Chapter 120: Formulating a Plan

The following Friday evening, Liu Sheng brought Ren Xiadong to the administrators' conference.

On the way, Ren Xiadong kept complaining about his reluctance to follow Hu Ying. He felt that Hu Ying looked down on him and was determined to join Hu Yinghe’s faction just to spite Hu Ying.

"Hu Ying is simply brainless; he fails to see our importance. It’s fortunate he has Secretary Zhao by his side. If I had to wait for Old Master Hu to retire, I’d never have been able to count on Hu Ying as a lifeline," Liu Sheng comforted him.

In truth, Liu Sheng was also deeply annoyed by Hu Ying’s disregard for him. Once he used Hu Ying to eliminate Hu Yinghe, he would immediately move against Hu Ying himself.

Upon reaching the top floor, four bodyguard-like figures stood at the entrance of the conference hall, using metal detectors to scan attendees for dangerous items.

"The man is mediocre, yet he has so many damn airs. Then again, for a scumbag like Hu Ying, there must be more than one or two people dying to kill him," Ren Xiadong remarked. Having no affection for Hu Ying, he looked upon everything arranged by him with disdain.

Once inside, they found a large table where twenty-four people were already seated. Hu Ying had not yet arrived, so Liu Sheng led Ren Xiadong to a corner.

"With just these few people, Hu Ying thinks he can seize supreme power?" Ren Xiadong began to mock, pouring out his grievances to Liu Sheng.

Finally exhausted from complaining, Ren Xiadong fell silent. Liu Sheng then remarked, "This is already a significant number. Not every city has an administrator—for instance, our Xinghai City has no presence from Huayong. However, I’ve noticed a problem: there isn't a single Huayong company in the north. I’ve never been able to figure out why."

"I've told you several times, if you can't figure it out, how could I?"

As Ren Xiadong finished speaking, Hu Ying’s voice echoed from the entrance: "Apologies, I’m late. The midnight snack is on me."

Hu Ying walked in with Secretary Zhao and took the seat at the head of the table. He scanned the attendees, and upon seeing Liu Sheng and Ren Xiadong, he said nothing. He then addressed the room: "I’ve called everyone here because there is a very important matter that requires your input. Secretary Zhao, please explain it to them."

As Hu Ying looked at Liu Sheng, Liu Sheng noticed that Hu Ying remained utterly indifferent to his presence. Whether Liu Sheng was there or not made no difference to him. It made Liu Sheng feel like a dog—dispensable and insignificant.

Secretary Zhao stood up and began: "Regarding Old Master Hu’s retirement, I believe you are all aware. If Young Master Hu Ying is to succeed, he faces a major rival: Hu Yinghe. This struggle is determined by the scale of one’s influence. Originally, Hu Yinghe’s influence surpassed ours, but with the addition of Manager Liu from Zhongshi, we have reached a stalemate. However, word has it that Hu Yinghe recently used some unknown method to acquire a shipyard in Duhai City."

At the mention of Manager Liu from Zhongshi, the twenty-four administrators turned to look at Liu Sheng, nodding with polite smiles.

Liu Sheng felt satisfied; the whole world knew his importance, except for Hu Ying. If not for his plan to use Hu Ying, he would have struck against him already, and Hu Ying would certainly have had no means to retaliate.

Still, Liu Sheng asked, "Is a single shipyard really worth such a major meeting?"

Before Secretary Zhao could speak, Hu Ying laughed mockingly: "What did I say? My old man’s judgment has failed him this time. Some clueless bumpkin comes to act as the administrator of Zhongshi and asks if a shipyard is worth it. Absolutely ignorant. Fine, Liu Sheng, is it? If you want to follow me, then just play along. I don’t expect you to be of much use, but rest assured, I won’t mistreat my people. Once I sit in the boss’s chair at Huayong, I’ll throw some benefits your way."

Liu Sheng felt bitter, but to keep up the charade, he chose to endure it. However, he genuinely did not understand the significance of the shipyard.

Secretary Zhao replied patiently, "It doesn’t matter, Manager Liu. You haven’t been with Huayong long and haven’t left Zhongshi, so there are many things you don’t understand. A shipyard itself is nothing, but Duhai City is coastal. While it isn't a necessary port for all commercial ships, all 'black market' vessels land there. Because they carry smuggled goods or illicit items, the profits are astronomical. The profit from one shipyard far exceeds that of your film company."

Hearing this, Liu Sheng and Ren Xiadong’s jaws dropped. Although Liu Sheng had a bank card with an unlimited balance, he lacked a concept of money. Only after taking over the film company did he realize how profitable it was; he was shocked that a tiny shipyard could generate even more.

Ren Xiadong was even more stunned. Lacking an unlimited bank card, he had a very clear concept of money, and thus his shock was even greater than Liu Sheng’s.

After the administrators finished whispering, Secretary Zhao coughed twice to signal for silence.

"I invited you all here today for this very reason. Please, everyone, come up with ideas on how we can catch up to Hu Yinghe."

The administrators discussed among themselves:

"We can't risk opening new companies; that requires massive capital. If the returns are poor, we’ll only fall further behind Hu Yinghe."

"There is a way: mass layoffs. Reducing payroll will allow us to conserve more capital."

"I think we should just stop paying the employees altogether until Old Master Hu retires next year. Then we can pay them all at once. That way, our cash flow will increase."

