Liu Jun smiled, swallowing the five words “Hongming’s ideas” back into his stomach. He had been unable to refute Qian Hongming initially, and now, Luo Qing, who had worked in government agencies, also acknowledged that Qian Hongming was right. This showed that Qian Hongming had recognized reality earlier than any of them. It’s just that… the entire nation was currently celebrating… The other major and minor ghosts were silenced and avoided, making way for them.

“But…” Luo Qing hesitated for a moment before continuing, “The new policies that might emerge in a month might not be about rescuing wherever there’s danger, but rather rescuing wherever the most vital interests are at stake. I think Chairman Liu shouldn’t place too much hope in policies.”

“Is there still a need for ‘might be’? But even if they rescue the most unpopular real estate sector, it would at least drive machinery sales and bring us business. We shouldn’t expect policies to make special exceptions for us.” Liu Jun spoke almost to himself, “Several months ago, I was still naively imagining that some people could learn lessons from last year’s chaos and America’s subprime crisis. But in the end, everyone acts only when there’s profit, everyone becomes unscrupulous in this environment. Once you see clearly, society is just like this. I’m not counting on it.”

“Sun Gong rarely comes here, it seems the R&D center can’t sit still. The laid-off workers all complain that the R&D center is a money-burning operation and should be the first to be shut down.” Luo Qing sat by the window and happened to see Sun Gong’s car entering the gate. “Chairman Liu, regarding layoffs, I suggest you still need to put it on the agenda. Now is a period of declining material prices. Raw materials enter, go through a processing cycle, and by the time they leave the factory, the drop in raw material prices eats away at part of the profit. Our days ahead won’t be easy – on one hand, reduced demand forces us to compete on price, eating away profits; on the other hand, the downward cycle of raw materials eats away profits. If we add our unwillingness to lay off workers and the labor costs eating away profits…” Luo Qing spread his hands with a grimace.

“Layoffs are a last resort only when we really can’t survive. What I need to do now is pressure Sun Gong to improve the domestic production rate of equipment. You should also look for contracts for customized products, like the F1 series. The F1 contract we signed two months ago – shipping and material costs were high then, so we quoted based on those prices. Now the reduced material and shipping costs are our extra profit. There’s no choice but to constantly adjust strategies at times like this. To speak from the heart, seeing oil prices plummeting like an avalanche, other commodity prices also falling, and real estate developers crying and wailing, I can breathe a sigh of relief. Finally, this society is normal, and we can earn reasonable profits with peace of mind.”

Sun Gong came in, replacing Luo Qing. But Luo Qing bent down and said to Sun Gong with a grin, “No money.”

All three present understood what Luo Qing meant. Sun Gong said awkwardly to Liu Jun, “What should we do? We’re just one step away from completion.”

“I’ll pawn my wife’s car – 300,000 yuan.”

This project originally needed about another million in research funding. When Sun Gong saw at the meeting the day before yesterday that the boss was pawning cars and workers were on rotation, while only the R&D center was getting preferential treatment, he naturally understood. He went back and immediately called a two-hour meeting with all R&D personnel, calculating almost every penny to tap potential, finally compressing the planned funding to around 700,000 yuan. But the boss suddenly announced a half-price figure, leaving Sun Gong not knowing how to tap potential further, yet unable to argue forcefully because this was money from pawning the boss’s belongings.

Liu Jun walked around the desk and extracted the funding budget from the dejected Sun Gong’s hands. Recently busy with collecting money, calculating money, and scheming with people, he hadn’t had time to pay attention to the progress of several R&D center projects. Seeing the funding budget, his mind had to make a good turn to remember which stage the progress had reached, not expecting it to be much ahead of schedule. Here, Sun Gong muttered, “No padding, not even a single H2O molecule. All just raw material costs, no other expenses. Everything related to labor has been completely deleted.”

Liu Jun carefully read through it all – it was indeed so. Even overtime meal expenses were excluded, let alone transportation costs. The center’s personnel sacrificing personal interests like this moved him greatly. “Sun Gong, thank you all. For the money… I’ll give you 100,000 first, the rest will follow up. Just proceed according to the budget.” After a pause, he added, “Put the supper expenses back in. We can’t have people waiting for data on an empty stomach – that’s not much money. I was careless, didn’t consider the center’s budget. Didn’t expect your progress to be so fast. I need to find a way for this month’s expenses.”

