Chapter 650: Chapter 357: Repayment (Part 2)
After the three nodded to each other, Chen Cheng gave Tong Jialu a look, and Tong Jialu handed over two gift bags.
"I came in a hurry this time and didn’t prepare much," Chen Cheng said. "I just had Xiao Lu go buy some gifts. I hope you like them."
Zhao Han took the gift bag and opened it to find a latest model Chanel handbag inside. She was somewhat flattered, "This is too expensive, I can’t accept it."
Xu Yongrui also opened his gift bag, finding inside a 4090 graphics card he had long desired but could never justify purchasing, feeling equally surprised and apprehensive, "This is too extravagant, Miss Tong."
"They’re just small gifts; please accept them," Tong Jialu said gently, "They are Brother Cheng’s heartfelt tokens. He heard about the great help you provided him, and specially asked me to buy them."
Chen Cheng also smiled and said, "Yes, please take them. You are friends of Xiao Ya, so you are my friends as well."
Facing everything Chen Cheng had done for her, Liu Zhiya felt deeply moved.
She understood that Chen Cheng’s generosity and thoughtfulness were largely to maintain their relationship and to ensure that she wouldn’t feel embarrassed in front of her friends.
"Thank you, Brother Cheng," she said softly.
Chen Cheng faintly smiled, "It’s I who should thank you, Xiao Ya."
Zhao Han and Xu Yongrui accepted the gifts, and Zhao Han asked, "Mr. Chen, how much longer are you staying here?"
"We’ll head back to Beijing first thing tomorrow," Chen Cheng answered.
"Ah? Leaving so soon?"
Chen Cheng nodded, "Yes, with the New Year approaching, I want to wrap up work to have a worry-free holiday."
He raised his glass again, "In the future, if you’re in Beijing, give Xiao Ya a call, and I’ll make sure to host you properly."
"Surely, Mr. Chen," Zhao Han and Xu Yongrui responded quickly.
...
...
After returning from Harbin, Chen Cheng hurried to meet Cao Yue.
"Brother Cao." Chen Cheng sat across from him with two sets of documents and got straight to the point, "EP Power seems unlikely to work out, but I’ve prepared two alternatives for you."
Cao Yue opened the documents on Xin Neng and Chuang Neng, "Which do you personally think is suitable?"
Chen Cheng said slowly, "Chuang Neng’s advantage lies in their mature technology and production capacity. Their production processes have been optimized multiple times, their raw material procurement channels are very stable, and their costs are about 15% lower than the industry average."
He paused, "However, in terms of research and development capability, Xin Neng’s advantage in niobium polymer is far superior both domestically and internationally."
Cao Yue smiled slightly, "So, you’re optimistic about Xin Neng?"
"Xin Neng’s advancement in niobium polymer technology is indeed leading; it’s their core competitive edge. Once successfully mass-produced, the product’s performance and market competitiveness will be unmatched, possibly even reshaping the entire industry," Chen Cheng continued.
He added, "Though, there are issues with this company."
"Issues?" Cao Yue’s eyes flickered.
Only then did Chen Cheng take out the investigation report provided by Gun Flower Consulting and solemnly placed it on the table, "I had someone investigate. This company’s not quite right. This predicament has put Professor Zhang Qiming, the technical director, in a very passive position."
Cao Yue took the report, quickly skimmed through it, and his expression gradually turned grave.
The report detailed various suspicions about New Energy Company, including unclear fund flows, potential money laundering, and complex backgrounds of key technical personnel, among other concerns.
Particularly, the relationship between Zhang Qiming’s son Zhang Yang and his girlfriend Nadia came as a shock to him.
"This..." Cao Yue set down the report, furrowing his brows, "Is this true?"
"Absolutely," Chen Cheng affirmed steadfastly, "This report was provided by Gun Flower Consulting, whose professionalism is beyond question. Furthermore, to verify authenticity, I personally went to Harbin to meet with Professor Zhang a few days ago."
"What did he say?"
Chen Cheng said nothing, just nodded his head.
