2003: Starting with Foreign Trade

Chapter 1086 Extra: My Brother is the Richest Man
Snowflakes were falling from the sky over the capital, and there were few pedestrians on the streets, creating a desolate atmosphere.

Sitting by the floor-to-ceiling window, admiring the snow scene, Tan Jinyue asked casually, "Sis, we finally get to go shopping, aren't you going to buy my brother something?"

From a young age, she always called Gu Qingqing "elder sister" and rarely called her "sister-in-law." Neither her family nor Gu Qingqing ever tried to correct her, and over time, she got used to it.

Gu Qingqing chuckled and said, "You buy it to curry favor with your brother. When you're sent to the factory for summer vacation, he can assign you an easier job."

Having held a high position for many years, Gu Qingqing possessed an extraordinary temperament. She elegantly sipped her tea, appearing even more noble than Liu Yifei, a big star of the same age standing next to her.

He can manipulate young girls with ease.

Tan Jinyue quickly shook her head: "I've already resigned myself to my fate. Trying to say nice things to him might backfire. Getting scolded would be the least of my worries."

They might actually make her tighten the screws.

From her father's cousins ​​to her mother's cousins, no one could escape the fate of having to tighten screws in the workshop by Shan Chi or Wei for at least a summer vacation. This year it was her turn.

It wasn't that no one had rebelled or been unwilling to go, but the consequence was being removed from several major systems and directly added to the recruitment blacklist. They would no longer be able to enjoy various resources from the family. Although her status wasn't subject to such harsh conditions, she didn't dare to challenge her brother's authority.

In my brother's words, there is no absolute fairness in this world. If you want to enjoy the benefits of his resources, you have to follow his arrangements, work hard, and not cause him any trouble.

To outsiders, her younger siblings, especially her who was pampered, must have lived a life of extravagance and debauchery, with everything they wanted. Even some relatives back home thought so, but that was not actually the case.

The eldest brother has very strict requirements for these people. In fact, this is not unusual in the Jiangsu and Zhejiang areas. It is quite normal for most rich kids to drive BMWs and Mercedes-Benzes to deliver goods, pack packages, and send express packages.

Of course, the eldest brother wasn't so heartless and domineering. If he had no ambition, didn't want to achieve much in his career, and just wanted to live a comfortable life, as long as he didn't cause trouble or break the law, he could live a life of luxury without any problems.

"Hehe, you juniors must feel a lot of pressure having such a strict older brother."

Liu Yifei covered her mouth and laughed. She was very familiar with Tan Jincheng's family and knew about Tan Jincheng's "exploitation" of his younger siblings. He might be more lenient with the other younger siblings, but that was impossible with Tan Jinyue.

Just the fact that she is Tan Jincheng's younger sister means that she will inevitably attract a lot of attention. Putting aside everything else, she wouldn't dare to offend this girl.

Among his immediate family members, Tan Jincheng generally doesn't like to interact with his elders, as he doesn't want to be treated like an elder. However, he still pays attention to his peers and younger relatives, since they are all family and he can't completely ignore them.

Wanting to achieve something in your career is no problem; you can just ask, and he'll have people pave the way for you.

First of all, you will be rotating through the three major groups, including Weilai, Shanchi, and Chengzi, starting from the age of 18. Before you start working, you will basically not have any summer or winter vacations to yourself.

The rotations are all to entry-level positions. During the rotation, you must not reveal your identity to your colleagues. After graduating from university and officially joining the company, you will not be promoted overnight. You will also be assigned various rotations.

After about six months to a year, a comprehensive evaluation will be made based on their performance during the rotation period, and they will be assigned to various positions. After that, it depends on their own abilities.

Among his peers, the highest-ranking is Tan Jin'en, who has been transferred from the position of general manager of Weiling Travel to become the general manager of Weilai Technology, partnering with CEO Zeng Jixiang.

Since turning 18, Tan Jinyue has never had her own summer or winter vacations. She rotates through various companies, and this year it's Wei Lai's turn. Until she graduates, she will be working summer jobs at Wei Lai's company.

"That's right, it's because my brother and sister are still so young."

Tan Jincheng sighed with a bitter face, "The adult world..."

She was destined to live in the "shadow" of her brother and sister-in-law for the rest of her life. She became the second richest person at the age of 29, and her brother, who had been the richest person for many years since his early 30s, was a legend in the business world and an object of admiration for many people, including her.

From as far back as she can remember, she knew that her family was well-off. During holidays, all sorts of people would come to visit, most of them because of her older brother. They would also try their best to please her. When she was little, she had so many toys that she could open a shop.

As his elder brother's business grew, the people he visited became increasingly high-ranking, many of whom were figures he could only see on television.

“You’re alright, considering the age difference between you and your brother is quite large. Your cousins, on the other hand, have it tough.”

