Those Years When I Was Forced to Top the Forbes List

Chapter 328 Big Shots Enter Sichuan
The following day, in the conference room of the Transportation Department.

A group of people entered; big shots were all present.

Chen Xuebing laughed heartily.

"Chairman Wang, Wuliangye is doing very well lately. It seems that Changzheng Capital will be a shareholder for a while longer."

"Hehe, Mr. Chen, 2200 million shares, 2.3%, is still too little. If you really believe in it, you should hold more. I think you are more optimistic about Moutai, right? I see that you are already the fourth largest shareholder, even ahead of Hong Kong Securities Clearing Company."

Wang Guochun, who was in charge of Wuliangye, shook hands with Chen Xuebing. Although his smile was forced, his attitude was quite solemn.

He couldn't help but take it seriously. Changzheng Capital made a heavy investment at the beginning of the month and was added to the shareholder list. After the list was announced, Wuliangye's stock price jumped 18%, from 13.08 to the current 15.43. With a market capitalization of over 10 billion, it outperformed the market by 7 or 8 percentage points. Moutai, with a market capitalization of several hundred billion, jumped from 53 yuan to 69 yuan! A full 30 percentage points!

This influence is extraordinary.

Chen Xuebing just chuckled: "You and Moutai are both leaders in the consumer sector, there is no difference between them, it's just that Moutai is currently larger and has better liquidity. If it comes to drinking, I still prefer Wuliangye."

For someone in the financial industry who has reached such a level, it's easy for him to win over anyone. After a few words, Secretary Wang's smile brightened.

"Then I'll have to give you two bottles of 50-year-old vintage wine to try!"

The two section chiefs from the Chongqing Development and Reform Commission and the Transportation Commission were amazed. They had heard that this General Manager Wang was a former Party Secretary of Wuliangye, and even the Vice Mayor of Yibin, representing state-owned assets, had been overshadowed by him and had no say in the matter when he went to Wuliangye to become Chairman. This was no easy person to deal with; he had arrived with a serious expression, but the young General Manager Chen had quickly put him to a smile with just a few words.

Then, Shang You, the second-in-command of Chongqing Lifan Industry Co., Ltd., also took the initiative to come over and shake hands to greet him.

"President Chen! We're both from Chongqing! When the time comes," Shang You whispered a few words, then smiled—"you'll have to give us your full support!"

"Lifan is a major exporter in Chongqing. Now it is transforming from motorcycles to automobiles. We have been paying close attention to it. If it goes public and goes through an IPO, we will definitely support it."

Chen Xuebing remembers that Lifan was still a few years away from its IPO. Although its performance was not very good, it was incredibly quick to make promises.

Even tens of millions would count as support.

Some investments don't necessarily have to be about making money. Chongqing's Lifan Motorcycles and Zongshen Three-Wheeled Vehicles have a lot of international influence and a certain degree of dominance in the relevant supply chain. Plus, there's the bond between fellow townsmen. Now that he's venturing into special steel, you never know when you might run into each other again.

Shang You was overjoyed to hear this, thinking that he could report the surprise to the chairman when he got back, and began to exchange pleasantries.

The next person to greet Chen Xuebing was Zhao Yong, who officially took over Sichuan Changhong last year.

This man was also a former vice mayor, serving in Mianyang, and later took over a state-owned enterprise. He was a kindred spirit with the chairman of Wuliangye, and was naturally not satisfied with Secretary Wang's approach of resisting the takeover of state-owned assets. He waited until Wang Guochun left before coming over.

"Hello, Mr. Chen!" General Manager Zhao smiled with an air of importance. "It seems that Changzheng is going to become everyone's shareholder!"

Changzheng also invested in Changhong.

However, Chen Xuebing's logic for choosing to invest in Changhong is quite unique.

Changhong is a stock with a mysterious, unpredictable nature.

This company has been a part of every bull market since it went public in the 90s. In the last century, it was the champion in color TV sales and the first blue-chip stock in the A-share market.

Every time a bull market arrives and speculative funds have traded every sector, they remember this stock with an auspicious name—and Changhong!

It's soaring high! It's still the former leading stock; with the bull market here, it's bound to be a hit!
People generally know this brand; it's highly recognizable, right?

Changhong relied on its strength in the early stages and its name in the later stages, and has never been forgotten by the stock market. Although it did not jump very high in each bull market, it always doubled or tripled.

Chen Xuebing bought it simply because he had too much money on hand. After investing in a wide range of stocks, he couldn't find any good ones that caught his eye, so he decided to invest his last 400 million yuan in Changhong, a stock with a market capitalization of 10 billion yuan, as a safety net.

This investment made him a minority shareholder.

"President Zhao, we have a large stake in Changhong. You guys need to step up your game. Following the Japanese and suffering the consequences of plasma technology is not a wise move. We will soon support BOE's 6th generation line. If you abandon the darkness and embrace the light now, you still have a chance to turn things around."

Chen Xuebing was not polite to this leader of the 90s, because the "$20 billion investment in plasma project" announced this year was no different from what Chiang Kai-shek did in 49.