Cao Yue tapped on the table, "You signed a contract with China Tungsten High-tech not long ago, and now you bring me such an expert; it seems I need to think this through carefully."
Chen Cheng responded, "Brother Cao, here’s my perspective."
"Go ahead."
"Regardless of whether Jing Qi chooses Chuang Neng or Xin Neng in the end, I personally believe that talents like Professor Zhang should not be subjected to threats. We should provide such scientists with a more pure research environment," Chen Cheng said earnestly.
"They should not be drawn into business shenanigans; their energy should be devoted to driving technological progress," he added.
Cao Yue nodded deeply, "Alright, I understand your point."
He pondered for a moment, "Let’s handle it this way, you don’t need to worry about this matter anymore. I’ll take care of the follow-up."
"Okay." Chen Cheng breathed a slight sigh of relief.
Cao Yue smiled slightly, "Xiao Chen, you’ve helped me immensely this time and even made a special trip. As a token of my gratitude, I’ve decided to give you a surprise."
Chen Cheng was taken aback, "A surprise?"
Cao Yue smiled mysteriously and, instead of directly answering, picked up the phone and dialed a number.
"Xiao Wang, come in for a moment."
A moment later, the secretary entered, "Mr. Cao, you were looking for me?"
"Please bring the project plan over," Cao Yue instructed.
The secretary quickly brought in a document.
"Take a look."
Chen Cheng received the document, curiously flipping it open. The title read— "Jing Qi New Energy Vehicle Superfactory Project Investment Plan."
His eyes quickly scanned through the plan, and as he read further, a bright light appeared in his eyes.
This plan detailed Jing Qi’s strategic layout to enter the new energy vehicle field, covering technology R&D, manufacturing, market promotion, and other aspects.
And listed within this still unpublished plan was the name Dili Private Equity.
"Brother Cao, this..."
Cao Yue smiled slightly, "I’ve been pondering for a while about where the second major initiative of Dili will launch. China Tungsten High-tech marked a great beginning, so the level of the second endeavor cannot decline."
"New Energy Vehicles are the future direction and a key supported industry, with broad prospects and great potential," Cao Yue said, looking at Chen Cheng with fervent eyes.
He added, "Jing Qi’s New Energy Vehicle Superfactory Project is our core strategic layout over the coming years."
"And you, Xiao Chen, are poised to be the leading figure in the financial industry’s foray into real industry."
The smile on Chen Cheng’s face grew wider, but he maintained the necessary sobriety, "Brother Cao, I honestly didn’t expect..."
Cao Yue waved his hand, "You’ve helped me many times, resolving numerous issues for me. Therefore, for this Superfactory, I hope you will play a critical role, together with us, to make this project an industry benchmark."
He revealed a little inside scoop, "You’ll see the model cars at this year’s Spring Festival Gala."
"So soon?" Chen Cheng was quite astonished.
Cao Yue patted Chen Cheng’s shoulder, "Nowadays, everything demands efficiency; this project’s speed is not only what Jing Qi wants but also the attitude required from above."
Chen Cheng nodded slightly, "Alright."
"Well, are the talks done?" Chu Qin came in with Xiao Meier, "Look at the two of them, so serious when talking about business."
"Just about."
"Lao Cao, you really should thank Xiao Chen properly. It’s almost New Year’s, and he’s been busy with your matters," said Chu Qin.
"Sister-in-law, you’re overly courteous. I really haven’t helped much."
"Xiao Chen has been a great help," Cao Yue nodded toward the contract on the table, "Look, when the year turns, the thank-you gift for Xiao Chen will be set in motion."
Chu Qin glanced at the cover, "That’s more like it."
Xiao Meier didn’t know what business Chen Cheng was engaged in, but she knew her man was very capable.
"Let’s go, don’t keep the elders waiting too long," Cao Yue picked up his coat, "During New Year’s, the older generation just loves a lively atmosphere."
"Don’t you like it?" Chu Qin asked.
"I do."
The four exchanged a smile and walked out of the office.
The only thing remaining was the contract typed in black and white letters, fluttering slightly under the warm breeze streaming through.