Liu Yifei continued to stab at the heart, saying that under normal circumstances, most second-generation rich kids are mainly influenced by their parents. Due to factors such as busy work schedules, age gaps, and overindulgence, they are easily fooled by their children and neglected in their upbringing.

However, this is completely absent in Tan Jincheng's case. The "second-generation rich" group formed with the older brother as the main body is also extremely rare.

Have you thought about where you want to work?

Gu Qingqing glanced at Liu Yifei, who seemed to enjoy watching the drama unfold, and casually asked.

Thanks to the protection of the couple's resources, the few photos of Tan Jinyue that occasionally surfaced in the early days have long since disappeared from the internet. However, everyone knows that Tan Shoufu has a younger sister who is much younger than him.

While other entrepreneurs call each other "Dad" in the comments section, Tan Jincheng calls his brother-in-law "Brother-in-law."

Tan Jincheng has just turned 40, and his children are still young. It's too early for him to think about retirement and succession. However, considering that his younger sister is almost a college graduate, his career plans have attracted the attention of the capital market.

Succession within the family has always been a key focus for private enterprises. Given Tan Jinyue's actual age, she has a greater advantage than Tan Jincheng's two children.

"I haven't decided yet. I still have a few years. I'll think about it first."

Tan Jinyue shook her head. She was pursuing a combined bachelor's and master's degree, so she didn't need to rush into a formal job. However, she should indeed consider her career direction and decide which company to work for before she could start learning systematically.

"Tsk tsk tsk, so what are your plans as a couple?"

He's a rich family heir! Liu Yifei was incredibly curious. This was far more interesting than any gossip in the entertainment industry. Since they were already quite familiar with each other, she didn't feel it was presumptuous.

Gu Qingqing didn't care too much. It was a good thing that she and her husband were still young, but their youth also meant there were too many variables. Their children were too young, and there weren't many capable people in the family.

In recent years, the two of them have almost never traveled for work at the same time, and rarely took the same flight at the same time, in order to prevent any accidents from happening.

The children are too young. The couple does have plans to raise Tan Jinyue, so this can be a transitional step. Besides, Tan Jinyue has been raised by the couple since she was a child, and there is a big age gap between them, so she is no different from their daughter.

As for whether they will fight with their children for the inheritance in the future, they both think the probability is not high. With three group companies around, it wouldn't be a problem for each of them to manage one. Which company to manage depends on their respective abilities and interests.

Suddenly, Tan Jinyue smiled and said, "I'll go work at Flash Drive then. It'll be a good opportunity for me to learn about fashion design. There's even a brand there that uses my name."

Gu Qingqing glanced at her with some surprise, gesturing for her to continue.

“I interned at Flash before, so I know a bit about the place. Peng also taught me fashion design. I saw that the management there was relatively relaxed, so I became interested.”

When Tan Jinyue first learned that FlashCheer's children's clothing brand was designed based on her childhood image, she was resistant. It wasn't until a few years ago that she gradually accepted it. During her internship at FlashCheer, she did gain a comprehensive understanding of the company.

She did have some real experience in fashion design, but the person who taught her wasn't Zhang Xupeng.

The new national standard imposes stricter requirements on various indicators such as the overall quality of two-wheeled electric vehicles and battery safety. With its intelligent upgrades, FlashTech, an industry leader occupying the mid-range market, faces challenges from traditional enterprises and "new forces".

Lithium batteries offer superior performance, longer driving range, and are considered more high-end products, while traditional lead-acid batteries are cheaper and can lower the barrier to entry for users. Finding a balance between the two is something that business managers need to consider.

Like new energy vehicles, two-wheeled electric vehicles have also entered the stock market, with the market share approaching saturation and the industry becoming increasingly competitive. The apparel industry is also experiencing fierce competition.

The entire apparel industry is divided into various sub-sectors, with countless brands of all sizes. GXG has been able to occupy a certain market share in the fast fashion market, while the children's wear industry is mainly driven by consumption upgrades.

The Yueyue brand, which incorporates traditional cultural elements, has gained some fame and a certain market share through various online and offline marketing activities over the past decade.

Overall, Jinpeng Industry, whose main business is clothing, occupies about 2% to 3% of the domestic clothing market share. In the two-wheeled electric vehicle market, Shanchi Technology's market share has declined due to various impacts, but it still firmly holds the top position with a market share of about 26%.

Some of these things she knew herself, and some she learned from Zhang Xupeng. Obviously, Zhang Xupeng also knew that Tan Jinyue was the most likely candidate to take over Flashspeed.

"Can you stay calm?"

Gu Qingqing nodded. She didn't know much about the physical industry, but she did know a little about industry trends and could understand her younger sister's thoughts. Her husband's business focus was on Weilai Group.

