KC | Chapter 82

Lan Hai gathered in the autumn colors, Chen Xi stirred the autumn sounds.

The first ray of morning sunlight shone on his face, and Chen Xi slowly opened his eyes. Thinking of the work he had to receive today, the exhausted body was instantly injected with fresh strength, every cell screaming wildly, radiating vitality from the inside out.

September 8, 2023, Aries love luck 5 stars, career luck 5 stars, money luck 5 stars.

When luck turned around, there had to be something good happening today!

The king of lying in bed quickly sat up from the bed, his speed almost like a thousand-year zongzi in a coffin suddenly coming back to life. Fresh air rushed into his heart and lungs, his eyes clear and bright, Chen Xi got out of bed, his steps light and strong.

After washing up and just arriving at Lan Hai, he received a text message: the figurine delivery had arrived.

Chen Xi held a jianbing in his mouth and sent a message to Sun Xingshun.

「晨曦：孙哥什么时间方便，一起喝咖啡呀？」

Since the first time he drank coffee, Shansheng paid 100,000 yuan each time, Chen Xi would go drink coffee with Sun Xingshun once, and “drink coffee” had become their coded phrase for meeting up to swallow back the kickbacks.

「事事顺利666：一会儿就来呗，早晨喝咖啡提神。」

Sun Xingshun talked about proper business for half a day and could not manage to reply with a single sentence, but when it came to drinking “coffee,” he was very active.

Chen Xi pulled up the Shine投放 plan that had long since been整理完毕, tucked the figurine under his arm, and went straight to Shine. The MacBook he had used with Wang Wei to revise the proposal was borrowed from Lin Yiran, and of course the briefcase was also given by Lin Yiran.

Wait until the weekend to ask Brother Lin to borrow a belt. When he made money later, he would slowly buy all these face-saving outfits.

Chen Xi carried the briefcase to the Science and Innovation Center, straightened his shirt, and walked into the coffee shop.

“Yo, Manager Chen is getting prettier and prettier.” Sun Xingshun greeted Chen Xi from the seat tucked in a corner of the coffee shop. His previous air of superiority had vanished without a trace. Now he was just a smiling tiger waiting to be fed, raised until he was fat and plump.

“Brother Sun is also glowing, haha.” Chen Xi smiled and sat down, but inside he spat up a mouthful of blood: you greasy, I greasy too, my life greasy I am not greasy heaven.

The two chatted casually about family matters for a few sentences. Chen Xi spread out the data and symbolically asked whether there were any points that needed improvement. After Sun Xingshun symbolically replied, they finally moved on to the main topic.

The mighty and domineering Jiraiya figurine box was placed on the table. There were traces of the packaging having been opened. Sun Xingshun shook the box twice and clearly heard a stack of things clicking inside.

The kickbacks were all given in cash, because transfers would leave traces.

The smiling tiger smiled until the corners of his eyes were full of wrinkles. He only mentioned the figurine and did not mention the money: “Brother, where did you get this Jiraiya? I wanted to buy one before but couldn’t get it!”

“I have a friend who likes collecting figurines. I originally wanted to ask him for a set of Hashirama, but he doesn’t have that either. When he has it someday, I’ll send it over to brother again, haha.” Hashirama was too expensive, your budget wasn’t enough, so just get a Jiraiya and make do with it.

“Haha, how could I accept that! Brother, that’s way too much trouble for you.”

A brotherhood formed by one figurine was probably not even as solid as the figurine itself. Shared interests were what could maintain a relationship.

The two of them called each other brother this and brother that, going back and forth for three or five sentences. Chen Xi slightly shifted the topic, “Brother, I’ve been a little short on performance recently. Could Brother Sun help me out?”

The coffee shop was bustling with people, and the atmosphere between the two was stiff and tense. Chen Xi suddenly thought of when he had drunk coffee with Lin Yiran before. Back then, he had spoken carefully, but now he could say anything.