Last year, it was still supporting Shenzhen's "Julong Plan" and planning to invest in BOE's sixth-generation line. However, before the Lunar New Year this year, it turned around and resolutely turned to the plasma field.

As a shareholder, he also has the right to criticize: "Toshiba and Sony have both withdrawn. Mr. Zhao, don't be so stubborn about such a closed business model."

If Changhong were to change course now, it could still support BOE's development.

To be precise, it is mutually beneficial.

Chen Xuebing was blunt, even using the phrase "stubborn to the end," which caused a moment of awkward silence in the room.

"Oh? Mr. Chen isn't saying all this because he invested in BOE, is he?" Zhao Yong immediately changed his attitude and chuckled. "However, we do admire Mr. Chen's mobile phone promotion. A domestic mobile phone can be advertised as selling for 6,000 yuan, and then discounted to 4,000 yuan. If we had sales like Mr. Chen, our annual revenue might increase by 30%. We welcome Mr. Chen to come to Changhong for guidance."

Zhao Yong is no pushover. Last year, Lang Xianping criticized Changhong's MBO (management buyout), and this year he specifically bought a ticket to Lang Xianping's lecture and publicly argued with Lang Xianping.

Chen Xuebing didn't take it to heart. He used strong words because he felt Zhao Yong was somewhat stubborn. Hearing this, he knew that Zhao Yong wouldn't change his mind easily. He put his hands behind his back and said seriously:

"You should hold a shareholders' meeting to reconsider your plasma production line next year. I will also discuss this with the Mianyang government."

Changhong entered the market early on through market mechanisms, with a large number of shares in circulation. The largest shareholder, Mianyang State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, only holds 23.22% of the shares. Changzheng is now the second largest shareholder, and the rest are minor shareholders. They can listen to what others say, or they can use market tactics to influence decisions.

Seeing that he seemed to be thinking, Zhao Yong's heart skipped a beat. He remembered that the man in front of him was not someone like Lang Xianping who only knew how to curse. If Changhong was really targeted by him, the Mianyang government might not be able to afford to protect his decision-making power.

His tone softened almost immediately: "President Chen, our board of directors is humble and responsible to our shareholders! Any opinions can be discussed privately!"

Chen Xuebing sighed. Seeing that everyone was looking at them, he decided to give this person face and raised his hand towards the long table, saying:
"Let's have a meeting first, and we'll talk afterwards."

Zhao Yong smiled again: "There are some things I really need to ask you for advice on!"

The atmosphere became lively again.

The two section chiefs from Chongqing witnessed everything and were astonished.

Today's visitors are all companies with daily shipment volumes exceeding 1,000 tons or high-value-added products. Companies from Sichuan such as Wuliangye, Changhong, Panzhihua Iron and Steel, and Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group are all giant enterprises.

Chongqing has companies like Chang'an, Lifan, Zongshen, and Chuanwei Logistics, which, except for Chang'an, are smaller in scale than those in Sichuan.

Moreover, the meeting was hosted by Sichuan, and the people from Sichuan were of a higher rank, all of them being top leaders, while those from Chongqing were either second or third-ranking officials.

Mayor Huang didn't come in person because he thought that even if something happened today and they clashed, they could still smooth things over by raising the level of communication afterwards.

However, this weakens the overall momentum.

With the arrival of this General Manager Chen, the two companies, each with assets exceeding 10 billion yuan, were able to take sides, with Lifan willingly playing the role of a subordinate. The company quickly seized the initiative in leading the way.

Mayor Huang made the right choice in selecting this leader! The Sichuan authorities have naturally taken note of this as well.

Deputy Director Xian had previously made more than one phone call with Chen Xuebing. He came over and exchanged a few pleasantries with Chen Xuebing in a rather familiar manner, and then pulled Chen Xuebing outside the conference room to chat privately.

"Your city sent you here as the middleman. I mentioned the Qingbaijiang dedicated line earlier. Did you discuss it with the leaders in Chongqing?"

Chen Xuebing hesitated for a moment, then shook his head: "I can't say for sure about this. I'm afraid we'll have to wait for the meeting to be upgraded so that your leaders can come and discuss it."

Today's meeting is themed "Special Coordination Meeting on the Construction of the Chengdu-Chongqing Logistics Channel." The real resolutions should be made at the "Leadership Group Meeting of the Two Regions," which would require at least Mayor Huang's level to come to Sichuan to discuss the matter. He is just the vanguard.

Actually, he wanted to help Sichuan find a way to resolve the 400 million yuan in private financing in Qingbaijiang and create a situation of mutual support.

But it can't be done in his name, otherwise Chongqing will definitely be unhappy.

He was still hesitant about how to start the conversation, and could only tentatively express his attitude.

"Director Xian, I think that Chengdu and Chongqing are not about one being dependent on the other, but about integrating resources to form an inland international logistics channel that can compete with the coastal port clusters."

This isn't something that can be accomplished simply by him making a statement, so he can make any statement he wants.