Before retirement, it is almost impossible for Weilai Group to be handed over to someone else for at least 20 years, even if his son grows up, unless they are really outstanding. Whoever goes there is unlikely to be in a high position in the short term.

The situation is similar at Orange Group, so the least "valued" Flash Group is the best place for her to practice. Besides, Zhang Xupeng can protect her there.

From a human perspective, as an aunt, she couldn't very well compete with her nephews and nieces for the "family fortune," since it was all built up by her brother. It was only natural to leave the lion's share to her own children. "There's no question of whether it's stable or not. With Brother Zhang and the others around, I can just learn from them slowly. Anyway, there's still time."

"Then why did you mention fashion design?"

"Hehe, it's just a little hobby. Besides, Jinpeng Industry is Brother Zhang's business, how could I possibly compete with him?"

Unlike the equity structures of Weilai Group and Orange Group, Shanchi Group is not listed as a whole, but rather listed in the form of subsidiaries. Bafang Electric and Shanchi Technology are the two major listed entities, while Jinpeng Industry is a non-listed business.

Compared to Weilai and Orange, Flash is more traditional, with an old-school corporate structure.

"If you were in Brother Zhang's position, how would you handle it?"

Gu Qingqing also wanted to test her. Flash Group was a partnership company. Although there was no dispute over the equity structure, it was indeed founded by two people. She could not completely ignore the interests of the other founder, Zhang Xupeng, just because she had control.

Furthermore, the interests of the local government in Beicang must also be considered. Although the complexity is not as great as that of the other two major groups, it is still not a simple matter to handle properly.

Can you tell me?

The richest man's sister is no innocent fool; she's been put on such a charade. How could she not see through her sister-in-law's test?

"Go ahead and say it. If you do well, I'll put in a good word for you with your brother and arrange for you to intern at Jinxin Times. You'll have more freedom in Luzhou."

Liu Yifei also laughed and said, "Can I listen to this? Shouldn't we avoid this?"

"It's nothing, just chatting. She's still a student, and you're an honorary employee of FlashDrive."

Liu Yifei was taken aback, then chuckled and said, "That's right, I had forgotten about it if you hadn't mentioned it."

Chun Ge, Zhou Pangzi, and Liu Yifei are now all honorary employees of Flash Technology. After years of cooperation, the parties have become a community of shared interests. However, such status is something that big stars really don't care about.

"Actually, it's easy to handle. Flash Group isn't listed as a whole. Maybe that's what my brother considered back then."

"Jinpeng Industrial was built by Brother Zhang from scratch; it's his business. If Brother Zhang wants to retire, it can be spun off. As for his shares in two listed companies within the group, that can remain as it is."

As co-founders, Zhang Xupeng and Tan Jincheng were considered equals 20 years ago, but 20 years later, their statuses are worlds apart.

Just like the relationship between Lei Jun and Chen Nian, Lei Jun often uses Chen Nian to create hype, but Tan Jincheng has never used this relationship for hype, and the relationship between the two is more pure.

In addition to ensuring the smooth operation of the company and a stable transition, successors must also consider the relationship between the two.

Shareholders of listed companies can dispose of their shares at will. Zhang Xupeng didn't acquire the original shares of Flash Technology and Bafang Electric without making any sacrifices, and she has no right to interfere with that.

If one day Brother Zhang wants to retire and let his son take over, then he can just spin off Jinpeng Industrial, which won't affect the listed company's business anyway.

The apparel, two-wheeled vehicles, and other businesses of the Flash Group are essentially independent entities. Even when Tan Jincheng was in charge, each business segment operated independently.

"The idea is good, but I don't know if you can actually pull it off."

Gu Qingqing chuckled and said that Tan Jincheng and Zhang Xupeng were able to consider the friendship between them and would not use their status as controlling shareholders to suppress other shareholders. They handed over a company with tens of billions of yuan in revenue so easily. Bafang Electric also returned control to the founder to maintain a smooth transition, which was from an investment perspective.

Everyone else is making money so that you can earn more and be more secure. But not everyone thinks that way, especially in the current economic situation. Look at how assertive that woman in Hangzhou is; she's trying to gain absolute control.

Another point is that it's not impossible that Zhang Xupeng's children might want more in the future; it's not uncommon for the first generation to be close while the second generation becomes distant.

"I can't guarantee whether I can do it or not right now. After I graduate from university, I will study and work at Flashpoint at the same time to get the hang of it. If that doesn't work, there are still the two of you."

Before making the decision, Tan Jinyue knew that taking over Flash was not as simple as she had imagined. She was not her brother and did not have such high prestige. It was unknown whether she could convince the elders.

