The growth system comes at the age of 30

Chapter 231 Whoever they help will win! (4.7K)

While the people from Hongqi Company in the audience felt uneasy and fell into thought.

Someone whispered, "They probably wouldn't even look down on a small place like Jiangbei, would they?"

Everyone present immediately turned their gaze in that direction.

Li Qiguang couldn't help but facepalm. How could there be such an idiot among the middle and senior management of his company?

Chen Jingle was not surprised, he just chuckled and looked at the person who had spoken.

"You're Manager Zhou from the Human Resources Department, right?"

"Uh, it's me."

Manager Zhou, who was speaking, shrank back, sensing that he might have said something wrong and might be used as a negative example. He immediately felt a chill run down his spine and his toes gripped the ground.

Chen Jingle smiled and retorted, "Isn't Jiangbei people's money money? Or are those big capitalists really so kind-hearted that they're willing to leave Jiangbei people's money for you to earn?"

Manager Zhou blushed deeply and had no way to refute him.

The snickers from those around him made him wish he could disappear into a hole; he was so utterly humiliated.

He subconsciously looked towards where the big boss was, and saw that the big boss was expressionless. He felt a chill run down his spine. It was all over.

At this point, Chen Jingle asked again, "Do you all think they're coming in to steal our jobs?"

Everyone, including Li Qiguang, was stunned once again.

Uh, isn't that right?

"Taking away jobs is one aspect, but that's not the biggest problem."

Chen Jingle said calmly, "Among the capital giants entering the industry this time, there are two that are known as the industry's paraquat. Although they claim to be technology companies, their greatest strength is not technology, but finance. This is also the ultimate model of many Internet companies, where everything is measured by financial thinking."

"They don't care about long-term planning, and they don't have any long-term planning at all. They're not necessarily here to farm; they're more interested in how to squeeze out a loophole and make a quick buck before the higher-ups react. For example, converting agriculture into commerce. As for the mess they leave behind, that's none of their business; someone else will clean it up."

“These typical paraquat troublemakers don’t need many, just one or two, and then someone with ulterior motives will use them to make a fuss, spreading the word everywhere, and in no time the whole country will be in an uproar. With such bad examples in front of us, who will be willing to rent out their land? This is the very foundation of farmers’ survival.”

"In the future, companies in the entire agricultural sector that rely on large-scale planting will either go bankrupt or suffer severe damage! The whole country will revert to a small-scale farming economy, the large-scale production route will be interrupted again, and rural farmers will be completely cut off from the path to upward mobility. This is exactly what some people want to see!"

Li Qiguang was horrified, and the other executives were in an uproar.

It's true that every profession is like a mountain to climb. These farmers thought they were already at the forefront of the times by contracting land and farming on a large scale, but they never expected that others were playing such sophisticated games!

Using financial thinking to farm?
Is this even considered farming?

Now I understand why Chen Jingle used the term "land grabbing" to describe it.

Grass!
The profit margin in agricultural-to-commercial conversion is tens or even hundreds of times. How many people wouldn't be tempted by such a simple and crude way of making money?

Li Qiguang came to his senses and looked at Chen Jingle with a hint of surprise and uncertainty.

Sitting to the side, Chen Hui was already questioning his life, feeling for the first time that he wasn't very smart.

He was clearly a student who graduated from a 985 university.

……

Chen Jingle watched their discussion quietly, and after a while, when things quieted down, he continued:

"In recent decades, almost every major juncture in the development of the market economy has seen land grabbing, and it's almost always related to real estate. It's ostensibly to promote rural urbanization, but everyone knows the real situation. The question is, will the authorities allow capital to expand unchecked in rural areas this time, as they have in the past?"

"I don't think so!"

"The reason is simple: there is a war going on outside, and rural land is related to food security. It is the lifeline, and rural agriculture must be firmly grasped!"

"It's highly likely that they'll stop allowing real estate development next. The real estate version is over, so they've set their sights on large-scale agricultural production. Ultimately, they'll probably use the 'Internet + Finance' approach to get in before the authorities can react and achieve their goals. In this situation, how can your company compete with those top business giants?"

The audience fell silent again.

In terms of tactics, they certainly can't beat those internet finance companies.

How can a farmer compare to someone who lends money at exorbitant interest rates?
Who are the people who lend money at exorbitant interest rates?

Li Qiguang frowned, unable to come up with a solution for the time being.

Chen Jingle ignored what they were thinking and continued:
"Farming is not profitable. For farmers, after a year of planting, fertilizer, pesticides, and machinery, they have very little money left after deducting the costs of seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, machinery, and harvesting. They might as well go and collect scraps."

"Farming is profitable. For companies that have the ability to achieve large-scale farming, the subsidies alone are plentiful, not to mention the cost reduction, yield increase, and various ways to increase revenue and reduce expenditure under industrialization conditions."

