Unconsciously, the entire month of February passed.
The biting cold was driven away by the arrival of spring, and temperatures gradually rose.
In the last few days of the month, following Tao Qinian's motorcade, Tan Jincheng returned to his hometown of Yicheng, accompanied by Zhang Xupeng, as well as staff from Flashchase Technology and Jinpeng Trade.
Besides the driver, Tan Jincheng brought a legal professional, an administrative clerk, and Sun Yuming this time.
Zhang Xuhui was left in Beicang to handle his work before the transfer.
These days, he needed to sort out his previous work by category and hand it over to the new assistant when the time came.
Sun Yuming, who had previously served as Tan Jincheng's assistant for a period, was temporarily recruited again.
After the New Year, Sun Yuming gained a lot of weight, but his overall spirit was completely different from when he first joined Jinpeng Trade.
Although he was heavier, he had a refreshed feeling.
The saying that money nurtures people might actually be true.
"Boss, can I visit your house? I've prepared a gift for your little sister."
Compared to a fresh graduate like Zhang Xuhui, Sun Yuming, who had been struggling in society for many years, was clearly better at flattery.
His sister, 18 years younger than him, could provide double the emotional value.
Using the boss's sister to butter him up was a very smooth move.
"If you want to go, just go. Follow me when we get there."
"Okay, speaking of which, although we're from the same province, I've never been to Yicheng."
"You're from Luzhou, and you don't get along with us Yicheng people. The whole province looks down on you for being the provincial capital."
"Hahaha, that's true, there's a lot of fierce debate in forums and Tieba, but I don't feel that way. I get along very well with you, Boss."
After arriving in Yicheng, Tan Jincheng didn't go home first but went to the leaf spring factory to finalize the formal contract.
The leaf spring factory had actually been paying close attention to the progress of the cooperation.
Xu Xueming received calls from the factory every day.
5 million in cash, and it also helped attract an investment, so it wasn't considered selling off assets cheaply.
Especially since this 5 million yuan virtually saved the factory's life.
With this cash injection, it might even be possible to revive the factory.
"Thank you, General Manager Tan, for your generosity and contribution to our hometown's endeavors. We also hope that General Manager Tan's business grows larger and larger, and that there will be more opportunities for cooperation in the future."
"Giving back to our hometown is what we wanderers abroad should do. Besides, my father has also received much care from the country over the years."
As for the pleasantries, they still need to be said when appropriate.
In addition to the leaders of the leaf spring factory, a leader from the Municipal Bureau of Industry and Information Technology, as well as leaders from the industrial and commercial administration, attended this signing ceremony.
On the surface, it was quite grand.
"The funds will be transferred to the account within five working days, please rest assured, General Manager Li."
The acquisition of 5 million in assets and the investment in a logistics transfer center would require at least tens of millions of yuan.
Therefore, the acquisition of Andaer's intangible assets was no longer in Tan Jincheng's personal name.
For this acquisition of Andaer's intangible assets, Flashchase Technology's other major shareholder, the urban investment company, which is the representative of the Beicang District government, was also very supportive.
In those days, Geely hadn't even built a factory in Beicang yet.
Having an enterprise with automotive production qualifications in the district, even if it's not manufacturing cars at this stage, is a remarkable thing.
If Flashchase Technology's current development plan hadn't been very comprehensive, and if the urban investment company wasn't prohibited from interfering with Flashchase Technology's operating rights, the district would have wanted to directly get on board with the automotive project.
However, no matter what, even if the district had this intention, Tan Jincheng would not agree.
In his view, the Flashchase Technology development plan he designed was the most suitable for him: while strengthening and expanding the electric vehicle business, investing profits into the technological research and development of lithium batteries, and finding ways to control upstream lithium ore resources.
Waiting until battery technology matures and achieves mass production before entering the automotive sector, that is the most correct path.
This is like speculating on expectations in the stock market: the electric vehicle business is doing well, then release expectations for lithium batteries; if lithium batteries succeed, then release expectations for automobiles.
Only then can stock prices be boosted.
After the formal contract was signed, a meal with drinks was naturally indispensable.
Tan Lihua had already slipped home early; he doesn't drink, and such occasions are truly uncomfortable for him.
His alcohol allergy might also be one of the reasons he couldn't advance in his career.
The trip to Beicang made Tan Lihua realize his son's extraordinariness, and at the same time, it brought some confusion about his future life.
Needless to say, those peaceful days before were probably gone forever.
Perhaps, he really should listen to his son's advice and let his wife and children move to Beicang?
As for himself, he could live alone wherever he pleased and hide away in the countryside on weekends; it shouldn't be a big problem.
At 46 this year, if he holds on for another 10 years, he could also apply for early retirement.
"Oh, if only this kid had gotten rich a few years later, I could just retire early due to illness at 50."
On the other side, after several hours of eating and drinking with a group of middle-aged and elderly men, Tan Jincheng also prepared to go home and rest.
According to the planned itinerary, he would conduct a field inspection in Wangjiang County tomorrow.
At the same time, the donation amount had also been confirmed with the county.
Tan Jincheng and Zhang Xupeng each donated 4 million yuan to improve the county's office conditions, as well as the teaching and accommodation conditions of all village and town primary and secondary schools in the county.
