Wu Zhong seemed not to have expected Chen Lishu to agree so readily. Just as he suspected a trap, Chen Lishu made a request.
"The money for the ham sausage purchase must be transferred to me within three days. Our company is currently facing an economic crisis and is in need of funds. I hope President Qin will be understanding!"
It turned out her quick agreement was due to the company's economic crisis. Wu Zhong unconsciously wiped the cold sweat from his face, his expression much lighter than before.
He raised his head proudly, hesitated for a moment, then slowly said, "I will clarify your request with President Qin. Don't worry, you will receive every cent you are owed."
"Good! Then I hope you will honor the contract and ensure there are no unexpected issues." Chen Lishu offered a disingenuous smile after speaking, then turned to Shen Wei and coldly commanded, "See them out!"
Shen Wei looked at Wu Zhong and the others with a complex expression and gestured for them to follow, "Please, this way."
Since her objective was achieved, Wu Zhong's continued presence was unnecessary. Witnessing Chen Lishu's exasperated demeanor further solidified his belief that the company was indeed in trouble. He was now eager to return and report the situation to Qin Lan.
After about seven or eight minutes, Shen Wei returned after escorting the guests out. He eagerly approached Chen Lishu, asking urgently, "General Manager Chen, what are you doing?
The cost of a single ham sausage is around one yuan. Selling it to him at eighty fen means we'll incur a massive loss! If I had known this would be the outcome, I should have tried harder to persuade you not to produce meat sausages anymore."
As he spoke, a look of self-reproach appeared on Shen Wei's face.
Chen Lishu smiled and comforted him, "Don't worry, this is exactly the effect I wanted. Whatever Qin Lan takes from us, he'll have to return double, even more, later!"
"General Manager Chen..." Shen Wei's face showed a hint of helplessness.
Chen Lishu, however, looked at the clearly excited employees outside and said, "This is a good opportunity to boost employee morale. From today onwards, cease the production of meat sausages and focus entirely on starch sausages!"
"Alright." Shen Wei knew he shouldn't interfere further and could only shake his head and leave the office.
Once the office was quiet, Chen Lishu made a phone call to Wu Hua. As soon as the call was connected, Wu Hua's voice, filled with excitement, came through: "General Manager Chen, I'm truly sorry to have you call me first!
Logically, you gave me such a brilliant idea that boosted the ratings of the television station and newspapers significantly. I should have treated you to a meal to express my gratitude.
However, I've been delaying that meal because the television station has too many matters for me to assist with. I'm truly sorry. Do you have any time in the next couple of days so we can arrange something?"
"The company has encountered some troublesome issues these past few days, so I might not have time for a meal. I'm calling today primarily to ask for your help with something." Chen Lishu stated her purpose for calling directly.
Wu Hua chuckled and said, "Just tell me what you need, there's no need to be so polite."
Chen Lishu let out a soft laugh, her tone gentle, "Thank you. I need your newspaper to write an article about the dangers of swine fever and methods of preventing its spread, and it needs to be widely distributed."
"Oh, is that all? Our newspaper keeps up with current events, and we've already had thoughts about the swine fever situation. However, we've been swamped with work, and I haven't even reviewed the reports they've submitted.
Since you need me to cover this matter, I'll take some time today to review the articles they've written and publish another one as you requested!" Wu Hua agreed readily.
Chen Lishu continued, "Also, I'd like to use CCTV advertising slots to run an advertisement. Can you see if you can discuss it with the television station people? I'm willing to pay whatever the advertising fee is!"
Upon hearing this, Wu Hua's tone became somewhat excited. He boasted, "Thanks to the idea you gave me last time, the leadership is very satisfied with me. I'm not only the chief editor of the newspaper now but also the deputy head of the television station! If you need an advertising slot, I'll give it to you. When do you want to schedule the filming?"
"Perhaps in about three days."
After all, she had to receive the money from Qin Lan's purchase of their ham sausage before she could reveal her true intentions!
Wu Hua was unaware of Chen Lishu's intricate plans. After receiving an accurate timeframe, they chatted for a while and then hung up.
Three days later, Chen Lishu received the money from the ham sausage sale as expected. Once the money was in her account, she impatiently instructed Shen Wei to find actors for the advertisement shoot.
The theme for this shoot was food safety and deliciousness. Chen Lishu specifically asked Shen Wei to find a young actor, believing this would better achieve her desired outcome.
When everything was ready, Chen Lishu called Wu Hua and asked him to publish the article they had arranged three days prior. This news quickly reached the Qin family.
Qin Yue looked at the acquisition contract on the table, her brow furrowed. "Brother, you're truly foolish! I remember Godfather had previously warned you to act low-key when there were issues with pork.
You're buying so much ham sausage now. If it can't be sold and the warehouse is overstocked, do you know how much money you'll lose each day? I seriously suspect you've fallen into Chen Lishu's trap!"
Qin Lan glanced at the newspaper in front of him, sensing something was amiss. However, how could he admit it?
Impatient with Qin Yue's incessant nagging, he retorted, "We're using good quality pork!
I bought over a hundred pigs, the pig farm is equipped with surveillance cameras, and I've sent these pigs to specialized institutions for inspection. I have the inspection reports, and if anyone dares to question my ham sausages, I have evidence to prove myself.
With the rising price of pork, our ham sausages must naturally increase in price as well. I want to monopolize the market! That's why I must acquire all the ham sausages from Chen Lishu's hands, to prevent her from having a complete breakdown and disrupting my plans by lowering prices!"
Seeing Qin Lan stubbornly refuse to see reason, Qin Yue said with a sense of bitter disappointment, "Brother, haven't you seen the contents of this newspaper? If I remember correctly, this newspaper seems to have an unusual relationship with that wretched Chen Lishu! The content of this newspaper is clearly targeting you!"