Women usually admire strength, and this is even more true for those with independent personalities and their own thoughts.
Gu Qingqing couldn't escape this kind of ideological trap either.
After staying for two days, she personally witnessed Tan Jincheng skillfully communicating with foreign businessmen in fluent English, introducing products with a confident tone.
Regardless of whether the final order was signed, he remained calm and composed.
This feeling was truly amazing!
"Older brother, you're amazing! How did you learn your spoken English? I feel like no one in our class has your level of spoken English."
"It's different. Mine is a self-taught, unconventional method. In terms of professionalism, I certainly can't compare to you all."
Gu Qingqing's eyes sparkled, and at the same time, she was thinking about Tan Jincheng's previous remark that English could only be considered a tool, not a profession.
Now, looking at it, it was indeed true; countless part-time students holding signs asking for translation outside the exhibition hall were all future competitors.
Not only these students, but even the salespeople at each booth could exchange a few words.
By the time she graduated, it would be two years later.
By then, English proficiency would probably be even more widespread, right?
"It seems I have a high chance of being unemployed right after graduation,"
Gu Qingqing said with a sigh.
Different groups view problems differently.
Tan Jincheng focused more on the changes at the Canton Fair.
For example, this year, the number of private enterprises participating in the exhibition surpassed state-owned enterprises for the first time, the apparel industry was still in a fierce struggle, and electronic product exports continued to be very promising.
Gu Qingqing, however, stood from his perspective, observing more of the translators serving the exhibition.
"Don't be so pessimistic. Our generation of university students is still quite sought after. As for the future, it's hard to say,"
Tan Jincheng said with a smile.
"Older brother, I've noticed you have such good foresight! With electronic products being so popular, studying computer science is indeed more promising than studying English."
Calling him "older brother" had become a habit, and it was no longer so difficult to say.
"Isn't my best foresight finding a little rich lady like you to be my girlfriend?"
Upon hearing this, Gu Qingqing said proudly,
"Hmm, I guess that barely counts."
"Let's go, let's go somewhere else to look around. I promised to take you sightseeing; I can't just have you accompany me to talk business."
"But is it okay for you to leave here?"
"No problem. Old Qin is quite experienced. My itinerary didn't even include coming to the Canton Fair originally. We'll go shopping for two days, and then we'll head back."
Compared to newbies like Sun Yuming and Liu Wenbin earlier this year, Qin Junchao's sales experience was much richer.
He had also participated in the Canton Fair and knew how to navigate the process.
This is also why most company recruitment notices state that experienced candidates are preferred.
After giving Qin Junchao some instructions, Tan Jincheng left with Gu Qingqing.
Before leaving the exhibition hall, they went to stroll around Jinpeng Trade's area.
As they got closer, they saw Zhang Xupeng, with short hair, wearing a Polo shirt, a work badge around his neck, and dressed very formally, enthusiastically presenting samples to customers.
Of course, he was accompanied by a translator.
It's said that money fosters confidence.
As the company's performance improved and his wealth rapidly expanded, Zhang Xupeng himself transformed from Tan Jincheng's former follower into the leader of a company.
His demeanor was completely different compared to six months ago.
This kind of temperament might not be easily noticed by those too familiar with him in daily life, but it would be immediately apparent in a work setting.
"Let's go, don't disturb him."
Without continuing towards the booth, Tan Jincheng merely waved at Sun Wenbin, who had spotted him, and then left with Gu Qingqing.
Gu Qingqing evidently noticed it too.
As they walked, she looked back and said,
"Boss Zhang looks quite capable, doesn't he? His mouth seems to be non-stop. I always used to think of him as your subordinate."
"People change, you know. Look at those ancient emperors; they were all timid and subservient when they were crown princes, but once they ascended the throne, weren't they just as domineering?"
With a company boasting an annual turnover of over 100 million yuan, how bad could the temperament of its top leader be?
If he hadn't transferred all the money from the account this time, the actual controller of Jinpeng Trade, whose accounts would be full of cash flow by year-end, would have such a high status!
Although for banks, enterprises like Shanchi that can take out loans seem more popular, an account full of cash is equally enviable.
To some extent, most of Shanchi's early loans were granted because Tan Jincheng was a major shareholder of Jinpeng Trade.
The banks weren't worried at all that this young upstart couldn't repay them.
This was also a benefit that Tan Jincheng received from his status as a major shareholder of Jinpeng Trade.
However, after this Canton Fair, this status would basically no longer be needed.
Firstly, Shanchi had already entered the fast lane and was about to take off.
Secondly, with the end of the Canton Fair, Jinyi Industry's cash flow would also rapidly expand.
Leaving the exhibition hall, Tan Jincheng hailed a taxi and headed straight to the mall, planning to eat first.
"I feel like I've turned bad."
"How so?"
In a mall, Tan Jincheng, who was ordering food, suddenly heard Gu Qingqing's sigh.
"What else can I say? You've corrupted me. I never thought about taking time off to go out and play before, but now I've actually taken leave to come to Yangcheng."
