Video Editor

The sign for "Geli Poetry Audio Co., Ltd." was finally hung up in Wangmiao Village.

The shareholder structure is clear: Suning is the controlling shareholder and legal representative, while Feng Shijie, Ye Xiaoming, and Liu Bing are representatives of Wangmiao Village, who jointly invest in the company.

The actual investment made by Feng Shijie, Ye Xiaoming, and Liu Bing was advanced by Suning.

Ding Yuanying remained aloof, serving as chief planner and consultant without holding any shares.

After the company was established, an enlarged meeting was held in Wangmiao Village, attended by all shareholders and some village representatives.

The dilapidated village committee meeting room was packed with people, and the air was filled with an almost fanatical anticipation.

All eyes were fixed intently on Ding Yuanying, as if he were not an advisor, but a savior who could turn lead into gold.

The villagers discussed and hoped that Ding Yuanying could lead them out of poverty overnight.

This atmosphere of blind reliance instantly alerted Ding Yuanying.

He knew all too well that this mentality of placing all hope in one person was a typical manifestation of "waiting, relying, and demanding," and one of the most common root causes of the failure of poverty alleviation projects, causing great harm.

When it was his turn to speak, instead of painting a rosy picture, he poured cold water on the idea.

He stood before the crowd, his gaze sweeping over the eager faces, his voice calm and firm:
"Sitting here today, I need to make one thing clear beforehand: I am not a savior, nor can I conjure up money. The Geli Poetry Company is just a boat, a boat that may be able to lead everyone out of the quagmire of poverty. But whether this boat can sail and withstand the storms depends not on me, Ding Yuanying, but on each and every one of you here."

He paused, then emphasized, "Market competition is incredibly brutal; it won't show mercy just because we're a poor village. If we want to survive, if we want to succeed, there's no shortcut, only one path—endure hardships others can't bear, suffer torments others can't endure, and achieve costs and quality that others can't match!"

"Only by enduring what ordinary people cannot endure can one achieve what ordinary people cannot achieve." His words struck everyone's hearts like a heavy hammer. "Remember, there is never any savior! Only the people of Wangmiao Village can save Wangmiao Village! We rely on our own hands, on our spirit of not being afraid of hardship, fatigue, or death!"

These resounding words acted like a wake-up call, dispelling unrealistic fantasies and igniting the flames of pragmatic struggle.

Ding Yuanying's plan was meticulous and rigorous, with each step closely linked to the others, from source material procurement and cabinet production to quality control and market positioning, demonstrating a high level of professionalism and giving the villagers real hope.

The once quiet Wangmiao Village seemed to be infused with powerful vitality, and every household mobilized.

The sounds of sawing, sanding, and discussion replaced the previous silence, and the impoverished villagers threw themselves into this battle to change their fate with unprecedented enthusiasm.

To support the company's initial operations and facilitate personnel travel and parts transportation, Ding Yuanying contributed his imported BMW sedan, which best reflected his status, as the company's daily official vehicle.

However, the quick-thinking Liu Bing soon "occupied" the car under the pretext of "needing to frequently run external liaisons," and it became his private vehicle.

Ding Yuanying was fully aware of this, but he simply observed from the sidelines without pointing it out.

In his eyes, Liu Bing's greed for petty gains and his vain and impetuous behavior precisely proved that he was unfit for important tasks.

He was too lazy to get entangled in such trivial matters, because he foresaw that given the character and mindset of Feng Shijie, Ye Xiaoming, and Liu Bing, they probably wouldn't make it to the end. Their fate would most likely be to "look out from the well" and then "fall in," ultimately "dying without a trace."

The right to use a car is nothing more than a small "tuition fee" paid in advance.

However, Liu Bing and his accomplices' greed did not stop there.

Seeing that Ding Yuanying was so "easy to talk to", they actually turned their attention to Suning's "Tiger Head" Mercedes-Benz S600, which symbolized absolute strength and status.

Ye Xiaoming tentatively suggested to Suning that the company needed more upscale vehicles to "enhance its image," implying that they could also "contribute" the Mercedes-Benz W14.

Suning's response to this was completely different from Ding Yuanying's.

He didn't even bother with formalities, coldly refuting the offer: "A company's reputation is built on product quality and market word-of-mouth, not on a car. This car is my personal property and has nothing to do with Geli Poetry Company."

Suning's attitude is clear and firm: I invest to make a profit, not to do charity, and certainly not to satisfy your personal vanity.

Trying to take advantage of me? No way!

Having encountered this tough obstacle, Ye Xiaoming, Liu Bing, and Feng Shijie, who had been standing silently to the side, immediately felt flustered.

