"Ah Cai," Ou Yunchen said, "my father said that the admission letters for Haibay University have come out?"
"Yes, speaking of which, I still need to thank your father. If he hadn't given me the recommendation spot, I wouldn't have gotten in."
"Don't say that. I've always told my dad that I could never get into Haibay. I run a small shop now, making a little money. How could I possibly get into Haibay University? Those who go there are all entrepreneurs like you. What am I?"
"Your father and I both believe you'll achieve great things in the future. It's just that you're still young. But young people have a broader vision, which is a good thing."
"Brother, you're just making fun of me. I know myself best. My dad should have given the spot to you; that would have been putting it to good use! Giving it to me would have been a waste of all his hard work!"
"Come, Brother, I must toast you properly. When you go to Haibay University in the future, you can't forget me. I still want to follow you! I don't have any great ambitions; just take me along for the ride."
Ou Yunchen smiled. This Ah Cai had learned his father's ways thoroughly. A businessman's mouth is always sweetened!
"Oh, right, Brother. There's something... I really don't know how to bring it up."
This was the important part. The flattery and sucking up before were all just setup for what Ah Cai was about to say.
Or rather, his father had sent him to convey it. The old fox couldn't say it himself. After all, asking for advice through a junior, Ou Yunchen, as the elder brother, would find it difficult to refuse.
"Brother, you know my father, right? He's always been in contact with the nuclear power plant project. He's also mentioned it to you several times, hoping you could participate."
"Yes, I've thought about it a lot afterward. I still want to say that I'm taking a wait-and-see attitude. After all, only people with connections can get these projects. Even if I want to participate, I have money but no connections, so I can't get in."
"Brother, let me give you a piece of news to put your mind at ease. We are almost certain to get this project."
"What do you mean?"
"Although the bidding is public, it doesn't stop us from doing a few things."
Ou Yunchen pretended to frown. This was the first time he had heard of such a thing. He definitely had to hear how Cai Yadong planned to ensure such a large project's bidding was done under the table.
"We've greased the wheels first. During the bidding, we specifically set criteria that perfectly matched Dexin's capabilities."
"Wouldn't that mean other companies participating in the bid might be disqualified for not meeting them?"
"Exactly. And we've added double insurance."
Ah Cai deliberately spoke very quietly. Even though no one else was in the room, he wanted to create a sense of an exclusive understanding.
"With customized bidding, how can we guarantee that the reviewers will understand everything? Just in case, we'll have them briefly introduce the situation of other companies during the presentation, focusing only on Dexin. We'll also mention that we've worked with Dexin before and had a very pleasant experience."
"You know, Dexin has a certain reputation. So, as long as the reviewers are smart enough, they'll definitely choose us."
"But what if there are still companies that refuse to give up?"
"Don't worry. We've already found companies to be sham bidders in advance."
Ou Yunchen smiled and shook his head. So clever. Finding sham bidders in advance was just to complement Dexin, intentionally making these companies perform poorly so that Dexin's advantages would stand out.
"So, Brother, this is the last thing my dad absolutely insisted I tell you. Everything is ready now. As long as Mr. Ou agrees, it'll be fifty-fifty."
Ou Yunchen was inevitably startled. Cai Yadong, that fox, had actually conceded. Such terms would cost him half his life!
Although Cai Yadong's project required Ou Yunchen's ATL investment, he had already given him a recommendation spot. There was no need to give up half the profit.
This could only mean that Cai Yadong already knew that Libin had become Ou Yunchen's trump card.
"Brother, with you, we can get the project running."
Ou Yunchen smiled and raised his wine glass. Indeed, without Libin, this special transportation company, who would transport Cai Yadong's nuclear project?
Without the blessing of connections, even pleas would be useless!
Seeing Ah Cai groveling and saying all sorts of nice things, Ou Yunchen finally felt he had the upper hand in this business deal. Now he could finally avoid being in a subordinate position.
It wasn't that he was greedy, but when playing with these jackals and tigers, a moment's carelessness could leave nothing but bones!
He might even be framed and take the blame. Without a stronger backer, he had to be cautious in everything. After all, Cai Yadong's circle was not just pure businessmen...
Just as Ah Cai and Ou Yunchen were having a pleasant chat, Ah Cai's phone suddenly rang.
Ah Cai was a little surprised but very happy as he answered it.
— Ah Cai on the phone —
"Hello? Taozi? Why are you calling me all of a sudden? I'm out..."
"Ah Cai, save me, please save me..."
Ah Cai immediately became nervous.
"What happened? Don't cry, speak slowly, where are you?"
"The hospital, they're going to send me to the hospital! Ah..."
— Ah Cai ends the call —