Absolute power in officialdom

Chapter 226 The person I saved turned out to be a member of the group's gold mine

Minister Chen of the Food and Beverage Division, who received Gan Simiao and her delegation, said: "Secretary Gan, leaders, welcome to Dingyue Group."

Our business unit is indeed very interested in the agricultural resources of Qingshan County, and we have done some research before.

However, the group has recently adjusted its strategy, focusing its investments more on core economic zones such as the Yangtze River Delta and the Pearl River Delta, as well as high value-added sectors.

While counties in central and western China like Qingshan County possess unique resources, our further understanding reveals several challenges:

For example, administrative efficiency is low, project approval processes are numerous and time-consuming; local protectionism is evident, and foreign companies are prone to encountering "glass ceilings" and "spring doors"; companies bear heavy burdens, with various hidden costs being high.

Moreover, in terms of overall supporting facilities, logistics costs, business environment, and talent reserves, there may still be some gaps between them and our current needs.

"Of course, we appreciate Qingshan County's sincerity, and we will cooperate again if a suitable opportunity arises in the future."

The words were phrased tactfully, but the refusal was obvious.

This is completely inconsistent with what the investment promotion team had reported previously.

Li Changgui, the deputy county head in charge of investment promotion, and the director of the investment promotion bureau exchanged a glance, both feeling somewhat embarrassed and surprised.

As is customary, if the other party has no intention to invest, or if their intention has fundamentally changed, communication should be made in advance to avoid the main leader making a wasted trip and losing face.

In this situation, it's like being turned away, and not just by the company's top management, but by a closed door that doesn't even show its face.

The investment promotion director tried to salvage the situation: "President Chen, although Qingshan County is located in the central part of the country, its transportation location has improved significantly in recent years."

Moreover, we have the advantage of favorable policies, and we can offer the most favorable conditions in terms of land, taxation, and employment.

In particular, our specialty agricultural products, such as our high-mountain tea, organic grains, and high-quality spring water, are excellent raw materials for developing healthy beverages and foods…”

Minister Chen waved his hand, a faint smile still on his face, but his tone left no room for doubt: "We have been aware of what you have said beforehand. But the group has its own strategic considerations."

Okay, I'll show you all around the beverage production line and R&D center. Lunch will be served at the company cafeteria.

This was practically an arrangement to see the guests off.

Gan Simiao knew in her heart that this investment promotion was basically a lost cause.

He regretted making the trip himself.

If it were just the investment promotion bureau that ran into a wall, that would be fine. But now that he, as the county party secretary, is personally leading the team, and the other party is so cold towards him, it will be a blow to his personal prestige if word gets out.

If Geng Dongqing finds out, he might use this as an excuse to make trouble again.

He glared at Li Changgui, his eyes full of reproach.

Li Changgui and Geng Dongqing are close, but Li Changgui is in charge of investment promotion, so it wouldn't be right not to bring him along this time.

Li Changgui was close to Geng Dongqing, but dared not offend Gan Simiao.

He secretly groaned to himself, because Dingyue's attitude was clearly not like this during the initial contact!

Why the sudden change of heart? What went wrong?

Or did the group's senior management hear unfavorable rumors about Qingshan County?

The atmosphere was somewhat heavy.

Gan Simiao quickly composed herself and smiled, saying, "Since the group has strategic considerations, we certainly respect them."

Cooperation depends on fate and timing. If it doesn't work this time, there's always next time.

Thank you for your hospitality, Minister Chen. We don't need a working meal; we have other plans for the afternoon.

Minister Chen smiled and said, "It's good that Secretary Gan understands. I'll arrange for someone to accompany the leaders on the visit right away."

The subsequent visit felt more like a formality.

The production line was very advanced, and the R&D center was also impressive. The guide recited the introduction verbatim, while the members of the inspection team followed absentmindedly.

At the end of the visit, Minister Chen symbolically escorted him to the elevator, exchanged a few polite words, and then turned and left.

The elevator doors slowly closed, the atmosphere heavy.

The elevator was full of people from the inspection team.

Gan Simiao's face was grim. She glanced at the director of the investment promotion bureau and asked in a clearly reproachful tone, "How was the preliminary work done?"

The other party's attitude was so clear, why wasn't it known beforehand?

"Why did you make us come here? Aren't you just asking for trouble?"

The investment director broke out in a cold sweat and explained in a low voice, "Secretary Gan, when we were meeting before, the head of the business unit was indeed very enthusiastic and made very positive statements. I didn't expect the group level to have this attitude."

Perhaps our understanding of the situation is incomplete, or perhaps they've heard rumors that are unfavorable to us.

Gan Simiao didn't say anything more, but everyone could see his dissatisfaction.

Such a refusal to open the door is a heavy blow to the face and prestige of the main leader.