They then clearly realized that Suning, the controlling shareholder, was completely different from Ding Yuanying, who helped out of personal feelings.

He always maintained a purely business-oriented approach, handling matters strictly according to the rules and keeping clear boundaries.

They recalled the shareholder agreement they had signed earlier, which contained clear and even harsh terms. For example, if they withdrew their shares midway, they would not only have to compensate the company for its losses, but they might only be able to get back 60% of their principal. Moreover, all of this was in black and white, legal and compliant, and protected by law.

Demanding the Tiger Head Mercedes was a bold test for them, to see where Suning, their "big spender," really stood, and whether they could be swayed by "favor" like Ding Yuanying.

Suning's resolute rejection served as a wake-up call, making them realize:
Games have rules, and those who create and uphold those rules have absolute authority.

Their petty schemes appear so laughable and fragile in the face of absolute capital and rules.

……

The engine of the Geli Poetry Company has been started, and the production line in Wangmiao Village is running day and night.

However, a bloody business war aimed at "robbing the rich to help the poor" and challenging industry giants is about to begin. The ferocity of the war and the potential backlash make even the serene Ding Yuanying feel the need to seek a transcendent power to soothe his soul and find peace of mind.

He met with his close friend, Han Chufeng, the president of Zhengtian Group.

The two hit it off immediately and decided to drive to Wutai Mountain, a Buddhist holy site, partly to relax and partly to pay homage to the Buddha.

The luxury car drove along the winding mountain road, with the vast northern mountain scenery outside the window.

Inside the car, Ding Yuanying, unusually, explained to Han Chufeng the ingenious layout and ruthless aspects of the entire "robbing the rich to help the poor" plan without reservation...

How can we leverage price, public opinion, and European certification to create a powerful combination that precisely targets Lesheng Company's core interests, forcing them to comply and thus opening a path for survival for Geli Poetry and Wangmiao Village?

Han Chufeng listened intently, and the more he listened, the more alarmed he became.

He was a seasoned businessman who had seen countless storms, but Ding Yuanying's plan was so meticulously crafted and flawlessly executed that it took human nature, market rules, and legal loopholes to their extremes. Its ruthlessness and decisiveness sent chills down his spine and made him gasp.

"Yuan Ying, you...you're trying to kill someone!" Han Chufeng exclaimed. "This move will surely unleash a bloodbath in the martial world. Have you considered the consequences?"

Ding Yuanying gazed at the fleeting scenery outside the window and said calmly, "I've thought about it. That's why I came here to seek peace of mind."

Upon arriving at Mount Wutai, one is greeted by the swirling incense smoke and the resounding chanting of Buddhist scriptures.

They paid their respects to the eminent monk Zhixuan.

In the quiet meditation room, Ding Yuanying did not discuss business details in detail, but instead explored Buddhist teachings and Zen principles with the master, seeking inner peace and a sense of moral solace.

His purpose in this trip was not to pray for commercial success, but to seek inner peace before Buddha in preparation for the drastic measures he was about to take, and to alleviate the potential guilt brought about by "killing and fighting".

Han Chufeng observed quietly from the side, understanding the situation perfectly.

He knew Ding Yuanying's character well; if this matter hadn't involved his deepest emotions, he would never have gone to such lengths to seek this "peace of mind."

The source of all this undoubtedly points to a woman named Rui Xiaodan in the ancient city.

Han Chufeng clearly sensed how important Rui Xiaodan, his "confidante," was in Ding Yuanying's heart, that she could make someone like him, who had long seen through the vanities of the world, willingly get involved in such a complex web of cause and effect.

The atmosphere became much more relaxed on the way down the mountain.

Han Chufeng remembered something and casually asked, "Yuan Ying, I heard that in the ancient city, besides that confidante, you also met a nice young man? His name is... Su Ning?"

Mentioning Suning, a genuine hint of appreciation appeared on Ding Yuanying's calm face: "Yes! Suning is also the controlling shareholder of Geli Poetry, and I believe he is the key to whether Geli Poetry can truly continue in the future." "Oh?" Han Chufeng became interested. It was rare to see a young man who could receive such praise from Ding Yuanying. "Such a high evaluation? It seems this young man is indeed extraordinary."

Ding Yuanying carefully chose his words, trying to describe his feelings about Suning: "Suning is a very mysterious person. He is sharp-minded and extremely proactive, but strangely, his way of looking at problems is not as complicated as mine. His goals are very clear, his behavior is logical and straightforward, and everything is driven by commercial value and results. On the contrary... he is more like a very pure and qualified entrepreneur."

