"Kaichen, what was the contract I discussed with that boss?" Liu Yifeng changed the subject.
Liu Kaichen paused for a moment, then honestly replied, "Our company deals in machine tools. That boss said if I helped you acquire the vegetables, he would purchase five million yuan worth of machine tools from me for his factory, and we could also establish a long-term partnership in the future."
"Machine tools?" Liu Yifeng pondered. "Are you referring to metal cutting machines?"
"Yes, metal cutting machine tools. Our company has been in this industry for over twenty years with very mature technology and high precision. However, competition in this field is increasing. Many companies import their components from abroad, giving them a slight edge in technology, which has led to a loss of our customers," Liu Kaichen nodded.
"The boss of Longteng Hotel, the business he's in might utilize your company's cutting machines. I can help you negotiate and see if we can forge a collaboration." Liu Yifeng recalled that the boss of Wanhui seemed to be in the carving business, which would require cutting machines, and perhaps a partnership could be formed. However, he couldn't guarantee it, as the other party might already have long-term, stable clients.
Liu Kaichen's face lit up upon hearing this. "Really?"
"But let me be upfront, I can only help you negotiate properly. Whether it succeeds or not, I can't guarantee a definite outcome," Liu Yifeng cautioned.
"It's okay, I trust you. I've heard of the boss of Longteng Hotel before. He's in the carving business, with operations spanning the entire country. He has factories in almost every province. If we can truly cooperate, it would be far more significant than the collaboration with the boss of Jing Tian Hotel." Liu Kaichen's tone became proud. "It's just that I have no connection with that boss. I've tried to meet him several times before, but I was always rejected. If this works out, my job will be stable. As for the boss of Jing Tian Hotel, I wish him well from afar." He wouldn't have repeatedly put Liu Yifeng in difficult situations if it weren't for his job.
"Then it's settled. Yifeng, you must do your best to mediate for Kaichen. If it's successful, Kaichen won't forget your kindness as his cousin," Liu Chasheng patted Liu Yifeng's shoulder.
"Don't just stand around. Sit down and eat. We'll sort this out after dinner. Nothing is more important than food in this world," Liu Chunsheng interjected.
Everyone then sat down and began to eat. This was Liu Kaichen's first time tasting vegetables grown by Liu Yifeng. He finally understood why the boss of Jing Tian Hotel, despite having his own greenhouses, was willing to pay an exorbitant price for Liu Yifeng's produce. To be honest, having reached his current position, he had attended countless banquets and tasted all sorts of delicacies. He had even eaten vegetables priced at hundreds of yuan per jin. However, he had never tasted such delicious vegetables – so delicious that he couldn't stop eating them. But as an adult, he had some self-control. If he were a child, he would have probably devoured them ravenously. With such taste, it was hard not to be popular.
"You really are something. When Yifeng recommended his vegetables to you, you rejected him without a second thought. Now you know to regret it! Where else can you find such delicious vegetables? No wonder your client wanted to buy all of Yifeng's produce," Liu Chasheng chided his son.
"Heh heh, how could I have known Yifeng could grow such delicious vegetables? It's my fault for not recognizing true worth. I'll toast you with tea instead of wine. When I have a day off, I'll have a few proper drinks with you," Liu Kaichen said sheepishly.
"What's past is past. We're family, so we don't need to dwell on it. Since you think it's delicious, eat more," Liu Yifeng was not one to hold grudges. Moreover, Kaichen had already sincerely apologized. If he continued to hold a grudge, he wouldn't be a good cousin.
After the meal, Liu Yifeng called Wan Hui. To discuss a collaboration with the boss of Longteng Hotel, he needed to go through Wan Hui, otherwise, he probably wouldn't even be able to meet the boss.
Wan Hui didn't answer after several calls, perhaps too busy at noon. This made Liu Kaichen anxious. "Why isn't he answering?"
"Don't worry. It's peak hour for the hotel right now. He's probably busy. He'll call me back once he sees it," Liu Yifeng was quite confident about this.
Seeing Liu Yifeng so unconcerned, Liu Kaichen finally relaxed. "Alright, you talk to that boss first. If he's interested, then you can arrange for us to meet and discuss the details of the collaboration."
"Okay, don't worry. I'll do my best to speak on your behalf. It would be great if it works out, but if it doesn't, please don't blame me," Liu Yifeng said.
Liu Kaichen nodded earnestly. "I understand. Please don't take what happened before to heart. I wasn't intentionally trying to morally blackmail you; it's just that I had no other choice. I hope you don't mind." After all, they were cousins, and clearing the air was important.
Liu Yifeng patted his shoulder. "It's fine. There are no grudges between brothers that last overnight. Don't worry too much. The general manager of Longteng Hotel mentioned that his boss wanted to invite me to dinner. I think if I make this request, he'll give me some face."
"Okay, I'm counting on you."
Just then, Tong Tong walked out of the study, rubbing his empty stomach. "Daddy, I'm so hungry! Is there any food left?"
"Why did you draw for so long? The food is still warm on the stove. Daddy will get it for you. Go wash your hands first," Liu Yifeng said dotingly.
"Tong Tong, this is a toy your uncle bought for you. Do you like it?" Liu Kaichen asked gently.
Tong Tong looked at the toy gun and the remote-controlled car and immediately nodded. "I like it, thank you, Uncle."
"You're welcome. Tong Tong is so polite!" Liu Kaichen touched Tong Tong's face.
"Yifeng, then this matter is entrusted to you. I have to go to the company this afternoon. Call me if you have any news!" Liu Kaichen said to the person coming from the kitchen with soup.
Liu Yifeng nodded. "Alright, you go about your business. I'll call you whether it works out or not."
After seeing Liu Chasheng and his son off, Liu Chunsheng asked with concern, "Yifeng, how confident are you about this matter? I can see that Kaichen has placed all his hopes on you. He'll be very disappointed if you can't make it happen."
Liu Yifeng took a deep breath. "I haven't dealt with that boss before. I don't know if he'll give me face. I hope it works out." Seeing Liu Yifeng's uncertainty, Liu Chunsheng couldn't help but sigh.
"Dad, don't be too discouraged. I'm quite familiar with the general manager of Longteng Hotel. I'll see him first. If he speaks to the boss on my behalf, the chances of success will be higher." This was Liu Yifeng's initial plan. He also knew that the boss's invitation for dinner was merely a polite gesture.
As they were talking, Liu Yifeng received a call from Wan Hui. "Hello, brother Liu. I'm really sorry, I was just too busy. We have two weddings at our hotel today, totaling over sixty tables. The kitchen staff was practically fighting, and I was there maintaining order, so I didn't hear your call." Wan Hui apologized profusely right from the start, indicating that he valued Liu Yifeng's call.