Journey 1995:Non-Stop

Chapter 377 Dividends
After walking around for more than half an hour, Yan Hui felt very comfortable. He checked the time and called Zhou Ping.

Zhou Ping has been working with Yan Hui since the steel formwork company was founded, for over five years. During these five years, Zhou Ping has acquired his own car, bought a house outright, and now earns over ten thousand yuan a month, placing him in the leadership position at Heng Hui Chemical.

Now that things have gradually stabilized at the company, Zhou Ping, as the finance manager, focuses most of his energy on Yan Hui, since Yan Hui's spending often involves tens of millions of yuan. The saying "the leader just gives a word, the subordinates run themselves ragged" is no joke. A while ago, Yan Hui wanted a loan of 1000 million yuan. Yan Hui made it sound simple, but Zhou Ping spent at least a week working on it.

Because of a major bidding process these past few days, Zhou Ping has been staying in the company's temporary dormitory. As soon as Yan Hui called him, Zhou Ping came over quickly.

Once inside, the two discussed the accounts. Yan Hui had already checked these accounts three times over the past few days, and now, upon reviewing them, they were indeed correct.

"Mr. Yan, Mr. Chen asked me about the year-end bonus today," Zhou Ping said. "Our profits last year were very good, but the bonus doesn't seem to be much."

"He told me about this, why did he ask you?" Yan Hui asked, puzzled.

“I went to the workshop to check the quantity of materials and happened to run into him.”

“Yes, the dividends aren’t that much, mainly because we have a lot of expenses. However, President Chen just had a baby and needs money. How about this, we’ll take another 1000 million from last year’s profits for dividends. The three shareholders will each get 200 million, and I’ll hold off on my 800 million for now. You can handle that,” Yan Hui said.

"this."

"It's settled then," Yan Hui said. If the company were to withdraw 800 million now, it would go bankrupt.

Yan Hui owns 80% of the company, giving him absolute control. Chen Jian, his brother-in-law, and his cousin each hold 6%, 6%, and 8% of the shares respectively. If Yan Hui receives another 1000 million yuan in dividends, these three will each receive 60, 60, and 80 yuan respectively. As for himself, it's useless now; the company doesn't have enough money in its accounts, as it's all tied up in steel.

He himself is not short of money; he's just been too busy this year, and his dividends haven't been distributed properly, which is definitely his fault. Now that Zhou Ping reminded him, he immediately increased the dividends.

"Shall I call Mr. Chen now?" Zhou Ping asked.

“Go ahead and call. Don’t mention that you told me. Just say that I proposed the profit-sharing plan. Also, tell him that I’m not participating in the profit-sharing for the time being,” Yan Hui said. He knew that Chen Jian would definitely understand that Zhou Ping told him about it, but when he spoke, he always had to express a proactive attitude.

“Okay, I’ll tell him.” Zhou Ping took out his phone and called Chen Jian.

Chen Jian answered the phone, listened for a few minutes, and then raised an objection: "If President Yan doesn't participate in profit sharing, how can the rest of us participate? This won't do!"

“This was decided by President Yan, and I can’t change it. He’s not short of money now, but you need it when you need it. You know President Yan; he’s a man of his word,” Zhou Ping explained.

"What about the company's operations?" Chen Jian declined again.

“If we only distribute dividends to the three of you shareholders, it won’t affect the company,” Zhou Ping said. “This time, the dividends aren’t just for you; the other two shareholders will also participate.”

"Alright. Please thank President Yan for me." Chen Jian expressed his gratitude and did not refuse again.

If he doesn't take it, how will the other shareholders take it?
“You can talk to him about it later. I’m just here to handle things between you shareholders.” Zhou Ping didn’t respond to that.

"Anyway, thank you, Mr. Zhou! When I'm less busy in a few days, I'll organize a get-together." Chen Jian's mood instantly improved. If someone wasn't in a good mood after receiving a sudden bonus of 60 yuan, they'd definitely be diagnosed with depression.

"No problem! I'll definitely go if President Chen calls!" Zhou Ping laughed heartily.

After their conversation, Zhou Ping called his brother-in-law and cousin. Both of them were pleasantly surprised and overjoyed.

今年过年颜辉分红了400万，他自己拿了320万，给其他人各自拿了24万、24万、32万。现在再分红1000万，这种感觉是完全不一样的。

Just as Zhou Ping hung up the phone, Yan Hui received a call from his brother-in-law. After exchanging pleasantries for a while, his cousin also called.

With 200 million yuan in the company's account, there's no pressure, and there's no need to touch the steel money; it just reduces working capital. If there are any delays in payments, Yan Hui's personal funds can also be used, which isn't a problem.

"Once we secure this government project, we'll have a firm foothold in the steel market. Right now, producing 10,000 tons a month shouldn't be a problem," Yan Hui calculated.

"So, Mr. Yan is determined to win this project! Mr. Yan, your network of connections is truly remarkable!" Zhou Ping exclaimed.

Zhou Ping first met Yan Hui at a dinner table. He was with his uncle, and Yan Hui was with his brother-in-law. Soon after, he heard that Yan Hui had gotten close to General Manager Han. Later, in just over a year, Yan Hui built up his plywood business. Some people said that Yan Hui was General Manager Han's illegitimate son, while others said that Yan Hui was the son of some high-ranking official.

Subsequently, Yan Hui continued to make breakthroughs, seemingly receiving preferential treatment in many areas, which fueled the growing rumors. Zhou Ping, at least, believed it. After all, when the district's top two officials visited the factory together last time, Yan Hui communicated with them without any pressure; his aura was truly extraordinary.

Yan Hui never explained, because it was useless to explain: "If we close this order in the steel trading sector, Wang Yongjun and his two colleagues will be too busy to handle it. I'll have to transfer three people from our sales team over there later."

"You can discuss this with President Song tomorrow."

"Yes, yes, I've been drinking, my head's still not quite right," Yan Hui said, not noticing this detail. "Let's rest first, we'll talk about other things tomorrow."

"Yes, by the way, Mr. Yan, after you started this steel trading business, my uncle contacted me these past few days, asking if you've considered becoming a tile distributor. He said if you could become a distributor, he'd offer the lowest price." Zhou Ping said, bringing up personal matters now that he'd finished his business.

"What's the production line like over there, Mr. Zhou? I remember a few of us went there a few years ago. Has it changed much?" Yan Hui asked. His perspective was different now than before.

He might be able to help sell tiles, but he's not interested in anything too cheap.

“The factory is still the same as before, not much has changed. However, my uncle has made some money in the past few years and has invested in a larger factory. I heard that the products there are quite good,” Zhou Ping explained.

"Oh, okay, I definitely won't be free right now. Let's wait until I'm done with this. If I win the bid for steel, I'll be busy for another ten days to two weeks. I also need to make some connections during the公示期 (public announcement period) and treat my colleagues to meals. They shouldn't stab me in the back at this time. Although we're not afraid, it's still only right to be polite." Yan Hui nodded.

(Many people have asked about the group. WeChat is really too troublesome, so I created a QQ group, 828500039. Feel free to join and chat if you're interested. You're welcome to bother the group owner, but please try not to disturb the administrators unless necessary.)

(End of this chapter)