Chapter 4

Wu Di spent the weekend in a state of anxiety and uncertainty. On Sunday afternoon, he went to the bank and withdrew his entire savings, a total of 100,000 yuan, which only filled half of a file bag.

At 9:30 on Monday, Wu Di rushed to the infrastructure department. Old Yuan had just started work and was cleaning. Seeing Wu Di, he was not surprised and gestured for him to sit down, then continued to wipe the table leisurely. Wu Di tried to take the cloth from him a couple of times but failed, so he sat down.

Old Yuan casually threw the cloth into a basin, went outside to wash his hands, and came back with a smile.

"Xiao Wu, you're quite diligent. But it won't help to come to me. The proper bidding procedure must be followed, and the final decision is made at the factory manager's meeting. I'm just a worker."

"Hehe, Uncle Yuan, I can't find anyone else to help. I have to trouble you. My parents both worked in state-owned factories, so I know how complicated things can be. Many people want to get involved in a project, and there are constant requests. It's indeed difficult for you."

"You know it's difficult for me, yet you still come to trouble me? Young man, you're not being fair."

"Uncle Yuan, I come from a poor family. My parents always taught me to be content and grateful. Since I was young, I've been especially grateful to those who gave me opportunities and help. I had a client who said I wasn't suitable for sales because I was too honest, but I didn't agree. If I don't do sales, I can't change my fate. Besides, who says honest people can't do sales? Honest people keep their promises and are reliable in this society. It's reassuring to deal with honest people."

"Yes, I can see you're an honest person. But honest people often suffer. We work hard for the factory all our lives, but when we're old, we can't even help our daughters go abroad. A few people said they could help, but how could I agree? I can't help others much, so I just have to bear it honestly."

Old Yuan looked at Wu Di with a half-smile and laid out his conditions.

"Uncle Yuan, I can't help with this. I won't lie to you. But before I came, our boss told me to handle this project, with his support. Here's what I'm thinking: if the equipment can be sold for 2 million yuan, I have prepared 400,000 yuan for you. Uncle Yuan, please don't refuse. Let me explain. I know you don't need the money, and I wouldn't dare to taint your eyes with such things, but this is how society works now. You have a group of people who depend on you, and there are leaders above you. If I want this contract, I can't make things difficult for you, right?"

"Xiao Wu, our generation is different from yours..."

"Uncle Yuan, it's okay. Everyone has their way of living. Don't put too much pressure on yourself; your health is important."

"Thank you, Xiao Wu. I didn't expect you to be so good at talking. Next time someone says you can't do sales, I'll criticize them for you."

"Thank you, thank you, Uncle Yuan. I'll leave now and call you later. Here's a little something, I'll leave it here."

Wu Di placed the handbag containing samples at the foot of the table. Inside was a file bag with all his savings.

"Hey, young man, how can I take your things? Take them back. If you keep this up, I won't let you bid. Don't run away..."

Wu Di darted out of the office, excitedly waving his fist. His fate now depended on the next two hours. He took his phone and wandered to a quiet street, lit a cigarette, and began to wait.

Ten minutes, twenty minutes, twenty-five minutes, the phone rang. As expected, it was Old Yuan. Wu Di clenched his fist in excitement and answered the call.

Old Yuan's voice sounded a bit helpless.

"Xiao Wu, come back and take it! You're making me do something wrong. Your father moved such a big factory for peace of mind, but you're trying to drag me into trouble."

"Uncle Yuan, times have changed. I don't want you to be like my father, who was criticized by his subordinates. Don't worry, I know my limits, and no more than three people will know."

There was a silence on the phone, and after ten seconds, a sigh came through.

"Let's have dinner together tonight. There's a Sichuan restaurant in Majiabao. I finish work at 5:30. You book a private room first."

"Okay, Uncle Yuan. I'll go there first, and you can come after work."

Old Yuan sighed again and hung up. Wu Di jumped up in excitement, no longer in the mood to work on the project. He called his manager to take a sick leave and went home directly.

At 6:00 PM, Wu Di waited for Old Yuan. As soon as Old Yuan entered the private room, he pointed at Wu Di and said:

"You..."

Wu Di chuckled and asked:

"Uncle Yuan, what would you like to order?"

"Get some stir-fried pork, braised pork with preserved vegetables, and stir-fried peas. Bring a large cola."

"Nothing to drink?"

"No, I'm driving. Xiao Wu, since it's like this, you handle it. You have experience with this. What do you think we should do next?"

"Uncle Yuan, there are probably about ten manufacturers chasing this contract, right?"

"Yes, a few are very persistent."

"Does our factory have a designated bidding company?"

"Yes, First Bid and Second Bid."

"Then let's follow the normal procedure. Can I write the tender document?"

"Probably not. The engineering department has already done most of the work."

"No problem. Let them write it. We can create some obstacles for the other manufacturers. I'll have my brother represent other manufacturers to sign up, ensuring that the bidders are all our people, and we can control the process."

Old Yuan thought for a moment, nodded, and asked:

"How much do you plan to bid?"

"Less than 2 million yuan. This way, you can report it easily. I'll fulfill my promise after receiving the payment."

"We'll see. Prepare the manufacturers and have them send their documents as soon as possible."

"Okay, Uncle Yuan. The person representing the bid won't be me, and I won't show up later. We'll communicate by phone."

"Alright."

The dinner was enjoyable for both host and guest.

Lying in bed, Wu Di called Zhao Hao Ran, asking him to quickly find three manufacturers to submit documents to the Second Machine Factory. Then he hugged the book with no words and fell into a sweet dream.

For the next two weeks, Wu Di was in a state of excitement. He and Old Yuan did not contact each other again. Until a Saturday in mid-May, he received a call from Old Yuan, informing him that the tender documents would be sold starting the following Monday and ending on Friday.

After the call, Wu Di completely relaxed. He had a feeling that his life would change from this call, and his future would be colorful.