pdf-ebookys Chapter 563 Cannot be refunded
Chapter 563 Cannot be refunded
It was already 3 p.m. when Li Xiangyang returned to the county town. Instead of rushing back to the factory, he went to the bank first.
He needed to assess his financial situation to prepare for a potential acquisition. The bank manager warmly received him and provided a detailed explanation of the various loan services available.
"Mr. Li, given your factory's current operating situation, we can provide a credit loan of up to 500,000 yuan," the bank manager said, adjusting his glasses. "The interest rate will also be the most favorable."
"Not for now," Li Xiangyang politely declined. "But I'd like to know, if there's collateral, how much can I borrow?"
“That depends on the value of the collateral,” the bank manager said, pulling out a calculator. “Generally, we lend up to 70% of the appraised value.”
After leaving the bank, Li Xiangyang went to the county's Administration for Industry and Commerce. He wanted to learn about the relevant procedures for transferring a business.
"Business transfer? The procedures aren't complicated," the clerk at the Industry and Commerce Bureau explained enthusiastically. "The main thing is to settle debts and then complete the business registration change."
"What if the transfer is forced due to debt problems?"
"That's even simpler; all you need is a court ruling."
Leaving the Industry and Commerce Bureau, Li Xiangyang's plan became clearer. Now it all depended on whether Jinyuan Industrial could hold out until the 15th of next month.
Back at the factory, Ma Qingfu hurriedly came to greet him.
"Xiangyang, you're finally back!" Ma Qingfu's face beamed with joy. "The purchasing point just reported that they collected over 30,000 jin of mountain produce today, double the amount from yesterday!"
Li Xiangyang nodded; this was within his expectations. With the price increased, the villagers were naturally more willing to sell to them.
"Any movement from Jinyuan?"
"Yes!" Ma Qingfu lowered his voice, "I heard their boss, Zhao Mingyuan, went to several banks today, but was rejected by all of them."
As they were talking, Wang Ergou rushed over.
"Xiangyang, something terrible has happened!" Wang Ergou said breathlessly. "People from Jinyuan are spreading rumors in our village that our factory is about to go bankrupt and telling the villagers to stop supplying us."
Li Xiangyang frowned: "What exactly did they say?"
"They say our factory has quality problems, and that our products are toxic," Wang Ergou said indignantly. "Isn't that utter nonsense!"
Ma Qingfu was also anxious: "This can't go on. If the villagers actually believe it, our supply will be cut off."
Li Xiangyang thought calmly for a moment and said, "Ergou, go back to the village immediately and gather the villagers. I will personally go and clarify these rumors."
"What about the factory here?"
"I'll handle things at the factory," Li Xiangyang said, turning to Ma Qingfu. "Fatty, you notify all the purchasing points to continue offering high prices."
Ma Qingfu clicked his tongue in astonishment: "Xiangyang, if this continues, the costs will be extremely high."
"Now is not the time to consider costs," Li Xiangyang said firmly. "It's either win or die. There is no third way."
At 7 p.m., the village committee office of Xiaoliang Village was packed with people.
Li Xiangyang stood at the front, looking around at the familiar faces of his fellow villagers.
"Uncles, elders, brothers, and sisters, I've called you all here today to clarify some things," Li Xiangyang said bluntly. "Some people are spreading rumors in the village that our factory is going to go bankrupt and that our products have quality problems."
A murmur of discussion immediately arose from the audience.
"Xiangyang, is this true?" an old man asked worriedly.
“Of course not.” Li Xiangyang produced a document. “This is our factory’s recently passed quality inspection report, and also our business license; both are valid.”
Village Party Secretary Zhang stood up: "Folks, I've watched Xiangyang grow up since he was a child. He wouldn't lie to us. Besides, we sell him our mountain produce for a higher price than others, and we always settle accounts in cash; we've never been late with payment."
“Exactly!” an older woman chimed in. “My family earned over a thousand yuan this year just from selling mushrooms, all thanks to Xiangyang.”
"Me too. My son got married last year, and we almost didn't have enough money for the banquet. We were so grateful to Xiangyang for buying our medicinal herbs."
Seeing the villagers' unanimous support, Li Xiangyang was deeply moved: "Fellow villagers, thank you for your trust. I assure you, as long as I, Li Xiangyang, am alive, I will not let those who trust me suffer."
After the meeting, Li Xiangyang was about to go home when Old Party Secretary Zhang stopped him.
"Xiangyang, come with me."
The two arrived at the village secretary's house. The old village secretary, Zhang, closed the door and looked serious.
"Xiangyang, I went to the county today to find out what's going on," Old Party Secretary Zhang poured two cups of tea. "Your competitor is no ordinary person."
Li Xiangyang's heart tightened: "What did you find out?"
“Their main business has always been in the construction industry. You have to understand, being able to work in this industry means they have really strong connections. If their main business weren't temporarily unable to collect payments, they wouldn't be short of funds,” Old Party Secretary Zhang said earnestly. “Xiangyang, sometimes knowing when to back down isn't a bad thing.”
Li Xiangyang was silent for a moment, then firmly shook his head: "Secretary, I understand your good intentions. But I can't back out on this."
"Why?"
“Because if I quit, it’s not just me who will suffer,” Li Xiangyang said, looking at the village secretary. “What will happen to the workers in the factory? What will happen to the villagers who rely on selling local produce for a living? And what about the county’s projects? If someone like him gets his hands on them, what good will he do?”
Old Party Secretary Zhang gave Li Xiangyang a deep look, and finally nodded.
“Since you’ve made your decision, I won’t say any more,” Old Party Secretary Zhang stood up. “But you must remember, courage alone is not enough; you also need wisdom.”
What do you mean?
"When you need to bow your head, bow your head; when you need to act, act swiftly and decisively." Old Party Secretary Zhang patted Li Xiangyang on the shoulder. "Also, having more friends makes life easier."
It was late at night when Li Xiangyang left the village secretary's house. Instead of going straight home, he wandered around the village.
The past few days of competition had given him a deeper understanding of his opponent. Zhao Mingyuan wasn't the kind of nouveau riche who just threw money around; he was a businessman with resources and connections. But the more this was the case, the less Li Xiangyang could back down.
The next morning, Wang Ergou rushed over.
"Xiangyang, something's happened!" Wang Ergou's face was grim. "Our purchasing point in town has been vandalized!"
Li Xiangyang's heart sank: "When did this happen?"
"Around 11 p.m. last night," Wang Ergou said indignantly. "Those people, their faces covered, smashed the doors and windows with sticks and trampled all the mountain produce we'd collected on the ground."
"Is anyone injured?"
"Xiao Liu got hit a few times, but it wasn't serious," Wang Ergou said through gritted teeth. "Xiangyang, this can't just be left like this!"
Li Xiangyang thought calmly. The fact that the other side had finally started to make a move meant that their strategy was working.
"Ergou, go to town right away. I'll pay for Xiao Liu's medical treatment," Li Xiangyang patted Wang Ergou on the shoulder. "Also, hire two more people to watch over the purchasing point."
"So we're just going to call it quits?"
“Of course not.” A cold glint flashed in Li Xiangyang’s eyes. “But we can’t use their methods.”