Chapter 51: No Contracting, I Want to Invest

"Contracting Huachrun Industry?" Chen Geng's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly.

"What? Haven't thought about it?" Liu Qianjin asked.

Hesitating for a moment, Chen Geng finally nodded and said frankly, "To be honest, I have."

Hearing Chen Geng's response, Song Junwei's eyes immediately lit up: It's not a problem that you've thought about it; the problem would be if you hadn't. If you want to make money, that's good.

Liu Qianjin smiled silently, not surprised by Chen Geng's response. When Shen Jianhua had urged him to contract the Third Industry Office, hadn't this kid also had that half-dead, half-alive look? Nodding, he asked, "So, what are you thinking?" Without waiting for Chen Geng to answer, Liu Qianjin added, "Just say what you're thinking, don't have any reservations."

Chen Geng, of course, wouldn't be polite with him, and said frankly, "To be honest, if it weren't for this large-scale military downsizing, I was planning to contract the Third Industry Office after a while. But now that this has happened, I'm a bit hesitant..."

Chen Geng didn't say what he was thinking, but Liu Qianjin said it for him, "You're afraid people will say you're taking advantage of the factory's crisis, right?"

"Yes," Chen Geng nodded.

There was nothing wrong with admitting it; he indeed thought that way, and if he did this now, people would certainly say it in the future.

Liu Qianjin fell silent. Although he had always known that Chen Geng had big ambitions, he only realized today just how big they were. The problem was, Chen Geng had reservations about contracting Huachrun Industry, but what if he contracted the Jiangnan Provincial Military District Vehicle Repair Factory instead? Conversely, without Chen Geng, would Huachrun Industry still be Huachrun Industry?

The answer to this question was clear: Huachrun Industry was now propped up by Chen Geng alone. Without him, Huachrun Industry would be like a castle on the sand, and a single wave would wash it all away.

So, the core principle was only one: absolutely cannot let this kid leave!

After hesitating for a long time, Liu Qianjin asked, "Then, when you authorized the Third Industry Office to use the technology for modifying the 212 Jeep's suspension and chassis, what were you thinking?"

As soon as Liu Qianjin finished speaking, everyone's gaze fell on Chen Geng, their expressions complex and hard to read.

Everyone had known that the 212 Jeep modification technology from the Third Armament Repair Factory was developed by Chen Geng, but they hadn't thought much about it. Now, hearing Liu Qianjin's words, they realized that this technology wasn't given to the Third Armament Repair Factory for free but was authorized for use.

Authorization, if it can be given, can also be taken back.

This kid, is he that deep?

Facing everyone's gaze, Chen Geng didn't answer immediately but spoke about another issue that seemed unrelated: "Director, you should remember that the 212 Jeep modification suspension system was a project assigned by my teacher at Huqing University."

Liu Qianjin nodded, "Yes, I remember."

He remembered very clearly when Chen Geng had mentioned this. It was precisely because this research project was from Huqing University's Automotive Engineering Department that he had dared to let Chen Geng experiment. But who could have thought that this project would become the guarantee for the Third Armament Repair Factory's survival after the military reform?

"At the time, the teacher assigned this project, but only I completed it, so it's fair to say that all the technology belongs to me," Chen Geng said calmly, looking at Liu Qianjin. "As for the authorization, of course, I can give this technology to our factory, but the reason I authorized it is not because I want to keep a card to use against the factory in the future. When I authorized it, I didn't specify a time limit, so you can rest assured that no matter where I am in the future, this technology and the project can still be used by our factory. But the technology is mine, and I don't plan to give it to anyone."

With Chen Geng's words, Liu Qianjin didn't know what to say. The other party had said that no matter whether he stayed at the Third Armament Repair Factory in the future, the 212 Jeep modification technology could still be used by the factory. In this case, his prepared words were useless. Could he say, "No! You must hand over this technology to the factory"? There was no reason for that.

But Song Junwei was overjoyed!

He had been worried about whether Chen Geng would be willing to go to his repair factory, but with Chen Geng's words, he was completely at ease. He immediately smiled and said to Chen Geng, "Manager Chen, if you go to our repair factory, you won't be betraying your old factory at all. Since that's the case, why are you hesitating? Let's make it 40%! 40% of the annual net profit will be yours, and we won't wait for you to earn a certain amount before giving you a share. What do you think?"

Liu Qianjin immediately glared at Song Junwei. Song Junwei completely ignored Liu Qianjin's gaze, looking at Chen Geng expectantly, waiting for his response.