Li Changgui tried to ease the tension: "Secretary Gan, Dingyue's prospects are temporarily gone."

"That's alright, we're not just targeting them this time in Jiangsu and Zhejiang; there are several other companies we can talk to. If this one doesn't work out, we'll look for others."

Gan Simiao hummed in response, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, her gaze fixed on the numbers on the elevator doors that were steadily decreasing.

Wu Zhiyuan stood to the side, also deep in thought.

Dingyue's attitude added another layer of worry to his concerns about the future of the brewery.

If even such a powerful conglomerate is so cautious about investing in the Central Tribe region, or even refuses outright, then finding a strategic investor or acquirer for the brewery will probably be more difficult than it imagines.

When the elevator reached the first floor, Gan Simiao stepped out first, followed by the others.

The lobby on the first floor was bustling with people, and employees were walking briskly.

Just then, a group of people walked towards us. The leader was a woman in her thirties with a capable demeanor. She was wearing a well-tailored dark gray business suit and was talking quietly to a middle-aged man next to her, looking focused.

Wu Zhiyuan and the others instinctively made way for them.

The woman was almost past, but when she caught a glimpse of Wu Zhiyuan out of the corner of her eye, she stopped, turned around abruptly, and stared at Wu Zhiyuan's face.

She was initially puzzled, then tentatively asked, "Excuse me, are you Secretary Wu?"

Wu Zhiyuan was taken aback, not recognizing the other person.

"My surname is Wu. May I ask who you are...?"

"Is he Wu Zhiyuan, the Party Secretary of Xindian Town, Qingshan County?"

"Yes." Wu Zhiyuan nodded, his doubts growing.

Surprisingly, someone at Dingyue Group, located outside the province, recognized him.

"It really is you, Secretary Wu!" The woman recognized him and was overjoyed. She quickly stepped forward and extended her hand. "Secretary Wu, this is truly a case of finding something you've been searching for without even looking for it!"

"This is Shen Yuwei. I contacted you just a few days ago!"

"Ms. Shen? It's you! What a small world! I never expected to run into you here. Are you an employee of this company?"

Wu Zhiyuan was so anxious to save her that day, and Shen Yuwei was wearing sportswear and looked very disheveled when she drowned, so he didn't remember what she looked like.

Shen Yuwei couldn't possibly remember Wu Zhiyuan's appearance at the time, but afterwards, she watched photos and videos of Wu Zhiyuan saving her online many times and became very familiar with his appearance.

"Yes." Shen Yuwei had barely finished speaking when the middle-aged man reminded her, "President Shen, the meeting is about to begin."

"The meeting is canceled!" Shen Yuwei answered crisply. "We'll reschedule for another day. I have an important guest to meet!"

"Yes, Mr. Shen, I will inform him immediately," the middle-aged man replied promptly.

Mr. Shen?

Wu Zhiyuan became increasingly puzzled. Was Shen Yuwei a senior executive in the group?

The CEO of this group also has the surname Shen, could it be...?

"Secretary Wu, I contacted you a few days ago and you said you were going on a business trip out of the province. It turns out you were coming here! What a coincidence!" Shen Yuwei was overjoyed.

"Our county organized an investment promotion delegation to Jiangsu and Zhejiang for study and inspection. Today, they are here to visit and learn from Dingyue Group." Wu Zhiyuan turned his gaze to Gan Simiao and introduced, "This is Comrade Gan Simiao, Secretary of our Qingshan County Party Committee."

Upon hearing this, Shen Yuwei became even more puzzled: "Investment promotion inspection? Secretary Wu, are you here to discuss cooperation with our group?"

She asked the middle-aged man next to her, "Director Liu, these leaders from Qingshan County came to our group for inspection and negotiations. Why didn't you inform me beforehand?"

Director Liu explained, "President Shen, it was the Food and Beverage Division that received them. The group sends visiting groups and inspection teams every now and then; I won't report on anything unimportant."

Gan Simiao felt as if she had been slapped in the face.

An unimportant visit?

But that's the truth.

For a group as large as Dingyue Group, there are indeed too many visiting groups and inspection teams.

Qingshan County is an economically underdeveloped county in a central province, so it's already quite good that they offer opportunities for visits and inspections.

Shen Yuwei said apologetically, "Secretary Gan, Secretary Wu, and all the leaders, I'm so sorry."

The subordinates were negligent in their duties and failed to properly welcome us.

I am Shen Yuwei, Executive Vice President of Dingyue Group.

My father is Shen Honglang, the chairman and president of the group. Unfortunately, he's abroad on a business trip today.

Executive Vice President! The Chairman's daughter!

Gan Simiao, Li Changgui, and the others were all shocked.

Wu Zhiyuan was both surprised and delighted.

