Courtyard House: Home Alone

Lin Yifan picked up his coffee cup, took a small sip, and looked calmly at Smith: "'Ghost' is quite satisfied with this deal, otherwise he wouldn't have asked me to meet with you."

Cooperation is based on mutual benefit. 'Ghost' is not opposed to valuable collaborations, but the extent of the cooperation depends on your sincerity and whether the project aligns with our interests.

Smith's eyes flashed, and he quickly said, "We certainly have sincerity! As long as Mr. 'Ghost' is willing, we can provide the latest industrial equipment, precision instruments, and even... some special materials."

Of course, we also hope to obtain a larger share and agency rights, and to gain some stable and secure trade channels.” He deliberately emphasized the words “special materials” and “trade channels,” clearly implying something.

Lin Yifan remained noncommittal, his fingers lightly tapping the table, producing a rhythmic "tap-tap" sound. "These things are all negotiable. However, what 'Ghost' is most concerned about right now is when your installation engineer will arrive?"

Smith's smile widened, and he quickly said, "The engineering team is already on their way and is expected to arrive in Tianjin in three days. They are all highly experienced technicians, ensuring that the installation and commissioning of all equipment can be completed as quickly as possible to guarantee the normal operation of the equipment."

He paused, then added, "Of course, if Mr. 'Ghost' has any special requests, such as needing to advance or speed up the process, we can coordinate accordingly."

Lin Yifan nodded slightly, seemingly satisfied with the answer. "That's good. Putting the equipment into use as soon as possible will benefit both of us."

He put down his coffee cup, leaned forward slightly, and said, "Regarding the deeper cooperation you just mentioned, I'd like to ask Mr. Smith about that."

The unemployment rate in your country is quite high right now. Could we recruit a group of skilled workers, technicians and engineers through your company? We will offer double the wages you would pay in your country.

At the same time, for each person recruited, I will give Mr. Smith the corresponding compensation: $300 for a skilled worker, $500 for a technician, and $800 to $1000 for an engineer.

Upon hearing this, Smith's eyes lit up instantly, and his breathing became somewhat rapid. Twice the salary—this was an incredibly tempting offer, enough to attract a large number of skilled workers who couldn't find jobs in the United States.

He can also earn a substantial reward from it, with an engineer earning up to $1000, which is much more than he could earn by simply selling equipment. It's a business with no investment and huge profits!

He suppressed his excitement and quickly said, "No problem! Absolutely no problem! Young master, don't worry, there are indeed many skilled workers and engineers in the United States who are currently unemployed and eager to have a high-paying job."

"As long as Mr. 'Ghost' can offer such generous compensation, I guarantee I can recruit a sufficient number of outstanding talents for you in the shortest possible time!"

He was afraid Lin Yifan would change his mind, so his tone was full of urgency and certainty. "Are there any specific requirements regarding the number of people? For example, which type of skilled workers or engineers are given priority?"

Lin Yifan looked at Smith's eager expression, a subtle smile curving his lips. "The more types the better, mechanical, electrical, chemical, metallurgical, construction... we need any skilled personnel with genuine expertise."

In terms of personnel, let's start with 300 skilled workers and 200 technical personnel, and then increase the number as needed.

If anyone wishes to bring their family members, we will make appropriate arrangements.

"Five hundred!"

Smith gasped; this was no small sum. If he could complete it, his commission alone would be a fortune. "Great! Great! I'll do my best! I'll contact people back home immediately and use all my connections to ensure you get the best talent!"

"Young master, what do you think of the share and agency rights we've been given...?"

"Mr. Smith, you should know that our current production capacity is not high. At our current level, we can only give you a maximum of 60,000 vials of penicillin and 2,000 kilograms of sulfanilamide powder per month."

If you want to add more equipment, we can only discuss it in detail after your pharmaceutical equipment arrives at the port, your engineering team completes the installation and commissioning, and the first batch of technicians arrives smoothly.

As for the distribution rights, besides Japan and our domestic market, you can sell them anywhere else as long as you have the capability.

"Yes, yes, I understand, I understand."

Smith nodded repeatedly, his smile almost overflowing. "As long as we can guarantee a stable supply of goods, we are determined to obtain the distribution rights in other places!"

Don't worry, sir, I will definitely recruit the right people for you as soon as possible, and I will also urge the engineers to work overtime to get the equipment installed so that production can begin as soon as possible!

He now feels awe and anticipation for the "ghost" that Lin Yifan mentioned, believing him to be a partner who could bring immense wealth.

Seeing his excited expression, Lin Yifan said calmly, "It's a pleasure doing business with you. Well then, Mr. Smith, I'll trouble you to take care of the matter of exchanging Japanese yen for US dollars."

"Of course, of course!"

Smith patted his chest and assured him, "I'll arrange it right away and try to start the process today, transferring the money to your designated account as soon as possible."

Lin Yifan nodded slightly and stood up: "That's all for today. Mr. Zhou will contact you if there are any further developments."

Lin Yifan nodded, saying nothing more, but simply picked up his coffee cup, indicating that the conversation could end. Smith, being astute as he was, immediately understood this meant he was being asked to leave, and quickly and tactfully stood up: "Then I won't disturb you any longer, sir. I'll make the arrangements right away and report back to you as soon as I have any news!"

"Hmm," Lin Yifan replied casually.

Upon seeing this, Chen Gongshu quickly stepped forward and said, "Mr. Smith, let me see you out."

Smith glanced gratefully at Chen Gongshu, then bowed slightly to Lin Yifan before following Chen Gongshu out of the room.

Only Lin Yifan and Xu Zheng remained in the room. Xu Zheng, who had been sitting silently to the side like a statue, finally asked in a low voice, "Young master, are we really going to recruit so many Americans?"

Lin Yifan leaned back on the sofa and rubbed his temples. "What we lack most right now is technology and talent. These Americans are experienced and can help us quickly get those devices up and running and establish our own industrial base. As for loyalty, as long as the compensation is right and they're willing to work with peace of mind, there's no need to worry about it in the short term. Once we've trained our own people, the situation will naturally be different."

Xu Zheng nodded and didn't ask any more questions. He knew that Lin Yifan always considered things deeply.