“Everyone knows business hasn’t been good lately. They all want to achieve domestic production of major components as soon as possible to greatly reduce costs and compete on price with others. Working overtime is inevitable – if the company does well, everyone won’t lose their jobs. I told them at the meeting: we’ve been supported for a thousand days, now it’s time to be useful. The factory curses us behind our backs every day for burning money and stealing their bonuses. We can’t pretend we don’t hear it. At this critical moment, everyone should act accordingly. For the follow-up money, does Chairman Liu have to dig into his pocket again?”

“I see it’s not just the 700,000 here. Considering production together, production will need to prepare a corresponding amount, altogether about 3 million. At the beginning of the year, 3 million wasn’t a big deal, but now it’s different. Sun Gong, don’t look at me like that.” Liu Jun smiled wryly, “In any case, cost compression is a path we must take, sooner or later. Fortunately, the center has Sun Gong leading and thinking for me. Working together, the company’s difficulties are temporary.”

“But this time it’s the whole world having problems…”

“Sun Gong needn’t worry, I’ll solve it. Three million won’t be enough even by selling cars.”

But once Sun Gong left, Liu Jun scratched his scalp raw – where’s the money, where’s the money? He didn’t need to check accounts; at the beginning of the month, he had already calculated every penny. Even counting the income in five days, there was still at least a 2 million gap. Now it had become real – he had to pawn everything he could.

He could borrow money, of course, but this loan wouldn’t be short-term. Private lending rates were quite high now. He could borrow, but couldn’t afford to use it – where would he get profits to pay high lending interest?

Having Cui Bingbing sell her bank’s original shares to support him was something he couldn’t say. Before marriage, they had signed an economic separation agreement. Although after marriage their money had long been mixed indiscriminately, the equity belonged to Cui Bingbing. With stock indices so low now, selling meant losing money. He wasn’t at the final stage yet – how could he have the nerve to bring it up? His father’s money wasn’t enough. Currently, what he could use besides the car was only… those houses Qian Hongming had sold to him. Selling was impossible – this was Hongming’s trust in him. How could he possibly sell them? He planned to keep the houses until Jia Li could think normally, then ask Jia Li how she wanted to handle them. The only way out now was mortgage loans on the houses. But mortgaging the property Qian Hongming had entrusted to him, even though he had paid full price and was the legal owner, when Liu Jun handed the property certificates to Cui Bingbing to handle the procedures, he still felt somewhat uncomfortable.

But at least, he got through this immediate crisis.

Throughout August, with workers on rotation, Liu Jun was incredibly busy. He pushed the R&D center to quickly produce products for trial use, while contacting customers to re-quote prices. For some customers who had paid deposits for pre-orders, he negotiated to replace original imported components with higher cost-performance domestic parts, simultaneously lowering prices – a win-win situation. Those pre-order customers never expected such good fortune and were naturally delighted. Although contract prices dropped because they used self-developed major components that reduced costs, the final product’s gross profit increased. This was like a ray of sunshine in winter.

More attention, however, Liu Jun focused abroad, using his advantages to seek foreign merchants. In this aspect, Luo Qing couldn’t help much, and employees responsible for foreign business weren’t flexible enough – no matter how much pressure was applied, they couldn’t produce results. He had to pay more attention himself, contacting classmates and teachers from his study abroad days, asking for introductions to companies in the same industry, and also contacting past colleagues for help. Unfortunately, everyone told him that German exports were also heavily hit, and demand might not be good. Liu Jun refused to give up. Relying on his language advantage, he contacted one company after another through introductions, building a network that could almost be drawn as a tree with flourishing branches and leaves. After a week, the telecom company called to ask if this phone had been hacked.

