Chapter 375: Establishing Rules for Enterprises

"It turns out like this. These are indeed very tempting conditions. If I were to start a business, I would definitely scramble to gather this money," Zhou Ming said.

Upon hearing this, Director Wu was stunned, staring with wide eyes and asking, "Advisor Zhou, what do you mean by that?"

"Very simple. I'm not actually in the clothing business. I'm just here to accompany Xia Lang to check out your situation," Zhou Ming replied.

Director Wu was almost speechless. If it had been anyone else, he would have erupted with anger: "Are you kidding me?" But Zhou Ming, being a legendary figure from Nanjiang and a consultant to the municipal government, made Director Wu hold back his anger and swallow it silently.

Zhou Ming could see Director Wu's discomfort and smiled, saying, "Director Wu, don't be upset. Even though I'm not in the clothing business, Xia Lang is. I'm just here to accompany him and take a look."

Director Wu finally relaxed a bit and turned his gaze towards Xia Lang. "You must be Mr. Xia, right? Hello."

Seeing Director Wu's attention shift to him, Xia Lang straightened up and extended his hand to shake with Director Wu, saying, "Hello, Director Wu. I'm Xia Lang. I hope we can finalize this deal with your factory."

"We at Dongkou Textile Factory are also eager to do business with Mr. Xia. I just need to know how much you can advance," Director Wu asked.

Xia Lang was caught off guard by the question. He glanced at Zhou Ming instinctively, but Zhou Ming seemed indifferent and unhelpful. Zhou Ming's behavior made Xia Lang realize that Zhou Ming's intention was to let him make the decision. Zhou Ming was neither a relative nor a close friend, but he had come to support Xia Lang and reveal the factory's actual policies.

Xia Lang knew that Zhou Ming had already done a lot for him, and he couldn't rely on him for everything. He needed to step up himself.

With renewed determination, Xia Lang clenched his fists and remembered Zhou Ming's advice. He then calmly said to Director Wu, "I'm not greedy. I only need the policy for 150,000, or if you can think of any other way, I would appreciate your help."

Director Wu was slightly surprised. He had initially thought Xia Lang was just a novice brought along by Zhou Ming. However, Xia Lang's ability to stand firm and ask for Director Wu's assistance showed that he was indeed a promising new talent fostered by Zhou Ming.

Director Wu adjusted his perspective and said, "It's manageable. Since Mr. Xia is brought by Advisor Zhou, I can apply for a more favorable policy from the factory."

"Thank you so much, Director Wu. I'll definitely treat you to a meal when I get the chance," Xia Lang said gratefully.

After finalizing the policy, Zhou Ming, Du Peng, and Xia Lang left the textile factory. Xia Lang continued working on client acquisition based on Zhou Ming's advice, but this time, Zhou Ming stayed in the car.

Once Xia Lang got out, Zhou Ming asked Du Peng, "How's it going?"

As a close friend, Du Peng understood the situation and shook his head with a sigh. "I'm surprised. I didn't expect there to be so many tricks involved. Whether it's Xia Lang's dealings or the factory staff's methods, everyone seems to be playing their own game. I believe Director Wu will indeed offer Xia Lang better policy discounts, either through his own power or by using similar tactics as Manager Zhao."

"That's to be expected. Our people are very resourceful. Everything has its way of being manipulated. The economy is just starting, and everyone is still figuring out how to run a business, so they rely on old methods. Naturally, everyone finds their own way," Zhou Ming said.

Du Peng frowned and said, "So you mean our immediate priority is to establish rules for our own companies?"

"Indeed. Without rules, how can we prevent situations like the one at Dongkou Textile Factory from happening in our own enterprises? For instance, do you really know every detail about every person in Shakima, Eight Treasure Porridge, or the nightclubs? Can you guarantee that no one would engage in such practices? To me, human nature is unreliable," Zhou Ming explained.

He continued, "Moreover, to ensure that our business follows a healthy development path, we must have a set of effective operational rules. To use a bad analogy, if our rules are established successfully, it's like having a group of pigs; our business can still develop well. Otherwise, if we have to handle everything personally, we will eventually wear ourselves out."

"You're thinking long-term," Du Peng sighed. "I didn't realize how much you've considered until now."

Zhou Ming laughed and patted Du Peng on the shoulder, saying, "Don't be too pleased, Du Peng. They say it's easier to conquer than to maintain. My ideas are easy to propose because they are pioneering. I can suggest whatever I want. But once I go abroad, and you take over the company, that's when you'll face the real challenges."

Du Peng smiled. "Challenges are fine. I don't mind. After all, I'm the grandson of Du Zhongyuan. I can't always rely on you; I need to handle things independently and not embarrass the family!"

Zhou Ming nodded. He fully trusted Du Peng's words. Although Du Peng might still have some immaturity and a hint of playfulness, Zhou Ming believed he would become a remarkable figure in the future. More importantly, Du Peng's character was excellent, and he would never engage in underhanded schemes like Tan Qianjun, who betrayed his own brothers.

While Zhou Ming and Du Peng were talking, Xia Lang had finished his business at the store and called Zhou Ming excitedly. "Boss Zhou, it's great news! My last client has just delivered the money. I'm about to go to the factory to pay!"

"That's wonderful. Congratulations! I'll join you soon," Zhou Ming said.

Hanging up, Zhou Ming and Du Peng went to Xia Lang. They went to the textile factory, where they encountered an unexpected yet anticipated situation.