Journey 1995:Non-Stop

Chapter 399: Offer of 2000 million

In the following days, Mr. Zhou was busy running around, and things went even more smoothly than he had expected.

Originally, several major shareholders planned to bribe the two technicians to cooperate with the company's equity transaction, and then leave the company a few months after the transaction. When they discussed this matter before, Dai Lingfeng and the other man hadn't made any definitive statements, but now they have firmly refused.

As the three-year contract neared its end, both individuals were supposed to receive tens of thousands of yuan in bonuses by now, according to the contract. Refusing would mean missing out on those bonuses, and surprisingly, they still refused.

In reality, Zhou Ping understood perfectly well that these shareholders were far from united. Despite the major shareholders' efforts to win over the technical staff, they hadn't even reached an agreement on the price. Some thought 1800 million was a reasonable price, while others believed the company should be sold for 2500 million – it was no different from the demands of those receiving compensation for land expropriation.

Now that the technical staff have made it clear that they will not play along, the shareholders have suddenly united again.

Things are in trouble. The technicians aren't cooperating, so the company can't be sold, not even for 1800 million. In this situation, there's no point in talking about a higher price.

That day, due to a change in the technical staff, the major shareholders went to great lengths to gather all the shareholders together.

There are currently 10 shareholders. One new shareholder bought shares based on the company's valuation of 1800 million, but after joining, he discovered a huge problem and now supports selling the company for 1700 million, accepting a loss.

The shareholders finally managed to gather together, but they started arguing after only a few words. In the end, it was Old Pang, the most outspoken of them all, who stood up and said, "Everyone! I'll say this: if everyone thinks it's better to sell the shares, then we must unite and sell them! If anyone says they won't sell no matter the price, then they can leave now!"

"Sell, sell, sell! All you ever do is sell! You're the ones who have ruined the company!" shareholder Wang A cursed.

"What's the point of saying this at a time like this? If you're not willing to sell for any price, then leave, or give me the shares now and I'll give you a discount!" Old Pang was furious.

"Alright, alright, stop arguing!" shareholder Wang C shouted. "What good will arguing do? Sell! Lao Pang, you go ahead and sell, I have no objection! But 1800 million is definitely not a good price!"

“18 million isn’t enough? Let me tell you, even 18 million isn’t enough to sell these days! I can find replacements after these two technicians leave, but their skill level definitely won’t be as good as theirs. Without a good mentor, no one will buy it for 18 million! Besides, these two are leaving at the end of July, so even if the factory doesn’t stop operating, it will have to reduce production or readjust its operations. If you ask me, if I can find a buyer, I’m willing to sell it right now for 18 million!” Old Pang said.

“My team can definitely do this job! Our equipment is so automated, why would we need so much technical expertise?” Shareholder Wang C thought for a moment, looked at his friends, and frowned. “I think 2200 million is a good price.”

At this point, a few people disagreed, but Wang C glared at them and shut them up.

When Wang C said that, President Zhou couldn't help but laugh, and everyone heard it.

"What are you laughing at? Our company isn't worth that much money?" Wang C looked at President Zhou with some anger.

"No, no, it's worth it! Mr. Wang, you have a wide circle of friends and know many big shots. I'm sure you can find a boss willing to offer 2200 million! Here's the deal, Mr. Wang, I don't have many shares. If you can sell the company for 2200 million, the portion above 2000 million—200 million multiplied by 7% equals 14—I don't want that 14; I'll give it to you." Mr. Zhou said, then shook his head and laughed. "What kind of talk is that! You know..."

Before Wang C could finish speaking, Pang Shaowen interrupted him: "Old Wang, 2200 million? You dare to say that! Now stop with the nonsense. I also think 1800 million is a bit of a loss, but 2000 million is acceptable! Especially since the technical staff left, 2000 million is quite a lot! Now, whoever can find a boss who offers 2000 million will be a benefactor to everyone. Can we be a little more realistic?"

"Hmph! Be realistic, fine! But what does this guy surnamed Zhou mean? Saying I have a wide circle of friends? Well, you, surnamed Zhou, you're a boss, do you know anyone who can offer 2000 million?" Wang C retorted.

"I don't have that ability, so I won't talk nonsense. If you ask me, Lao Pang is right, I'd be willing to pay 1800 million." President Zhou quickly waved his hand.

"If you're not capable either, then shut up." Wang C finally breathed a sigh of relief after saying that.

“Oh, right,” Pang Shaowen suddenly remembered something and looked at President Zhou, “What did that boss who came last time, the one who drives a BMW, say?”

“Mr. Yan? He’s in the chemical industry and respects technology. He’s an outsider when it comes to tiles. Although he has money, he won’t buy them if these two technicians leave.” Mr. Zhou shook his head.

"As for the technicians, this is something we can discuss. It's always negotiable! How much money can he offer? Does he really have the money?" Pang Shaowu asked.

"Yes, he's rich. His chemical plant has a net profit of about 4000 million yuan a year. He owns 80% of the shares. It's Heng Hui Chemical, a key high-tech enterprise in Quancheng High-tech Zone. You can look into it," General Manager Zhou explained.

"So capable? Then he can easily come up with 2000 million?" Pang Shaowu exclaimed in surprise.

“He definitely has 2000 million, but there are two problems. First, when he came last time, Lao Pang and I argued for a long time. He felt there were some problems with us and was hesitant to invest. Second, the technical staff are not easy to fool. Of course, these are not the most critical issues. The key issue is that even with 2000 million, a lot of people are still not satisfied. How can we negotiate? What if we negotiate halfway and then someone else shouts 2200 million?” President Zhou sighed.

“Alright, I’ll make the decision,” Old Pang took a deep breath and looked at the shareholders surnamed Wang. “We can sell it for 2000 million. As for the technical staff, we can only do our best. Regarding the argument we had last time, I can apologize to him next time we meet. As long as he can really come up with 2000 million, we can compromise on anything! As for the 2200 million, I have no objection if anyone brings it up. The person who brings it up must find a buyer within half a month, otherwise they will be going against all the shareholders.”

After Lao Pang said that, no one dared to speak.

After a while, Wang C said to General Manager Zhou, "Can you really negotiate 2000 million? Let me make this clear, I can provide a few technicians here, which should be enough to get by. That's all, I've done my best."

“He’s an amateur after all, so I can figure out a solution! But, here today, I think we need to come up with an agreement that everyone must sign and acknowledge the price of 2000 million. Otherwise, if I’ve already negotiated it, and then someone else comes along wanting more money, I really won’t be able to do anything about it!” President Zhou sighed.

Everyone looked at each other, and finally agreed.

(End of this chapter)