Twenty years of cold chain

Chapter 330 Diamond Hall

Upon receiving the news of the grading, Hu Shutong became restless and set off for Panhu ahead of schedule.

Normally, a product manufacturer will only select one distributor to streamline past practices and establish future plans, facilitating the formation of the entire distribution system. The lower distributors are merely supporting entities within this larger system; their different levels of authority are analogous to the hierarchical distribution systems in various industries.

If Tongxing cannot be ranked in the top tier, its fate will only be to be "selected" and subdivide its territory for major distributors. For many lower-level distributors, if they can align themselves with a distribution giant like Zhonglong Eurocold, this journey will be very rewarding. But in Hu Shutong's view, being assigned to the second, third, or fourth tier makes little difference; Tongxing doesn't have the time or energy to cooperate with others in expanding their territory.

Hu Shutong had no third option: either take action or don't do it at all.

On the top floor of the Panhu Fishing Port Business Center, there is a meeting room called the "Diamond Hall." During the Fisheries Expo, this place is given unparalleled prestige, and only the top-tier distributors and the highest-level product vendors of the Fisheries Expo are qualified to sit here for discussions.

In other words, if Tongxing doesn't secure a top-tier position, it won't even have the opportunity to showcase its proposal. After these industry leaders finished their discussions, they each strategically selected their downstream distributors, acting swiftly and decisively, which aligns with the rules governing relationships between large and small and medium-sized enterprises.

Although Qi Zhendong leads Minghe Cold Chain and Qiu Shuanghu holds a high position at Zhonglongou Cold Chain, they are now on opposing sides and neither can help Tongxing. It's important to understand that Zhonglongou Cold Chain and Minghe Cold Chain also face competition from Southeast China's cold chain giants like Huwei Cold Chain. For these companies, the fewer slots available in the Diamond Hall, the better. Everyone is in competition, and Hu Shutong won't cross that line.

After arriving in Panhu, Hu Shutong thought of someone. He first called Guo Hongyuan, and then went to the address where he was looking.

But the result was very disappointing. The people in the technical center said that the administrative director had not come to work for three days. When asked further, it was even more ridiculous. Apparently, the director's parrot had escaped from its cage, and he had been either feeling sad or visiting the flower and bird market these past few days.

This situation is quite frustrating, but one thing the people at the technical center were right about: the administrative director has indeed been frequently seen at the flower and bird market these past two days, and has spent a long time in a teahouse.

"President He."

"No, no! Just call me Xiao He. It's been a long time, President Guo."

The current state of Panhu Fishing Port was the result of a long process of reporting and consultation back then. He Qun was a member of the reporting group at the time. However, ten years have passed, and the situation has changed dramatically.

"I won't say more, but what do you think is wrong with Tongxing being placed in the Diamond Hall?"

He Qun gave a wry smile. "My old boss knows that you have a long-standing relationship with the person in charge of Tongxing. It was my strong advocacy that Tongxing was able to move up to the second tier. Otherwise, like Sheng Nuo and Yuanyang, we would still be stuck in the third tier and unable to move."

"Whether you shift to second gear or down to fifth gear, it doesn't really make a difference."

He Qun paused for a moment, then smiled and crossed his arms. "Wow! Tongxing has such a big appetite? President Guo, you should know that it's no coincidence that the three parties categorize it into the third tier. Its strength is there, which is why it can climb that high. If Kunhai really puts it in the first tier, I'm afraid it will cause unnecessary misunderstandings."

"What misunderstanding?"

"Mr. Guo, this is a very simple matter. If Kunhai insists on bringing it into the Diamond Hall, in the eyes of the distributors, it will appear that we strongly prefer to cooperate with Tongxing. Giants like Zhonglong Eurocool will inevitably turn their attention to Shengnuo and Yuanyang. Mr. Guo, if we lose a major stake then, how am I, the person in charge, supposed to explain myself?"

"It sounds like Tongxing isn't good enough for you?"

He Qun slowly shook his head, feeling that the more he spoke, the more awkward it became. Could it be that this person had completely degenerated when it came to being an administrative director? "President Guo, I know Tongxing. Over the years, it has been a company that has survived on policy support. To put it bluntly, it struggles to operate without funding from above. You should be aware of Kunhai's demands. This important matter of Tongda must be entrusted to the Diamond Hall."

The director lit a cigarette. "Since 03, there have been cold chain policies every year, and anyone can use them. But why is Tongxing the only one to stand out in Qingning? In the past 11 years, a wave of financing has swept in, with every company backed by powerful capital. They all seem eye-catching, but how many are truly outstanding? Mr. He, if cold chain is just a matter of money, how can Kunhai stand shoulder to shoulder with Panhu Ocean Shipping? On bait and fishing boats, from the Pacific Ocean to Qinghong Gorge, is survival really just a matter of money?"

This long speech caused He Qun to fall silent. He felt a strong emotion, as if he had said something wrong, which stirred the emotions in the person in front of him.

"I don't understand your prejudice against private enterprises at all. Why don't you think about why the higher-ups are allocating funds? Why don't you think about what truly constitutes a national cold chain? You've all seen the money invested in the Sino-Ocean joint venture, but the funds for expanding domestic demand and the eight cold chain initiatives seem cheap because of the support. President He, why don't you think about what real backing is, and what real ability is!"

Instead of mentioning a calm lake, he mentioned a cliff and spring stream. He picked up his octagonal hat and placed it on the table, exuding an air of great pride.

"Furthermore, regarding this Diamond Hall, the original plan for the fishing port didn't include a business center at all. It was the result of rounds of optimization starting in 03. The place you occupy, the threshold you think you can overlook all living beings, was drawn stroke by stroke by Hu Shutong! Now you've made it out to be glorious, blocking it away at will, always talking about qualifications. Let me ask you, what exactly are qualifications!"

The situation was almost out of control, which greatly alarmed He Qun. There were many past events that he couldn't cover up. "President Guo, President Guo, what do you think? Kunhai will temporarily put Tongxing in the same category. You have great connections, why don't you also talk to the other two companies? That way, things will be more stable."

"You're the third company I've talked to."

He Qun was suddenly stunned, realizing his abrupt and miscalculated move. No wonder the atmosphere had been tense throughout; he was the real tough nut to crack. Recalling the director's words and the various policy backings, he couldn't help but think that the director's approach was unique and extraordinary. The reason for his eloquence was probably that ten years had made him too rusty; anyone else wouldn't have been so fluent.

After He Qun left, the director's expression remained tense. His mind was wandering, and when he calmed down, he was surprised by his own arrogance. Even though He was long gone, he could still feel some of the words like toothpicks piercing his eardrums, followed by an emotional surge, like someone standing up for what's right.

Although the venue was large, he believed that Hu Shutong could handle it. He also believed that the higher the stage, the clearer it would be for people to see what Tongxing could truly do and stir up extraordinary sparks.

Just as I had finally calmed down, my phone rang.

"Director, the people from Panhu Ocean Shipping are arriving soon."

"Also, urge Sheng Nuo on his end."

……

I've loved cold chain logistics for twenty years.