He paused, then said something very weighty: "I even think that even if my 'robbing the rich to help the poor' scheme backfires and I can no longer take care of Geli Poetry, as long as Su Ning is there, he can still use his abilities and methods to keep the company alive and even develop better."

Upon hearing this, Han Chufeng's eyes flashed with a sharp light.

He knew Ding Yuanying too well. To gain such unwavering approval and "entrustment" from him, this young man named Su Ning was definitely no ordinary person.

"Interesting!" Han Chufeng laughed. "It seems I need to find an opportunity to meet this young talent you've praised so highly."

As the vehicle drove through the mountains, the conversation between the two men about business, humanity, and the future drifted away on the mountain breeze.

The trip to Mount Wutai not only brought Ding Yuanying some peace of mind, but also brought the name Suning into the sights of another business tycoon.

……

Wangmiao Village, a land once shrouded in poverty, now seems to have been infused with a new soul.

In every household's workshop, sawdust flew everywhere, and the sound of hammering filled the air. The villagers, with an almost pious attitude, meticulously polished each component according to the stringent standards set by Ding Yuanying and Ye Xiaoming.

In this almost frenzied atmosphere, the first batch of speakers bearing the "Gelishi" trademark finally rolled off the production line and was personally named "Gelishi No. 1" by Ding Yuanying.

These speakers, which embody the hard work and high craftsmanship of Wangmiao Village, have a simple yet refined appearance. After Ye Xiaoming's initial tuning, the sound quality has reached a very high level, far surpassing other products in the same price range on the market.

However, just as everyone was feeling excited about the initial results, Ding Yuanying issued the crucial instructions for the next step:

These precious "Geli Poem No. 1" samples were immediately sent to Germany, where they were commissioned to be professionally evaluated by the most authoritative audio testing organization.

This decision immediately caused an uproar among Ye Xiaoming, Feng Shijie, and Liu Bing.

Ye Xiaoming first raised questions from a technical perspective: "Professor Ding, is this... really necessary? We know our sound quality; it's absolutely competitive in China. Sending it to Germany is a long way away. The shipping and testing fees alone would be a considerable expense. What if it gets damaged along the way, or what if the foreigners' evaluation standards are different from ours? It would be a losing proposition!"

Feng Shijie, however, was more concerned about the money and immediate gains: "Yes, Teacher Ding. We've finally made this product, so we should hurry up and market it in the domestic market to get our money back as soon as possible. Sending it abroad won't solve our immediate problems; the villagers are all eagerly waiting to see the profits."

Liu Bing's complaints were more direct, revealing the shrewd calculations of a petty bourgeois: "Exactly! Instead of wasting money on these trivial matters, it would be better to give us more bonuses! Who knows if the German side is reliable or not?"

The three of them spoke one after another, but the core idea was: they didn't understand, they didn't agree, and they thought it was an unnecessary waste of resources and time.

Faced with the questions, Ding Yuanying did not offer much explanation, but calmly reiterated that it was a strategic necessity.

At this moment, Su Ning, the major shareholder who had been silent, spoke up. His voice was not loud, but it carried an undeniable weight:
"I have always agreed with and fully supported Professor Ding's plan."

His gaze swept over Ye Xiaoming, Feng Shijie, and Liu Bing, and his tone was resolute: "I've said before, 'If you doubt someone, don't use them; if you use someone, don't doubt them.' Since we've invited Teacher Ding to be the chief planner, we must trust his judgment and strategy. His vision is farther than any of ours."

He paused, his tone becoming more serious, even carrying a hint of warning: "Don't forget, Professor Ding is the 'expert' you went to great lengths to invite. If you can't even understand and accept his core strategy now, and always hold a skeptical and resistant attitude, how can the company develop?"

Finally, he unleashed his trump card, directly pointing out the rules of capital: "If you really feel unable to keep up with Mr. Ding's pace or accept the company's strategic direction, you can withdraw your shares at any time according to the company's articles of association. The company will settle accounts fairly in accordance with the agreement."

These words were like a bucket of ice water, instantly extinguishing the dissatisfaction and complaints of Ye, Feng, and Liu.

Withdrawal of investment?
According to the agreement they signed without carefully reading it, not only will they not make money by withdrawing their shares now, but they may also lose a large portion of their principal!

Moreover, without Ding Yuanying and Su Ning, Geli Poetry and Wangmiao Village would immediately revert to their original state.

Practical considerations outweighed any doubts in their minds.

Feng Shijie lowered his head sheepishly, Ye Xiaoming pursed his lips and stopped talking, and Liu Bing swallowed back the complaints that were on the tip of his tongue.

Suning, the major shareholder wielding both capital and rules, used the most direct method to uphold Ding Yuanying's authority and ensure the advancement of the strategy.

