Reborn in 2012, building a new energy empire

Chapter 160 The True Colors Are Revealed

He pretended to turn to Jiang Haoran and threw the question back at him: "Old Wu's approach, step by step, is the way we do business. Mr. Jiang, what do you think?"

"We fully accept and welcome such a rigorous and objective verification process," Jiang Haoran replied without hesitation, even going a step further.

"Furthermore, we suggest that during the verification period, Kylin can send experienced process engineers to the factory to provide support, work with your technical staff, respond to any problems that may arise in real time, and collect first-hand data throughout the process."

"This is extremely valuable feedback for us, which will help us optimize our products more quickly and better adapt to the specific operating conditions of different production lines and different silicon materials."

"Stationed at the factory?" Wang Zhenguo's eyes widened slightly, then he laughed loudly, but with a hint of amusement.

"President Jiang, you've got guts! Aren't you afraid to expose all the product's problems and shortcomings to us experienced workers without reservation? If there's even a slight flaw, it won't be able to hide it."

Jiang Haoran met his scrutinizing gaze, his tone calm and firm: "True product strength stems from confidence in one's own technology and quality; it is not afraid to be exposed, nor does it need to be hidden."

"The progress of manufacturing is itself a process of constantly discovering and solving problems."

"Hiding problems from our partners is the greatest betrayal of mutual trust and the death of our own products. We at Kirin are willing to accept the most rigorous scrutiny with the utmost honesty."

Wang Zhenguo's smile gradually faded. He looked at Jiang Haoran intently for a few seconds, and the scrutiny in his eyes eventually turned into a complex admiration.

He suddenly raised his hand and slammed it on the heavy tea table with a "smack," making the cups and saucers rattle softly: "Good! Well said! President Jiang, your temper is just to my liking! When it comes to real business and manufacturing, what we need is this kind of down-to-earth spirit, not all that fancy stuff!"

He leaned forward, his expression becoming extremely solemn: "Then let's do as Lao Wu said, three steps! Lao Wu, you're fully responsible for the specific verification plan and timetable. Finalize it with President Jiang as soon as possible. Fully cooperate in terms of manpower and resources." Then, he turned to Jiang Haoran, his face gleaming, extending a thick finger, his tone resolute: "Truly, heroes emerge from among the young. I'll be frank, President Jiang. If the first step of verification meets our expected threshold..."

"Then, once the verification is complete, I, Wang Zhenguo, representing Keelung Corporation, will immediately sign an annual framework purchase agreement with you for one hundred cutting machines!"

"This isn't a trial run; it's a formal, binding purchase! We can negotiate the price according to market rules, but I want you to guarantee two things: priority supply rights and a rapid response mechanism in case of any problems."

"So, how about it? Do you Qilin dare to take on this responsibility? Can you handle it well?"

An annual framework agreement for one hundred cutting machines!

This is no longer the tentative "Ten sets to try" mentioned at the exhibition, but a substantial super order that can transform any startup and help it gain a foothold in the market!

Its significance goes far beyond a simple commercial contract; it is a highly valuable "market pass" issued by an industry giant.

Even with Jiang Haoran's resolute will, he was still shaken to his core, a surge of heat rushing to the top of his head.

But he quickly suppressed all his emotional turmoil, his expression remaining calm. He stood up, extended his right hand across the tea table to Wang Zhenguo, and said in a clear and firm voice, "Chairman Wang, thank you for this weighty trust from Keelung Holdings!"

"Kirin Technology will do everything in its power to ensure the mission is completed! Priority supply and rapid response are our fundamental commitments to our core partners!"

Wang Zhenguo also stood up, gripped his hand tightly, and shook it: "Good, what I, Old Wang, value is not just the data on paper, but also you, Jiang Haoran, and the spirit of your team that truly wants to get things done and dares to do big things!"

"The path of domestic substitution is difficult! It requires young, ambitious, and technically skilled individuals like you to forge ahead and break through that barrier; it also needs us older folks with some resources and connections to give it a push and a helping hand!"

"President Jiang, do a good job! Don't let me misjudge you, and don't let those who are waiting to see you fail get a taste of your own medicine!"

"I will certainly live up to your expectations!" Jiang Haoran gripped the strong hand tightly and replied solemnly.

Chief Engineer Wu, who was standing to the side, also showed a relaxed smile and nodded to Jiang Haoran: "President Jiang, we will discuss the details of the subsequent technical integration separately."