Hard work pays off. Casting a wide net, there were always small fish caught. Since the Baltic Index had plummeted by almost half so far, international shipping prices had plunged, and freight costs had visibly decreased, some foreign users were again considering processing in China. Especially some multinational companies that had laid off workers massively to deal with the crisis, some laying off entire factories and workshops – the output from those laid-off factories and workshops needed to find replacements. But now everyone was struggling to survive, and with a hundred businesses competing for one opportunity, everyone was crossing the sea, showing their magical powers. Price inevitably became a sensitive indicator. Previously, Liu Jun would reject any business with meager gross profit, but now, even facing the increasingly severe US subprime crisis, with everyone predicting dollar devaluation and possible losses when products were delivered, he still gritted his teeth and made his first price-cutting competitive move.

Workers on rotation receiving basic wages – this expense was enormous when calculated; interest on loans for building the heat treatment sub-factory was an expense that would continue regardless of weather; minimum office expenses needed for company operations, etc. – many expense items devoured money hungrily every day. Having a business, even with a thin gross profit, could at least offset many expenses, but having some was better than having none. At least, he predicted raw material prices would continue to fall, and he could profit from such declines.

Almost every business negotiation required precise cost calculations down to the cent. This was also the busiest work. During periods when various prices were full of variables, cost accountants couldn’t make calculations involving multiple variables – Liu Jun had to use his solid mathematical foundation and familiarity with industry data to establish formulas himself.

But when he got home, no matter how tired Liu Jun was, he had to check Xiao Suihua’s daily tutoring progress and inquire in detail about how Xiao Suihua got along with the cheerful university student tutor at Liu Shitang’s place. Fortunately, although Xiao Suihua was melancholy, her academic performance was very good, and her comprehension ability was strong, inherited from her father. Because Liu Jun had enrolled Xiao Suihua in second grade, he had to instill all first-grade coursework into Xiao Suihua during this summer vacation period, and also convert the several months of English education Xiao Suihua had received in Australia into Chinese. The intensity seemed great, but it wasn’t a problem for Xiao Suihua. Liu Jun discovered that Xiao Suihua actually already recognized many Chinese characters and could initially read Chinese books that weren’t too difficult, and could do addition and subtraction within 100. He suspected this was Jia Li teaching Xiao Suihua daily while staying home.

Liu Jun couldn’t help but look at his daughter. She was starting kindergarten in September, but couldn’t even count from one to ten completely. Every day, she just played carelessly without a worry in the world. According to Cui Bingbing, Dandan had excellent genes and no intelligence problems – letting Dandan play freely until middle school before focusing on studies would be fine. He didn’t know which approach to children’s education was more correct. Thinking of Xiao Suihua’s obedience, Liu Jun couldn’t help but pull Dandan over and insisted on teaching her to write her name. Dandan found it annoying and kept complaining, sitting on the small stool with all sorts of tricks – now her ear hurt, now her back itched. Finally, it was Xiao Suihua who patiently held Dandan’s hand and taught her. Liu Jun saw that when Xiao Suihua taught Dandan, she talked particularly much and looked particularly cheerful, so he let it be.

By the end of the month, the first export business intention was negotiated. This made Liu Jun somewhat proud. Although the business wasn’t large, he saw market potential during the contact process. The most troublesome part was that foreigners wanting to visit for inspection had very complicated visa procedures, so other businesses that had begun negotiations couldn’t continue.

But even being so busy, on days when Cui Bingbing was on business trips, he wanted to cry to heaven for help. How could work busyness compare to the endless troubles from two small children? Getting two children ready in the morning was like fighting a war. Fortunately, Cui Bingbing was considerate and would return early from business trips when possible.

At the end of August, when Cui Bingbing returned from a business trip, she brought insider news that the country planned to loosen monetary policy. Although Cui Bingbing asked him not to reveal it, Liu Jun still shared this information with Shen Huadong, who was in deep trouble. In times like these, everyone needed some comfort. Unexpectedly, Shen Huadong had also just learned this news and told Liu Jun, “The board secretary called me sneakily. I was somewhat skeptical initially – inflation is still so high, loosening monetary policy now would cause problems. Since A’San also says so, the possibility is greater. It looks like once the Olympics ended, decision-making returned to normal tracks.”

“Regarding inflation, I’ve always suspected problems with statistical data. They probably forgot to keep up with rapidly changing circumstances when faking data. As long as they loosen loans, I’ll borrow. I’m already close to selling family assets. Fortunately, A’San works at a bank; otherwise, even mortgaging family property for money would be rejected.”