"Yes, that makes sense. They said the one with the most influence wins, and how is influence measured? Isn't it by who holds the most assets? It’s simply about who makes the most money this year."

As the debate raged on, Hu Ying spoke up: "What you all say makes sense. I think if you all relinquish your shares, all our problems will be solved."

As soon as Hu Ying said this, the administrators were filled with resentment, yet none dared to speak out.

Secretary Zhao added, "There is no other way. If you can’t think of a better plan, we must do as Young Master Hu suggests. Once he takes over Huayong, we will repay you double for what you’ve sacrificed."

The crowd began to murmur:

"What if we fail?"

"Exactly, if we fail, we’ll have nothing left."

"I have a family to support; they’re waiting on me."

Watching the discussion, Liu Sheng thought to himself, "How greedy and disloyal. A moment ago they were fawning over Hu Ying, but now that he wants their money, they’ve all turned into bitter whiners. A bunch of losers, led by a brainless Hu Ying—if they succeed, I’ll stand on my head to wash my hair. Hu Ying has no talent; his only solution to a problem is to cut wages. Who would follow someone like that? Once no one is left, let’s see how you seize power!"

"Manager Liu, say something. Among those present, your faction in Zhongshi is the strongest. We might be able to afford the loss of our petty profits, but you’re different—your losses would be the greatest."

Hearing this, Liu Sheng ignored Hu Ying’s presence and the setting. He pulled out a cigarette, offered one to Ren Xiadong, and lit one for himself.

He took a deep drag and said, "What good does complaining do? If you don’t want to end up with nothing, think of a better way to counter Hu Yinghe."

When Liu Sheng said this, all the administrators hung their heads in silence. Secretary Zhao looked at Liu Sheng with a smile: "Manager Liu has a sharp mind. I believe that with your help, our goal will soon be reached."

However, Hu Ying still saw Liu Sheng as an insignificant nobody and failed to grasp the importance of Zhongshi. He laughed loudly and said, "Secretary Zhao, did you take the wrong medicine? And you lot—you’re actually looking for advice from a little bumpkin? It’s hilarious! Just look at them, smoking that ten-yuan trash. Don’t they know where they are? Can’t they spend a little money to buy some decent cigarettes to put on a show?"

Liu Sheng ignored the sarcasm. Ren Xiadong was furious, but knowing Liu Sheng must have a plan, he chose to remain silent to avoid interfering.

Secretary Zhao ignored Hu Ying’s outburst and addressed the room again: "The purpose of asking for your shares is exactly what Manager Liu said—to give you a sense of urgency. Find a solution quickly. If you can't, then we have no choice but to take your shares to expand our influence."

One administrator asked, "Aren't our shares part of our influence? Why take them?"

Secretary Zhao explained patiently, "Old Master Hu defines influence by the territory one controls, but ultimately, it comes down to net profit. Whoever earns the most net profit wins. Are the dividends we pay you considered net profit, gentlemen?"

"Why bother explaining this to these sacks of wine and meat?" Hu Ying interrupted. "The companies are running, the employees are getting paid—if we seize their shares, even if Hu Yinghe opens ten more shipyards, he won't be able to beat me!"

Once Hu Ying finished, Secretary Zhao urged, "Hurry up and find a solution!"

Liu Sheng smiled, thinking, "It seems the plan to seize the shares was Hu Ying’s decision all along. Secretary Zhao is afraid that doing so will drive away his allies and prove counterproductive, but Hu Ying is stubborn. Zhao is using this threat to force them to come up with a plan."

Liu Sheng realized more than ever that Hu Ying could never achieve greatness. If not for Secretary Zhao’s guidance, he would have failed long ago. He began to admire the secretary’s dedication. If only Zhao served a more capable master, he wouldn't have to work so hard.

As everyone struggled for ideas, Secretary Zhao suddenly asked, "Manager Liu, do you have any insights?"

All eyes turned to Liu Sheng, placing all their hopes on him. Hu Ying stared at him, eager to see the bumpkin embarrass himself.

Without hesitation, as if he had planned it all along, Liu Sheng said, "If we can't surpass Hu Yinghe, then find a way to make him regress!"

Hu Ying laughed again: "I told you he was clueless! You didn't believe me!" He turned to Liu Sheng, his smile vanishing, and asked coldly, "Do you know what a Peace Treaty is?"

Liu Sheng had heard the ten major bosses of Zhongshi speak of it; it meant fair competition. He replied, "Fair competition."

"I truly don't know why the old man chose you to manage Zhongshi!" Hu Ying said coldly.

Secretary Zhao realized Liu Sheng didn't understand the term and explained, "The Peace Treaty dictates two things: first, no outside interference during competition; second, one may surpass the opponent, but one cannot cause them harm."

It meant that while Hu Ying could do anything to surpass Hu Yinghe, he could not damage Hu Yinghe’s interests to do so.

Liu Sheng looked at them and asked, "My suggestion may violate the Peace Treaty, but that shipyard business involves smuggled goods and illicit materials. It’s harmful to the nation and the people. If we take action, we are essentially eliminating a menace for the public good."

Liu Sheng watched as they fell silent, including Hu Ying and Secretary Zhao. He knew they were considering whether to adopt his proposal.

He pressed the advantage: "If you don’t take risks, how can you succeed? You’ve all achieved so much—I don’t believe you’ve never done anything that couldn't see the light of day!"