"Alright, alright, it's all my fault. Since we're out, we should have even more fun."
"Yes! I want to eat delicious food, go to fun attractions! And buy pretty clothes!"
"Absolutely!"
Completely open-minded, Gu Qingqing visited many places with Tan Jincheng over two days.
Thanks to the improved security at the Canton Fair, Yangcheng's public safety wasn't as bad as Tan Jincheng had imagined, though it might also be related to the places they visited.
October 18th, Tuesday.
In the evening, Zhang Xupeng gathered the employees from the two companies participating in the exhibition to hold a farewell dinner for Tan Jincheng.
They were heading back to Yongcheng tomorrow.
"Cheers, wishing you a safe journey."
"Cheers, Boss Zhang, may your orders at this Canton Fair explode!"
"Oh, stop it,"
Zhang Xupeng scoffed, downing his beer in one gulp.
Tan Jincheng did the same.
The two exchanged a smile, and everything was understood without words.
Qin Junchao, sitting beside Tan Jincheng, discreetly refilled their glasses.
Zhang Xupeng then raised his glass towards Gu Qingqing with a smile and said,
"Younger sister-in-law, please don't mind the neglect these past few days. Work has just been too busy. When we get back to Beicang, I'll treat you two to a meal to make amends. I'll finish this; you take it easy."
Gu Qingqing's glass contained a beverage.
As for Zhang Xupeng's way of addressing her, he didn't change it after several corrections, so she gradually got used to it and no longer cared much.
"It's fine, work is important. I also wish Boss Zhang a prosperous business."
"Haha, I accept your blessing. I think you're sincere, unlike young Tan, who must be joking with me."
"Nonsense! I'm sincerely wishing you well too, alright?"
"Do you think I believe you?"
Although the roadside barbecue stall was simple, it was filled with laughter and joy.
After eating and drinking for over an hour, Zhang Xupeng was quite drunk.
Seeing this, Tan Jincheng had Sun Wenbin and others help him back, thus ending the farewell dinner.
"Damn, this guy isn't deliberately getting himself drunk just to avoid paying the bill, is he?"
Back at the hotel, Tan Jincheng lay on the bed, grumbling.
In fact, he was feeling a bit dizzy himself.
Although it was just beer, there were a lot of people drinking.
"Boss Zhang isn't as bad as you say. Go take a shower; you reek of alcohol,"
Gu Qingqing said with a laugh and a scolding tone.
Lying on the bed, Tan Jincheng's eyes darted around, and he casually brushed her off,
"You go wash first, I'll lie down for a bit."
Gu Qingqing nodded and instructed,
"Alright then, but don't fall asleep. They say it's easy to fall asleep after drinking too much."
This was her first time seeing Tan Jincheng drink so much alcohol, and she wondered what he would be like when drunk.
"It's hard to say. If I fall asleep, just wake me up."
The night passed without a word.
Early the next morning, Zhang Xupeng was already waiting downstairs at the hotel.
After dropping the two off at the airport, he still had to go to the Canton Fair exhibition area.
For the owner of a trading company, the Canton Fair, held roughly in spring and autumn each year, was the busiest time.
"Take this."
"What? A power of attorney?"
"Yes, I wrote you a power of attorney. When you get back, handle everything you can, to save trouble next time."
"Hmph, quite bold of you. Aren't you afraid I'll take this and get a huge loan?"
Tan Jincheng teased, feeling a bit touched inside.
The content of that power of attorney required an immense amount of trust to be written.
"Go ahead, it's not like I can't repay it. As long as you can get the loan, I'm not afraid you won't succeed."
"You've got guts!"
—
After a few hours of flying, the trip to Yangcheng officially concluded.
After dropping Gu Qingqing back at school, Tan Jincheng immediately drove back to Beicang.
This time, the production lines introduced at the new factory were different from those at the old factory, being much more advanced.
This time, Shanchi invested heavily, introducing a total of five automated production lines.
The loan funds were primarily used for these lines.
The new factory was more advanced, capable of producing a small electric scooter in as little as five minutes.
The introduction of automated production lines, besides bringing them closer to leading companies in the industry, also considered the factor of rising labor costs in the future.
Don't assume workers are easy to find now; it won't be the case in a few years.
Many times, entrepreneurs are very conflicted.
When he first built the factory, Tan Jincheng believed that the more people he hired, the better.
This would not only bring him a certain status but also solve local employment problems and benefit the people.
However, during actual operation, it seemed that wasn't the case.
A large number of employees didn't necessarily mean anything, and some positions that could be replaced by machines seemed better suited for machines, which was quite frustrating.
If it were just the electric vehicle industry, Tan Jincheng wouldn't mind being grand once and hiring more grassroots employees.
But for his future dream of building cars, he had to invest in some automated equipment in advance.
With the addition of automated production lines, next year's output could reach a new height.
This is a great opportunity for the domestic market, which currently has huge demand.
With sufficient production capacity, you will have the opportunity to capture the national market; otherwise, everything is empty talk.
(End of Chapter)