12dz Chapter 599 There Won't Be a Next Time
Chapter 599 There Won't Be a Next Time
Looking at the evidence in his hand, Li Xiangyang felt a mix of emotions. In all his years in business, he had seen many people exploit loopholes, but someone as blatantly illegal as Zhao Zhiqiang was truly rare.
"Mr. Chen, you've done me such a great favor, what price do you want me to pay?" Li Xiangyang closed the file bag, his tone eerily calm.
Chen Guodong smiled and said, "Director Li, it depends on how you plan to use these materials. The price will be determined according to your plan."
Indeed, Li Xiangyang already had a plan in mind. Since Zhao Zhiqiang was resorting to underhanded tactics, then he wouldn't hold back.
"I'll deliver these materials to the relevant departments first thing tomorrow morning," Li Xiangyang said with a smile.
"Wait a minute," Chen Guodong gestured to stop him. "Director Li, I really don't recommend you do this. Reporting him directly is fine, but it might not be the best option. In business, harmony brings wealth; handing over someone could mean making a huge enemy."
What do you mean?
“Give him a chance.” A sly glint flashed in Chen Guodong’s eyes. “After all, it’s better to make a friend than to completely crush an opponent. Naturally, if you choose this path, I can accept a lower fee.”
Li Xiangyang seemed thoughtful. Chen Guodong was right; the logistics industry was only so big, and if they could turn enemies into friends, it would benefit both sides.
"Okay, name your price."
"One hundred thousand."
Despite feeling the pinch, Li Xiangyang understood that this was a high-risk profession where people were risking their lives for money, so he immediately wrote the other party a check.
That afternoon, Li Xiangyang took the initiative to call Zhao Zhiqiang.
"Mr. Zhao, do you have a moment? I'd like to have a talk with you."
Zhao Zhiqiang on the other end of the phone was visibly taken aback: "What are you talking about?"
"It's better to talk face-to-face. How about eight o'clock tonight at the teahouse?"
"What are you up to, kid?" Zhao Zhiqiang asked, his tone full of suspicion.
“Mr. Zhao, we’re all in business; there’s no need to make it a lose-lose situation,” Li Xiangyang said sincerely. “I have a suggestion that I believe you’ll be interested in.”
It was 8 p.m. in a private room at a teahouse.
Zhao Zhiqiang arrived ten minutes early, clearly taking the meeting seriously. When Li Xiangyang pushed open the door, Zhao was there smoking, his expression somber.
"Li Xiangyang, tell me, what exactly do you want?" Zhao Zhiqiang asked bluntly.
Li Xiangyang did not answer immediately, but slowly brewed a pot of tea and poured a cup for each of them.
"Mr. Zhao, we've known each other for a while now. What kind of person do you think I am?"
"What do you mean?" Zhao Zhiqiang looked at him warily.
"I mean, do you think I'm the kind of person who likes to cause trouble?" Li Xiangyang picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said, "This recent conflict hasn't benefited either of us, has it?"
Zhao Zhiqiang didn't speak, but his expression softened.
"I've come to see you today to discuss a potential collaboration," Li Xiangyang said, putting down his teacup and speaking seriously. "Instead of wasting our time here, why don't we join forces to expand the market?"
"Cooperation?" Zhao Zhiqiang sneered. "Li Xiangyang, do you think I'd believe you?"
“I understand if you don’t believe me.” Li Xiangyang took the file folder out of his bag and gently placed it on the table. “But I hope you can take a look at this first.”
Zhao Zhiqiang took the file bag with a puzzled look, and when he saw the photos and documents inside, his face turned deathly pale.
"What...what do you mean?" Zhao Zhiqiang's voice trembled slightly.
“It's nothing,” Li Xiangyang said calmly. “I just wanted you to know that if I really wanted to deal with you, I wouldn't need to go to such lengths.”
Zhao Zhiqiang remained silent for a long time, fine beads of sweat forming on his forehead. He knew very well that if these materials were exposed, Tongda Company would not only face huge fines, but he himself could also go to jail.
"What do you want?" Zhao Zhiqiang's tone was no longer harsh.
“What I want is very simple,” Li Xiangyang said, holding up one finger. “First, stop harassing our convoy; second, from now on, let’s keep to ourselves and do our own business; third, if the opportunity arises, we can consider cooperating on certain business matters.”
"That's all?" Zhao Zhiqiang asked, somewhat incredulous.
“That’s all.” Li Xiangyang nodded. “Mr. Zhao, I always believe in win-win situations in business. What good would it do me to bring you down? It’s always better to have one more friend than one more enemy.”
Zhao Zhiqiang fell into deep thought. He knew very well that Li Xiangyang was right. If they continued to fight, it would only result in mutual destruction. Moreover, judging from the methods Li Xiangyang used to obtain this evidence, he was clearly not someone to be trifled with.
“Okay, I agree,” Zhao Zhiqiang finally spoke, “but I have one condition.”
“You say.”
“These materials…” Zhao Zhiqiang pointed to the file bag.
“Of course, since we're going to cooperate, these things are unnecessary.” Li Xiangyang pushed the file folder directly towards Zhao Zhiqiang. “However, Mr. Zhao, you also need to understand that if there's a next time…”
“There won’t be a next time,” Zhao Zhiqiang said quickly. “Director Li, I was too narrow-minded before.”
The two discussed the details for a while and eventually reached a settlement. Before parting, Zhao Zhiqiang extended his hand.
"Director Li, I look forward to your guidance in the future."
“Let’s give each other pointers.” Li Xiangyang shook the other person’s hand. “In business, harmony brings wealth.”
Back at the factory, Wang Ergou and the others were already waiting.
"Xiangyang, how is it?" Wang Ergou asked anxiously.
"It's all settled." Li Xiangyang briefly recounted what had happened. "Zhao Zhiqiang won't be bothering us anymore."
"That's all?" Wang Hu was somewhat incredulous. "That guy gave in so easily?"
“Sometimes, demonstrating strength is more effective than using it,” Li Xiangyang smiled. “Besides, defeating him is easy, but winning his heart and soul is not.”
Sure enough, starting the next day, Tongda Company's harassment of Li Xiangyang's team stopped abruptly. Not only that, Zhao Zhiqiang also proactively called the relevant departments to clarify his previous malicious accusations.
Three days later, Manager Wang from Jinghua Chain visited again.
"Manager Li, our deliveries have been going very smoothly these past few days," Manager Wang said with a smile. "It seems you've really solved the problem."
"Thank you for your kind guidance, Manager Wang," Li Xiangyang replied politely. "Our cooperation will only get smoother in the future."
"That's good." Manager Wang nodded. "By the way, our headquarters is very satisfied with your company's performance and is preparing to place an additional order."
This news delighted Li Xiangyang, but he remained calm on the surface: "I wonder what size order it is?"
"The initial plan is to increase the price by 50% from the current level," Manager Wang said. "However, we hope to get a discount."
Li Xiangyang quickly calculated. Increasing orders by 50%, even with a slight price reduction, would still significantly boost total profits.
“We can discuss the specific discounts in detail,” Li Xiangyang said. “However, I need to confirm whether our production capacity can keep up.”