Unexpectedly, the "crown princess" of Dingyue Group not only knew Wu Zhiyuan, but also treated him with utmost respect, even canceling her upcoming meeting.

What exactly is the relationship between Wu Zhiyuan and Shen Yuwei?

Judging from the situation, Wu Zhiyuan doesn't know her either.

At this moment, Shen Yuwei's enthusiasm contrasted sharply with her previous cold reception.

"So it's President Shen, nice to meet you!" Gan Simiao smiled and shook hands with Shen Yuwei.

"Secretary Gan, this is not the place to talk."

Since you've come all this way, please come to my office and have a cup of tea.

"It's almost lunchtime, so please let me do my part as a host." Shen Yuwei said sincerely.

"This is too much trouble for President Shen," Gan Simiao said politely.

"Don't bother me! Secretary Wu is my savior, and you are his superiors and colleagues—you are the most honored guests of our Dingyue Group! Please give me this opportunity!"

As Shen Yuwei spoke, she turned to the side and made a "please" gesture, pointing towards the private elevator that went directly to the high-rise office area.

The situation took such a rapid turn that the delegation from Qingshan County was a little overwhelmed.

But in any case, this was an unexpected turning point.

Gan Simiao glanced at Wu Zhiyuan, her expression complex, a mixture of surprise, approval, and a hint of relief.

He smiled and said to Shen Yuwei, "Then I'll gladly accept your offer and apologize for bothering you, President Shen."

The group followed Shen Yuwei and, led by Director Liu, entered the executive-only elevator.

Shen Yuwei's office is spacious and bright, with an excellent view overlooking most of Suzhou and Hangzhou.

The interior design is modern and minimalist, but the materials and details showcase taste and sophistication.

After we were seated, the secretary served us tea.

Shen Yuwei didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point: "Secretary Gan, Secretary Wu, Director Liu just learned that there might have been some misunderstandings or insufficient communication between our business unit and the reception staff."

The food and beverage sector is one of our key areas for future development, with health and wellness and specialty beverages being particularly promising areas for us.

"I wonder in which areas Qingshan County hopes to cooperate with us this time?"

Gan Simiao gestured to the director of the investment promotion bureau.

The director of the investment promotion bureau gave a concise introduction to the basic situation, resource advantages, and especially the situation of specialty agricultural products of Qingshan County. This time, he emphasized Qingshan County's determination to improve transportation, provide preferential policies, and optimize the business environment.

Shen Yuwei listened attentively, nodding occasionally and asking a question or two about the details.

After listening, she pondered for a moment and said, "Secretary Gan, to be honest, the investment assessments submitted by the lower levels regarding counties and districts in the central and western regions were generally too conservative."

There are concerns about cost, logistics, transportation, and some soft environment factors, but...

She changed the subject and looked at Wu Zhiyuan: "Meeting Secretary Wu today and learning that he is a leading cadre in Qingshan County has greatly changed my view of Qingshan County."

With a leader like Secretary Wu who dares to take responsibility and step forward regardless of personal safety in times of crisis, I believe that the quality of the cadres in Qingshan County and their awareness of serving the people will definitely not be lacking.

This is actually something we value highly when making investments—the level of local governance and the cultural environment.

This was a clever way of putting it, both praising Wu Zhiyuan and giving Qingshan County a high evaluation. More importantly, it implied that concerns about the previous soft environment had been dispelled.

Wu Zhiyuan said modestly, "Mr. Shen, you flatter me. It's what I should do."

Our Secretary Gan, along with many comrades in the county and town, all uphold the principle of serving the people.

In recent years, Qingshan County has spared no effort in optimizing its business environment and promoting economic development.

Gan Simiao chimed in at the opportune moment: "Yes, President Shen. Although our Qingshan County is not as well-off as the coastal areas, we are full of energy and sincerity."

Especially in Xindian Town, under Comrade Zhiyuan's leadership, there have been significant changes, and the atmosphere of entrepreneurship and initiative is very strong.

Shen Yuwei nodded, then suddenly asked, "Secretary Wu, you are the Party Secretary of Xindian Town."

Besides agricultural resources, what is the industrial base of Xindian Town like?

Are there any existing companies that might be suitable for transformation or cooperation?

The opportunity is coming!

Wu Zhiyuan's spirits lifted. He was just wondering how to bring up the topic of the brewery when Shen Yuwei took the initiative to ask him about it.

"To be honest, Mr. Shen, there is indeed a long-established industrial enterprise in our Xindian Town, the Qingshan County Brewery. However, it is currently facing great difficulties in its operations."

Wu Zhiyuan did not hide anything and gave a concise account of the brewery's basic situation, including its past glory, current predicament, and the town party committee's initial plans.

He particularly emphasized the existing resources of the brewery, such as land, factory buildings, equipment, and skilled workers, and also frankly acknowledged the real problems such as chaotic management, aging equipment, and shrinking market.