But Shen Huadong chuckled, “I don’t hope for immediate monetary loosening. The competition in my two industries is very vicious. Don’t be offended, but I still hope it stays tight for several more days, until several more companies collapse completely. Then my days would be easier. I have money – I’m a typical ‘too big to fail’ enterprise in this city. Even Yang Xun obediently discusses borrowing money with me.”

“Yang Xun? How much? He probably bought in when speculation was hottest. Now with resource prices plunging, he’s in big trouble.”

“He opened with 200 million. I told him to find the mining area government to solve it. He said that the government is so poor that it’s living beyond its means. The conditions he offered were very favorable – high interest, including giving me shares. But I don’t dare take shares from this person. He’s famous for not following rules and being ungrateful when he sees profit. My father refused for me. My father said we can’t control this person and shouldn’t discuss money with him. I see he wants to get rid of the mine now, but no one will take it. If nickel prices continue falling, he’s doomed. If he sells his hotel, I’d be interested.”

“Haha. He could approach this city’s government – he’s also a ‘too big to fail’ company, right?”

“What kind of big is he? Even if he collapses, there wouldn’t be much social impact. Besides, his mine isn’t local – taxes go to others. How would this city’s government be willing to help? Hey, my father has always wanted to invite A’San’s father for dinner. Just help arrange it. A’San’s father is too noble – my father doesn’t know how to thank him.”

“Easy. Lend A’San’s father’s son-in-law 10 million, and it’s settled. A’San’s father will jump out himself to invite your father to express gratitude, haha. I thought you had no money and let you off the day before yesterday.”

“Money is naturally tight – haven’t you seen the rumors in society? But if you’re really in desperate need of emergency help, you can call me. But if you’re borrowing money to rescue a dying situation, I suggest you don’t borrow. The interest is unbearable – better to live within your means and patiently endure this period. It looks like loans should loosen soon.”

“Right.” Liu Jun thought the same way, but he still had some lingering interest. “I want to know how Yang Xun’s mental state is now.”

“You’re direct. Yang Xun isn’t good – you can see he’s under great pressure at first glance. This person usually doesn’t show it when under some pressure, so I see he’s really in trouble. Feel free to gloat – you won’t be wrong.”

“Haha, haha. Oh, let me tell you good news. I have another breakthrough research achievement here – exclusive nationwide. Do you know how much lower my D-series machine costs are compared to similar national products? Starting next month, for domestic D-series products, my company will be the exclusive supplier. Plus, the originally exclusive F1.”

“Congratulations. The problem is your products are all too high-precision – the domestic market demand isn’t large.”

“Damn, don’t expose me. I’ve been busy these days with my feet not touching the ground, developing international markets. I don’t believe I can win price wars against European countries and Japan.”

“Let me pour more cold water on you. According to my observations, current international market demand for low-end goods has decreased less, while demand for high-end goods has shrunk faster. This fits my prediction – market demand now tends toward basics, with less individual pursuit. This world… I told your A’San to ruin my good thing with Chen Qifan.”

“This world… indeed, my A-series and B-series are most in demand. Really… really…”

But even with cold water poured on his head, Liu Jun remained very happily busy that day. He admitted his pettiness – even though Yang Xun later had countless connections with him, hearing news of Yang Xun’s troubles still made him happy.

Amid busyness, September’s payday arrived. Liu Jun had also mortgaged the house his father now lived in. He was almost at the end of his rope, not knowing what else he could mortgage next. But shortly after payday, interest rates were cut and reserve requirements reduced by 1%. Additionally, news was released that the country required banks to strengthen loans to small and medium enterprises. The former was fine – calls for interest rate cuts had been heard for a long time. But the latter – a year ago, before being educated by Qian Hongming, he would have found this news natural when seeing it. Of course, the country should prioritize solving employment for the majority through small and medium enterprises. But now, somehow, looking at this news, he was suspicious. Did banks have motivation? Who would provide risk guarantees for banks? The biggest doubt was that small and medium enterprises were generally private companies, but this time, they were being prioritized for care. He wasn’t used to this – was this real? It seemed too inconsistent with Qian Hongming’s principles.