Xu Zhisheng clasped his hand in return. "Hello, has Old Cui already told you about our situation here? We're in a difficult spot, so please don't let this get out."
Zhu Changgui readily agreed. "Understood, understood. That's why it's just the two of us coming this time."
He wasn't just here to see the factory's location; he was also eager to inspect the goods. This was clearly a highly profitable business, and to maintain a long-term partnership with the Shenzhen client, the quality had to be impeccable.
Soon, they walked into the factory area. Occasionally, passing employees would greet Xu Zhisheng.
"Director Xu, I need my three hundred tons of steel quite urgently. Considering the distance between our locations and the time for loading and unloading, will a week be enough?"
"You can rest assured about our production capacity, and not just capacity – the quality will definitely be fine. If you're not confident, I can take you to the workshop."
Zhu Changgui had exactly that in mind, and soon the group headed towards the workshop.
After a tour, Zhu Changgui was completely at ease. The factory was indeed quite large, and with this production rate, a week would certainly be sufficient.
After they sat down, they discussed the price. Finally, they agreed on six hundred yuan per ton, with Baiqiang Company responsible for transportation.
"You've seen our production capabilities. The only issue is our cash flow. Otherwise, we wouldn't have to take such risks. Therefore, you need to pay the full amount as a deposit before we can start production."
Zhu Changgui blinked. "The full amount?"
Three hundred tons at six hundred yuan per ton amounted to 180,000 yuan, which was no small sum.
"Director Xu, how about paying half first? I only brought 20,000 yuan with me this time, I really don't have that much. We only have a few days left, and I can transfer the rest of the money to your company's account upon delivery. What do you think?"
Xu Zhisheng's face immediately clouded over with worry. "The market has been in a deep freeze all year. I have so many employees in the factory; I can't afford to be careless. I also need money to purchase raw materials. To be honest, they're already owed over 500,000 yuan in payments, and the other party has been pressuring me these past few days. Why don't you transfer the money directly to me in cash? Whatever you can give will help for now, allowing me to deal with this immediate crisis. Otherwise, if raw materials can't come in, let alone your three hundred tons of steel, even several other construction companies might have to break their contracts."
"This..." Zhu Changgui hesitated for a moment before nodding in agreement. "Alright, I trust Director Xu. It's the same whether it's sooner or later. I'll bring the money to Director Xu tomorrow."
He had received over 90,000 yuan from Hongyuan Construction Company, plus a 50,000 yuan deposit from the Shenzhen boss. Adding a bit more from himself would be enough.
Zhu Changgui also had another consideration: by doing Xu Zhisheng a favor this time, in the future, when such opportunities arose, wouldn't he be the first person considered?
After the two parties reached an agreement, they signed a supply contract. Once Zhu Changgui paid the full amount, they would deliver the three hundred tons of steel within five days.
The next day, Zhu Changgui made a special trip to deliver the 180,000 yuan in cash to Xu Zhisheng and then returned home to await news with peace of mind.
The money was earned so easily. With just one transaction, he could make over a hundred thousand yuan. It really showed that southern bosses had money and were easy to fool. They just waited for people to come looking for them. If they had bothered to inquire a little, they wouldn't have been taken for such a ride.
However, he had to admit he had good fortune; this money was meant for him to earn.
Because he was in a good mood, he even hummed a little tune while driving.
Time flew by. Five days later, Zhu Changgui called Baiqiang Company.
"Hello? Director Xu, has my batch of steel been produced? Ah? Oh, a machine malfunction caused a delay in repairs? Then my... Oh, it's been fixed and they're rushing production now? It's not far off? Okay, okay, then I'll await your good news, Director Xu."
After hanging up, Zhu Changgui specifically assigned someone to be on duty in the office to keep track of news from the steel mill, lest any oversight delay the arrival of his rebar.
What he thought was a sure thing was delayed. After waiting another night, with the delivery day looming, Zhu Changgui was truly getting impatient.
Furthermore, his right eye had been twitching incessantly for the past couple of days, making him agitated and feeling like something was about to happen.
While lost in thought, the phone suddenly rang, startling him so much he almost jumped out of his chair.
Thinking it was news from Baiqiang Steel Mill, he lunged for the desk and quickly answered the phone.
"Hello?"
"Boss Zhu, it's me. Tomorrow is the delivery day. How is my batch of rebar prepared?"
"Ah." Hearing the other person's voice, Zhu Changgui felt a pang of disappointment, then he readily assured, "Don't worry, the delivery will be made on time tomorrow."
After a few more pleasantries, Zhu Changgui finally hung up the phone.
He stood there for a moment, still uneasy. He went out, called Er Lai, and the two of them drove to Baiqiang Steel Mill.
"Director Xu, what's the situation here? I've already paid the money, and we agreed on delivery within five days. I'm urgently waiting to receive the goods."
As soon as he saw Xu Zhisheng, Zhu Changgui anxiously inquired.
"I'm truly sorry. I was just about to tell you about this when you arrived."
Xu Zhisheng explained apologetically, "The employees downstairs didn't understand the situation and sent the batch of steel meant for you to another construction site. I've already severely reprimanded them."
Seeing Zhu Changgui's unhappy expression, Xu Zhisheng quickly added, "Don't worry. I know you're anxious. I've transferred another company's order to you. Please wait patiently. As soon as the other party agrees, we'll arrange it for you, and I guarantee it won't cause any delays."
"Tomorrow is the agreed-upon day. Moreover, we originally agreed on delivery within three days, but now there's this complication. Brother, let me be honest with you: if this batch can't be delivered on time tomorrow, both you and I will be ruined."
"Yes, yes. It was originally a sure thing, but who knew so many problems would arise. But don't worry, we'll load it overnight, and it will be transported to you first thing tomorrow morning. I guarantee it won't cause any delays."
No matter how anxious Zhu Changgui was, he couldn't go to the workshop to personally produce the steel. Seeing Xu Zhisheng repeatedly assure him, he could only swallow his frustration.
This was a critical moment, and he needed Xu Zhisheng's cooperation, so he couldn't afford to be forceful.
"Er Lai, you stay here and see if you can help with anything. You can then guide the way when you return with the vehicle tomorrow morning."
Zhu Changgui said this while looking at Xu Zhisheng. "What do you think, brother?"