Busy work filled life. Although they had barely contacted each other these past few days, whenever he saw something related to Lin Yiran, he would unconsciously think of him. Coffee shops, suits, briefcases, MacBooks… almost every work scene involved these things, and Chen Xi would spare a few seconds for that unloved, nameless laborer boyfriend of his.

Sun Xingshun took the figurine but did not open the box. Since he had accepted the favor, his tone became tactful: “Brother, if you’re short on performance, Shine can increase the advertising budget a bit more at the end of the quarter and help you push consumption.” Signing a framework agreement would mean being firmly tied down by Lan Hai. No wonder he gave gifts, so he was digging a pit for me.

Chen Xi spoke earnestly, and everything he said sounded completely like he was thinking for Shine: “Brother Sun, what you said is really considerate, but if we force consumption without any rebate, that’s not appropriate either. It would be better to sign a framework agreement.” If we don’t sign a framework agreement, I won’t get the payment back, I won’t get the incentive, and there is also the risk of them escaping at any time. The account is doing pretty well now, so we should strike while the iron is hot and tie it down directly.

Sun Xingshun did not know how to refute Chen Xi’s face. He temporarily used delaying tactics, took a sip of coffee, and said, “I’ll think about this matter.”

Chen Xi smiled. “Shine’s placement has been running for almost two months now, and the account is basically stable. Brother Sun might as well speak plainly if you have something to say. If we don’t sign a framework agreement, are there other concerns?”

First attack sentiment, then attack profit, the gift and favor had already been given properly, and now only profit remained.

Chen Xi had already suffered from being too eager to succeed two months ago. This time, compared with before when he had been unable to stay calm, he was a bit more steady during negotiations. Talking about rebates was a process of checks and balances and game theory between both sides. Sun Xingshun was a smiling tiger and a greedy snake. Whatever number Chen Xi casually said, he would definitely feel it was not enough. Chen Xi used the relationship to keep Sun Xingshun hanging, just so he would say it himself.

Sun Xingshun lowered his head to drink coffee and did not make a sound the whole time. When the client did not speak, the vendor had to open his mouth.

Successful experience could be copied. Just as Chen Xi had handled Xu Dongxu last week, this week he would handle Sun Xingshun the same way: “We’ve known each other for over a year, and I’ve never treated Shine badly. Just now you said you’d help me push performance, and I was really touched. Our brotherly feelings are here, so Brother Sun might as well point me toward a clear path. Does Shine have a chance to sign a yearly framework?”

After Chen Xi finished this passage, he put the iPad into the briefcase, then wiped the spilled coffee with a napkin. He made a lot of random little movements and just did not speak.

As time passed, Sun Xingshun became a little unable to hold on. After thinking for a while, he finally told the truth: “There is a chance to sign, but the policy has to be given properly, otherwise I can’t explain it to the boss.”

Chen Xi continued asking, “How much counts as proper?”

“The points given by other channels are definitely higher than yours. Lan Hai’s advantage is that the account is stable. I just went over data with Chen Bin this morning. The benchmark line where you don’t give rebates now should be lower than other channels, so you have an advantage. But the framework definitely can’t be signed for one year, because right now we all can’t say for sure whether the account will have changes.”

Chen Xi smiled. “Brother Sun is speaking reasonably. The premise of our cooperation is knowing each other inside and out. During these days, thank you very much for Brother Sun’s support. Don’t worry, whether we sign the framework or not, it won’t affect the feelings between us, the part that affects you.”

While relationships were important, the client would not do business without profit. What kind of feelings did I have with you? All you cared about was “your part,” and I would use “your part” to balance against you.

Sun Xingshun was hit right in the backbone. The smiling tiger收了笑, leaned closer to Chen Xi, and said in a low voice, “If you want to sign a framework, we can do a full-year contract, settled according to quarterly rebates, with a tiered framework of 10 million returning 10%, 8 million returning 8%, and 5 million returning 5%. I can discuss this policy with the boss, but just like you said, the premise of cooperation is that our ‘feelings’ can’t change.”