Finally, he said, "President Shen, the basic idea of ​​our town's Party committee and government is that the brewery's problems must be solved, but to solve them, relying solely on internal rectification and emergency medical intervention is probably not enough to bring it back to life."

We must bring in external strategic investors with strength, market presence, and management experience, or conduct mergers and acquisitions to revitalize assets by leveraging major brands and distribution channels.

Either completely transform, utilize local resources, and open up new avenues.

Regardless of the path taken, we need the participation of companies like Dingyue that possess vision, courage, and a strong sense of social responsibility.

Wu Zhiyuan did not engage in empty talk or boasting, but objectively stated the facts, analyzed the advantages and disadvantages, and proposed potential cooperation possibilities.

Shen Yuwei listened and thought at the same time.

Dingyue Group is indeed looking for a suitable production base to expand its health beverage sector.

Acquiring or renovating an existing, established factory can sometimes be faster and cheaper than building one from scratch, and it can also take over some skilled workers and local connections.

Of course, this is on the premise that the old factory is not too burdened and that the feasibility of renovation is high.

The Qingshan County Brewery seemed to have many problems, but Wu Zhiyuan's candid attitude and the existing resources he described gave her hope for some possibilities.

More importantly, she had a natural sense of trust in Wu Zhiyuan, which stemmed from the debt of gratitude she owed him for saving her life.

She believes that with officials like Wu Zhiyuan in charge of local affairs, many difficulties in the cooperation process can be better communicated and resolved.

"Secretary Wu, you are very frank and have a good understanding. I have a general understanding of the situation of the brewery you mentioned."

To be honest, it sounds like a big challenge, but it's not necessarily without a chance.

Well then, words are no proof.

If it's convenient, I'd like to arrange some time soon to visit the brewery in person. What do you think?

On-site inspection! This is the most crucial step in promoting cooperation!

Gan Simiao's face lit up with joy, and before Wu Zhiyuan could answer, she said, "Welcome! We warmly welcome President Shen to Qingshan County for inspection and guidance!"

We will definitely do a good job in receiving and coordinating with them, providing the most accurate information, and creating the best conditions for their visit.

Wu Zhiyuan also solemnly said, "President Shen, Xindian Town and the brewery welcome you anytime."

We will show you the most authentic side of ourselves, the good and the bad, without hiding anything.

We hope to leverage the wisdom and strength of the Dingyue Group to find a path to revitalization for the brewery and for Xindian Town.

"Okay!" Shen Yuwei replied readily, "Then it's decided happily."

Director Liu, please coordinate the inspection itinerary as soon as possible, the sooner the better.

"Okay, Mr. Shen," Director Liu said quickly.

At noon, Shen Yuwei hosted a banquet for Gan Simiao and her entourage at the group's executive restaurant.

The atmosphere at the dinner was harmonious. Shen Yuwei not only regarded Wu Zhiyuan as her savior, but also as a potential business partner.

She asked many questions about the local customs, industrial planning, and government services of Qingshan County.

After the meal, Shen Yuwei personally escorted everyone downstairs. Before parting, she specifically said to Wu Zhiyuan, "Secretary Wu, I will expedite the inspection."

Also, I've been thinking about your injury while saving people.

This meeting was rushed. I'll thank you properly when I go to Qingshan County.

"Mr. Shen, you're too kind. Your visit is the greatest support you can give us," Wu Zhiyuan said sincerely.

Leaving Dingyue Group and getting back on the minibus, the atmosphere was completely different from before.

Li Changgui breathed a sigh of relief and laughed, "I never expected that things would turn out so well!"

Secretary Wu, you are a major contributor to our investment promotion efforts! You saved General Manager Shen; this is truly an incredible stroke of luck!

The director of the investment promotion bureau chimed in, "Yes, Secretary Wu's intervention has opened up a path for cooperation!"

President Shen seems to be a pragmatic person; she speaks and acts decisively. She personally led the inspection team—this deal has potential!

Gan Simiao smiled with relief: "Zhiyuan, we owe you a lot this time."

It not only saved lives and accumulated good karma, but also opened a window for our investment promotion efforts in Qingshan County.

Mr. Shen agreed to go and investigate, which is a very good start.

Next, Xindian Town must make full preparations, especially regarding the brewery. You need to come up with a decent plan that addresses the problems directly while also showcasing potential, giving investors confidence.

"Please rest assured, Secretary Gan, I will get back and implement it as soon as possible, and I will make sure the preparations are thorough," Wu Zhiyuan said.

He knew that while Shen Yuwei's agreement to the investigation was partly out of gratitude, it was more importantly due to her business acumen as an entrepreneur and her trust in Wu Zhiyuan and the local government's executive power.

This trust is more precious than simple gratitude, and it needs to be carefully maintained.