Furthermore, her brother has not been involved in the actual management of Flashpoint for so many years, so not only she, but even Tan Jincheng is not very clear about the internal situation of the company.

She never doubted the friendship between her brother and Brother Zhang, but it's hard for people to remain calm when faced with interests. Just as her brother and sister-in-law intentionally arranged for her to join Flash Motors, Brother Zhang also had to consider the interests of his son and daughter, which is only natural.

What if Brother Zhang is unwilling to relinquish power? Aren't there countless instances of management sidelining major shareholders?

What will she do when that time comes?
"What have you learned all these years? You've become quite like your brother."

Gu Qingqing chuckled, not expecting her sister-in-law to have such a ruthless side. She wondered what her husband had been teaching her. She knew that Tan Jincheng would often teach his sister-in-law business operations when he had time.

"Hehe, I wouldn't dare compare myself to my brother."

Gu Qingqing smiled too. Her husband's ability to build such a successful business was not as peaceful as outsiders might think. He was ruthless when necessary and decisive in his actions. Back when Chengzi was still very weak, he dared to stand up to Ali.

In recent years, he used his Star Journey Star Wish Blitzkrieg against BYD to directly break through BYD's entire Ocean Network layout, turning BYD from a threat to Wei Lai's position into a mere second-place contender, officially becoming one of the strongest among a superpower and many strong contenders.

Its market value has been falling again and again. Even now, when the A-share market is in a bull market, BYD's growth rate is far behind its peers, and its market value is trying to stay in the range of 400 to 500 billion.

The valuation logic of the previous company was completely exposed. They kept calling him "Uncle Wang" but their actions were ruthless and chilling.

With its Dynasty series, BYD remains an excellent new energy vehicle company. However, in the general perception, as long as BYD doesn't make any major mistakes, it no longer has the conditions to threaten BYD in the next few years.

This explains why one of the two stocks went up while the other went down. BYD's underlying logic has been essentially broken, not to mention that Geely is also a pursuer behind it, putting BYD under considerable pressure.

Another piece of bad news for BYD is that it is no longer the only option in the hybrid market, as Woolai and Geely are making rapid progress in the hybrid market, including range-extended electric vehicles.

In the pure electric vehicle market, Weilai still holds a significant advantage due to its own technology.

"Alright, I'll talk to your brother about your situation."

After a conversation, Gu Qingqing got a general understanding of her sister-in-law's current level. She was a bit inexperienced and certainly not capable of managing a group company with hundreds of billions in revenue, but it wasn't impossible for her to give it a try.

As I am about to graduate from university, I am gradually maturing in both age and mindset. It seems like it's not impossible for me to start from a basic position and work my way up.

"So, does that mean there's no need for the lieutenant to rotate through different posts?"

After listening for most of the day, Liu Yifei had roughly grasped the gist of it. The simple conversation meant that a successor to a leading company in a major industry had been born. It seemed casual, and indeed it seemed very casual.

Gu Qingqing's meaning was actually Tan Jincheng's meaning; it was not about interfering with the operation of Flash Group.

"There's no need for that. You can go to the Luzhou branch and work as a sales representative."

That evening, when Gu Qingqing brought her hopeful sister-in-law to Tan Jincheng's office to talk about their conversation during the day, Tan Jincheng seemed to show a kind fatherly smile.

It wasn't a waste of his upbringing. He doesn't need his younger siblings to be "good people" in the traditional sense. In the business world, regardless of gender, one needs to look at issues rationally. He trusts Zhang Xupeng, but he won't make irrational choices because of that trust.

"Salesperson? Are there KPIs? What about my studies?"

"Don't worry, I won't assign you KPIs yet. Use your weekends to get in touch with the grassroots business and distributors. I'll assign you KPIs when the time is right."

The first position is in front-line sales, where training is conducted from a grassroots perspective. By directly contacting distributors and end users, one can quickly grasp market demands and channel pain points, and independently achieve sales targets. This pressure can also hone one's goal orientation and resource integration capabilities, while cultivating sensitivity to market competition.

On the sixteenth day of the first lunar month, a seemingly insignificant personnel arrangement at the Luzhou branch of Flash Technology caught the attention of the group's senior management; the new employee, Tan Jinyue, was directly instructed by the group's former chairman.

The news of a junior salesperson joining the company was reported to the highest level of the group, and a few hours later, the current chairman, Zhang Xupeng, also learned of it.

Meanwhile, the richest man's sister was carrying a stack of documents as she walked into the University of Science and Technology of China to begin her new semester. The documents came from Flash Technology's Luzhou branch and included sales data from previous years, distributor information, and so on.

The heavy feel of the materials—materials that a junior salesperson like her wouldn't normally have access to—meant that from today onward, she was no longer a pure student.

"It's nothing serious, it's much better than when my brother started out."

(End of this chapter)