Chapter 293: Chapter 293: Confrontation and Collision
'Have another bowl!' Huang Jingping walked Feng Yiping to the door.
'There's no time, we'll talk when we get there. If you're bored at home, go out for a walk.' Feng Yiping hugged Huang Jingping, 'I'll call you if I can't come back tonight.'
Feng Yiping hurried to the provincial capital. If he could really persuade Jin Ling to come with him, it would save a lot of trouble. It was hard to find someone as rare as her, and the same was true of talent. Zhou Xinyu had said that Jin Ling was planning to travel around to relax, and then she planned to go abroad or to a big city to join a foreign company. If they didn't come to an agreement today, she probably wouldn't stay.
On Saturday, there were fewer cars on the road, so Feng Yiping drove as fast as he dared without compromising safety. It took less than two hours to get to the provincial capital, and then he found the coffee shop on the Bund.
The coffee shop was in an old Republican-era building next to the Bund. It wasn't a chain like UBC, which has expanded rapidly in major commercial centres in recent years, but it was more authentic and had more character. It seemed like both Zhou Xinyu and Jin Ling liked this kind of place.
As soon as he entered the door, he saw Zhou Xinyu waving at him from a four-seat table by the window. The coffee cup in front of him was already empty, and it looked like he had been waiting for a while.
'I haven't seen you in the past two months, but you look even more impressive than before!' Feng Yiping said teasingly as he sat down. Zhou Xinyu's outfit today, although casual, showed that he had put a lot of thought into it.
'It's an important occasion!' Zhou Xinyu was also used to Feng Yiping's teasing, and weakly argued back.
Looking at the watch, there was still nearly half an hour to go. The bowl of rice he had eaten had been digested almost completely on the way here. Feng Yiping ordered a piece of tiramisu and a piece of plain cheesecake. These delicate things could not fill an empty stomach, so they would just be a snack.
'Do you think it is possible for us to recruit this person?'
'What method do you want to use?'
'It seems that we can only rely on the tactic of like-minded people.' This was the strategy Feng Yiping had long since thought of.
Jin Ling of course also wants money, but this is not the strongest motivation. Analysing her background and energy, she should be a woman who is pursuing a career. If she can feel that she has met a kindred spirit, there is still hope for this.
'That's why I really want you to come in person. I also think you can talk to her on the same wavelength. Today you're the main speaker, and I'll just be there to help you out.'
Zhou Xinyu had a positive attitude. He had a clear understanding of himself. His strength was his strong execution. If he were the only one working on it, he would be exhausted and still not be able to get everything done as planned. Jia now urgently needed someone like Jin Ling who could oversee the whole situation and was professionally qualified.
There were ten minutes to go before half past two. Jin Ling, wearing a black wrap skirt, a burgundy bow-tie slim-fit silk blouse, clutching a small bag, and a matching white blazer, sunglasses, and high heels, stomped over to the group of men, who were watching her, and she arrived early.
'Hello, Mr Jin, this is the legal representative of Youjia I told you about, Feng Yiping.'
Feng Yiping wiped his mouth with a tissue, stood up and extended his hand to her, 'Hello, Feng Yiping!'
Jin Ling gave a perfunctory shake, not unlike the way a national leader might shake the hands of a large group of people. Without saying a word, she sat down across from him, removed her sunglasses, and told the waiter standing nearby, 'A cup of hand-ground coffee.'
Only then did Feng Yiping see her in her entirety, and he smiled at Zhou Xinyu. No wonder he was dressed so elegantly today!
There was still half of the cheesecake left, and Feng Yiping didn't want to waste it. 'Sorry, I was in a hurry at lunch and haven't eaten yet, so I'll just have a little something to tide me over.'
Jin Ling didn't say anything, and Feng Yiping didn't wait for her response, either. He just ate on his own, watching her and Zhou Xinyu chat in a nonchalant manner.