Last week, while doing bed exercise, Chen Xi took the time to ask his leader for instructions on Shine’s rebate policy. The upper limit was 10 million annual consumption returning 15%, which was higher than what Sun Xingshun had said.

Heh, this greedy snake was really thinking about our “feelings.”

The relationship was made more than enough. Chen Xi was not coy either. He used coffee in place of wine and clinked his cup with Sun Xingshun. He drained the coffee in one gulp, forcefully holding back the bitterness as he spoke, “Brother Sun, this policy you want is indeed a bit high, but don’t worry, I will definitely do my best to fight for it. You talk with the boss first, and I will wait for your news.”

Sun Xingshun shook hands with him and laughed loudly. “Brother, you’re straightforward, you work with a snap. I’ll go back and discuss it with the boss. If there’s no problem, you can draft the contract, and we can get this settled as soon as possible. It’ll also be easier for us to drink a few more cups of coffee in the future.”

“Yes, yes. Next time if Brother Sun arrives early, you can order me one with extra sugar. I really can’t stand it without sugar.”

“Haha, if you gulp down a cup in one go, no matter how much sugar you add it’ll still be bitter. Next time come to the company to find me, and I’ll treat you to the new product our R&D developed. Ah, not the previous new product, that one was too sour, way too inhuman.” Remembering the lemon starfruit water he had brought Chen Xi two months ago, Sun Xingshun felt a little embarrassed.

The two chatted a few more times and happily ended the morning tea.

When someone was happy, everything felt bright. Although it was now lunch time and he had only eaten half a jianbing in the morning, Chen Xi felt no hunger at all. The scenery on the street seemed more beautiful than usual, and the smiles of passersby were also brighter.

After Chen Xi left the Science and Innovation Center, he was just about to take the subway back to Lan Hai when he received a message from Xu Dongxu.

「旭日东升：兄弟，一会儿如果方便可以来古林，王哥看了澜海的方案，说要见你。」

I fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, ε＝ε＝ε＝(#>д

Wang Yaohua wanted to see me, that fat guy actually fucking took the initiative to ask me out!

He had thought he would have to wait three to five days for Brother Lin’s news, but he had not expected happiness to come so suddenly. Today was absolutely an Aries day worthy of going down in history!

「晨曦：谢谢徐哥，我半小时就到，抱拳.jpg」

At noon, sunlight spilled across Yu City. On the bustling commercial street with crowds packed thickly together, Chen Xi stood at the main entrance of Gulin in a neatly tailored British suit, gazing into the distance.

He had drunk ice for months and still found it hard to cool his boiling blood. The blazing sun plated a layer of gold over the warriors who marched forward bravely, slicing through the noisy crowd, every step firm and powerful.

Chen Xi pushed open the door and opened the third battle against a key client.

Xu Dongxu stood at the stairwell on the second floor waiting for Chen Xi. After a few simple greetings, they walked together toward Wang Yaohua’s office.

Before the matter was settled, they could not say anything about the gifts, and Gulin had surveillance. A framework worth tens of millions was not a small amount, so they had to know how to avoid suspicion.

Wang Yaohua was wearing a Tang suit and was fiddling with the tea set. He was still kind, smiling so warmly that he looked very simple and honest.

“Long time no see, Xiao Chen. You added me on WeChat and still don’t talk to me. If I hadn’t come looking for you, I would’ve thought you forgot me.”

Σ(⊙▽⊙”a Was Wang Yaohua taking the wrong medicine or not taking any medicine at all, suddenly being so polite to me. Although he had prepared five opening lines, not a single one was used. Every time he opened, he could always surprise me. Truly worthy of you.

“President Wang is too kind. I just saw that you’re busy, and I was afraid of disturbing you, so I didn’t talk to you.” Running around traveling every day, I really was afraid of ruining your good mood.