"The small-scale farming model is too backward and is destined to be eliminated, a fact that was already proven 70 years ago. In today's more developed productive forces, intensive large-scale production can easily increase output by more than 20%. Therefore, it is an inevitable historical choice for rural land cultivation to return to the path of collectivization and large-scale production."

"The higher authorities are aware of the negative impact of severe income inequality and are working hard to change the situation. Therefore, they require continued efforts to unleash rural productivity, open up vast rural markets, and follow a path of rural revitalization that integrates rural modernization, agricultural industrialization, and the professionalization of farmers. Only in this way can the vast majority of farmers benefit from this new round of major reforms."

"However, in this process, it is inevitable that some people with ulterior motives will take advantage of the loopholes. The most typical example is the conversion of agriculture into commerce. Everyone knows that land is valuable, but what is truly valuable is not the land itself, but what is on or under the land. Land for growing crops is not the same as land for building houses or factories."

"The loopholes in the agricultural-to-commercial transformation will definitely be plugged in the future. The higher authorities will definitely introduce a series of restrictions to prevent them from doing whatever they want. Under the general theme of rural revitalization, it's fine for enterprises to want to develop in rural areas, but they must bring prosperity to rural farmers together!"

"If your company wants to expand its scale or achieve industrial upgrading and transformation, it is best to do so within this framework and not try to go against the general trend."

Chen Jingle looked in Li Qiguang's direction, just as Li Qiguang looked up and their eyes met.

Li Qiguang became increasingly enlightened, and the other executives also seemed to be deep in thought.

Even Zhou, the HR manager who had seemed rather slow-witted earlier, finally realized what was happening.

Chen Jingle said so much before, but it all came down to the last sentence: what role should a company like Hongqi play in this round of major reforms, and how much benefit can it gain from it?
This is what Li Qiguang and others are most concerned about.

After listening to him finish speaking, everyone felt a sense of clarity and understanding.

Therefore, the people on the field no longer dared to look down on Chen Jingle; instead, they looked at him with admiration and respect.

Is this the difference between people?

This teacher, Mr. Chen, doesn't look very old, so how come he can pinpoint the problem so accurately? He really needs to read more!
The more books you read, the different perspectives you gain. I just wonder if this expert, Mr. Chen, is a PhD or a professor, and which university he works at?

……

If Chen Jingle's words were compared to the iteration of game versions, it might be more apt.

The game developers have explicitly told you that there will be a major update coming soon, which will further optimize some map rewards.

High-level players from other areas can go to this map to help newbies run dungeons and earn money, but you cannot take away the newbies' right to distribute items, otherwise the official will take action against you.

The official goal is to encourage more players to level up, creating a positive and self-sustaining gaming environment, rather than a terrible one that discourages new players.

To achieve this goal, the official team will definitely continue to optimize the game itself and release various patches.

Anyone who has played games knows that the so-called "version bonus" means that you need to keep up with the progress when a new version is released and adapt to the new version as soon as possible. Otherwise, you'll miss out on everything, let alone any benefits.

Seeing that no one was discussing it anymore, Chen Jingle continued:

"Let's put aside the issue of land grabbing for now and talk about the three main themes of rural revitalization."

"Rural modernization is easy to understand. The concept of building a modern new countryside has been proposed for many years, and many places have now been almost completed. However, there is still a considerable gap compared to cities. The future will definitely involve further development of infrastructure. This has little to do with your company, since your company is a traditional agricultural company. If we have to say something, rural roads are easier to travel, making it more convenient to transport vegetables and fruits."

"Agricultural industrialization is the key point. This is the area your company understands best and is most proficient in, as well as your main source of revenue. Normally, the future of rural industry should be a combination of capital and technology to further improve production efficiency, such as drones for spraying pesticides, fertilizing, harvesting, and transportation."

"However, this will lead to new problems. As we all know, our country has a huge population pressure, and the rural population accounts for 70% of the national population. The development of technology will undoubtedly further squeeze the living space of rural farmers. How to balance this relationship has become the most important thing."

"The higher-ups clearly want it all: to develop rural areas, to upgrade the agricultural industrial structure, and to solve the problem of farmers' employment. Whoever can solve these problems for the higher-ups is a VIP, and can do whatever they want!"

At this point, Chen Jingle paused briefly, asking them to think for a while, and then took a sip from the mineral water bottle next to him.

I've said so much today, it must have been really tiring for me.

After drinking the water and catching his breath, Chen Jingle continued:
"The next issue is the professional farmer, which is actually most closely related to agricultural industrialization. Agricultural industrialization cannot be separated from professional farmers. However, professional farmers in the new era need higher levels of education and knowledge. If they cannot adapt to the development of the times, they will be eliminated and eventually leave the countryside and move to the city by contributing land as shares or receiving compensation."

