Chapter 140: Resorting to Other Means

An article discussing food quality at Feiteng Supermarket was posted on the homepage of Feiteng Search, where it was seen by countless residents of Yangcheng. As more people took notice of the article, the message at the end began to spread. It stated that if food poisoning was caused by products purchased at Feiteng Supermarket, the root cause should be investigated at the supplier level, as the suppliers behind the scenes provided goods not only to Feiteng Supermarket but to other locations as well.

In that moment, many people had an epiphany. Indeed, Feiteng Supermarket was merely a retailer; the true source of any potential issues lay with the suppliers.

Within two days, another article appeared. Written in an editorial tone, it listed the partners of Feiteng Supermarket, detailing their origins and development histories.

"Hey, have you seen that article on Feiteng Search? The one about Feiteng Supermarket?"
"I saw it, I saw it! I used to think articles were only for newspapers, but it turns out you can read them on that search engine too."
"It’s written with sound reasoning and evidence."
"It really is..."

One person recommended it to another, and Feiteng Search, which already enjoyed a solid reputation, began to soar in popularity through these mutual recommendations. In a subtle way, the impact of the food poisoning scandal on Feiteng Supermarket began to wane.

Just then, Zhao Fan launched an advertisement for his smartphones, explaining that they could use Feiteng Search just like a computer, provided the user downloaded a browser. The advertisement clearly outlined the process, and many who had already bought smartphones immediately attempted the download, while those who hadn't started to feel tempted. As a result, not only did smartphone sales climb, but the reach of Feiteng Search became increasingly widespread.

Jiang Ying took some time to visit Feiteng Company to meet with Zhao Fan.

"President Zhao, you are truly brilliant. That advertisement you made is absolutely masterful."

Jiang Ying considered himself capable, but when it came to promoting the phones, he had only thought of using television and newspapers. He hadn't expected Zhao Fan to step in and directly link the phones to his own company’s products. It was clear that from now on, whenever someone thought of Feiteng Search, they would inevitably be reminded of the smartphone.

"Seeking investment from you, President Zhao, must be the single best decision I’ve made in the past two years."

Zhao Fan smiled faintly. "Partnering with you, President Jiang, has also been a sound decision for me over these last two years."

One said "best," the other said "sound"—just from these words, the distinction between Jiang Ying and Zhao Fan was clear. Jiang Ying smiled at this, choosing to let the matter drop and instead brought up another topic.

"Regarding your father’s situation, I can help."

Zhao Fan lowered his eyes. "How do you intend to handle it?"
"I'll have the other party drop the lawsuit."
Zhao Fan sighed. "It won't be that easy."
"It may not be easy for you, President Zhao, but for me, it’s just a matter of saying a few words."

Zhao Fan narrowed his eyes. "What are your conditions?"

Jiang Ying sat on the desk with a grin. "As expected of President Zhao, you’re sharp. Invest more money in me."

Zhao Fan raised an eyebrow. "If I recall correctly, smartphones have been selling like hotcakes lately. Your company shouldn't be short on funds."

Jiang Ying’s expression suddenly turned grave. "We aren't short on money, but it’s not enough."
"What do you want to buy?"
"Do you remember what you said before, about keeping the key to manufacturing in our own hands?"

Zhao Fan’s eyes flickered. "I remember. Why, do you have a lead?"
Jiang Ying licked his lips. "I don't have a lead yet, but there’s an opportunity now."
"What kind of opportunity?"
"A way to acquire the machinery."
"You mean..."

"Foreign companies are also researching smartphones. Their progress isn't as fast as mine, but their phones are better. They know China is a massive market and have decided to expand here. I have a connection that would allow me to negotiate. If we can get our hands on that machinery and study it, our future progress will only accelerate."

Zhao Fan’s gaze sharpened. What Jiang Ying described was exactly what he wanted to see. As for the phone Jiang Ying mentioned, Zhao Fan knew which brand it was; in his previous life, that brand had also entered China. Relying on a powerful system and foreign manufacturing, it had built a reputation within a few months and spread with extreme speed. For years after that, no other mobile brand could rival it.

"President Jiang, we can’t keep calling them 'smartphones' forever, can we? How about a name?"

Jiang Ying, who was terrible at naming things, had simply called them "smartphones" from the start. Zhao Fan had expected him to change the name once they hit the market, but he had continued to use that term in his promotions. Now that they had a rival, the name had to be changed.

Jiang Ying rubbed his chin. "How about 'Water Drop'? Like the saying, 'constant dripping wears away the stone.' Yes, that works."
Zhao Fan: "..."

He didn't see the connection, but he liked the sentiment of persistence. "How much will it cost to buy the machinery you mentioned?"

Jiang Ying held up two fingers. Zhao Fan paused; it couldn't possibly be two million or twenty million. Could it be...

"Two hundred million?"

Jiang Ying nodded solemnly. "That machinery is the key to production. If we can secure it for two hundred million, we can earn countless two hundreds of millions in the future. What do you think?"

Zhao Fan’s mouth twitched. He didn't think much of it at all. Was Jiang Ying treating him like an ATM?

"The Jiang family in the capital shouldn't be short on that kind of money, should they?"

Jiang Ying waved a hand dismissively. "I am me, and the Jiang family in the capital is the Jiang family in the capital. You can't conflate the two."

Zhao Fan spoke bluntly. "Two hundred million is too much. Not to mention that all the projects under Feiteng are currently facing trouble; even if they weren't, I couldn't pull out that kind of capital."

With so many projects in the company, each one was in a stage of burning cash. Making money? That would only happen if they could survive the current situation first.

Jiang Ying leaned on the desk. "Countless two hundreds of millions in the future, President Zhao—are you not tempted?"
"I'm tempted, but I have no money."

Zhao Fan remained indifferent. No matter how tempted he was, no money meant no money.

"President Zhao..."
"No money."

Their eyes met. After a moment, Jiang Ying sighed and stepped back in defeat. "This is a golden opportunity. Are you really not moved at all?"
"No money."

Jiang Ying choked. "Can you say anything other than that?"
Zhao Fan remained expressionless. "No money."

After a thought, he added, "You said you could help; do that first. Maybe then I can sponsor you a bit."
"How much?"
Zhao Fan held up two fingers.
Jiang Ying: "Two hundred million?"
Zhao Fan scoffed. "You’re dreaming. Two million."
"One hundred million! Just one hundred million will do, President Zhao..."
"Even if you tore Feiteng Company apart and sold it by the pound, you wouldn't get that much."

Zhao Fan didn't want to entertain Jiang Ying anymore. He hadn't even solved his own problems, and Jiang was already asking for his cash. Bah!

"Alright, enough with the delusions. Go on, get out of here, don't disturb me while I'm dealing with—"
"I'll make the Du family back off, and you give me one hundred million."

Zhao Fan narrowed his eyes. "You'll keep your word?"
"I'll keep my word."

Zhao Fan reached out decisively. "Pleasure doing business with you."