"I was thinking that if we just set up a simple tea processing factory, the products we made wouldn't have much of an advantage in the current market." Zhang Yang thought for a moment and continued, "So I wanted to see if we could make differentiated products. Luckily, we have this intangible cultural heritage craft here. If we can use this technique to produce products, firstly, the products will be competitive, and secondly, the craft can be passed down properly. Of course, my ultimate goal is to make this product a calling card for our Mu County."

After listening, Cheng Kainian looked at Zhang Yang in shock: "President Zhang, your idea is correct. We thought about it in the early stages as well, but the investment required during that period was huge, and there was no long-term return..."

Cheng Kainian was a little scared. What if Zhang Yang impulsively rushed in and lost money? Where would he find other investments then? To ensure stable performance, he had no choice but to explain the pros and cons clearly.

Zhang Yang understood Cheng Kainian's concerns perfectly well. He smiled and said, "Since I want to do it, I'm confident. As for profit, I haven't even thought about it. If I lose, so be it."

"..."

Cheng Kainian was completely bewildered. How could anyone invest without looking at the returns? It's really strange; I don't understand it at all. Are young people these days so amazing?

"Director Cheng, do you have any ideas? The government has more influence in this matter. I hope you can give me some policy suggestions, and I will do my best to develop Mou County."

After Zhang Yang finished speaking, he got into his car and left, leaving Cheng Kainian with a complicated expression.

......

After Zhang Yang left, Cheng Kainian thought about it for a long time and finally decided to work overtime to hold a meeting to discuss the matter.

China Merchants Group meeting room.

Seven or eight people sat around an oval table, the room filled with smoke.

Cheng Kainian sat in the main seat, with four or five cigarette butts already stuck in the ashtray in front of him. He slammed the documents in his hand on the table, making a "thud" sound.

"Everyone's here. Let's all take a look at this temporary document and share our thoughts."

The secretary handed out the prepared documents.

After everyone finished reading, a hushed murmur arose in the conference room.

Sitting opposite him, Deputy Director Liu Changhe pushed up his glasses and said, "Director Cheng, let me speak first. General Manager Zhang asked us to invite intangible cultural heritage inheritors on behalf of the county. I think we need to be cautious about this matter."

The master craftsman of Sichuan black tea is named Zhou Mingyuan. He's 67 years old this year and hasn't left the tea plantation for three years. It's not that no one has invited him before; even the major tea companies in the province have invited him, but he hasn't gone.

Someone nearby chimed in, "That's right. What if we go out and ask them, but we can't get them to come? What will Mr. Zhang think? He'll think we can't even handle something this simple."

"Furthermore," Liu Changhe continued, "Mr. Zhang's tea factory isn't even built yet. The land was just bought, the equipment hasn't arrived, and no one has been hired. Isn't it a bit... hasty to ask us to invite intangible cultural heritage inheritors now?"

Cheng Kainian didn't say anything, but picked up his teacup and took a sip.

Office Director Zhao Yulan continued:

"Director Liu has a point, but I have a different opinion. General Manager Zhang doesn't seem like the kind of young man who's all talk and no action. When he talks about things, he's very knowledgeable. The fact that he made this request shows that he knows what he's doing."

"You know what you're doing?" Liu Changhe snorted. "Director Zhao, you're in charge of investment promotion, you know how many companies come here talking big, but once they get the policies, they start slacking off. Mr. Zhang has only invested 450 million to buy land so far. Who can say whether the subsequent investment can keep up? We've brought intangible cultural heritage inheritors here, and if they can't build their factories, wouldn't that be a joke?"

Zhao Yulan frowned: "Director Liu, I don't agree with what you said. President Zhang paid for the land in full, with 450 million yuan deposited into his account in one lump sum. This is the first time such a payment has been made in the county. Which company doesn't pay in installments or delay payments as much as possible when investing? Based on this point alone, I think he is sincere."

"Sincerity can't put food on the table. I'm worried that we'll invest our resources and end up wasting them." Liu Changhe scoffed.

The two started talking back and forth, and the meeting room gradually became noisy.

"To be on the safe side, it's not too late to invite him after Mr. Zhang's factory is built."

"If we wait until the factory is built to invite them, the experienced workers will be even less likely to come. We should invite them as soon as possible so that the county can see our sincerity. We can also listen to their opinions on how to arrange the workshop. Their operating habits are different, so it's more appropriate to listen to them."

Cheng Kainian remained silent, his brows furrowed, smoking one cigarette after another.

His mind was racing; this decision was undoubtedly a gamble.

If everything goes smoothly, then when Zhang Yang truly creates the first business card for Mou County, he will have accomplished a great feat. But if he fails... he might get a beating, and people will say that he makes a lot of noise but accomplishes little.

