per piece of wood? What's the point of selling it? If even one piece has too many knots and gets returned, we might lose money." Yan Hui certainly wouldn't do that kind of business.

"Well, the problem now is, Xiaohui, do you have enough money to pay for a whole train carload of goods?" My cousin asked with some concern. "It's a pity I don't have much savings, otherwise I could help you out and we could make money together."

"Brother, I'll think of something once we get to the Northeast." Yan Hui still had his own ideas.

(End of this chapter)