“We appreciate your perspective.” Deputy Director Xian smiled, then waved his hand. “Someone is willing to fund this matter, so we’re preparing to propose it today, along with the Ziyang transit station issue, to get it finalized.”

Chen Xuebing's brow relaxed slightly.

Four hundred million is no small sum; how come someone is willing to invest it?

That way, his financial pressure will be less.

"Just don't argue later. Just talk about your investment matters and the Ziyang transit station. As for Qingbaijiang, we need to finalize a memorandum of understanding today," Deputy Director Xian continued.

Chen Xuebing understood that they wanted to gain the upper hand by discussing the Ziyang transfer station. After thinking for a moment, he made a deal: "Alright, then we'll prepare to take over the service areas of the Duwen Expressway and National Highway 213."

"People from the National Development and Reform Commission and the Department of Housing and Urban-Rural Development are here. Don't you still have real estate projects? Bring them out so we can discuss them together."

The advance team's meeting was not rehearsed; when they said they were going to discuss something, they really did hold a meeting on the spot.

Chen Xuebing could only nod.

"Ok."

Ten minutes later, officials and business leaders were seated on both sides of the long conference table. The atmosphere was quiet, with a hint of scrutiny and seriousness.

This was a meeting that ordinary people would never hear of. Although Chen Xuebing had met many people of this caliber, he had never actually attended a meeting with them before. He felt a little nervous but also very excited.

Cai Zhijian, Bi Yaxiong, and Kan Zhidong were all quite used to this kind of meeting atmosphere. One had participated in the listing of China Construction Bank, another was the head of a national-level hydropower project, and the third was a first-generation securities godfather. They had all seen larger official occasions, and sitting next to Chen Xuebing, they had a strong presence.

As the head of the competent department, Deputy Director Xian started by highlighting the urgency of improving the quality and efficiency of the Chengdu-Chongqing logistics channel in the context of building an inland open highland.

Soon it was Gu An's turn to speak. Instead of reading from a prepared script, Chen Xuebing walked to the projection screen at the front of the conference room and gave his speech in his usual manner.

"The core of GuAn's investment plan lies in 'breaking down barriers' and 'weaving a network.'"

"Not long ago, we undertook the financing plan for the Chongqing Western Modern Logistics Industrial Base, which aims to create a comprehensive transportation hub radiating across the country..."

"The Ziyang transit warehouse is not just a simple warehouse, but a shared warehouse integrating road, rail, and waterway transshipment, distribution, and customs clearance services. It connects Chongqing's water port and Chengdu's land port, and is a key gear in the Chengdu-Chongqing integration. It requires Sichuan and Chongqing to open up transportation routes and unify information interface standards..."

When it comes to official matters, Chen Xuebing only touches on the topic briefly.

"Our company, Gu'an Construction, has been deeply involved in this plan. Next, we will build satellite cities in the Chengdu economic circle, which will be closely aligned with and promote the development of the two-city economic circle in Chengdu, Mianyang, and Deyang..."

"For the 213 National Highway service area cluster and the Duwen Expressway, we not only need to repair and maintain the roads, but also enhance the resilience and value of this vital lifeline. The six comprehensive service areas will be the capillaries at the end of the modern logistics network and also emergency support points. The franchise right is the fulcrum to leverage this. We promise high-standard construction, high-level operation, and to assume the corresponding road section maintenance responsibilities... We earnestly request the Provincial Department to support the pilot program of the franchise right."

"Wenchuan in Aba, as a gateway to the Northwest Corridor, needs a small but fully functional and safe residential and logistics support point. It is tied to transportation projects and aims to improve the region's public service level and emergency response capabilities..."

Such reports don't require any special skills; they simply explain the situation clearly, what kind of plan it is, and how much investment is involved.

"Our initial investment is 10 billion."

After saying this, the representatives of private enterprises exchanged some whispers.

No wonder he can sit at the top of a private enterprise!

Invest 10 billion yuan in Sichuan!

The boss is indeed a boss.

Chongqing also felt proud.

"it is good!"

Someone suddenly shouted, and then clapped loudly.

Everyone looked in the direction of the sound.

Chen Xuebing suddenly noticed that while he was speaking intently, a robust middle-aged man had appeared in the conference room.

There were no seats left at the conference table, so the man sat in a chair against the wall, casually crossing his legs like a spectator, with a cigarette in his hand and a very bright smile on his face.

Chen Xuebing sized up the man and frowned.

The representatives of private enterprises in Sichuan had similar expressions to him, and they all moved their seats forward in unison.

Why is he here?
A person's name, the shadow of a tree.

When Liu Han from Hanlong Group appeared here, many people's expressions became unnatural.

"I'm done speaking."

Chen Xuebing already knew where the 400 million yuan investment mentioned by Deputy Director Xian came from, and he felt a bit disgusted. After speaking, he stepped down from the stage and returned to his seat to carefully observe the expression on the face of the leader opposite him.

Depend on.

If you're being threatened, just blink!

(End of this chapter)