To gamble or not to gamble, that is the question.

After thinking for a moment, he stubbed out his cigarette.

"Alright."

The meeting room fell silent.

Cheng Kainian scanned the people present and said, "What you all say makes sense, but I have a question for you: In the past few years, has any company in Mou County proactively said it wanted to use the 'Chuanhong Kungfu' brand?"

The crowd looked at each other, speechless.

"No," Cheng Kainian answered himself. "What kind of companies came? Primary processing of agricultural products, small workshops, processing of supplied materials—not one of them really wanted to build a brand. Now that someone is willing to do it, we're hesitating?"

He stood up and placed his hands on the table: "I know what you're worried about. You're afraid that Mr. Zhang's subsequent investment won't keep up, or that we'll have worked for nothing. But let me tell you, there's no such thing as 100% certainty in investment promotion. If there were, would we be needed? Companies would be lining up to come here long ago."

He paused, then softened his tone: "From my interactions with Mr. Zhang, I think it's worth a gamble. He's bold yet meticulous, and such young people are rare. Since he's willing to invest, we're willing to cooperate."

Liu Changhe opened his mouth as if to say something, but seeing Cheng Kainian's expression, he swallowed his words.

Cheng Kainian sat down again, his tone changing to that of a command:

"In this way, firstly, in the name of the county, issue documents to various townships and villages to investigate whether there are any master craftsmen who know how to make Sichuan red wine. Not limited to Zhou Mingyuan, but anyone with good skills should be registered."

Second, we will organize a symposium on intangible cultural heritage, inviting candidates recommended by each village to the county. We will first take stock to see how many people are still doing this.

third......"

He looked at Zhao Yulan:

"Director Zhao, you are responsible for liaising with General Manager Zhang and keeping him informed of our progress so that he knows the county is taking action."

Zhao Yulan nodded: "Okay."

"Also," Cheng Kainian thought for a moment, "General Manager Zhang asked me today to help him find some people, mainly for finance, human resources, and law. Do you have any suitable candidates on hand?"

Zhao Yulan thought for a moment and said, "I do have someone in mind for the finance department. It's my neighbor, Sun Xiaomin. She graduated from a finance university and used to work as an accountant in a company in the city. Her professional skills are excellent. She just recently resigned and came back."

"Go ask if they'd like to come," Cheng Kainian nodded and said.

"What about HR?" he asked, looking at the others.

Li Jianguo, head of the Enterprise Services Department, raised his hand: "I have a niece who worked in HR in the provincial capital for three years. Recently, she wants to return to the county to develop her career, but..."

"What is it?"

Li Jianguo smiled and said, "It's just the salary and benefits at the county level. I don't know if she'd be interested..."

Cheng Kainian waved his hand: "Let her give it a try. They can discuss the specific treatment with General Manager Zhang themselves. How much they negotiate depends entirely on their own abilities."

"Where's the lawyer?" Cheng Kainian continued to ask.

Zhao Yulan pondered for a moment: "There's a law firm in the county with a young lawyer named Wen Yining. She's reviewed several contracts for us before and has solid professional skills. Plus, her uncle is the head of the court. I wonder if she'd be willing to work for a company."

"Go ask around. Lawyers don't necessarily have to go to Mr. Zhang's company; they can cooperate with him too."

He stood up, picked up the documents on the table, and said, "Meeting adjourned. Go about your business and summarize your findings for me later."

......

That evening, after dinner, Zhang Yang was sitting in the living room with his eyes closed, resting, when the phone suddenly rang.

"Mr. Zhang, this is Cheng Kainian. I'm already making arrangements for what you mentioned earlier."

Zhang Yang's voice carried a hint of surprise: "So fast?"

Cheng Kainian smiled and said, "Your matter can't be delayed. Let me tell you about the intangible cultural heritage inheritors. The county has already sent documents to various townships and villages to investigate the master craftsmen who make Sichuan red pottery. Then we are preparing to organize a symposium to invite people to the county to get a preliminary understanding. If it is convenient for you, you can come and participate to see if there is anyone who suits your taste."

"Okay, I'll come over then."

"Also, I've found a few people for you who are looking for them. Once the news is confirmed, I'll have them come to meet you."

Zhang Yang was overjoyed: "Director Cheng, you're really fast!"

This is the benefit of seeking investment!

Cheng Kainian laughed heartily: "President Zhang, how could I not be quick about your business? If you successfully establish the tea factory in Mou County, will my sales figures be less than yours?"

Zhang Yang laughed too: "I like people who are decisive and efficient. Director Cheng, our partnership will definitely be a good start..."

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