In fact, why do we always feel stressed and unhappy?
For the average person, apart from the very real pressures of work and life, a very important reason is that we always have to accommodate others: the boss, the supervisor, colleagues, parents, wife and children...
There's even the taxi driver on the road, or the vehicles that cut you off, the cleaning lady sweeping the elevator and corridor, and the delivery boy who doesn't want to go upstairs.
Jin Ling, of course, does not have to accommodate Feng Yiping and Zhou Xinyu. After being reborn, Feng Yiping has laid the groundwork and now has some capital to not accommodate others.
He hurriedly rushed from the city to the province without even finishing his meal, which was already an accommodation. Now that Jin Ling is acting so arrogant, Feng Yiping decides that he should just enjoy himself and leisurely finish the cake.
In fact, Jin Ling was also patient. When she really saw Feng Yiping, she still couldn't quite believe it. There were quite a few student entrepreneurs in the United States, but they were mainly college students. Could a big boy who liked sweets really be the person behind the scenes as Zhou Xinyu said?
'President Zhou has repeatedly told me that from the establishment of Yajia to the formulation of various systems and various plans, they all came from you. Is that really the case?' She sat upright, looking Feng Yiping straight in the eye, her long maroon hair motionless
'A cup of original coffee,' Feng Yiping said to the waiter.
'Why does President Jin like this industry? Convenience stores have developed well in Europe and the United States, but the ones entering the Chinese market in a big way are still the hypermarkets. Why would President Jin like such a small business?'
Feng Yiping didn't directly answer her question, but instead asked a question in return. He also wanted to know if Jin Ling's decision to do Jiamei was her own idea or just a choice after weighing the pros and cons.
'Since President Zhou praised your vision so much, why don't you go to big cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen to develop now? Why don't you go to the economically developed cities along the coast, but choose to test the water in an inland province like ours?' Jin Ling also didn't answer but asked a question in return.
'Because the initial stage is the most crucial. We need to get used to each other, train the team, and identify our own problems. After optimising the process to the best, formulating a sound system, and training the team..., after perfecting all these internal skills, we can go wherever we want. Go, or not go, those cities will always be there waiting.' Feng Yiping took a sip of the bittersweet original coffee and answered Jin Ling's question.
'Moreover, inland provinces like ours are economically underdeveloped, but have a high population density,' Feng Yiping added.
'Because convenience stores are the closest to consumers, the "last mile", with social and economic development, there is broad scope for development, and at the same time, low investment, which can drive more employment.' Jin Ling also answered Feng Yiping's question.
'What is the ideal model of convenience store in your mind?' Feng Yiping asked another question.
'A community retail node that integrates online and offline shopping.' Jin Ling succinctly expressed her thoughts. Online shopping is definitely a new concept in China, but in the United States, the now-famous Amazon and eBay have already been established for several years.
'It can also integrate convenient financial services such as ticketing, printing, and collecting utility bills,' Zhou Xinyu finally chimed in.
'Is the model the same in different regions and cities?' Jin Ling asked Feng Yiping.
From her words, it was clear that she definitely did not agree with a single model. "In big cities, small stores will be the mainstay, and in county-level cities, when the time is ripe, large self-service supermarkets can be developed." Twenty years later, even in the most remote and underdeveloped counties, there will always be a few supermarkets, and they are doing quite well. They can't even be called chains, and the prices and service are average. This is also an opportunity.
At this point, Jin Ling finally nodded and said to Zhou Xinyu, 'I believe what you say now.'
It was clear that she was actually affirming Feng Yiping.
'Relying on these networks, I am going to set up another logistics company next, focusing on express delivery. This is a market with huge potential for development, and express delivery will also complement and help our future online business.'
Feng Yiping's words once again struck at the heart of Jin Ling's itch. FedEx (Federal Express) and UPS (United Parcel Service) in the United States are the two earliest established, largest and most profitable companies in the world. They are currently expanding worldwide, while domestically, only some regional companies with weak assets and irregular management are venturing into this industry.