"It would be best if the data format of your online SPC system could be integrated with our MES system in Keelung. This would allow us to monitor the wire status and cutting process parameters in real time, which would be very helpful for joint optimization."

"No problem, Chief Engineer Wu. Our technical team will fully cooperate to ensure smooth data flow," Jiang Haoran immediately agreed.

At this point, the atmosphere of the talks was warm and harmonious, and everything seemed to be developing in the most ideal direction.

However, just as Jiang Haoran thought the main topics were over and was about to discuss further technical cooperation, Wang Zhenguo sat down again, picked up his slightly cooled tea, took a slow sip, his eyes becoming deep and unfathomable. Suddenly, he changed the subject: "Young friend Jiang, we've almost finished our tea, and the order has been finalized. There are some things I, as an old man, will say a few more words to you, as a way of—having a heart-to-heart talk."

Jiang Haoran's mind stirred slightly, but he remained expressionless, sat down again, and adopted a listening posture: "Chairman Wang, please speak. This junior is all ears."

Wang Zhenguo put down his teacup, his fingers unconsciously tracing the edge of the tea tray. His tone became somewhat wistful: "To be honest, Keelung looks glamorous, but the pressure is immense. The G12 new production line represents the future, but the investment is astronomical. Being held back by imported diamond wire is one issue, and another—"

He paused, looked up and stared directly at Jiang Haoran, his eyes sharp, "Our own technical department actually started a research project on diamond wire two years ago."

Jiang Haoran's eyes narrowed slightly. Sure enough! How could Keelung, the industry giant of his past life, have been completely unprepared for this at this time?

Wang Zhenguo noticed the subtle change in his expression, smiled, and said with a hint of helplessness and candor: "We've invested a lot of money and hired experts. There's been progress—but to be honest, it's slower than we expected. Especially when it comes to stabilizing mass production and controlling costs, we've encountered a whole host of problems."

"To be honest, seeing how quickly your Qilin has produced a product that is almost practical, I was first surprised, then impressed, and finally—I also had some other thoughts."

Wang Zhenguo leaned forward slightly, his aura as a seasoned business tycoon, accustomed to controlling everything, now undisguised. His gaze sharpened like a hawk locking onto its prey: "President Jiang, let's not beat around the bush. In this core consumables field with high technological barriers, where a lead can easily result in a winner-takes-all scenario, the window of opportunity is more precious than gold."

"Whoever achieves economies of scale and controls the market at low cost first will build a moat that is difficult for others to cross. As for latecomers? They will either be absorbed or—it will probably be difficult for them to grow. You should know how cruel the market is."

Jiang Haoran's heart sank slowly, but his face remained calm, like still waters running deep: "Chairman Wang has profound insights, please enlighten me."

Wang Zhenguo chuckled, his expression shifting to that of a seemingly candid elder: "What I mean is, your Qilin team has drive, and your technological breakthroughs are truly impressive."

"But what are you lacking? You lack the scale for rapid expansion, the sufficient capital to cope with the fierce competition and potential encirclement by giants, and even more so, the experience and resource network to transform laboratory results into a stable and massive industry." He spoke with regret.

"And what about Keelung? We have no shortage of market, capital, and a complete industrial chain ecosystem. But on the crucial point of diamond wire, which we ourselves are investing in research and development on, progress has been slower than expected, allowing you to seize the opportunity."

He held up three fingers, clearly defining them in the rising steam of the tea: "Alright, Mr. Jiang, let's get down to business. Keelung Group can contribute 300 million yuan in cash to invest in Kirin Technology."

He paused deliberately, observing Jiang Haoran's subtle reactions, before slowly and methodically explaining, "Of that, one hundred million can be used to repurchase a portion of the early shares held by you and the founding team. I understand that since you started your business, including your initial funding, your total investment has been at most a few million to ten million, right?"

"This 100 million is real cash that will actually end up in your pocket. It's the immediate and tangible return you deserve for your risky entrepreneurial venture—a tenfold or more increase in value!"

"Young man, your first pot of gold is very important. It can give you immediate financial freedom and allow you to focus on your studies without distractions."

"As for the remaining two hundred million," Wang Zhenguo pointed his finger in the air as if depicting a grand plan, "it will be used as capital increase to enter the company. It will account for a total of 35% of the equity of Qilin Technology after the capital increase and share expansion."

"This money is enough for you to turn the Suzhou-Hangzhou production line from blueprints into reality as quickly as possible, and even simultaneously start planning for a second line! You can also freely recruit top talent and lay the groundwork for next-generation technology research and development; you have plenty of ammunition!"