The military is a violent institution, and soldiers are part of this violent institution. They have never been associated with gentleness, humility, and courtesy. They must fight for what they should fight for and snatch what they should snatch. This is the true nature of soldiers. For the 283 old and young people's livelihood, not only would he glare at others, but he would also fight if necessary.

Song Junwei dared to ignore his gaze? Liu Qianjin's face turned red, and he glared, "Song, what do you mean?"

His tone suggested that he was ready to fight if necessary.

Liu Qianjin's threat didn't faze Song Junwei, who glared back, "I don't mean anything. I'm just finding a way out for all the old and young people in our factory. Old Liu, not to criticize you, but you are too stingy. How many projects has Deputy Factory Manager Chen brought to your factory?"

Pursing his lips, Song Junwei deliberately said loudly and disdainfully, "The 212 Jeep modification technology was provided by Manager Chen, right? I heard that leaders have to wait at least a month to buy a set of office furniture from your Third Industry Office. This project was also brought by Manager Chen. And that carburetor project, which you boasted about so much, was also brought by Manager Chen. But what have you given to Factory Manager Chen? Old Liu, not to criticize you, but if it weren't for this, it would be fine, but now that Factory Manager Chen has a chance to make a lot of money, you are still blocking him. Don't you think you are too unreasonable?"

Liu Qianjin's face turned red from Song Junwei's scolding, but he couldn't find the words to respond.

Song Junwei's words made him realize how much Chen Geng had contributed to the factory. He had always subconsciously thought that everything Chen Geng did for the factory was taken for granted. But now, Song Junwei's words made Liu Qianjin feel a bit embarrassed: What is taken for granted? If Chen Geng used this technology for the Jiangnan Provincial Military District Vehicle Repair Factory, he could immediately get 40% of the annual profit, which was at least tens of thousands of yuan! He had heard this clearly outside.

Why?

Why not?

Why shouldn't he take such a large sum of money, which he didn't steal or rob?

What reason is there not to?

Putting himself in Chen Geng's shoes, Liu Qianjin felt that if he were in Chen Geng's position, he would probably not refuse Song Junwei's offer, not because he couldn't refuse, but because he wouldn't have the courage to refuse. This was tens of thousands of yuan, and a house now only cost a few thousand yuan. What kind of house was the Chen family living in?

But, letting Chen Geng contract the Third Industry Office?

Liu Qianjin felt it was strange.

After thinking for a moment, Liu Qianjin decided to be direct with Chen Geng, "Chen, given our relationship, I'm not the factory director, and you're not the deputy factory manager. I'm just an elder. Tell me honestly, what are you thinking?"

Liu Qianjin thought Chen Geng's response would be tactful and hesitant, but he didn't expect Chen Geng to be so straightforward, "If the leaders allow me to contract Huachrun Industry, it would be my honor, and I have the confidence and ability to make Huachrun Industry better."

Lin Shuyao, who had been quiet, was surprised by Chen Geng's directness, looking at him with shock: Shouldn't he be more modest at this time?

Liu Qianjin, however, nodded solemnly, "So, you mean you want to contract Huachrun Industry, which is our factory's Third Industry Office, right?"

"No."

"That's good... huh?" Liu Qianjin stumbled involuntarily: You're not following the script, kid.

"I hope to invest in Huachrun Industry with my technology and management, becoming a shareholder."

Chen Geng's words shocked everyone: Personal investment in a collective enterprise, becoming a shareholder? While everyone was thinking about how to contract an enterprise, Chen Geng was already thinking about investing in it?

This kid's courage is too great, isn't it?

Lin Shuyao's eyes widened even more: What is this? Undermining socialism?

"Why are you all looking at me like that?" Chen Geng shrugged, feeling a bit uncomfortable under such strange gazes, "I believe that given my contributions to the enterprise, I have the right to make this request. Also, although I am asking to invest with my technology, I am not asking for absolute control. The percentage of shares my technology should receive can be discussed and evaluated by the factory leadership..."

"On what basis do you ask to invest? Explain your reasons."

"By the end of the year, I am confident that I can lead the Third Industry Office to a net profit of at least 300,000 yuan!" Chen Geng's voice was not loud, but he was very confident, "If the factory agrees to my investment in Huachrun Industry, I won't take a share of the profit if it's less than 300,000 yuan. If it exceeds 300,000 yuan, we will share the profit from the excess."