'This idea is also included in the medium-term plan I have formulated for Jiamei.'
'Finally, I see you, comrade!' Feng Yiping once again extended his hand.
Jin Ling smiled, and the iceberg melted, instantly giving birth to a myriad of charms, leaving Zhou Xinyu stunned.
She reached out and shook Feng Yiping's hand, a firm handshake this time, and then couldn't let go. Feng Yiping held her hand tightly, looking at her eagerly, and told her in a preaching or pyramid scheme tone, 'Join Youjia, unite under this common aspiration, let's create a career, and let the Youjia banner be planted in every corner of the world!'
His words were very affectionate, loud and a little nervous. Many people in the surrounding seats looked over, and Jin Ling revealed some bashful expression for the first time, coughed and gestured towards the hand that Feng Yiping was still holding tightly.
'Sorry, I met a kindred spirit and got a little excited.' Feng Yiping was of course doing it on purpose, too. Jin Ling would definitely not do something that would quickly bring the two sides closer together, so he would have to do it.
'We've also heard that Jiamei has undergone some restructuring under your leadership, but we all believe that these changes can only be a temporary phenomenon and will not last. In state-owned enterprises nowadays, there are fewer people like you who want to make a difference and more people who want to make a profit for themselves. This is not a problem with individuals, it's a problem with the system. Instead of wasting energy on pointless struggles, it's better to come to Jiamei, where things are simple and clean and you can do your best.'
Jin Ling lifted her glass and took a sip, but still didn't say anything, meaning that you continue.
'We are preparing to set up a company in the capital to be fully responsible for the development of the northern market. We are currently looking for a director. I wonder if you, General Jin, would be willing to take the job? Don't worry, we will not interfere with anything from the selection of personnel to the actual work. We will give you the greatest freedom. How about it? Are you interested?'
Feng Yiping understood Jin Ling's concerns very well. Whether from her father's perspective or from her work experience at the provincial company Jiamei, she was not a good fit for a job in the province.
'Of course, new employees still need to learn about Jiamei's existing systems and processes,' Zhou Xinyu interjected.
'I can think about it,' Jin Ling gave a very vague reply. She was inclined to accept it in her heart. People like her could not easily tolerate failure. It was all about getting up where you fall down. Besides, she did have a positive view of the convenience store industry, and this was the first time she had met someone like Feng Yiping, who saw the industry so clearly.
'What's there to think about? Let's just make this decision happily!' Feng Yiping looked at her with enthusiasm, once again extending his hand to her. His hand hung in the air for several tens of seconds, and the expression on his face remained the same. When it finally came to a standstill, Jin Ling finally reached out her hand. "Good!' ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom
Feng Yiping glanced at Zhou Xinyu, who immediately put his hand up as well. "Let's work together!'
Finally, they had succeeded. Feng Yiping felt hungry as soon as he relaxed. 'Let's find somewhere to eat. This past hour has been more exhausting than the three exams I took!'
'Haha!' This was another way of complimenting Jin Ling, and she cheerfully agreed with a smile, 'Sure!'
When they arrived at the parking lot, Jin Ling saw Feng Yiping's car and her eyes lit up. 'Can I make one more request? Give me this car.'
Indeed, people with a strong sense of professionalism like things that have power.
'No,' Feng Yiping refused without hesitation, and before she could turn pale, he added, 'If you really like it, I'll buy you a new one!'
Zhou Xinyu, who was standing nearby, secretly gave Feng Yiping a thumbs-up.
This attitude made Jin Ling very happy. She asked Feng Yiping for the keys and said, 'We'll take turns driving. You follow me.'
She drove a silver-grey Z4. To be honest, Feng Yiping thought the car was very feminine. However, there was no choice now. They had just persuaded the person to come over, and the contract had not yet been signed. He could only accommodate her once again.