The head of the finance bureau was grinning from ear to ear.
This time, he was lucky; when the second-in-command was arranging affairs, he happened to be reporting on his work and spoke up, so he came along.
Naturally, these two types of cash donations totaling 8 million yuan would be coordinated and arranged by the bureau or by him.
This was truly a windfall.
With this 8 million yuan in cash, deciding who gets priority for allocation would create goodwill, which might be useful someday.
Of course, first, the schools where General Manager Tan's younger siblings attend must be improved.
General Manager Tan hinted so obviously; if one couldn't understand even that, then they shouldn't be in this line of work.
"General Manager Tan, General Manager Zhang, after the inspection, should we arrange a visit to the town's middle schools? That way, we'll have a better idea of how to arrange subsequent funds."
Exchanging glances with Zhang Xupeng, Zhang Xupeng made a "whatever you want" expression.
"Alright, speaking of which, it's been many years since we graduated from junior high. It would be nice to revisit our junior high school days."
This time, the focus of the donation was on village and town level middle schools, i.e., the junior high school stage.
As for how the specific amount would be allocated, Tan Jincheng and Zhang Xupeng had no special requirements, only hoping that 40% of the total donation would be used for educational causes.
There are a total of 9 townships, with 9 middle schools at the township level.
If allocated equally, each middle school could receive over 300,000 yuan.
The current price increase isn't particularly severe, especially in these towns, so over 300,000 yuan can still be quite effective.
"Alright then, after I go back, I'll consult with someone and make arrangements."
"We've troubled you."
"No trouble at all, no trouble. General Manager Tan and General Manager Zhang are young, accomplished, and caring. Even if it is trouble, we hope to have more of this kind of trouble."
"Oh, please, 'the more the better',"
Zhang Xupeng muttered to himself with a curl of his lip.
"Then we'll head back first, looking forward to General Manager Tan and General Manager Zhang's inspection,"
Tao Qinian interrupted, seeing the conversation was endless.
After returning, there were still many things to prepare.
This time, not only was Tan Jincheng brought over, but also his partner Zhang Xupeng, which was quite satisfying for Tao Qinian.
Zhang Xupeng seemed very interested in investing in and building a garment factory.
A garment trade company with an annual output value exceeding 100 million yuan intending to invest in building a factory is a major event for the county, even more important than Flashchase Technology's logistics center.
In fact, Jinpeng Trade's total annual output value last year was already close to 1% of the county's total annual GDP, accounting for an even larger proportion of the secondary industry, nearly 36%.
Such an enterprise investing in building a factory, and a labor-intensive one at that, is very welcome in the county.
However, Comrade Xiao Zhang seemed to defer to Comrade Xiao Tan's lead, so even if he intended to invest in building a factory, Xiao Tan's opinion was still very important.
He just hoped Xiao Tan wouldn't interfere too much.
Tao Qinian now understood the relationship between these two young men.
Due to their parents, they grew up together from childhood, inseparable from kindergarten to high school.
During winter and summer holidays, it was either one visiting the other's hometown.
They also went overseas together and started a business together, truly inseparable.
Comrade Xiao Zhang also frankly admitted that the initial development plan and business of Jinpeng Trade were all due to Xiao Tan alone.
Therefore, even after he took over and made new plans, Xiao Tan's advice, holding 30% of the shares, was still very important.
If Xiao Tan disagreed, Xiao Zhang would rather abandon the idea.
Besides the trust between them, it also showed Xiao Tan's image in Xiao Zhang's mind.
To earn such trust from a childhood friend and peer who is also a boss of a company worth thousands, is enough to demonstrate Xiao Tan's capability.
"Alright, then leaders, you go ahead. We'll see you tomorrow. Please drive safely."
Tao Qinian nodded in satisfaction.
This was a public occasion.
He had previously addressed Xiao Tan as General Manager Tan, and Xiao Tan, with tacit understanding, hadn't called him "Uncle Tao."
"Okay, you've had quite a bit to drink. Go back and get some good rest."
"Alright, then I won't be polite. Goodbye, leaders, I'll take my leave first."
Tan Jincheng was eager to go home and didn't want to exchange pleasantries with them.
After saying this, Tan Jincheng asked Zhang Xupeng again,
"Are you coming to my house or going home first?"
"I'll go home first, rest for a bit, then come find you in the evening. Tell Aunt Zhang to cook more rice, our whole family will come over for dinner tonight,"
Zhang Xupeng said unceremoniously.
Regarding building a garment factory, he still needed to discuss it with Xiao Tan.
Building a factory isn't just about building a factory; he definitely needed to create his own brand.
How the brand should be positioned, whether it should focus on men's wear, women's wear, or children's wear, all needed to be discussed to formulate a plan.
"Damn, you're really shameless, freeloading and bringing Uncle Zhang and others too."
"What's it to you? Just say whether you're willing or not."
"Alright, alright, just scram."
In front of all the leaders, these two were indeed playing and bickering like juniors.
Tao Qinian couldn't help but reassess their relationship.
Whatever successful people do, it often sparks imagination in those around them.
But in reality, they had just had a few drinks and were excited about going home, which is why they were uninhibited.
(End of Chapter)