Chapter 678: Chapter 371: Money Can’t Solve Everything
"They say the pinnacle of domestic technology is lending; it seems the peak of our finance is also that!" Chen Cheng quipped.
"Hahaha, Chairman Chen, you’re amusing!"
Jiang Wenlong slapped his thigh, laughing heartily, "In today’s world, making money isn’t easy. The real industry is getting tougher, all we can do is look for other ways out."
He picked up a glass of champagne, raised it toward Wen Shulin and Chen Cheng, "Come, cheers to you both!"
The three clinked glasses and each took a sip.
After putting down the glass, Jiang Wenlong continued, "Chairman Chen, you know, institutions like ours, ’traditional’ ones, used to rely on some... special connections and methods to survive. The winds have shifted, the old paths don’t work anymore, so transformation is necessary. Personal credit may have high risks, but it also yields high profits. With proper handling, there’s still a lot of money to be made."
Chen Cheng naturally knew what Jiang Wenlong meant by "special connections and methods."
CGG previously thrived on municipal investment bonds, indeed making a lot of money.
Now that they’re out of this business, Wen Shulin found Chen Cheng as a way out, but the rest of the "CGGs" might face harder times.
Take, for example, the Shanghai CGG right in front of them.
Seeing Chen Cheng still didn’t give in, Jiang Wenlong continued, "Chairman Chen, let me speak candidly."
Chen Cheng gestured for him to continue.
"I’ve heard that you used to be China’s biggest intermediary for municipal investment bonds, and your relationships across various regions, that’s a given." Jiang Wenlong was straightforward, "I’m only hoping you can introduce me, the rest I can handle myself."
Chen Cheng, listening to Jiang Wenlong, thought to himself: Ah, it’s indeed this intention.
On the surface, he remained composed, casually placed his hand on the thigh of the girl beside him, who sensibly leaned closer,
"Chairman Jiang, you’re flattering me. What I did back then was just minor stuff, not worth mentioning. Now I’ve established my own private equity fund, just want to do legitimate investment business stably, let’s not talk about past matters."
Jiang Wenlong, hearing Chen Cheng’s tone, knew he was reluctant to agree easily, thus became more enthusiastic in persuading, "Chairman Chen, you’re too modest. With your capability and network, you can succeed in anything.
You just need to introduce me to the relevant departments, I’ll handle the rest myself. As for the benefits..." he paused deliberately, observing Chen Cheng’s reaction.
Chen Cheng chuckled inwardly, thinking, the second piece of information Wen Shulin mentioned before boarding finally surfaces.
He pretended to ask nonchalantly, "Oh? Chairman Jiang, what benefits are you referring to?"
Chen Cheng gestured around, deliberately saying, "Surely it’s not these ladies?"
"Hey, these were found by Chairman Wen, how could I possibly borrow flowers to present Buddha?" Jiang Wenlong was very slick, "I know your Dili just got established, it’s when manpower is needed."
"Our Shanghai CGG is now undergoing a transformation, many departments need restructuring." He spoke eloquently, "Chairman Chen knows the business capabilities of CGG. As long as you nod in agreement, I’ll have them board the Beijing-Shanghai high-speed train, heading north straight to your company."
Although Chen Cheng had long expected this outcome, he couldn’t help but feel a twinge.
This was indeed a good condition.
Though Shanghai CGG is transforming business, these people have been immersed in the financial industry for years, their experience is rich and readily usable.
Recalling the efforts he made to win over Wu Dongyi before, this certainly saves the trouble.
"Chairman Jiang, what do you mean..." Chen Cheng feigned ignorance.
Jiang Wenlong bluntly explained, "Chairman Chen, what I mean is, as long as you’re willing to help with introductions, I’ll send over the company’s personnel information tomorrow. You can take your time selecting! Whoever you choose, I’ll have them report to you immediately!
With this, your company’s strength will instantly rise a notch, and you’ll save a large sum on recruiting and training costs, isn’t it a win-win?"
Wen Shulin revealed a barely noticeable smile on her face, while Chen Cheng was first startled, then burst into laughter.