“Brother Wang really is busy. This time he also came back to Yu City because of the decoration industry summit. After talking with you today, he’ll leave tomorrow.” Xu Dongxu sat down and helped Wang Yaohua arrange the tea set.

Chen Xi followed and sat down. He did not understand tea etiquette, but he understood the riddle hidden in the other party’s words.

Last time I went over Wang Yaohua’s head to find him, he put on false flattery. This time Wang Yaohua’s opening meant, “I didn’t contact him,” pulling me out of it and handing the authority over to Xu Dongxu.

Xu Dongxu understood what he meant, knew that I was obedient and stayed in my place, and only after confirming the “brotherly feelings” did he take the initiative to pass the message: President Wang is leaving tomorrow, this is your last chance, treasure it.

This fat guy called Xu Dongxu brother and brother, but in reality he controlled people like crazy. Xu Dongxu was a person of true temperament. The more power he was given, the harder he would work. His wooden head would never be able to turn like Wang Yaohua’s. He was born to be a wage earner.

“Thank you, President Wang, for treating me to tea, and thank you for your time.” Chen Xi smiled with his eyes and began calmly.

“Ah, don’t listen to Xiao Xu’s nonsense, I’m a free man. I usually like to wander around everywhere, and what I lack most is time.” Wang Yaohua offered tea and said with a smiling face, “I’m old now and my brain isn’t very good. Yesterday morning, the president of the Yu City Decoration Association mentioned Lan Hai to me, and I couldn’t remember it right away. In the evening, Minister Li from the provincial construction industry also mentioned Lan Hai to me, and only then did I finally remember that you were the one who found me through the tax channel a month ago.”

When Xu Dongxu heard this, his hand trembled, and the tea almost splashed out of the cup. He thought to himself: Young man, I really couldn’t tell, your background is rock solid. Looks like I still have to get along with you properly, who knows what brotherhood I might need in the future.

Only now did this miserable worker know just how awesome he himself was. Chen Xi took a sip of tea and spoke gently, “President Wang knows so many people. I am just a student who has just arrived here, and I still have to learn from you in the future.”

Help me, where did Brother Lin pull out so many people from, turning me into an octopus with people in the tax channel, decoration association, and construction side.

“Haha, Xiao Chen is too modest. I looked over Lan Hai’s proposal this time, and it was done well, exactly what I wanted.”

A people-connected expert who had seen a little wind and waves tried hard to keep his face calm and continued to play along: “Lan Hai’s proposal was made by combining the overall market of the decoration industry. President Wang being able to recognize our proposal shows that you understand the market and your thinking can lead the industry.”

Xu Dongxu’s cheeks twitched slightly when he heard this. Wang Yaohua put down the teacup and said, “Right now the decoration industry market is mixed with good and bad. A lot of contractors set up small companies and use low prices to disrupt the market. There are also many decoration companies from the same period as Gulin that imitate the old path Gulin took when it made a name for itself with ‘Huizhou craftsmanship,’ constantly promoting their construction techniques and the level of their designers. There are also companies larger than Gulin that regularly hold promotional activities to drive sales…”

“I’ve always wanted to use a different concept from ‘Huizhou Decoration’ to open up the market, taking a path different from every other decoration company, so that Gulin can, among the many decoration enterprises, be like an ancient tree that flourishes with branches and leaves and lasts forever.”

Gulin was Wang Yaohua’s life’s work, his pride.

When an entrepreneur worth over a hundred million poured out his ambitions without reservation, it meant the other party had gained his recognition.

Dozens of sleepless nights, hundreds of sarcastic remarks, he had never thought of giving up; 36 face-to-face meetings, 4 proposal revisions, countless late-night readings, he had never retreated.

With one burst of courage, Chen Xi turned the impossible into possible and successfully reversed the defeat.

Key client, three battles, bitter first, sweet later.