Volume One, Chapter Nineteen: The Only Fear Is Fear Itself

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Zhang Weimin arranged a private room with the restaurant owner, then hurried over to the city’s largest department store to buy two bottles of Maotai and a pack of Zhonghua cigarettes. Zhang thought to himself, although the restaurant was just an ordinary local eatery, to show sincerity in cooperation, he had to make a strong impression. Success or failure didn’t hinge on these cigarettes and liquor, but they could demonstrate his own determination and resolve.

As evening approached, Zhang arrived early at the restaurant, instructed the waitstaff to tidy up the private room neatly, removed extra chairs and tableware, arranged the liquor and drinking utensils, and then stood by the door to wait.

Before long, Qin Yong arrived accompanied by a slightly plump middle-aged man.

"Old Zhang, you’re here so early?" Qin greeted Zhang warmly. “Let me introduce you — this is the branch manager of our Construction Bank and also my cousin, Song Guodong.”

Zhang quickly stepped forward to shake hands with Song Guodong. "Manager Song, I’m Zhang Weimin."

Song shook his hand and said, "Qin told me you’re quite a legendary figure. Your experiences sound even more thrilling than a TV drama."

"Manager Song, Director Qin, you flatter me. Let’s not stand here — come inside and talk."

Inside the restaurant, Zhang led Song and Qin into the private room. Qin glanced at the Maotai on the table and chuckled, "Oh, Old Zhang, Maotai, huh? Planning to win over Manager Song with Maotai?"

Song said, "Old Zhang, there’s no need to be so extravagant. Ordinary liquor would do. Qin told me about your situation — indeed, your current status doesn’t meet loan criteria. If I drink this Maotai today and still can’t approve your loan, wouldn’t that be a waste?"

Zhang remained composed. After seating Song and Qin, he said, "Manager Song, to be honest, this liquor won’t go to waste today. I’m confident these two bottles of Maotai will become the celebratory drinks for our successful cooperation! Please, start ordering."

His words brought smiles to both Song and Qin.

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Song told the waiter, "Just serve the usual dishes we order. If it’s not enough, we’ll call you."

Zhang picked up a bottle of Maotai, twisted open the cap with a crisp sound, poured two glasses for Song and Qin, and a glass for himself.

Qin laughed, "Wow, you really opened it? Then we won’t hold back."

Song adjusted his glasses, looking at Zhang. "Qin briefly explained your situation. Your company just got registered, with no track record, no cash flow, and no assets, right?"

Zhang sat down and spoke slowly, "Yes, Manager Song. I registered these two companies for two reasons. First, I negotiated several cooperation agreements in Shanghai, with a rough output value of two to three hundred million yuan, and substantial profits. I roughly estimate a gross margin of 70%. Second, with the ongoing state-owned enterprise reforms, many workers are being laid off. I want to use these companies to absorb those laid-off workers and help ease the country’s burden."

His words stunned both Qin and Song. Qin said, "Old Zhang, you can’t do anything illegal. Such high profits are almost like dealing arms or drugs. Tell me—what exactly is your product?"

Raising his glass, Zhang said, "Gentlemen, let’s toast first, and I will explain."

The three clinked glasses and took a sip. Zhang continued, "My product is called a tapered threaded sleeve. The current market price is high. Even selling it at half the market price, there’s still a 70% profit margin."

Song looked puzzled. "Why such high profits? If that’s the case, many companies would be producing this already."

Zhang poured another round of drinks for Song and Qin and explained, "There’s a vicious cycle here. This technology has been around for a few years but hasn’t been promoted effectively. First, design firms are not motivated to push it, resulting in few projects using it. Due to low demand, few manufacturers produce it, driving the price up."

He handed cigarettes to Qin and Song and continued.

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"This creates the illusion of the technology being overly expensive. Owners try to control costs and avoid using it, design firms lack incentives to promote it, and although construction companies benefit by speeding up work and improving quality, owners refuse to pay, so it never takes off."

Song nodded and asked, "So how do you plan to break this deadlock?"

Zhang smiled faintly — this was the reason he was confident in convincing Manager Song.

"On my last trip to Shanghai, I negotiated with the design firms. I promised them that for all future project designs, regardless of location or whether they purchase from our factory, if their drawings specify the use of tapered threaded sleeves, I will pay them a technology promotion fee of one cent per sleeve. Don’t underestimate that one cent; if a design institute applies this connection method across all projects, I’ll pay them over a million yuan annually. This creates motivation for the design firms."

At this, Song and Qin exchanged approving glances and couldn’t help but applaud.

Qin then asked, "You’re promising design firms millions in promotion fees every year — where will the money come from?"

"That’s exactly what I’m about to explain," Zhang said. "I also contacted several leading construction companies in Shanghai and promised them our product is priced at half the market rate. This lowers the impact on project costs to an acceptable level, making it easier for owners to approve. I also signed a profit guarantee agreement with the contractors: as long as they use our product, I guarantee at least a 25% profit margin. If the actual contract price from the owner doesn’t meet that, I’ll cover the difference."

"Impressive, really impressive! Old Zhang, you’re a shrewd businessman. Once these orders start production, it’ll be like printing money!"

Song couldn’t resist raising his glass to toast Zhang.

Zhang quickly raised his cup, clinked it with Song’s, and drank it down. Song followed suit.

Seeing both men drain most of their glasses in one gulp, Qin felt the deal was nearly sealed.

"Good, good, very generous. Cousin, looks like Old Zhang’s loan has a good chance, huh?"

Song set down his glass, took a few bites, and said, "Personally, I feel the loan should be approved. Banks should support capable and determined entrepreneurs like him — they will be our quality clients in the future!"

Zhang and Qin looked at Song expectantly.

"But—"