The meeting room fell silent for a moment.

With the strong support of Suning, Ding Yuanying's plan was once again implemented.

But beneath the silence lay a deeper sense of confusion and unease among Ye Xiaoming, Feng Shijie, and Liu Bing, as well as a growing chasm of trust between them and Su and Ding.

……

Currently, Geli Poetry Company is still in the preparatory stage and has not yet completed formal business registration, but shareholder meetings are already being held regularly.

At one meeting, the atmosphere was not as lively as the production line in Wangmiao Village; instead, it was rather somber.

When the discussion turned to routine management, Su Ning, with a serious expression, took out a stack of crudely printed business cards and pushed them directly in front of Liu Bing.

The business card prominently displays the words "Liu Bing, Marketing Director of Gelishi Audio Co., Ltd.", and the contact information is Liu Bing's personal number.

“Liu Bing,” Su Ning’s voice was cold and stern, without a trace of politeness, “The company has not yet been officially established, and our brand and market strategies are in a highly confidential stage. Your act of distributing business cards with company information without the company’s permission is extremely inappropriate. In the eyes of our clients and peers, our Geli Poetry appears frivolous and unprofessional, and may even reveal our business intentions. This has seriously affected the company’s reputation and early planning.”

Liu Bing's face flushed instantly. He had intended to use this opportunity to expand his network and demonstrate his "manager" status, but he never expected to be severely reprimanded in public.

So, the ambitious but incompetent Liu Bing stubbornly argued, "President Su, I'm doing this for the company's good! Promoting in advance and accumulating customer resources, what's wrong with that?"

"Hmph! For the good of the company?" Su Ning interrupted him, her gaze sharp. "True 'for the good of the company' means obeying discipline and keeping secrets, not this kind of disorganized and undisciplined personal boasting!"

Following this, Su Ning raised a second question, directly targeting Liu Bing's sore spot: "Furthermore, the company's BMW was contributed by Teacher Ding for official business and to enhance the image of Geli Poetry. However, according to recent usage records, most of the mileage has been used for your private social activities and entertainment. From today onwards, you will be personally responsible for the fuel costs and wear and tear. Moreover, I hereby formally announce that you are not allowed to use the vehicle for private purposes except for urgent official business. If any further misuse of the company vehicle is discovered, I will propose to the shareholders' meeting that you be removed from Geli Poetry."

These words were like a bombshell, completely silencing Liu Bing. Her face flushed red and then turned pale, and she dared not argue any further.

However, the accountability process for Suning is not over.

He turned to Ye Xiaoming, who had remained silent: "Mr. Ye, as the general manager of our Geli Poetry Company, you bear an unshirkable management responsibility for Liu Bing's behavior that damages the company's interests and violates discipline. If you continue to condone and tolerate this behavior and allow this unhealthy trend to spread, for the sake of the company's survival and development, I will have no choice but to propose your removal from the position of general manager in the name of the major shareholder."

Ye Xiaoming was sweating profusely from his words. He did indeed have a "good guy" mentality and, out of consideration for Liu Bing, had not strictly restrained her.

Under Suning's relentless criticism, he could only nod repeatedly, indicating that he would definitely strengthen management.

The company was just starting out, and significant disagreements and tensions arose among the shareholders due to issues of business philosophy and discipline.

But without a doubt, Suning's impartial and incisive statement was like a severe rectification campaign.

He clearly drew the red line, emphasizing the seriousness of capital and rules, which made Ye Xiaoming and Liu Bing, who were originally somewhat complacent and starting to make small calculations, startled and instantly restrained themselves, thus stopping the company's emerging unhealthy tendencies in time.

After the meeting, Rui Xiaodan privately approached Su Ning, trying to say a few good words for Ye Xiaoming and Liu Bing, feeling that Su Ning might be too harsh and worried that it would affect unity.

Su Ning looked at Rui Xiaodan, shook his head, and said in a gentle but unusually firm tone: "Officer Rui, I know you are kind-hearted and loyal. But this is about running a company, not child's play. The business world is like a battlefield. A small oversight or an inappropriate action can be exploited by the opponent, leading to total defeat. At that time, everyone here could lose all the money, time, and effort they have invested, and be bankrupt. I'm playing the bad cop now because I don't want to see everyone having nowhere to cry in the future."

"This..." Rui Xiaodan fell silent upon hearing this.

Although she didn't fully understand the harsh realities of business, she could sense the weight and responsibility in Suning's words.

She suddenly realized that, beyond ideals and passion, she really needed an iron fist like Suning's to uphold the bottom line.

Ultimately, this incident led to a rigorous management baptism for Geli Poetry Company during its early stages.

...(End of chapter)