Liu Jun immediately withdrew one hundred thousand yuan, went to the bank to exchange ten thousand US dollars, deposited it in the bank, ready to withdraw and leave at any time.
Liu Shitang was pleased to see his son’s transformation. However, a father knows his son best – Liu Shitang seemed to see the evil fire burning madly in his son’s heart. Unable to catch his son, who had just returned from a business trip during the day, he asked his son to come home that evening to talk.
Liu Jun knocked on the door and saw Aunt Fu. He hadn’t expected Aunt Fu to still have the face to stay in his home. He silently stood at the doorway staring her down for a while before entering to see his father. He saw Aunt Fu walk away with lowered head and hunched shoulders, then return in the same manner to bring a cup of tea. Liu Jun pushed the tea far away – he’d rather die of thirst than drink tea poured by Aunt Fu. Liu Shitang saw at a glance the unusual confrontation between the two. He didn’t ask anything but made an unusual move, pulling his son onto the living room balcony and closing the soundproof glass door to talk. Across the spacious living room, even gods couldn’t hear what they were saying.
Although it was autumn, the night air was still hot, and the sealed balcony immediately became stuffy. Liu Jun unhesitatingly pushed his T-shirt sleeves up to his shoulders, urging his father: “Dad, speak quickly – one more step and we’ll have two pieces of roast meat on this balcony.”
Liu Shitang said, “Sister Fu is the one who leaked our technology?”
“Yes.”
Liu Shitang was surprised by his son’s straightforward answer. He had been prepared to hear his son beat around the bush with him, knowing his son had always been kind-hearted.
Liu Jun added another sentence: “I’ve already changed the locks on my house.”
“Sister Fu mentioned it.” Liu Shitang hesitated. “A Jun, I don’t plan to fire Sister Fu. A trained housekeeper is better than a wife. With new housekeepers on the market, you’d need an adjustment period, not knowing if they’re good or bad, or whether their hands are clean. With Sister Fu, we just won’t let her access too many secrets in the future.”
Liu Jun pointed out bluntly: “Dad, you’ve lost your fighting spirit. In factory management, too, you’re overly cautious about gains and losses. As a result, you can’t even control production and keep the new machine tools idle. I think the main reason you can’t retain CNC machine operators is the exclusion by other workers in the factory.”
Liu Shitang’s old face turned red from his son’s words. But he had no temper toward his son and patiently explained: “I’m calculating the overall account. If I show fighting spirit and break the current situation, will profits increase? Will life be more convenient? Neither will happen…”
“Dad, how do you know it won’t? Based on experience or the best decision after trying multiple options?”
“Let’s not talk about me. Let’s analyze what you’ve been doing recently. Are you taking revenge on Yang Xun? Fine, you’ve shown fighting spirit, but have you calculated the overall account? You’ve invested your entire two-plus months, and in these two-plus months, you could have accomplished so much more – the gains would far exceed this small income. But what has Yang Xun lost? He’s only lost a fraction of his income. Like a small fish biting a big fish – the big fish feels pain at most. What about a big fish biting a small fish? Swallowed in one bite, life gone. Can you afford to play with Yang Xun? Is it worth it?”
“Yang Xun committed evil acts – he needs to pay a price for them.”
“Using more of your sacrifice to exact a tiny price? Can you do math…”
“There’s an account called deterrence, called never again. And another called self-balance.”
“Stop interrupting me. I ask you, if everyone in society acts this way, would you go seek justice from every single one? Where would you get so much time? I see you haven’t presented new work plans today. Are you still planning to continue targeting Yang Xun?”
“Dad, for instance, if you don’t resolve Aunt Fu’s problem, what’s the result? We have to hide here to talk. You cover up small errors, but one day, big errors will explode and be unmanageable.”
“A Jun, you can’t be too isolated in life. You can’t just follow your temperament in everything.”
“I tolerate wrong behaviors, but I absolutely won’t tolerate rogue concepts.”
“Alright, alright, I won’t discuss these things with you. I’ll admit you young people have a fighting spirit…”
“With such fundamental disagreement in our views, how can we proceed with discussions about Qianjin Factory’s future? Continue the old production model?”
“We don’t need to unify – what you and I do are different systems. The big money and fast money you’ve earned in the past six months – I never even thought about it, but I’m also breaking out in cold sweat for you. Dad has already considered it – Qianjin Factory’s future must be decided by you, but Dad worries you’ll focus on the head while neglecting the tail, and wants to give you double insurance. How about this, A Jun – I’ll keep the metalworking workshop and set aside working capital for the metalworking workshop. Everything else you can handle. My only requirement is that you stop putting all your energy into seeking justice. If you develop well yourself, all justice will return on its own.”
Liu Jun was very surprised, looking at his father in disbelief. Two months ago, his father had only proposed minor adjustments and steady accumulation. He hadn’t expected such a major change in thinking today. “Dad, this is a good idea. Although I’ve always believed that if you’re truly capable, you shouldn’t rely on family, we might as well view this as the most trustworthy loan. Dad, you’ll get the best returns – I guarantee it.”