"The problem is that urban employment pressure is already enormous at this stage. Farmers without knowledge, culture, or professional skills can only do the lowest-level manual labor jobs in the city with meager incomes, which is not what the higher-ups want to see. The best solution is to continue development in the countryside, or even shift the huge urban employment pressure to the countryside, along with capital."

"If your company can help solve some of the farmers' employment problems and lead the masses to prosperity while upgrading the rural industrial structure, I think even the most demanding government official would not be able to find fault with it."

Having explained it so clearly, if Li Qiguang still doesn't know what to do next, he would be letting down the vast empire he built from scratch.

For him, and for a company like Hongqi, making more or less money isn't really a big deal.

The key is how to stabilize the existing base!
Chen Jingle's earlier comment about large capital entering the market and grabbing land scared him a bit. If the entire industry is ruined, he'll be lucky to avoid bankruptcy, let alone make money.

Therefore, he had already made up his mind.

Chen Jingle smiled slightly and continued, "I have seen your company's internal financial report for the first half of the year, and it is much better than I expected. When I say 'good,' I don't mean in terms of revenue and profit growth. On the contrary, what surprised me was that President Li seemed to be intentionally or unintentionally controlling profit growth."

"Regarding the company's income distribution, most department heads earn 3 yuan a month, the next level deputy heads earn 2.5 yuan, regional office managers earn 2 yuan, and even frontline employees, such as receptionists, earn more than 7000 yuan. This compensation is considered generous in Jiangbei, and there is not a significant gap between different employees. Moreover, it is open and transparent, with no secrecy involved."

"Thanks to its good reputation in the industry, individual farmers and small and medium-sized contractors are willing to sell their products to Hongqi, and buyers from all over the country are also willing to cooperate with Hongqi. The profit is not high, but it is very stable, which is the benefit of its long-term reputation."

"Here I would like to say thank you, Mr. Li. Local workers in Jiangbei who pick lychees and longans earn 300 yuan a day, regardless of whether it's a bumper year or a lean year. Even odd jobs are paid 180 yuan a day. We take all the elderly people in their sixties and seventies who can still work. One day's work can be equivalent to a month's pension. For many farmers in the countryside who have no other way to make a living, this is a very good way to earn money. Even in our village, many villagers go to Hongqi's orchards to pick lychees every year."

Even though Li Qiguang was used to seeing all kinds of things, he felt a little awkward at this moment.

Do I need you to flatter me?

It's unclear which sycophant started clapping first, but soon the entire conference room erupted in applause.

Li Qiguang could only cough lightly twice and wave his hand dismissively.

After the applause stopped, Chen Jingle continued:
"I think many people underestimate the potential of rural areas, provided that you can unleash the vitality of rural farmers."

"For example, there is a very impressive century-old company that, with just a simple business plan, secured angel and Series A funding from Red Bear Capital. Under the leadership of a genius CEO, it successfully defeated domestic and international competitors and went public in 1949. It has withstood many storms and is now the world's second-largest company. I think everyone here knows how they started."

"It's all thanks to the vast rural areas and farmers!"

"It is true that farmers are a timid and easily swayed group. Many people believe that they will help whoever wins. However, the truth is quite the opposite. Whoever they help wins! As an agricultural company, Hongqi should not stand against the farmers. On the contrary, they are your company's closest partners. Whether you want to stabilize your existing base or continue to expand your scale in the future and resist foreign capital, you cannot do without their help."

"Of course, the above are just my judgments based on the general direction and tone. The specific steps and implementation are full of uncertainties. Even the higher authorities may make adjustments at any time based on the actual situation. Don't just follow the script; keep up with the times!"

That's all I wanted to say, thank you everyone.

Chen Jingle bowed in thanks.

That's enough said. As for any further questions, let Comrade Li handle them himself.

From reviewing history to the current situation, from theoretical frameworks to practical operations, from problem discussion to countermeasures, he practically broke everything down and fed it to the executives in the audience.

If he still can't understand this, then there's nothing he can do but send him back to the drawing board.

Besides, it's not his company; he's just here to help out and say a few words. He's already giving his future father-in-law a lot of face by saying so much.

Don't assume his time is worthless.

The executives in the room applauded, but it was unclear how much of it was genuine.

Just as Chen Jingle was about to leave, Li Qiguang suddenly stood up, looked around at everyone, and asked, "Does anyone still have any questions? Ask quickly."

Damn it, Comrade Li, don't go too far. You're just targeting me and trying to fleece me, aren't you?
Chen Jingle had a stern face and was in a very bad mood.

At that moment, an executive in the audience raised his hand and stood up.

"Um, I'd like to ask, according to Mr. Chen, it would be best for the company to establish a deep connection with rural farmers. But wouldn't that create an unnecessary burden for the company?"

Chen Jingle raised an eyebrow. He had to admit, that was a very good question.

(There was a small recommendation last month)

(End of this chapter)