Jiang Wenlong thought Chen Cheng had agreed, but with the continued laughter and Chen Cheng’s head shaking, he knew the young man hadn’t agreed.
Wen Shulin furrowed her brows; she had thought she could solve Chen Cheng’s talent issue, but the current situation was beyond her expectations.
Chen Cheng collected his smile, leaning back on the sofa, "Chairman Jiang, so you’re saying you want my Dili, to take over your Shanghai CGG employees?"
"Yes!"
"Your transformation is quite easy then! Not only did you free up positions, but you also skipped the hassle, expense, and time of negotiating N+1 compensation?" Chen Cheng smirked, "The market isn’t doing well now; my Dili has opened up many positions, recruiting isn’t such a difficult thing, is it?"
Jiang Wenlong paused with his cigar; he hadn’t expected Chen Cheng to refuse so directly.
He initially thought that using Shanghai CGG employees as a bargaining chip would let Chen Cheng accept gladly since it could save Dili Private Equity substantial labor costs and quickly enhance company strength.
But he clearly underestimated Chen Cheng’s appetite.
"Chairman Chen, you have a point."
Jiang Wenlong restrained his smile, his tone becoming serious, "However, you also need to understand my difficulties. Making money isn’t easy now; our Shanghai CGG transformation is a last resort. These employees have followed me for years, I can’t let them lose their jobs. If Chairman Chen could assist with this, I’d be extremely grateful."
Chen Cheng’s smile lingered, merely gesturing to the glass in front of him, and the girl beside him promptly handed it over.
Wen Shulin saw this, seeming to grasp Chen Cheng’s intent, and chimed in, "Chairman Jiang, Mr. Chen is right, recruiting talent isn’t difficult now. You’ll need to offer more sincere conditions."
Gripping his teeth, Jiang Wenlong knew he must raise the stakes.
"Chairman Chen, how about this, aside from my Shanghai CGG employees, I’ll add another fifty million investment into your Dili Private Equity. What do you think?"
Chen Cheng looked up, "Fifty million?"
He chuckled, "Chairman Jiang, perhaps you don’t understand, money is the least valuable thing to me."
"Moreover, if you invest in my Dili, won’t I have to share profits with you in the future?"
Jiang Wenlong’s face turned a bit grim; he hadn’t expected Chen Cheng’s appetite to be so big.
"Chairman Chen, fifty million isn’t a trivial amount. Besides, if you wish, we don’t need to discuss profit-sharing?" He said with a smiling face, "Just consider it my welcoming gift to Dili."
Chen Cheng waved his hand, "Chairman Jiang, what you’ve offered is indeed attractive. But I still need to think about it."
Wen Shulin watched, realizing the man she loved had grown again.
Indeed, Jiang Wenlong couldn’t hold back anymore; he bit his teeth, saying, "Chairman Chen, name your price. I absolutely won’t argue."
Chen Cheng secretly rejoiced, knowing he finally reached his goal.
But outwardly, he remained calm, "Chairman Jiang, I am straightforward."
"Hmm."
"I don’t want your money," Chen Cheng smiled, "Would you hand over all your incomplete projects to Chairman Wen’s HCG, how about it?"
At this request, Jiang Wenlong froze, as he hadn’t expected such a demand from Chen Cheng.
He had initially thought Chen Cheng might demand a large sum of money or shares of Shanghai CGG.
But never in his wildest dreams did he anticipate this condition.
Handing over all unfinished business to HCG is indeed a significant loss for Shanghai CGG.
However, if this means getting Chen Cheng’s help in acquiring the coveted finance license, it might be worth it.
Wen Shulin was also taken aback, realizing the prolonged suspense was for her sake.
After HCG’s establishment, the business volume had naturally dropped. Taking over Shanghai CGG’s business would undoubtedly bring new life to Wen Shulin’s company.
"Chairman Chen, you’re sure?" Jiang Wenlong asked tentatively.
"Absolutely."
Chen Cheng nodded, putting down his glass, and brought out his phone from his pocket, placing it on the table,
"As long as you let me choose the personnel and agree to this condition, my phone can instantly connect you to the person you wish to meet."