“My only requirement – do you agree?”
Liu Jun hesitated. “I don’t agree.”
Liu Shitang stamped his foot. “Kid, you’ve got me cornered.”
“Family members cornering each other is a good thing – keeping the benefits within the family. Dad, anything else? I need to go rest. I’m exhausted these past few days.”
Liu Shitang helplessly watched his son skip away. Where was the appearance of exhaustion? The only explanation was that he was too lazy to chat with this old man. Look how nice it is for people who raise daughters.
Liu Jun left hurriedly because he had a long-standing appointment with Qian Hongming. He had many things to do, just returning home today, not even eating dinner before going to see his father. He also had complaints – his father wasn’t like his mother, not even asking if he’d eaten or what he’d had. Of course, he was also unwilling to have Aunt Fu cook for him. He had already told Aunt Fu in black and white that he no longer wanted to eat her cooking. Now he could only rush into McDonald’s with a rumbling stomach, buy a Big Mac, and munch on it while going to find Qian Hongming. The places Qian Hongming chose to meet were always the most upscale in the city – today it was the coffee lounge of a newly opened four-star hotel. Liu Jun, walking in and munching a Big Mac, drew countless stares.
Qian Hongming also laughed, watching Liu Jun act as if no one else existed. Such a refined young master, eating like a reincarnated hungry ghost. After Liu Jun finished eating, he drained the just-served coffee in one gulp. “How’s that? With this appetite, I’d be welcomed as eating everything big and small at my mother-in-law’s house, right?”
Qian Hongming smiled: “If my daughter ever brings home such a reincarnated hungry ghost, I’d beat him out.”
“Didn’t they say ultrasounds to determine gender aren’t allowed?”
“Could you resist? What have you been busy with these days? What’s the output?”
“Made some money, but extremely low cost-effectiveness. At least I can face my dad. You have something on your mind? Tell me, I’ll help you sort it out. I also have something to ask you later.”
“What’s your matter? You go first.”
“Why do you always compete with me for the grand finale? Fine, tell me about CIF quotes and L/C payment processes. I need the most basic knowledge, especially to understand the points most prone to error. I’ve already read a practical manual, but it still feels abstract.”
“Didn’t your last two deals go quite well? Why change to CIF?”
“Just tell me. This topic isn’t long anyway. You’d better give real examples.”
“Daily foreign trade work is already annoying enough, and you want me to rehash old topics.” Although Qian Hongming complained, he didn’t refuse. After thinking, he took out the most typical case he’d experienced and explained it carefully to Liu Jun. Liu Jun compared this with what he’d learned from books – he understood immediately and could draw inferences, asking many questions.
“It seems L/C rejection has little relationship with contracts. I understand. Now tell me about your matter. You called me once a day while I was away, urging me to return – there must be something big.”
“Since you know I have something big, you didn’t even fly back overnight to help solve it. Is that being a good friend?”
“Hehe, if it were truly earth-shattering, our cell phones probably wouldn’t be tapped. Speak up. You see me rushing here, biting bread to see you – don’t put on that aggrieved wife expression.”
“I want to go out on my own. But last year’s near-destruction of foreign trade is still before my eyes. Last year, I had a large state import-export company as backing. Going solo, if I encounter problems, I’ll have to swallow everything alone. When I mentioned it at home, everyone opposed it – even the baby in her mom’s belly was kicking.”
“Actually, for matters you’ve decided on, they can’t change your mind, right? You want me to persuade Jiali and let her peacefully have the baby, right?”
“You see right through my thoughts.” Qian Hongming smiled sheepishly.
“Tell me the pros and cons – I need to responsibly persuade Jiali.”
“It’s simple: after so many years, I have a very stable business volume; my current savings can maintain my family’s life with house and car for a year; I can always return to a large company for support. I can advance to attack or retreat to defend. I can’t understand why sister and Jiali are desperately opposed.”
“Your family has struggled and been unstable for so many years, having just settled down. They want a period of quiet life.”
Qian Hongming nodded. “What else? Jiali shouldn’t feel this deeply about that aspect. Why is she also vehemently opposed?”
It was Liu Jun’s turn to smile. “You wouldn’t understand Jiali deeply, but not understand yourself, would you? Don’t look at your very gentle character now – your heart is much more intense than mine. You’ve always had a very strong, ruthless drive in studying and working, striving to be a leader. Jiali probably fears you’ll get trapped in the dead end of pursuing economic interests.”
Hearing this, Qian Hongming stared at Liu Jun for a long time. “Hasn’t it always been you who’s competitive and strong?”
“Me? Of course. But I’m all thunder and big raindrops – you’re small thunder and big raindrops. What else do you need from me?”
