Returning wealthy individuals develop their hometowns and become rich in the 1980s

"So you're planning to renegotiate?"

"Minister Zhou, this was indeed an oversight on the part of our colleagues in Shanghai, but please understand that Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) is a directly affiliated enterprise of the Ministry of Industry, and we cannot bypass them..."

"Comrade Yifu," Zhou Bingguo interrupted him, "I understand your difficulties, but you must also understand that the Xiaochi project is not just a matter for Shanghai alone. This is a national-level project, a landmark project of reform and opening up. If Shanghai messes it up, no one can bear the responsibility!"

"You, Guo Yifu, are not fit to be the Party Secretary of the Municipal Committee!"

Guo Yifu's hand holding the microphone trembled slightly. Minister Zhou Bingguo's words were like a sharp knife, directly pressing against Guo Yifu's heart. This Minister of the State Planning Commission was known in Beijing for his iron fist and was deeply trusted and respected by the old man. Guo Yifu had to take his words very seriously.

Thinking of the fury from the central leadership, Guo Yifu's back was soaked with cold sweat. He swallowed hard, adjusted his voice to prevent it from trembling, and asked, "Minister Zhou, what do you mean?"

"What I mean is, agreements that have already been negotiated should be left unchanged as much as possible. This isn't child's play," Zhou Bingguo said, tapping his finger on the table. "You are Party cadres, representing the country. Is it appropriate to change things so easily?"

"Minister Zhou, your words are insightful," Guo Yifu immediately softened his stance. "Your criticism is correct; I didn't consider things thoroughly enough. I will definitely reflect deeply on my actions!"

"I understand your difficulties, Comrade Yifu. This project was spearheaded by the Ministry of Industry, which wanted Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation to take the lead. However, some comrades were greedy for credit and acted rashly, which led to the current situation. I will explain this matter to the Central Committee."

"Comrade Yifu, this project must be implemented; that's the bottom line. Above that line, there can be no mistakes that violate discipline or principles. Do you understand what I mean?"

Guo Yifu was silent for a few seconds, then said, "Minister Zhou, I understand."

After hanging up the phone, Guo Yifu sat down in his chair, lit a cigarette, and the smoke slowly dissipated in the office. He closed his eyes, but the weariness between his brows was hard to shake off. Today, he had been scolded by Huang Bin, frightened by Song Huaiyuan, and now received a death order from Zhou Bingguo.

The three phone calls were all increasingly difficult, each one more suffocating than the last, and the cause of it all was Gao Yueming's self-imposed '20%'.

Guo Yifu no longer wanted to talk about Gao Yueming. After this incident, even if the Shanghai municipal government really signed a contract with Xiaochi Company, Gao Yueming would be transferred. Guo Yifu didn't even need to think about it; it was a foregone conclusion.

Zhou Bingguo's words just now actually implied to Guo Yifu that the project must be implemented, that's the bottom line. As for how to resolve this "crisis" and get Chen Dong to accept renegotiation, that depends on how Guo Yifu operates.

The most crucial point is that the Shanghai Municipal Party Committee and Government cannot take the initiative to renegotiate with Chen Dong. So someone else has to do it. Who is the most suitable? The answer is obvious: Bai Jianbo from Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation.

Thinking of this, Guo Yifu squinted, picked up the phone, and dialed Bai Jianbo. After the call connected, Guo Yifu said in a deep voice, "Comrade Jianbo, this is Guo Yifu from the Municipal Party Committee!"

"Secretary Guo," Bai Jianbo had already received a reply from his father-in-law, Song Huaiyuan. Hearing that it was Guo Yifu, the municipal party secretary, calling, he assumed Guo Yifu was calling to reassure him, so he smiled and said, "I wonder what instructions you have for me?"

"Comrade Jianbo, our municipal government did indeed make some oversights in the equity negotiations with Xiaochi, which has caused you some injustice. After understanding the whole story, I would like to hear your thoughts."

Bai Jianbo's smile froze. "My thoughts are... Secretary Guo Yifu, you're implying something." What thoughts could I possibly have? My thoughts are to renegotiate, and for Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation to take the lead and get the majority of the stake.

Seeing that Bai Jianbo remained silent, Guo Yifu smiled and said, "Comrade Jianbo, now that this has happened and the municipal government has reached an agreement with Chen Zaidong of Xiaochi, we'd like to hear your side of Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation's thoughts. Why don't you just say it?"

"Secretary Guo, I don't quite understand what you're saying," Bai Jianbo asked bluntly. "This project was brought to Shanghai by the Ministry of Industry, but your municipal government comrades just snatched it away. We mean, even if it wasn't in Shanghai, it could have been in Suzhou or even Kunming!"

"Comrade Jianbo, don't get agitated," Guo Yifu said, trying to calm Bai Jianbo down. Although he was two levels higher than Bai Jianbo as the municipal party secretary, Bai Jianbo's direct superior was the Ministry of Industry. Bai Jianbo really had the guts and confidence to argue with Guo Yifu so directly that he would slam his fist on the table.

"I know you're upset, but work matters can't be controlled by emotions," Guo Yifu continued. "Well then, Comrade Jianbo, in principle, the municipal government represents Shanghai and has already reached a preliminary agreement with Xiaochi, which cannot be changed. I hope you understand this, Comrade Jianbo!"

"I don't understand this, Secretary Guo," Bai Jianbo retorted directly. He had invited people, the banquet was all set up, and they were just waiting for the distinguished guests. You just snatched them away halfway and expect him, the 'host,' to be magnanimous and understand.

Understand my ass!

"Comrade Jianbo, don't be in a hurry, let me finish speaking," Guo Yifu said. "In principle, we can't renegotiate, but your Shanghai Automotive can talk to Chen Zaidong of Xiaochi and ask him to take the initiative to renegotiate. That's also possible."

Bai Jianbo rolled his eyes. You've already shown your hand to Chen Zaidong. How can you negotiate for 20% of the shares? Can you keep pushing it down?

"We at Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) can't handle this. It was your municipal government that caused this, so you have to bring it up with Chen Zaidong. We had already agreed on a preliminary 30% stake, but we were thinking that since we also have your municipal government, we planned to negotiate with Chen Zaidong for 40% of the stake."

"Since your municipal government has already done this, we at Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) cannot accept a 20% stake. I think this project is doomed," Bai Jianbo said deliberately in a fit of pique.

"Tsk! Comrade Jianbo, look at you, you're in such a hurry again!"

"You have to understand our government colleagues. This matter has truly wronged you. On behalf of the Municipal Party Committee, I apologize to you, okay? This project is also very important to your Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation. How can it just be canceled like this!"

"Comrade Jianbo, you must prioritize the overall situation! Tomorrow, go and talk to Chen Zaidong and ask him to take the initiative to renegotiate. The municipal government will agree to immediately begin renegotiation. This time, Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation will lead the negotiation process, with the municipal government assisting you. Are you satisfied now?"

"I'll give it a try!"