“Nothing else. The first six months, I’ll be quite busy, starting everything from scratch, including renting and building an office from nothing. It happens to be when Jiali gives birth. Although Jiali’s mother will be there when I’m away on business, some physical work will trouble you. I don’t trust others – Jiali is simple.”
“Absolutely not a problem.” Liu Jun thought for a moment. “Have you found an office? My house – now there are quite a few companies upstairs and downstairs. Do you want it? I won’t charge you rent until you’re profitable after three months. I don’t want a housekeeper, and living alone in such a big house is too wasteful. I plan to live at the factory where I can eat at the cafeteria, and also…”
“Stop trying hard to find reasons. I know you want to help me save initial costs and get smoothly started. Thanks, but I don’t want your house. I don’t need a big office to start – one room is enough. I’m even planning to outsource accounting.” Qian Hongming pulled out Zhonghua cigarettes but paused. “You still haven’t joined the smoker ranks? Isn’t it hard to talk without offering cigarettes?”
“Stop trying to recruit me. What did you call me in high school when I smoked? Stinking hooligan! Now I get shadows in my heart just seeing cigarettes – your fault. Now I’ve returned to purity, and this world should let you former cigarette hooligans enjoy yourselves.”
Qian Hongming held his lighter to the cigarette tip for a long while, smiled, then lit the cigarette. “Liu Jun, talking with you is most effortless. I only say half a sentence, and you complete the rest. And you’re generous… Come, look at this pack of cigarettes. I’ll teach you some social knowledge. You’ll need it for giving cigarettes and alcohol to people in the future.”
“No need to wait for the future – I’m already using it. I just throw money directly, saving myself from worrying about cigarettes and alcohol. Don’t say things halfway – you said I’m generous, what comes after?”
Qian Hongming thought for a long time but couldn’t complete his half-sentence. When Liu Jun pressed him, he had to say: “Stop forcing me, I finally managed to…” Reaching this point, Qian Hongming stopped, staring at Liu Jun speechlessly. But Liu Jun had some understanding, reaching out to pat Qian Hongming’s hand, still holding the cigarette, laughing: “So you see, language expression ability is also a major subject. Look, choked up? Practice more with me in the future. We’re bare-bottomed brothers – however you embarrass yourself doesn’t matter.”
Qian Hongming raised his fist to his lips, smiling. What he was thinking, Liu Jun also thought of, but Liu Jun was always magnanimous, unlike his sister, who, though she understood him, stripped him raw word by word without mercy. He was uninhibited in front of Liu Jun, completely trusting, even somewhat dependent, during middle school.
But Liu Jun wasn’t a master at handling social situations after all. The conversation that had gone cold had to be skillfully picked up by Qian Hongming. “How have you been recently? I haven’t seen you doing technical work.”
“I’m selling technology. Since it will be pirated, I might as well sell it myself at low prices first and at least recover some costs. By the way, I just negotiated with Dad – I’m also preparing to start my own business. I already have some plans. When I organize my thoughts, it helps me analyze them together.”
“Is funding sufficient? Are you going to get testing equipment first?”
Liu Jun was stumped. Because in his plans, testing equipment had no place at all. But hadn’t he always criticized domestic enterprises for emphasizing production over research? Now, when it was his turn, the first thing he thought of was buying machine tools. Including his university classmates, when helping him plan development strategies, almost no one mentioned prioritizing the construction of R&D centers. Had everyone already become disheartened about independent research and development?
“What?” Qian Hongming saw Liu Jun’s dejection and was unusually worried.
“Let me organize my thoughts and discuss with you later. I’ve discovered I’ve lost direction.”
But Liu Jun decided that before correcting his direction, he needed to quickly handle one last matter on his mind. He rushed abroad according to the delivery dates of Shi Yiji’s two import-export contracts, carrying the addresses Yu Shanshan had given him for those two companies’ headquarters, which he had confirmed by phone.
His German passport helped him greatly with border crossings.
Liu Jun commissioned a local law firm to deliver patent infringement letters to the two companies’ headquarters. At the same time, he provided a list of all companies that had obtained his patent authorization to those two companies.
He barely stayed abroad before returning home. He had delegated authority to lawyers and clearly understood the correct attitude that those two companies should have toward such lawyer letters. He felt very sad in his heart – his intellectual property rights infringement problem was easily resolved abroad. It would still be foreigners who would severely avenge him.
Returning to China, Liu Jun was not surprised to hear that Shi Yiji’s export products had already been shipped. Soon, while the ship was still floating at sea, Yang Xun would receive notification of L/C rejection due to the buyer finding faults with documentation discrepancies. Qian Hongming had said that as long as buyers didn’t want to receive goods, there were plenty of ways to handle letters of credit. Liu Jun very much wanted to know how Yang Xun, this person who only cared about money, would feel heartbroken when he knew the letter of credit had been rejected, but the ship continued steadily toward the other shore, accumulating more and more return shipping costs.
Did Yang Xun know that what he inflicted on others, others would one day return double? Action force is always accompanied by reaction force – this is a basic principle of mechanics.